Report: Blue Jays to Name John Gibbons Manager

What is it about the Toronto Blue Jays and bringing back managers they’ve already fired? When Cito Gaston returned to the Jays’ bench it almost made sense. I mean, Gaston is the most successful manager in club history and was at the helm for both the World Series Championships this team owns.

Gibbons served as bench coach in Kansas City in 2011. Image: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

For John Gibbons, however, his first tour of duty ended with a 305-305 record and a pair of memorable encounters with players. On Tuesday, according to a report by Bob Elliot, Toronto will give Gibbons another shot at running the club in Toronto.

It’s a long way from the Double-A gig he held this past summer; one that saw him finish 20 games under .500.

What Gibbons does bring to the Jays bench is exactly what GM Alex Anthopolous said he was looking for. Experience, fire, and someone with whom he could work. According to Elliot, Gibbons and Anthopolous worked very well together with Anthopolous was an assistant to then-GM J.P. Riccardi.

Apparently, Carlos Tosca, whom Gibbons replaced in 2004, also inquired about retaking his post as Jays manager. Toronto did approach Bobby Cox as well, the sure-fire Hall of Famer was not only the manager in Toronto before heading to Atlanta, but the GM as well. No word on whether or not Buck Martinez was contacted about the opening.