Blue Jays: Minor, yet significant organizational changes

The Blue Jays made some significant changes in their organization on Thursday, letting over 20 people go from their positions. Among them, the strength coach, as well as the assistant trainer, which could be more significant than it appears.

It’s pretty clear that Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro wanted to make some changes to the Blue Jays’ organization this offseason, and they haven’t wasted any time in getting things started. They let Jose Bautista know that his option would be declined with two weeks remaining in the season, and now they’ve made some sweeping changes in the training staff and PR departments, among other areas.

While I won’t comment on most of the folks who were let go on Thursday, the two that caught my eye were strength coach, Chris Joyner, and the assistant trainer who has been with the team for a long time, Mike Frostad. The two are significant members of the training staff, and may be taking at least part of the blame for the way the roster struggled to stay healthy in 2017.

What’s interesting is at the end of season presser, Ross Atkins mentioned that there were some communication problems in the organization this year, and he made an apology of sorts to players like Devon Travis and Aaron Sanchez for the way their season ended up. He didn’t elaborate, but it almost sounded like he felt things weren’t handled as well as they could have been, which obviously isn’t ideal.

"“There were times in the season when I was frustrated, our players were frustrated, because of the inefficiencies of some of our communications. That happens in transitions. That’s on me. I have to assure that doesn’t occur. So we’re more efficient.” – Ross Atkins"

This could mean a pile of different things, but my guess is it would mostly pertain to Aaron Sanchez, and maybe more specifically his agent Scott Boras. Sanchez was limited to just eight starts and 36 innings pitched in 2017 because of blister, fingernail, and ligament issues with his pitching hand. He hit the disabled list four different times, and the frustration mounted with each trip.

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There were several times throughout the year that the Blue Jays admitted that they didn’t know exactly how to proceed other than to keep Sanchez from throwing a ball. In the final series of the season, the 2016 AL ERA leader was even seen talking with Al Leiter and looking for advice on how to stay on the field, as Leiter was noted for similar issues in his career. They’re literally at the point where they’re seeking advice from those inside the Yankees’ organization (former Blue Jay or not).

Add in the fact that Boras is one of the most outspoken and aggressive agents in the game, and having Sanchez on the sidelines keeps constant pressure on the front office, both to get their prized asset on the field for their own benefit, and likely to get Boras off their back. Keeping Sanchez happy and optimistic is significant too, so bumbling any part of this process is no small thing. I’m speculating here, but obviously there seems to be some smoke, so maybe there is fire after all.

Perhaps this is about Devon Travis as well, who appeared to be on the way to returning to the club late in the season, and then ended up with yet another set back. The talented second baseman has consistently struggled with staying on the field in his three year career, and will look for a clean slate in 2018 as well.

Whatever it is Atkins didn’t want to elaborate on, it would appear there have been some steps made to improve in that department, with both the returning employees, and the fresh faces yet to be hired.

Next: Yelich should be an offseason priority target