Demoted Blue Jay Pompey focuses on bigger picture

Speedy outfielder sent to minors but has been down this path before and knows what it takes

DUNEDIN— Sometimes a boy — or even a man — just needs his mom.

So Dalton Pompey was fortunate that his mother happened to be close by Friday, when the Mississauga native learned he was bound for the Blue Jays’ minor league camp over on the other side of town. A universe away from the big club, as the crow flies. “She’s actually down here,” the 23-year-old told reporters when he stepped out of the clubhouse to talk about his demotion, parent-proximity meaning he didn’t have to make that phone call home. Hadn’t had time yet to tell mum about what had just transpired.

“She follows the Internet so I’m sure she’ll see soon. But it’s all good.”

Well, it’s not all good actually, though Pompey was doing his best to put a brave face on relegation 2.0.

He’s been down this downward roundabout before. And he’s doubtless had a bellyful of the minors. Nobody, however, is of the view that Pompey won’t ultimately be restored to the Jays, by and by. Manager John Gibbons stressed that point when he took his young fielder — except not really that young anymore — aside Friday morning.

“I said listen, you could probably be on this team. But he needs to be down there playing every day. He needs to force his way back in here.’’

There’s one outfield job that’s open on the roster — the fourth man — and it was generally assumed Dalton wouldn’t be the guy, no matter how well he per- formed at spring training. He’s been better than OK with a couple of home runs in 22 at-bats. He’s also one of the team’s few fleet-of-foot threats on the basepaths, particularly with the departure of Ben Revere. For all their big-bop power, the Jays aren’t exactly rabbits.

“They said I had a great camp, keep doing what I’m doing, stay level-headed, continue to work. There’s going to be another opportunity some time soon and I’m looking forward to that day.”