The Toronto Blue Jays’ two-game loss to the Minnesota Twins hurt the Queen City team, which could have missed a golden opportunity.
The Jays’ roster could look very different in two years. Kevin Kiermaier, Whit Merrifield, Brandon Belt, Matt Chapman, Hyun Jin Ryu and Jordan Hicks are eligible for full free agency after the World Series. Next year, Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will also be playing their final year of contracts.
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“You can sit here and question me, question the organization, question everyone. I understand that,” said emotion manager John Schneider, according to Sportsnet.
“It’s brutal,” he added. It’s a shame and it’s going to take me a while to digest it all.”
The main prospect removed starter Jose Berrios after three innings and brought in left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. The Jays then gave up two runs to the Twins. His decision was criticized by many.
“There are several numbers to consider,” explained Schneider. You have to try to take advantage of the best opportunity every time.”
Commentator Buck Martinez didn’t mince his words before the meeting. He said that if they lost, “the whole season would be a disaster.”
Domination
There is bitterness among the players.
“We were dominated,” Matt Chapman said after the last game. It’s really no fun making so many sacrifices to get to this point.”
“I absolutely loved every minute in Toronto,” he added. We’ll see what the future holds for me.”
His teammate Brandon Belt is considering the possibility of retirement. He is 35 years old.
“This could be the end for me,” Brandon Belt said. I don’t know yet and I need to discuss it with my family to see how they feel and how I will feel in a few months.”
The burden of the defeat was clearly heavy on Kevin Kiermaier’s shoulders.
“I’ll still be a free agent,” he said. […] I’m going to take some time to relax at home and see who’s interested in me next.
Separately, third band coach Luis Rivera announced his resignation on Thursday. He had been with the organization since 2011.