Clapp is said to be drawing interest from several MLB teams

Jay Steve Pearce thrives with increased workload for Red Sox

In the hyperbole of the moment, Steve Pearce superlative snag at first base on Tuesday was billed as one of the greatest defensive plays in canada goose jacket outlet toronto Boston Red Sox history.

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What we do know is that Pearce, canada goose vest outlet the first baseman in Boston, has made a much greater canada goose outlet new york city impact with the AL East champs than he did in a season and a half with the Blue Jays. What was initially seen as canada goose jacket outlet sale a depth acquisition has actually become a key part of Boston charge to the ALCS, which will begin at Fenway Park Saturday against the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros.

Rewind to the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium canada goose outlet eu in Tuesday clincher, an inning that began with a three run Sox lead and canada goose outlet 80 off the champagne deeply chilled in the visiting clubhouse. Then the Yankees scored one run, and another and with runners at first and third, Gleyber Torres connected on a slow roller that forced third baseman Eduardo Nunez to charge and throw quickly.

Pearce had to stretch awkwardly while keeping his foot on the bag for the final out. Miss it and the series could well have been headed canada goose jacket uk to a fifth game. Make it like he did and he is an unlikely here.

So why canada goose outlet sale didn he get the chance to show such defensive prowess in Toronto? Well, you can mostly blame Justin Smoak for that.

canada goose uk outlet When Pearce was acquired in the winter of goose outlet canada 2017, it was with the intent of filling a utility role against left handed starters, getting platoon work and in the outfield. Problem was that Smoak, the Jays regular first baseman, was getting set to canada goose outlet store uk launch a career and all star season, and never cooled off. canada goose uk outlet

As a result, Pearce started just 10 games at first base in 2017 while spending 85 in left field (where he didn always look comfortable but was still competent) and he DHed twice.

Canada Goose sale This past season, manager John Gibbons had a similar role for Pearce, albeit with a more crowded outfield. He started at first base only three times before being dealt. Canada Goose sale

The Red Sox saw something, however. In a career that his seen him play for seven teams, including all five in the AL East, Pearce has had 256 starts at first, more than any other position.

Canada Goose Outlet Since his arrival in Boston, he has done just what general manager Dave Dombrowski hoped he would against southpaws hitting.308 (regular season and playoffs) and got a pair of hits in Tuesday clincher. Canada Goose Outlet

been a good fit since I got here, Pearce, who grew up a big Red Sox fan and has relished the Fenway Park experience. be able to contribute canada goose outlet england has made it even better. TAKES ON ARIZONA

cheap Canada Goose From New Hampshire to Buffalo and now to the Arizona Fall League, the 2018 season of terror on opposing batters continues for Blue Jays canada goose outlet store toronto top prospect, Vlad Guerrero Jr. cheap Canada Goose

Canada Goose Online Making his debut in the developmental league on Friday, Guerrero went 3 canada goose outlet in chicago for 5 at the plate with a pair of doubles and three RBIs for the Surprise Saguaros. Canada Goose Online

canada goose store Part of the Jays spin in not making canada goose outlet ontario Guerrero a September callup was because of these plans for the MLB run developmental league. While Guerrero would have been equally content to return to canada goose parka uk his home country and play in the Dominican winter league, the team wanted to have him closer to home, where its player development people can canada goose outlet keep a closer eye on his work. canada goose store

canada goose The top priority is canada goose outlet edmonton to improve his defensive play, but if Guerrero continues to crush the ball in Arizona and again in Grapefruit League play in Florida next March, it will be tough to keep the good kid down. canada goose

buy canada goose jacket cheap Guerrero has plenty of Jays company in Surprise, a community not far from Glendale, Ariz, home of the NHL Coyotes. The seven Jays prospects on the Saguaros include infielder Cavan Biggio and canada goose outlet phone number highly regarded pitching prospect Nate Pearson. buy canada goose jacket cheap

canada goose uk shop Infielder Santiago Espinal, who came over in the Pearce deal, and pitchers Shawn Morimando, Zach Jackson and Jackson McClelland round out the Jays prospects in Arizona. canada goose uk shop

canada goose factory sale The AFL has long been a development spot for major league talent. Most recently, Atlanta Braves rookie sensation Ronald Acuna was in the league a year ago. canada goose factory sale

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As Jays executives cycle in and out of Arizona to keep tabs on Vladdy and the lads, wonder how much attention will be given to the manager of the Surprise team?

That would be none other than Canadian Stubby Clapp, who is rumoured to be in the mix of candidates to replace Gibbons. Those who are familiar with Clapp work https://www.gooseyou.com in the St. Louis Cardinals organization praise him for being a major influence on the development canada goose discount uk of young talent.

canadian goose jacket Clapp, a native of Windsor, Ont., was named the triple A Pacific Coast League manager of the year for his work with Memphis. Clapp is said to be drawing interest from several MLB teams. canadian goose jacket

AROUND THE BASES

Canada Goose online The Astros are slight betting favourites to win both the ALCS and the World Series. It was only the second time this season that they had consecutive games without a round tripper Quirky stat of this post season: Teams scoring first so far this October have a record of 14 2. The two losses were by Cleveland, who were swept by the Astros Canada Goose online.