By Jonathan Soveta | @EighteenYards
Toronto Observer
SARASOTA, Fla. — J.P. Arencibia understands you won’t win every battle.
Knowing when the time is right to move on, however, is worth more than a victory.
The former Toronto catcher, now with the Baltimore Orioles, said on Wednesday at the team’s spring training facility at Ed Smith Stadium that he’s not about holding grudges against the Blue Jays, who let him walk after the 2013 season.
“You just have to understand that stuff, anyone could write anything; they don’t owe me an apology, they don’t have to come and say anything,” said Arencibia. “I feel like that’s part of the business, and you start to not take things personal.”
A non-roster invitee to Baltimore’s 2015 spring training camp, Arencibia takes some responsibility for negative comments he made about television analysts Gregg Zaun and Dirk Hayhurst.
“It was my own fault for attacking Gregg and Dirk,” said Arencibia about his reaction to critical remarks made by the commentators. “And so the repercussions were based on what I did, but I think that was the hard part of it.”
The Miami native had a batting average of .212, with 275 hits and 193 RBI during his four-year tenure with the Jays. In 63 games with the Texas Rangers last season, he managed only .177, with 36 hits, 35 RBI and 10 home runs, his worst statistical season since his rookie year.
Arencibia, who was criticized for a lack of maturity, has grown since his time in Toronto. Married in June, he understands that his new chapter in life doesn’t need to be weighed down by conflict.
“You really just have to enjoy every day for what it brings,” said Arencibia. “Having somebody who understands the pressures and how hard you have to work and everything that goes around with this game I think is the most important thing that stands out to me.”
The 29-year-old still has a soft spot for Toronto. He is especially proud of “TeamUnit,” the charitable clothing line that he and a mix of former and current Blue Jays and Maple Leafs launched.
“It was a great idea,” said Arencibia. “I think that it was something that we were able to give back and unite a city. Toronto, I think, is an unbelievable city that care a lot about their sports, so I think it was cool to try to get the city around the teams.”
Eager to put the conflicts in his past behind him, Arencibia is hopeful for a new start with the Orioles. He’s also pleased to return to a familiar division.
“A couple of options were in the AL East, and I really enjoyed playing in the AL East. Obviously,” said Arencibia. “I think it’s an unbelievable division, and it’s a lot of fun.”