Blue Jays Answer? Cito’s Second Act

Certain eras and individuals define franchises. From 1949-1958, the New York Yankees embodied empire. From 1980-1988, the Los Angeles Lakers epitomized supremacy. Bobby Cox personified the Atlanta Braves. Michael Jordan symbolized the Chicago Bulls.

On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays fired Manager John Gibbons. Former Toronto Manager Cito Gaston supplanted him. “From our standpoint we've underachieved,” said General Manager J.P. Ricciardi said. “We know we have a better team than this. Right now we want to see if we can spark this team and we think Cito is the guy to do it.”

During his tenure, Gibbons amassed a 305-305 record. In 2004, he was 20-30. In 2005, he was 80-82. In 2006, he was 87-75. In 2007, he was 83-79. Upon his firing, the Blue Jays stood 35-39. “The team just wasn't doing what was expected of it, and maybe changes were needed,” said Gibbons. “There was a lot expected this year, we came in riding high and speaking high. And that's not the results we're getting now.”

In his initial incarnation, Gaston logged a 683-636 ledger. He accrued two World Series championships, two American League championships, and four division championships. Unfortunately, Gaston concluded with four consecutive losing campaigns.

As previously stated, comebacks are unwise. They never rival the initial incarnation. Gaston typified Toronto. He may succeed. Unfortunately, history screams otherwise.