All the Jays spring stories you need to know to be up to speed for opening day. Plus: News, notes, thoughts, tweets, podcasts, a bit of housekeeping, and more!
Good point re: IKF or Varsho filling in as what is essentially an emergency catcher. You get these guys with fantastic positional versatility - it's not many people who can catch! - and then don't use it and burn a 40-man spot on a stand-in who you're probably going to outright soon anyway.
Varsho especially they seem determined to make look as bad as possible; if he's hitting like last year but playing full-time gold glove centre field and filling in at catcher here and there, the bat more than plays. But no, they bring on a full-time centre fielder and don't let him play catcher, blocking the acquisition of the power-hitting left fielder we need. I wonder if maybe he's told them he doesn't want to catch?
I want to talk about “it’s still early”. I feel like most seasons we can say that through June but this season feels different. Can I get a firm deadline on how long it’s reasonable to self soothe with that phrase this year after the season and off season we’ve had (hopefully we never have to say that dreaded phrase, but I fear…).
Feels a bit like where we were a little over a decade ago, when we'd squint a bit and say, 'If everything breaks right, this could be a really good year!' - That said, the definition of a really good year is different now. Before it would have been competitive games in August and September and now it is at least make the playoffs and probably win the division. Does that sound about right? Am I way off and far too negative?
I am fully on board the Ernie Clement train. And to think I jokingly suggested trading him last year for Elly de la Cruz! He could be the dark horse candidate for AL MVP.
I hope Spencer Horwitz gets more PAs than the shaved ape and old annoying hipster combined. Which is to say, not many.
Great article <3
Good point re: IKF or Varsho filling in as what is essentially an emergency catcher. You get these guys with fantastic positional versatility - it's not many people who can catch! - and then don't use it and burn a 40-man spot on a stand-in who you're probably going to outright soon anyway.
Varsho especially they seem determined to make look as bad as possible; if he's hitting like last year but playing full-time gold glove centre field and filling in at catcher here and there, the bat more than plays. But no, they bring on a full-time centre fielder and don't let him play catcher, blocking the acquisition of the power-hitting left fielder we need. I wonder if maybe he's told them he doesn't want to catch?
Odd.
Here's what I don't get about Spring training. If it's all about ramping up and getting your timing, why does it end with 3 days off?
Prediction time! Who is the next current Blue Jay to get a contract extension (If any.... none could be an answer)?
My money is on Bo. I feel like it has to be a position player. I could see it being Romano too.
My HOPE is that it's Varsho.
Mailbag Q:
I want to talk about “it’s still early”. I feel like most seasons we can say that through June but this season feels different. Can I get a firm deadline on how long it’s reasonable to self soothe with that phrase this year after the season and off season we’ve had (hopefully we never have to say that dreaded phrase, but I fear…).
Jamie
Feels a bit like where we were a little over a decade ago, when we'd squint a bit and say, 'If everything breaks right, this could be a really good year!' - That said, the definition of a really good year is different now. Before it would have been competitive games in August and September and now it is at least make the playoffs and probably win the division. Does that sound about right? Am I way off and far too negative?
I am fully on board the Ernie Clement train. And to think I jokingly suggested trading him last year for Elly de la Cruz! He could be the dark horse candidate for AL MVP.