Blue Jays: John Gibbons to interview for Astros managerial vacancy

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 26: Manager John Gibbons #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays is embraced by manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros before the start of his final home game as manager during MLB game action at Rogers Centre on September 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 26: Manager John Gibbons #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays is embraced by manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros before the start of his final home game as manager during MLB game action at Rogers Centre on September 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston, John Gibbons is poised to interview for the Astros managerial vacancy today.

John Gibbons will be the first candidate interviewed since the A.J. Hinch firing earlier this week as the Astros attempt to find a replacement in short order.  The former Blue Jays skipper is a Texas native and has been unemployed since the conclusion of the 2018 season.

The Astros will need to lean on a new manager with MLB experience as the successful candidate will be entering a dragon den of controversy following the sign-stealing scandal that was recently cost General Manager Jeff Luhnow, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch their respective jobs.

The laid back Gibby who usually appears calm and collected could be just what the doctor ordered for a Houston squad seeking new leadership. Gibbons was in the Manager’s chair when Astros closer Roberto Osuna went through his legal troubles following a domestic abuse allegation while a member of the Blue Jays in 2018.

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Gibbons has two managerial stints under his belt both north of the border compiling a 793-789 record spanning over 11 seasons. Gibby was also at the helm during Blue Jays back-to-back postseason runs in 2015 and 16.

According to an earlier MLB Trade Rumors report yesterday, the Astros list of candidates included Buck Showalter, Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Jeff Banister, Raul Ibanez, Will Venable, and current bench coach Joe Espada.

Gibby could have a few current Astros in his corner having not only managed Osuna but also Joe Smith, Joe Biagini, and Aledmys Diaz while with the Jays.

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Owner Jim Crane in his press conference stated the team needs to move forward with a clean slate and always do the right thing. Gibby’s undeniable character and ability to manage players from all walks of life may be just what Crane and company need to build the Astros back up.