Article content

LAS VEGAS — Here he is in a massive ballroom at a high-end casino and resort in the city devoted to American excess, and you can’t wipe the smile from Charlie Montoyo’s face.

Sure, you could detect a hint of nervousness on Tuesday afternoon as he met the national baseball media for the first time as manager of the Blue Jays. The lights in his face. The questions. And the comfort level of adjusting to his dream job are no doubt factors in this.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or New Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo bursting with energy and optimism Back to video

But one thing is abundantly clear: If the Jays wanted an upbeat personality in their replacement for the departed John Gibbons, they certainly have it in the 53-year-old native of Puerto Rico.

As one of the most successful coaches in minor-league history and a member of the triple-A hall of fame finally making it to the big time, Montoyo isn’t going to let a transitioning team with minimal star power dull his enthusiasm.

“We’re just going to play to win, from the first game in spring training until whenever the season ends,” said Montoyo, who was hired from the Tampa Rays, where he was a trusted sidekick to manager Kevin Cash. “So, yeah, we’re going to play to win. That’s my mindset right now. Not thinking of wins or losses, just play to win.