Blue Jays Quick Hits: Ben Cherington, Erik Kratz and more

News and notes from the Toronto Blue Jays from the morning of October 19th, 2018, including an update on an executive and some former players.

Cherington In Play for Giants Job

Ben Cherington, Blue Jays VP of baseball operations, is apparently a candidate for the vacant San Francisco Giants GM position, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Several other sources have pointed to the Baltimore Orioles, who themselves have an open GM position, as another possible destination for Cherington.

Despite the links, it’s unlikely that Cherington will pursue any other opportunities, as he’s apparently quite happy in his current position with the Jays.

Kratz Hot for the Crew

Former Blue Jay Erik Kratz, who this postseason has become somewhat of a sensation, has been surprisingly productive in the first couple of games for the Milwaukee Brewers.

More from Jays Journal

• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role
• Anthony Bass has been the shutdown reliever the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time

Kratz, who played 34 games with the Blue Jays in 2014, has gone 6-for-19 with two runs scored and two RBI for the Brewers, with a slash of .316/.350/.771.

Sprague Reportedly Interviews for Manager

Former Blue Jays third baseman Ed Sprague, who has been with the Oakland Athletics as their “Coordinator of Instruction”, reportedly interviewed for the Blue Jays managerial job, reports Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network.

It is unclear just how far things went with Sprague, but he represents an unexpected candidate for the position, to say the least. Sprague played 888 games for the Blue Jays, hitting 113 homers in just over 3150 at-bats.

Stroman Takes In Postseason Ball

Marcus Stroman, poised and confident, was taking in postseason baseball in Los Angeles this past week. The young hurler tweeted a picture of his view from Dodger Stadium as the visiting Brewers took on the hometown Dodgers.