Cleveland Sports Forum

Fans React To Shocking Kris Bryant Quotes

March 1, 2024

By Andres Chavez

Colorado Rockies infielder Kris Bryant made a business decision a couple of years ago.

He prioritized money when signing his free-agent contract after the 2021-22 lockout in MLB.

Once the lockout was lifted, he agreed on a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies, who weren’t even close to being a playoff team then and are even further away now.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, he said he probably should have done more research about the Rockies’ prospects before signing.

He is now likely to spend the end of his career in the mediocrity that the Rockies represent.

Fans, of course, had a lot to say about Bryant low-key throwing teammates and the organization under the bus.

Lots of comments indicated that Bryant should definitely have known that the Rockies, who haven’t had a winning season since 2018, were and are a mess.

Others, however, stated the obvious: that he prioritized money.

There shouldn’t be a problem with that, but it’s the managing of the situation that seemed odd: saying that it was his best offer and he liked the place would have probably sufficed.

One has to think that Rockies fans didn’t like seeing their star player saying those things out loud.

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Reigning NL MVP dealing with meniscus irritation

Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors

By Mark Polishuk | Last updated 3/2/24

According to multiple Braves beat writers, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano, an MRI revealed that Ronald Acuna Jr. has some irritation in his right meniscus. Acuna is expected to be ready for Opening Day, though he will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further knee examination in two days.

Everything seems precautionary at this point, and naturally, Acuna and the Braves want to be as careful as possible given Acuna’s injury history. Acuna suffered a torn right ACL in July 2021 and didn’t return to action until late April 2022, with Acuna’s relatively down numbers (.266/.351/.413 over 533 plate appearances) during the 2022 season indicating that he wasn’t quite back to 100 percent after the long layoff.

Needless to say, Acuna was back in full form for an all-timer of a 2023 season. The outfielder hit .337/.416/.596 with 41 homers and league-leading totals in hits (217), runs (149), and stolen bases (73). With the latter statistic, Acuna became the first player in baseball history to hit 40 homers and steal at least 50 bases in a season. Acuna was a unanimous choice as NL MVP last November, and the Cooperstown trajectory is in view considering that Acuna is still only 26 years old.

More will be known about Acuna’s status after his consult on Monday, and it could be that the meniscus issue indeed costs Acuna a bit of Spring Training time. There stands a chance that Acuna might be placed on the 10-day injured list to begin the season if Atlanta feels he needs a bit of extra ramp-up time to make up for the lost spring work, which could open the door for Forrest Wall, J.P. Martinez, Eli White, or non-roster invites Jordan Luplow or Luis Liberato for some early-season playing time. The Braves lineup is so stacked that missing even a superstar of Acuna’s caliber wouldn’t be a big problem in the short term. Still, the team needs Acuna fully ready as it pursues its second World Series title in four years.

[ My daughter just had her miniscus repaired 4 weeks ago. Won't be fully healed for another 2 to 4 weeks. She'll need the same surgery in her other knee after this one heals properly. If Acuna has surgery, expect him to be out 6-8 weeks unless the team doctor's can work out some sort of miracle ]

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MLB Roundtable: Dissecting biggest moves, best and worst offseasons

the Score Staff

March 3, 2023 3h ago

With Major League Baseball's spring training in full swing, theScore's MLB editors Josh Goldberg, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, Tom Ruminski, Bryan Mcwilliam, and Brandon Wile answer some of the biggest questions of the offseason:

Which addition - not named Ohtani - will make the biggest impact?

