Toronto Blue Jays 2015 Season

[Dr.Funk]

Almost go time!

[BRabbiT]

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Drew Hutchison made his final full outing of the spring on Friday afternoon & pronounced himself ready for the regular season.

Hutchison technically has one more start remaining, but Toronto is expected to limit him to either 2 or 3 innings. It will be an abbreviated appearance that is designed to keep him sharp without exerting too much energy.

The Blue Jays likely will be taking a similar approach with all of their starters. R.A. Dickey will be doing the same thing in his next outing, as the spring work is basically complete & it's time for the real games to begin.

Hutchison tossed 5 innings before the game had to be called because of rain. He was scheduled to go another inning but the game lasted just long enough to get most of his work in.

The 24-year-old officially tossed 15 innings this spring & allowed 3 runs on 10 hits & four walks with 11 strikeouts. He also recently threw 7 strong innings during a Minor League start against the Yankees & feels good about his current level of stamina.

Overall, the starting five of Hutchison, Dickey, Daniel Norris, Mark Buehrle & Aaron Sanchez have all enjoyed strong springs. Pitching has been an early strength & while that technically doesn't mean anything at this time of the year it's at least encouraging as Opening Day approaches.



http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/images/y2015/schedule/printable_spring_training_schedule_300x464.gif


7 more practice games left

[BRabbiT]

http://cdn.evenko.ca/_uploads/event/9194/splash.1415045659.jpg

2 more practice games left




Roberto Osuna
Thanks to god , thanks to the blue jays & all the fans for supporting me I made the team! so excited and ready to work even harder .. #god


Osuna will be the youngest pitcher in Toronto's history.

[BRabbiT]

Anthopoulos deserves an 'A' (http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/toronto-blue-jays-draft-aaron-sanchez-dalton-pompey-alex-anthopoulos-reyes-buehrle-dickey-040115) for 2010 draft performance

....Anthopoulos' first draft as GM. 2 picks that year will be among the 6 rookies on Toronto's Opening Day roster.

The Jays had 7 of the first 80 selections in '10 due to free-agent departures & the failure to sign a pick, James Paxton, the previous year. They had drawn industry-wide attention by dramatically increasing the size of their scouting staff.

And even though they whiffed on their 1st choice at No. 11 overall, Deck McGuire, they hit on a bunch of others, including several high school pitchers -- the highest-risk category in the draft.

Consider the Jays' best picks, a number of whom were used in trades that helped form the current major-league roster:

* Aaron Sanchez, Barstow (#34)

* Noah Syndergaard (#38)

* Asher Wojciechowski (#41)

* Justin Nicolino, University (2nd round)

* Sam Dyson (4th round)

* Sean Nolin (6th round)

* Dalton Pompey (16th round)

* Kris Bryant (18th round) - * chose to attend the University of San Diego instead.

...

[BRabbiT]

http://www.crwflags.com/art/pins/sports/mlb/orioles/2015open.jpg


2 out of 3 in NY was nice.

4/10 (3:05pm) - Mark Buehrle (13-10, 3.39 ERA) @ Bud Norris (16-8, 3.65 ERA)


bats have been mostly cold (13/66, .197/.280), but pitching has been effective (27 IP: 22 Ks/11 BBs/8 ER).


kids have looked good.




Miguel Castro continued his improbable journey (http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/117279368/toronto-blue-jays-miguel-castro-to-get-chances-to-close-games) through baseball Thursday night by recording the 1st save of his career.

Castro pitched a clean 9th to close out Toronto's 6-3 victory. It was revealed earlier in the day that Toronto had taken the full-time closer's job away from Brett Cecil.

The 20-year-old Castro has been on quite the trajectory for the past couple of months. He arrived at Spring Training as a longshot to crack the big league roster and now finds himself as the closer for a team with aspirations for the postseason.

Castro had never even pitched above Class A prior to this year but that hasn't stopped Toronto from moving him along at lightning-quick speed.

Castro possesses upper-90s velocity on his fastball & also has a devastating high-80s changeup that has similar downward action to that of a splitter. In 3 innings this season, Castro has yet to allow a hit while striking out 2 & walking 1.

