Alex Anthopoulos departure riles Blue Jays fans, media
GM leaving team after reportedly rejecting new contract
With Thursday's news that Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is leaving the team after rejecting a new contract, the Twitterverse was quick to react.
Some lamented the loss of the Canadian executive who built the Jays' first post-season team in more than two decades.
He wasnt a perfect GM, but alex anthopoulos went for it and gave Jays fans the ability to watch this on loop forever <a href="https://t.co/xUV8UYaZNa">pic.twitter.com/xUV8UYaZNa</a>
—@CespedesBBQThis week I purchased playoff tickets for my third Toronto team this year (Raptors, Jays, TFC), so of course something had to give.
—@nicopopWhoever replaces Anthopoulos, just hope team contends again next year/enthusiasm keeps on. This summer was absolutely incredible in Toronto.
—@jonahkeriOthers blamed incoming Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro, who reportedly clashed with Anthopoulos, even though Anthopoulos told reporters later in the day that "this decision is solely mine. Mark gave me every opportunity to return... I can say the same for ownership."
Source: In their 1st & only meeting, new Jays prez Mark Shapiro scolded Alex Anthopolous & staff for trading so many top prospects this yr
—@rwestheadMore and more people saying Alex didn't even want to REPORT to Shapiro....wanted to ignore & go right to Rogers execs.
—@bradyfan590Welcome to the Mark Shapiro Era.
—@TaoofStiebSo, just when is that welcome to Toronto Mark Shapiro press conference, anyway? He may want to borrow the Popemobile for it.
—@dshoaltsRogers, the mammoth corporation that owns the team, also came under fire.
Rogers couldn't organize a two-car World Series parade.
—@simmonssteveCould Anthopoulos's departure trigger a domino effect of moves? Some think so.
John Gibbons, you are now on the clock. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jays?src=hash">#Jays</a>
—@TheGarfooseAt least one observer turned to wishful speculation on the future of the Montreal-born Anthopoulos:
BREAKING NEWS: Alex Anthopoulos named new GM of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Montreal_Expos">@Montreal_Expos</a>. Oh wait, that was a dream I had.
—@coopincanada