National Post (National Edition)
Fall and winter crucial to Vlad
Load management, Vladdy version, has consisted of the occasional day off, including the regret table Victoria Day home date that left a mark with fans. Manager Charlie Montoyo will liberally throw in a designated hitter day here and there to provide further breaks.
Rest is important on many levels, as the grinding, recently-completed 20-games-in-20-days stretch illustrated for the team.
If performance is an indicator in Guerrero’s case, then the way he has been managed has played well thus far. As he’s made adjustments to better counter big-league pitching, Guerrero has enjoyed his best production in his most recent stretch.
Heading into the off day, Guerrero led American League rookies in hits (93), doubles (22) and extra-base hits (36). He’s hitting for power and average and utilizes his sublime hand speed and co-ordination to battle some of the best pitchers in the game.
The motivation for both Vlad and management is to ride that momentum, finish the schedule strong and develop an off-season regimen that works for both. Unlike last year, it isn’t expected to include a trip to the Arizona Fall League but at this point, plans are to be determined.
The way in which the fall and winter plays out will be a crucial next step for Guerrero, however. He’s got a good enough arm to play third base and his footwork continues to improve. Continuing to work on fitness will be stressed and rest assured the team would like to see much of it happen at their Dunedin winter base.
And it doesn’t stop with No. 27, Sheehan is quick to point out. Just as Guerrero’s movements are closely monitored, so are those of fellow rookies Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio and the host of young prospects throughout the system.
While youth is being served and the energy the young Jays have brought is contagious, the process is just beginning.
“Other players have similar plans (to Guerrero’s) with their own developmental goals,” Sheehan said. “And those plans are co-ordinated in the same way, with the player and coaches working together.”