Jays limp across the finish line
Sweep of Twins does little to erase memory of season gone wrong
The Toronto Blue Jays avoided a 90-loss season with a 2-1 over the Minnesota Twins on the final day of a season gone wrong on too many fronts for the organization to paint a happy face.
And they didn’t. From manager John Farrell and the players to GM Alex Anthopoulos, the Jays acknowledged their problems and the expectations of changes and upgrades to come. But while those mea culpas wrapped up a rough season, Toron- to managed a three-game sweep of the hapless Twins to finish the season 73-89.
Brandon Morrow picked up the win to become the only Jays pitcher with10 wins. It was a last gasp effort to pull the club out of further ignominy this season: only one Jays club, the 1979 edition, failed to produce a 10-game winner.
Morrow, expected to lead the rotation in 2013, struck out a season high 11 batters to finish 10-7. Rajai Davis and Adeiny Hechavarria knocked in runs in the third inning and that was all the support Morrow needed in a masterful eight inning outing.
Toronto hit the finish line with numerous issues and concerns for 2013, all of which are expected to put pressure on management in the off-season. One of the biggest issues is leadership Farrell called on the current roster to hold itself accountable rather than look for an incoming veteran to pick up the slack. Several of the longest tenured Jays — Adam Lind and Ricky Romero among them — either didn’t embrace the role strongly enough, or shied away from it in part because they felt they lacked the necessary age and experience.
“I don’t think you can ever underestimate (leadership),” Farrell said.
“Leadership is not dependant on age. There are daily opportunities for guys in our uniform to lead and there needs to be an acceptance of that, and a willingness to demonstrate that. It’s important for every player to take ownership of the team they play for. That doesn’t matter if it’s a guy completing his first full season … or a guy that’s entering his sixth year in this organization. Leadership is ageless.
“You might find growing opportunities when you stand up and stand for what is right. If that means calling out a teammate, that’s where some of that leadership comes into play. Bottom line … it starts with basic professionalism. That’s not asking too much.”
Farrell, meanwhile, said he doesn’t consider himself a “lame duck” manager as he enters the final year of a three-year contract in 2013.
“I’ve never been a duck,” Farrell said ingest when asked about his status. “My contract doesn’t change the way I do my job, that’s a short and sweet as I can say it. Everyone has different perceptions. I don’t know what else to tell you. Everyone knows what it is. Everyone is aware of it, and I’m certainly not running from it. You get what you earn.”