Infielder Justin Turner's positive impact on Blue Jays locker room
Blue Jays infielder Justin Turner seems to be a hit among the Blue Jays as multiple sources have given insight into how well he gets along with the team. He is expected to pull his weight and clean up, but all the love in the world from teammates doesn't necessarily mean he will.
Justin Turner has been a hit with Blue Jays teammates -- now can he clean up for them?
Justin Turner's career is a testament to resilience and hard work. Beginning his Major League Baseball journey with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, Turner's early career didn't hint at the pivotal player he would become. It wasn't until he joined the New York Mets in 2010 that he started to make a name for himself, though he was mainly seen as a utility player. However, it was his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting in 2014, that Turner truly found his stride and became a household name.
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In Los Angeles, Turner transformed into one of the most consistent and clutch hitters in the league. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason, earned him accolades and a strong fan following. Turner's batting prowess, characterized by a high on-base percentage and timely hitting, was crucial in the Dodgers' repeated deep runs into the playoffs, culminating in a long-awaited World Series championship in 2020.
Beyond his on-field success, Turner is known for his leadership in the clubhouse and his charitable work off the field, particularly through the Justin Turner Foundation. After a storied tenure with the Dodgers, Turner's career took a new turn as he joined the Toronto Blue Jays, bringing his veteran presence and playoff experience to a young, talented team aiming for glory.
Justin Turner has been talked about very highly from his teammates. Jokes, personal conversations, and team morale are definitely a major quality Turner brings aside all the on-field advantages and experience he brings up to the plate.
«I think it's the same for everyone." Said Turner when asked about his time with the team during spring training. "You spend time around each other, ask questions talk about different thoughts, different mentalities, different approaches. That's something that isn't just a spring training thing. It's something that goes on all year long."
A large question on fans and the team's mind is can Turner clean up for Toronto? Here's what he had to say on the matter.
«I don't really care where I hit in the lineup,» Turner said. «As long as they're happy, I'm good. George (Springer) has been an on-base machine and Bo (Bichette) and Vladdy (Guerrero Jr.) are just so talented and can do so many great things. There's always a lot of traffic out there. It's more fun taking at bats when you have those guys in scoring position.»
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26 MARS | 69 ANSWERS Infielder Justin Turner's positive impact on Blue Jays locker room Will Justin Turner hit clean up for the Jays all season? |
Yes | 43 | 62.3 % |
No | 26 | 37.7 % |
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