On Shaman's Rock

Spittin’ and grinnin’

Thankfully, the Toronto Blue Jays season has ended. Their 74 wins against 88 losses was their worst record since 2019 when they finished with 67 wins and 75 losses.

They were a miserable team to watch this season. Too many ups and many downs, all played with sad sack faces.

This is one unhappy ball team. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Alejandro Kirk were the only players who seemed happy to be out playing baseball.

There is talk of many off-season changes but they won’t be the ones that are really needed. A major cleanout is required. It should start with the front office and include manager John Schneider.

Players? Do we really need 35-year-ol George Springer and his six-year $150 million contract? His batting average this season was only 220 with a mere 56 runs batted in.

Or Bo Bichette who missed large chunks of playing time to calf injuries this season, then returned to play one game before going back on the injured list with a broken finger. 

There are plenty of healthy young prosects who could replace those two for a lot less money.

Another reason for being thankful the Jays’ season is done is that I’m relieved from having to watch the games on Sportsnet. The Sportsnet crew seems to enjoy filming the spitting more than the baseball.

Spitting is a disgusting aspect of professional baseball. And the bigger the gobs the camera crews can film, the happier they seem.

The players and coaches spit on the field, in the batting boxes and in the dugouts. The soles of their playing shoes must be awash with spit that is tracked into the dressing rooms.

We live in an age of pandemics and top medical experts predict increasingly frequent outbreaks. They warn that we humans must significantly change our behaviour to reduce the spread of diseases.

Spitting always has been a part of baseball. But reducing spitting and walking around in it will help send the message that we live in a changing world in which limiting the spread of disease is critical.

Hopefully next spring we will see a Jays team of young, healthy players who show us some great baseball. And less spitting film from the Sportsnet crews.

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