clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Friday Bantering: Bits of Jays stuff

By Tom Dakers
Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

A happy Good Friday to you all. I’d imagine some comedian has done a few minutes on why that the day He is crucified is called Good Friday. I’m sure He would have a different name for it.

Ross Atkins had a chat with Jays' media. Among the things said:

  • Florida is opening up vaccinations to all those over 18 (I wish the same were true here), so the players will start getting theirs when the team returns to Florida. They will ‘stagger’ the shots, as some get ‘flu-like symptoms for a few hours after the season shot.
  • Both Robbie Ray and Nate Pearson are to throw off the mound today. Ray is closer to coming back. They want him to get up to throwing 80 pitches. Pearson will be slower, but they are planning to have him start when he’s back.
  • George Springer ‘could have played’ yesterday but wouldn’t have been 100%. He should be playing by April 8th or soon after.

I thought we should have a poll on which of the Jays’ Opening Day performances impressed you the most.

Candidates:

  • Hyun Jin Ryu: Terrific start. I think there was only the one hard his ball hit off him all game.
  • Julian Merryweather: Striking out the side on 11 pitches.
  • Jordan Romano: Stranding the runner at third.
  • Rafael Dolis: Scoreless inning in under 45 minutes.
  • Vladimir Guerrero: Hit and two walks, and looked very good at first base.
  • Teoscar Hernandez: 3 hits, including the crushed home run.
  • Randal Grichuk: 2 hits, including the game-winner.
  • Cavan Biggio: Truly terrific defense at third base. Third is one of those positions where you’ll get a throwing error sooner or later, and people will complain. but I think he showed he can handle the spot.
  • Marcus Semien: Looked great on defense. Adding him seems to have made the infield defense so much better.

Poll

Who impressed you the most on Opening Day?

This poll is closed

  • 3%
    Biggio
    (33 votes)
  • 0%
    Dolis
    (2 votes)
  • 1%
    Grichuk
    (13 votes)
  • 9%
    Guerrero
    (82 votes)
  • 10%
    Hernandez
    (94 votes)
  • 65%
    Merryweather
    (596 votes)
  • 1%
    Romano
    (11 votes)
  • 6%
    Ryu
    (55 votes)
  • 1%
    Semien
    (17 votes)
  • 0%
    Someone else
    (2 votes)
905 votes total Vote Now

Our old friend Josh Donaldson came out of yesterday's Twins’ game with hamstring tightness. Hopefully, he won’t be out long.

More From Bluebird Banter