The Blue Jays announced Tuesday that they have dipped back into their past to select a manager for their rebuilt lineup. John Gibbons, who managed the Jays from late in the 2004 season until he was fired in June 2008, was named as the team's new skipper [1]. He replaces John Farrell, who left Toronto for the Red Sox.
Gibbons, 50, is the third-winningest manager in franchise history, posting a 305-305 record. Last season he managed the Padres' Double-A affiliate in San Antonio, following three seasons as Royals bench coach.
Gibbons inherits a roster that was overhauled by last week's trade with the Marlins that netted pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, shortstop Jose Reyes, outfielder Emilio Bonifacio and catcher John Buck, along with the signings of free agent infielder Maicer Izturis and outfielder Melky Cabrera.
Links:
[1] http://weei.stats.com/multisport/story.asp?i=20121120084858690759608
[2] http://www.weei.com/weei/boston/baseball