Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista understands the logic behind the acquisition of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but admitted it was very tough to see Jose Reyes traded to the Colorado Rockies.
“It’s bittersweet letting go of a great teammate and great player and someone I consider part of my family now,” Bautista told a handful of reporters before Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. “It’s part of the business. I’ve been around enough to experience a few these (departures) and it sucks letting some people go, but it’s always good to get great players back.
“As a pure baseball move, there are upgrades in different areas. Maybe not necessarily what we need but it is an upgrade if you want to look at it that way.”
Bautista, one of the strongest voices in the Blue Jays’ clubhouse, said that the team realizes they have a great opportunity in front of them, sitting just three games back of a wild card position, and must stay positive, despite losing such a close friend and important clubhouse influence in Reyes.
“He might’ve been the centrepiece of all of it,” Bautista said of Reyes. “We’re all professionals here and we can’t use that as an excuse. Any club within striking distance can use improvement. As long as you can make that club better than that team will welcome those changes.
“I’m sure Alex (Anthopoulos) is trying and I’m trying not to get ahead of myself and wish or demand anything because that’s not my job. We have a chance to make something special happen this year and hopefully we go after it.”
Entering Tuesday, the Blue Jays have a 50-50 record and lead MLB in runs scored.