Corbin Burnes, Orioles:

Baltimore finally landed a legitimate ace to bolster its rotation after acquiring Burnes in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes' addition is even more necessary, with the injuries to Kyle Bradish and John Means leaving Baltimore thinner in the rotation to begin the season. Burnes remains one of baseball's best starting pitchers despite his ERA blooming in each of the last two seasons after he won the 2021 NL Cy Young. The 29-year-old has thrown 395 2/3 innings over the last two seasons and is a good bet to approach 200 innings with a strong ERA and strikeout numbers in 2024. This is exactly the type of move the Orioles and general manager Mike Elias needed to take the franchise to another level. - Goldberg

Juan Soto, Yankees:

Brian Cashman promised there would be changes following a miserable 2023 campaign, and adding the best hitter available certainly helps in creating a more balanced lineup. Soto is a generational talent and checks off almost every box the Yankees needed. He gives the club a superstar bat from the left side, possesses an elite eye (18.6 BB%), and doesn't strike out a lot (18.2 K%). Last season, New York's left-handed hitters ranked 27th in OPS, while the club as a whole was 27th in OBP. While Soto's power plays to all fields, he should thrive hitting at AL East ballparks, especially Yankee Stadium. Whether he hits in front of or behind Aaron Judge, expect those two to see plenty of pitches and form arguably the most dangerous duo in the majors. - Wile

Yoshinobu Yamamoto,

Dodgers: By now, everyone's read about Yamamoto's utter dominance in Japan, but even that may have left some unprepared for seeing him live. He made one heck of a first impression during his Cactus League debut, displaying his full arsenal of pitches while tying the Rangers in knots. Shohei Ohtani's signing got more press, but Yamamoto could be an even more important get for the Dodgers, considering the state of their starting pitching. He has a chance to be the constant atop Los Angeles' rotation, something the club hasn't had in a while, and one of the majors' best pitchers from the get-go. If what we saw last week is even half of what he'll bring to the table every five days, the rest of the National League is in some serious trouble. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

What's been the most head-scratching move?

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Blue Jays:

The glove-first utility man secured a two-year, $15-million deal after producing his worst season (0.2 fWAR) of his six-year career. Kiner-Falefa looks like Toronto's primary replacement for Matt Chapman at third base, which is a big downgrade for a team with World Series aspirations. The signing is perplexing because the Blue Jays already have a slew of versatile infielders, such as Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, and Davis Schneider, as well as MLB-ready prospects Orelvis Martinez and Addison Barger. Considering Gio Urshela, Tim Anderson, Amed Rosario, and Enrique Hernández signed for a combined $16 million makes the Kiner-Falefa deal even more puzzling. - Ruminski

Jordan Hicks, Giants:

Signing Hicks, a solid reliever with a blazing fastball, didn't have to be this head-scratching. But the Giants gave him a four-year, $44-million deal to be a starter, something he's had limited experience doing at the big-league level. Hicks was a starter in the minors, but outside of an ill-fated attempt with the Cardinals two years ago, he hasn't done it regularly since 2017. When he was briefly a starter again in St. Louis in 2023, the results were disastrous over his seven conventional starts before he was moved back to the bullpen. Recent injuries to Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn, along with Robbie Ray's absence to start the year, have only highlighted Hicks' importance to the Giants, and that's quite a lot to put on a player with such limited starting experience. It's fair to question why they did this instead of paying more for an established starter like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell - who are both still out there - to pair with Logan Webb. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

Rhys Hoskins, Brewers:

At first, the Brewers inking Hoskins to a two-year, $34-million deal seemed like a wise move, as it brought added punch to a club aiming to defend its NL Central title. But then, Milwaukee traded Burnes to Baltimore, signaling that the front office might be more focused on the long term. Other veteran players like Willy Adames and Devin Williams have also had their names floated in trade rumors, making the Hoskins addition more puzzling. Even with Hoskins, who isn't guaranteed to be the same player he was before an ACL injury wiped out his entire 2023 campaign, the Brewers look more like a third-place team. - Mcwilliam

Which team - not named the Dodgers - won the offseason?

