New Turf Getting Installed

The Cats Ass · December 3, 2014

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/jays-hope-new-turf-will-be-softer-for-players/

The Blue Jays are getting new turf installed over the winter. It's something called "AstroTurf 3D Xtreme", the stuff installed now is just "AstroTurf 3D". Wonder if it will make a difference.. Says it's only a stop gap until Rogers Centre natural grass which is slated for 2018.

TDotttt2005 · December 3, 2014

This guy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddowe is doing a 'study' about whether they Jays are serious about putting in grass, or if its just Beeston being Beeston,and lying.

By way of background, The Toronto Blue Jays announced they plan on installing grass in the Rogers Centre for the 2018 season. That means there is another three seasons of atrocious baseball being played on s***** turf. But there is a risk that this may be delayed even further, and I need your help to find out, and hold the Blue Jay's (and Rogers) collective feet to the fire.

Just how early could the Blue Jays, and their very wealthy owner, Rogers get grass installed if they wanted to? Will there be delays? How many more years are we stuck watching the Jays' players suffer injuries on the turf?

The Blue Jays have enlisted the assistance of researchers from the University of Guelph to "test and develop the blend of grasses best suited to the Rogers Centre's unique conditions and also the methods by which it will be maintained." But here's the rub. As of October 31, 2014, the agreement with the University of Guelph hasn't been signed yet. They need a good number of growing seasons of experience to determine what works, what doesn't, and what is needed to improve the process. And yet there isn't any contact. It remains entirely possible that despite promises of grass in 2018, that the new turf they're putting in for the next three seasons may end up being used even longer.

This is where you come in! I've made an access request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to the University of Guelph, who is assisting Rogers and the Blue Jays in their research, to get all the information Rogers and the Blue Jays have so far shared with them, to see if we can learn more than what we're otherwise being told. Here is the wording of my request for information from the University of Guelph:

1. a copy of the final agreement entered into by the University of Guelph and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers Inc., for the purpose of providing the Blue Jays with advice/guidance relating to growing and maintaining turfgrass at the Rogers Centre. [To be provided when the agreement is considered final and signed by both parties.]

2. From January 1, 2014 to present, email correspondence between University of Guelph staff/faculty and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers, the subject matter of which deals with (either peripherally or centrally) the timing of when turfgrass can be installed in the Rogers Centre. [Research-related records are not intended to be captured in this request.]

3. From January 1, 2014 to present, records reflecting meeting details (such as attendees, times, locations and agendas); and, any notes taken by University faculty and/or staff attendees during meetings with Rogers or Blue Jays staff and any of their representatives.

In responding to my request, the University has come back and explained that they will require $180 to fulfill my request (for those who care, 3 hours of "search time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00; and 3 hours of "record preparation time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00).

I can't create my blog post without these funds, so please do help! If my project meets the $180 funding goal, then I will publish the information online once I receive it from the University of Guelph, with the assistance of a prominent Toronto Blue Jays blogger who has agreed to help me out.

Risks and challenges

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

The risks associated with this project would be that portions of the information I've requested would be subject to being "blacked-out" or redacted because they contain "third party information" or "research related information". In the event that this happens, I will appeal the University's decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and go through a formal review so I can make sure the University's decision is consistent with their legal obligations to disclose information.

The other risk is that Rogers will attempt to delay the request by asking to withhold information that should rightfully be disclosed. This may also have an impact on the timeliness of providing you all lovely people with the information as well, since this can sometimes take a few months to resolve.

BlueJayWay · December 3, 2014

AstroTurf 3D Extreme? Seriously? Somehow that name doesn't inspire me with confidence.

LGBJ29 · December 3, 2014

they say the turf is better every other year, its all the same s***

KingKat · December 3, 2014

This guy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddowe is doing a 'study' about whether they Jays are serious about putting in grass, or if its just Beeston being Beeston,and lying.

By way of background, The Toronto Blue Jays announced they plan on installing grass in the Rogers Centre for the 2018 season. That means there is another three seasons of atrocious baseball being played on s***** turf. But there is a risk that this may be delayed even further, and I need your help to find out, and hold the Blue Jay's (and Rogers) collective feet to the fire.