[Qwyjibo]

Hey guys, do you remember when the Jays traded for Josh Donaldson? Yeah... that was awesome.


http://cherylrhoads.typepad.com/.a/6a00df352345de88340111688dd0d6970c-800wi

[kmart]

Hey guys, do you remember when the Jays traded for Josh Donaldson? Yeah... that was awesome.


http://cherylrhoads.typepad.com/.a/6a00df352345de88340111688dd0d6970c-800wi

Brett who?

[BRabbiT]

[QUOTE]
...there are rumours and links between Toronto & Cincinnati & the supposed availability of starter Johnny Cueto

[Jballer]

It is somewhat frustrating a a Toronto guy and Jays fan - that the team can no longer go out and make a deal for "the guy".

Sorry I refer of course to the mid season move for David Cone who was instrumental in the Jays championship 93... (or signing Jack Morris, etc)

Seems we have to look for "incremental additions" or "upgrades" with value.

Sigh.

Never the less two guys I would be interested in seeing here would be

1) Taijuan Walker ~ Seattle
2) Brad Hand ~ Miami

Not that they are the "best guys available" but because I think those teams would take Navarro + "something else longer term" back in way of compensation or trade.

There wouldnt be a need to include one of our young arms.

They could be slotted into the 4 -5 starter rotation and therefore improve the bullpen by moving guys back for example.

Neither are closers but I am not sure I agree with making a move for a "closer" in the bull pen.

[kmart]

http://deadspin.com/josh-donaldson-dives-into-the-stands-to-make-the-catch-1713675823

Donaldson with an unbelievable catch today.

[BRabbiT]

http://deadspin.com/josh-donaldson-dives-into-the-stands-to-make-the-catch-1713675823

Donaldson with an unbelievable catch today.


awesome catch.

2 clutch wins in TB, playing good baseball right now.

[kmart]

Matt Boyd has been putting up spectacular numbers in the minors and it looks like he might be getting a call up for a start on Saturday.

[BRabbiT]

Matt Boyd .....


wow, those #s are impressive ( 70/18 K/BB ratio in 73.2 innings, 1.10 ERA):D

nice, smooth delivery, too

[Qwyjibo]

Matt Boyd is trade bait. Hopefully teams in big ballparks and NL teams watch him closely and like what they see.

[BRabbiT]

41-36 (http://www.thestar.com/sports/blue_jays_baseball_blog/2015/06/blue-jays-bullpen-richard-griffin-s-picks-for-mlb-all-star-game.html)

Toronto has won 2 straight series for the 1st time since June 2-14, but are just 7-6 since the end of an 11-game win streak.

The Jays have won 18 of the past 24 games. Toronto is now 25-15 at home & 16-21 on the road, including 7-3 in the last 10 away from the Skydome. The Jays during the upcoming Pan-Am Games will play 16 of 19 games on the road surrounding the All-Star break.

Toronto is now 18-7 in the month of June with 2 games remaining. The club record for wins in June is 19-9 ('93). During the past 24-games, the Jays have outscored opponents 152-87. The Jays are 24-16 over the past 40 contests since May 16 & on Sunday, won only their 3rd game of the season when scoring three runs or less.

The Jays in those 40 games have outscored opponents 227-150, averaging 5.7 runs per game. Toronto has lost 19 of their last 22 games in which they score 4 runs or fewer & are 5-30 for the season in those low-scoring contests.






https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIsQUyKWIAExibK.jpg:large

[BRabbiT]

Matt Boyd is trade bait. Hopefully teams in big ballparks and NL teams watch him closely and like what they see.



[QUOTE]
[I][B][URL="http://andrewstoeten.com/2015/06/29/n-l-executive-expects-jays-to-pull-something-spectacular-in-the-next-two-weeks/"]N.L. Executive Expects Jays To

[Jballer]

Never the less two guys I would be interested in seeing here would be

1) Taijuan Walker ~ Seattle
2) Brad Hand ~ Miami



Lot more talk and analysis on Bobcat McCowan FAN590 last night. 4 segments Jays Jays Jays Pitching Pitching.

