Blue Jays Boss Infuriates Fans Again, Insinuating that GM Atkins Will Be Back

In a head-scratching press conference that many would say was more delusional than anything else, Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro, in the midst of a disastrous campaign, seemed to double down on his belief that his team could compete for a World Series in 2025. And he also seemed to give a pass to beleaguered and much-reviled GM Ross Atkins, as well as manager John Schneider, both of whom are overseeing a hugely disappointing 52-61, last-place season.

Shapiro on Atkins: "I very rarely am unequivocal about anything. Commenting on job status during the season, is not something I've done or will do...That being said, contextually, I'm a big believer in continuity and stability and think those are competitive advantages."
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 7, 2024

"I very rarely am unequivocal about anything. Commenting on job status during the season, is not something I've done or will do...That being said, contextually, I'm a big believer in continuity and stability and think those are competitive advantages," said Shapiro.

The Blue Jays have had "continuity" now under Shapiro & Atkins for nine years. And this is where it has led them. With zero playoff games won in all that time.

TSN baseball insider and former MLB GM Steve Phillips heard from that Shapiro word salad that there will not be any changes at the top.

One thing I heard loud and clear is that Ross is coming back and John Schneider is coming back. That's what I heard, without him saying that specificially... It was a pretty clear indication that the leadership is coming back.

Interestingly, longtime respected baseball journalist Ken Rosenthal certainly had a different take on the direction the Blue Jays should take, just a couple of weeks back. Rosenthal assessed the Jays' hopes of being a true contender next year with "I just don't buy this logic at all!... Why would they think that?!"

And a former Toronto GM feels that the team should definitely blow it all up.

But Shapiro wants to keep the band together apparently, after yet another press conference that has left Jays fans seething, as Shapiro and Atkins always do.

Stability is only an advantage if you have the right person in place. Keeping the wrong person for the sake of continuity is the definition of insanity.
— Jay Marr (@JayMarr4) August 7, 2024