During the latest game, Buck Martinez sparked quite a stir with his comments about the Yankees, and fans are buzzing.

First off, let's be real: publicly giving the opposing team any material for motivation is just not a smart move. If I make a throwaway comment about how the Yankees are 'evil,' it's likely to fly under the radar. But when Buck says it, you can bet they’re taking notes.

Just weeks ago, Michael Kay made some eyebrow-raising statements about the Blue Jays, and surprisingly, those words seemed to ignite something in the team. Did he fuel their success? Was it just a coincidence? Hard to say, but if I were managing the team's broadcast, I'd discourage remarks that could pump up the opposition.

Doesn’t that echo Kay’s logic? The implication that they aren’t contenders because they don’t churn out wins like our team does is flawed. There are many paths to success in baseball. The Jays, during their powerhouse days with Bautista, Donaldson, and Encarnacion, knew how to rattle opponents by outslugging them—something Buck never seemed to mind back then.

When the Jays shifted their strategy to prioritize pitching and defense over sheer offense, I was skeptical. I had always found joy in cheering for a team that could dominate with home runs. However, I’m starting to appreciate the beauty of solid defensive plays.

The crux of my argument is simple: Buck—and Michael Kay—must recognize that there are diverse formulas for building a winning baseball team.

Being a fan of Earl Weaver, it's worth noting his strong belief in pitching combined with the three-run homer; defense was often a secondary concern. Cal Ripken Jr. played shortstop not necessarily for his glove but to squeeze another power hitter into the lineup. Today, however, defensive metrics are much more developed, and strategies may need to adapt.

On a different note, there’s been no word from Sportsnet regarding Martinez's return next season. It would be great if they'd clarify his status before the end of the season so he receives the recognition he truly deserves.

Meanwhile, a troubling report from The Athletic exposed several front office personnel facing serious allegations of misconduct involving women—shocking in this day and age. If this had been the Jays' front office, I'd find it impossible to support the team.

In other news, Mitch Bannon released a list of Blue Jays prospects set for the upcoming fall league, sparking excitement among fans.

And you know what? I can't help but think the same thing every time I return from an overseas trip: baseball truly never sleeps!