One of the main reasons that Gibbons was replaced by Cito Gaston was the underachieving offense, an irony that wasn't lost on Gibbons given the high productivity that the Blue Jays bats have enjoyed this season.

Gibbons, though, shows no signs of any bitterness.

"Sometimes, when things start to go downhill, you just need a new voice," Gibbons said of the change the Jays made. "In Cito you have a guy who has instant credibility. You know, we all say the same things but sometimes it's who is saying it that makes a difference. Apparently Cito and (Gene) Tenace said something to trigger it."

"The game is all about winning and losing. That's how you're identified in this business. I've always felt that if you perform, you'll be rewarded. It just wasn't clicking. I've seen these (Blue Jays) do it before individually. Now they're doing it collectively, and I'm pulling for them."

The change of clubs and change in job description hasn't dented Gibbons' good sense of humor.

"How would I describe it? The do-nothing coach," he said with a laugh.

BLUE JAYS 8, ROYALS 1: Scott Richmond allowed one run and five hits over seven innings to move to 3-0 and lower his ERA to 2.70. It marked the first time that Richmond has tossed seven innings in his brief major league career. Aaron Hill, who had his 11-game hitting streak end Monday, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Vernon Wells chipped in with a 3-for-5 night and three RBIs. The Jays have not lost two games in a row all season.