Many names thrown around.

Anthopolis quoted as saying "I have calls out ~ but no body is calling back - yet!"

Johnny Cueto ~ Reds seems to be a big name thrown out there.

Josh Johnson ~ Padres former Jay and a number of Padres mentioned.

Walker and a couple of Mariners also mentioned.

<< Walker is the guy I would like to see >>

Common thread being Reds / Padres / Mariners are sellers at the deadline and maybe Marlins.

Bobcat was throwing out a "big deal" Cueto and Joey V from the Reds for a bunch of 1 year contract Blue Jays and a prospect. The idea being the Reds need "financial flexibility to rebuild" as much as they need young prospects.

[BRabbiT]

Johnny Cueto ~ Reds seems to be a big name thrown out there.
....


Cueto is pitching well.

Obviously just a rental, which has a bunch of repercussions, but Cueto would look great at the top of TOR's rotation for the rest of the summer.

Yankees will probably trade for him:lol

[Qwyjibo]

I would hate to give up however many potential years of a Norris or Hoffman for 1/2 year of Cueto. I'm totally ok with those prospects being traded but they should part of packages that get you good players controlled longer than simply the remainder of this season.

[Jballer]

Yankees will probably trade for him:lol

According to the ESPN / various "experts" Yankees are too thin in prospects to get Cueto "only from the Reds".

Blue Jays have above average shot. They been scouting BJ prospects since spring training.

What Yankees could do is take on Cueto and 2 "big contracts" for misc stuff if the pressure to "rebuild in Cinncy" is Financial.

[Dr.Funk]

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins have been traded to the Blue Jays for Jose Reyes and minor leaguers.

[Qwyjibo]

New Blue Jays plan:

Just score ALL the runs. Every single one of them.

[Dr.Funk]

Miguel Castro is also headed to Colorado

[Zan Tabak]

David Price :cheers:

[Jballer]

David Price :cheers:

:cheers:

I gotta think its not even a bad deal.

I like the young guys (Norris esp) a lot but we kept Hutch/Stroll/Sanchez.

Even if next spring we cannot keep Price ; loose Burhle, dont option Dicky....

($7.5M remianing, $18M and $13M gone for sure although the budget probably shrinks from that number)

... there has to be a bunch of free agent "lively arms next season "a little bit interested" in starting in a rotation with Hutch/Stroll/Sanchez and playing in front of 4 all-stars at 3rd, SS, C, and LF..

Plus Jon Harris is still coming.. and they kept him. Everyone says he is really blue chip.

Depth hit for sure but there is time to build up again...

[Jballer]

Wow

Lowe and Revere too.

Lowe is another rental for arms. Blue Jays depth seriously done for.

Revere is team controllable as platoon outfield ?

The obvious conclusions regardless of this seasons results:

1) Burhle gone $18M
2) Dickey 50% at best $13 M option ..probably depends on
3) Price if he would even entertain an offer from a team with a corporate rule of no 5 year deals. Its $30M either way (add the above)
4) Edwin must be gone...option is $13M ?? ....because
5) Joey Bats will get DH time with Revere in platoon.

[Qwyjibo]

Keeping Colabello over Valencia. Zero sense. I'd love to hear the explanation of this nonsensical move.

[Dr.Funk]

Keeping Colabello over Valencia. Zero sense. I'd love to hear the explanation of this nonsensical move.


Makes even less sense to bring up Kawasaki.

Valencia can play 2nd, 3rd and 1st if we needed a SS we can just slide Goins over.

[brwnman]

There is one thing that Colabello has done better than Valencia this year, and that has been mashing lefties. But the decision should not have come down to that. We don't need a 8-man bullpen if it means we have to decide between Colabello and Valencia. Just send Schultz down - he'll be back in a month anyways. The decision should have been between Loup and Schultz, and unfortunately for Bo, he pitches right handed.

[kmart]

Best season to watch, ever. I've been following this for 7 years now and it's about time baseball in October looks like a real possibility.

