2008 Toronto Blue Jays

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1 2008 Toronto Blue Jays / Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays / BR Team Page

[edit] 2008 Toronto Blue Jays / Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays / BR Team Page

Record:, Finished in AL Eastern Division (2008 AL)

[edit] History, Comments, Contributions

Early in the 2008 season, manager John Gibbons got into a public dispute with former superstar Frank Thomas. Gibbons had benched Thomas with Thomas in a slump; when Thomas criticized the move, he was released and immediately signed by the Oakland A's.

Gibbons was fired along with three of his coaches on June 20, after the team had gotten off to a disappointing 35-39 record, last in the AL East. He was replaced by former Blue Jay manager Cito Gaston, who had led the team to World Championships in 1992 and 1993. He brought in three veteran coaches - Dwayne Murphy, Nick Leyva and Gene Tenace - to assist him.

[edit] Awards and Honors

All-Star: Roy Halladay

[edit] Team

Toronto Blue Jays
Designated hitters: Matt Stairs
Infield
Catchers: Rod Barajas, Gregg Zaun	First basemen: Lyle Overbay, Rod Barajas, Brad Wilkerson
Second basemen: Marco Scutaro, Joe Inglett, John McDonald, Aaron Hill	Third basemen: Scott Rolen, Marco Scutaro, John McDonald
Shortstops: David Eckstein, John McDonald, Marco Scutaro
Outfield
Left fielders: Adam Lind, Brad Wilkerson, Shannon Stewart	Right fielders: Alex Rios, Brad Wilkerson
Center fielders: Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Brad Wilkerson
Pitchers
Starting: Roy Halladay, Dustin McGowan, A.J. Burnett, Jesse Litsch, John Parrish
Relief: B.J. Ryan, Jason Frasor, Scott Downs, Brian Tallet, Jesse Carlson, Shawn Camp, Brandon League, Jeremy Accardo
Other
Coaches: Brad Arnsberg, Brian Butterfield, Gary Denbo, Dwayne Murphy, Nick Leyva, Marty Pevey, Gene Tenace, Bruce Walton, Ernie Whitt	Manager(s): John Gibbons, Cito Gaston