Last night’s disappointing 12-10 loss to the Oakland A’s after being up 8-0, was a side point in the game. Most of the talk is about the Lilly-Gibbons situation that took center stage on the mound as Gibbons pulled Lilly in the third inning. The two were jawing back and forth on mound, before Lilly started make his way towards the dugout tunnel. When Gibbons got back to the dugout, he went down the tunnel, following Lilly. Moments later, all but two Blue Jays were left in the dugout, as every other player and coach went to breakup the situation that was occurring between Lilly and Gibbons.

According to a photographer who was in view of the tunnel "Said Canadian Press photographer Aaron Harris, "Gibbons just went at him. It looked like Gibbons grabbed him. Then the whole dugout emptied back there. It was mayhem back in the tunnel.""

"There were no punches thrown," he added. "I don't think John had a bloody nose. I don't know how that would've happened." After the game, Gibbons spoke with Lilly and the two apparently were able to settle the dispute that began on the mound in the third. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi spoke with Gibbons afterwards, but wasn't available for comment." - mlb.com

Both Lilly and Gibbons have since said that they have worked things out, and both have taken some sort of responsibility for altercation.

"Believe it or not, with the way things were going, I still think I can find a way to keep us in the game," Lilly said. "He was pretty mad. He didn't like the way I was pitching and neither did I. I was already upset enough with myself and I didn't handle it well at the time. That wasn't very good. This thing could've gone over a little better if I would've controlled my emotions." - mlb.com

Gibbons was on a the Fan590 today (a Toronto sports radio station) saying that he overreacted to the situation. He also added, "I overreacted, no question about that," he added. "I'm not proud of that. That's not who I am. But I am a passionate guy. ... It should never get to that point, but it did happen. I can't run from that, I can't make excuses. I've got to live with it now.""

We probably will never know exactly what words were exchanged on the mound, unless some news outlet hires lip readers, to give us the full story. Lilly should have expected to be pulled from the game, he was getting shelled. His line for the evening was seven runs in two and a third innings. It was understandable that he would be upset, but you don't openly challenge your managers decision, especially after tossing beachballs down the center of the plate. But Gibbons also shouldn't go after his players, which I thought he might have learned after the Hillenbrand situation. In the end, I think they will be both gone. If J.P. decides the season is done by the August 31st deadline, Lilly will be shipped out. If he's not, Lilly most likely will not be re-signed for next year. Gibbons I think will be let go after the season. Two public blowups with players in just over a month, is not an image that upper management will want to carry into next season.