Blue Jays in Dunedin


When I realized that the same week the Yankees and Mets played back-to-back series against the Rays in St Pete, the Blue Jays were still based in Dunedin, I knew I had to be there. The chance to see a regular season game in a cozy spring training park was irresistible. Plus, the schedule worked in my favor, with Rays hosting the Mets in the early afternoon and the Blue Jays playing the Mets at night.
You have to love touches you see only in spring training and minor league games, such as the handwritten lineups posted inside the park. 
No matter where you see them, the Blue Jays are a fun team to watch. Brimming with young offensive stars, the Toronto lineup features Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez, Cavan Biggio, and the best of the bunch, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. 
Still just 22, the namesake son of the Hall of Famer didn't disappoint, crushing a Brandon Kintzler pitch for a home run. Of course, he's doing that with increasing regularity. 
10 days ago, that swing produced his 11th home run of the year. Vlad's total has now reached 15, after he homered twice in Monday's final game at Dunedin, where the Rays outslugged their temporary neighbors (a half hour away on I-275 and US 19) 14 to 8.

Now, the Blue Jays pack up and head north. First, a road trip to New York and Cleveland. Then, a week from tonight, their second home opener, as they return to their Triple A park, Sahlen Field in Buffalo, where they'll camp out as long as Canada's pandemic restrictions make it impossible to reclaim Rogers Centre.

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