Skip still weighing opening starter
And on the 29th day, they rested.
In other words, an off day Tuesday at spring training for the Blue Jays. But we’ve got a couple of notes in the back pocket for you, anyway.
Opening Jay
Manager John Schneider has yet to name his starter for opening day in St. Louis on March 30. Kevin Gausman or Alek Manoah? Place your bets.
“Starting to line it up a little more in-depth, but haven’t finalized anything yet,” is how the skipper described his decision-narrowing contemplation.
“Trying to stay in line with MLB as a whole, announcing everything in one day.”
The edict from on baseball high directs teams to make a declaration by Thursday. José Berríos, who got the ace shot a year ago, is definitely not in the conversation.
With a day off on March 31, in the midst of an 11-day road trip to launch the 2023 campaign — from St. Louis to Kansas City to Anaheim — the schedule actually aligns with exactly two spins through the starting rotation quintet. But Schneider indicated that doesn’t mean the same pitcher will take the mound for the home opener at the Rogers Centre on April 11 against the Detroit Tigers.
There is some flexibility because of that off-day: “We have good options there.”
Last calls
As of Wednesday, when they’ll host the Baltimore Orioles, the Jays have seven games left on the Grapefruit League calendar. Everybody’s itching to get this party started.
A month-plus on the books at his first camp as Toronto manager has honed Schneider’s insight into the calibre and constitution of his team. No big jolt or epiphany, though, and a few decisions still pending: the fourth outfielder or outfielder/infielder, the exact composition of the bullpen, a definitive fifth starter.
Queried about what, if anything, has surprised him most, Schneider answered with the side-stepping prudence of a politician: “You know what’s been pleasantly surprising? Hearing the guys talk.”
Baseball talk in every corner of the clubhouse, and out on the field during drills in wind-borne conversations.
“The work is the work and the reps are the reps. But my biggest goal, and the staff ’s biggest goal, was to drive home messaging and relationships and to have veteran guys come in and fit right in. I think that means our core group of guys in there is doing something right. So that’s been really, really pleasing to see unfolding in real time.”
As much for the coaching staff and the players.
“If we’re going to preach being accountable and being buttoned up, it starts with us. But it’s really how the team has come together, how their personalities mesh together.”