National Post (National Edition)
Slimmed-down Guerrero will be `dangerous' player
Slugger focused on conditioning, impressing team
“I wish you guys (media members) can see him in person. It's not the same on Zoom. he looks great.”
The words came courtesy of blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo.
The subject was Vlad Guerrero Jr. and his new body, a leaner, fitter, more committed player who became the talking point Wednesday when the team conducted its daily Zoom calls.
he was very forthcoming in the work he put in, the pounds he dropped, the disappointment of letting himself and his teammates down by being out of shape.
by his estimate, Guerrero Jr. has dropped 30 to 35 pounds in the off-season.
A year ago he weighed 250 pounds.
“he's going to be among the most dangerous players in baseball,” said teammate rowdy Tellez.
If anyone can understand the struggles involved in weight loss it's Tellez.
“I was 280 pounds, a big kid,” said Tellez, who wields a big bat.
Tellez relayed the story on how Vlad Jr. reached out seeking advice on how to lose weight.
“Cut out late eating,” Tellez encouraged Vlad Jr. to embrace. “eat your post-game meal and that's it. We're like night owls.”
A handful of teammates were in Florida at the Jays complex well before the start of spring training.
“he worked really, really hard,” Tellez said of Vlad Jr.
“The way he moves, the way he talks, his mannerisms, he's very happy for the season because of the changes he's made.”
Tellez estimated Vlad Jr. had dropped up to 35 pounds when he first saw him following his time in the dominican for Winter ball.
When players reported to spring training, Tellez noticed an additional drop in weight.
“I can't say more about the work he put in. I've seen it first-hand,” Tellez said.
When the team gathered in Toronto for its summer camp in 2020, Vlad Jr. was out of shape, overweight.
“he realized he made a mistake,” Montoyo said.
“he's now in great shape.” Vlad Jr. says he's feeling good, moving well, is quicker, stronger, more balanced and eager to do whatever is required to help his team, whether it's at first base or at the hot corner.
“I'm very focused right now,” Vlad Jr. said through an interpreter.
“I'm very excited at the way I feel.”
FIRST THINGS FIRST
The first base, third base backdrop surrounding Vlad Jr. can just as easily apply to Tellez, only it's a first base, dh proposition.
As one of the few left-handed bats in Toronto's lineup, it's safe to say the slugger will get his share of plate appearances when a righty is on the mound.
but he's also put in plenty of time on the field and Tellez confided how the perceived negativity with his glove provides fuel to his fire, noting he had no errors last season.
For now, though, Tellez says no indication has been given as to the amount of games he'll be asked to play at first base, no inkling as to the amount of at bats he'll receive.
“It's something we'll discuss later,'' said the wellspoken Tellez. “I'm here to be the best possible player, the best possible teammate.”
Confident and motivated, Telez worked a lot on his foot work during the off-season to improve the physical requirements needed to play first base, while spending just as much time to himself to improve the mental side.
he read a number of books and even became a dog owner.
Tellez incorporated tennis balls into his routine to better refine his bare-hand mechanics.
Tellez is excited at the moves Jays management made and is very bullish on the 2021 edition.
“you look at the lineup and every one has a chance to hit 30 homers,” Tellez said.
“We're going to be scary ... We're going to be contenders out of the gate. We're not just the blue Jays.”
HAPPY FOR TATIS
Vlad Jr. was asked about his fellow dominican and newest member of baseball's super-rich club in Fernando Tatis Jr., the San diego Padres' 22-year-old shortstop who signed a 14-year deal worth uS$340 million.
“Good for him, he deserved it,'' Vlad Jr. said.
“he worked hard every day. I feel pride.”
Vlad Jr. isn't about to compare himself to Tatis Jr. when it comes to money, knowing his primary goal is to work hard and help the Jays win.
“If it comes (lucrative contract) it comes,'' he said.
MONTOYO EYES OPTIONS
The third-year manager wants Cavan biggio to take as many reps as possible at third, provide Vlad Jr. with as many reps at first.
Montoyo's aim is to provide an environment where biggio and Vlad Jr. both can develop into the best each can be.
When the Jays face a tough left-handed arm, Montoyo won't be afraid to slot Vlad Jr. at third.
“We can only play nine guys,” said the skipper.
“I want options.”