Blue Jays prospect Bo Bichette sees a lot of Troy Tulowitzki in himself

Bo Bichette is one of the most promising young Toronto Blue Jays prospects in their system. Jays Journal chatted all things baseball with the young shortstop who is the son of former Colorado Rockies slugger Dante Bichette.

1. It has been said that you turned down multiple offers from teams who contemplated taking you earlier in the draft because of your desire to play for the Blue Jays. Is this true and if so why the Blue Jays- what stood out from them that other teams could not offer you?

“It is true. The Blue Jays were one of the few teams who viewed me as a possibility for their first round pick, so I wanted to reward a team for valuing me the way I valued myself. Also, the team’s new front office is great with their player development and that was most important to me.”

2. You destroyed the Gulf Coast League in 22 games- has baseball always been that easy for you, what type of player are you?

“Baseball is never easy, sometimes you just get hot I guess. The type of player I am is pretty simple, I play hard every single pitch and I am super aggressive.”

3. You obviously were very young when your father retired from the game but what was it like having him as a mentor, what did you learn and what doors did it open up for you?

“Obviously having him as a dad can help in a ton of ways. I don’t remember him as a player but I got to experience the big leagues when he went back to coach the Rockies as the hitting coach. He’s taught me most of the things I know from working hard to the mental side of the game.”

4. Have the Blue Jays told you what position they project you to play long-term, you played both SS and 2B last season, is shortstop your natural position and is this where you would prefer to remain?

“SS is my natural position and that is where I would end up if I lived in my own perfect world. I have been told they love me at SS and see me there in the long term as long as I keep showing them I can do it.”More from Jays JournalMatt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays neededBlue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right directionSingle-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship SeriesBlue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second SeasonBlue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

5. What are you goals for the 2017 season, do you know where you will be assigned or have any thoughts about what level you would like to end the season at?

“My goal will always be to end up in the Rogers Centre as long as I’m in the minors. I have no idea where I will be assigned but I will work hard in spring to be sent to a full season squad. I trust that the people in charge of that will put me where I need to be.”

6. Who was your favorite player growing up or is there any player you try to emulate on the field?

“When I was little I used to love Nomar Garciaparra. Lately, I really admire the way Tulo plays with so much fire, and how hard he works, I see a lot of myself in him.”

7. What is the one thing you need to work on the most to make it to the major leagues?

“For me, I think I’ll be the best player that I can be when I nail down my two-strike approach and learn how to look for certain pitches in different situations and against different pitchers.”

8. What do you remember most about your first professional game, who was your first hit off of and any details of at bat?

“To be honest I don’t really remember much. I think I was 2-4 with a line drive up the middle and a single to left off a curve ball.”

9. Have you been to Toronto or Canada before, what is it like possibly playing for a team that has a country behind them as you saw in the playoffs?

“I have not, I was going to make the trip if we made the Series but unfortunately we didn’t. I really can’t wait for the opportunity to play in Toronto. Those playoff games looked crazy to play in.”

10. What was your first season in the minors like, biggest obstacles, the best advice from your manager last season?

“Well, I didn’t face much adversity at all so there weren’t many obstacles to overcome. I know in baseball I will face an abundance of obstacles so I am very much looking forward to dealing with those. Cesar was an awesome manager for my first year. He always had our team at our highest level.”

Next: Toronto Blue Jays 2017 top prospects: #10 SS Bo Bichette

Quick Fire Questions:

1. Any Superstitions or Pregame rituals: I have the same routine on deck before every at bat.

2. Where does name Bo come from: Bo Jackson.

3. Something you do better than your brother on the ball field: My hair is better.

4: Pregame Meal: Whatever we are served

5. Ideal walkout song: Senior season in HS it was Fresh Az I’m Iz-Bow Wow

6: Socks up or down: Down

7: Have you played hockey before: No

8: Blue Jays player you want to hang out with: Dominic Abbadessa

9: Ripken or Jeter: Tulo