Blue Jays From Away joins forces with Jays From the Couch to bring you the latest in Toronto Blue Jays coverage of the past week.
As part of our ongoing partnership, Blue Jays from Away and Jays From the Couch have teamed up and what follows is a run down of Blue Jays coverage from Jays From the Couch.
*Check out Episode 122 of Jays From the Couch Radio’s podcast where we discuss the Blue Jays’ pitching conundrum, life and Justin Smoak
*Speaking of Justin Smoak, Jeff Quattrociocchi had some fun going back in time and looking at the decision to sign the first baseman to his current contract in real time. Jeff looks at what would have gone into the decision and pushed Blue Jays management into signing on the dotted line. Hint: all of it points to the decision being the right move.
*Jeff has more on Smoak in a piece that may very well surprise you. Jeff argues that Smoak has actually been among the league’s best hitters thus far in 2017. The numbers bear out this argument and it is well worth the read.
*Spencer Redmond takes a look at the turn around that Jose Bautista has gone through in May. After a rough start to the 2017 season, one that had many people questioning whether the franchise icon has fallen from grace, Bautista slugged his way back to his old self. Spencer takes a look at Joey Bats’ splits and argues that his offensive resurgence came at the right time for the player and the team.
*Speaking of resurgences, we also looked into Aaron Loup and his own return to effectiveness. It has been years since Loup and the word “effectiveness” have been used in the same sentence. The last few seasons saw him struggle and miss out on call ups as the Blue Jays seemed to have lost confidence in him. Spring Training saw the club faced with a decision on Loup; one that meant that he would have to at least get a long look. Loup has taken advantage of that opportunity and has become one of the more reliable pieces in the Blue Jays bullpen. What is interesting is that he is using the strike zone to his advantage. More to the point, he is missing the strike zone and batters are having little success as a result.
*Finally, Catherine Stem wrote a powerful, personal piece on how the ups and downs of baseball are so important to real life struggles. Catherine uses her own experience to shed some light on the power that baseball can have for those who are invested in it. The struggles within the game of baseball may seem trivial or superficial, but for kids and adults alike, they can used to inspire the courage required to overcome obstacles.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING JAYS FROM THE COUCH! CHECK US OUT ON TWITTER @JAYSFROMCOUCH AND INSTAGRAM. LIKE US FACEBOOK. BE SURE TO CATCH THE LATEST FROM JAYS FROM THE COUCH RADIO AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
If you like us here, like us on Facebook!
The 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is now available! Check out the Handbook page for more information!
Now is a great time to subscribe to the Blue Jays from Away Premium Content Section!
All photos are copyright Blue Jays from Away (2013-2017) and may not be used without permission.