While visiting a school in the Greater Toronto Area as part of the Blue Jays’ winter tour, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire by answering a question from a young fan about the easiest team to play against.
Without hesitation Vlad Jr. answered: the New York Yankees.
It goes without saying that his comment has already had echoes in the Bronx, where the Jays will be expected in 2023.
These are not the young Guerrero’s first incendiary remarks regarding the New York rivals. He had previously claimed that he would never sign with the Yankees, even though he was dead. He, like his teammates, will have to be present in the context of the next clashes against the Yankees.
Recall that last year, despite good performances from number 27, Toronto accumulated an 8-11 losing record against New York.
Add to that Alek Manoah’s comments about Gerrit Cole calling him the biggest cheater because of his behavior on the mound, and you have a situation where boots will have to follow lips.
Fortunately for him, Guerrero Jr. is an exceptional player and he is more than capable of answering for his actions. In career, against the Yankees, the Blue Jays first baseman hits for an average of .289, and this, in 65 games. Vladimir hit 13 long balls and drove in 41 runs against them.
Certainly, from a manager’s point of view, these comments serve the cause of rivals and help to motivate them. Rest assured that a memo will be pinned to the board in the Yankees locker room before each game between them and the Blue Jays.
The members of the 2023 edition of the Blue Jays will have to redouble their ardor during intra-division clashes and particularly against New York.
Maybe under the circumstances, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be offered a few inside shots as is the custom in the Majors when it comes time to settle scores?
Admittedly, the question posed by this young student took place in a friendly and relaxed setting, but the consequences are likely to be livelier.
Isn’t it a way of differentiating great players to see them put some pressure on themselves and respond positively to it? In the case of some dislike for the Yankees, David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. have done it before him.
