Blue Jays hope for more offensive output this year throughout revamped lineup
Pillar envisions 20-homer potential for all regulars
As Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Kevin Pillar relaxed in the clubhouse on Wednesday, he glanced around the room and was hit with an interesting thought.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone in our lineup, every regular guy, has 20-plus home runs this year,” said the sixth-year Jay. “Home run numbers are up in general and I think we have strong guys. I think the ballparks we play in, especially in the East, are conducive for hitting home runs. And it’s just kind of the era we play in. Strikeout numbers are going to be up, home runs are going to be up and fans are going to be happy about it.”
Pillar, who is off to an excellent start this season following a strong spring training, believes the Jays have more pop in the lineup this season compared to years past when they relied on certain power hitters for much of the offence — players like Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson.
Manager John Gibbons is counting on his entire lineup contributing this year after the club finished last in runs (693) in the AL in 2017.
Heading into Wednesday’s tilt against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre, the Jays had hit homers in all six games to begin the season. Seven Toronto batters had combined for 10 home runs. Counting hard-hitting shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on the DL, eight Blue Jays have recorded seasons in the majors with 20 home runs or more — Donaldson, Tulowitzki, Justin Smoak, Curtis Granderson, Randal Grichuk, Russell Martin, Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce. A couple — Pillar, Aledmys Diaz, and Yangervis Solarte — have come close. Solarte hit 18 last year in 128 games in San Diego. The record for most Jays with 20 or more homers in one season is seven.
“I don’t know. I think time will tell,” said Donaldson, when asked if he believes the Jays will get much more offensive production this year. “It’s hard to be able to judge that after five games, but this ballpark can definitely help you in that department. I hope so.”
Pillar is hopeful he’ll break the 20-homer barrier for the first time.
“I don’t have a specific number in mind,” said Pillar, who hit a career-high 16 last season. “I think getting in the 20s and beyond that would be great, but it’s not something where I go up there and consciously just try to hit home runs. I think if I just continue to hit the ball hard, then the homers will start to come.”
BYE BYE BAUTISTA
There is a dynamic change inside the Jays’ clubhouse this season.
“It does feel a little bit different,” said Pillar.
The big difference is not having Jose Bautista around.
“We’re so used to having him around,” said Pillar. “As long as I’ve been here, he’s been here. His locker was right here (near mine). It’s definitely kind of a little bit weird.
“We got used to all things that come with Jose. He had a big personality — good, bad, indifferent, whatever. He had a big personality and that was something we were used to having around here. It just
I think we have strong guys. I think the ballparks we play in, especially in the East, are conducive for hitting home runs. And it’s just kind of the era we play in.
kind of seems to be a changing of the guard a little bit without him being here. It’s kind of a new era for Blue Jays baseball.
“I think you’ll always look back and think about the times with Jose. He brought a lot of great things to this organization and this city and hopefully we can build off some of the stuff that he helped us create here.”
Bautista hit .203 with an OPS of .674 and 23 home runs last year and the Jays declined his option for 2018. He is still looking for a job.
AROUND THE DIAMOND
Diaz, who suffered back spasms Tuesday, did not start Wednesday but was available. Gift Ngoepe played shortstop. Also available was outfielder Pearce, who had been out the last couple of days with a bug ... DH Morales hit in the seventh spot Wednesday, the lowest he has started the game in a batting order since April 20, 2012 ... Donaldson believes the relatively low attendance at the Rogers Centre for the White Sox series this week is partly the result of Toronto fans turning their attention to the playoff-bound Raptors and Maple Leafs. “I don’t think (the Leafs) want to play my Lightning (in the playoffs),” added Donaldson, a native of Pensacola, Fla.