By Tracey Duguay
Life is moving a little fast for ConistonÂ?s new Blue Jays affiliate James Pidutti.
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Pidutti, who signed a three-year contract with the Jays Aug. 9, says heÂ?s already been mentioned in three Toronto papers as well as appearing in the local daily newspapers and on the television news.
He suggests Northern Life was a little behind on his story. Better late than never.
After posing for photographs, Pidutti sat down at a patio table on the deck of his parentsÂ? home to talk about the incredible opportunity heÂ?s been given.
Â?I went to a tryout camp in Sudbury,Â? says Pidutti, explaining how he captured the attention of Jays representatives.
Â?The Blue Jays do this every year. They go to major cities and look for talent, I guess, and I impressed them with my fastball.
Â?They said I was the hardest thrower in Ontario so far this year and they said they wanted to take another look at me in two weeks. So I went to the Skydome for a private workout with all their head managers, general managers, coaches, Team Canada head coach, basically all the head guys.
Â?Apparently, I impressed them too and then they said they wanted me to be in the organization for the next three years. If I do better, IÂ?ll get a bigger contract.Â?
So what exactly is a contract with the Blue Jays worth?
Â?I donÂ?t really want to say,Â? says Pidutti. Â?I donÂ?t really want to comment on salaries.Â?
Pidutti eventually admits itÂ?s low compared to most signings but heÂ?s OK with that since itÂ?s a Â?startÂ? for him.
Â?ItÂ?s nice to know that IÂ?ll be playing a game I love and making thousands of dollars doing it, tens of thousands.Â?
Based on his performance, when his original contract expires in 2005, he can negotiate for more money, provided he hasnÂ?t been traded to another team or the Jays decide not to renew his contract.
Â?TheyÂ?ll probably offer me a larger contact based on my performance,Â? predicts Pidutti.
In the meanwhile, heÂ?s trying to take his 15-minutes of fame in stride.
Â?Last week I was a local kid, now IÂ?m making national headlines,Â? says Pidutti.
So whatÂ?s next for the Â?local kid?Â?
Â?Most likely, IÂ?m going to Florida for an instructional school which would begin the second week of September. That would go until November and then IÂ?d be just working on my own at the Skydome in the off-season. In February I would go to the spring training camp with the actual Blue Jays.Â?
After the spring training camp, Pidutti will be assigned to one of about five minor league teams that are affiliated with the Blue Jays, probably playing out of New York.
He hopes to Â?showcase his skillsÂ? in the minor league but his ultimate goal is to hit the major league baseball diamond in 2005.
Â?IÂ?ve worked so hard for it,Â? says Pidutti. Â?I know I have the talent to do what I want to do.Â?
