Joe Olenick

New York, Niagara Falls

Contributor at Jays Journal

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Articles

The Blue Jays bullpen is slowly becoming a weapon

1 week ago | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

Toronto's relief corps has been one of baseball's better units this month. In what has been an up-and-down season so far for the Blue Jays, one area of the team is becoming a more stable unit. Quietly, the Blue Jays bullpen has become one of the more reliable in baseball. Toronto 's relief corps entered Thursday night's game with a 3.15 ERA in May, which is the eighth-best bullpen ERA in the majors in that time frame.
Blue Jays announce playing time change for key offseason addition

1 month ago | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

It looks like Anthony Santander will be in the field a bit more going forward. Teams will try anything to get a struggling hitter going, especially if they have a sputtering offense. With that thinking in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters (including Sportsnet's Shi Davidi) that the team is planning on playing Anthony Santander in the field more this season.
3 lesser-known Blue Jays prospects who are off to great starts

1 month ago | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

There lower-level minor leaguers have started the 2025 season with a bang. While there aren't a ton of Blue Jays prospects who are household names, they do have some prospects who have gotten off to hot starts. Toronto's four minor-league affiliates are off to a mixed start in 2025, much like the big league Blue Jays club. Three of Toronto's minor league teams are currently under .500, with the Low-A Dunedin Blue Jays being only team with a winning mark at 9-8.
Kevin Gausman's splitter has been one of the best pitches in baseball

1 month ago | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

Gausman's split-finger is among MLB's best. A successful major-league pitcher needs a pitch he can trust to get a swing and miss when he needs it. Kevin Gausman has one of those that hasn't just been reliable — it's been one of the best pitches in baseball. Kevin Gausman's splitter has been one of the best pitches in baseballAside from his fastball, the split-finger (also known as the splitter) is Gausman's second-most used pitch.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. received some fatherly advice during contract talks

1 month ago | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

Call it fatherly wisdom. Or maybe it's just a great comment. Either way, it turns out Vladimir Guerrero Sr. had some advice for his superstar son when it came to his contract situation. "Trust God. My dad told me to trust God and to get the last penny I could from the organization," Vladimir Guerrero Jr. told MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. The four-time All-Star clearly listened to him, as Guerrero Jr. agreed to a 14-year, $500 million extension this week with the Blue Jays.
3 Blue Jays who've helped their stock so far this spring

Mar 4, 2025 | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

These three players have impressed so far this spring. Spring training is always the best chance for fringe roster players to separate themselves from the pack with a strong showing. Now, it should be said spring training statistics should always be taken with a grain of salt. One could call that statement the "Gabe Gross Rule," named after the former Blue Jay who hit eight home runs during spring training in 2005 only to hit four home runs in MLB over his two seasons in Toronto.
What to know about Alan Roden, Ross Atkins' favorite prospect

Feb 14, 2025 | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

The regining Blue Jays Minor League Player of the Year is in the spotlight this springAlan Roden stood out in the Blue Jays farm system last season, so it's not surprising the young outfielder is someone that Toronto general manager Ross Atkins is keeping an eye on this spring.
New Padres trade rumor gives Blue Jays chance to stick it to Yankees

Jan 29, 2025 | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

San Diego has reportedly discussed the pitcher in talks. Want to turn a tough offseason around quickly? One way would be to take advantage of an opportunity that not only addresses a need, but sticks it to a division rival as well. And the Blue Jays may have one of those right now. The San Diego Padres have reportedly discussed right-handed starter Michael King in trade talks, according to multiple reports.
Mets' rumored 'last-ditch' offer shows Blue Jays where Pete Alonso bidding stands

Jan 18, 2025 | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

It appears slugging first baseman is unlikely to return to New York after rejection of deal. In an offseason that has been frustratingly fruitless and all too familiar for the Blue Jays and their fanbase, any hope the team will adequately address its needs should probably taken with a grain of salt. But with the latest turn in the Pete Alonso saga, the Blue Jays may have an opportunity to fill a major lineup necessity: power.
Blue Jays prospects stand out at AFL Fall Stars Game

Nov 13, 2024 | jaysjournal.com | Joe Olenick

Pinto homers while Estrada strikes out two in one inning of work during all-star contest. Three Toronto Blue Jays prospects made their presences felt this weekend at the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game and Home Run Derby. The weekend got started with the AFL's home run contest on Friday, which featured eight players from the developmental league's six teams.