The Scrum: Episode 1
I don’t know if I “stand” by something a front office does, especially one that I don’t have any input in. Could they contend by 2021? Sure. Could, with the right moves, contend in 2020? Or 2019? SURE.
They do have some great talent in the minors right now. I think the key is to develop that kids they have and sign big league talent to bolster that. That’s what the Red Sox and Yankees do.
Maybe the Blue Jays should look in to that.
Russell Martin is officially the last man standing from the drive in 2015. Anthopoulos traded for Donaldson, signed Martin, and then traded for Tulowitzki and Price at the deadline.
I suspect that Martin will act as a mentor to Jansen and maybe play a little infield.
And yeah, I suspect Drury will start Opening Day playing third base while Guerrero works on his “defensive issues” which will magically resolve themselves mid-April. It will be truly miraculous.
Given that Tulo and Price both play in the same division as the Blue Jays, those two will have the opportunities to do so. I guess.
I think paying Tulo to play for the Yankees will probably sting at least once or twice.
Yes.
I once saw Joe Biagini work on his pick off move in the bullpen a few hours before a game. With no baseball and completely alone.
Put a world-class baseball team on the field.
And better music. Have a hip hop night instead of two country nights. Mix it up. Different DJs.
2018 was a tough year for me and I wasn’t that sad to see the end of it.
I did get to discuss Rickey Henderson with John Olerud (details of that will emerge some point in the future). That was pretty fun.
I like night games over day games. And look for game with another interesting team. I remember, for whatever reason, the 2017 Blue Jays seemed to play the Astros really well. Without looking at specifics, I seem to recall that the games were tight or at least exciting.
Or look for players or teams you find interesting. Go see the Angels in Toronto to see Mike Trout live. Go to the game Ohtani pitches.
Behind the plate is fun, if you can swing it and also get tickets. There is a whole dynamic between the umpire and the pitcher, with the catcher as mediator, that isn’t apparent on TV. You can also see all the batters on the on-deck circle.
Behind the bullpen- I used to sit there quite a lot about 4 or 5 seasons ago and it’s a view that you just don’t see on television. It can be a little hard to know what’s going on, though. The bullpen is its own world.
I once sat in the 200 level in left field and that might have been one of best seats. It was a sunny day but the roof provided shade (I like the sunshine, but hate sitting in it- hence why I prefer night games.) I also went with friends. I taught my friend Agnes about pick off moves that day.
I’ve never been to a double header. But one once provided one of the greatest moments in 2015- the team nap.
I suspect they’ll play 162 games, some of them at home and some at home.
A large Dominican child will hit several homers, starting sometime in mid-April.
Probably a small dog. I’m not very tough.
1 horse-sized duck.