DUNEDIN, Fla. – The remaining Toronto Blue Jays reported to camp Thursday giving Kevin Seitzer a chance to look over all his hitters, including sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, for the first time.
The new hitting coach oversaw some batting practice with his new players, coming away pleased from his initial interactions.
“I just wanted to let those guys get some swings on the field and see what their tendencies are, what’s their approach, how their swing works and things like that,” said Seitzer. “I started getting a little idea in my mind of potential adjustments that could come up to help them, but I let it unfold. We’ll go out (Friday) morning, do some work in the cage before we head over, let them do their thing for a few days and I may make a suggestion here or there. It’s going to be micro, I was impressed today.”
Among Thursday’s arrivals was Melky Cabrera, who toned up over the winter after having surgery to remove a tumour from his spine. Cabrera and Seitzer forged a strong bond during their season together in Kansas City, and picked up right where things left off.
“I saw a couple of little things that we’ll address quickly,” said Seitzer. “His approach was a little off today, first day on the field taking live swings. Melky and I have a tremendous relationship so it’s something that I can go right after it and he’ll be receptive to it. He trusts me a lot, and that’s the first thing you have to do, build that relationship and establish some trust.”
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TURN IT UP: The Blue Jays hold their first full squad workout Friday, and things are set to turn up a notch after several days of bullpen sessions and pitchers’ fielding practice.
“We’re glad that’s over with now, get the whole team out there and they’ll start throwing some live BP, so it will be a little more realistic,” said manager John Gibbons. “Get through those next few days like that and start playing some games, where you’ll really be able to tell.”
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SHORT-HOPS: With several pitchers out of options, an eight-man bullpen out of training camp isn’t out of the question. “It’s not ideal but it could happen out of necessity to save some of those guys,” said manager John Gibbons. Esmil Rogers, Todd Redmond and Luis Perez are among those out of options. … The initial plan when he was signed as a free agent was for Melky Cabrera to bat second. Is that still the case? “We’ll see how that plays out,” said Gibbons. “We’ll decide that a little later.” … Infielder Brent Morel, claimed by the Blue Jays on waivers from the Chicago White Sox, has one option left.
