Jays to move Vladdy to first ... for now
Montoya looking at short-term roster flexibility
The first thing Charlie Montoyo wanted to make clear in announcing how Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will switch over to first base is that all options remain open.
For the media mavens covering the team, Friday’s announcement by the jovial skipper amounted to some seismic event, the same day some grousing could be heard about the team’s self-imposed bubble.
Montoyo is in the business of winning and it goes without saying his stated goal in this coming 60-game sprint of a baseball season is to field the best positional players each and every night.
Travis Shaw is the presumptive guy at the hot corner, for now, with this year’s fifth overall pick, Austin Martin, looming as an option down the road.
Friday didn’t mark the beginning of the end of Vladdy Jr.’s time at third base, but rather a new chapter in the young man’s career, one he fully endorsed.
“Vladdy is going to focus during this camp at first base,’’ said Montoyo, who patiently and professionally answered every query tossed his way when the mania surrounding baseball’s No. 1 prospect intensified last season with every baseball Tom, Dick and Harry wanting to know when Junior would get the call up to the big leagues.
“And we’re going to keep his options open. We’ve been talking about that since spring training before we got shut down. He (Guerrero Jr.) was already taking ground balls at first base with Luis Rivera (Toronto’s first base coach), but then talking to Ross (GM Atkins) and Vladdy, Vladdy feels better doing it.”
Montoyo added how Guerrero Jr. would see more action at first and DH this season.
“But we’re going to keep third base an option open because he can play there, too,’’ said the manager. “For now, for this camp, he’s going to be playing first and probably during the season he’s going to play first and DH.”
Every time Montoyo was asked about the whys behind the decision, it became so obvious, even for neophytes remotely familiar with the team.
“It’s all about having the best chance to compete in a shortened season,’’ continued Montoyo. “For me, the best chance for Vladdy is to play first, DH and also play third. Knowing Travis Shaw can play third and I’ve seen him, he’s a good third baseman, and that also helps, but this is more about Vladdy and giving him his best chance to succeed in a short season.”
The timing of the switch might be questioned considering the Jays will open, or at least scheduled to begin their season pending the pandemic, on July 24 in Tampa.
“It goes back to what said,’’ said Montoyo.
“It’s not going to be a quick (turnaround) because he was taking ground balls at first during spring training. And I trust Luis Rivera more than anybody. And when Luis said he was comfortable, that’s why we’re making the decision now.
“We didn’t start this (transition) today. We’ve been talking about it, Ross, me, Vlad, Luis Rivera, about making this move and that’s why we’re doing it now.”
Montoyo would add:
I“Vladdy is motivated to do it.”
As one might expect, Vladdy Jr. said all the right things when he addressed the media on a Zoom call, reiterating how he was willing and able to do whatever it took to win.
“Whatever the team needs me, I’m going to be ready,’’ said the can’t-miss kid. “I’m OK with that.”
Guerrero Jr. hasn’t been shy in asking teammates for any advice on the nuances of playing first base, a position that demands subtle foot work. “I’m ready for whenever the chance comes,’’ he added.
Guerrero Jr. said his body feels good and he’s eagerly awaiting the start of MLB’S truncated season.
He dismissed any thought how the amount of games he played last season at the hot corner led to fatigue down the stretch.
The decision to move to first base was one he fully endorsed. “I just want to win,’’ he added.
Once the Jays wrap up their summer camp and ramp up for their regular season, it’ll be a new experience for Guerrero Jr. and for every other big leaguer.
“It’s going to be different,’’ he said. “Right now, you have to start hot. If you get into a slump you’re going to get into trouble, but just be ready to start the game.”
Guerrero Jr. has been working hard, but now comes the mental preparation knowing a regular season is about to begin.
The time away from his teammates in the wake of the virus allowed Guerrero Jr. to maintain and follow the routine mapped out by strength and conditioning coaches.
“Pretty much the same routine. No big changes,’’ said Guerrero Jr., who returned to his native Dominican Republic when COVID-19 forced baseball to suspend its spring league season.
BO-DACIOUS
One can argue how the emerging talent known as Bo Bichette has assumed the mantle as the Jays’ franchise face, which probably suits the kid well given his extraordinary talents and willingness to embrace any challenge.
Bo knows the Jays’ youth has the potential to serve the club well as MLB takes aim on its shortened season.
A standard 162-game slate or the current 60-game model, Bichette’s attitude remains the same as does his approach.
“Bottom line, we have a lot of really good players in here,” said the 22-year-old shortstop. “Short season, long season, I’ve told you guys (in the media) plenty of times that I think we were going to compete, regardless of 162 or 60.
“I believe in everybody in here. I believe we’re a lot better than people think.”
It’s now up to Bo’s baseball brethren to follow his lead.
it’s all about having the best chance to compete in a shortened season.
BOSTON BOUND
The Jays announced they will be in Beantown for a two-game set against the host Red Sox, July 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., the only two pre-season games Toronto will get under its belt before opening pitch gets officially thrown in MLB’S 60-game regular season.
No word yet on where the Jays will play their home games.
The feds paved the way for the club to use Rogers Centre and the adjoining hotel to set up summer shop.
If the team can’t play its regular-season games in Toronto, the most logical option is for the team to return to its spring training home in Dunedin.