Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston

1992 and 1993 World Series winning manager Cito Gaston headlined the 2019 Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon. Toronto Blue Jays president emeritus Paul Beeston (right) is interviewed by the radio crew at Sportsnet 650.

C's RecapThe Vancouver Canadians recently held its 9th Annual Hot Stove Luncheon in support of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. The special guests were former Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston, current general manager Ross Atkins and president emeritus Paul Beeston.

Gaston addressed the local media prior to the luncheon and you can check out the transcription of that press conference at Batter’s Box.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins

Toronto Blue Jays manager Ross Atkins held court with the Vancouver media before the Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon.

Atkins was next up to face the press and was asked about the potential of having a franchise player in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

“It’s interesting in today’s game. I think just five to 10 years ago, those types of comments probably wouldn’t have been made about a 19- or 20-year-old player but because of research and development and analytics, there’s a lot more certainty and confidence around what that level of performance means for a young player and what it means from a potential standpoint. The key word being potential so we continue to increase the pressure – executive, media, teammates, everyone, family. He’s handled it so well but at the same time, to say he’s going to be the face of our franchise, there’s a lot of really talented players on our team right now and there’s a lot of talented players in our organization so that would be a great outcome.

We’re not looking to have a face of the franchise, we’re looking to have a great team. What he means to the organization obviously is significant…it’s powerful because of the age, because of the talent. What we’re most excited about is the teammate that he is and how he treats his teammates, how much passion he has for competition. He’s why we do it, he’s one of the many reasons watching him play is exciting.”

Atkins was asked about the excitement Vladdy Jr. can bring to the franchise.

“It’s a group. Whether Cavan Biggio, Kevin Smith, names that don’t get mentioned as much as Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson and Vladdy Guerrero and the young pitching that we acquired and developed in the last three to four years has been on a steady incline that’s only going to continue to get better and we’re only going to continue to have more of it. I think what we’re the most excited about having is a very team-first approach. We’re looking to have a collection of individuals that are focused on something bigger than themselves. That’s what we’re excited about and we feel that that’s what ends up helping sustain environments that can win and win for sustained periods.”

The fourth-year general manager also addressed the speculation on the team’s interest in Bryce Harper.

“Bryce Harper is a very talented individual and we spent time on every free agent to understand what the opportunity cost, what the acquisition cost is. I think there’s not a team in baseball that wouldn’t have interest. Commenting on free agents, there’s very strict rules on that, on just exactly what our interest level is but as I said, he’s an exceptional talent that I think many teams would love to have.”

Atkins also commented on the Blue Jays affiliation with Vancouver.

“It’s exceptional. The job that the leadership does here and what Jake and Jeff have created. The empowerment and the resources they’ve given the leadership here to create a good environment for players to get better and players to win is exceptional. The fact that’s it’s in Canada is an incredible introduction to the country for the majority of our players that never have been in this country. It’s about as good of a relationship as it can be when it comes to affiliations.”

It feels like a very professional environment. It feels as close to a major league environment as you can create. That’s really important. Guys have to learn what it feels like on different stages. If you’re coming out of Vanderbilt or Clemson or Texas or University of Miami, you got some exposure to those stages but there’s a lot of players who don’t. This environment with the expectations of winning and with fans that are passionate, it’s a great step in development.”

Atkins did not shed any light on who fans could see in Vancouver in 2019.

“Not really. I mean it’s so draft-dependent and there’s such a steep learning curve for younger players. We could piece it together, we might get a third of it right.”

New Vancouver skipper Casey Candaele drew plenty of praise from Atkins.

“Casey’s awesome, man. I was a minor leaguer player when Casey was up and down in the major leagues. You can’t be in a clubhouse that he’s in and not have a smile on your face. He is positive and is energetic and is passionate about the game as any. The thing that is most intriguing for someone with as much experience as he has, he’s exceptionally open-minded. He likes to think about things in a different way. He’s creative, innovative, open to ideas and thoughts from whether he played two days or 200. I’m really excited about Casey.

The leadership is exciting and we’ve had very good leaders that have come through here and have won. Casey will set an incredible tone and a great environment for these guys to enjoy getting better.”

When it came to future moves, Atkins says there could be a couple of more changes that could be made.

“We’ll see. Obviously we’re not going to be as aggressive, we haven’t been as aggressive in free agency but we still have some offseason left. I think there’s a least a couple of moves remaining and maybe more than that. We have the benefit of financial flexibility, we have a great number of talented major leaguers obviously, a very strong system that will continue to look to create to be development. When these players transition and they’re all realizing their potential is when we’ll look to be much more aggressive whether it be trade deadline or in free agency next year. Hopefully we are talking about the trade deadline and potentially adding but we understand that being patient is paramount for us to do anything sustainable.”

Atkins was also complimentary about news Jays coach and former C’s skipper John Schneider.

“He’s exceptionally driven. He’s constantly learning, he’s constantly looking to improve. He has an incredible connection with players, coaches and front office so he has just an ability to connect and relate across many levels and that’s leadership. It’s encapsulated, 80 percent of it at least is that ability to connect. His passion for catching and expertise in that area will be a great complement and his knowledge of the hitters that are transitioning and all the players that are transitioning will be an incredible asset to Charlie (Montoyo).”

Toronto Blue Jays Charlie Wilson

Toronto Blue Jays director of minor league operations Charlie Wilson before the Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon.

Also on hand for the C’s Hot Stove Luncheon was Jays director of minor league operations Charlie Wilson who shared his thoughts on the Jays/C’s partnership.

“It’s truly special. Like any relationship, it’s starts with good people. We’re delighted to be working with the Canadians starting with Jake Kerr, Jeff Mooney and Andy Dunn. We’ve got a great relationship. We’re delighted to have a team in Canada. It’s the first time we’ve been here in 15 years since we left the Pioneer League (Medicine Hat). Having the opportunity for our players and coaches to work and play and live in Canada is huge. Just working with the Canadians operation is what makes it special. Great people, wonderful partners and we really enjoy the relationship.”

With the Jays farm system among the best in the game, Wilson says it’s an essential component to building a World Series champion.

“Our goal is to develop every minor league player to their full potential and we’re doing whatever we can to help the minor league players get better every day. Our mission is to bring back a World Series championship to Toronto and we will be truly fulfilled when we see our minor league players reach their full potential and be the best version of themselves that they possibly can be. That’s where we’ll get our fulfillment is watching our minor league players develop and get better.”

Having been with the Jays organization since 1993, Wilson has been around for the highs, lows and in-betweens but he believes better days lie ahead.

“I think the journey in any job, if you focus on the journey, you’ll really enjoy it. There’s been a lot of changes with the Blue Jays and it’s been really positive. We’re really excited for the future. We’re very happy with the farm system, we’re happy with our staff, we’re happy with our minor league players, we’re happy with the direction we’re going. We’ve got a lot of resources and talented people working for the common goal. It’s a really exciting time. It’s a great time to be a Blue Jay and I think the best is yet to come.”

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Published by Niall O'Donohoe

My name is Niall O’Donohoe and I am an avid follower of baseball. My blog beginnings began in 2007 with Batter’s Box under the alias #2JBrumfield. The blog formerly known as Niall On Baseball, C’s Plus Baseball strives to deliver plus coverage of the C’s through photos, observations and interviews of the players striving to make it to the major leagues. If you like what you see here, please spread the word about CsPlusBaseball.ca through your favourite social media platform. This blog began just before the C's championship season in 2017 and the goal is to deliver awesome content about Canada’s only affiliated professional minor league baseball club. Thanks a million for being here!