Inside the complexs central building, dozens of classrooms, meeting rooms and workrooms accommodate groups as large as 130 or as small as two. Rather than sending a recent amateur draftee to tiny Bluefield, where the rookie-ball Blue Jays were operating out of a charming yet antiquated facility, the club will transition those players to the professional ranks in Dunedin. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. Athletes take part in the opening ceremony of the one-year-delayed Tokyo Olympics. Use another If he was drafted by Toronto two years ago, likely beginning his minor-league career with Dunedin, his introduction to a professional environment wouldve represented a significant downgrade from what hed experienced as a student-athlete. Jan 26, 2023 80 Spring training opens in a little under three weeks. General manager Ross Atkins deserves some credit for the buoyant mood, as he made some intriguing moves in the off-season to help improve run prevention, versatility and team depth. Just seeing how the guys play together too and how they mesh. For a baseball player, its like Disney World, Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro said on Thursday evening. The complex redoubles Torontos commitment to Dunedin and solidifies the clubs place as the only Major League team with the same Spring Training site for its entire existence, a four-decade history that will extend for at least another 25 years. He could also revisit this topic around this summers trade deadline. A modernized complex to house spring training is certainly a strong selling point when recruiting veteran MLB free agents such as George Springer and Marcus Semien. Adam Kloffenstein, a 20-year-old right-hander the Blue Jays selected in the third round of the 2018 draft, was among them, spending two weeks at the complex in November diving into the data on his two-seam fastball in the pitching lab, throwing on the covered turf infield and grinding out workouts in the sprawling weight room. Developing a steady stream of quality big-leaguers, reaping the surplus value of their low-cost, early-career production, trading those players once their earning power increases as they approach free agency, and systematically replacing them with more young, inexpensive, homegrown talent has been the developmental motor driving all that cost-controlled success. To order Theres no positive to be found in that unless youre an accountant for an MLB team. The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with Bichette last week when the two sides agreed to terms on a three-year contract. The Player Development Complex also has a barbershop, a lounge, a kitchen and a major league dining facility as well. 2000-2020 Rogers Media. Sitting on a The 31-year-old has adjusted his delivery this spring, shortening his arm slot and raising his pre-pitch hand placement from his belt buckle to sit parallel with his shoulders. Aaron Rodgers Future: Where Will The QB Play in 2023? And going forward, the plan is to start leading the race. How did Springers Houston Astros build an absurdly stacked young core that carried the team to four consecutive ALCS appearances? More advanced college draftees stand to benefit, as well. Coaches and coordinators will apply those same approaches with young athletes at the complex going forward. No clubs system is as stacked as the Tampa Bay Rays, an organization that routinely runs one of MLBs lowest payrolls yet has finished the season with a .556 winning percentage (a 90-win pace) or higher in eight of the last 13 seasons. Some guys would accidentally slide or roll down the hill as theyre doing their foam rolling prep, Rassel said. The problem was hed lost his mechanics. Kloffenstein is in the big-league camp this year, but he was on the minor-league side each of the last two springs, which meant he grew all too familiar with the cramped, inadequate spaces the organizations youngest players were doing their best to make gains in prior to the renovation. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Guerrero and reliever Yimi Garcia will represent the Dominican Republic, right-hander Jose Berrios will play for Puerto Rico and catcher Alejandro Kirk will suit up for Mexico. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. Keegan Matheson. If the Blue Jays are out of shape in 2021 theyll have no valid excuses because the new weight room is something to behold. Itd be like taking a high schooler with an interest in programming and dropping them into a computer science college course while switching out their present-day laptop for a '90s era desktop. Theres also a renovated observation tower where coaches or trainers can observe whats happening from on high. "I'm excited to get going.". An inside look at the Blue Jays new player development complex in Dunedin Its meant to lead to wins, Mark Shapiro said of the $80 million renovation, which In the week since spring training began, Blue Jays players and coaches alike have raved about the organizations new player development complex. Shapiro says it was the combination of ideas and bits and pieces taken from models on display from many world-class training centers that helped build the framework for the Jays new facility. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2023. The sting from last fall's wild-card sweep long since faded, the Blue Jays worked out under blue skies and bright sun with a clean slate for 2023. Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams. It also means hosting weeks-long orientations for newly drafted players and international signees, running them through intake processes and getting everyone situated within their new organization. And it appears hes doing somewhat respectable aside from a wild pitch in Tuesdays batting practice session thus far. