Blue Jays Morning Brew: President’s To Do List

Goins makes subtle changes to swing– Over at Sportsnet, Jeff Blair tells us that part of the reason for the recent success of Ryan Goins has to do with the subtraction from his swing. He’s doing less with his bat. He’s resting it on his shoulder before his swing, thus eliminating unnecessary movement. Apparently, less is more.

It certainly is paying off as Goins is proving to be a valuable member of the bottom of the order. We really shouldn’t understate the contributions that the lower part of this lineup has put forth. They may not be providing the thump and drama of the other guys, but they are a big reason why this club has had the August it has.

Get to know the new president– Over at The Star, Peter Edwards gives us the rundown about new club president, Mark Shapiro. Of course, there will be many questions leading up to his first day in office, but Edwards wants us to know 5 things. First on the list is loyalty. Shapiro forms attachments with his city and team. He was in Cleveland for 24 years and you could hear in his voice the passion with which he spoke about his time there.

Toronto Blue Jays

That should be good news to Blue Jays fans. A president who forms a personal connection of sorts means something. We can get behind a guy like that. Also on Edwards’ list is the fact that Shapiro has experience in stadium renovations form his time in Cleveland. That is going to be huge as he takes over Rogers Centre.

Dirt infield in the works– John Lott of the National Post tells us that one of the first items on the list of many stadium upgrades is installing a dirt infield. The list of improvements is extensive and will cost an estimated $250M and take 5 years to complete. Of course, this budget and time frame includes the extensive conversion to natural grass. And, while the dirt infield would be an upgrade over the turf cutouts that are currently there, apparently, they are not a guarantee.

It would certainly be a better looking surface than the still very artificially green surface they have now. It will resemble what the Rays currently play on. The club is spending $600K for the University of Guelph to conduct a study into the type of grass that would be best suited to grow in the dome. THEN, the real fun begins when they look at what will need to be done to accommodate the grass.

Trending on Jays Journal: Blue Jays fans showing their support

Anthopoulos gets vote of confidence from Rogers– With the news of a new club president, Blue Jays fans have been speculating about what will now happen with GM, Alex Anthopoulos as his contract is set to expire. We know that AA has held Shapiro in esteem and they have a good relationship. As well, The Ninja GM has done a great job during his time thus far capped off by a Trade Deadline that people will be talking about for years. The Associated Press (via CBC) tells us that Andrea Goldstein (a spokeswoman for Rogers) relays ownership’s opinions on the GM. “We’d love to extend Alex’s contract. He’s done a terrific job. We’ve been in discussions, but frankly we’re all focused on playing great baseball right now and winning.” Let’s hope so.

Next: Jays' Nest Podcast #34: We've Got Some Big News!

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King