Blue Jays: Gibbons’ ejections could spark team chemistry

Blue Jays skipper John Gibbons is no stranger to visiting the clubhouse during ballgames, having been ejected five times during the 2017 season. Recently, he’s been ejected in back-to-back games. These ejections, while tedious and moderately comedic, could spark the Blue Jays clubhouse as they attempt to string some wins together.

Losing a series in Tampa Bay is never ideal. With a bruised ego an exhausted bullpen, the Jays managed to salvage the series finale backed by a solid performance from starter Marco Estrada. Additionally, Blue Jays skipper John Gibbons gained notoriety this weekend after being ejected in back-to-back games, once for arguing the strike zone, and the other for debating a peculiar balk call on reliever Ryan Tepera. The latter was interestingly quick and quiet.

It’s never a good thing when your manager gets run, but it can certainly light a fire under a group of guys. Many might remember the infamous beanball game the Jays played against the Kansas City Royals in August of 2015, where Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki were hit by pitches, causing a retaliation by then setup man Aaron Sanchez. The Royals, who were widely criticized for their behaviour in that game, lost three out of four in that series.

That ballgame, which featured three Blue Jays ejections, seemed to ignite the team as they chased a playoff spot. From that game onward, the Jays played to a record of 39-17, while slashing a collective .277/.354/.482, going on to win the division. While some of the late success can be attributed to notable deadline acquisitions, surely the team felt the effects of that messy contest.

They played cleaner games and seemed to be a tightly knit group, maintaining that sense of camaraderie well into the postseason, where they reached the American League Championship Series. Whether it was the personalized bathrobes provided to the team by David Price or drone battles by goofy outfielders, the team not only played well but was having fun playing the game.

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At this point in the season, the Blue Jays need to be playing their best baseball. Really, they need to be playing their best baseball all season long if they want to remain competitive in the dangerously overpowered AL East. The Jays will play two series against the Red Sox in May, and will also battle the Mets, Angels and surprisingly good Phillies before the month is over.

Sometimes it’s blowout victories or solid winning streaks, but sometimes it’s managerial ejections. Whatever the case may be, let’s hope that Gibby’s mean streak inspired his men to remain focused as they begin a pivotal stretch again some tough opponents. Simply put, they need to start winning some games.

The Blue Jays will open up a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday as Marcus Stroman (0-4, 7.52 ERA) takes the hill against James Paxton (1-1, 4.19 ERA). The game begins at 7:07 PM ET. The Mariners enter Tuesday’s opener with a record of 19-14, having dropped their last series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Next: Blue Jays: Success at Tropicana Field is Key