The Toronto Blue Jays hopes of playing in the postseason look bittersweet, and John Schneider is a finger that continues to get pointed to. A team that was supposed to be more of a threat against opponents carries on with inconsistencies, unfortunate injuries, and unconventional decisions. A team that demonstrates strong pitching but needs more correction of repeated mistakes. While full blame shouldn’t be placed on the manager, players not performing to their best abilities must be steered in the right direction. It’s up to management to help motivate players and make them work hard. If that means sending a player down to AAA, so be it. If the Jays don’t make the playoffs, does that mean new management for the team in 2024?
The Blue Jays Anti-Hero: John Schneider
John Schneider may have provided an explanation for his infamous pinch-running decision last night, but it doesn't hold up under scrutiny: https://t.co/0vFZjylSXP
— Nick Ashbourne (@NickAshbourne) August 30, 2023
Poor Decision Making
Schneider could be a better coach for the Blue Jays this season. Some of his decisions as the Jays manager this season have left many perplexed. Davis Schneider not playing in the Baltimore Orioles series pointed to decisions made by the manager. Once Davis Schneider was put back in the lineup and performed well, John Schneider was ridiculed for his decision to bench him. But there are other poor decisions he has made this season.
The game against the Washington Nationals on August 29th showcased another poor decision made by him. When the team were down by a run, Schneider decided not to pinch-run for Alejandro Kirk. Not pinch-running for Kirk in that situation is unjustifiable. Overall, we know that Kirk isn’t the fastest baserunner. So, not having someone else pitch run for him makes you question what Schneider was thinking.
Misjudgment Continues
But it doesn’t stop there for the anti-hero! We all know that Schneider’s decision to bring Alek Manoah back to the Majors was too soon. While Schneider was hoping for Manoah to turn things around, sometimes you must accept reality and not try to force something that won’t work. Essentially, managers must make moves that will sometimes take work. Back at the end of July, when Schneider boldly pitched to Shohei Ohtani. His decision cost them a run. Generally speaking, Matt Chapman wasn’t the only one frustrated about Schneider’s anti-hero decision not to walk one of the best home-run hitters in baseball. The fact that one of his players had to point this out to him showcases him as a rookie manager.
Acquiring Paul DeJong during the trade deadline and then designating him for assignment 18 days later was a surprising move made by management this season. DeJong’s limited time with the team showcases a surprise even though his offense was flat with them. He was a strong defender in the outfield but needed to be a better fit. To say that De Jong brought no value would be unfair. Lastly, calling up and choosing Mason McCoy over many individuals, putting up promising numbers, and continuing to play Santiago Espinal regularly is a little baffling. Schneider continues to look like the anti-hero, and it isn’t looking all that appealing.
Final Thoughts
So, do you think John Schneider is an anti-hero? They need time, and what makes it hard to watch is the number of close games they should have won. The number of games where Toronto have lost by a run. If most of those games would have been wins, the Blue Jays would be within a playoff spot right now. The odd decisions that Schneider has made for his team this season make you wonder what things would have been like if he had decided to do things differently. Going as far as to say that he is the worst manager in baseball would be arbitrary, but many of his poor decisions this year make you question his tactics as a manager.
Main Photo Credits: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sport
