Bichette’s dad to help Jays get in the swing
Former MLB all-star serving as guest instructor
DUNEDIN, FLA. Bo Bichette knows what works for him in terms of working to become a confident and successful big-league hitter.
And now teammates of the second-year Blue Jays phenom will get a glimpse at what helped make Bichette’s rookie season such a success.
The Jays have recruited Bichette’s father, Dante, a former MLB all-star and crafty hitter himself, to work with the team as a guest instructor throughout spring training.
Whether players take advantage of the elder Bichette’s knowledge is up to them, and he won’t be getting in the way of any Jays coaches. But the Jays shortstop feels his dad has plenty to offer to anyone keen on listening.
“I honestly think he’s the smartest person I’ve ever talked to about baseball,” Bichette said Thursday. “Especially in terms of hitting and the mental side of the game. Hopefully, a few people will listen to him. He has a lot to offer.”
Bo Bichette has worked closely with his father both in his formative years growing up in Florida and during his rise through the pro ranks with the Jays.
“We’ve always had that bond,” Bichette said. “He knows my swing as well as I do.”
STARTING RACE
One of the most compelling competitions in spring training is expected to be the battle for the fifth starting spot in the Jays rotation.
With a handful of arms — from Ryan Borucki and Trent Thornton, to Anthony Kay and T.J. Zeuch to newcomer Shun Yamaguchi — Grapefruit League results could go a long way toward deciding the final roster.
“The beauty of it is, they all know they’re competing (for a spot) and they all know they have a chance at that spot, so that’s pretty good,” manager Charlie Montoyo said.
The upside for the Jays is that the guys who aren’t in the rotation to open the season won’t report directly to the bullpen. Instead, Montoyo will send them to triple-A Buffalo to continue starting. They’ll be just a phone call away.
SECOND MAN UP
Montoyo has long appreciated the versatility of Cavan Biggio. But on Thursday, Montoyo said he expects Biggio to establish himself as the team’s everyday second baseman.
“The one good thing about Cavan is, he’s so good that he can play anywhere, but right now he’s my second baseman,” Montoya said.
TV TIMEOUT
Even with plenty of new faces in camp, the Blue Jays once again won’t get notable TV exposure via live coverage of Grapefruit League games.
Rogers Sportsnet will produce only two of the team’s 32 games down here.
And according to a source, that news didn’t sit well with the highest levels of the Jays’ front office. The team has a new spring training stadium to show off, after all, as well as a new ace in starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, plus a boatload of young stars.
Considering the steep drop in attendance over the past couple of seasons, we’re guessing team president Mark Shapiro was hoping for a little more love from the Jays’ TV/corporate partner.