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Jays In 30…Thoughts
30 thoughts from the week that was for the Toronto Blue Jays
3/12/2016 – 3/18/2016
1) Shapiro and player options he says he will never do one and calls them “ridiculous” – he also gave…
2) Hints on Sanchez he made sure to tell Jeff Blair that Aaron had never pitched more than 130 innings in a season – it seemed like he was, in a roundabout way, saying that he will be in the ‘pen for 2016…or even Buffalo.
3) Don’t go chucking statues after tweeting “F**king pay the man or I’m throwing the Ted Rogers statue in the harbour you pieces of s**t.” The police made a visit to the posters home – I feel this is a good message sent – there is no need to tweet about crimes or bully people online – just enjoy social media for what it is.
4) Choate Does he actually have a chance? He is the definition of a lefty specialist and could be useful for those all-important opening series versus the AL East until Loup gets healthy, but can he be trusted to get outs? His catcher should help…
5) Russ likes the new regime He stated that it feels like everything is very structured and organized describing it as “almost scientific” but the real question with Russ is…
6) Will Estrada miss Navarro? Sure, Martin is one of the best in the game, but Marco really took off with his personal catcher, Dioner Navarro. You have to think Russ watched closely and knows what Marco likes…I believe this will be the case.
7) Is there a rift? Atkins says it is all good – Bautista isn’t saying a thing – what the heck is going on with this process? It is very bizarre. Management can’t (privately) be all that happy. Most of us aren’t a fan of our bosses so really…it happens…hopefully they can make it up (if there are issues) – in other contract news…
8) Edwin Shut Down EE has been sidelined for at least one week with an oblique injury (as of Monday the 14th) – the injuries have started early for him which isn’t good and doesn’t help his contract demands which seem troubled already…
9) Negotiations stalled He says he wants 5 years and that is the sticking point with management – he has been great over 4 years but seems to be injury prone – couple this with the fact that he really is limited to being a DH and it is tough to sign him long term like that. So much depends on Bautista – really can’t have them both long term. Let’s stick to 2016…
10) Floyd the inside track? It sounds like Floyd has inside track as the team’s 5th starter – he has had a good spring and has been a productive starter in the past and Sanchez has had success in the ‘pen and does have options unlike…
11) Risk losing assets? Josh Thole, Josh Donaldson, Steve Delabar, Ezequiel Carrera, Junior Lake, Arnold Leon and A.J. Jimenez are all out of options – there are some obvious choices for the MLB club but Delabar, Carrera, Lake and Leon are all very much on the bubble…Carrera and Lake may be affected by…
12) Ceciliani has been looking good but is not out of options and can be shipped to Buffalo, even though Gibby loves him, without fear of losing him on the waiver wire so he becomes part of the business and likely will start in AAA…speaking of outfielders…
13) Pompey needs time Shapiro feels his development was stunted by being called up to early to the big leagues – not sure if it was a shot at the old regime or not – either way he wasn’t wrong and Dalton was sent down to minor league camp on Friday. Another up and comer…
14) Alford needs even more time by the way spring went it looks like another 2+ years in the minors may be the best thing for the young outfielder. Speaking of outfielders…
15) It’ll be the best trade you never made Saunders is really a man on a mission this spring and the “trade that never was” has really motivated him. I just hope he can stay healthy to show what he really has.
16) Vlad Jr. is very much a work in progress, he did just turn 17, but he has a goal to be in the big leagues by the time he is 20. It would be an amazing story if he could follow in the footsteps of his father – although he will be at a different position and, last I heard, third base may already be occupied for the Jays…
17) JD, Tulo and Martin are the core according to Shapiro. It seems we should all prepare for the reality of no EE or Bautista after this year. Enjoy it while it lasts! So much of this season depends on the rotation…
18) Tulo gives the rotation props Really – the rotation has been overlooked and I hope they get motivated by this. It shouldn’t be that bad – Happ and Estrada (in my eyes) are the big question marks – can Happ build off the end of last season and can Estrada match his career year? It really is a lot to ask of both guys. As for that 5th starter…
19) It’s About Us Chavez hasn’t been mentioned much in the 5th starter battle (it seems to be the Floyd and Sanchez show) but he is saying all the right things and is happy to be back with the Blue Jays and will be a valuable asset for the Jays (maybe a little overpriced for a long man but what do I know?)
20) Does Hutch really have a chance? He has an option and needs to prove he can get outs. Buffalo is a perfect place to get some confidence and maybe become a feel good story later on in the year. On to another feel-good story…
21) Gibby likes Burns When asked if anyone has surprised him Gibby immediately said Andy Burns and is impressed how he is hitting the ball – he hit .293 in AAA last year and the 25 year old looks to build off that this year in Buffalo…he could be a bench guy in the short term…
22) Bench depends on EE There could be another spot for an outfielder to start the season if Edwin can’t be ready for opening day – this could allow the Jays to sneak their assets thru to Buffalo when the season has already started…I would much rather have EE healthy and ready to go though. Another question mark for Opening Day…
23) Marco Estrada he is throwing but has yet to pitch in a game – with the early days off he could be skipped in the rotation if someone like Chavez could pick up a start before becoming the long man in the ‘pen (I am guessing here that Floyd will be our #5)
24) Loup still feels pain he threw on Thursday but still felt pain in his arm – not good news for him. Definitely opens a lefty spot in the bullpen – paging Randy Choate…who could have called it a career…
25) #FamilyFirst What a crazy turn of events in Chicago – LaRoche retiring as he was asked to not have his teenage son in the clubhouse every day. He left $13 million on the table in, what was looking to be, his final MLB season. Would love to know the whole story but everyday does seem like a lot…I wouldn’t want a coworker’s child at my workplace EVERY day. Speaking of retirees…
26) Former Jay hangs ‘em up At 26 years old Rob Rasmussen has decided to retire. He was traded away in the Mark Lowe trade and was in camp with the Angels.
27) Soriano calls it a career After being signed by the Jays to a minor league deal he had never reported to camp due to visa issues. 2012-2014 Soriano accumulated 117 saves but had an injury riddled campaign last season with the Cubs and was a long shot to make the team out of camp…another long shot…
28) Brad Penny roughed up, walks away Thursday was not kind for Brad Penny, who gave up 5 runs in 2 innings, and as of Friday decided to walk away – no shame in giving it one last shot like he did.
29) LeBlanc and Dominguez sent down no surprises – both guys are depth pieces in the minor leagues. Need to create space at big league camp for everyone to get their work in as we are getting close….
30) 16 days away! Can’t wait for April 3rd!
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