CLEARWATER, Florida: During camp, what impressed manager John Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays about Ernie Clement?
“I believe he swung and missed at a single pitch throughout the spring,” Schneider grinned broadly.
In fact, following an incredible training camp, Clement was informed that he had earned a position on the Opening Day roster, the Blue Jays manager stated on Sunday following the team’s 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in their penultimate Grapefruit League game at BayCare Ballpark.Schneider observed, “His game has evolved so much in the last year.” “Running the bases, playing versatile defense, and hitting the ball with authority. Really, everything. With (assistant hitting coach) Matt Hague in Buffalo last year, he truly turned the corner, and he never stopped. So, in a sense, he forced our hand. He’s performed incredibly well.
Schneider also told designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach and second baseman Davis Schneider that they had made the Opening Day squad in addition to Clement. On Saturday, backup catcher Brian Serven received word that he had made the squad. These four complete the team’s 13 position players, joining the nine starters. The Blue Jays are still evaluating the health and fitness of a few key pitchers, such as Kevin Gausman, who is set to start the team’s final Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Florida on Monday. As a result, the 26-man roster is still subject to change.
But let’s go back to Clement. He arrived to the Blue Jays player development center in Dunedin, Florida, two weeks ahead of camp in February, allowing him to be ready for a crucial six weeks. Clement claimed that by investing more time, he was able to anticipate live pitches and field groundballs all around the infield.
What was the outcome? In 16 spring training games, Clement hit.356/.383/.644, including three home runs and just one (!) strikeout.
