Blue Jays’ offseason look > Can Canada’s team repeat? Davie Wong Sports Editor t wasn’t too long ago the nation was crazy for Canada’s only team in the MLB. The Toronto Blue Jays made history last year, finishing at the top of their tough division, and coming within two games of going to the World Series. Having had their team come so close to fall just short, fans might think that the organization would do its best to retain the members of the winning team. However, this offseason was quite the shocker for new, inexperienced fans of the MLB. A long list of departures saw star starting pitcher David Price, talented outfielder Ben Revere, utility infielder Cliff Pennington, and veteran pitcher Mark Buehrle take their leave. Those were just some of the more notable names, as the list spanned several more. The biggest name on that list was fan favourite, Price, who came to the big city earlier in year froma huge trade. He was a huge factor in the Jays’ winning, going 9-1 with a league leading 2.30 ERA since being traded. Going into the offseason, it was expected that the Blue Jays’ organization would make a move to keep the sensational pitcher in Toronto. But instead, they let him walk. This may be due to the fact that the man who brought him in, general manager Alex Anthopoulos, rejected a five-year extension from the organization, and left to sign with the LA Dodgers. He went on to sign a huge deal with the Jay’s division rival, the Boston Red Sox. His departure, as well as the departure of Buehrle, leaves a giant gap in the Jays’ starting rotation. The hole is much too big for Marcus Stroman to fill alone. To fill that gap, the organization brought in J.A. Happ from free agency, and Jesse Chavez for the Oakland Athletics, as well as several candidates from the bullpen to pick from. At the moment, it would seem that the youngster from the bullpen, Aaron Sanchez, is leading the charge for the open spots, but anything could happen come opening day. From the outfield, with the departure of Revere, there was an opening for that needed to be filled. Originally, it was thought Within a hand's reach > Men’s volleyball season in review Davie Wong Sports Editor he men’s volleyball program at Douglas College has been the apex of the PACWEST since the turn of the decade. This year was a little different for the elite squad led by long-time coach Brad Hudson. Not only were they up against some of the best competition that the PACWEST had seen in years, but they were also in the same conference as the defending National Champions, the Camosun Chargers. The opening roster had many hopeful that this year would be the one that the boys brought it all home. They would go on to dominate in the regular season, losing only 4 times in 24 games. They would end their regular season on an 11-game winning streak and headed into the playoffs as final favourites. Of course, the other favourites were none other than the defending provincial champions, the Camosun Chargers. The two giants clashed in the finals for the right to bring the banner home. Ina five set epic, the Chargers reclaimed their title, as the Royals had a very rare meltdown. Disappointed and dejected, the team took little time to bounce back as they looked forward to hosting the National Championships. The 7 best teams in Canada converged on Douglas College for the chance to be National Champions. The Royals, knocked out of gold contention in the first round of action, fought their way back to compete for bronze. Along the way, they eliminated a number of teams from across Canada, including taking sweet revenge on their provincial rivals, Camosun. However, they would i f bs af by many that the talented prospect Dalton Pompey would be filling that gap. But he has since been sent down to the AAA league. Now all that is left, to decide who will be filling the role of utility outfielder at number 4. It’s believed that either Ezequiel Carrera or Junior Lake will be joining the Jays on the opening roster, but the battle is neck-and- neck. From the infield, not much has changed. The organization ultimately fall in the bronze medal game, falling just short of their medal ambitions. Despite the result, the team can be very proud of the progress they have made this year. Yet, none of it would have been possible if not for the play of some key figures. Second- year player, Caleb Konrad had a fantastic year for the Royals, bagging a spot on the first-team All-Star squad. Fellow second- year Carson Heppell and third- year George Thompson were also fantastic for the Royals, and locked up 2015-16 MVP Josh Donaldson with a 2-year extension, and solidified their lineup for this year. With Edwin Encarnacion battling age and injury, along with his contract ending at the end of this year, it will be interesting to see whether or not he makes a statement to stay with his play this year, or slowly be phased out and replaced by a younger hitter. Chris Colabello has definitely made a statement this spring bagged spots on the second- team All-Star squad. Thompson finished sixth in average kills per set, and ninth in average total offensive stats in the PACWEST. Meanwhile, Heppell finished eleventh in average kills per set, sixth in average aces per set, and tenth in average total offensive stats per set. The squad also boasted several rookies that were notable in their freshman year. Jordan Loewan was impressive for the Royals from libero. He finished the year ranked fourth in average Photo by Alvin Lescano . WY Le md > < 5 a < - y sz > 5 w a o E training for Encarnacion’s job. Only time will tell if the team sticks with the youth, or give their veteran the payoff he feels that he’s earned. With the changes in management, as well as the shifts in the pitching rotations and bullpen, it is hard to say where the team will be come the all-star break. Maybe this year can bea repeat, but I highly doubt it. I think it’s back to the drought for the Jays. At least for now. digs per set, and made the PACWEST All-Rookie team. But even with all that talent, it would mean nothing without the man who has always tied it all together. Brad Hudson has been the centrepiece of the Royals men’s volleyball program for longer than most can remember. Year after year, as his team constantly shifts, it has been Hudson that remained the constant. This year he played 17 different starting lineups during the regular season, and managed to get wins out of nearly all of them. For his accomplishments, he receive yet another PACWEST coach of the year award. Unfortunately, it will be his last award as the head coach of the Royals. At the end of the National Championship, Hudson announced that he would be stepping down from the team. He is not the only member of the team leaving in this time of turnover. As of now, co-captain Nick Lightfoot and outside hitter George Thompson, have committed to the Mount Royal University Cougars for the 2016- 17 season. Their transfer leaves a huge gap in the Royals lineup, and surely foreshadows a barrage of changes as the search for a new head coach begins.