New Jays start Hot

The Blue Jays began the Spring 2014 BCC season Sunday, April 6, at Lynnbrook Park with...

• Seven new players
• New uniforms
• A new opponent

Thankfully, the fun was much the same as it's been for more than five years.

The optimal game lineup remains a work in progress, but the early returns are promising.

These guys meshed quickly and treated everyone to an outstanding debut performance.

The final score was Blue Jays 9, Red Sox 4.

April 6 Game Report

Xander Yu played an excellent all-around game.  In addition to putting in two outstanding innings behind the dish, he pitched the first two frames, allowing no walks and striking out two.  He helped himself when he caught an infield pop-up on the mound in the bottom of the second.  Hitting in the second spot in the order, Xander set the table offensively in the top of the first inning, knocking a single up the middle and scoring a run.  He went on to collect an RBI in the fifth.

Returning Blue Jays required little time to gel with the new recruits.  Jake Lang smacked a line drive base hit to right field in his first at-bat, driving in a run in the top of the first.  He would later add a walk to his early season resume.  A versatile and reliable glove man, Jake alternated at 1st base, 3rd base, and in left field, playing heads-up baseball at each position.

Expectations for Sam Berman might be unfairly high if not for the fact that he consistently meets or exceeds them.  His season opening performance included a home run, a single, a walk, three runs scored, and two RBIs.  On the mound, Sam struck out six of the seven batters he faced in two scoreless innings.  He made a tough play look easy at shortstop, ranging to his left, fielding a grounder, and firing a missile to 1st base to end the bottom of the first.  Manning the dish in the bottom of the sixth, Sam completed the game's penultimate out, hauling in a throw from the 3rd baseman and tagging a runner who was attempting to score.

Andre Schnider returned to the Blue Jays after a three-year absence and immediately contributed to the cause.  He took the mound for the final two innings and pitched effectively, throwing strikes and allowing his defense to do its job.  In addition to recording two strikeouts, Andre helped himself with his glove.  His fifth inning circus catch of a fly ball that had been deflected by a teammate was one of the game's more memorable highlights.  Andre closed the game when he nabbed a grounder at the mound and threw to 1st base to record the final out of the contest.

Gavin Ferguson demonstrated renewed aggressiveness in his two trips to the plate, but his main contribution came on defense.  Playing in left field in the bottom of the second inning, Gavin scooped up a base hit and delivered an accurate dart to the plate, enabling the catcher to tag out the runner who was attempting to score.  Coaches love nothing more than watching players take what they learn at practice and execute it when it counts.  Gavin did exactly that, throwing 70 feet on a line and giving his teammate a chance to complete the play.

Fortunately, that teammate happened to be Cole Hughes, an intelligent and instinctive athlete who impressed throughout his Blue Jays' debut.  Adjusting to the throw's trajectory, Cole tagged the runner out with three feet to spare.  Later, playing at 3rd base, he fielded a dribbler near the foul line and threw home to turn another would-be run into an out.  Offensively, Cole demonstrated the right balance of power and patience, blasting a home run in the third inning, drawing two walks, scoring three runs, and driving in two.

After progressing rapidly in each of the Blue Jays' preseason practices, Derek Sappenfield provided glimpses of what he can do at the plate throughout Sunday's season opener.  He proved to be an able contact man in the box, putting the bat on the ball in each of his three at-bats.  Defensively, Derek demonstrated that he is a good option at 2nd base and in the outfield.

Eli Kroskin brings a pair of fleet feet to the Blue Jays.  He put his slick wheels in motion in the top of the fifth inning, beating the throw on a close play at 1st base to earn an infield hit and eventually score a run.  Defensively, Eli possesses the look of a guy who can play multiple positions with range.  In Sunday's game, he played solid ball at 2nd base, 3rd base, and at shortstop.

Jack Raymond returns to the Blue Jays after enjoying a very successful Fall 2013 campaign.  He put his bat on the ball in the top of the sixth, scooting a solid grounder through the infield.  Jack also drew a walk in the bottom of the second inning.  Defensively, Jack backed up throws from both corner outfield positions, keeping his head in the game despite the fact that the ball never seemed to come his way.  That, of course, will change as the season progresses.

An accomplished hockey player, Michael Hardie rejoins the Blue Jays following a three-year baseball sabbatical.  In Sunday's game, he picked up right where he had left off back when he had no front teeth, putting the bat on the ball in each trip to the plate.  Michael knocked infield grounders in the second, fourth and sixth innings.  Defensively, he chased down a well hit ball in center field and returned it to the infield to limit the damage.  Michael also fielded a grounder at 2nd base.

Another multi-sport speedster, the appropriately named Will Dash flew down the 1st base line and beat the throw to the bag, collecting an infield hit in his only at-bat of the game.  Showing no signs of fatigue despite having played a soccer game earlier in the day, Will toured the bases and scored a run in the top of the fifth.  Will's speed makes him a natural at center field and at 2nd base.

George Roggie put in a typically solid performance in the Blue Jays' season opener.  He assisted on two put-outs at 1st base, caught a fly ball to collect the first out of the second inning, and handled a grounder unassisted to end the bottom of the fifth.  George's offensive production featured a 3-for-3 batting line that included a double, two singles, and three RBIs.

When the game was complete, the Blue Jays congratulated the Red Sox, a fundamentally sound team that plays with skill, passion and a positive attitude.  We hope to see them again in the future.

The new unis appear to be a hit, as well.  This year's Blue Jays are not merely talented.

They're handsome.

Organizational Stability

The Blue Jays are very fortunate to have Brian Ferguson coaching at 3rd base this season.  His advice and counsel are highly valued.

Derrick Raymond unleashed the hounds from his 1st base coaching position, sending runners to 2nd base as a matter of routine.

Steve Berman kept score with the precision of a surgeon.  His notes account for most of what you've just read.

Most importantly, everyone appeared to have ample fun on a gorgeous day for baseball.  Let's hope we get a few more like this one.

Welcome and welcome back, Blue Jays - well done!

Coach Steve