Nobody is expecting too much from the Toronto Blue Jays in the standings this year. Not only are they in the same division as the powerhouse Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, making their schedule harder than almost any other team’s, they also are a shadow of what they were a few years ago when the made the post season in back-to-back years.
No more Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Troy Tulowitzki, or Russell Martin. That bunch of position players had Jays’ fans dreaming of another World Series berth, but instead the rapid decline of some of those, and injuries to others, forced the team into rebuild.
Now the name to know is undoubtedly, unquestionably Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
While other names in the prospect system make have Jays fans excited, Vlad is the one that everyone is watching. The son of baseball legend Vladimir Guerrero Sr, the team is hoping the younger Vlad will be able to follow in his father’s footsteps.
We have to say, he’s doing a pretty good job so far…
That is absolutely nuts. Through the same number of at-bats, Vlad Jr has stats just about as close as can be across the board. The only glaringly different stat is Vlad Jr’s ability to get a base on balls. He does have a margin in strikeouts as well, but overall his eye at the plate seems to have done better thus far. That is a very, very good sign for the Jays.
Not only are their stats almost the same, so is their swing. Guerrero Sr’s famous stroke seems to be reincarnated within his son, and it’s doing just about the same in regards to damage.
It may not be a fun season in the stands at the moment, but if Vlad gets the call up – which most of the Jays’ faithful is begging for – you can bet there will be a few less empty seats.
(H/T Kelsie Heneghan)
