BLUE JAYS VOICE BUCK MARTINEZ BREAKS DOWN THE JAYS

By: Andrew Benson
RP Show Intern

“Buck Martinez is the best broadcaster in the majors right now, and I’m not joking.”

That is high praise coming from our very own Rod Pedersen, who knows a thing or two after spending  many years in the sports media world.

Martinez is a voice many Canadians have heard over the radio, and on the television screen the last few years.  Martinez is a colour analyst and play by play voice for the Toronto Blue Jays, and has been heard in millions of homes across the country, especially over the last month when Toronto went on an incredible run to try and reach the playoffs.

Unfortunately, as we all know, the Blue Jays fell just short on the final day of the regular season.

“I think it was an exceptional season given the challenges they were presented by moving three times and playing in two minor league ball parks,” said Martinez. “I can’t fathom how many other teams would have handled it as well as the Blue Jays.”

While Pedersen and Darren Dupont have spent a lot of time saying the Blue Jays season is nothing short of a disappointment, Martinez said once the World Series is done, the team will be able to look back on the difficult end to the season and appreciate what they accomplished this year.

“It’s the youngest team in baseball and I think they should be very proud of their season as much as it was a disappointment that final Sunday,” said Martinez.

“There was a lot of talent on the team but also a lot of guys that are playing for the first time in a full season. I think to win as many games as they did and go down to the final day is something special.”

Now the team, and its commentators are looking at an offseason with some decisions to make.

“The door is open the next few years,” said Martinez. “When you think of Vladimir Guerrero and Bo Bichette, they are the core of this team, and they are 23 and 22 so they are going to be around for a while.

“If I were the Blue Jays, my number one concern would be bringing Marcus Semien back,” said Martinez. “He’s an everyday player, a terrific teammate, a great citizen, and he had a great year.”

Martinez said while Robbie Ray may be at the top of the list to resign this winter, it may take some time to get a deal fully in place, which gives the team opportunity to get some other players on new deals.

“I might sign Steven Matz before I really make a big push to bring Robbie Ray back,” said Martinez.  “I want Ray back there’s no question about it, but Matz might be an easier sign and he might be a little more reliable.”

Until then, the Blue Jays are just like the rest of us stuck at home waiting to see who will take home the trophy.