Davidi: Jays looking at "in house options"

[NorthOf49]

Why do you try to make yourself look bad? You're not much better as a poster in my eyes right now. While a dude is trying to add to conversation, there you are being all judgmental. It's the internet bro, no need to be a keyboard warrior. Relax.

lol I saw that post as progress! GP seems willing to accept that mohyou may be improving.

[Jimcanuck]

As for McGowan ,he is replaceable in the bullpen , a free agent after this year so I have no problem seeing if he can give us 15 starts till he tires or gets hurt and then Stroman may be ready

 

I have no faith in Melky unless he has a better juice supplyer and after two years of an injured Morrow the ??? marks are huge . AA may still get something done and as long as it isn't an overpay then I'm good either way .

 

McGowan can be a high leverage reliever, a very valuable commodity..... and not exactly replaceable. I am sure McGowan can be an effective starter, the problem is at some point he will have a dominating game and be left in too long and BOOM

 

In 2008 McGowan threw a 125 pitch, 9 inning 4 hitter gem. Pitched 6 more games after that, averaging less than 5 innings, over 100 pitches just once... and was not seen in MLB again until 2011.

 

In 2010, Morrow threw a 140 pitch, 9 inning 1 hitter gem, one of the best games ever pitched, started 3 more games and shut down for the year. IMO he has not been the same pitcher since, loss of velocity and movement.

 

Both of these guys should be on a very strict pitch count. But of course, if they are dealing they will be left in and will be either gone for the year or history shortly after.

[Angrioter]

Goins likely to enter camp as starter at second

 

TORONTO -- With each passing day, it's becoming more and more likely that the Blue Jays will head into Spring Training with rookie Ryan Goins as the expected starter at second base.

 

Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been downplaying the need to acquire a middle infielder for the past several weeks. Initially that was viewed as posturing by the organization, but as external candidates continue to fly off the board, it's becoming a much more realistic scenario.

 

The market at second base was relatively weak heading into the offseason and now there are even fewer candidates available. That would seem to indicate the Blue Jays will move forward with Goins at second base, which would be just fine with manager John Gibbons.

 

"We really like Goins, we like what he did in September," Gibbons said last week. "He gave us a shot in the arm. I thought he handled the ball well enough to be top dog going in there.

 

"[Maicer] Izturis [could] be a utility guy, I think that's his strength. Today that's the way we look at it. Alex could go out and make a trade for somebody to bring a second baseman in. I don't know if that's going to happen. But if not, I really like what Goins did."

 

The biggest benefit in going with Goins is the solid defence he will provide up the middle. Toronto's infield defense was one of its most glaring weaknesses as it became clear that neither Emilio Bonifacio nor Izturis were suitable options on turf.

 

Goins solved the issue when he received a promotion near the end of August. There has never been any doubt regarding Goins' ability with the glove, but it's the potential lack of offence that has been the sticking point.

 

The 25-year-old hit just .252, but did have a rather impressive .345 on-base percentage during his 34 games in Toronto. With a relatively strong offence on paper, it's possible the Blue Jays could afford to go with less production from second base, but the hope is that Goins will be able to make some gains this offseason with new hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.

 

"I'd like to add some competition and some depth," Anthopoulos said last week. "You'd like to create all the middle-infield depth that you can. If someone can come in on a Minor League [deal] or we trade for someone, it means Goins has to be optioned. It's a way to create more depth in the competition. Right now, we're not going to force anything. It would be that tandem of Goins and Izturis."

 

The top priority for the Blue Jays this offseason continues to be making an addition to the rotation. The asking price through both trades and free agency has been prohibitive, but the hope is that outlook will change at some point in January.

 

Despite the organization's vote of confidence in Goins, it's also possible the club could revisit its plans at second base. If that does eventually happen, here's a speculative look at who could become viable candidates now that the likes of Mark Ellis, Omar Infante and Robinson Cano -- who was never expected to sign with the Blue Jays -- are all off the board.

 

Dustin Ackley: Ackley's value has taken a hit following a disappointing 2013 that saw him hit just .253 with a .660 OPS. Despite the subpar results, there's still plenty of upside for thesecond overall pick of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Ackley is projected to start for the Mariners in the outfield, but played 142 games at second in 2012 and has proven to be a very versatile fielder. Seattle's asking price likely will be relatively high with the Yankees, Mets and Padres having reportedly already checked in on his availability.

