Season prep for Jays and Alek Manoah: Replicating the game environment is key

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DUNEDIN Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah was dressed in his game-day uniform and matched it with his intense game face on Thursday.

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It could have been on one the few practice fields at the Jays player developmental complex with less than 100 people. Manoah tried his best to mimic a game-day routine.

Manoah threw 45 pitches in two innings of simulated pitching from the moment he woke up. Every time I go to the mound, it’s game day. I want to get the most out of these sessions.

It’s my favorite part of the game. I don’t think I’ll face a better team than this all year than I will with my own teammates. I’m excited to face them all spring.

The Grapefruit league season begins Friday with the Jays’ first of 18 games against the Orioles. But, some of the most important work will be done here in Dunedin.

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On Thursday, Manoah Yusei Kikuchi, Kevin Gausman, and starters Manoah were all on the mound for live batting practice sessions. Nate Pearson was also involved.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette were among the hitters who faced those big arms.

It will be interesting for us to see how usage develops over the pre-season. Charlie Montoyo, manager, will distribute playing time in a fair manner, but will consult with players.

Springer, for example, sounds like a guy who enjoys the live BP sessions. It is easier to do more work in a shorter time period and face multiple pitchers.

While I want my preparation to be as good as possible, Springer said that the goal was to be ready for play on April 8. This is a short season. Everyone knows we are all in the same boat so I believe everyone will do it their own way.

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I will get as many live ABs and then, when I’m ready, go out and play to see what happens.

Montoyo and his coaching staff are all on board with this game plan.

Montoyo stated that some players get more from live BPs than they do when they are away (from games). We have found that players are more prepared if they have live BPs, and that we can communicate with them.

CLAP FOR CHAP

Matt Chapman, a recently acquired third baseman, was due to arrive in Dunedin on Thursday from Arizona. He will also be in uniform for training on Friday.

The all-star first baseman still gets rave reviews from his new teammates even before his arrival.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. said that he is very comfortable with me being in the opposite corner. He brings a lot of experience to the team and it makes us all feel good.

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Springer was able to see enough of Chapman during his Houston Astros days to understand what the Jays are doing on the extreme left side.

Springer said that he’s been wrong all the time. He expects the same from everyone. He is going to raise the bar.

Montoyo stated that he received a text from his new infielder, and Chapman expressed excitement about moving to one the top contenders of the American League.

PROMISES ARE FULFILLED

Jays management promised Springer that they would continue to build a team contender after he signed his six-year contract worth $150 million US.

In an off-season marked by a prolonged extension to Berrios’ contract, the acquisition of Gausman is encouraging. The trade for Chapman also encourages the pursuit of the centre fielder.

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Springer said that they did everything they said they would do. To show that they believe in the locker room buys and to surround them by guys who can help them be better.

It is amazing to see. You can see the commitment to the group. An organization believes that they are a great team and then brings in guys who will make an immediate impact.

AROUND THE BASES

Manoah stated that his fastball reached 94 and 95 mph during Thursday’s game against Baltimore. This is a good start to spring training. The big righty quip Berrios will be the first player against Baltimore on Friday, while Gausman will face off against the Phillies in Philadelphia on Saturday. Manoah stated that hell will make his spring debut on Monday against Bradenton’s Tigers. Two of the Jays’ six first-ever road games are against nearby Clearwater Phillies.