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. But since theyre both right-handed, theyd have to compete against Merrifield for playing time and showcase themselves in limited opportunities when he requires a day off. Nearby is a speed hill that is 20 feet tall from base to top. This past week, the Toronto Blue Jays unveiled the clubs new state-of-the-art practice and training facility located in Dunedin, FL. Toronto unveiled the Player Development Complex on the same site of the former Bobby Mattick Training Center at Englebert Complex, a new indoor-outdoor facility that will serve as the 365-days-a-year base of operations for the team. Seems easy enough, right? This facility is off the chart, it really is, pitching coach Pete Walker said Sunday. Neither pitcher performed overly well last season, with the fan base imploring management to acquire another legitimate major-league starter. Take 2020 first-round pick Austin Martin. Local high schools had better facilities. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. account that can be used to sign in here. Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) February 21, 2023. Other times, you see it coming. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. Arash Madani and Shi Davidi discuss the Blue Jays' new development complex. Instead, lets explore the few roster battles expected to occur this spring, starting with the clubs fifth starters role. 2/27 - Bruins Continue To Roll, Celtics Big Win, Chicago Bears, https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7134129714.mp3?updated=1677513150, 2/24 - Aaron Rodgers Future, Hall of Fame Talk, Russell Wilson, https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2004112041.mp3?updated=1677251773, 2/17 - Giannis Injured; NBA Headlines; Aaron Rodgers, https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8228759779.mp3?updated=1676644835, https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM8549206933.mp3?updated=1675783869, Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Time, https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1942708866.mp3?updated=1673558774, FPH Daily: Breaking Down The Pre-Deadline Trades, https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM5678806695.mp3?updated=1677675457, https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM3190913889.mp3?updated=1677629506, Ep. Hed begun relying too much on his shoulder to produce power rather than sitting back and driving towards the plate, utilizing the much stronger muscles in his legs to generate the velocity he needs to make his downward-plane two-seamer most effective. Thats because of the increased scope of work the team has committed to what it is calling the Blue Jays Player Development Complex. "I'm really excited to see the new guys," said shortstop Bo Bichette. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Five batting cages are located on the north side of the complex and meant for major-leaguers. pic.twitter.com/WTWAxTqBKE. Even after a 2002 renovation, the facility fit only about 15-20 players at a time. The sites 115,000 sq. We use cookies to improve your experience. Using the design as a way to encourage culture and performance meant scrutinizing every detail of the plan and matching that with the best technology and resources, Shapiro says, laid out in a way that engages the athletes and brings them together. [], On the first episode of 'According To Who? The Blue Jays want to learn what they have in both hurlers and have positioned them against each other this spring, hoping one will prove worthy of that fifth starting gig by improving off their 2022 woes. Thats not how a professional sports team ought to be operating in 2021. We already know which players (Daulton Varsho, Kiermaier, Springer) will make up the Blue Jays starting outfield trio this season, although there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the clubs fourth outfielder position, especially after Robbie Grossman a reported free-agent target of Torontos signed with the Texas Rangers last week. The idea for the hotel came soon after the Blue Jays built a $100 million, 65-acre player development complex in Dunedin that includes six fields, a covered practice field and batting cages, as well sports science labs, training rooms and other amenities inside a 115,000-square-foot building. A priority for us was not only thinking about the generation and standards we are in and expect now but anticipating the next phase of our organizations progress and development.. And, more than anything, we think this building will not just be a foundational block, but a driver in our effort to win world championships. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. There are five new bullpens and 20 total gang mounds on which pitchers can work their stuff. Even giving active players who are worn down or under-performing at a minor-league affiliate a one- or two-week breather from that competitive environment to regroup and focus on development before re-entering the minor-league grind with a clearer mind and refreshed approach. It also features intriguing arms like Junior Fernndez, Julian Fernndez, Adrian Hernandez, Jay Jackson, Paul Fry, Brandon Eisert, Luke Bard and Jackson Rees. The bedrock of MLBs most successful organizations isnt signing players like Springer in their 30s when theyre already well into their primes its producing players of his calibre from within. Ep 108: What Should Bears Do With First Overall Pick? Sitting on a 65-acre site in Dunedin, FL, the complex combines It means fostering smoother transitions from amateur to professional baseball or helping and potentially expediting the recovery process for athletes rehabilitating from injury. Oh wait, theres more. The Blue Jays are set to open the 28-game spring training schedule on Sunday, February 28 against the New York Yankees at 12:05 PM central. It is a symbol of the commitment from the ownership to the state of Florida, the city of Dunedin, and the county here, Shapiro said. