Blue Jays provide glimpse of what future style of play will resemble
The Toronto Blue Jays have provided fans with a teaser of what their future style of play will resemble once the likes of prospects Richard Urena and Teoscar Hernandez are inserted into the lineup on a permanent basis.
The Blue Jays brain trust entered last offseason with aspirations of molding the team into a younger, more athletic bunch, unfortunately, the signing of Kendrys Morales and the return of the aging Jose Bautista did not assist Ross Atkins and company in achieving their goals.
The slow footed Blue Jays have hit into a league leading 139 double plays and sit third last in the majors in stolen bases with a team low 50 on the season.
Since September 01st and the call-ups of shortstop Richard Urena and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, the Blue Jays have featured a much quicker, versatile game on the base paths. Both have looked athletic and agile on the defensive side of the game with Hernandez being an obvious defensive upgrade over Bautista.
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The insertion of the two youngsters into the lineup provides Manager John Gibbons with more tools in his toolbox whether it be employing hit and runs or setting the runners in motion when either Urena or Hernandez get on the bags.
Neither player will be burners on the bases however their above average speed they possess is enough to kick-start the Jays homer-happy offence. The 21-year old Urena did not steal a base all season in New Hampshire but did nab 9 in 2016. Hernandez can provide more of a boost than Urena on the base paths as the outfielder swiped 16 in the minors this season and 34 and 33 respectively the two seasons before 2017.
The possibility of Hernandez teamed up with Kevin Pillar and Anthony Alford is an exciting thought and would arguably be one of the most athletic outfields in the majors.
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The acquisition of Hernandez and the maturing of the prospects on the farm leave the Blue Jays in a great position to fulfill their goal of becoming younger and athletic moving forward in 2018.