Arizona Diamondbacks:

It's hard to see a team in the same division as the vaunted Dodgers as a winner, but Arizona did a lot of good things in the offseason. The addition of a dependable starting pitcher like Eduardo Rodriguez gives manager Torey Lovullo a strong trio with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The continued development of Brandon Pfaadt could make Arizona home to one of baseball's best staffs in 2024. Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen also earns high marks for improving the lineup with veteran additions in Joc Pederson, Eugenio Suárez, and Randal Grichuk while also retaining Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The D-Backs have a ton of balance in the lineup and can play matchups to attack both right- and left-handed pitching. Arizona is the clear second-best team in the NL West and looks to be a strong postseason contender. - Goldberg

New York Yankees:

Piggybacking off the Soto answer earlier, few teams were able to address their weaknesses as well as the Yankees. In addition to adding a much-needed bat to pair with Judge, the club also added strong complementary outfield pieces in Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham. It's clear that Cashman believed the team needed more of an edge, and adding Verdugo and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman accomplishes that. The signing of Stroman also gives the team a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter who can keep the ball in the park. The additions of Caleb Ferguson and Victor González further deepen what was one of the best bullpens in the majors a season ago. While the team would benefit from adding another starter, the lineup is more balanced, and it upgraded defensively. Health is really the only thing that could prevent a rebound season. - Wile

Cincinnati Reds:

The Reds look primed to do damage in the NL Central after opening up their wallets and spending the sixth-most money in free agency to improve a club that won 82 games last season. Cincinnati keyed in on veteran additions like Frankie Montas, Jeimer Candelario, Emilio Pagán, and Nick Martinez to surround its budding core of Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Hunter Greene. The Reds' plentiful offseason moves added leadership, experience, and depth to a club that second baseman Jonathan India predicts will win the wide-open division. - Mcwilliam

Which team had the worst offseason?

Boston Red Sox:

Had chairman Tom Werner not declared in November that the team was preparing to go "full throttle" to improve this winter, the answer might have been different. Despite Werner later walking those comments back, the damage had already been done, and the mixed messaging coming from ownership and the front office, combined with the inability to spend this winter, has created a lot of vitriol in New England. Boston's payroll currently sits $35 million under the luxury tax, and while it has the flexibility to still add, it's been reported that the team would need to move salary out to make another marquee addition. Rafael Devers has publicly asked for help, while Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy openly told reporters - for whatever reason - that Dustin Pedroia criticized the team for not signing free agents. The team hasn't spent, and there's no justification for that. Further compounding matters is the fact that manager Alex Cora enters the season without a contract extension. - Wile

Toronto Blue Jays:

The team needed a strong winter after flaming out of the playoffs for a second straight year. However, bad decisions continue to be a theme for the franchise, as it's hard to imagine the acquisitions of Justin Turner, Yariel Rodriguez, and Kiner-Falefa, as well as the re-signing of Kevin Kiermaier, moving the needle in the loaded AL East. The additions feel even more underwhelming considering the Blue Jays made a big run at Ohtani before coming up empty. There should be a lot of pressure on Toronto's front office to win now, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette slated to hit free agency after the 2025 campaign. Yet, there was a lack of urgency this offseason. - Ruminski

Minnesota Twins:

The Twins entered the offseason on a high after winning their first playoff series in 21 years. Yet instead of embracing the opportunity, they largely stood still. Minnesota's only major additions this winter were veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, back-end starter Anthony DeSclafani, and reserve outfielder Manuel Margot. They also made no attempt to re-sign Sonny Gray or Kenta Maeda. It was a bit strange to watch them not do all that much to build on last year's success and leave the rest of the mediocre AL Central in the dust for good. The Twins shelled out big bucks for Carlos Correa - who isn't getting any younger - last year and could've added even more talent around him and Royce Lewis this winter to push even higher. Some uncertainty surrounding their TV deal caused some issues with payroll, but it still feels as if they're content with just being the best of the worst division in baseball. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

Which remaining FA would you most want to sign if you were a GM?

