Mar 5, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; A detailed view of a spring training logo as the Baltimore Orioles work out before a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays News
It looks like Dunedin will done for as a spring training location for the Toronto Blue Jays. According to MLB.com the move is “95% complete” to confirm an agreement beween the Jays and Houston Astros to co-habitat a newly built spring facility as early as 2016. Astros owner Jim Crane states “the Blue Jays have committed and signed a letter of intent, so we’re ready to move forward.” Who knows, maybe the Astros will actually be good by then?
Gregor Chisholm writes at BlueJays.com about the core players that the Blue Jays will be looking to build around. GM Alex Anthopoulos says that status quo isn’t “realistic” and that they will be “looking to add” but also “won’t force anything.” It should be interesting to see what AA can realistically do this offseason to make the Jays better.
Chisholm also writes about how the Blue Jays fell short of expectations this year in his review of the 2013 season.
Andrew Stoeten at DJF tells us what we should make of Yan Gomes and his 3.7 fWAR (2.7 rWAR) season for the Cleveland Indians. Gomes was traded along with Mike Alives for Esmil Rogers last winter. Rogers was good but it’s a tough pill to swallow after watching J.P. Arencibia catch 138 games for the Blue Jays this year. Stoeten also makes a connection between the handling of Gomes and “may illuminate something not too pretty about how the club operates.” Nothing like some front-office gossip!
Richard Griffin at the Star tells five things that the Jays need to do this off-season. He makes mention that the “Jays must become the hardest working team in Florida next year.” I’m not exactly sure if a “boot camp” would do anything except wear down the team before anything actually matters.
The Blue Jay Hunter hesitantly admits that he’s glad this nightmare of a season is finally over.
And let’s finish things off on a positive note – video of the 2013 Blue Jays’ top moments from MLB.com