[DJMason]

Haven't checked in in a while but...IT'S ALL HAPPENING! And I'm going to the game tonight.

So. Stoked.

[Legends66NBA7]

The Blue Jays best offensive game yet. Special day for EE.

[Legends66NBA7]

Great game to be at today. Free jersey and another sweep.


Hope the Jays can get win #22 in August tomorrow.

[Dr.Funk]

Mark Shapiro is going to be named the new Blue Jays president

[Zan Tabak]

I'm in love with Josh Donaldson.

[BRabbiT]

WOW. 90-65


http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/bluejays/2015/09/27/josh-donaldsons-walk-off-homer-gives-blue-jays-sweep-of-rays/jd.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CP8FMvwUkAAia35.jpg

[RaininThrees]

We did it, you guys.

:cheers:

[Toni]

We did it, you guys.

:cheers:

I feel good as a sports fan. For once in 26 years.

:pimp:

[BRabbiT]

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/bluejays/2015/09/28/blue-jays-rally-late-close-in-on-al-east-title/ee.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg



TOR wins. NYY & KC lose.

1st in the AL. Magic # is 2 for the ALE:D

[BRabbiT]

@BlueJays
10:05pm

With the Yankees' loss tonight, the magic number is now at ONE!! #cometogether


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQHcaw7UkAAcqtg.jpg

[Qwyjibo]

Luckily I don't have to work tomorrow. Luckily...

[BRabbiT]

Congrats to these guys....what a year!! AL East Champs!!!!!

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:



http://static.theglobeandmail.ca/668/sports/baseball/article4249340.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Jayslogo.jpg

[Legends66NBA7]

http://i.imgur.com/Um2gjLT.gif

[Jballer]

Having said that...

Baltimore was 96 - 66 and I will suggest the under

Yankees finished 84 - 78 and very much under

Blue Jays were 83 - 79 last season... I am reasonably sure that the overall talent is 4 + games better

Tampa was 77 - 85 ~ bet the under

BoSox finshed 71 - 91 ~ I think I would bet up to 82 games but their magin is also razor thin.

The Jays should face each of the above about 10 times (but not the Yankees??) and a 4 game favorable swing in division against Tampa / Baltimore / Boston is a reasonable expectation out of this team.

They also get a fair number of games verse Miami, NYMets, Twins, and Indians with only a handful vs Tigers / Rangers. I am not following improvements in the Marlins, Mets, Twins, Indians but I suspect a 4 game favorable swing is possible in out of division play.

Between the 2 ~ 88 games seems right to me. But as agreed upon frankly it is marginally thin as that is based on few injuries and "pitcher adjustments"... the young guys will have to pitch through and not get smoked by season end as big league hitters learn to read them and target their stuff.



Well not bad preseason pics but I obviously under estimated the Yankee's.

The razor thin margin of error was accurate frankly right up to the "trades".

[BRabbiT]

Price will not pitch again in regular season (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/david-price-will-not-pitch-again-regular-season-1.3252327)

Gibbons said Price would not start another game until the post-season.

"He's well over 200 innings," Gibbons said. "Hopefully he makes a handful more starts. We need him to be good & fresh when the games count."

Price was set to start on Thursday but was pushed back after Toronto secured the AL East title.

He's expected to throw a simulated game before he makes his playoff start on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Rogers Centre.



Tulowitzki expected to make return Saturday (http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/troy-tulowitzki-expected-to-make-blue-jays-return-saturday/)

Tulowitzki's batting practice session in the cages Thursday went well. Toronto plans to have the all-star shortstop face live pitching in a simulated game Friday before an expected return Saturday against Tampa Bay.

The Blue Jays planned to bring a couple of pitchers down to Tropicana Field from their instructional league workouts in nearby Dunedin, Fla., in order to give Tulowitzki a look at some real pitching before returning to the field.

He suffered a fractured left scapula, or shoulder blade, Sept. 12.



Juror excused from murder trial to catch Jays game (http://www.ottawasun.com/2015/10/01/blue-jays-loving-juror-excused-from-murder-trial)

A prospective juror successfully used the Toronto's upcoming playoff run as a reason not to be a jury member in an Ottawa murder trial.

