Tinnish likes Jays Canadian talent

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As the Toronto Blue Jays head into spring training next month, they could wind-up with more Canadians on their roster than ever before. That’s a pretty big deal according to Jays’ Assistant General Manager, and Burlington resident, Andrew Tinnish.

Fans of the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league affiliate the Buffalo Bisons gathered to hear infielder Steve Tolleson, pitcher Chad Jenkins, and Assistant General Manager Andrew Tinnish, speak about the upcoming season.

Tinnish: “Certainly our focus is to add more talent and to get better.”

Tinnish, a Burlington resident and graduate of Brock University, was promoted to Assistant General Manager mid-way through the 2012 season, and is now in his 14th year with the Blue Jays organization: “I certainly dreamed of this when I was graduating university, that I’d be at this point, but it’s been a long run. Rewarding, but still a lot of work to be done.”

At Brock, Tinnish helped the Badgers to two national championships, and was named Male Athlete of the Year in 1999.

While talent comes first, he says he’s proud to say there are three Canadians on the Jays’ roster heading into spring training, all of whom could make an impact: “Guys like Russel Martin, Michael Saunders, who’ve had a lot of success in the big leagues, who have proven themselves, but are also great club house guys. That’s the type of talent we’re looking to add. The right type of talent, and the fact that they’re Canadian is a bonus. I always feel like the Canadian players, and I don’t know if it’s the hockey mentality, they’re some of the better competitors out there.”

And the competition begins in 39 days. February 23rd is spring training’s first scheduled work-out.