Blue Jays: It looks like there is harmony in the rotation once again

While yesterday’s Blue Jays headlines were dominated by the news of the Kendrys Morales trade, there were other noteworthy things that happened, especially on social media.

The Blue Jays will kick off a brand new season later today when they square off against the Detroit Tigers. It’s an exciting time for baseball fans everywhere, and with the news around the Blue Jays the last few days, there has been plenty to talk about in addition to a fresh slate, and games that actually count in the standings.

Yesterday’s Blue Jay headlines were dominated by the trade of Kendrys Morales to the Oakland A’s, which brought back a minor leaguer and some international bonus pool money. The move was less about the return and more about creating playing time for the emerging youngsters in Toronto, and even though Morales could have been a useful veteran mentor the Blue Jays saw fit to send him to Oakland.

However, that wasn’t the only noteworthy thing that happened in Blue Jays’ land. There was news of an impending promotion for Anthony Alford, a funny chance encounter for our own Brendan Pannikar with Joe Biagini in a Shopper’s Drug Mart, and a significant photo that popped up on Instagram.

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I’m not one that likes to overanalyze what happens on social media, but when Marcus Stroman posted a photo of himself alongside Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays fans understandably reacted with a smile and a sigh of relief.

The two talented starters were once very close friends, and for one reason or another they had a bit of a falling out over the past couple of years. We’ll never know how bad it really got, but they unfollowed each other on social media, and reportedly weren’t even on speaking terms at times. Teammates don’t have to be the best of friends, but that type of tension between two players isn’t great for clubhouse harmony, to say the least.

It would appear that things are much improved, and while it might seem petty to overanalyze something like a post on Instagram, I’m not sure that would be a reach by today’s standards, especially when it comes to Stroman. Say what you will about the Opening Day starter, but he’s built an impressive brand on social media, and the vast majority of his posts are very calculated. I’m sure this was no exception, and he had to know the reaction it would elicit from fans who have wanted to know more about this story.

It’s definitely a great sign that it appears the two pitchers have worked out whatever issues they had in the past, and hopefully that means they can encourage, push, and challenge each other throughout the 2019 season. If they’re both healthy and at their best, the Blue Jays actually have some pretty sneaky potential in their rotation this year, as they’ve got a nice mix of veteran upside, and inexperienced arms with bright futures.

It all starts with Stroman and Sanchez though, and if the Blue Jays are going to be successful their respective health and performances will go a long way to determining the outcome of this reason, and each of their futures. Both are scheduled to be free agents after the 2020 season, and while it’s possible that the Jays could put them both of the trade market this summer, there has been a recent splurge on extensions in baseball lately, so don’t rule out the possibility here either. If they can find a way to get along and pair as leaders at the top of a young rotation, that outcome at least comes a possibility.