The man, who had already been selected as a juror on a previous day, sent a note to Justice Patrick Smith explaining he has tickets to the Oct. 8 playoff game in Toronto.

"I've waited 20 years for a moment like this," the man wrote in the note, which the judge read in court at the beginning of the trial Thursday.

The judge & the lawyers agreed to release the man from his civic duty.

"Hope you enjoy the game," the judge said affably before the man left the courtroom & was replaced by an awaiting alternate juror.





https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQNE0FNWEAAWzXT.png



....

[BRabbiT]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQhhDmeWIAA3XRx.png

[Toni]

I'm happier playing Texas than Houston. Even the Yankees can be scary.

[BRabbiT]

......

idk, Texas is really on a roll right now. This should be a more even match up than most people think.

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SBO3y0CvAHiaJ_8gigUpleccFZ8=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4130382/Screen_Shot_2015-10-06_at_9.52.58_AM.0.png


[QUOTE]
ALDS Preview (NYTimes) (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/08/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays-texas-rangers-american-league-playoffs.html?_r=0)

...Napoli, Beltre, Fielder & others will team to help Texas match the thump of Toronto, who outscored opponents by 221 runs this season. The Blue Jays got 120 homers from Bautista, Donaldson, & Encarnacion. Martin & Tulowitzki also provide power from the right-handed side.

The Rangers

[BRabbiT]

https://s1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/wPEd.6tL_dxBZig2DcqFcw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9Mzk5O2lsPXBsYW 5lO3E9NzU7dz0zMDA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_ca/News/Capress/CPT112302872_high.jpg



Playoff Power Rankings (http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/10/06/mlb-postseason-power-rankings-blue-jays)


10. Pittsburgh Pirates

9. New York Yankees

8. Houston Astros

7. Texas Rangers

6. Chicago Cubs

5. New York Mets

4. St. Louis Cardinals

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Kansas City Royals

[QUOTE]
1. Toronto

Teams that play Toronto in Rogers Centre are defending air space: The Blue Jays swing for the fences, & clear them often.

Toronto is 46

[Zan Tabak]

Two very Toronto-esque losses. Very disappointing.

They have to win 3 in a row now, possible but unlikely.

[BRabbiT]

Toronto-esque losses. ....


yeah, agree.

they lost momentum last week.

[Zan Tabak]

They have to win 3 in a row now, possible but unlikely.

http://i.imgur.com/8eQqot7.gif

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--4PVRxyhm--/1474221851389384998.gif

[BRabbiT]

....




:bowdown:

what a game. resilient as fukc:hammerhead:

those guys are fukcing clutch!!!

[Dr.Funk]

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2015/10/15/bat1_68433.jpg

[BRabbiT]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRdldvAUEAAWRMo.jpg

[Zan Tabak]

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2015/10/15/bat1_68433.jpg
LOL..thats hilarious.

Tough loss yesterday. Here's hoping the REAL David Price shows up today...

[BRabbiT]

http://a1.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Midwest/2015/10/21/PI-MLB-Royals-tunein-game6-102115.vadapt.955.high.35.jpg


Kansas City has established a reputation for dramatic postseason comebacks the past couple of years, beginning with last season's wild-card victory over Oakland.

Turns out, the Toronto has some never-say-quit spirit as well.

After going on a second-half run to make the playoffs, then rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Texas in a best-of-5 ALDS matchup, Toronto will try to beat the KC in another win-or-else situation in Game 6 of the ALCS on Friday night.

Toronto forced the series back to KC with a 7-1 rout on Wednesday, closing to 3-2.

"You look at all the elimination games, our offense has really come to life," John Gibbons said Thursday.

"We've said all along that's the key to our team, scoring runs. You hate to make a habit of it, but maybe we can pull it off again."



David Price will take the mound for Toronto after his collapse in the series opener, when he tossed 6 shutout innings & then surrendered 5 runs in the 7th.