Just how early could the Blue Jays, and their very wealthy owner, Rogers get grass installed if they wanted to? Will there be delays? How many more years are we stuck watching the Jays' players suffer injuries on the turf?

The Blue Jays have enlisted the assistance of researchers from the University of Guelph to "test and develop the blend of grasses best suited to the Rogers Centre's unique conditions and also the methods by which it will be maintained." But here's the rub. As of October 31, 2014, the agreement with the University of Guelph hasn't been signed yet. They need a good number of growing seasons of experience to determine what works, what doesn't, and what is needed to improve the process. And yet there isn't any contact. It remains entirely possible that despite promises of grass in 2018, that the new turf they're putting in for the next three seasons may end up being used even longer.

This is where you come in! I've made an access request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to the University of Guelph, who is assisting Rogers and the Blue Jays in their research, to get all the information Rogers and the Blue Jays have so far shared with them, to see if we can learn more than what we're otherwise being told. Here is the wording of my request for information from the University of Guelph:

1. a copy of the final agreement entered into by the University of Guelph and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers Inc., for the purpose of providing the Blue Jays with advice/guidance relating to growing and maintaining turfgrass at the Rogers Centre. [To be provided when the agreement is considered final and signed by both parties.]

2. From January 1, 2014 to present, email correspondence between University of Guelph staff/faculty and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers, the subject matter of which deals with (either peripherally or centrally) the timing of when turfgrass can be installed in the Rogers Centre. [Research-related records are not intended to be captured in this request.]

3. From January 1, 2014 to present, records reflecting meeting details (such as attendees, times, locations and agendas); and, any notes taken by University faculty and/or staff attendees during meetings with Rogers or Blue Jays staff and any of their representatives.

In responding to my request, the University has come back and explained that they will require $180 to fulfill my request (for those who care, 3 hours of "search time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00; and 3 hours of "record preparation time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00).

I can't create my blog post without these funds, so please do help! If my project meets the $180 funding goal, then I will publish the information online once I receive it from the University of Guelph, with the assistance of a prominent Toronto Blue Jays blogger who has agreed to help me out.
Risks and challenges

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
The risks associated with this project would be that portions of the information I've requested would be subject to being "blacked-out" or redacted because they contain "third party information" or "research related information". In the event that this happens, I will appeal the University's decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and go through a formal review so I can make sure the University's decision is consistent with their legal obligations to disclose information.

The other risk is that Rogers will attempt to delay the request by asking to withhold information that should rightfully be disclosed. This may also have an impact on the timeliness of providing you all lovely people with the information as well, since this can sometimes take a few months to resolve.

So did you create a kickstarter?

The Cats Ass · December 3, 2014

AstroTurf 3D Extreme? Seriously? Somehow that name doesn't inspire me with confidence.

But, it's EXTREME!

The Cats Ass · December 3, 2014

So did you create a kickstarter?

Seems legit...

TBJ12 · December 3, 2014

I don't understand why they talk so much about the blades of grass. Is the only padding in the turf the rubber crumb?

HERPDERP · December 3, 2014

This guy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddowe is doing a 'study' about whether they Jays are serious about putting in grass, or if its just Beeston being Beeston,and lying.

By way of background, The Toronto Blue Jays announced they plan on installing grass in the Rogers Centre for the 2018 season. That means there is another three seasons of atrocious baseball being played on s***** turf. But there is a risk that this may be delayed even further, and I need your help to find out, and hold the Blue Jay's (and Rogers) collective feet to the fire.

Just how early could the Blue Jays, and their very wealthy owner, Rogers get grass installed if they wanted to? Will there be delays? How many more years are we stuck watching the Jays' players suffer injuries on the turf?

The Blue Jays have enlisted the assistance of researchers from the University of Guelph to "test and develop the blend of grasses best suited to the Rogers Centre's unique conditions and also the methods by which it will be maintained." But here's the rub. As of October 31, 2014, the agreement with the University of Guelph hasn't been signed yet. They need a good number of growing seasons of experience to determine what works, what doesn't, and what is needed to improve the process. And yet there isn't any contact. It remains entirely possible that despite promises of grass in 2018, that the new turf they're putting in for the next three seasons may end up being used even longer.

