Soakin’ in the Tubb: It’s time to enjoy the Blue Jays as they are

By JAMES TUBB on September 24, 2021.

When on a roller coaster, do you focus on the exciting ride ahead or how much lunch is going to cost once you’re off the ride?

Kind of a silly question, right?

So why, as the Blue Jays are in a tight playoff race for the first time in four seasons(not counting last year’s expanded post-season), is the focus on the team’s expiring deals?

Robbie Ray and Marcus Semien are both having phenomenal seasons for the Jays that have them amongst the league’s best. They’re also both on one year deals.

The latter has quickly become the talking point for both players, as the conversation has become more on if the team will be able to shell out millions this off-season to keep one, let alone both, than focusing on their play down the stretch.

Let’s get this straight. Semien is likely going to make upwards of $100 million and Ray has pitched his way into making ace money. Something close to $150 million would not be out of this world for the likely American League Cy Young winner. There’s a chance the Blue Jays aren’t going to offer the both of them this much money and one will walk. Most fans have likely debated which the Jays should hold onto.

What fans and those watching the Jays this season should focus on and hold onto is the team on the field. Beyond the expiring contracts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is legitimately having one of the best seasons in Blue Jays history and he might not win the MVP. He’s playing even better than fan favourite Josh Donaldson did when he won the award in 2015.

Teoscar Hernandez has continued his surge as one of the top outfielders in the A.L., Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is having an excellent second half, Bo Bichette is in a breakout year – the list goes on because that’s only the offence.

The Blue Jays might have found their closer of the future in Jordan Romano and their next Roy Halladay in Alek Manoah, but we want to focus on how they can sign everyone next off-season?

Toronto is in a playoff race, half a game back of the New York Yankees, playing meaningful games in September like the fan base has craved ever since that magical 2015 run. This year might even be more special because of all the young guys breaking out into their own and taking over the team.

The future stars of the Blue Jays franchise are dominating right now, and all of the energy is being spent on how they’ll afford to pay everyone next season? We are taking for granted the amazing story playing out in front of us over future concerns.

Maybe neither of Semien or Ray will re-sign with the Blue Jays, who knows. All that’s for certain is that they’re Jays right now and they’re a part of something great.

It’s time to enjoy the Jays players now, while they are on the field. Leave the money and salary concerns to someone else.

Besides it ain’t your money. But this is your team, enjoy it.

James Tubb is the sports reporter for the Medicine Hat News. Feedback on his columns can be sent to jtubb@medicinehatnews.com