On Varsho's appeal, base running, offensive upside, and positional fit. Plus: Arizona's supposed insistence on Gurriel, team needs, clubhouse culture, Matt Chapman, the offseason buffet, and more!
> But it remains rather conspicuous that the team’s two most glaringly casual defenders and base runners have ended up elsewhere so soon after a year like that.
I don't have numbers in front of me, but it was talked about how Schneider wanted to be more aggressive on the bases. This seems like supporting the way the manager wants to run the show and maybe a bit closer relationship between the manager and the front office?
Agree with you regarding possible intentional realignment of the clubhouse culture. There were definitely times as a fan that were a bit hard to take, where we were down or scuffling or what have you, mistakes being made, etc., and the "fun" attitude seemed out of place and sort of the opposite of competitive. I'm sure Gurriel and Hernandez are in fact extremely competitive, but I can see how that fun, cavalier-seeming attitude could have stuck in some players' craw, and how Bo and Vlad could benefit from not having that side of their personality reinforced.
Merry Christmas Andrew and thank you for all the great reporting this year - always the best Jays related writing out there. Worth every penny for you non-subscribers out there!
Really enjoyed this write up. Some fascinating stuff. Loved the bit about Chapman and it certainly sounds like they are trying to alter the team's makeup. The existing culture was good, but maybe, just maybe there was just a little bit too much fun going on? I have no idea, but I won't miss the brain cramps on the basepaths and in the field by Hernandez and Gurriel Jr - as much as I liked having them on the team.
Excited to see what Varsho can do - certainly sounds like the ideal fit.
Thanks for the Boxing Day present. A terrific read.
All the best in 2023!
Merry Christmas!
> But it remains rather conspicuous that the team’s two most glaringly casual defenders and base runners have ended up elsewhere so soon after a year like that.
I don't have numbers in front of me, but it was talked about how Schneider wanted to be more aggressive on the bases. This seems like supporting the way the manager wants to run the show and maybe a bit closer relationship between the manager and the front office?
Agree with you regarding possible intentional realignment of the clubhouse culture. There were definitely times as a fan that were a bit hard to take, where we were down or scuffling or what have you, mistakes being made, etc., and the "fun" attitude seemed out of place and sort of the opposite of competitive. I'm sure Gurriel and Hernandez are in fact extremely competitive, but I can see how that fun, cavalier-seeming attitude could have stuck in some players' craw, and how Bo and Vlad could benefit from not having that side of their personality reinforced.
Merry Christmas Andrew and thank you for all the great reporting this year - always the best Jays related writing out there. Worth every penny for you non-subscribers out there!
Really enjoyed this write up. Some fascinating stuff. Loved the bit about Chapman and it certainly sounds like they are trying to alter the team's makeup. The existing culture was good, but maybe, just maybe there was just a little bit too much fun going on? I have no idea, but I won't miss the brain cramps on the basepaths and in the field by Hernandez and Gurriel Jr - as much as I liked having them on the team.
Excited to see what Varsho can do - certainly sounds like the ideal fit.
Merry Christmas, Andrew and thank you for the great and interesting articles you write all year long. Go Jays Go.
Thanks for the read, Stoeten and Merry Christmas to you and yours.