2018 Winter Olympics: Toronto Blue Jays Edition
The Winter Olympics are under way and I thought I would have some fun pondering what sports current Blue Jays would succeed at if they weren't baseball players.
Ski Jumping - They don't call Kevin Pillar Superman for nothing. The way he lays out for diving catches would translate well to ski jumping.
Short Track Speed Skating - Ezequiel Carrera's speed and short stature would translate well to the short track.
Biathlon - Josh Donaldson is a sharpshooter making those long accurate throws from third base and he has the grit to push through the grueling ski course.
Curling - Roberto Osuna's 3.6% walk rate show he has pinpoint accuracy and his 33.3% strikeout rate shows he also has the power for when he needs to clear the house of rocks.
Luge - Luge takes a fearless, grip it and rip it attitude. Steve Pearce seems like a balls to the wall type of guy who would have no problem psyching himself up to go flying down an ice track.
Alpine Skiing - Yangervis Solarte's versatility would do well in the combined event. He has mastered the infield positions so he would probably also do well mastering the slalom, downhill, super g and giant slalom events to take home the gold.
Freestyle Skiing - Freestyle skiing is all about style and swagger. Now what Blue Jays player could possibly fit that description? Hmm? Who could that possibly be? Oh right, Marcus Stroman! Stroman's style would play well in fresstyle skiing, plus his small stature helps with all the flips and spins.
Figure Skating - Troy Tulowitzki is graceful in the field and that grace would come in handy on the ice. He may not have the same power he used to for the big jumps, but he would still score well in the artistic aspects.
Pairs Figure skating - Joe Biagini would the first candidate because if there was anyone who would actually agree to figure skate with a teammate it's most likely Biagini. His partner would have to be Aaron Loup just because his name is similar to the name of a figure skating move.
Bobsleigh - J.A. Happ would be the veteran driver with the power coming from Ryan Tepera and Danny Barnes. Devon Travis would be the speedy brake man. And no, I don't mean break man. He's going to be healthy this year dammit.
Hockey - Russell Martin is Canadian so he easily makes the team. His blocking skills behind the plate would come in handy as the team's goalie. Luke Maile is the ideal stay at home defender who provides little offence. Grichuk provides solid defence and adds a bit of offence when needed. Justin Smoak has all the makings of a power forward. Dalton Pompey is another Canadian so he's a given as the team's speedy winger. Curtis Granderson provides veteran leadership at center.
Cross Country Skiing - Slow and steady wins the race. Kendrys Morales fits that description. Plus, cramming that physique into the spandex ski suit would be worth it just for the comedic effect it would have.
Snowboarding - The way Aaron Sanchez's curveball carves the air means he should have no problem carving the half pipe.
So there you have it, the Toronto Blue Jays Olympic team. I think this group has what it takes to sit atop the medal standings.
