Blue Jays' Guerrero Jr. looking good
It is still just shy of three months before the Toronto Blue Jays will report to Dunedin for spring training, but players are already showing up daily to the team's renovated spring training headquarters and practice facility to continue preparations for the 2021 season.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. has made a much publicized pit stop to show off some serious weight loss and plans to return for another session in December when he will catch up with teammates and strength and conditioning coach Scott Weberg.
Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said the resolve the 21-year-old appeared to be carrying has resonated with Jays officials.
“He's really committed,” Montoyo said. “You can see it in his eyes when you are talking to him and it's like `trust me, I'm going to get there.' And he's doing it.
“I'm proud of him and how hard he's working. He really looks good.”
Multiple people who have seen Guerrero in the (reduced) flesh this off-season have raved at his makeover.
“He looks good with dropping the weight but maintaining his strength,” Jays catcher Danny Jansen said. “He looks quicker and more mobile, which is going to make all aspects of his game stronger.”
Jansen is among several other players who have been regulars at the facility, which the Jays hope will be viewed as one of the best in the major leagues when all the finishing touches are completed.
Included in the group since the season ended with a playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Rays are shortstop Bo Bichette, along with first baseman/designated hitter Rowdy Tellez and pitchers Nate Pearson, Ryan Borucki, Jordan Romano and others.
“We've got a lot of guys working hard right now. It's good to see,” Montoyo said. “That was the idea (when the Jays invested in a multimillion-dollar renovation to the facility.) It's an attraction.”