This afternoon, the Blue Jays introduced Kevin Gausman to the Toronto media. The former Giants was accompanied by his wife.
At first, the principal concerned seemed happy to be in his new colors – which is a way of speaking, him who was not wearing the uniform of the Blue Jays.
Choosing Toronto was a family decision, but also a baseball decision. He’s not in town to quit (he doesn’t have an exit option in his contract) and he wants to end his career in Toronto, where he almost signed a contract two years ago.
Note that he started in major league baseball in Toronto … in the uniform of the Orioles.
What makes him feel that way? The desire to win the Blue Jays drew him in and convinced him to sign in town.
He says the management has shown they are ready to win, which is very appealing to him.
It is mainly because of the young wolves of the club that Gausman wants to play in Toronto. He believes the Blue Jays are the team that approached him with the most chances of winning.
We know that the Mets and the Giants were on his case.
The Colorado native, like Roy Halladay, will wear # 34, the number he wore in Philly. The # 32 the late pitcher wore in Toronto was retired and in career Gausman wore # 34 often.
We feel that he knows that he is an important piece that the Blue Jays lacked. With he and Jose Berrios, Alek Manoah here for the long haul as well as southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu who is there for two years, Gausman knows he’s part of a good rotation.
He will clearly have the mandate to take the spot of Robbie Ray, but he seems to feel capable.
I look forward to seeing the work he will be able to do. To be continued, therefore.
- Negotiations are over. There will be a lockout.
- A pitcher in the sights of the Rangers?
