WORST TO FIRST: How the Blue Jays changed the narrative and are reaping the results
Article content
Most assuredly, more than other major professional team sport, advanced analytics rule the game and those teams that find a blend to translating the numbers into an on-field performance edge can certainly reap the rewards.
Article content
But what happens when a motivated group of players worries less about the numbers and more about winning as a team? Perhaps the surging, scintillating Toronto Blue Jays are the latest to hit upon the ultimate winning formula that goes above and beyond the fancy stats.
Article content
'It's a bunch of brothers,' said George Springer, in some ways the leading man in terms of much of what is going right for this team, topping the squad in home runs with 16 and seemingly in big-game moments as well.
Article content
'It's guys who are pulling for one another. No one is above the team. It's about (the name) on the front and not the back.
Article content
'Any time you have everybody going in the same direction like that, it's something special. Obviously there's still a long way to go, but to have that amongst us is an awesome feeling.'
Article content
Article content
The numbers that matter the most now are bordering on staggering and, in the past week especially, have vaulted the Jays into the biggest story in baseball.
Article content
That all-for-one mindset has paid massive dividends for the Jays through 91 games. The 53 wins through that portion of the season are their most in more than 30 years through that many games and have them on pace for 94.
Article content
In the moment, the sizzling play has given the Jays a 3.5-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East heading into Tuesday's action.
Article content
It has galvanized and inspired a group that frankly had been frustrated both with management and their own performance over the past couple of years. It has enraptured a strong and loyal coast-to-coast fan base.
Article content
Article content
Consider that, at their core, players aren't in love with all that goes with the modern approach. Most will understand the value of analytics, but if it sometimes bogs down the ultimate goal — winning games and chasing a World Series — it can become a burden.
Article content
Cleaner lines of communication and a more pragmatic approach by manager John Schneider has helped build a foundation of trust in a clubhouse that didn't always have it.
Article content
'I would say it's the culture we've been able to build here,' starting pitcher Chris Bassitt said when asked to describe what is going on with a group that has skyrocket from last place in October to first the following July. 'It's taken a while.'
Article content
Yes, it has.
Article content
The lingering effects of two years ago, when starting pitcher Jose Berrios was removed from a playoff game in Minnesota after three innings despite pitching his heart out, was a flashpoint. The fallout persisted through the 2024 season and when performance turned sour, so did the mindset.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Community-built park thrives while city debates recreational upgrades
Connaught residents took park upgrades into their own hands, building a multi-sport court with $311,000 in grants and local donations after Timmins council delays. The community-funded project now serves as a safe play space for families. Lydia Chubak reports.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer hopes performance against the A's is just the beginning
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer throws to the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 11, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis) WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Max Scherzer, for one night at least, offered a throwback performance. He stifled Athletics hitters for five innings on Friday night before finally running into some trouble in the sixth, but even then he limited the damage before exiting in a 7-6 Toronto victory. Scherzer (1-0) finished with eight strikeouts while allowing five hits. 'He was dominating areas up and down and out,' Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. 'He is who he is for a reason.' Scherzer claimed his first victory since July 25 last year when he pitched for Texas and the Rangers defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1. Injuries didn't help. The three-time Cy Young Award winner opened last season on the injured list after undergoing back surgery. Then shortly after recording that victory against the White Sox, he spent more than a month on the IL because of shoulder fatigue. Scherzer signed a $15.5 million, one-year contract with the Blue Jays in the offseason, but again experienced health issues. He went on this 60-day IL because of an injured thumb. 'My body's good,' Scherzer said. 'As long as my thumb is healthy, I can be myself. I can pitch like this. It's all about my thumb.' This was his fourth start since rejoining the rotation, and Scherzer made the most of it. He struck out five consecutive batters at one point and shut out the A's over five innings, allowing just singles to Nick Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom. The A's began to get to Scherzer in the sixth, with Kurtz hitting a two-run home run and Soderstrom getting a solo shot. Those homers cut the Blue Jays' lead to 7-3, but Scherzer induced a flyout to Miguel Andujar to end the threat. 'It's my first time at 90 pitches, lengthening my arm out for the first time to the sixth inning this year,' Scherzer said. 'Get acclimated to that pitch count and hopefully get rolling. I'm happy about this, especially when we win. When I get my chance after the (All-Star) break, keep this going.' Schneider said he thought the break came at a good time for the 40-year-old Scherzer. 'Hopefully, he can build off of this and get him out there pretty regularly,' Schneider said. 'I think reshuffling the rotation if we can to give him a little more rest would be great. I'll take him on the mound any day of the week.' __ Mark Anderson, The Associated Press
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Hope Volleyball Summerfest serves up fun and support for charity at Mooney's Bay
The sweltering heat in the nation's capital wasn't enough to keep thousands of volleyball enthusiasts indoors. A sea of players filled the courts at Mooney's Bay on Saturday for the annual Hope Volleyball Summerfest. There are more than 600 teams and 6,000 players playing on the courts this year. Hope Volleyball Summerfest is one of the largest one-day beach volleyball events in the world and it's something players look forward to every year. One of those is Jaime Sharma, playing with her work colleagues. 'Support a great cause. Be here as a team,' she said of why she joined. In their second year attending the event, she says it's fun with them no matter what. 'I think we're losing right now, but the vibe is strong,' she said. 'We keep trying. We're staying positive. We're reframing our losses.' While it's all fun and games for the players, it's also important for the charities who rely on the event. Laura Andrews, executive director Hope Volleyball Summerfest, says more than $100,000 will be raised this year. She says more than $4.75 million has been raised since it began 43 years ago for local charities. 'The people that keep coming back here year after year – I can't thank them enough,' she said. 'It's amazing,' she says of the numbers raised. 'Every year, it's absolutely amazing.' The charities being supported this year include Upstream Ottawa, the Ottawa Humane Society, the Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma, The Door Youth Centre and Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB). Andrews says that every charity has a project they apply for. Malik Ayass, executive director of the Door Youth Centre located on Somerset Street West, says the funding is extremely important. 'Without the support of the community and the volunteers and a third-party funder like volleyball, it's impossible for us to manage and keep our doors open without such support,' he said. 'It means a lot to us and we're very grateful for everybody.' Patti Murphy with the Youth Services Bureau Foundation says the money will go towards their life skills programming for youth who live in their shelters, which includes teaching youth how to cook and budget. 'We know that funds coming in are from individuals or from companies, small and large,' said Murphy. 'Having that care come back to us in a really fun environment like today in the hot sun and the music going, It's really beautiful. It feels like a big family picnic, honestly.' The final fundraising total won't be clear for a few days as organizers work to count all the donations but Andrews says people can continue to donate online.
