Pitch Clock with John Gibbons: Opening Day Starters, Berrios Blunders, and the Rays

It’s another edition of Pitch Clock, Sports Interaction’s weekly YouTube show in which former Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons and host David Dastl shoot the breeze about the Jays and hot stories from around the MLB.

Check out the video below for the full episode.

As always, don’t forget to inspect our American League, National League, interleague, and MLB props for all your Major League Baseball action.

Let’s get down to business with “Gibby”!

Who Starts on Opening Day?

The boys get the conversation going in earnest with a fun question that delves into Blue Jays history. Out of all the pitchers Gibbons ever had in his rotation, which one was his preferred Opening Day starter?

“It’s gotta be Roy Halladay. He’s gotta be everyone’s number one pick because there’s a good chance you’re gonna win!”

The former Jays coach does share some love for another one of his former starters, Marcus Stroman. He explains that Stroman had the desire to be the top dog in the rotation, even though Roy was the more natural ace.

Jose Berrios Blunders

A name that’s come up in a previous episode of Pitch Clock is Jose Berrios. Gibbons had alluded to the fact that he was someone who would need to step up his game this season. Well, through two starts, it hasn’t looked very good: two losses and an ERA of 11.17. What exactly is to be done with the pitcher on whose shoulders so much hope rests?

“It’s too early in the season to give up on the kid, but they’re frustrated with him. Nobody is more frustrated than Berrios himself.”

His performances, while displaying some solid throws, are awash in too many mistakes. Another big issue is, understandably, that because of the poor start to the season, Berrios’ confidence is as low as it can get. That said, Gibbons offers some sage advice.

“In my experience, when they (a pitcher) make a lot of mistakes, it’s because they’re reaching back a little too much. That’s when you lose your location. Just back off a hair and concentrate on your command.”

Gibbons stresses that it’s far too early to consider relegating the pitcher to the Jays’ bullpen. More time is needed. On the flip side, when players earn as much as Berrios does, people will naturally pay closer attention to the performances, which frankly haven’t been good at this early stage of the season.

 Tampa Bay Shining Bright…in Second Place?!?

Tampa Bay is off to its best start ever and easily the best start of all MLB clubs in 2023. As of this writing, the Rays are still undefeated (11-0). Does that not make them the best squad in the American League East division? “Gibby’s” answer might raise eyebrows.

“I’ve got them at number two, behind the Blue Jays. I’m not a homer, I just like the Jays more.”

John Gibbons concedes that the Rays probably have the best pitching in the majors, supported by solid hitting and defence. To be clear, Tampa Bay is very good, but they’ll lose some games eventually.