J.D. Martinez:

Justin Turner landed a $13-million guarantee after a productive season for the Red Sox in 2023. Martinez remains unsigned despite hitting more home runs, driving in more runs, and posting a higher wRC+. The veteran's lack of defensive versatility is likely a hindrance for teams interested in his services, as he's best utilized as a DH. Despite that, Martinez continues to fight Father Time and should be able to put up strong offensive numbers in 2024 at age 36. Any team looking for an infusion of offensive talent should look hard at signing Martinez in time for Opening Day. - Goldberg

Jordan Montgomery:

The left-hander is getting lost in the market behind Snell. While he may not be a prototypical ace, he's a modern-day workhorse who stays healthy and was an important piece of the reigning World Series champion Rangers. Since 2021, Montgomery has quietly accrued more fWAR than Snell in almost 100 more innings, along with a 2.3 BB/9 rate that's miles ahead of the two-time Cy Young winner. Montgomery counters his lower strikeout totals with low home-run and high ground-ball rates. He may not be a prototypical ace, but Montgomery is the kind of quality pitcher that makes any contending rotation better in an instant. He also should cost less than Snell and doesn't come attached to draft-pick compensation. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

Blake Snell:

There are five active pitchers with multiple Cy Young Awards. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Clayton Kershaw are all destined for the Hall of Fame, while Jacob deGrom would have a very solid case without all the injuries over the last few years. Snell, who's the last member of the group, somehow still hasn't found a new home for this season and beyond. The left-hander led all qualified starters with a 2.25 ERA in 2023 and has a career 11.7 K/9. The 31-year-old is right in the middle of his prime and is a bona fide ace who can slot in the No. 1 spot on almost any team in the majors. He could also be the final piece of the puzzle for a club eyeing a championship. - Ruminski

Does MLB need a signing period?

Yes:

Baseball is the only sport that has a trickle effect for transactions during the offseason. The NHL, NBA, and NFL all have a frenzy of signings and moves that take place over a short period of time before things quiet down, allowing teams to know where they stand well in advance of the beginning of the season. Most of the publicity surrounding the offseason has been negative this winter. The most exciting offseason in recent memory was in 2021 as teams frantically tried to make moves with the threat of a lockout looming. Baseball needs to harness more of that exciting energy moving forward. A more defined signing period would help accomplish that. - Goldberg

No:

Selfishly, I enjoy that baseball news is spread across the winter months and transactions can happen on any random January night. But having players unsigned well into spring training - especially the marquee players on the market - certainly isn't ideal. The problem is I don't think adding a signing window would help, and I fully understand why the players are so against it. While creating a signing period would create urgency, it would also kill a lot of the leverage players have, and they deserve to not be pressured into signing a deal considering how long these players wait to reach free agency. Rather than create a cutoff date to sign, why not build a system that incentivizes teams to sign players before a certain date? For example, if a team signs Player X to a multi-year deal before Jan. 1, maybe they receive a compensation pick or some sort of luxury-tax saving. There are creative ways the league can implement incentives that benefit both players and teams to avoid a redo of this offseason. - Wile

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Report: Snell willing to sign short-term deal with opt-outs

Tom Ruminski

2d ago

Blake Snell is trying a different approach in free agency to land a new contract.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner is willing to do a short-term deal with opt-out clauses similar to the three-year, $80-million pact Cody Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs last weekend, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Bellinger's contract includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. The 28-year-old will make $30 million in 2024 and the same amount in 2025 if he doesn't hit the open market again after his first year. He'll earn another $20 million in 2026 if he stays for the entire duration of the deal.

The New York Yankees are believed to have an offer on the table for Snell. However, it's not known if it's the same six-year, $150-million contract the club reportedly offered before inking Marcus Stroman in mid-January.

A short-term deal with a high average annual value isn't ideal for New York. The club's payroll is already above MLB's highest tax tier of $297 million, which means the team would incur a 110% penalty on every dollar spent above the limit.

The San Francisco Giants are reportedly still in contention to sign the 31-year-old Snell. The Los Angeles Angels have also been connected to the star left-hander throughout the offseason.

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Kiké Hernández suggests teams colluded 'with a capital C' in free agency

Bryan Mcwilliam

2d ago

Kiké Hernández wouldn't say it outright, but the veteran utility player suggested teams colluded in free agency this offseason.

"I'm not going to say the C-word, but I think the C-word needs to be with a capital C," Hernández said Thursday on "Foul Territory."

