Notes: Grand Granderson debut
DUNEDIN, FLA.— The Blue Jays opened their 42nd Grapefruit League season with a 2-1 victory over the Phillies at the ballpark once again to be known as Dunedin Stadium. Eight Jays recorded one hit apiece, with newcomer Curtis Granderson leading the contest off with a homer. Eight different pitchers threw for the Jays, with starter Joe Biagini being credited with the win and right-hander Jose Hernandez notching the save.
MR. FEBRUARY: Manager John Gibbons warned fans not to put too much emphasis on the fact Granderson was batting leadoff in the spring opener, but the 37-year-old responded on his first swing of his first at-bat in his first Jays game, driving the third pitch from Canadian right-hander Nick Pivetta deep over the right-centre field wall. Granderson was given one more at-bat, then took the rest of the day off.
“To bring in leadership, to bring in experience, just kind of be a positive vibe to the clubhouse,” Granderson said of his new role. “Not saying they were lacking it by any means, but that’s just my nature in general, to always be upbeat, coming to the
ballpark ready to go, day in and day out.”
BIAGINI STRETCHES OUT: The Jays have asked Biagini to prepare for the season as a starting pitcher, whether it’s to be with the big club or at Triple-A Buffalo. As part of that preparation, the right-hander needs to tighten up his time between deliveries and get rid of a couple of quirky tics — a shoulder roll and a knee flex. Biagini drew the assignment for the Grapefruit League opener and faced six hitters in two innings, allowing one hit and notching two strikeouts. He was good.
“The art of simplifying everything is a way to help that,” Biagini said. “I worked in the off-season trying to make things a little bit more streamlined in my motion, especially in my windup.” RICHMOND AUDITIONS: Former Blue Jays and Team Canada righthander Scott Richmond began a five-game audition on radio, joining Mike Wilner in the booth for the Jays-Phillies game. Richmond, a North Vancouver, B.C., native, played the last two years in Taiwan. Richard Griffin