 

Danny Espinosa: Espinosa appears headed for a utility role with the Nationals next season, but will at least have a chance to compete for the starting job at second with Anthony Rendon during Spring Training. Espinosa spent the majority of the 2013 season in the Minors, but before that had back-to-back seasons with at least 17 home runs. The problem with Espinosa, though, is his high strikeout rate as evidenced by his 189 whiffs in 594 at-bats in '12.

 

Brandon Phillips: Phillips is the biggest name on this list, but comes at a hefty pricetag with $50 million owed to him over the next four years. That's likely too pricey for the Blue Jays, but Cincinnati still appears open to the idea of moving him this offseason. Phillips remains a Gold Glove-calibre defender, but is coming off a down year at the plate which saw him hit just .261 with a .706 OPS in 151 games.

 

Dan Uggla: Toronto had interest in Uggla before he was traded to the Braves before the 2011 season. A lot has changed since then, though, and it seems very unlikely the Blue Jays would take a chance on a player that is owed $26 million over the next two seasons. Uggla's numbers in 2013 are comparable to what J.P. Arencibia did this past season and he's not exactly known as an elite defender. Atlanta would have to take on some of Uggla's salary to make any deal possible, but even if that were to happen, he doesn't seem to be a fit for the Blue Jays.

 

Jamey Carroll: Instead of going with a bona fide starter, the Blue Jays could instead decide to add a player that would compete for the job during Spring Training. Toronto has interest in Carroll according to a report by Sportsnet, but he would be a questionable fit with the Blue Jays considering he managed to hit just .211 with a .518 OPS in 73 games last year for the Royals and Twins.

 

@gregorMLB.

 

God help us!

[Angrioter]

Uhh...Who wrote this article?

 

He had a .345 slugging%, and a .262 OBP

 

Hahhaahahhahahahahahahhaha

 

@gregorMLB.

[Dylan]

Goins? Why?

 

Santos + Loup + Happ for Franklin + Maurer + s***

 

lol if they did that. It would be very nice

[Angrioter]

lol if they did that. It would be very nice

 

Fill holes with redundant pieces is something that Jack Z would do.

[Anemic0ffense]

"We like what he did in SEPTEMBER (when we were wayyyyy out of contention)"

 

Goins wasn't even on the radar, now he's a potential starter? Unreal. Why can't they just cut Izturdis, get Franklin or Ackley, and put Goins on the bench where he belongs?

[Dylan]

Fill holes with redundant pieces is something that Jack Z would do.

 

"Rosenthal wonders if the Mariners would be willing to re-sign Kendrys Morales (provided that they're still willing to spend, that is)"

 

Imagine Smoak, Montero, Hart, Morrison and Morales on the same team. LOL

 

Maybe we can give them Lind for something too

[Jimcanuck]

don't mind goins/izturis as a 2nd base stopgap

 

hard to see this team contending in 2014 unless the pitching somehow stays healthy

 

2015 should see both stroman and sanchez as dynamic young starters, so nothing wrong with holding off on a 2B solution until next offseason, and field a strong 2015 team

 

Now Bautista will be getting long in the tooth in 2015, so trade him if you can.... Bautista for Addison Russell +, anyone?

[Angrioter]

"Rosenthal wonders if the Mariners would be willing to re-sign Kendrys Morales (provided that they're still willing to spend, that is)"

 

Imagine Smoak, Montero, Hart, Morrison and Morales on the same team. LOL

 

Maybe we can give them Lind for something too

 

The first team with a lineup conformed by 9 1B.

[TheHurl]

"We like what he did in SEPTEMBER (when we were wayyyyy out of contention)"

 

Goins wasn't even on the radar, now he's a potential starter? Unreal. Why can't they just cut Izturdis, get Franklin or Ackley, and put Goins on the bench where he belongs?

 

I think a lot of people are under-estimating what the M's are asking for Franklin and Ackley

[TheHurl]

don't mind goins/izturis as a 2nd base stopgap

 

hard to see this team contending in 2014 unless the pitching somehow stays healthy

 

2015 should see both stroman and sanchez as dynamic young starters, so nothing wrong with holding off on a 2B solution until next offseason, and field a strong 2015 team

 

Now Bautista will be getting long in the tooth in 2015, so trade him if you can.... Bautista for Addison Russell +, anyone?

 

They aren't going back that direction until this regime is gone. It just makes no sense to make the moves they did to start over.

[Anemic0ffense]

I think a lot of people are under-estimating what the M's are asking for Franklin and Ackley

 

You don't think they would take a Janssen/Gose offer?