The 32-year-old said "the timing of the calls were very similar," the offers from teams were "pretty much the same throughout," and the "silence period was kind of around the same time."

Hernández also mentioned that teams use computer programs that project the future performance of players, which leads to players receiving similar offers.

"I think the teams that use these computer programs to project salaries and project numbers, they're all using the same one, and I think they all have the same password," Hernández said.

The 10-year veteran, who drew interest from multiple teams this offseason before agreeing to a one-year, $4-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, added that these programs don't take factors like health into account. However, Hernández said L.A. looked at more than just the computer projections when the team signed him.

"We know what he can do when he's healthy, and we're going to bet on the player," said Hernández of the Dodgers' mindset.

Hernández struggled to the tune of a .222/.279/.320 slash line with some of the worst defensive numbers of his career during 86 games with the Boston Red Sox last season.

He performed much better with Los Angeles following a July trade, posting an OPS 132 points higher while lowering his strikeout rate and improving his on-base and slugging percentage.

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What's been the most head-scratching move?

How about the Red Sox monster deal for Lucas Giolito; Two years, $38.5 million. Rewarded the Sox with a 4 run on 3 walks one homer in 2 1/3 yesterday,
Why sign him to that deal? He's young; he looks like a pitcher; he gets lots of strikeouts; Boston had to do something; they've got the $$$; so why not?

Three possible landing spots for Joey Votto

By David Hill | Last updated 3/3/24

Someone needs to give Reds legend Joey Votto a job.

The Reds simply do not have room for their franchise icon. Their youth movement has provided results, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer showing their potential.

Jeimer Candelario signed a three-year deal to take over at third base, moving Steer from the hot corner. That signing and the Reds youngsters have left Votto on the outside looking in.

Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported in the middle of January that three teams were interested in Votto. However, Votto remains on the market, waiting for a team needing a veteran presence and a first baseman.

1. Cleveland Guardians

Josh Naylor, the incumbent at first for the Guardians, was their best hitter in terms of OPS+ in 2023. However, he is atop the depth chart at both first and DH.

Kyle Manzardo is one of the top first-base prospects in the game but is a non-roster invitee in spring training. However, the Guardians could keep him in the minors to game his service time. Such a move would leave utility man David Fry as the other first baseman on the roster.

Votto may be aging, but he would still provide a powerful bat and veteran leadership to a young roster needing both. He could be a perfect fit for a team still hoping to contend in a weaker division.

2. San Diego Padres

The Padres are also a team in transition with an eye toward contending for a playoff berth. Jake Cronenworth is currently atop their depth chart at first but is best suited to a utility role.

The infield is also somewhat unsettled as Manny Machado may not be ready to play at third come Opening Day. Machado is also listed atop the depth chart at both third and DH.

Votto could fill a void at first until Machado is ready for the hot corner, then slide as San Diego's DH. Although the Padres have been cutting payroll, Votto could be the right option.

3. Los Angeles Angels

First base is locked up for the foreseeable future for the Angels. Nolan Schanuel went from being the 11th overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft to the starting first baseman in less than two months.

The DH position, however, is much more unsettled. Brandon Drury is atop the depth chart as the DH and second baseman for the Angels. Luis Rengifo will factor in at second but will be needed around the infield. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon will also factor in the DH mix as the Angels hope to keep both players healthy through 2024.

However, if the Angels are looking to have a set option at DH, Votto could be that piece. He would also be able to serve as a mentor for Schanuel as he gets more accustomed to the majors, helping teach him what it takes to handle the position.

The fit is not quite as good as it would be in San Diego or Cleveland, but the Angels are a realistic landing spot.

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Signing Giolito for 2 years for $38.5 million after the last 2 years he's had was a pretty stupid move by the Red Sox. But at least they though they were getting an inning eater [if you can stand a guy who pitches 6 innings and gives up 4 or 5 runs] So it turns worse, since he's got a season ending injury and the "possible opening day starter" [really? he'd be no higher than No 6 on the Guardians] could miss some of next year too.
The upside for the Sox is they are likely to find alternatives who can deliver ERAs no higher than 6 which is what they were going to get anyway

The greatest baseball player to ever hail from Toronto is coming home.

