Spring Is Here - OK Blue Jays, Let's Play Ball

Saturday, February 26 2011 @ 12:44 PM EST

Contributed by: Gerry

The first real practice game is played today, after two intra-squad games on Thursday and Friday.  Brett Cecil takes the mound against the Tigers in a agme that is on the Fan in Toronto and might be available elsewhere on the Canadian network.  In a B game this morning the Jays beat Philadelphia 8-1 behind Scott Richmond, Chad Jenkins and Deck McGuire.

The pre-games stories for the Jays have focused on the new staff, primarily John Farrell and Don Wakamatsu.  "Wak" has been working with the catchers including Arencibia, Jeroloman, d'Arnaud and Jimenez.

Jays catchers reap the benefit of experience - National Post

Another big area of discussion so far is the Adam Lind conversion to first base as well as Lind changing his hitting.   Most writers have been impressed with Lind's play so far although Richard Griffin (quelle surprise) thinks Lind needs help.  Brian Butterfield has been battling a bad case of the flu and has missed this week in camp.  Lind reworked his swing this winter with his high school coach.  They throught Lind had gotten bigger in the chest and that lengthened his swing.  A new swing awaits.

Griffin: Jays need Butter to soften Lind's hands - Star

There are a lot of kids in camp and they give the writers something to cover.

Jays in search of Knecht big thing - Star

Stewart off to promising start - Post

Hechavarria settles in with Blue Jays - Globe and Mail

Gose isn't raw, he's medium rare - Post

 

The initial word on Hechavarria is that he appears to be trying too hard, making some plays too quickly in the field and swinging early and often at the plate.  Zach Stewart caught everyone's eye with his first start.   Gose's new swing will be interesting to watch in the spring.  If the Jays believe Gose has mastered it he could open the season in New Hampshire, otherwise he will stay in Dunedin with Justin Mashore to continue to refine his swing.

 

Travis Snider, Aaron Hill, Scott Podsednick, Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch are each battling minor injuries.

 

Anything I missed?

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