Justin Turner, a rookie Blue Jay, is one person who understands the highs and lows of postseason baseball.
Although the Jays signed the 39-year-old veteran free agent to help them find a way to make an impact deep into October, the player is fully aware of the difficulties that come with that responsibility.
Despite playing for a club that was expected to win many titles, the red-bearded third baseman only won one World Series in his nine years with the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers.
Turner remarked on a media Zoom call on Friday, “Maybe this is a little bit of a cop out because we only won one time out of the nine, but it’s like a crapshoot.” “The amount of different champions we’ve had over the past ten to fifteen years is pretty indicative of how difficult it is to be the last team standing in baseball.”
“To win a World Series, you will need to swallow your pride and do whatever it takes, whether or not it involves playing a sexy role. It won’t matter when you’re holding that trophy. You have to get hot at the right time and have everyone pulling the right strings.”
Nevertheless, Turner brings a wealth of diverse experience to the Toronto clubhouse as they continue to strive for the next level after suffering devastating playoff disappointment the previous two seasons. Turner has played in 86 postseason games over 19 series in his nine years with the Dodgers, including that one and only championship in 2020.
Additionally, during his roughly 20-minute interview with the Toronto media, the affable Californian appeared enthusiastic about his one-year contract with the Jays.
He stated that following a sluggish winter of deals, a Zoom call in December laid the foundation for general manager Ross Atkins’ largest off-season move to date, which culminated in an agreement earlier this week.
Turner is prepared to take on any and all tasks with his new team after spending the most of the season in a DH role with the Red Sox; this dream is probably going to come true.
Turner stated, “I like to keep my expectations and goals pretty simple.” “It’s my responsibility to support (manager John Schneider) in any manner I can for as many games as I can. I thus wish to be well. I want to play 162 (games) and show Schneider that he can count on me to step in anywhere he wants me to. if a lot of third base is being played. I’m going to be prepared to play third base. I’ll be prepared if it’s Vladmir Guerrero Jr. spelling at first. It’s also fantastic if the position is mostly DH-related.
“When people ask me what my favorite position is, I always say that it’s right there in the lineup. Really, it doesn’t matter where on the pitch I am playing.
Turner is a valuable asset to the Jays because of his flexibility and offensive ability, which allowed him to hit 23 home runs with the Red Sox in 2023. He will, however, also be respected for his leadership qualities as an experienced figure in a clubhouse full of guys eager to advance.
In light of this, Turner claims he prefers a more understated strategy for exerting influence over a fresh squad.
Turner remarked, “I was meeting a lot of new people and entering a new clubhouse for the first time in a long time last year (in Boston).” “I spent a very long period playing with the Dodgers and we won a World Series together. With these, I created a few all-star teams.
“There it is, of course, the information on the back of the card. However, it doesn’t imply that just because you’ve accomplished some amazing things in the past, people will respect you when you enter a room.
That’s how I approach and approach things in general. In order to gain their respect, I need to develop these ties and work to win their trust. It’s not something I just get by entering. Just as I’m sure they want to earn my respect, I too want to gain theirs.
