John Gibbons is an easy manager for a writer to like. He’s a true character. An eminently GIF-able misfit who used to fight his players and speaks in half-drawl, half-mumble. A member, if only briefly, of the legendary 1986 Mets. A players’ manager who has charmed the local media here in Toronto into calling him almost exclusively by his nickname, and has now charmed a third Blue Jays regime into letting him lead the club on the field.

Gibbons will sign a contract extension with the Blue Jays in the near future, likely before opening day. The latest report, from MLB Network Radio, suggests it will cover 2018 and 2019, with a club option for 2020.

This is a great thing for the Blue Jays. And not just for those writing about the club.