Blue Jays skipper could learn a thing or two from Dusty Baker

Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo could learn a thing or two about in-game management from Houston Astros skipper Dusty Baker.

The Blue Jays are pretty tight-lipped in regards to just how much say manager Charlie Montoyo has during in-game decision. It was evident the team was managing from a predetermined game plan when they opted to remove Matt Shoemaker after three scoreless innings.

However, when watching Astros skipper Dusty Baker manage throughout the season, it is obvious that Montoyo is lacking in certain areas regarding in-game decisions. Baker has a feel for the moment and makes decisions with his gut rather than relying on some computer data that was spit out before the contest began.

I understand there has to be a happy medium between old school and sabermetrics but I found Zack Greinke‘s last start amazing. The Astros were down 3-0 in the series and up 4-3 in the sixth inning with Greinke sputtering, the hurler had runners on first and second with one out and Ryan Pressly warming in the bullpen.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Baker popped out of the dugout before Randy Arozarena strolled to the plate, the surging Arozarena had homered off Greinke in his previous at-bat. Undoubtedly, all the statistics pointed to Pressly facing Arozarena, however, after a brief chat on the mound, Greinke was left in the game to battle for himself with the season on the line.

Greinke would strikeout Arozarena, then give up an infield hit to load the bases before fanning Mike Brosseau to end the inning. The confidence and feel for the situation that Baker displayed was incredible to witness.

There is a funny story from when Baker managed the Washington Nationals that before pulling Max Scherzer he wanted to look into his eyes. Scherzer has Heterochromia so he has two different coloured eyes. Baker asked him which eye he should look into, Scherzer said the blue one. Baker ended up leaving him in the game and he got the out.

Yes, I know that Baker is 0-6 with this latest loss in elimination games but regardless we need more Baker and less Montoyo type decisions in 2021.

If the Blue Jays are going to reach the promised land in the coming years, this is the type of manager that Montoyo will have to evolve into. Montoyo made a plethora of questionable, robotic-like decisions this season and at times appeared like he was managing out of his weight class.

The Blue Jays need more old school managing and go with your gut moves if they are going to be a serious contender.