What does #JaysTwitter love when things aren’t going well? A prized scapegoat.
And this year’s (dis)honour has been given to Charlie Montoyo.
The screams have been deafening at times: “FIRE HIM! GET RID OF HIM! HE’S RUINING EVERYTHING!”
Now, does Montoyo deserve blame for the Jays’ struggles? Absolutely. Does he deserve all of the blame? Of course not. He didn’t make the bullpen pitch poorly. He didn’t hurt George Springer.
I like the adage of managers getting too much credit for a team’s success and too much blame for the failures. Montoyo certainly receives plenty of the latter and the reason is deeper than bullpen management.
The Jays are in a better place than they were two years ago. However, some fans still resent Mark Shapiro and Russ Atkins – the Anti-Shapiro crowd – and there’s a stronger condemnation of Montoyo because he was their hire.
Doesn’t matter if you’re willing to admit it or not. Just ask yourself: Would Montoyo receive the same amount of scrutiny if he was brought on by Alex Anthopoulos?
What’s irritating is the demand for Montoyo’s dismissal is not being followed with a solution. You want action, but haven’t considered a consequence. Want Montoyo fired? Cool! Then what?
Who takes over? Is it Dave Hudgens? John Schneider? Pete Walker? Someone from the minor league system? Someone outside the organization?
Don’t just demand action. Tell me how you would fix the problem. Make a compelling argument. And while you’re at it, let me know how long it will take before parts of the fanbase turn on the replacement.
I have zero interest in arguing about Montoyo with those who want him removed. We are all stubborn creatures after all.
And if you’re going to continue to demand for Montoyo’s removal, at least suggest a replacement. Address the consequence along with the action.
Otherwise, your comments are just noise.
ER
Definitely Not JaysTalk 