Exactly when to remove Berrios is not an order from the front office.”
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins sweated it out in front of local media, including local media in Toronto, on the 8th (Korean time). Although it was a season-ending press conference, all the reporters’ attention was on the background of the replacement of starting pitcher Jose Berrios in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Minnesota Twins on the 5th.
At that time, Berrios held the Minnesota batting line scoreless until the third inning. However, when leadoff hitter Luis Royce walked in the fourth inning, he was suddenly replaced by left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Left-handed hitter Max Kepler was at bat. Because it is the postseason, the timing of pitcher replacement may be early.
Even so, the overwhelming majority of people responded that they did not understand why the second starter, who had pitched well until the third inning, was suddenly replaced after 47 pitches, saying he gave up a walk at the start of the fourth inning. He had three hits through the third inning, so he wasn’t hit hard and there were no walks. Rather, as soon as Kikuchi took the mound, he gave up a hit and a walk and gave up runs. That mistake led to Toronto’s defeat and, ultimately, the end of the season.
The Athletic reported on the 7th that “Toronto management says, heaven forbid, coach John Schneider acts alone.” It was pointed out that the front office was deeply involved in the on-site decision area. In professional sports, regardless of the sport, it is rare for a club whose front office invades the field area to do well.
At a press conference on the 8th, General Manager Atkins refuted the theory that the front office intervened on site. He told The Athletic, “It was clear that Kikuchi had a strategy to potentially use him once he warmed up,” but added, “There were no specific plans to use him.” Schneider made that decision. “I was surprised when Berrios came out,” he said.안전놀이터
Even General Manager Atkins said, “It is not the front office’s instructions as to exactly when Berrios should be removed. But he understood the strategy and that it would be uncomfortable. “It was a very courageous decision with potential consequences that could disappoint people.”
In addition, General Manager Atkins explained that Coach Schneider regularly meets with a group of experts to prepare for the game. “That group is the field staff. It’s not the front desk. I am not attending the meeting. “I certainly don’t make those decisions.”
Coach Schneider has completed the first season of his three-year contract. Director Atkins said he was not putting any pressure on him. He said, “I am 100% sure there is no pressure on the front.” In short, The Athletic’s report and the public’s rumors are false. However, the local media does not seem to believe Director Atkins’ remarks at face value.
According to The Athletic, CEO Mark Shapiro will also have time to communicate with local media soon. It is highly likely that he will give a similar explanation to that of Director Atkins. The Athletic said, “With a quick hook and a familiar struggle, Toronto’s season ends on a sour note.” The nuance of not being surprised. This incident reveals why Toronto has not won the World Series for 30 years since 1993.