John Gibbons Out As Manager of the Jays

After trying in vain to keep an underachieving Toronto roster out of last place this season, John Gibbons has been relieved of his duties as of this morning.

And his replacement, Cito Gaston???

Good luck, Mr. Gibbons; however, I can never respect you for going into Smackdown mode with Ted Lilly and Shea Hillenbrand.

Quick News...

• Happy trails. Astros first baseman, Jeff Bagwell announces his retirement after 15 Major League seasons. Riddled with injuries the past few years and unable to play in '06, while in Houston established himself as the face of the team and pretty much holds all it's offensive records.
  
• More D-Mat. Well, now that he's reached the States, Daisuke Matasuaka will be well taken care of. On top of being PAID, The Red Sox and Scott Boras, superagent, agreed to a package of benefits that included a physical therapist, massage therapist, interpreter, personal assistant, a total of 80 to 90 flights over the course of the contract, special transportation and living accommodations for D-Mat. Yes, he's special, but he's been pampered. However, he probably does not know a word of English, and his teammates don't know Japanese. I think the Red Sox are trying to make him as comfortable as possible.
• According to ESPN, Vernon Wells will be signed to an extension by the Blue Jays. Look to seeing Wells sign for 7 years and at least 126 million.
• ESPN also reports Boston got pitcher Brendan Donnelly from the Angels for Phil Seibel. As well, J.C. Romero and Doug Mirabelli have been resigned.
• After D-Mat signed from Japan, the Devil Rays signed Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura to a $7.7 million, three-year contract.