Spring in the air in Dunedin
From camp battles to ticket sales: What to look for at training camp
The world looks very different now than when the Blue Jays last embarked on spring training in Dunedin, Fla. And so will pre-season preparations. Here’s what we know with camps opening this week — and a few things we don’t.
THE ROSTER
Each team will have 26 names on the roster come opening day, plus up to five on the taxi squad for road trips. With 15 Jays entering camp on guaranteed deals, and another seven or eight in the pre-arbitration stage of the game but already big-league regulars, there aren’t likely to be many surprises ahead of the regular-season opener on April 1. The Jays are still trying to land a No. 2 starter, however.
ON THE BUBBLE
The Jays non-tendered A.J. Cole back in December, but the 29-year-old reliever — effective last year, when he posted a 3.09 ERA in 23 ⁄ innings — has a 1
3 shot at earning a spot as a nonroster
invite. Infielder Joe Panik, whose veteran presence in the clubhouse make a good impression last summer, also has a chance after signing a minor- league deal Friday.
Another left-hander in the bullpen to join Ryan Borucki would be a smart move. Francisco Liriano, signed to a minorleague deal this month, is the biggest name in the mix after transitioning to the bullpen for good with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. But don’t sleep on lefty Tim Mayza, who told the Star in December he delved into analytics while rehabbing
from Tommy John surgery in 2020 and was on track to be 100 per cent by spring training.
THE NEXT WAVE
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bo Bichette. Cavan Biggio. Nate Pearson. Now this spring, eight of the 28 non-roster players invited to camp are top-10 calibre prospects expected to crack the big leagues in the next year or two. There are middle infielders: Austin Martin, Jordan Groshans, Miguel Hiraldo and Orelvis Martinez. And righthanded pitchers: Simeon Woods Richardson, Alek Manoah,
C.J. Van Eyk and Adam Kloffenstein. It has the makings of a strong competition for years to come, and it starts here.
THE SHOW GOES ON
Pitchers and catchers report to Dunedin on Thursday, with the first full squad workout next Monday. An updated Grapefruit League schedule, released last Friday, has the Jays playing 28 spring games beginning with a visit to the New York Yankees on Sunday, Feb. 28. The regional schedule, to limit travel, means the Jays will be seeing the Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers a combined 23 times.
AT THE PARK
The Jays’ newly renovated TD Ballpark will see live action starting Monday, March 1. Fans will be allowed up to 15 per cent capacity with increased health and safety protocols, including: tickets sold in twos or fours, seated a minimum of six feet apart; face coverings required for ages two and up, except when eating or drinking; symptom screening prior to entry; no player autographs; and no fans or media allowed at player workouts. Tickets go on sale to the general public next Wednesday.