Veteran first baseman Joey Votto agreed to a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes an invite to big-league camp, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

If he's in the majors, Votto will earn a $2-million base salary and can earn an additional $2 million through incentives, a source told Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

Votto, who had been vocal about his desire to continue his career over the last few weeks, confirmed the news on X.

Votto chose to sign with the Blue Jays over other contenders interested in his services, a source told Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

The 40-year-old grew up in the Toronto suburb of Etobicoke and still lives in the city. He became a free agent for the first time when the Cincinnati Reds - the only team he's played for during his 17-year major-league career - declined his club option in November. He spent the next four-plus months trying to continue his career and chronicled the process, as well as his accompanying frustration, on social media.

"More than anything, I am sitting here jealous. I'll do whatever it takes to get back on a major-league field," Votto told ESPN during an in-game interview Thursday. "I miss it, I miss it so much."

Votto left his name all over the Reds' record books during his stellar run with the team. He won the 2010 NL MVP, finished MVP runner-up in 2017, made six All-Star appearances, and led his league in on-base percentage seven times. Votto's 2,135 hits are the most among active big-league players and just 25 behind Hall of Famer Larry Walker for the most ever among Canadian-born players.

However, shoulder issues derailed Votto's career over the last two seasons, limiting him to just 156 games since 2022. He hit just .202/.314/.433 with 14 homers in 65 contests last season.

With the Blue Jays, Votto will compete with first baseman/designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach and veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar for a bench spot. If he makes the team, Votto would presumably back up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base and also get DH starts when Justin Turner is playing third base.

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New scenery, no more success

he Los Angeles Angels are giving some bad news to one of their new pitchers. The Angels are optioning hurler Zach Plesac, per SoCal News Group.

Plesac is headed to the team’s Triple-A team in Salt Lake City, Utah. The pitcher struggled in 2023, with a 7.59 ERA through 21.1 MLB innings with the Cleveland Guardians. The veteran also posted a 6.08 ERA across 19 Triple-A appearances, per CBS Sports. He had started 18 of those games in the minors.
he hurler got off to another sluggish start in Spring Training games this year for the Angels. He allowed four earned runs in 6.1 innings in spring contests. Plesac signed with the Angels in January.

“What he’s done in the past, obviously ’23 wasn’t ideal for him and he’ll be the first to tell you that, but he was productive in ’22 and ’21 and has been a productive pitcher throughout his Major League career,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian said when Plesac was signed, per MLB.com. “He’s made a significant amount of starts and could also help us in the bullpen.”
It now seems that it will be awhile before Plesac sees any regular season action for the Angels. He will try to find his rhythm again in Salt Lake. Plesac has a career 4.20 ERA in the major leagues, posted while a member of the Guardians. He has a 4-13 record in the major leagues over the last two seasons.

other ex-Gs

Quantrill has 2 innings in for the Rockies, 2 hits 1 run no srikeouts or walks
Civale followed a bad debut with a solid 3 1/3 IP for the Rays, total is unsightly 6-6-6-6-2-4
Cody Morris has been as valuable for the Yankees as Florial has been for Cleveland: 3 1/3 4 5 5 3 4 13.50; but unlike Florial Cody has 2 options remaining

Straw and Bo singled in the 4th but Florial andRocchio left them standing.
Cantillo entered after Curry's 3 innings and walked two and surrendered a homer.
5-0 after 5.

Kwan singles in a run in the 8th; Noel doubles one in in the 9th: nonprospect Scheemann replaces star of the future Rocchio [0-2 today] and singles and doubles [412, 1150 OPS]

Florial 0-3 sinks to 091 OPS 291
Rocchio 0-2 to 100 OPS 243
De Los Santos single, up to 208; no extra base hits or walks so his OPS is double that, 416

the homer was the only hit Cantillo allowed in 3 innings
Banda a perfect inning
Leftwich a 1 hit inning, ERA remains 0.00

Cleveland: 10 hits [2 doubles]
Reds 4 hits [2 homers 1 double]

Not sure he has any chance to make the Yankees opening day but Oscar Gonzalez is having an OK spring; 8-25 including two doubles, a triple a homer 3 walks [matching his career spring training total with Cleveland over 90 at bats] and merely 5 strikeouts.