This is where you come in! I've made an access request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to the University of Guelph, who is assisting Rogers and the Blue Jays in their research, to get all the information Rogers and the Blue Jays have so far shared with them, to see if we can learn more than what we're otherwise being told. Here is the wording of my request for information from the University of Guelph:

1. a copy of the final agreement entered into by the University of Guelph and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers Inc., for the purpose of providing the Blue Jays with advice/guidance relating to growing and maintaining turfgrass at the Rogers Centre. [To be provided when the agreement is considered final and signed by both parties.]

2. From January 1, 2014 to present, email correspondence between University of Guelph staff/faculty and the Toronto Blue Jays/Rogers, the subject matter of which deals with (either peripherally or centrally) the timing of when turfgrass can be installed in the Rogers Centre. [Research-related records are not intended to be captured in this request.]

3. From January 1, 2014 to present, records reflecting meeting details (such as attendees, times, locations and agendas); and, any notes taken by University faculty and/or staff attendees during meetings with Rogers or Blue Jays staff and any of their representatives.

In responding to my request, the University has come back and explained that they will require $180 to fulfill my request (for those who care, 3 hours of "search time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00; and 3 hours of "record preparation time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00).

I can't create my blog post without these funds, so please do help! If my project meets the $180 funding goal, then I will publish the information online once I receive it from the University of Guelph, with the assistance of a prominent Toronto Blue Jays blogger who has agreed to help me out.
Risks and challenges

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
The risks associated with this project would be that portions of the information I've requested would be subject to being "blacked-out" or redacted because they contain "third party information" or "research related information". In the event that this happens, I will appeal the University's decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and go through a formal review so I can make sure the University's decision is consistent with their legal obligations to disclose information.

The other risk is that Rogers will attempt to delay the request by asking to withhold information that should rightfully be disclosed. This may also have an impact on the timeliness of providing you all lovely people with the information as well, since this can sometimes take a few months to resolve.

That guy is taking this s*** waaay too seriously.

There is no conspiracy. And this so called 'atrocious' baseball has nothing to do with the turf. Is this guy even a fan, or is he just trying to make a quick $180?

labadee · December 3, 2014

this guy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddowe is doing a 'study' about whether they jays are serious about putting in grass, or if its just beeston being beeston,and lying.

By way of background, the toronto blue jays announced they plan on installing grass in the rogers centre for the 2018 season. That means there is another three seasons of atrocious baseball being played on s***** turf. But there is a risk that this may be delayed even further, and i need your help to find out, and hold the blue jay's (and rogers) collective feet to the fire.

Just how early could the blue jays, and their very wealthy owner, rogers get grass installed if they wanted to? Will there be delays? How many more years are we stuck watching the jays' players suffer injuries on the turf?

The blue jays have enlisted the assistance of researchers from the university of guelph to "test and develop the blend of grasses best suited to the rogers centre's unique conditions and also the methods by which it will be maintained." but here's the rub. As of october 31, 2014, the agreement with the university of guelph hasn't been signed yet. They need a good number of growing seasons of experience to determine what works, what doesn't, and what is needed to improve the process. And yet there isn't any contact. It remains entirely possible that despite promises of grass in 2018, that the new turf they're putting in for the next three seasons may end up being used even longer.

This is where you come in! I've made an access request under the freedom of information and protection of privacy act to the university of guelph, who is assisting rogers and the blue jays in their research, to get all the information rogers and the blue jays have so far shared with them, to see if we can learn more than what we're otherwise being told. Here is the wording of my request for information from the university of guelph:

1. A copy of the final agreement entered into by the university of guelph and the toronto blue jays/rogers inc., for the purpose of providing the blue jays with advice/guidance relating to growing and maintaining turfgrass at the rogers centre. [to be provided when the agreement is considered final and signed by both parties.]

2. From january 1, 2014 to present, email correspondence between university of guelph staff/faculty and the toronto blue jays/rogers, the subject matter of which deals with (either peripherally or centrally) the timing of when turfgrass can be installed in the rogers centre. [research-related records are not intended to be captured in this request.]

3. From january 1, 2014 to present, records reflecting meeting details (such as attendees, times, locations and agendas); and, any notes taken by university faculty and/or staff attendees during meetings with rogers or blue jays staff and any of their representatives.

