Why I’m Excited For The 2014 Blue Jays Right Now

Spring Training is in full swing and the Blue Jays are getting ready for action.

And while the fans didn’t get most of the changes that we wanted (starting pitching, I’m looking at you), we do get a whole new season with enough reasons to be excited for the 2014 baseball season.

1) Spring Training games on SportsNet! 

Baseball on TV is baseball on TV, don’t be picky! There are 11 games on the SN schedule and I can’t wait to watch as many of them as possible. Without compromising my work of course.

2) Jose Reyes is Healthy!

When Reyes was lost to that gross ankle injury in Kansas City last year we all knew it was bad, but we didn’t know that it would essentially rob us of an entire season of what Jose Reyes is really capable of. With his wheels ready to go, the top of the Blue Jays lineup just got a whole lot more effective.

2 b) So is Brett Lawrie!

I’ve ripped on Brett before, but he is a big part of what the lineup needs and with him healthy on the left side of the infield with Reyes, the pitchers are going to be in good hands. If Brett can be patient at the plate and hit the way he is capable, he’s in for a good season. And we would all like that.

3) Munenori Kawasaki Will Only be a Short Drive Away in Buffalo!

I pray that we don’t have a major injury situation that brings Muni back to Toronto, but if we do need him, his big smile is just a short trip away. How can you not love this guy?

4) Adam Lind’s Beard!

No comment necessary. Just look at it.

5) Melky Cabrera is in Shape!

We’ve got Melky for 1 more year, and after the spinal tumor was removed, he seems healthy and in shape and ready for action. And he looks like it too. Here’s hoping those legs have some spring and his bat is ready to show us all why AA signed him in the first place?

6) RA Dickey is Pitching Opening Day!

Again, healthier than the start of last season, and with good numbers in Tampa, I like the choice of the knuckleballer to start the real season for the Toronto 9. R.A. has a great opportunity to turn things around in 2014. His 2013 2nd half was a success when you look at the numbers, and I am very much hoping that we see that guy all season long.

7) Jose Bautista’s Bats!

And what he’s going to do with them. I can not wait to see Joey Bats hit the ball hard, on a line, into the 2nd deck. Often. Jose needs to anchor this lineup with Edwin at the 3-4 spots. 43 home runs, 112 rbi and a bunch of walks from Jose Bautista would make me a happy Blue Jays fan.

So… 7 reasons down and 162 regular season games to come.

Fingers crossed that we get the season we were all hoping for in 2013.

It could happen.

Go Jays Go!

2014 Spring Training Countdown: 4 Days

With less than a week to go until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training for the Toronto Blue Jays, we still have questions that we would like answered…

ℚ Will the Blue Jays be getting any starting pitching help? Like maybe A.J. Burnett or Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana… or someone else… anyone else…

ℚ Who will be the every day 2nd baseman? Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Stephen Drew…

ℚ Is Colby going to get an extension or is he looking like trade bait in July?

ℚ Who is the 4th outfielder at the start of the season… Anthony Gose, Kevin Pillar, Moises Sierra, Kenny Wilson, other?

ℚ Can Brett Lawrie find the consistency and production and health needed to contribute the way he’s expected to?

ℚ Can the Blue Jays win more games in 2014 than we did in 2013?

ℚ Will Toronto finish higher in 2014 than we did in 2013?

ℚ Will the Toronto Blue Jays make the playoffs in 2014?

Here are my answers to those questions… in order: I hope so, I don’t know, No, Sierra, Yes, Yes, Yes, Ask me again in August.

I don’t know if we’re going to add another starting pitcher or not. I really don’t. But I hope so. It’s getting late to be adding someone. However, as they say, better late than never.

The Burnett fit might be best, although that would give us a pretty old starting rotation. But if we can get him without a no-trade, he could be perfect for 2 years, or 1 year, or less while we wait to see what our rehabing young guys are capable of.

