DUNEDIN - Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins met with the media briefly on Tuesday morning, ostensibly to address the blunt message that pending free agent Jose Bautista delivered on Monday and to put out the fire started by a strong trade rumour that had Michael Saunders packing.
In both cases, Atkins provided no new information or perspective, choosing to erect a wall of silence.
“What I can say is that we’re glad Jose is here,” said Atkins. “We’re glad that he’s a Blue Jay. Beyond that, I cannot comment on negotiations.”
As for the trade that sources have said was scuttled by a medical glitch involving one of the players, he was even less forthcoming.