There are seven dates in which the Pirates' and Blue Jays' schedules conflict at PNC ParkGETTY IMAGES
The Blue Jays have been "told they will be calling PNC Park 'home' this season," according to a source cited by Sportsnet's Hazel Mae (TWITTER.com, 7/21). Sportsnet's Shi Davidi tweeted, "Still need to lock down some approvals from local and state officials to make it happen" (TWITTER.com, 7/22). In Toronto, Rosie DiManno notes Pittsburgh "turned out to be a good fit, affording easy travel throughout the Jays' redrawn 10-team schedule." There are seven overlapping home dates between the Jays and Pirates, "requiring some sort of minor schedule shuffling." The Blue Jays also "got an assist from Pirates GM Ben Cherington," who was Blue Jays VP/Baseball Operations until he left that position in the offseason to run the Pirates. MLB also "had a strong say" in the choice. Further details on how the landlords and the tenants will co-exist are "not yet clear." The Jays start the season on a five-game road trip so there is "some time -- not much -- to figure things out" (TORONTO STAR, 7/22).
LOT OF LOGISTICS TO CONSIDER: In Toronto, Rob Longley reports the Blue Jays will "likely have an extended road trip" in order to install the "temporary renovations to accommodate them at PNC Park." Following the five-game road trip to start the season, the Blue Jays' "home" opener is set for July 31-Aug. 2 against the Phillies. Those games could be flipped to Philadelphia, meaning the "Jays era in Pittsburgh would begin on Aug. 11 against the Marlins" (TORONTO SUN, 7/22). In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey notes while the Pirates' schedule "will not be impacted, there's a lengthy list of logistical concerns, all of which officials from all sides are sorting through at this very moment." They "must figure out who staffs the games and how/what those people are paid." The Blue Jays "would likely want to broadcast their games, but it would make sense to avoid sharing space with their Pittsburgh counterparts." There also are "corporate sponsors who were expecting signs at Rogers Centre to show up on TV." Those "must be brought here and replicated, or the contracts will have to be adjusted" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 7/22).
