Blue Jays sign Gaston to extension

Sep 25, 2008 - 8:16 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- After days of negotiations, the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday signed manager Cito Gaston to a two-year contract extension through the 2010 season.

The deal expires in the same year that the contract of general manager J.P. Ricciardi runs out.

The Blue Jays completed the contract with four games remaining in the season. Toronto hosts the New York Yankees on Thursday, then concludes the year with a series in Baltimore.

"I want to come back," Gaston said. "They want me back. I think we have a chance to win here."

Gaston, who managed the Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, guided the team to a 48-36 record after replacing the fired John Gibbons on June 20.

While the Blue Jays (83-75) will miss the playoffs for the 14th straight season, Gaston energized the team upon his return to the dugout. When he took over, Toronto had lost 13 of 17 games to fall to 35-39.

Gaston, 64, previously managed the Blue Jays from 1989-1997, leading the team to four playoff appearances. He owns a career mark of 749-685.