Blue Jays Podcast (VIDEO): AL East Preview

This week’s episode of Jays’ Nest discussed several topics from Blue Jays Spring Training. As well, we were joined by Brandon Nickel of Bosox Injection and Ricky Keeler of Yanks Go Yard to discuss the Red Sox and Yankees off seasons and outlooks for the 2015 season.

Remember, to catch all of our episodes, you can find us on Stitcher (for Android) and iTunes. If you’d rather watch our show, check us out on YouTube. If you like what you hear, please be so kind as to give us a good rating. Thanks!

our show kicked off with a discussion of the outfield depth that will be examined in the next 10 days or so after word got out that Kevin Pillar injured his oblique from sneezing. Of the names that could fill in or make a run at the 4th outfielder spot the one we were intrigued by is Caleb Gindl. The former Brewer is having himself a nice little spring batting .435 with 6 doubles and 6 RBI in 23 at bats. Granted this is a very small sample size. but, in a time period of small sample sizes, he’s making the most of his opportunity. 

Toronto Blue Jays

Speaking of opportunities, our panel discussed the opportunity that faces young starter, Daniel Norris. While he hasn’t looked like an ace thus far, he certainly has shown that he is nearing being ready for a ML starting job. He’s working through his outings and impressing along the way. Given the state of the depth of starters, he’ll slide into the rotation to start the year. But, an idea was floated by Michael Wray that offers a slightly different approach by the Blue Jays. It is one that some will balk at initially, but kind of makes sense. Here’s a hint: it involves him in AAA.

Our first guest was Brandon Nickel and he had some interesting things to say about the Red Sox outlook for 2015. He discussed the importance of new additions, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. These two will be relied on to help drive the offense that is expected to carry the Red Sox in 2015. In fact, when asked why the Sox will win the division, Nickel pointed to the offense. As well, we asked him about the starting rotation that is lacking a true #1 type pitcher. The way the Red Sox have set up their rotation raises the concern of having guys who are #2 or #3 starters that rely heavily on the ground ball. Have a listen to see how many wins Brandon expects the Sox to reach.

Our next guest, Ricky Keeler came on to talk about the New York Yankees. (Ricky also hosts the Yanks Go Yard Radio Show) A few days ago, Jays Journal’s Justin Jay joined Ricky on his radio show. Check it out! Now, it was out turn to host. We first asked Keeler about the Alex Rodriguez situation and how he is being treated now. An example of how the Yankees may feel about A-Rod comes when he hit his first HR of the season. The club chose to highlight other, less notable performances like Jacoby Ellsbury getting an RBI. Keeler also talked about how the Yankees will move on from Derek Jeter. Part of this transition will come from the defense that Didi Gregorius brings. But, as Keeler points out, the Yankees will field a very good infield. As well, Keeler discussed the potential impact from recovering starters C.C. Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka.

This episode of Jays’ Nest was brimming with lots of talk, not only about the Blue Jays, but about the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. It will be great to keep in contact with these gentlemen throughout the season to further the discussion around a division that may just be the closest it has been in years.

AUDIO:

VIDEO:

As always, we welcome your feedback and comments below. If you have questions or points for discussion, feel free to send us a message at JaysNestPodcast@gmail.com

Next: Is the Future of Ryan Goins Taking Shape?