Gibbons’ future is linked to the Rain
Josh Donaldson’s season may dictate the manager’s future with the Jays
TORONTO — No matter how you slice it, it’s pretty obvious that John Gibbons’ tenure as the Blue Jays’ manager is directly linked to Josh Donaldson.
If Donaldson decides to sign a long term extension with the Jays this year, it’s likely because the Jays are doing (surprisingly) well in 2018 and Donaldson has bought into what the organization is capable of accomplishing in the near future. And then, of course, there’s the money ...
But, if the Bringer of Rain decides to leave as a free agent, or even asks to be traded, it likely means that the Jays have struggled in 2018 and their plan of staying competitive until their minor league stars are ready to step up hasn’t worked. If the Jays struggle in 2018, it’s not inconceivable that Gibbons becomes the fall guy. President Mark Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins keep saying they love Gibbons, but he is a guy they inherited in 2015. He isn’t “their” guy so to speak.
“I’m not going to get into that,” said Gibbons on Wednesday. “I feel good going into the season because I like this core group and I like some of the additions. It’s not going to be easy. Last year the injury bug bit us. Two years prior to that we were pretty injury-free. Sometimes it slaps you back to reality a little bit. But we’ll show up this year, I know that.”
Toronto’s AL East rivals New York Yankees, a playoff team last year, went out and traded for Major League home run hitter Giancarlo Stanton. The Jays signed a bunch of guys to cover off injury-prone middle infielders Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis. The Boston Red Sox, who won the division by last year and finished 17 games ahead of the Jays, are said to be looking to make some big moves, perhaps acquiring free agent slugger J.D. Martinez. The Jays are reportedly set to sign soon-to-be 37 old year outfielder Curtis Granderson as a platoon guy. Still feeling optimistic about Toronto’s chances in 2018? Gibbons is. And not just because he’s drinking the Kool-Aid. Or so he insists.
“I like our team,” the manager said. “If we stay healthy and with some of those new additions ...”
Gibbons reiterated that the rotation will make or break the Jays, and he’s confident that it will bounce back.
“I think what’s good too this year is some of our young kids with better arms will be in Triple A and that will give us more depth (in the rotation),” Gibbons said. “But it’s not just us. Every team out there, everything revolves around the starting rotation. If they’re healthy, you’ve got a shot. And we’ve got one of the better rotations. We’ve just got to keep them all together.”
Gibbons said he likes the Granderson move and the infield depth the Jays have added, and said the front office is pushing hard to improve the club in other ways, by hopefully adding another starting pitcher and outfielder. As for Donaldson, one thing Gibbons wants to make clear is, the club’s all-star third baseman is sincere when he says he wants to remain in Toronto and those sentiments expressed at the end of the 2017 season wasn’t just a PR move.
“I’ve had some good long talks with JD. And there’s no doubt in my mind that he enjoys it up there,” Gibbons said. “The fans have taken to him. And he’s been very, very productive there. I think he just likes everything. I think he likes his teammates, the ballpark. It’s a good hitting park. I just think he fits in. It’s legit.”
If Gibbons has his way, Donaldson will stay in Toronto for a long time. The bottom line is this though. The Jays have to win. The 32-year-old Donaldson won’t want to spend the prime of his career on a rebuilding club. And the money the Jays offer has to come close to what he might get on the free market. Forget about a home-town discount. Money will talk. But all things being equal, Gibbons is confident JD will stay. Perhaps ‘hopeful’ is a better word.
“I love the guy,” said Gibbons. “We’ve been a different team since he showed up (in 2015). And that’s just a fact. He’s one of the best players in the game. When he’s not in the lineup, you notice, there’s something missing. I don’t know what the future holds for him as far as where he ends up playing. It’s a business. But I know he wants to be here. But he understands it’s a business and you get very few opportunities to become a free agent. But we’re a better team with him out there, I know that.”
Donaldson is scheduled to take part in the Blue Jays Winter Fest this weekend at the Rogers Centre.