Since 2003, at this stage of the offseason the Blue Jays have always held their annual “State of the Franchise” address for their season ticket holders. This year was much different for a number of reasons. First and most obviously, Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins sat where we’ve grown accustomed to seeing Alex Anthopoulos and Paul Beeston for many years.
Now called, “The Leadoff”, the event had a much different feel for fans and media alike, even having tickets listed on Stub Hub the morning of the event, for anywhere from $15-40. This was not the party atmosphere that had been created in years passed, especially considering the excitement that should be around a club that just made it’s first playoff appearance since 1993.