At 2nd base, I have no idea. My gut says that Goins will get a chance to make this team out of Spring Training. But Izturis is still the vet and still makes more money which will probably give him an edge and a “your job to lose” situation to start the season. I do not think that Stephen Drew is coming to Toronto to play 2nd base. And while Munenori Kawasaki will be in Buffalo learning, I don’t think we’ll see him unless a) there’s an injury on the infield OR b) Izturis is moved and we don’t get an infielder back in the deal.

Colby avoided arbitration this winter, just like every Blue Jay does… but he didn’t get the big deal to stay in TO long term that I was hoping for. What I’ve heard is that this could be similar to the Edwin Encarnacion situation. If Colby can keep the strikeouts down, the defense up, the power where it is, and stays healthy – he should be presented with an extension offer sometime around the All-Star break. I’m looking forward to that news and a 4 or 5 year deal for Rasmus to stay in Toronto until he’s 31 or 32.

The 4th outfielder thing is going to come down to Spring Training I think. I would lean towards Kevin Pillar because I think he has the lowest upside and I would like to see Gose and Sierra play every day in Buffalo to develop. I also think that Anthony Gose and Moises Sierra are our best trade chips (that AA would move fastest) if we go that route for a starting pitcher. With all of that said, a HUGE spring at the plate for any of these guys could determine who gets to come all the way north.

Brett Lawrie is an interesting case for the 2014 season. Last year we know he was hurt when things kicked off and he was probably pressing when he came back. It meant a slow start and poor results. But if he can get his head wrapped around slowing the game down and having good at bats, I believe he can put up the kind of numbers we saw when he came up as a rookie. His defense should also continue to improve, which is a good thing for all of our pitchers.

The Toronto Blue Jays only won 74 games in 2013… so I’m saying yes, we will win more than that in 2014.

And since we finished 5th (last) in the division last season, an improved record (especially against the AL East) should give us a higher finish in 2014.

To make the playoffs last season in the American League you needed 92 wins. That would be an 18 win improvement for the Blue Jays this season. Can they do it? With health, better pitching and fewers downs than ups, it’s possible. I’m hesitant to say that they will, because I’m trying to be realistic…

But I really hope so!

Stay tuned to the blog as we move from the Spring Training Countdown to the Opening Day Countdown and we learn more about what the 2014 Toronto Blue Jays will look like and what we should expect from this team.

2014 Spring Training Countdown: 44 Days

We’re a week closer to Spring Training than we were when I started writing about the Blue Jays and what is going on with them just before we entered 2014.

And while a whole lot hasn’t happened in that week for the team, it kind of has as well.

Last night Ken Rosenthal published a post on FoxSports.com and directly addressed the Blue Jays. He specifically put the pitching questions in the spotlight. Now, not everyone likes Kenny, but it’s hard to deny that he has his ear to the ground at all times and often knows what’s going on when regular Joe’s like me have no idea.

Kenny “Bowtie” Rosenthal says that the Jays are favourites to sign either Ervin Santana (Royals) or Ubaldo Jimenez (Indians). Jeff Samardzija’s (Cubs) name has also been added to that mix of starters that Alex Anthopoulos could be looking to pick-up and add to this rotation. However, the Cubs are reportedly looking for some substantial return for their pending free agent starter and I don’t know what AA wants to give up, or what I want him to give up. And Rosenthal expects that it none of this will happen until the Masahiro Tanaka (Japan) sweepstakes have wrapped up. anyway This of course is assuming that the Blue Jays don’t sign Tanaka, who would presumably cost more than Santana, Jimenez or Samardzija.

All things being equal I would choose Ubaldo Jimenez from those 3 MLB names.  Maybe that’s because I know him more than I know Samardzija. However, I could be talked into the former Cubs starter thanks to his strikeouts, big body and innings pitched. I also think that he’ll be available for fewer dollars than Jimenez thanks to a lack of success in his career so far.

I think maybe I just talked myself into Jeff Samardzija right now… if the price is right.