[Jimcanuck]

They aren't going back that direction until this regime is gone. It just makes no sense to make the moves they did to start over.

 

Sure but Russell should be ready to break in in 2015 (as a 21 yr old). It always was a 3 yr window..... the 2nd year of that window is improbable, the 3rd year.... yes if they are smarter than we give them credit for.

[derp.]

sooooooo last year everyone was so happy. Calling AA the best GM ever and how the Jays where going to win the World Series. Now we have the same team minus Johnson, Bonifacio and JP and now this team is crap and will never win....?

 

I am happy we are not getting any of the free agent pitchers. It is stupid amount of money for stupid amount of years only because they are lucky to be in a FA class of crap. So lets say AA goes out to please all the angry "fans" who demand something be done and overpays for one of these pitchers.... These "fans" will be like "yeah blue jays are awesome whoooo, we going to win the World Series AA is the cooooooolest guy ever!" then 2 years in the 6 year contact these FA pitchers are demanding, these same "fans" who blew a load when this player signed, will be like "AA is like the worst GM ever! Why he sign this guy for such a big contact? My dog could be a better GM.. LOL I'm so funny HA-HA" people are ridiculous

 

-Derp

[Angrioter]

sooooooo last year everyone was so happy. Calling AA the best GM ever and how the Jays where going to win the World Series. Now we have the same team minus Johnson, Bonifacio and JP and now this team is crap and will never win....?

 

I am happy we are not getting any of the free agent pitchers. It is stupid amount of money for stupid amount of years only because they are lucky to be in a FA class of crap. So lets say AA goes out to please all the angry "fans" who demand something be done and overpays for one of these pitchers.... These "fans" will be like "yeah blue jays are awesome whoooo, we going to win the World Series AA is the cooooooolest guy ever!" then 2 years in the 6 year contact these FA pitchers are demanding, these same "fans" who blew a load when this player signed, will be like "AA is like the worst GM ever! Why he sign this guy for such a big contact? My dog could be a better GM.. LOL I'm so funny HA-HA" people are ridiculous

 

-Derp

 

Yep, the casual fans.

 

The consensus (Ignoring the trolls) on this forum is: Find an upgrade at 2B, improve bench, trade for controllable top-SP and trade 1, 2 or 3 of our relievers.

[Jimcanuck]

sooooooo last year everyone was so happy. Calling AA the best GM ever and how the Jays where going to win the World Series. Now we have the same team minus Johnson, Bonifacio and JP and now this team is crap and will never win....?

 

I am happy we are not getting any of the free agent pitchers. It is stupid amount of money for stupid amount of years only because they are lucky to be in a FA class of crap. So lets say AA goes out to please all the angry "fans" who demand something be done and overpays for one of these pitchers.... These "fans" will be like "yeah blue jays are awesome whoooo, we going to win the World Series AA is the cooooooolest guy ever!" then 2 years in the 6 year contact these FA pitchers are demanding, these same "fans" who blew a load when this player signed, will be like "AA is like the worst GM ever! Why he sign this guy for such a big contact? My dog could be a better GM.. LOL I'm so funny HA-HA" people are ridiculous

 

-Derp

 

Welcome back NJH

[mitchf]

sooooooo last year everyone was so happy. Calling AA the best GM ever and how the Jays where going to win the World Series. Now we have the same team minus Johnson, Bonifacio and JP and now this team is crap and will never win....?

Not true at all, but yeah.

[LunchBox]

The first team with a lineup conformed by 9 1B.

 

Just for fun I thought I'd give this a shot. There rules are simple:

 

1) Each player must have spent more major league innings playing 1B than any other position. Obviously this is to prevent having Joe Mauer being your catcher, Miguel Tejada being your shotrstop and so on.

 

2) Each player must have played at least 1 major league inning at the position he occupies in your lineup.

 

C Pacheco

1B -----

2B Craig

3B Trumbo

SS Morse

LF Votto

CF Moss ( I wanted Cuddyer/Swisher but they've played considerably more OF)

RF Hosmer

P C. Davis

 

In the interest of full disclosure, I broke rule #1 once. Morse has played more OF innings that 1B, but that probably says more about the ridiculous teams he's played for, I don't think anyone in their right mind would argue against him being a natural 1B.

[derp.]

Yep, the casual fans.

 

The consensus (Ignoring the trolls) on this forum is: Find an upgrade at 2B, improve bench, trade for controllable top-SP and trade 1, 2 or 3 of our relievers.

