jose bautista, new york

Just in case you’re suffering from those Monday-morning blues here’s a few minutes of escapism:

Q. It was bad enough with the pitching staff but now everyone’s getting injured. Should we be concerned about the Jays training/fitness conditioning staff?

Rob – Toronto

A. I really don’t believe it’s anything to do with the training regime. They’ve just been extremely unlucky. (Interestingly, they’re only one ahead of the Yankees and Padres for most current injuries in the Majors.)

Actually, in a bizarro world, Lost alternate-reality kind-of-way, these injuries have been a blessing in disguise.

Think about it.  The season could have easily gone ‘tits-up’ but the players haven’t quit.  In the process, fans now love this team, best exemplified by Brett Lawrie’s over-enthusiastic, demented puppy-dog approach.

It was always going to be tough making the postseason, but whatever happens, fans will be excited for 2013 with an explosive team that’s stayed in contention despite numerous pitching issues.

Q. What the hell’s wrong with Ricky Romero?

Mark – Edinburgh

A. You have to love these in-depth, analytical questions. In fairness, I think Romero’s just having an off-year.

However, if we delve deeper, Romero‘s always been hard on himself. Look at how he freaks out even when he gives up just one run. This is a guy who cares passionately, maybe too much sometimes. With all the pitching injuries, Romero put even more pressure on himself to lead the team.

The Jays swear he isn’t injured. Once Brandon Morrow returns, maybe it’s time to promote him to the number one role, in the process allowing Romero to take some of the pressure off his own shoulders.

Q. What’s the deal with Greinke to California? I thought he had social anxiety disorder and only wanted to be traded to certain teams. Surely one of the biggest markets is an odd choice?

Danielle – Brampton

A. I’ll refer to the numerous philosophy books I’ve read to answer this one.  (Who am I kidding, I heard Joey mention this in an episode of Friends.) Basically, sometimes you need to face your fears head-on.

As part of Greinke’s process of coping with SAD, maybe he decided to go to the second-biggest market in North America to deal with it. If he can’t handle the pressure of California his contract’s up at the end of this season, so he’ll be free to walk away.

As for people worrying about Greinke’s condition affecting him in the clubhouse, don’t.  If he is indeed weary of teammates and distrusts the media, this just makes him smarter than most players.

Okay, times up.  Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the first Blue Toro mailbag. Any questions, send them to the contact details below. Until next time.

Email:              englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk  or  paul.taylor@bluetoro.ca

Twitter:           @bluetoro.ca  or  @EnglishPaul07

Photo: http://insider – Los Angeles


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