Vladdy red-hot to start spring: 2 games, 2 HRs

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Two days, two homers for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Some things never change.

A day after launching a 423-foot shot against the Pirates, Guerrero treated Blue Jays fans in TD Ballpark to a 401-foot homer in Toronto’s Grapefruit League game against the Yankees on Sunday.

Guerrero is entering a big year after taking a step back in 2022. Granted, a step back by Guerrero’s standards was still an All-Star season in which he launched 32 home runs and won a Gold Glove Award, but he wasn’t the same game-changing talent we saw in ’21, when only Shohei Ohtani’s historic season kept him from winning AL MVP honors.

• Kirk withdraws from World Baseball Classic

Looking back, Guerrero has recognized that he was “anxious” at the plate in 2022, trying to re-create the season prior and forcing the issue too much. This led to some poor swing decisions and baseballs being pounded into the dirt, but with a refreshed mindset, Guerrero is trying to get back to the same plate approach that’s carried him this far. That starts with an even more focused approach to Spring Training, even if it’s only February.

“Not that I didn’t before, but I try to take it even more serious now,” Guerrero said through a club interpreter on Saturday. “If we are facing our own pitching or in games like today, I’m just trying to get as much as I can and get ready for the season.”

In many ways, Guerrero is the biggest variable on this roster. The difference between his 2021 and ’22 numbers could mean several wins for the Blue Jays, but even if he finds a middle ground -- which would be a .900 OPS with 40 home runs -- he’d be one of baseball’s best.

As Guerrero launched his home run Sunday, Kevin Kiermaier was standing at the media backdrop chatting with reporters. He paused to watch his new star teammate round the bases and reiterated that, when you’re on a team with Vladdy, your job is to get on base in front of him. That’s how transformative Guerrero can be to not just his spot in the lineup, but the other eight.

“I’m feeling good right now,” Guerrero said. “Of course, I don’t feel 100%, but I’m trying to get ready as much as I can. I’m working very hard to be 100% for the season.”

Big Nate, big numbers
Soon after forcing Josh Donaldson to foul off a 100.3 mph fastball, Nate Pearson struck out the former AL MVP with one clocked at 100.8 mph. Pearson is finding baseball fun again -- given his move to the bullpen and long overdue return to 100% health -- and he’s an X-factor in this bullpen once again.

“He’s nasty,” Kiermaier said. “I faced him the other day. He has an electric arm, electric heater, great curveball. He’s got such fast arm speed. He’s going to be good. I know they were talking about seeing how he does down in the bullpen, so if he can go chuck it 100 [mph] for an inning or two and give his best stuff for 30-40 pitches, he’s going to be an absolute weapon.”

Pearson felt he was missing with his fastball at times, and a few certainly got away from him, but his health is the No. 1 priority at this point in camp. Pearson may be on the outside looking in at the bullpen competition right now, but not by much, and a pitcher with his physical gifts is capable of changing that conversation quickly when it all comes together.

Bichette earning early praise
Few players have stood out in camp like Bo Bichette. There doesn’t seem to be much ramp-up period for the star shortstop, who takes even batting practice at-bats as serious as a postseason game.

“He wants at-bats. He wants as many as he can get,” said manager John Schneider. “His overall demeanor with an other year under his belt, finishing last way how he did, he’s in a great spot mentally. With the way he’s interacting, the way he’s leading, he’s more comfortable as a teammate and as a player. I think he’s going to hit the ground running.”