Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar was as shocked as anyone when he heard the news Alex Anthopoulos would be leaving the organization.
“I felt that Alex really worked hard to build this team [and] help us get to where we’re at … We were looking forward to seeing what he could do next,” Pillar told The Jeff Blair Show on Sportsnet 590 The FAN Wednesday.
LISTEN: Pillar talks Anthopoulos, off-season and World Series
Although it’s clear Anthopoulos’ departure will have some impact on the team, Pillar says it might not be as dire as some are suggesting.
Pillar explained that in the grand scheme of things, not a whole lot should change in terms of how the team interacts because Anthopoulos was not someone the players saw every day like a hitting or pitching coach.
“He was able to put in good character guys and guys that want to win. The effect of Alex is still going to be present in the clubhouse,” Pillar said. “As sad as we are to see him leave it’s not something that will affect the team on a day-to-day basis.”
Pillar is coming off a breakout campaign with a slash line of .278/.314/.399 and .713 OPS. More notably, Pillar was named a Gold Glove finalist last week alongside Kevin Kiermaier and Mike Trout. The nomination came as no surprise considering the 26-year-old was a human highlight reel, leading all outfielders in putouts with 440.
Pillar is about to go on vacation to Hawaii with his family to relax and rest his body following his taxing first full season as an MLB starter, but realizes this off-season is vital to his development – especially on the offensive side of things.
“I still have a lot to prove,” Pillar said. “I think I figured a lot of stuff out this year from a hitting perspective. Being around guys like [Josh Donaldson] and [Jose] Bautista and picking their brains [helped].”
Pillar admitted he didn’t watch every pitch of the World Series but said of the champion Kansas City Royals: “I’ve never seen a team more capable of creating a snowball effect.”
