Jay Bird Watching Podcast Recap: Fun With Blue Jays Promotions and the Last Week of Spring Training!

This is a recap of the Jay Bird Watching podcast featuring hosts Craig Borden and Ken Alfred. This week’s guest on the show was Amanda Ballestero, the entertainment and promotions coordinator of the Buffalo Bisons.

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The crew kicked things off by reveling in Daulton Varsho’s first home run of the spring, which happened this Wednesday afternoon. Another recent highlight was Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s return and scorching double. Amanda reminisces fondly about Vladdy’s time with the Bisons.

The other big takeaway from today’s game was the solid, five-inning effort by José Berríos, which is a welcome sign for Blue Jays nation.  

Craig was eager to inquire about the recent inclusion of Addison Barger at minor league camp. He’ll bring a different dimension to Buffalo although he may not stay down there for long. 

Some players are being added to the Bisons' roster like Barger, Wynton Bernard, and possibly Zach Britton and Otto Lopez, which Amanda and her co-workers are excited about. 

The conversation then shifted to the Opening Day starting pitcher. Ken and Craig are both in agreement that Kevin Gausman should get the nod next Thursday afternoon in St. Louis.

Star Wars night will be June 3rd with a live concert featuring costumed musicians and, of course, fans afterward. There will also be super-hero-themed jerseys and caps worn in a promotion called defenders of the diamond.    

Mystery Ball night where fans can buy baseballs signed by unknown celebrities with proceeds going to charity is another fun upcoming promo game. 

The Bisons will also be hosting a series of heritage games celebrating different cultures. 

Some of the highly-anticipated giveaway games on the Blue Jays' schedule were brought up. It is a wide array of bobbleheads, jerseys, and other highly sought-after items that will be up for grabs this spring and summer at Rogers Centre. 

New bars and other upgrades within the park should also give games a bit of a different feel this year for fans. 

Craig recalls a radical experience at an 80s-themed Rays game at Tropicana Field featuring a postgame concert by Joan Jett. He then announced that next week's guest will be former Blue Jays pitcher Scott Richmond, so be sure to tune in.