Big Read: There’s no denying the talent on this Blue Jays roster. But to have a shot at a deep playoff run, first you have to get to October with some gas left in the tank. (bnicholsonsmith)
There’s no denying the talent on this Blue Jays roster. But to have a shot at a deep playoff run, first you have to get to October with some gas left in the tank.n a quiet morning in March, Danny Jansen is lying flat on the ground alongside the bullpen mounds at the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla. He’s about to catch a bullpen session — one of the many thankless tasks catchers accept in the course of a long season. Fifty feet away, Jose Berrios is nearly ready to throw.
“That’s the trickiest puzzle in all sports,” Blue Jays bench coach John Schneider says. “Trying to stay way ahead of performance, workload and fatigue to get the best version of the player as many times as we can. Making them available to us, but at the same time keeping in mind that we need them to try to play the long game as opposed to [only] this win tonight or tomorrow.”On the Blue Jays’ roster, no player illustrates this push-and-pull dynamic better than George Springer.
Playing a full regular-season is a tall order, but Bichette says he wants to take the field for all 162 “For a team that missed the playoffs on the final day of the season, even a few more games from Springer might have made the difference.” Like Springer, Bichette will ease up on his prep work at times, taking fewer rounds of batting practice or less pregame infield practice. At the same time, he feels his body responds better when he plays every day. For Bichette, a day off is more mental than physical. “I definitely have to be smart,” he says. “If there’s something that could turn into something that could make me miss two weeks instead of one game, that’s something I have to be smart about.
Even now, after his breakout season, the work continues. The 23-year-old wants to keep learning from the likes of Springer, who occupied the neighbouring locker this spring. “That relationship’s been growing every day,” Guerrero Jr. says of his bond with Springer. “The respect I’ve got for him, it’s big. The advice he gave us is great — unbelievable.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blue Jays release infielder Greg Bird from minor-league dealThe Toronto Blue Jays have released veteran infielder Greg Bird from his minor-league contract, making him a free agent.
Read more »
Why Gabriel Moreno’s Blue Jays teammates believe 'he’s ready for the big leagues'Gabriel Moreno, the 22-year-old Toronto Blue Jays top prospect, is an uncommon talent who, if you ask those who know him best, would likely hold his own at the game’s highest level today.
Read more »
Blue Jays' Nate Pearson to miss start of season with monoToronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with mono, manager Charlie Montoyo said Tuesday.
Read more »
Blue Jays edge Orioles to close out Grapefruit League seasonThe Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up pre-season play with a 9-6 record after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 Tuesday.
Read more »
Blue Jays' begin season against Rangers with high hopesThe Toronto Blue Jays will open a season of great expectations Friday night when they play the visiting Texas Rangers, who have tried to spend their way into contention.
Read more »
The last decisions of the spring can be the most emotional ones. Ask Blue Jays infielder Gosuke KatohGosuke Katoh, a left-handed hitter, will play everywhere, Charlie Montoyo said. Once a highly touted prospect, Katoh is now known for his bat skills and plate discipline.
Read more »