Jays manager Cito Gaston signs consulting contract

Oct 31, 2009 - 2:50 AM TORONTO(AP) -- Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston has signed a four-year consulting contract with the team that will begin when his managerial deal expires at the end of the 2010 season.

The Blue Jays announced the deal Friday. Gaston is expected to advise the team in all areas, including spring training, minor league operations and scouting.

The 65-year-old Gaston and his staff drew criticism from Toronto players in the final weekend of the season for the way they were being treated. The Jays finished fourth in the AL East with a 75-87 record.

"With the cards he was dealt and the people on the roster, Cito did the best job he could. The win total is a reflection of the talent level on the roster," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told The Canadian Press.

The 32-year-old Anthopoulos replaced J.P Ricciardi as GM on Oct. 3.

Also, pitching coach Brad Arnsberg is leaving the Blue Jays to take the same job with the Houston Astros. He will be replaced by former bullpen coach Bruce Walton. Hitting coach Gene Tenace is retiring. Former first-base coach Dwayne Murphy will assume Tenance's role.

Player favorite Brian Butterfield will return to the job of third-base coach after serving as Gaston's bench coach for 1 1/2 seasons, swapping roles with Nick Leyva. And Rick Langford was promoted from the organization's roving pitching coach to bullpen coach.