Blue Jays: 5 things I learned watching the opponent’s broadcasts

Sep 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) watches a bird prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

For many people, Toronto Blue Jays television broadcasts take up three hours of each day. That’s nearly 500 hours across an entire season, so it’s not surprising that the names, faces and ideas on those broadcasts quickly become familiar. Part of your daily “normal”.

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From Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler on the play-by-play to Barry Davis and Hazel Mae on the field, Sportsnet does offer up a great, all-inclusive coverage package for this ball club. Count in Gregg Zaun with Jamie Campbell, not to mention the countless scribes who contribute to the on-air product, and you’ve got all you need. Still, I decided to try the view from the other side.

I often tell our readers or podcast listeners that one of the best practices is to take some time every now and then to read Blue Jays coverage from different markets. Perhaps how a New York columnist views David Price in the Cy Young race, or how a Los Angeles reporter thinks Mike Trout stacks up against Josh Donaldson.

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At the same time, comparing your own view of another team to the local market’s perception can be eye opening. For example, I think New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has done fantastic work this season to elevate the Yankees into their current position despite numerous challenges. Much of the local New York coverage this season would disagree with me, and in that, perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned about Toronto’s view of manager John Gibbons.

A recent trip to the United States left me with the opposition’s broadcasting team for a game, and I decided that for one week I would continue to do the same. I missed you, Buck and Pat, but certain sacrifices must be made in the name of science.

Ahead in this article are five lessons that I learned about the Toronto Blue Jays along along the way. This is all about perspective, and while the crews from these opposing markets don’t have the same level of familiarity with the organization as we do, that distance can be valuable.

Now, on to the lessons….

Next: Lesson #5: Where is Roberto from, again?...

Sep 11, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) claps as he rounds first after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

#4: Edwin Encarnacion is still a bit of a secret.

From the outside looking in, the Blue Jays lineup may be even more incredible than we give it credit for. Again, it’s easy for things in baseball to become “normal” to a fan. A 16-game NFL season might keep you on your toes, but a 162-game baseball season allows you to sink back into the couch a little bit and get comfortable.

Toronto’s offensive prowess was obviously the lead story on all of these broadcasts, with AL MVP candidate Josh Donaldson being the top draw. Jose Bautista is also a name that has grown well outside of Toronto’s market, while Russell Martin and Troy Tulowitzki carry great pedigrees of their own.

One name that received a lesser attention, or perhaps just a different attention than I’d expected, was Edwin Encarnacion. The slugger, who has hit 149 home runs and driven 420 runners since the beginning of the 2012 season, remains somewhat of a mystery himself. He’s the player that would get secondary-star attention, something along the lines of “Don’t forget about Encarnacion, either. He’s been a power source at the heart of this order for a long time.”

I think that much of this has to do with personality. While Donaldson and Bautista are both very well-known individuals for their off-field personas, Encarnacion is arguably the most private member of the Blue Jays. Much of this has to do with a language barrier and Edwin being uncomfortable with his English, which has kept him a rung below the “media superstar” status of some of his teammates.

The brief flashes of Encarnacion that we do see in the media, however, are genuine and extremely likeable. His numbers aren’t too shabby, either.

Next: Lesson #3: They love themselves some speedy outfielders

Aug 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) left fielder Ben Revere (7) and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) celebrate the win over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Blue Jays defeat the Rangers 12-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

#3: People really dig Ben Revere and Kevin Pillar

These out-of-town broadcasts treated the presence of Ben Revere and Kevin Pillar like an NFL team with two electric wide receivers. A big play or stolen base possible at any moment.

With Pillar, the Blue Jays fourth-outfielder-turned-Superman, nightly highlight reels appear to be the universal language of sports. Even on the non-Jays broadcasts, I saw several of Pillar’s great catches from 2015 played over the awe-struck remarks from their crew. Another thing that has become “normal” for us. Well, as normal as that can be.

Almost like NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., though, famous for his one-handed catch in 2014, Pillar is definitely pigeonholed as a defensive specialist. That’s not seeing the whole picture, as Pillar’s .275 average and 12 home runs have been one of this season’s pleasant surprises.

Ben Revere may have been a more welcome addition during a quiet offseason, but amidst additions of Tulowitzki and David Price, the outfielder seemed to be a consolation prize. These American networks love the diminutive spark plug, though, and seemed to be a little ahead of the game with the former Phillies standout.

It was just one year ago that Revere led the National League in hits, and as a constant base-stealing threat, the raw excitement he brings to a game makes for good television. It might not translate into much power or a 6.0 WAR, but these broadcasts absolutely loved the addition of Revere to Toronto’s outfield. One crew called it one of the better “value” additions of the entire trade deadline. Now that he’s settled in to his new digs, it’s hard to argue that.

Next: Lesson #2: A 29-team MLB

Sep 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays players salute fans in the third inning of their final regular season home game against Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

#2: The Blue Jays didn’t exist from 1994-2013

Here’s where we can really dig in to the relationship between the Toronto Blue Jays and the rest of baseball media (meaning: American coverage). In order for the Jays to get press south of the border, they need to do a little bit more than a Houston, Philadelphia or Milwaukee might. Understandably so. That’s the same reason our nightly highlight shows lead off with hockey highlights of the Canadian teams before quickly recapping the American games.

Toronto did that in 1993 with a World Series victory. They did it again with their 2013 season, shocking the baseball world with the Miami blockbuster and adding R.A. Dickey, who was coming off a Cy Young Award. In between those two dates, the Blue Jays were essentially in hibernation.

With the Yankees and Red Sox dominating the division for so long, along with the odd cameo from Tampa Bay or Baltimore, the Blue Jays were little more than a pesky fly buzzing around the AL East. Noticed, reacted to when necessary, but never given any real attention.

Now, the coverage has overcorrected in a sense, and markets from outside of Toronto are absolutely scrambling to cover the Jays. It makes sense, too, as this club lends itself to stories without much problem. Between the historic offensive outbursts and the unique array of personalities, it’s a network’s dream.

With the star power that Toronto has in the fold along with this newly-clinched AL East pennant, that should buy the Jays a few more years of notoriety outside of their own back year. Not that is necessarily matters, but hey, it’s nice to be noticed!

Next: Lesson #1: What do they think about John Gibbons?

Sep 30, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) hugs manager John Gibbons (5) as they celebrate on the field after clinching the A.L East division at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Toronto Blue Jays defeated Baltimore Orioles 15-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. People kind of really like John Gibbons.

John Gibbons is the ultimate dividing line in Toronto baseball circles. It’s almost like a political affiliation, pro-Gibby or anti-Gibby. Much like my own situation with Joe Girardi that I explained earlier, the perception of Gibbons outside of Toronto is much more favorable.

This isn’t the time or place for a Gibbons argument, but I definitely noticed that these broadcasters were much more willing to give Gibbons some level of credit for the Blue Jays success. This flips the script from Toronto’s perspective, where we often view his greatest value as staying out of the way and letting the players play.

The most surprising point of discussion with Gibbons was his bullpen management, which is something former Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi recently complimented him on as well. The Jays bullpen turnaround was certainly aided by the newcomers that allowed the group to collectively shift into set roles, but there was still lots of credit being given to Gibbons. Some will cringe at this, but again, it’s a different perspective.

Now, the utter talent on this roster will likely keep Gibbons away from any awards, as those are more easily given to managers that lift a rag-tag group well above their abilities. His widespread respect among the “old-school baseball” crowd earns Gibbons some TV love, too, and if you listen closely, you can see that creeping in to our own market. Inch by inch…

Next: Ignore the hot takes: The Blue Jays pennant matters

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