Toronto Blue Jays Do Right By John Gibbons
By Paul Taylor
With John Gibbons set to agree a two-year extension, the front office deserves credit for giving some security to the Toronto Blue Jays manager.
Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins have had their fair share of critics since joining the Toronto Blue Jays organization. In fact, you could argue that nothing short of a World Series championship will be enough to win the majority of people over.
Regardless, Shapiro and Atkins have made at least one decision which most fans should — theoretically at least — agree with. John Gibbons will remain in place as Blue Jays’ manager for the foreseeable future.
While not officially announced yet, the deal is essentially agreed and will be in place before opening day. The latest update was reported by Sportsnet‘s Shi Davidi, who added the two-year contract extension will include a club option for 2020.
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There is no denying the original decision to bring Gibbons back to manage in 2013, was met with a large degree of apathy. This lack of excitement only grew, when he finished his first year back at the helm with a 74-88 record.
However, since then the 54-year old has produced three consecutive winning seasons, while also ending the Blue Jays’ 21-year postseason drought. In addition, he has taken the team to two consecutive ALCS appearances.
The extension will surely put Gibbons’ mind at rest, no matter how easy-going his demeanor (usually) is. Thought to be managing for his future entering last season, he won over Shapiro and Atkins, resulting in the financial security of three more years.
The Great Falls, Montana native already has the second-most wins for a manager, in Blue Jays history, with 644. Now, he at least has a shot at Cito Gaston‘s record of 894 regular season victories.
As noted by Davidi, Gibbons can also surpass Gaston’s total of 1,731 games managed, as long as he remains in charge for the next three years. Regardless of what happens though, the former first round draft pick and catcher deserves his extension, after already proving he is the ideal man to deal with all the egos which populate the Blue Jays’ roster.
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With Gibbons’ extension all but officially announced, what’s your take? Do you believe he deserved the new deal, or were you hoping for the Blue Jays to go in a different direction once his current contract expired? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.