Munenori Kawasaki optioned

[JaysAllMighty]

It was fun to have a clown for a little while but it's time to get serious now and use our best assets. To have it any other way the GM wouldn't be doing his job right.

 

Just saying.

[TwistedLogic]

It was fun to have a clown for a little while but it's time to get serious now and use our best assets. To have it any other way the GM wouldn't be doing his job right.

 

Just saying.

 

But we all love Metallijay!

[KSaw]

He'll be back on September 1st or the day after Bonifacio is finally sent packing, whichever comes first.

[Caper]

I can not believe sending down a little scrub has this many replies. Jesus... He'll be back up.

[Caper]

He'll be back on September 1st or the day after Bonifacio is finally sent packing, whichever comes first.

 

Jose Reyes said Boni is his best friend on the team... Weighing everything else.... I'd rather keep Reyes happy.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Really dumb. One of the few fundamentally sound players on the team. Obviously people will overreact bc of their love for the guy but its still dumb.

 

Why do we need 8 relievers?

[CHRIS]

Really dumb. One of the few fundamentally sound players on the team. Obviously people will overreact bc of their love for the guy but its still dumb.

 

Why do we need 8 relievers?

 

I agree. It would be one thing if he was strictly a mascot, but he seemed to be a genuinely useful player. Also the best option at short in case Reyes needs the odd day off.

 

Maybe they thought his schtick was becoming a bit of a distraction? Boy, if they go in a tailspin now, regardless of the reason, there's going to be a revolt about this decision.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

I agree. It would be one thing if he was strictly a mascot, but he seemed to be a genuinely useful player. Also the best option at short in case Reyes needs the odd day off.

 

Maybe they thought his schtick was becoming a bit of a distraction? Boy, if they go in a tailspin now, regardless of the reason, there's going to be a revolt about this decision.

 

I'm really disgusted that this front office actually thinks old Neckbeard is a useful player. Because... um... he's not... If he can finish the year at 1 WAR it'll be an absolute miracle. Kawasaki would've gotten there with his eyes closed with less appearances.

 

And if we're going to be average, at least give the fans a reason to show up at the park.

[flafson]

I just read this one:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/davidi-kawasakis-departure-bittersweet-for-jays/

 

Says they gathered the whole team and told them Kawasaki is going down and then talked with Kawasaki over it together.

Good for them, at least doing it right.

[G-Snarls]

I agree. It would be one thing if he was strictly a mascot, but he seemed to be a genuinely useful player. Also the best option at short in case Reyes needs the odd day off.

 

Maybe they thought his schtick was becoming a bit of a distraction? Boy, if they go in a tailspin now, regardless of the reason, there's going to be a revolt about this decision.

 

The problem is we have too many infielders of borderline ability - DeRosa, Izturis, Bonifacio, Kawasaki. 1-2 guys like that as utility are fine but we have too many borderline players who are playing every day. I'm all for jettisoning 2 of them and picking up a legit above-average 2B (or a 3B and move Lawrie).

 

We have too many weak links and we're stuck at catcher and LF it seems. Gotta improve the infleld, especially with these ground ball pitchers we suddenly have.

[dmrich28]

The problem is we have too many infielders of borderline ability - DeRosa, Izturis, Bonifacio, Kawasaki. 1-2 guys like that as utility are fine but we have too many borderline players who are playing every day. I'm all for jettisoning 2 of them and picking up a legit above-average 2B (or a 3B and move Lawrie).

 

We have too many weak links and we're stuck at catcher and LF it seems. Gotta improve the infleld, especially with these ground ball pitchers we suddenly have.

 

Yup, agree 100%. The problem becomes who is really in need for borderline players and willing to give up an above average 2B for them? I just can't see how the Jays could get anything of any huge upgrade for any of those guys listed in any combination.

[CHRIS]

I'm really disgusted that this front office actually thinks old Neckbeard is a useful player. Because... um... he's not... If he can finish the year at 1 WAR it'll be an absolute miracle. Kawasaki would've gotten there with his eyes closed with less appearances.

 

And if we're going to be average, at least give the fans a reason to show up at the park.

 

I just don't get why in an "all-in" season, they're ignoring anything that gives them come incremental value. Sure Kawasaki isn't a world beater, but he's better than the alternatives.

[CHRIS]

Take for instance, his answer in English when asked if he had a final message to the fans that have embraced him: “I am now hungry.”

 

HOW DO YOU SEND THIS GUY DOWN?

[dmrich28]

I'm sure Kawasaki will be back after the deadline once AA makes some moves. Maybe they will give him some 2B time at Buffalo.

 

The nice thing is Kawasaki will always have a gig with the Jays since he can take over from Ace someday. I just picture him in the costume yelling "I'm Japanese" up and down the stands. It would scare the hell out of the kids.

