J.P. Arencibia’s bold plans for Blue Jays

When Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields let loose a 93 mph fastball down the middle of the plate to rookie Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia, neither he, nor anyone else in the Rogers Centre knew exactly what to expect.

What they got was a bomb over the left field wall. A statement from the then-24-year-old that he – the consensus franchise back stop of the future – was ready to put an end to Toronto’s recently endless carousel at the position.

It was Aug. 7, 2010 when Arencibia went deep on Shields, but it wasn’t until the conclusion of the 2010 campaign when the rookie could truly inherit the role.

After his unforgettable debut – wherein he finished 4-for-5 with two home runs and a double – Arencibia was used sparingly. The Jays, after all, were committed to giving soon-to-be free-agent John Buck the everyday at-bats they promised him prior to the season.

The logjam behind the plate limited Arencibia to just 10 appearances over the rest of the season, inconsistency that likely contributed to the unimpressive numbers he posted in the final quarter of the season (1-for-30 with 13 strikeouts). In one particular instance, void of rhythm and predictability, Arencibia went 10 days between appearances.

It certainly didn’t help – as he struggled with sporadic playing time – that the first-time Major Leaguer was pitted against a handful of baseball’s elite pitchers as he learned the ropes; studs ranging from Felix Hernandez and CC Sabathia to David Price.

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Fast forward to 2011 spring training, where hope is in the air and an optimistic young Jays squad prepares for a fresh campaign.

Confidently, Arencibia speaks not only of the Jays in 2011, but his future with the team in particular. Specifically he underlines the importance of staying on track in the follow up campaign to his brief stint in 2010.

“I’m really not going in trying to prove anything, because when you try to prove and try to do other things, you have outside influences,” he said. “That’s when you’re not good, and I’ve already learned that.”

“I’ll just go out there and do what works for me: being consistent, doing what I need to do … At the end of the day the numbers are going to be there.”

The numbers have certainly been there for Arencibia during his minor league career. This past season as the everyday catcher for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, Arencibia raked a .301/.359/.626 line with 36 doubles, 32 home runs and 85 RBIs in only 104 games.

Playing every day won’t be anything new for Arencibia this season, with the exception of the jersey he’ll be throwing on under his gear. There is no need, he claims, to alter his preparation for the season.

“I’ve always been a guy that has played every day and now I’m coming in and really concentrating more on my pitching staff and learning the guys,” Arencibia said.

He will, however, put an emphasis on working on the defensive side of the game as well as his game calling.

“I think the biggest thing is concentrating on, number one; putting zeroes on the board while we’re on defense and, number two; my offense.”

Though he’s gone just 3-for-29 at the plate in spring training through March 15, Blue Jays manager John Farrell has been less concerned with Arencibia’s offensive output and moreso the defensive improvements he’s managed to make so far.

“He’s making the necessary strides and he’s getting to learn the pitches of every guy in the rotation,” said Farrell. “He’s making steady progress.”

With or without the vote of confidence, Arencibia understands what’s expected of him this season. If his debut in 2010 is any indication, he has a knack for handling expectations

“My job is to go out there and perform and to help the team win,” said the Miami native. “Obviously I would like to consider myself a guy who’s going to catch for a long time for the Blue Jays, but ultimately all I’m concentrating on is working hard and doing what I need to do on the field.”

Though he won’t be the only one on the hook if a 2011 campaign finishes with less than desirable results, it’s his approach to the campaign – the excitement and confidence – that exemplifies the morale of the team in the clubhouse and the franchise moving forward.

“Last year guys were excited,” said Arencibia. “But I think that in camp this year it’s been a lot more loose, guys are a lot more excited.”

Already sold on general manager Alex Anthopoulos’ business plan, Arencibia and the Jays have a lot to look forward to in the coming years – including some consistency at a position that hasn’t been held by a player for longer than two consecutive seasons since Darrin Fletcher did it from 1998-2001.

Though his debut stint in The Show was an up and down affair forever inscribed in Jays history for the sheer impact of his first Major League swing, Arencibia is well aware of what’s in store for both himself and his team.

All that’s left now is for Arencibia to combine the defensive fine-tuning he’s done over the offseason with the experience he gained with the Blue Jays in 2010 – especially one Saturday afternoon in particular.

“I’m just excited to go out there and show that this team is serious, that we’re not just here to make a little run, we’re here to win a World Series and be a dynasty, and have a World Series-type team for a long time.”

“That’s my mindset and that’s the way it’s going to be.”

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