Yordano Ventura will oppose him for KC. He was only marginally better, allowing 3 runs & 8 hits in 5 1/3 innings before watching the comeback win from the dugout.

"I'm very fortunate and happy that this game has landed on my turn, here in KC, & with the opportunity to take this club to the World Series," Ventura said.

"I'll be ready for this game."

Toronto promises they will be, too.



Toronto lost the 1st 2 games against Texas at home, then won 3 straight with its season hanging in the balance. The first 2 were at Texas, & the last at Rogers Centre, but none of the victories was even close -- all by at least 3 runs.

The Blue Jays lost the 1st 2 games in Kansas City, too. But in Game 3 in Toronto, the hosts overcame a 1-0 deficit & rolled to an 11-8 victory.

"We've been through a bunch of hurdles all year," Chris Colabello said.

"We were 7 1/2 games (back) at the deadlines. ... We had to claw back from that. We were down 2 games back in the division series & we clawed back from that. I'll tell you what, we're going to leave everything we have out there."

They may have to do just that. While Toronto has won 4 straight elimination games, KC is 6-2 in their last 8 postseason games at Kauffman Stadium.

Make no mistake, either: The ballpark matters in this series.

While homer-happy Toronto was built with the small dimensions of Rogers Centre in mind, the speedy, defensive-minded Royals were built for their home park.

Not surprisingly, Toronto failed to homer in the 1st 2 games of the ALCS in KC, but hit 4 long balls in Toronto, including 3 in Game 3.

"Nothing but positivity. We've got a 3-2 lead & we're heading back to KC," Eric Hosmer said before arriving home.

"That's where we play our best baseball, so everyone is still feeling pretty good about the series."

The big question in Game 6 is which starting pitchers will show up.

For Torontos, will it be the Price who was dominant for 6 innings in Game 1, recording 18 straight outs at one point? Or the rattled former Cy Young Award winner who, when an easy popup fell for a single, proceeded to allow 5 runs & fall to 0-7 in playoff starts?

"I know what I'm capable of doing, & I think everybody in this room knows what I'm capable of doing," he said.

"I think I just kind of want to do it too bad. And it's long overdue for me to get a win as a starter in the playoffs, a& I'll be ready to change that story tomorrow."

For KC, will it be the Ventura who tossed 7 innings of 3-hit ball in the must-win Game 6 of last year's World Series? Or the shaky 24-year-old who has a 6.57 ERA in the postseason, & who was far from perfect in the series opener?
LINK (http://www.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/kansas-city-royals-toronto-blue-jays-is-a-matchup-of-two-never-say-die-teams-102215)

.....

[BRabbiT]

Tough loss. Terrific season, though:rockon:

Love the direction the organization is headed now.


* resign AA
* resign Lowe
* resign Hutchinson
* resign Bautista
* resign Encarnacion

* sign Mike Leake
* sign Jeff Samardzija

* let Navarro walk
* let Estrada walk
* buyout RAD
* non-tender Saunders

[Zan Tabak]

Tough loss. Terrific season, though:rockon:

Love the direction the organization is headed now.


* resign AA
* resign Lowe
* resign Hutchinson
* resign Bautista
* resign Encarnacion

* sign Mike Leake
* sign Jeff Samardzija

* let Navarro walk
* let Estrada walk
* buyout RAD
* non-tender Saunders

For sure, it was a great season! Haven't had this much fun watching baseball in years... :cheers:

What about resigning Price? Besides AA he'd be my next order of business.

[Jballer]

Tough loss. Terrific season, though:rockon:
Love the direction the organization is headed now.

* resign AA
* resign Lowe
* resign Hutchinson
* resign Bautista
* resign Encarnacion

* sign Mike Leake
* sign Jeff Samardzija

* let Navarro walk
* let Estrada walk
* buyout RAD
* non-tender Saunders

Nice post.

I heard on Fan590 "Bobcat McCowan" that insiders say a cancelled press announcement when they clinched the playoff spot was to announce AA was signed. AA didn't confirm nor deny.

Bautista is signed for 1 more year. maybe you mean a longer term deal ?

Edwin has a team option I think. I would take it - I think the team will.

