Tuesday, 23 Feb 2021. 19:41
DUNEDIN, Fla. – George Springer still finds it a bit strange to put on the Blue Jays uniform.
It’s understandable. He’s only been in camp for a few days with Toronto, his second team in the majors, after seven seasons with the Houston Astros.
“I’ve only known one thing in pretty much my entire life and that’s the Astros,” Springer said on video conference.
“I love these guys, but I’m here and it’s a new opportunity. “
The 2017 World Series MVP, Springer was awarded a six-year, $ 150 million contract in January.
“I’m just going to try to do my job and help in any way I can,” he said. I hope to lead by example. “
Springer knows he will have to earn his place with the Jays.
“It’s my job to earn the respect of the guys in the locker room,” he said. It is deserved. It’s up to me to find my place. “
Springer enjoys the atmosphere in the Blue Jays, where there are familiar faces.
“There is a great atmosphere. These guys are having fun and I’m delighted with that, ”he said.
Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, once a Houston prospect, has been impressive in 2020, hitting for .289 with 16 home runs and 34 RBI.
“I don’t think he’s reached his full potential,” said Springer. I’m glad to find him.
“He works, he understands what to do, but he’s always trying to improve. He is very talented and it is very pleasant to see him play. “
Springer also sees hitting coach Dave Hudgens, who played the same role with the Astros, from 2015 to 2018.
Springer said Hudgens played an important role in his development as a hitter.
“He understands me, I understand him. It’s nice to know he’s there, to have a guy who has seen the progress in my career. “
The Blue Jays have a young nucleus coming from their subsidiaries including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio.
“These guys quietly got to know each other,” said Springer, who went through a similar process in Houston. The more you trust a guy, the more the relationship outside of the game is going to translate onto the pitch. It becomes like a family. “
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