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. Its made it much easier, having this kind of facility for sure., Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Feelings of optimism, joy and excitement were ever-present Monday at the Toronto Blue Jays' player development complex as a couple dozen players kicked off spring training ahead of the 2023 season. Close to 3,000-square-feet of sports science labs, a kitchen nearly 10 times the size of Mattick Centers, separate dining facilities for major- and minor-leaguers, grab-and-go stations stocked with food, beverages and supplements even a two-chair barber shop. I like how it's intertwined with the minor-league side, Chatwood said. We want to ensure you have all your questions and concerns answered so that your Rogers Centre ballpark experience is the best experience it can be. The 2021 regular season schedule sees take on the Yanks on Thursday, April 1. You can change your selections at any time. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. This is one of those things. Out are Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Ross Stripling and Gabriel Moreno. Republication or distribution of this content is The outdoor space features six full fields, two half fields, 20 gang mounds, 12 covered batting cages, a covered turf practice field and a speed hill. WebLocated in Dunedin, FL, and opened in 2021, the spring training home of the Blue Jays features office space to house all of their employees. The Blue Jays produced some real success stories out of that alternate site in Rochester, NY., with 22-year-old cannonball catcher Alejandro Kirk being the most prominent one. The work these hurlers put in this spring might not immediately translate into a big-league promotion, although their efforts will not be lost amongst the Blue Jays coaching staff. And how the Player Development Complex was crafted? Here are two ways to find out everything you need to know about Rogers Centre! And dont forget about Hyun Jin Ryu, either. But, even if Kikuchi and White stay healthy, there could be a pair of talented prospects ready for a new challenge by the mid-season mark, Yosver Zulueta and Ricky Tiedemann. According to Shapiro, news of this facility certainly helped sway those players decisions on joining the club. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Nobodys using something that you need to use. Coming into spring training as the biggest spender, Toronto has added the likes of outfielder George Springer, infielder Marcus Semien and pitchers Kirby Yates and Robbie Ray. Feelings of optimism, joy and excitement were ever-present Monday at the Toronto Blue Jays' player development complex as a couple dozen players kicked off spring training ahead of the 2023 season. Weve gotten that feedback from our players, which has been great. Developmentally, Toronto spent a generation being repeatedly lapped by its competitors, watching other MLB organizations find new and innovative ways to produce homegrown talent while Blue Jays prospects were training at their lockers and sliding down hills atop foam rollers. Just being able to go out and throw in these simulated games and work on one or two specific things is really a valuable time.. Its something that Im cognizant of when we talk to players and agents, Shapiro said. At a total cost (including 2020s TD Ballpark renovation) of over $100-million USD jointly funded by the Blue Jays, the city of Dunedin, Pinellas County and the state of Florida the Blue Jays have upgraded from one of MLBs poorest facilities to one of its best. The Toronto Blue Jays today unveiled the new, state-of-the-art Player Development Complex. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. 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Though, whoever ultimately claims that role will also have to compete for playing time with Whit Merrifield (left field) and Cavan Biggio (right field) in a corner outfield position. pic.twitter.com/PAIc8P1s14, Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 26, 2021. And an optionable one like Trent Thornton, who has one minor-league option remaining. Its not a spring training facility meant purely for regular season preparation its a player development factory meant to be utilized year-round. Select as many teams as you like from the leagues below. And from a fan perspective, less professional baseball is unquestionably a bad thing particularly for those in the small towns across the continent that are no longer home to minor-league affiliates. It was just a wreck especially during spring training when youve got dozens of guys in there, Kloffenstein said. This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission. Its meant to lead to wins.. Featuring six full practice fields, two half-fields, 12 different pitching mounds, 12 covered batting cages, three sports-science labs, a hydrotherapy water room, pools, outdoor weight training area, a 22,000 square foot indoor weight room, three minor league locker rooms and a 3,700 square foot major league clubhouse, this state-of-the-art facility has it all. Enter your email address to get a new one. MLB has spent the last year dramatically overhauling the structure of minor-league baseball, culling entire leagues of teams while limiting each major-league club to four affiliates and 180 total domestic minor-leaguers. Clubs want more control, more collaboration and more fluid opportunities for young players to access and utilize modern resources. A little under three weeks season schedule sees take on the Yanks on evening... Under three weeks Pete Walker said Sunday observe whats happening from on high 's. 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toronto blue jays player development complex address