Tough Blue Jays Schedule, Second Base Play, and a Bizarre Pitch Clock Strike

John Gibbons and Bastl step up to the plate this week to discuss the challenges of managing a tough schedule, Toronto’s second-base dilemma, and one of the most bizarre strikes called in recent memory. Check out the full episode below.

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Prepping a Tough Road Ahead

There are no two ways about it. The Toronto Blue Jays are being put through the wringer at this early stage of the campaign. At the time of writing, they’re tussling with the defending champion Houston Astros down in Texas. Once that set is done the Yankees (away), White Sox (home), and dreaded Mariners (home) await them. How would Gibbons, as a former manager, handle the challenge?

“They’re getting no favours…You hear the old “One day at a time.” It’s that simple, that’s all you can do. But I guarantee that the coaching staff goes into the season, looks at the schedule and says “This is a gauntlet!” “

The former Blue Jays head coach reminds fans that nothing comes easy in the major leagues. As long as the club comes out of this stretch with its head above water they’ll be fine. After all, the usual ebbs and flows of an MLB schedule dictate that things will get easier at some point.

Second Guessing Second Base

Toronto supporters are asking questions about what the strategy is at second base. Both Whit Merrifield and Santiago Espinal are making strong cases for themselves. Where does “Gibby” stand? Who is the Blue Jays’ best bet at second?

“I’m a Merrifield guy. I saw him play at Kansas City. I’m a big fan of his style of play. He can do so many things.”

For Gibbons, the former Royal has it all. In addition to being a solid defender, he can get on base via hits or walks, is a great runner, and has the ability to “burn you deep” sometimes with the home run swing. An issue for the Jays is that, with so many solid options, it’s tough to get going when one doesn’t play every day.

And what about building chemistry with Bo Bichette at shortstop?

“Oh yeah, that’s generally what you get. It’s very important. When you look at the history of great shortstop-second base combos, they don’t have to be great offensive guys, but they’re known for their defence up the middle.”

When the combo is regularly changed, it can affect things because players have different styles and different skills.

Standing Ovation Equals Strike?

Last Friday night the Chicago Cubs visited the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans in attendance were anxious to see the return of one of their favourite players, outfielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger helped the club win the World Series in 2020 was the 2019 National League MVP. Despite wearing a different uniform, he received a standing ovation at his first at-bat.

It was a nice moment. Until it wasn’t.

With the new pitch clock regulation, the umpire called a strike for violating the timer, even before the first pitch was sent Bellinger’s way. There was no way Bastl and Gibbons were not going to talk about this.

“Oh man, talk about having no awareness at all! I think the umpire was Jim Wolf, who’s a pretty good umpire, but what are we thinking? I don’t know if they all have to eat from the commissioner (by following the rules to a tee).”

Gibbons goes on to explain that the fans want to see Bellinger and salute the good times both parties shared together. The strike call is a black eye of sorts on the game, but by the same token, the league is so involved in how baseball is run that the former manager is unsurprised it happened.

As for the last time that “Gibby” received a standing ovation? Well, his recent return to Toronto was a success. After all, his dog was happy to see him.