Alex Anthopoulos departure riles Blue Jays fans, media

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.

GM leaving team after reportedly rejecting new contract

CBC Sports Posted: Oct 29, 2015 9:35 AM EDT | Last Updated: October 29, 2015

Alex Anthopoulos out as Blue Jays GM

9 years ago

1:42

Alex Anthopoulos has decided to break ties with Toronto on the heels of the clubs most successful season in over two decades.

With Thursday's news that Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is leaving the teamafter 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 pic.twitter.com/xUV8UYaZNa
—@CespedesBBQ

This week I purchased playoff tickets for my third Toronto team this year (Raptors, Jays, TFC), so of course something had to give.
—@nicopop

Whoever replaces Anthopoulos, just hope team contends again next year/enthusiasm keeps on. This summer was absolutely incredible in Toronto.
—@jonahkeri

Others blamedincoming Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro, who reportedly clashed with Anthopoulos, even though Anthopoulostold 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
—@rwesthead

More and more people saying Alex didn't even want to REPORT to Shapiro....wanted to ignore & go right to Rogers execs.
—@bradyfan590

Welcome to the Mark Shapiro Era.
—@TaoofStieb

So, just when is that welcome to Toronto Mark Shapiro press conference, anyway? He may want to borrow the Popemobile for it.
—@dshoalts

Rogers, the mammoth corporation that owns the team, also came under fire.

Rogers couldn't organize a two-car World Series parade.
—@simmonssteve

Could Anthopoulos's departure trigger a domino effect of moves? Some think so.

John Gibbons, you are now on the clock. #Jays
—@TheGarfoose

At least one observer turned to wishful speculation on the future of the Montreal-born Anthopoulos:

BREAKING NEWS: Alex Anthopoulos named new GM of the @Montreal_Expos. Oh wait, that was a dream I had.
—@coopincanada

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Alex Anthopoulos departure riles Blue Jays fans, media

GM leaving team after reportedly rejecting new contract

Alex Anthopoulos out as Blue Jays GM

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