Blue Jays rumors: Eric Wedge a candidate for job in Toronto
The Blue Jays are reportedly considering former Indians and Mariners manager Eric Wedge for a position
Ross Atkins isn’t the only high-ranking Cleveland Indians name from Mark Shapiro’s past that could be landing in Toronto. According to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, former Indians and Mariners manager Eric Wedge is a candidate for a job within the Blue Jays organization. Wedge holds a career managerial record of 561-573, earning American League Manager of the Year honors in 2007 where he guided Cleveland to a 96-66 record.
An innitial factor to consider alongside this news is the health of Wedge, after he suffered a stroke late in the 2013 season that took him from the Mariners dugout for nearly a month as he received medical attention. Upon his return, however, Wedge seemed optimistic regarding a lengthy career ahead of him.
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“I’m 45 years old, and I’ve been managing for 10 years. That’s somewhat rare, but I feel like I can do this for a long time to come. I really do feel like my best days are ahead.” Assuming there are green lights on that end, then Wedge holds some intriguing value.
It’s interesting that Rosenthal reports this move would come after the Blue Jays names a “new” GM. Regardless of the timing, if Wedge is named to a coaching role within the organization, he can safely be considered the manager-in-waiting in case John Gibbons runs in to trouble. And, with that sentence, we’ve surely given birth to a new wave of Eric Wedge fans.
Wedge’s name has come up several times since the hiring of Shapiro, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him working with the Buffalo Bisons in some capacity, most likely as a manager. In whichever role he may assume, here’s hoping he brings back the moustache.