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Blue Jays: John Gibbons latches on with the Atlanta Braves

By Clayton Richer

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 26: Manager John Gibbons #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays waits in the dugout before delivering the lineup card to the umpires on his final home game as manager prior to the start of MLB game action against the Houston Astros 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 waits in the dugout before delivering the lineup card to the umpires on his final home game as manager prior to the start of MLB game action against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre on September 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Atlanta Braves have hired former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons as a special assignment scout.

John Gibbons will begin his Braves tenure evaluating draft prospects for Atlanta after failing to land a managerial job this offseason. Gibbons had reportedly interviewed for both the Astros and Red Sox vacancies but came up short in the end.

Gibby will join his old pal Alex Anthopoulos in Atlanta, reuniting with the former Blue Jays general manager. Anthopoulos hired Gibbons back in 2013 for his second managerial tenure north of the border in Toronto.

The 57-year old managed the Blue Jays from 2004-2008 and then again in 2013-2018 compiling a 793-789 record. Gibbons was at the helm for the team’s postseason runs in 2015 and 2016 but would step aside at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign leading to the Charlie Montoyo hiring.

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The Texas native seemed like a perfect fit to take over the sinking ship in Houston, however, the Astros opted to hire Dusty Baker as their replacement for A.J. Hinch. The Braves opportunity will allow Gibbons to get back into the game after taking last season off to recharge his batteries.

The Braves also just rewarded Anthopoulos with a contract extension through the 2024 season. Atlanta finished first in the National League East last season with an impressive 97-65 record but was then ousted by the Cardinals in the NL Divisional Series.

Skipper Brian Snitker and his entire staff will also be back for the Braves as the brain trust locked up their coaching contingent until 2021. Snitker has led his squad to back-to-back postseason berths the past two seasons.

The game is a better place when Gibbons is in it, truly one of the good guys in the game who will provide a wealth of knowledge in his new role. His laid back approach and ability to connect with players from all walks of life are two of his greatest assets.

Next. Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez passes away at age 57. dark

Congrats Gibby, glad to see you land on your feet.

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