Tellez channels lessons learned from Jays’ greats
This being his seventh bigleague spring training, Rowdy Tellez has learned more than a thing or two from a couple of generations of Toronto Blue Jays teammates, much of which has stuck with him.
In those earlier years, the big first baseman/designated hitter took fastidious notes on observations from some big-time teammates, lessons he benefits the deeper he gets into his career.
As he looks to make himself indispensable this spring, Tellez admits he still reverts back to some of the advice gleaned from such former Jays greats as Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki.
“This is my seventh spring training and I've been fortunate to be around MVPS, home run kings, Cy Young (winners) … guys who have been among the highest levels and achieved the highest accolades,” Tellez said after opening Grapefruit League play in style Sunday afternoon in Tampa with a pair of hits and two RBI in a 6-4 Jays win.
“I've watched them and as I've gotten older, I've taken tidbits from each guy on how to prepare.”
Tellez is certainly one of the Jays to watch this spring based on his torrid September last year, an offensive explosion that was halted only by a knee injury. As a rare lefthanded bat at manager Charlie Montoyo's disposal, Tellez brings his share of power to the order.
Tellez said he learned plenty from the three veterans he mentioned, especially in terms of preparation for the season. You can't do it all in one day of the long spring training campaign, especially when factoring in what the work is for — the grind that awaits from the longest season in North American professional sports.
“It's not always ‘ hey, let's go all out every day.' It's we have to get ready for 162,” Tellez said. “I think over time and over the years from those teammates, I've learned how to handle spring training and take each day and be prepared.
“Those were the days when I was young. You've got two eyes, two ears one mouth so pipe down and listen. That was something that helped me a lot. Those were pivotal moments for me.”
The specifics of one short afternoon at Steinbrenner Field won't be classified as pivotal for Tellez, considering he faced just four pitches and as DH didn't see the field. But when it comes to workload during Grapefruit League games, Tellez says bring it on.
“All of them. I want as many at-bats as possible,” Tellez said. “I'm still a young player. I just want to be as ready as I can for Day 1, so whatever the staff allots me batting situation-wise, and how many at-bats, I'm just going to take every one. “I want as many as I can.” Of course with a deep lineup, Tellez won't be alone in lobbying for a spot in the order, a nice problem for Montoyo to have.
“I'll take that pressure any day I'll be good with that,” Montoyo said. “I know it's spring training but it's good to see guys have good approaches already. And Rowdy had a good game today and looked really good.”