Fans are attending MLB matches at MLB stadiums and I’m jealous AF

I saw fans at Yankee Stadium…and Globe Life Park…and Kaufman Stadium…and Fenway Park…and Tropicana Field…and TD Park in Dunedin.

Actual human beings, mixed with a few cardboard cutouts.

They ate, drank, chatted and cheered. Some wore masks. Some didn’t. Some might have already been vaccinated. Some might have chosen not to.

Nevertheless, spectators are watching baseball games at their local friendly confines.

I am unable to do that. I am envious.

When the Blue Jays flew to Arlington, I was very nervous. Scared even. There were people crammed into Globe Life Park during a pandemic. Even President Biden wasn’t thrilled about it. And the Jays were right there in the middle of it. Prone to a high chance of exposure.

But seeing all those fans in Texas felt…normal.

It was beautiful.

And I shouldn’t have liked it. I should have been angry at Texas. I should have expressed outrage. I should be uncomfortable with fans attending matches, regardless of capacities.

But it was beautiful.

And I shouldn’t like it because liking it would make me look anti-Liberal, anti-science, anti-woke; Jays Twitter will affix me with a scarlet letter.

But it was still beautiful.

Damn. I miss watching games at SkyDome. What’s a guy gotta do to speed up the vaccination process?

I fully supported the Federal Government’s decision not to grant the Jays and MLB an exemption last year. Hell, I even encouraged it. Things were really bad in the States at that time, while case numbers were low in Ontario. 

The situation is a lot worse now in locked down Ontario. It’s still not safe for the Jays and their opponents to fly in-and-out, as part of the extensive travelling that comes with regular season play. Obviously, I agreed – albeit begrudgingly – with the decision to use Dunedin for April and May home games. 

Still hoping that things will be safe by the all-star break, allowing the Jays to return to SkyDome for the remainder of the season. Additionally still hoping that things will be safer for a few of us to watch live games in September and beyond. They can easily host 4000-5000 fans, distanced throughout the 100s and 200s. They can even have 10,000 if Level 500 is opened up. 

Of course, that’s just wishful thinking. I could just give in to my pessimistic side and accept a second straight summer without the Jays on home soil. However, that would be accepting defeat and I choose to be stubborn.

For now, I am watching, listening, following, cheering and stewing. Fortunately, the actual matches distract me from the bleak realities. It’s not perfect though and it’s definitely not normal. 

But even if it’s limited capacity and the spectators are wearing masks, while sitting amongst cardboard cutouts, it’s a tiny bit closer to normal. 

ER 

• 

George, take the wheel!

Finally, the regular-ish season commences.

Unfortunately, COVID is still present, the Blue Jays will stay south of the border for now and the traditional radio broadcast will be replaced this year with a simulcast.

At least we’ll (hopefully) get a full 162-game season. Obviously, it’s not 100% back to normal. But it’s close.

Meanwhile, our Jays have a bit of hype to live up to. I’m excited – then again, I’m always excited for the start of the season – but there is some hesitation as well.

The offence is sexy. Really sexy.

Vladdy, Bo, Lourdes, Teoscar, Semien, Rowdy, Kirk and George Springer (when he comes of the IL)….DAMN!

If you’re not salivating, check your pulse.

But while the bats are capable of doing significant damage and the bullpen looks good, I’m concerned about the starting rotation.

It’s composed of an ace – Hyun Jin Ryu – and several back-end rotation arms. Was hoping the front office would pick up a couple of quality starters via free agency. Didn’t happen. Instead, it’s likely they will run with – in no particular order – Robbie Ray (when he comes off the IL), Steven Matz, Ross Stripling and Tanner Roark.

I’m not convinced the starting five will compliment the bats. I know Ray and Matz had great Grapefruit League performances. But the regular season is a different beast and Spring Training can be skewed at times.

Obviously, I want Ray and Matz to perform well. I’m just worried that the rotation could be the team’s downfall.

Pitching is crucial. The quality of the batting lineup is irrelevant if the hurlers underperform. If the Jays’ starters can’t provide adequate outings, the offence will lose its sex appeal.

Fortunately, if the rotation runs into trouble, there are other options: Anthony Kay, Trent Thornton and T.J. Zeuch.

Of course, there are the young studs as well: Nate Pearson (when he comes off the IL), Alek Manoah and Simeon Woods Richardson; though I’d prefer if we could all have some patience and let the kids get some seasoning in the minors. I’m already uncomfortable with the Vladdy-style hype and expectations put on them lately.

Anyway, time to predict/guess:

Subjectively, I hope they win everything in sight. Objectively, this team will finish above the .500 mark. Thinking 85-90 wins. Good enough to feasibly challenge and clinch a wildcard spot.

Just remember: It’s a long season. Things aren’t determined in April most of the time.

So, at the very least, just enjoy the game.

ER