Flash Back
Posted by: Blair Henatyzen in Weekends on
Sep 27, 2008
For the past 15 years it seems as though the Toronto Blue Jays could only sit and watch as opportunity passed them by.
Let's be honest, the Eastern Division wasn't exactly the tops this year in the bigs; the Rays took advantage of a great situation. However, the Toronto Blue Jays did have a chance when the season kicked off. Unfortunately John Gibbons (bench boss) would hold them back from their true potential. Luckily he was fired.
In all honesty I haven't been as excited about the Blue Jays since '92/'93... when Cito Gaston was at the helm. As the Jays scrambled mid-season to find a replacement, it would be an old face that would bring rejuvenation to the team. Gaston's re-appearance has coach baffled many people, but not me.
The man was always known for his ability to remain calm, relate to his players, and showing the best way to spank a ball over the fence. Cito's back. Perhaps Paul Godfrey (Blue Jays President/CEO) brought him back for nostalgic purposes? I don't know, and I don't care. He puts asses in the seats and knows how to play ball. Jays fans should feel fortunate... how could he not managing elsewhere with his experience? Again, I don't know, and I don't care.
He saved J.P. Ricciardi's (General Manager) job sporting a 48 - 36 record.
Gaston just signed on through th 2010 season.
Visions of the '93 still dance in my head and with Cito sittin' on the bench? I know we're in good hands.
B+ Cito, and lookin' forward to next season.
Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by fan of the game , September 28, 2008
Wrong Blair! The Rays didn't take advantage of a great situation, they played their way to a division Championship. The American League East is not exactly The American League
(L)east. Only Two (2) teams in all of MLB posted better win totals than Tampa. Need I also remind you that the Wildcard will also come out of the East Division. While I want to see the Jays win as much as the next guy, I understand as long as the Jays play in a division with the Steinbrenner "Evil Empire" and the Boston"Spend Sox" it's a long shot. We need to understand that, that is the way MLB want's it. Boston, New York Chicago or one of the LA teams's in the series every year.
As for Cito, WELCOME back. But don't claim the Jays not making the playoffs is Gibbons fault. I don't ever remember Gibbons stranding a runner at third base with less than two out or failing to get that crucial hit with men in scoring position. Oh,maybe he was responsible for Well's or Rollins injury's.Maybe it was his fault Frank Thomas couldn't hit a fast ball. The Jays fired Gibbons in early June. At the end of May they were third in the division 4 games over .500 with a win total that would rivalling most teams in baseball. Granted things have been much better since Cito's return. Let's just all enjoy it for what it is ...a form of entertainment, a game played by men.
