Red Sox assign new uniform numbers!

It's so cold today that even I'm cold. It's the coldest day in Boston in at least two years, and while I generally welcome the winter freeze, it's the sort of day where even I need something soul-warming. Thankfully, the Red Sox have me thinking of spring training with today's announcement (courtesy of the Boston Globe) - the assignment of new uniform numbers!

I believe the Red Sox failure in 2012 is tied directly to the fact they had too many players with high uniform numbers. Teams would see numbers like 61, 64, 66, and 77(!) in the starting lineup every day and get an extra dose of confidence, thinking they were playing a spring training game against the third stringers about to be assigned to Double-A. Sure, you may think the Red Sox lost because of their vast array of injuries, an incompetent manager, or the fact that Scott Atchison ended up being their most valuable pitcher (according to rWAR), but you will be unable to convince me that it was something other than the uniform numbers.

New Toronto Blue Jays Uniforms are Excellent

Sorry about the mediocre quality of the photo, lifted from CP24, but it was the best one I could find. Anyhow, I like it a lot.

It has the word "Blue" back in it! The "Jays" uniform/logo never did it for me. Plus, the old alternate uniform being black? Never made sense to me. This logo seems like an excellent mix of an homage to their original logo, with the double-line lettering, and the maple leaf, acknowledging their status as Canada's Team.

Important note. The Blue Jays can be called Canada's Team because they are the only Major League Baseball team that plays in Canada. Unlike in America, where some team, usually the Dallas Cowboys, tries to claim to be America's Team. Only they aren't, because there are lots of other teams in America, and most importantly, lots more people who like other teams better than the team claiming to be America's Team. Especially when it pertains to the Cowboys. Does ANYONE actually like the Dallas Cowboys?


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Ok, back to Canada's Team. As you can see from this video from the Blue Jays website, the new uniforms are great, looking like a modern version of their classic uniform. I can't see these getting anything other than universal acclaim. The split font/double-line lettering gives the Blue Jays a look that is instantly recognizable, and the alternate uniforms (usable both at home and the road), might be my second favorite in the game behind the Royals' powder blue number.

The Blue Jays' football counterparts, the Toronto Bills, are 5-4 this year, and I feel strongly that the upgrade in uniform is the biggest reason for their improvement. With that in mind, these new Blue Jay uniforms have to be what, at least a five game swing, right? I exaggerate, but only somewhat - they really do look sharp. Way to step up, Blue Jays!