I would keep Estrada up to a certain price point. Estrada is probably worth $35 Million over 4 years given Baseball. He may want to maximize his one and only year of success as an FA - but you gotta think he would take some money off for longer term to stay in Toronto.

I agree Hutch is worth another look; his extension should have value.

I also think RA is likely worth the option. Nothing wrong with a Vet arm ; even if he is not a "full season starter 1 - 162". RA could be a powerful mid innings relief guy with weird stuff that will cripple the opposition. I would also try to keep Latroy Hawkins too.

It would be great if the team came back with Estrada, Sto, Sanchez, Hutch, Lowe, Osuna, RA, Letroy ...

Price is the big question. To keep him the payroll has to jump to something like $180 M annually. He is the prime ace on FA market.

His absence in your list seems to suggest you would give up one Price for two others ... Leake, Samardzija

Not sure. I think keeping Price (if possible) and adding another "middling arm" would be just as effective.

[BRabbiT]

Nice post...

thanks.

yeah, I agree, it

[Toni]

With the type of offence they have they will be ok with guys like Fister/Iwakuma/Shark. I personally don't want R.A. back at $12M, Price is too expensive at $30M and Estrada I hope doesn't get more than $10M.

Dickey and Price showed me more than enough this post season. They aren't worth $42 million between them.

[Jballer]

thanks.

wouldn’t resign Estrada, personally. This year is an outlier. He’ll be paid a lot more than he’s worth, imo.

wouldn’t “extend” RA. they already overpaid for him once. $12M is too much, imo. his track record in TOR has been more shaky than solid.


regarding Price, you’re right, I HIGHLY doubt TOR is even a possibility. ..[/I]”

I think I agree to disagree with you only on the first 2 points and only partially.

Estrada I half agree half don't. I think your right that he will want money. There is a limit to what he is worth; his season was a one year only performance. I suspect that some sort of 4 year deal at reasonable money will get done. Given his career, this team, chance to win, run support, d fence, he would probably take "term" over top flight dollars. "For the right price" he can still shore up the bullpen too...

I think RA ~ even shaky is worth $12M; he may not have starting rotation stuff (spring training etc wll tell) but out of the bullpen he will soak up a valuable 150 innings for this team; he will be a change of pace guy in a rotation if he does have enough left - that will set up other pitchers. He knows how to win. I'll take RA at $12M rather than run around trying to deploy his money on some other "rehab promising arm" or "unknown".

Consistency in the club house will probably add to this teams desire to go deeper.

Hell I might even ask Burhle if he wants to come back as a "pitching coach" trainee... :)

Price.

I just dont know. Maybe we do have to go out and get a couple other guys to replace him... its really tough to predicts.

I "think" the Jays have a shot to resign. You dont seem to think so but I do. Perhaps I am a bit naive....

I think the Cubs are really the "big competition" given the GM that drafted him and groomed him is there.

I don"t think he will sign with the Dogers to be "one of the big three". He wants to be the Ace.. not Grinke's understudy... or Ace 1.2

He has been an AL and AL east pitcher for a lot of years. I think that if the choice between Yankeee, Red Sox, Jays and the money is the same he will take the Jays if the money is the same.

If I were Shapiro / AA I think I might offer him a 4 year deal with 3 consecutive player option years.

I mean the deal is that the Jays control Russ Martin, Tulo, Donaldson, Goans, Pillar, Smolk, Coballo, Stro, Sanchez, Osuna through 2020. All these guys have contracts and some have arbitration rights during... but bottom line is the core line up is good till about 2020.

So David ~ take 4 years guaranteed; if your not happy going into 2021 - opt out - your choice.

If his arm isnt so great in 2021 ~ we have a huge contract admittedly; but some team will take him on 3 or 2 option years left to make their run to the world series.

[BRabbiT]

[QUOTE=S.Davidi]
Alex Anthopoulos Rejects Contract Extension (http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/alex-anthopoulos-leaving-blue-jays-after-rejecting-extension/)

TORONTO

[Zan Tabak]

Why can't we have good things?....