The boys of summer are back in town. The Toronto Blue Jays open their season March 31 and will have their home opener at the Rogers Centre on April 4 versus the New York Yankees. We tracked down Buck Martinez, former Blue Jays catcher and noted Sportsnet broadcaster, to get his take on the team’s chances of success this year.
Are we finally going to see some post-season play at the Rogers Centre this year?
A number of players will have to have exceptional seasons, but if they can keep their pitchers on the field, with Morrow pitching 33, Hutchinson 33 and R. A. Dickey with his 35, on down the line, they have a chance to compete. But do they have the pitching to beat the American League East teams? History and their record seem to indicate that is not the case.
What or who has surprised you the most over spring training?
Really how good Aaron Sanchez is. I’d heard he was very good but, seeing him personally, his throwing is advanced beyond his years. He has poise, savvy and the intangibles, and he has an understanding of how good his is. He’s very bright, keeps his mouth shut and has a chance to be a dominant pitcher in the major leagues. He’s going to be a good pitcher for a long time.
Who is a sleeper team heading into this season that might surprise a few people and make a run?
The Kansas City Royals, though they aren't as much a sleeper, I'm touting what they can do. Cleveland and Detroit have more experience, but K.C. has a stronger rotation with Ventura, Guthrie, Sanchez and a very good bullpen. You need pitching to contend, plus they have homegrown position players that have really come into their own. And the best catcher in the American League. They're legit.
You've been broadcasting for a while now—do you have any interest in returning to the bench and managing a team?
No, not at all. My wife was very upset at me the last time I tried that. I enjoy what I'm doing, we have a great team anchored by Pat Tabler, a great crew, I feel blessed. We remind ourselves—no matter how games turn out—we can always have a great broadcast. I love going to the ballpark every day. It keeps me young and I get to be around some of the greatest athletes in the world.
What team in the East will be the toughest opponent this season?
Tampa Bay, without question. They have the best pitching. They develop pitchers better than anyone, and they know how to keep their pitchers healthy, and that’s huge. They’ve got six, seven, eight good starting pitchers that they’ve developed on their own, and they are very good at it. That’s the way you win championships year in and year out.
What was the highlight of your playing career here?
I think in ’85 when we won [the American League East championship] for the first time. Bobby Cox came in back in ’82 to turn the team’s fortunes around. Pat Gillick established the farm system. And there were so many great homegrown players, such depth, with the likes of Barfield and Bell, Damaso Garcia, Willie Upshaw and others not originally signed but developed like Fred McGriff, Cecil Fielder and even Jeff Kent. The Blue Jays’ development was so good. When we started winning in ’85, the organization was so deep they knew it was the start of a long run of championship-calibre seasons. The Blue Jays hope to get back to that status again and be perennial contenders.
