Bloggin’ Blue: Jays Links 4/2/2013

March 28, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he scored a run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsIt’s finally here. It’s finally here. After months of build-up and waiting, Opening Day is finally here. No more waiting, no more speculation, just good old-fashioned baseball to bring it all home to reality.

But before we get there, we still have some fantastic thoughts on the Blue Jays being written across the web.

For instance, we have Jordan Schultz at the Huffington Post who had a moment to sit down with Blue Jays’ slugger Jose Bautista. In the interview, Schultz questions to Bautista range from his health, to the presence of Jose Reyes in front of him in the line-up, to a question about his pre-game rituals.

Token Quote:

"“I feel ready and had no setbacks during my rehab. There hasn’t even been a thought that crossed my mind for me to hold back on a swing.”"

From there we move on to another interview, this one over at Blue Jays From Away. Jay Blue got a chance to speak with Blue Jays’ prospect Tucker Donahue about his dealings with the Jays, his jump from Vancouver to Lansing this spring, and what we can expect from the young right-hander this season.

Token Quote:

"“Vancouver was a great introduction into playing with the Blue Jays. You play to win the game no matter what level you’re at and I hate losing so coming home with a ring was the only acceptable ending to my season in my eyes.”"

The Montreal Gazette has a solid piece by Neil Davidson about R.A. Dickey and how he feels that the dome at the Roger’s Centre will be an ideal environment for Dickey and his knuckle-ball. Who’d have thought that a controlled weather environment would benefit a knuckle-baller?

Token Quote:

"“It’s been a long road to get where he’s at right now,” said Toronto manager John Gibbons. “He’s going to take nothing for granted. He’s earned everything he’s gotten. So he’s not going to slack off. He’s got his routine. He’s probably more thorough than anybody you’ll ever see.”"

And finally, just to keep us all down to earth, the folks at The Province want to remind us that nothing is a given and have five ways that the Blue Jays can disappoint fans. I think its safe to say that Toronto fans have seen enough recent evidence that they aren’t counting their chickens before they hatch. Any that are not, should feel free to check out this article to throttle it back in.

Token Quote:

"“Are the Jays the best team (on paper) in baseball? They may not even be the best team in the AL East. While the Yankees and Red Sox appear to be headed for baseball’s wilderness, many pundits put the Rays ahead of the Jays in their own division.”"