 

I agree with most of that. The big problem I have is the trade for a controllable top-SP part. If we do that it will destroy our farm. the asking price for these top-SP is much to high in my eyes. I think we have a huge number is pitchers to fill in the rotation. I think some of these guys will step up. the big question is can they still healthy. That question will still there even if you trade for a top-SP, its the nature of them game. So do you take the risk trade your farm for a SP and hope all works out, Heath wise and pitching in the east wise. Or you take the risk and fill your rotation with in house options. I don't know the answer but that why I am not a GM.

 

-Derp

[TheHurl]

You don't think they would take a Janssen/Gose offer?

 

I think they would much rather use them as part of a bigger package to get a starter. They are trying to keep Taijuan and get a top 25 starter. Only way they do that is probably to include Seager, which would probably move Franklin to 3B. Which is a disaster but Jack Z does nothing which makes sense. I'd rather try and deal them Dickey and see if they move someone.

[derp.]

Welcome back NJH

 

nope this is a different person. I just liked this fourm. I been looking for a good Jays board. But this NJH guy must have been awesome since I am awesome. It is easy to get awesomeness mixed up....

[GD]

I'd just like to point out that when NJH was banned on the last board, he came back as "derps".

[Angrioter]

I agree with most of that. The big problem I have is the trade for a controllable top-SP part. If we do that it will destroy our farm. the asking price for these top-SP is much to high in my eyes. I think we have a huge number is pitchers to fill in the rotation. I think some of these guys will step up. the big question is can they still healthy. That question will still there even if you trade for a top-SP, its the nature of them game. So do you take the risk trade your farm for a SP and hope all works out, Heath wise and pitching in the east wise. Or you take the risk and fill your rotation with in house options. I don't know the answer but that why I am not a GM.

 

-Derp

 

Come on NJH, you're a smart dude.

Stroman and Sanchez are the only 2 valuable pieces on our farm but .................. Guys like King-Kalfus, Norris, Davis, Tirado, Nay, Barreto, Labourt, Hollon, Brentz, Tellez and 2 top-11 pick in the next draft could develop as valuable pieces in the coming years.

[derp.]

What do you think of J.P. Arencibia?

 

As a human being he was awesome, great in the community, did a lot of stuff off the field. I was not a fan of him as the starting back catcher. To many strike outs and passed balls. I am glad he is not with the Jays anymore. I have high hopes for AJ Jimenez for the future catcher. I do have a feeling JP is going to be the next Hill.

[derp.]

I'd just like to point out that when NJH was banned on the last board, he came back as "derps".

 

I feel like I made a mistake with the name Derp for this NJH does not seem to be well liked... haha I am being completely honest when I say I am NOT NJH. But I can see how no one believes me since this is a message board and how the hell do you prove that.

[Chappy]

I do have a feeling JP is going to be the next Hill.

 

It's inevitable.

[GD]

I feel like I made a mistake with the name Derp for this NJH does not seem to be well liked... haha I am being completely honest when I say I am NOT NJH. But I can see how no one believes me since this is a message board and how the hell do you prove that.

 

After saying that Arencibia is the next Hill, we're pretty sure you're not NJH.

 

Why do you think that about JP?

[derp.]

Come on NJH, you're a smart dude.

Stroman and Sanchez are the only 2 valuable pieces on our farm but .................. Guys like King-Kalfus, Norris, Davis, Tirado, Nay, Barreto, Labourt, Hollon, Brentz, Tellez and 2 top-11 pick in the next draft could develop as valuable pieces in the coming years.

 

True our low farm does look good. The name the jays been linked to is Jeff Samardzija and the asking price is said to be Stroman, Sanchez and a Third base prospect. To mean that is a steep price for a pitcher from the NL. I feel nervous about pitchers from the NL coming to the AL east. I would stay in house to fill the rotation. I really do think we can put together a good rotation from the guys we have.

[derp.]

After saying that Arencibia is the next Hill, we're pretty sure you're not NJH.

 

Why do you think that about JP?

 

Well glad that got cleared up haha.

 

I am a big believer in the mental aspect of sports and how it can really effect your game. JP has the potential to be an awesome catcher but he got rattled mentally in Toronto. the whole side show of twitter and calling out the media did not help. A change of location can do wonders for players. We see it many time in all sports. A player under performs at one team moved to another location and flourishes. He has the potential, it just did not work in Toronto.