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A32 sports
Diahuebs 28 Januari 2021

New Jays OF Springer sees echoes of Astros in Toronto's core

(AP) — George Springer Springer said the Blue Jays
thinks Toronto's promis- contacted him early in the
ing young core is similar free agent process, putting
to the group he played him in “a very good state of
with that led Houston to mind” right from the first
its first World Series title call.
in 2017.
“When you have a young tal-
Springer and the Blue Jays ented group that’s already in
agreed last week to a team- place, it’s obviously very, very
record $150 million, six-year attractive because you know
contract. He joined a roster what they could potentially
that includes young slug- do,” he said.
gers Vladimir Guerrero and Springer’s contract is the
Bo Bichette, The three-time second $100 million-plus
All-Star outfielder was 2017 deal in team history. In De-
World Series MVP when he cember 2006, center fielder
played with José Altuve, Alex Vernon Wells and the Blue
Bregman and Carlos Correa. Jays agreed to a $126 million,
seven-year contract.
“This lineup reminds me a
lot of them,” Springer said, Under new owner Steve
wearing a Toronto cap and Cohen, the New York Mets
jersey during a video news were said to be interested in
conference. “It is a young team like I have, you could has a .270 career average with payroll, likely to strengthen Springer, but the outfielder
lineup but it’s a very talented, see the talent, could see the 174 home runs and 458 RBIs, the rotation, but said “the wouldn't address their pur-
advanced younger lineup. potential in their lineup, in including career bests of .292 bulk of our heavy lifting is suit.
From everything I’ve seen, their staff, in their arms. I with 39 homers and 96 RBIs done.”
they’re very, very ambitious. think this team is built to in 2019. “This is about the Blue Jays,”
They want to win, they work win, and I think they’re going Springer split time between Springer said. “I don’t really
hard. That’s awesome to see.” to be built to win for a long Besides Springer, Toronto center field and right with have anything to say on that
time.” also has signed right-handers the Astros, but is expected to matter. I’m extremely happy
Toronto went 32-28 dur- Kirby Yates and Tyler Chat- become a fixture in center for to be where I am.”
ing the pandemic-shortened Team president Mark Shap- wood in the past week. The the Blue Jays. He’s also likely
2020 season, finishing third iro said Springer was “clearly Blue Jays have a pending $18 to lead off Toronto’s batting Springer was more open to
in the AL East behind Tampa a good fit” for the emerging million, one-year deal with order. addressing Toronto’s interest
Bay and the New York Yan- Blue Jays. infielder Marcus Semien, in friend and former team-
kees and qualifying for the subject to a successful physi- “It’s no secret that George is a mate Michael Brantley, who
expanded postseason. The “His experience will add a cal. great leadoff hitter,” manager rejoined the Astros for a $32
Blue Jays swept in two games certain level of wisdom to Charlie Montoyo said. million, two-year deal.
during a first-round series by our players,” Shapiro said. “We’ve taken the next step
the eventual AL champion “He’s been places where our and we’ll see where that takes “I’m willing to do whatever “I talk to Mike as a friend
Rays. guys haven’t been yet and us,” general manager Ross it is they want me to do,” probably every day,” Springer
knows how to handle those Atkins said. Springer said. “I’m here for said. “It’s not my business to
“I think they’re right there,” environments.” the team, I’m here to win so ask him all that stuff. I was
Springer said of Toronto. Shapiro insisted the Blue Jays whatever they want me to do, hopeful for it but, ultimately,
“When you play against this In seven seasons, Springer still have flexibility to add I’ll gladly do it.” I’m happy for him.”

Lions-SAfrica series needs to be held this year, says Jones

(AP) — The rugby captains of without fans in South Africa, or post- clinching victory over Australia, also
England, Ireland, Scotland and The planned Lions tour of South Af- poning it a year. said it was important spectators were
Wales are united in the belief that rica this summer is under threat by allowed into matches.
the British and Irish Lions should the coronavirus pandemic, with three Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has
play South Africa this year rather contingency plans being discussed: been involved in the talks, along with “It would be a travesty if the fans
than a tour being pushed back playing the test series in Britain and his counterparts for England (Owen weren’t able to go and see it,” he add-
until 2022. Ireland, playing the eight-match tour Farrell), Scotland (Stuart Hogg) and ed. “Having been involved in a few,
Ireland (Johnny Sexton), and is ready it’s a very special tour and the fans
to discount one of the proposals. make it that way.”
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend,
“I think it needs to go ahead this who toured South Africa as a player
year,” Jones said, speaking Wednes- with the 1997 Lions, hopes a solution
day at the launch of the Six Nations can be found.
tournament which begins next week.
“You can’t underestimate the value
“The jury is out on where it will hap- the Lions have to our sport and what
pen," he said. "We all know the jeop- it means to our players and our sup-
ardy that it’s in. All being well, every- porters,” Townsend said.
one will be safe and looked after if it
does go ahead, for those guys select- “So I just cross my fingers a solution
ed. … From a captain’s point of view, is found and we can all get behind
we are all in agreement that, if it can, that team, whether it is this year or
it should go ahead this year.” next year.”
Jones, who has played in nine Li- A decision is set to be reached by the
ons tests across three tours and also middle of February.
captained the team in a 2013 series-