How a conversation with Schneider re-shaped Biggio’s role for 2023 Blue Jays

Baseball

Published 04.03.2023

How a conversation with Schneider re-shaped Biggio’s role for 2023 Blue Jays

SARASOTA, Fla. – On a sizzling morning on the Orioles’ spring coaching facility, Blue Jays infield prospect Addison Barger walks previous searching for some pre-game hydration whereas 20-year-old outfielder Gabriel Martinez drops off his glove.

Nearby, one of many few established gamers to make the hour-and-a-half journey south takes a seat within the shade and displays on how shortly the transition from rookie to veteran can occur.

“I always remember those days when I was watching J.D. and Tulo and Justin Smoak. Edwin (Encarnacion) and (Jose) Bautista. Watching them go about their business,” mentioned Cavan Biggio, who will flip 28 quickly after opening day. “Now I’m kind of the guy that’s here in Sarasota. And now guys are watching me go about my business. They ask me questions and I always try to remember what it was like to be in their shoes. It’s my fifth year in the big leagues, which is crazy to say.”

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His fourth season within the majors didn’t go based on plan, as Biggio hit .202 with a .668 OPS, the bottom of his profession. But after an low season of labor, he believes a turnaround is coming. The Blue Jays appear equally optimistic with GM Ross Atkins frequently going out of his solution to point out Biggio’s potential affect. And after some frank low season conversations, there are actually extra pathways for Biggio to make his presence recognized.

“I feel like I can help this team more in a bigger role,” Biggio mentioned. “And I’m here to prove that.”

Working out in Houston alongside big-leaguers equivalent to Anthony Rendon, Ross Stripling and Robbie Grossman, he added power over the winter within the hopes of an offensive bounce-back season. But including athleticism was additionally a precedence for Biggio after a dialog he had together with his supervisor.

Last yr, “there was some frustration” for Biggio as a result of he felt restricted to taking part in second base, the place he began 36 occasions, and first base, the place he began 32 occasions. He welcomes the challenges of taking part in a number of positions and is aware of there will probably be occasions his day begins on the bench as a result of others on the Blue Jays match up higher. “I get it,” he mentioned. “I’m not dumb.”

But on the similar time, he felt he may provide extra – particularly if he bought constant reps within the outfield, the place he began simply eight occasions final yr. In December, he advised Schneider as a lot.

“I understand my role,” he mentioned. “But it was a good conversation. Schneids, I have a personal relationship with him dating back to when I was drafted in 2016, so I feel like I can express my feelings to him and I know that he’s going to listen.”

From the supervisor’s perspective, the dialog was essential, too. Many big-league gamers don’t have that very same degree of rapport with their managers, however open communication is a purpose for Schneider in his first full yr on the job.

“I find it irresistible,” Schneider mentioned. “I imply, I’ve recognized him for an extended, very long time. And I’ve all the time been one to need suggestions from gamers, whether or not it’s good or dangerous … I really like the truth that he was outspoken about his wishes, his desires, and the way he can contribute. We’ve all the time had a reasonably good back-and-forth.

“And I advised him, in the event you’re going responsible anybody final yr, blame me. But it’s simply, you’re making an attempt to win each evening. And I believe when everybody understands that it makes these conversations slightly simpler.”

Thanks partly to that dialog, Biggio’s slated for an equal mixture of infield and outfield reps in 2023. He’ll be within the second base combine together with Whit Merrifield and Santiago Espinal whereas additionally serving to again Vladimir Guerrero Jr. up at first and seeing common time in proper subject, the place he made a diving catch in Tuesday’s spring coaching sport. On days George Springer is resting or at DH, Biggio will probably be a number one candidate to play proper.

“He’s worked really hard,” Schneider said. “We definitely feel comfortable with him out there.”

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Of course, the higher Biggio hits, the extra typically he’ll discover himself within the lineup this coming season. With a lifetime .749 OPS in opposition to right-handed pitching, he figures to see loads of motion in opposition to righties, particularly if the restrictions on the shift assist left-handed hitters like Biggio, as anticipated.

It’s additionally doable the low season efforts so as to add athleticism translate into extra exercise on the bases for Biggio, who’s extensively thought-about one of many savviest baserunners on the group. With 25 stolen bases in 26 profession makes an attempt and restrictions on pitcher pickoffs, he’s anticipated to have the inexperienced mild typically.

“Speed and baseball IQ is a good combo,” Schneider mentioned. “There’s power, there’s on base, there’s great defence, there’s great baserunning. He brings it all. He’s in a great spot (with a) great mindset.”

Physically and mentally, Biggio feels prepared for yr quantity 5 within the majors. He’s on the identical web page as his supervisor once more. And realizing who else is on this version of the Blue Jays, his hopes are excessive for what they’ll accomplish collectively.

“Come away with the whole thing,” he mentioned. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to do it.”