The Blue Jays and Vancouver Canadians Extend Their Player Development Contract Through 2022

Aaaaaaaand speaking of the Vancouver Canadians (which… weren’t we?), with Ross Atkins in town, and the club’s annual Hot Stove Luncheon taking place today, it seems like it was a good time for the club to announce some pretty big (if thoroughly expected) news:

It’s a relationship so obvious and so good that even the Americans running the Jays can’t screw it up!

There’s nothing not to like about what the Jays are doing with Vancouver, and full credit to Paul Beeston and Alex Anthopoulos for having recognized the potential there. A quick stint in Vancouver gives young Blue Jays players a chance to get a feel for Canada, so that they’re not completely unfamiliar at the time their first big league call-up eventually (hopefully) comes, and the connection between the fans there and “Canada’s Team” really seems to resonate. Like the link-up with Buffalo, which also made far too much sense, it’s the rare great marketing opportunity that has all kinds of outstanding side benefits to it.

Plus, though I’ve sadly never been, I know that the ballpark gets raves, the organization seems to really get it, and it’s a relationship that genuinely seems to work. And having followed along through the Jays’ years in Syracuse and Las Vegas, and watching their Double-A team play in the Red Sox’ back yard, I know that’s not always going to be the case.

So good on everyone for getting this done and extending this deal into the far off distant future of 2022. WILL THERE BE FLYING CARS BY THE TIME IT ENDS? WHY, ANYTHING WILL BE POSSIBLE SO DEEP INTO THE UNIMAGINABLE!!!