[dmrich28]

Take for instance, his answer in English when asked if he had a final message to the fans that have embraced him: “I am now hungry.”

 

HOW DO YOU SEND THIS GUY DOWN?

 

quite easily, he has options and a much better SS was coming back.

[G-Snarls]

Yup, agree 100%. The problem becomes who is really in need for borderline players and willing to give up an above average 2B for them? I just can't see how the Jays could get anything of any huge upgrade for any of those guys listed in any combination.

 

For sure. A good prospect would be required to get Utley or Kinsler.

[G-Snarls]

Take for instance, his answer in English when asked if he had a final message to the fans that have embraced him: “I am now hungry.”

 

Did he mean literally or figuratively?

[G-Snarls]

On a positive note, the games will now be 5-6 minutes shorter, since Bonifacio will make nice quick outs on the first pitch rather than drag things out the way Kawasaki does...

[IronLadle]

How does Melky not get DL'd? He'll be in a wheelchair by September.

[dmrich28]

How does Melky not get DL'd? He'll be in a wheelchair by September.

 

I'm beginning to think maybe that's the best Melky has anymore as far as legs go and isn't hurt. If that's the case we got screwed.

If he is hurt, then he should definitely be on the DL since it's going to end up costing runs and possible games running him out to LF all the time.

[Deadpool]

I'm sure Kawasaki will be back after the deadline once AA makes some moves. Maybe they will give him some 2B time at Buffalo.

 

The nice thing is Kawasaki will always have a gig with the Jays since he can take over from Ace someday. I just picture him in the costume yelling "I'm Japanese" up and down the stands. It would scare the hell out of the kids.

 

The Toronto Kawasakis? I'm down!

[HERPDERP]

23 pages over Kawasaki?

 

Jeeez guys

[dmrich28]

23 pages over Kawasaki?

 

Jeeez guys

 

...but people got SO upset it was fun

[Angrioter]

23 pages over Kawasaki?

 

Jeeez guys

 

He deserves it (0,8 WAR - 60 games)

[HERPDERP]

He deserves it (0,8 WAR - 60 games)

 

If I weren't a baseball fan I would have figured people are complaining that the Jays took Bonifacio over Kawasaki.

 

And that this has nothing to do with a guy named Jose Reyes

[Metallijay]

If I weren't a baseball fan I would have figured people are complaining that the Jays took Bonifacio over Kawasaki.

 

And that this has nothing to do with a guy named Jose Reyes

 

A lot of casuals here who think KAwasaki was great and his antics made the team better like he did the mariners..oh wait.

[HERPDERP]

A lot of casuals here who think KAwasaki was great and his antics made the team better like he did the mariners..oh wait.

 

As I said earlier, it's funny how everyone was hating on the 'intangibles' that a guy like DeRosa brings. "Veterin presents?" Well how about Kawasaki? "Cheerleader extraordinaire"?

 

The way I look at this transaction is to see among whom of Kawasaki, DeRosa, Izturis and Boniface will contribute the most off the bench.

 

DeRosa can play 2nd and 3rd with power and a good eye.

Izturis is the same as above

Boniface can play CF and is a good late inning running replacement

So that leaves Kawasaki, who contrary to popular belief, has never played a single game at second base in his professional career (including Japan). In fact, he has only played SS in all his years.

 

So merely suggesting that he could be flipped over to 2nd is ludicrous. Kawasaki cannot hit. Kawasaki cannot run. He isn't the type of guy that can be your bench player.

 

What Kawasaki is best is your starting SS in the 9-hole. But he just doesn't have the chance here.

[KSaw]

Kawasaki is far from great but he is a positive influence in the dugout, can work a count and can actually bunt a baseball. Bonifacio can't play the infield at all, has a low baseball IQ, is a weak hitter and happens to be a gifted athlete who is younger and runs like the wind. For me it's as simple as that and I take the baseball player everyday. I actually do anything to ensure that Bonifacio never ever plays 2b for Toronto again.

[Deadpool]

So that leaves Kawasaki, who contrary to popular belief, has never played a single game at second base in his professional career (including Japan). In fact, he has only played SS in all his years.

 

I hate when people do this...

 

Seriously, you're already on the internet, why not... y'know... CHECK YOUR FACTS before you make all the rest of your points weaker by spouting something that's simply wrong and easy to prove wrong.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kawasmu01.shtml

 

Kawasaki played 10 games at second (39.2 innings) LAST YEAR. So if "popular belief" is that "Kawasaki has played at least a single game at second base" then popular belief is absof***inglutely correct.

 

Takes 10 seconds to check these things before you post... Jeebus.

[G-Snarls]

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi Getting Jose Reyes back for Kawasaki is like upgrading a Lada to a Lamborghini, yet #BlueJays fans are crushed. Why? http://bit.ly/14WGlUt Edited June 26, 2013 by G-Snarls