The eyes of Canada are on John Gibbons

The bar has been set so high for the Jays this year and if they don't make the playoffs it will be a disappointing season for them and their fans.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET  02.28 by toad

The bar has been set so high for the Jays this year and if they don't make the playoffs it will be a disappointing season for them and their fans.

It's been a while since they had back to back championships during the Joe Carter days.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:12 AM ET  02.28 by Yogi-Zen

It's been a while since they had back to back championships during the Joe Carter days.

I'll be happy with a postseason appearance.

The eyes of Canada are on the players of this team. There will be less concern with what John does, as long as the players play to 3/4 of their potential. John just needs to do what he did last time, witht the exception of being a little more aggressive on the base paths. There will be little attention on Gibby unless they start tanking or he makes a few bone head calls, which I don't foresee, especially to the degree of Farrell last year, but that's beantowns migraine now.

If the Jays make the playoffs, it will be what they were suppose to do. If they don't then it'll be on Gibby, whether just cause or not.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 11:03 AM ET  02.28 by 77Jays95Raptors

The eyes of Canada are on the players of this team. There will be less concern with what John does, as long as the players play to 3/4 of their potential. John just needs to do what he did last time, witht the exception of being a little more aggressive on the base paths. There will be little attention on Gibby unless they start tanking or he makes a few bone head calls, which I don't foresee, especially to the degree of Farrell last year, but that's beantowns migraine now. If the Jays make the playoffs, it will be what they were suppose to do. If they don't then it'll be on Gibby, whether just cause or not.

You realize that your last two sentences completely contradict your previous paragraph? The point of the story is Gibbons dealing with a boatload of pressure and expectations. You say the "eyes" are on the players - then say that Gibbons will be fine unless the team tanks, then it's all on him. Which way is it?

I was just saying, as it seems to work in baseball, if a talented team succeeds, the players will get the credit. If they don't then everyone is questioning whether this is a reflection of the teams manager. I, like many, believe this team is going to be successful, whether division or wildcard, and don't think Gibby will feel much pressure after the season gets rolling. I was just commenting on the title, after the off season the jays had, the fans aren't waiting to see J.G., it's the players we wanna see. can't wait for opening day.

Maybe I'm bias thou, as I was upset with Riccardi when he let him go(an with almost every other move J.P. made), and was awe struck when he was rehired. His biggest strength last time was the use of his bullpen(former catcher), and after watching Farrell for the last two years, is a blessing. I'm hoping that he here for a long time, because then it would mean the Jays have had some success.

Meanwhile, Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projection system has projected the Blue Jays to rack up their sixth consecutive 4th place in the AL East.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 04:35 PM ET  02.28 by SlinkyRedfoot

Meanwhile, Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projection system has projected the Blue Jays to rack up their sixth consecutive 4th place in the AL East.

That sounds about right.

Go Get Um Gibby!!!! eah!

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 04:35 PM ET  02.28 by SlinkyRedfoot

Meanwhile, Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projection system has projected the Blue Jays to rack up their sixth consecutive 4th place in the AL East.

Is that the same PECOTA that last year had Boston second and Baltimore fifth, not to mention Washington fourth? Yeah, great indicator.