Bautista says lack of vets not a problem

Jose Bautista says there are no problems with leadership or accountability inside the Blue Jays’ clubhouse, despite recent criticisms levelled at the team by some of its own players.

“But more importantly,” Bautista said. “I would hate to see this used as an excuse for our record. We’re the players, we’re on the field, we’re accountable for playing good and helping to get wins. I’d hate for something like this to be looked upon as the reason why we’re losing.”

The injured Jays’ slugger and undisputed leader of the young team spoke for the first time since he was shut down for season-ending surgery in August after briefly trying to return from the left-wrist sprain he suffered July 16 in New York.

In many ways, his injury was the death knell for the season. They were 45-45 and still very much in wild-card contention when he clutched his wrist in agony at Yankee Stadium. They Jays went 29-44 over the final 73 games.

Bautista was addressing comments made by several of his teammates, which stirred controversy as the Jays’ season reached its finale.

Last week veteran Omar Vizquel publicly criticized the team’s coaching staff for not holding young players’ accountable. This week, reliever Jason Frasor and first baseman Adam Lind said the team needs more veteran leadership.

While he respects Vizquel, Bautista said he disagreed with his comments.

“When it came to addressing mistakes and stuff like that, I see it every day and I saw it every day when I was playing and I see it every day when I’m watching games,” Bautista said, adding later that the team needs to perform better but does need to acquire additional leadership.

Bautista, who enters the third year of a five-year $64 million contract, said his wrist is healing well and he hopes to be able to pick up a bat later this month. He said he will definitely be ready by the time spring training opens in February.