Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays today fired manager John Gibbons. They replaced Gibbons with Cito Gaston. A few thoughts on this situation:

1. The Blue Jays are a better team than their record. The pitching has held up their end of the bargain with a 3.64 ERA but the team just hasn't been able to hit. Vernon Wells being hurt hasn't helped. Alex Rios having an OPS over 150 points below his production the past two years is also a big part of the problem.

2. Cito Gaston is there to kick guys in the ass. Make no mistake. He has nothing to lose. If he gets the team to perform - he gets a big league managing job. If not he fades back to obscurity.

3. The team needs a big bat and JP Riccardi is on the hot seat. That spells TRADE. Look for the Blue Jays to be active in emptying the minor league cupboards in trying to win now. Maybe a play for Jason Bay is in the cards. My guess is that Adam Dunn won't be high on the list though. Of course Riccardi does have a contract until 2010 so its not like he's got a gun to his head.

4. Look for outfielder Adam Lind to be recalled from the Syracuse Chiefs. He's the only minor league bat who could help the offense right now. This is of course unless Lind is traded for a veteran (see above).

5. Maybe instead of firing more people or trading anyone - Toronto should change the team name to just the "Jays". Hey it worked for Tampa Bay.