Blue Jays first day of camp brings unexpected injuries and clubhouse drama
Santander, Bieber, Francis and Berrios make news on unusual Day 1
The first day of spring training is traditionally a joyous time of renewal, but on Blue Jays Day 1, manager John Schneider opened with a trio of injury reports — OF Anthony Santander, RHP Shane Bieber and RHP Bowden Francis — plus a mutual mea culpa drama surrounding RHP Jose Berrios and his decision to bail out during the World Series. Both sides now say the Berrios situation could have been handled better. Is all forgiven? We’ll find out. Already, less than a week into camp, the Jays have made a trade to shore up the outfield for the loss of Santander. Griff and Mal discuss the role of OF Jesus Sanchez, acquired from the Astros for OF Joey Loperfido, returning to his original team. Is there a role for Berrios that would see him make 30+ starts for the Jays or, as Mal and I discuss, given the club’s Top 10 depth of starters, is a Berrios trade more likely with three years left on his contract and an opt-out looming after 2026. Elsewhere, with $20M remaining on his final season in Philly, what happened to prompt the release of volatile OF Nick Castellanos. And more.
Two questions: 1. Do you think Berrios had a real injury or was it an injury of convenience? His numbers in the 2nd half were not good and his velocity did dip signficantly; and 2. How stressful for you is the lack of security of being on a year to year managerial role with the Ironbacks?