This year, just about every positional player for the Blue Jays arrived early in training camp. We feel something special this year.
The exceptions? Brandon Belt, who arrived at the scheduled time, and Alejandro Kirk… who is not yet present with the others.
In Kirk’s case, there’s a reason: his wife is about to give birth to the couple’s first child. He is therefore at his side while waiting for the big day.
But it’s been a long time since he was supposed to become a father. It hasn’t happened yet.
The problem is, it’s a big training camp for the receiver. Not only does he have to adapt to new pitchers, but he also has to familiarize himself with the new rules of Major League Baseball – including the dial of the launchers.
This means that he will have to be at camp soon so as not to fall too far behind.
The problem? He must also show up at the World Baseball Classic, during the camp, to defend the colors of Mexico.
If it continues like this, the Jays will have no choice but to ban him from going to the Classic. This is an option more and more discussed as the days go by.
Obviously, this is not what the leaders of the Jays want, but they will have no choice. After all, Kirk is the club’s #1 receiver and he has to be ready.
Recall that the Blue Jays traded Gabriel Moreno to allow him (he and Danny Jansen, who also had a child in recent months) to stay in Toronto.
It’s not a matter of being controlling or whatever: it’s for the good of the team.
After all, right now everyone’s working hard to prepare for the season and Kirk needs to do the same.
- Frankie Montas had surgery.
- Ben Rortvedt will not start the season on time.
