Let’s take a look at some of the latest pieces of MLB news, including a change of dimensions for the Toronto Blue Jays, a potential new member of the Opening Day roster for the Colorado Rockies, and a tip of the cap to a baseball movie legend with the Atlanta Braves.
Toronto Blue Jays news: A different Rogers Centre coming in 2023
Not only have the Blue Jays spent the offseason tweaking their roster in order to challenge for the American League East title, but they’re also putting in the work to change up their stadium as well, perhaps helping the home team find some additional power and score some more runs in 2023 and beyond.
Rogers Centre is going to be even more hitter-friendly moving forward.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) January 21, 2023
Per sources, here are the expected new dimensions.
RCF alley moving in from 375 to 357(!) feet.
LCF 375 to 366.
CF from 400 to 397.
Lines expected to stay same at 328.#BlueJays
Interestingly, it seems the Blue Jays are already trying to get ahead of any talk about a “short porch” in right field, comparing the wall height to the one found at Yankee Stadium.
A #BlueJays PR rep has asked me to clarify that wall height (this is already in the story on the website) will factor in, adding "it's not going to be Yankee Stadium in RF."
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) January 21, 2023
They also say they'll share the "most up to date" plan with the public next month.
MLB news: Colorado Rockies ink Harold Castro to minor league deal
With a changing of the guard at shortstop in Colorado as talented rookie Ezequiel Tovar is expected to take over the position this season, the Rockies signed former Detroit Tigers utility player Harold Castro to a minor league deal. It’s possible that the deal, depending on how the 29-year-old Castro performs in spring camp, could eventually lead to him making the Opening Day roster as a utility player and primary backup to Tovar and perhaps Gold Glove second baseman Brendan Rodgers.
Castro slashed .271/.300/.381 last season for Detroit, a franchise where he spent five seasons and put up numbers in 351 games. Of those appearances, 70 came at shortstop while 85 were at second base, the two highest numbers of Castro’s career.
Atlanta Braves news: Spencer Strider channels his inner Wild Thing
Braves fans already love Strider, who finished as the runner-up to teammate Michael Harris II for National League Rookie of the Year last season. After all, posting an overall 2.67 ERA/1.83 FIP/0.995 WHIP over 131.2 innings and setting the franchise record for strikeouts in a game with 16 will have any fan base excited to have a pitcher on the mound.
But Strider may take things to a whole new level in 2023 with Atlanta fans by changing his number to match his favorite mythical baseball character.
Strider has changed to No. 99. His favorite movie is Major League and he says he relates to Rick Vaughn. He also uses No. 99 when he adds himself to the roster while playing MLB The Show
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) January 21, 2023
What’s the bottom line? Get ready for a lot of “Wild Thing” being played inside Truist Park in 2023.