Yankees broadcaster impressed with Blue Jays depth

The rivalry between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees is heating as the race for the American League East division title continues. It's also extended beyond the field and into the broadcast booths, with Michael Kay at its center.

Kay stating the Blue Jays were "not a first-place team" after Toronto defeated the Yankees 12-5 on Canada Day lit a fire for Sportsnet's Jamie Campbell. The longtime Blue Jays broadcaster took a jab at Kay after Toronto's sweep, which prompted Kay to reply to Campbell's comments a few days later. Eventually, bygones were bygones, and Campbell let fans know they'd spoken and made their peace three weeks later.

Now, the Yankees are back in town, trailing the Blue Jays by three games. This time around, Kay spoke more positively about the Toronto Blue Jays, specifically about their skipper and roster depth.

During "The Michael Kay Show" Tuesday afternoon, Kay gave his praises to Blue Jays manager John Schneider and how he's been able to take advantage of the fielding depth of the bench.

"Toronto has interchangeable parts where John Schneider can mix and match," said Kay. "He's got [Joey] Loperfido, who started in right [field], moved to left. He's got [Addison] Barger, who didn't start, go to right field and move to third base. [The Blue Jays] got interchangeable parts who can massage them," Kay continued.

To Kay's credit, the Blue Jays do have a lot of flexibility for their lineup. A significant portion of their bench depth has played at least two positions this year, along with different bat options at the plate.

Perhaps the second-biggest comment from Kay was regarding the Blue Jays' backup, switch-hitting catcher Tyler Heineman. While stating Heineman is a "big offensive boost," Kay questioned the Yankees' decision to have three left-handed catchers, asking, "How does that give Boone any maneuverability at all to make up a lineup?"

The three catchers Kay is talking about are Austin Wells, Ben Rice, and J.C. Escarra, who all bat left. Wells is the Yankees' number one catcher, leading the backstops with 169 plate appearances. Escarra, who spent nine years between the minor leagues and independent leagues before being called up, was originally the primary backup, as Rice spent time as the designated hitter while Giancarlo Stanton was on the injured list. Escarra was also seeing time at first base.

Stanton regained his role as the team's leading DH, which, to keep Rice's bat in the lineup, shifted him to split time at first base and catching duties. That leaves out Escarra, who's seen his playing time reduced and now potentially be in conversation to move at the trade deadline.

Regardless of any lineup discrepancies, the Yankees have been able to compete and fight for the division lead, which they now trail by four games after Wednesdays awful defensive display. The Blue Jays and Yankees meet for a final three-game series at Yankee Stadium, September 5-7.