In responding to my request, the university has come back and explained that they will require $180 to fulfill my request (for those who care, 3 hours of "search time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00; and 3 hours of "record preparation time" at $30.00 an hour = $90.00).

I can't create my blog post without these funds, so please do help! If my project meets the $180 funding goal, then i will publish the information online once i receive it from the university of guelph, with the assistance of a prominent toronto blue jays blogger who has agreed to help me out.
Risks and challenges

risks and challenges learn about accountability on kickstarter
the risks associated with this project would be that portions of the information i've requested would be subject to being "blacked-out" or redacted because they contain "third party information" or "research related information". In the event that this happens, i will appeal the university's decision to the information and privacy commissioner of ontario and go through a formal review so i can make sure the university's decision is consistent with their legal obligations to disclose information.

The other risk is that rogers will attempt to delay the request by asking to withhold information that should rightfully be disclosed. This may also have an impact on the timeliness of providing you all lovely people with the information as well, since this can sometimes take a few months to resolve.

tl;dr

CHRIS · December 3, 2014

Boy, I bet Lawrie is going to be disappointed he's missing out on playing on the XTREME! turf.

TDotttt2005 · December 3, 2014

So did you create a kickstarter?

The dude created a Kickstarter in November, and it was fully funded. Stoeten contributed some of his beer money, and wrote about it.

Inklink · December 3, 2014

Can't they just install a few layers of this stuff underneath.

http://www.georgiacarpet.com/content/images/Carpet_Prices/carpet_pad/stainmaster-pad.jpg

CHEAPSKATES I TELL YA

KingKat · December 3, 2014

The dude created a Kickstarter in November, and it was fully funded. Stoeten contributed some of his beer money, and wrote about it.

So did they learn anything?

TDotttt2005 · December 3, 2014

So did they learn anything?

Study is ongoing as far as I know. Says the report is due out this month.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/314443556/is-rogers-telling-us-the-truth-about-when-grass-is

TheHurl · December 3, 2014

The Jays interpretation of extreme is a little different this year...it's all about a happy clubhouse

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/559868031_1/Artificial-turf-grass-with-flower-free-shipping.jpg

I personally would have went with and brought back Merkin Valdez for a cross-promotion

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/dacitizen/astroturf3.jpg

Maahfaace · December 3, 2014

so you are already funded yet you are still asking for money? hmmmmmmmmm

Dr. Dinger · December 3, 2014

The turf looked absolutely awful this year, it really can't get any worse.

KingKat · December 3, 2014

I personally would have went with and brought back Merkin Valdez for a cross-promotion

I'm pretty happy I opened that over my lunch break and not during work hours.

Dylan · December 3, 2014

Hopefully this new turf looks better. It was a complete joke last year, a large portion of the outfield was stained black. Looked like it had been used for decades

Dick_Pole · December 3, 2014

What will happen first? Jays World Series 3-peat or grass in the Dome? Seems like Beeston's been talking about both since November 1993.

Deadpool · December 3, 2014

"I can't create my blog post without these funds"

That's pretty damn funny.

Spanky__99 · December 3, 2014

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/dacitizen/astroturf3.jpg

Where's the Cartman.gif for this...

The Cats Ass · December 3, 2014

Is it supposed to be green like that? I'd be a little concerned...

Spanky__99 · December 3, 2014

Is it supposed to be green like that? I'd be a little concerned...

Dumpster diving?

Deadpool · December 3, 2014

Is it supposed to be green like that? I'd be a little concerned...

I'm generally frightened and confused when there's any covering of any colour on that particular area (once the clothes come off, I mean...)

The Cats Ass · December 3, 2014

I'm generally frightened and confused when there's any covering of any colour on that particular area (once the clothes come off, I mean...)

Blue Waffles...

Deadpool · December 3, 2014

Blue Waffles...

That's less "covering" than it is "ohmygodmyeyesandwhatisthatsmellbecauseiassumeifitlookslikethathtatitalsosmellshorrid"

burlingtonbandit · December 3, 2014

Its getting to the point where you might as well just build a new ballpark with grass in it. By 2018 RC will be almost 30 years old and it probably only has 10 years left anyways. But I really can't see Rogers spending 500-700 million for a new stadium especially since the government won't be giving any money for it.