Votto homers one pitch into his Blue Jays career

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- It took Joey Votto one pitch to deliver his first Canadian heritage moment with the Blue Jays.

Making his Grapefruit League debut for the team he grew up idolizing, Votto stepped in against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler and launched a 392-foot home run to left-center field at BayCare Ballpark on Sunday. The umpires huddled up, discussing whether the ball bounced off the yellow padding atop the wall, but the moment was too good to take away.

It was a dream debut for Votto, even if he didn’t exactly stick the landing on the dismount. When the Blue Jays trotted out to play defense in the second inning, suddenly, Votto wasn’t there.

“I accidentally stepped on a bat in the dugout, rolled my ankle and it hurt like the dickens,” Votto said during Toronto's 5-5 tie with Philadelphia. “So I came out of the game, but not intentionally. I was scheduled to play five innings and get three at-bats.”

Votto says that Monday’s off-day will be all he needs to recover, snapping his fingers quickly as he said he’d “be back real soon.”

“I wanted to leave on a high, leave everybody wanting more,” Votto joked.

Still, in the dog days of spring, Votto provided so much life, so much hope with one swing. Not since a teenaged Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walked off an exhibition game in Montreal on the eve of the 2018 season has Spring Training produced Canadian content quite like this for the Blue Jays.

A lot of Votto’s game exists above the shoulders. A .409 on-base percentage over 17 MLB seasons is the product of an elite plate approach. But later in his career, Votto has adapted and begun reaching more for this power. Even the man who’s led the planet in walks a few times knows how important that aspect is.

“I felt like this was the swing I was chasing,” Votto said. “The pull homers are a bit fake. They’re a bit of an illusion. If you ask any really, really good hitter, keeping the ball in the center of the field or the opposite-field side with some power, with some line, it’s hard to fail with that. It’s hard to feel dissatisfied. I’m ecstatic about that swing.”

That swing is what Toronto is looking for, too. The Canadiana of it all is lovely, but the Blue Jays are not in pursuit of loveliness -- they’re in pursuit of a World Series. Votto is here because, if he’s healthy and it all comes together one more time, the club believes he can be part of that.

It’s a new role for Votto, too. He’s spent most of his career as the center of the Reds’ universe, with new players and managers being brought into his orbit. Now, he’s the new guy, leaning on lessons he’s taken from players he’s respected in the past. How have other players come into a new clubhouse and done it properly?

“That includes listening, being a good teammate, playing hard and working every day,” Votto said. “Those things have a tendency to, no matter how quiet you are, bring people closer to you. That’s the final objective, to have everyone close and everyone supporting one another. That’s what a good team is about. Even though I’m starting off as a non-roster invite in the heart of Spring Training, my goal, my target is to be one of the guys moving towards a championship.”

{Florial comes to mind. Only difference, it might be easier for the veteran to adjust. ]

From the moment Votto arrived in Dunedin, Fla., he’s taken the language of “Minor League deal” very literally. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if a player with Votto’s resume and a legitimate case for the Hall of Fame arrived in camp with a long list of demands, but he views himself as another player trying to make the team. He’s “trying out.”

If Votto’s rolled right ankle is as minor as he expects, he’ll be back on track to an expected assignment at Triple-A Buffalo to open the season. That would give him some more time -- and more at-bats -- to prove to the Blue Jays that he’s ready for season 18 in the big leagues. To Votto, there’s nothing complicated about this.

“Baseball is the same everywhere,” Votto said. “As long as you have that little guy on the back of your head and the back of your jersey, it’s the exact same everywhere. That’s what I was gunning for. I’m grateful that it’s here in Toronto. Buffalo? Extended spring training? New Hampshire? Dunedin, in the Florida State League? I’m down for whatever.”

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