Jays fans feeling optimistic
02/09/2006TORONTO -- The Blue Jays organization should be pretty happy with where it stands when season-ticket holders' main concerns are cupholders and a potential playoff run.
Those were just two of the many issues raised on Thursday night, when more than 600 fans attended the State of the Franchise event at the Hilton to pose questions to members of Toronto's front office. Ticket holders took turns at the microphones and expressed high praise for the Blue Jays' busy winter.
Those in attendance seemed to have more questions about the Rogers Centre than about the team -- one sign that most of Toronto's fans seem to be content with the state of the roster at the moment. The Jays added pitchers A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan, catcher Bengie Molina, third baseman Troy Glaus and first baseman Lyle Overbay this offseason. Those additions have fans excited about the places the club could go.
"There's a better buzz around baseball right now than I've seen in the last 12 years," said Paul Godfrey, the Blue Jays' president and CEO. "The fact is that people are now talking everywhere about this ballclub. There's an excitement on the streets of Toronto and a panic on the streets of Boston."
Godfrey pointed out that obtaining players wasn't the only valuable move since last season.
"I know there's been five signings since we last met," he said. "Well, I've got to tell you that there's been a sixth signing that I think has been more important or at least as important as the other five, and that's the signing of the extension of J.P. Ricciardi."
During the Winter Meetings in Dallas this past December, Toronto extended Ricciardi's contract through 2010. Ricciardi took over as general manager in 2001, and attendance has risen every year since 2002.
"Because of J.P.'s fine work, ticket revenue is up 30 percent [from last year]," said Patrick Elster, the vice president of ticket sales and operations. "New ticket sales are up 111 percent over this time last year."
Elster added that the season-ticket renewal rate for Toronto is currently at 95 percent, and is still going up. He said that was "a pretty unbelievable statistic within the industry."
Fans heading to the Rogers Centre this season will also experience changes around the stadium. The 100 level is going to be wider and cleaner, and will have new concessions and concession equipment. The 200 club level has been reduced to 800 seats directly behind home plate and will include such new features as concierge greeting service, in-seat food service and a wine bar. All the changes are expected to be completed by Opening Day.
Fan questions touched on everything from having hot water in the stadium, when the dome should be open or closed, being allowed to heckle the opposing teams and the in-game entertainment. Some season-ticket holders did have some questions about the new roster for Ricciardi and manager John Gibbons, who participated in the event by phone.
One fan asked Ricciardi why he signed Burnett for five years.
"Because we didn't want to give him six," said Ricciardi as the crowd erupted in laughter.
Ricciardi went on to point out that Burnett is still under 30 years old and will be working with pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, who helped the right-hander have his best season with the Marlins in 2002. Not to mention that more than 1,100 of Burnett's pitches registered at 95 mph or higher last year.
Ricciardi and Gibbons were also asked about where Eric Hinske fits into the lineup, the progress of Alex Rios and the many possible scenarios that could be the batting order. Ricciardi noted that Hinske will be in the outfield against right-handed pitchers, that this season will be important for Rios' development at the plate and that the lineup is flexible and will be in the hands of Gibbons.
Another ticket holder asked Ricciardi if he would make a prediction as to how many wins Toronto could have this year if everything goes right. Gibbons could be overheard chuckling on the phone.
"I'm not even going to go near that question," said Ricciardi with a laugh. "I told Gibby if he says a number, I'd fly down to Texas and choke him."
"I feel we'll win between one and 162," Gibbons replied.
Overall, it was an evening of shared optimism for the season ahead.
"It's good for the season-ticket holders," said Ricciardi. "They get a chance to ask you questions. They're paying the bill, so you have to give them the time. A lot of them just want to be heard. This is kind of like a town hall meeting."
One ticket holder summed up the event when he said, "I wanted to thank the Blue Jays for giving Toronto fans hope after a lifetime of Maple Leafs mediocrity."
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
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