Tony At 10: ODE TO JOHN GIBBONS; BLOG # 2058; NOV.11,2016

THE MESSAGE:

ODE TO JOHN GIBBONS. by Tony Fiorini

When Gibbons dons the jersey blue

His tactics tend to give no clue

the mates of fray know it’s so true

his choices seldom see 'em thru

And still he gives the wad a chew

his posture tells it cap to shoe

those gathered see it yet anew

his guidance never doth make do

Batters gaze as strikes accrue

Rivals watch and cheer the view

Outs make two; bunts they eschew

Their rivals dance a jig or two

Hark Shapiro what-where and who

Atkins but shrugs and seeks Alou

But Moises tells that goat to screw

And now ole Wilner gives it too

Bring back Gibs say the darkest you

Tho' Gibbons lovers wouldst never rue

But know ye there be more in lieu
The Ripkin lad, now there's a cue

Johnny's send off is much o'erdue

Kick his rear end and join the crew

Repeat the act then yell out shoo

Til all know well a foul wind blew

THE BLURB:

Baseball is such a fickle game!

Comments from friends:

This should have been a World Series team.

They have the best staff in American League.

Jays have a great defence up the middle and

an MVP at 3rd base.

Yet they lost twice the number of 1-run games they won. They hit into the most double plays and led the majors in runners stranded.

Coaches were Incapable of getting hitters to cut down on their futile home run swings; probably because players wouldn't listen.

They eschewed the sacrifice bunt and refused to play 'small ball'.

Here are my thoughts:

This year's WS was a great series.
There were several instances throughout where I thought the managerial decisions were terrible! Previously I believed that Francona and Maddon were 2 of the best. Yet, there were situations in the World Series where both of them made decisions that were atypical and bold.
I have concluded that second guessing managers is easy to do.
I now believe that baseball is totally a game of luck. Strategies and tactics work at times but fail at others.
I am prepared to accept Gibbons’ return.