In other Blue Jays news this week, the team reassigned 1996 Cy Young Award winner and bullpen coach, Pat Hentgen to an unnamed position within the organization. It has been reported that Hentgen needed to spend more time with his family and his ailing father, and so we wish him all the best. Promoted to the Blue Jays bullpen coaching duties is Bob Stanley who pitched 13 seasons for the Red Sox and spent the last 2 seasons as the pitching coach with Triple-A Buffalo.

We know that Hentgen was loved by the fans, organization and players and at this point all we can do is hope that Stanley will have that same relationship and success with his pitchers.]

With 44 days left until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training a lot could and might happen. There are still holes to fill and improvements to make. Keep your fingers crossed for that 1 big move that makes us all jump up and down with hope. Stay tuned for more info and thoughts as things develop.

Be awesome!

2013: The Year In The Reviews

As we near the end of another year it’s time to look back at some of the awesome things that I’ve been able to do in 2013.

Before I list a whole bunch of things, I need to say that I am lucky and appreciative for all of the opportunities that have come my way and continue to appear in front of me. Some of them are luck, some of them are acts of kindness by friends, some of them came as a result of the work that I put in… but they were all awesome.

Boots and Hearts: For the 2nd year in a row I was able to head to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a media pass for Boots and Hearts. This year was even better than last with more content created, more visibility on the blog and more great music. Thank you to Trish for taking the photos that you saw and for trekking back and forth with me from Toronto to Bowmanville Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s hard to pick a highlight from the weekend, but I’ll go with a combination of country artists interacting with us online during and after the event, and being just feet away from Country Music’s Female Artist of the Year, Miranda Lambert during the opening 3 songs of her set on Sunday night.

ArtBomb at The Spoke Club: I’m not much of an art collector or appreciator, but thanks for Trish and her work with ArtBomb I was able to go to The Spoke Club and come home with a painting by Justin Blayney, enjoy a couple drinks and look at art with Trish, Jay Chan and Julie Tyios. Here’s hoping 2014 brings more chances like that one.

My Birthday Karaoke: We might not karaoke at Lou Dawg’s any more, but on my birthday in February we packed the joint with friends, drinks and country music. Thank you to everyone who came out that night to sing me a country song, give me a handshake or a hug and donate some change to Ashley‘s work with CAMH. My 31st was a pretty great birthday to ring in.

New Job at Blade: In June I was given a new career opportunity with an ad agency that is new to the social media game. In the six months since I’ve been able to work with multiple clients in a research, strategy, development and deployment capacity. I’ve learned about advertising and rolling with the punches. I’ve had some awesome success. I’ve had some things not work as well as I’d planned. And I think that I’m better at my job now because of all of it.

Freelance Work with Sonic Boom: With a big thank you to Rannie, in the spring and early summer I was able to work with the Ford team at Sonic Boom Creative on some cool projects. Being invited to a Toronto Raptors game to hang out with some awesome kids attached to the You Can Play project was a unique opportunity that came with a box seat at the ACC. And the MLSE Team-Up Challenge was a super hot day down at BMO Field, but a great chance to see people coming together to play some sports, have some fun and raise money for a worthy cause.

Rodeo at The Royal: Trish bought some amazing tickets to see the Rodeo at the Royal this fall. It had been at least 15 years since I’d seen live rodeo action and this was a great show to see and get back into it. All of the riders were top notch and I hope that the photographer has recovered from his throw and fall.

Social Media Week: For the first time this year I attended panels and keynotes at Social Media Week Toronto. Having the chance to hear really smart people in the industry talking about best practices and ideas and the future of social media is always a treat and this year I was able to immediately put some of those ideas into practice in my work life for the agency and clients. Congrats and thanks to everyone who got on stage and shared their expertise with us as a group. You’re Awesome.

