The Blue Jays made a win move now as they have fired John Gibbons and replaced him with Cito Gaston. This move has the feel of when the Marlins fired Jeff Torborg in May of 2003 and then went on to win the World Series that year with ancient Jack McKeon calling the shots. Gibbons finished his career in Toronto with a 305-305 record (50% wins). Cito Gaston hasn’t managed in the major leagues since he left the Blue Jays in 1997. He led the Blue Jays to back to back World Series Championships in 1992-1993. Gaston has compiled a 683-636 major league record (51.8% wins) in his major league career and he is 18-16 in the post season. Make no mistake this is a win now move by the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have acquired infielder Kevin Melillo from the A’s for cash. The 26-year old lefty swinging Melillo has played in 39 games in AAA ball this season and he is 38 for 147 (.259 avg, .768 OPS) with 21 runs scored, 5 homers and 17 RBIs. He has played in 1 game in his major league career in which he batted one time and walked. Melillo will provide depth in the organization in case the Blue Jays have any more injuries in the infield.

The Mariners have claimed 27-year old righty reliever Tracy Thorpe off waivers from the Blue Jays. Thorpe has pitched in 13 games (0 starts) in AAA ball this season and he was 2-0 with 4 saves, a 2.63 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. He whiffed 18 batters in only 13.2 innings but he walked 9 batters. The Jays are one of the “Moneyball” teams so they despise walks. The Blue Jays likely won’t lose any sleep with Thorpe out of their organization.

The Blue Jays have lost 24-year old righty swinging 3B/SS Sergio Santos on waivers to the Twins. Santos played in 29 games in AAA ball so far this season and he was 18 for 105 (.171 avg, .438 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 4 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Santos used to be one of the brightest prospects on the Blue Jays so it hurts that he has essentially failed for them.

The Blue Jays have designated 27-year old lefty starter Gustavo Chacin for assignment to make room on the roster for Kevin Mench. Chacin was having big time trouble overcoming surgery in the minors as he has never seemed quite right. Chacin started 6 games in AAA ball this season and he was 0-4 with a 7.00 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP. He also allowed 46 hits in only 27 innings in the minors this year. He likely ends his career with the Blue Jays having started 58 games in which he was 25-15 with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. It was a shame that Chacin couldn’t quite make it all the way back as he once appeared to have a very bright future with the Blue Jays.