One of a Kind Shows: Both the Spring and Christmas One of a Kind Shows were packed with awesome hand made and unique crafts, art and food. It seems like each year the shows get bigger and better with more vendors and customers. Thanks again to the show runners for allowing me to come and cover the events as media so I can get a good look at what’s going on and pass it on to the internet.

Live Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Basketball & Hockey Games: Brian, Trish, Sean, Rayanne, Rannie, Jay Chan, Terri-Leigh, Jessica, Sean #2, Allegra, Erin… I hope I’m not forgetting anyone, but I might be. This year I’ve been able to see the Blue Jays, Raptors, Marlies, Maple Leafs, Argos and Rock play live home games at Rogers Centre, Ricoh Colesium and the Air Canada Centre with some great company. I love live sports and having good people to watch with is a great bonus. Thanks to everyone who sat and cheered with me.

Note: To the best of my memory here’s the breakdown of games I got to see in 2013…
– Blue Jays: 20
– Marlies: 7
– Argos: 2
– Raptors: 2
– Rock: 1
– Maple Leafs: 1

Time with Family and Friends: Birthdays, brunches, baseball games, parties, game night and more. I’ve had some great days and nights in 2013 that were the direct result of the company I was with. Thank you to everyone who invited me to something, came to something I invited them to, hung out with me in good times and bad, and generally just spent time with me this year. I’m grateful.

The Chance to Say Goodbye to my Grandpa: This spring my gramp passed away and my family gathered in Port Hope to say goodbye at his funeral. It’s really fair to say that we don’t get together often enough, and this wasn’t the kind of reason that we wanted to. But being with all of them and sharing stories and memories of the old man was much better than not being able to.

Movember and #MoChaKaTO: For the 4th year in a row I was lucky enough to work with Sean and the rest of our team to put on the Movember Challenge Karaoke Toronto fundraiser. And for the 4th year in a row we had a great turn out, had the support of our friends and strangers, AND we raised more money than we ever had before. The $2200 that was donated through challenges, banned songs, raffle tickets, Jason‘s VIP draw and random throw-ins far surpassed any realistic expectations I had when I walked into the Winchester that night. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supported us for Movember 2013.

Reviews and Sponsored Posts: When I started posting on this blog in September 2009 I had no direction, no audience and no idea what I was doing. There are still days now when all of those things can seem to be true – but once in a while I get the chance to check out something cool or make a buck or 2 because I’ve stuck with it. I don’t expect those opportunities and I don’t take them for granted. I also don’t want any of you to think that I play favourites or give out positive reviews because I’ve been paid or given something for free. If I like something, I’ll tell you about it. If I don’t like something, I probably won’t say anything about it at all. That’s how I work.

CNE Blogger: Despite the unfortunate events that came after the fair, I had a wonderful time as one of the Official CNE Bloggers this year. The chance to visit the CNE on multiple days and nights, eat some really tasty food, check out the music, go home with a new phone and hang out with friends while I did it was good fun. I can’t wait to go back next year with the passes that I was given. I also really hope that the CNE continues with some sort of blogger program in 2014. I’d hate to think that a couple people ruined it moving forward.

Rock ‘N’ Horse pre-Opening and Grand Opening: Very recently I was lucky enough to be invited to check out one of the 2 new country bars in Toronto. The Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon on Adelaide St W. looks like it’s going to have some success in the Entertainment District with a mechanical bull, good drinks, a dance floor, huge rooftop patio and a central location. I’m not in love with the Entertainment District or the weekend crowd, but I will be back.

That’s not everything. But it’s some of my favourite things. And thank you to everyone who helped make them all happen.

To say that I’ve had a pretty lucky year would be easy. Yes, there have been challenges, but it would be unreasonable and selfish to ask for all the good without an obstacle or 2 to overcome.

I sincerely hope that all of you have a chance to look back at 2013 and realize that you have even half of the things to celebrate and be thankful for that I do.

And I’d like to thank all of you who have read the blog, tweeted at me, supported me and been my friend in real life or online.

Be Awesome.