Predict AA's Next Move

[Chappy]

What do you think it would require to land Cole Hamels? Obviously a package starting with Aaron Sanchez+++

 

Also, the Phillies have always loved JA Happ, so I'm sure they'd have interest.

 

Hamels

Dickey

MB

Stroman

Hutchison

 

Depth: Estrada, Redmond, Hendricks, Drabek, Norris (if not traded)

 

That's a sick rotation 1 through 5.

 

To be honest, if AA fills out LF, 2B, and the pen adequately, I don't think we need a SP upgrade. This lineup as is will rake, imagin if Melky or something similar is put in LF, we won't have any issue scoring runs. Legitimize the pen with a few solid but unspectacular arms and I think we are in great shape. Maybe bring in a short term option for 2B and see what Travis can do later in the season.

 

We already have Cecil, Loup, Sanchez, and Estrada in the pen, all of who were good as relievers last season. Delabar could be a bounce back candidate as well. Two more RP with track records and I'm really comfortable with this team moving forward.

 

Seriously what other lineup can rival Donaldson/Bautista/Edwin?

[jaysblue]

To be honest, if AA fills out LF, 2B, and the pen adequately, I don't think we need a SP upgrade. This lineup as is will rake, imagin if Melky or something similar is put in LF, we won't have any issue scoring runs. Legitimize the pen with a few solid but unspectacular arms and I think we are in great shape. Maybe bring in a short term option for 2B and see what Travis can do later in the season.

 

We already have Cecil, Loup, Sanchez, and Estrada in the pen, all of who were good as relievers last season. Delabar could be a bounce back candidate as well. Two more RP with track records and I'm really comfortable with this team moving forward.

 

Seriously what other lineup can rival Donaldson/Bautista/Edwin?

 

What happens if one of them gets hurt? We've seen it before. You just can't say we're going to outscore every opponent - because hitting goes into dry spells, even the best of lineups.

 

I don't know what AA will do about second base - he can surprise us all who knows! Find a solid veteran like a Mark Ellis maybe to play the first half and then callup Travis later after showing success down in Buffalo? Or trade for someone like Justin Turner from the Dodgers, Daniel Murphy from the Mets, or Howie Kendrick from the Angels?

 

As for Sanchez, I'd rather trade him in a package for a studly piece rather than use him out of the pen in 2015.

[Iggy]

I would love Hamels ... his contract is very reasonable (2015 to 2018 at 23.5M/year + club option for 2019) compared to what the big 3 free agent S/Ps ... Scherzer will probably get 27M+/year for 7 yrs, Lester will get something like 25M/year for say 6 yrs and Shields will get 20-22M/year for say 5 years. I think these 3 guys are too expensive for Toronto

 

I also think Hamels is better than Lester, possibly similar to Scherzer

 

But a trade for Hamels would be very costly in terms of prospects ... Sanchez + Norris as a starting point ... But I am pretty sure I read Philly wants a top positon player as part of any deal and Toronto does not have one

 

I think Boston will end up getting Hamels if they are willing to include Betts in the deal

[nutz003]

Our SP is decent. I think Stroman is going to continue to emerge as a top of the rotation guy, and Sanchez will be in the rotation. I think he is ready. Hutch will get a little better, and we can bank on 200+ each in the bank from Dickey and Buerhle. Depth in Happ, Estrada and Norris. Though Ithink Happ will be dealt.

 

Longshot for a comeback, but just curious if Romero will regain any of his old form since he has finally had that knee surgery. A nagging knee injury is enough to mess with delivery, location and mind. Think about how if everytime you stepped as you are throwing a pitch how that would slightly affect those things, especially in a job where inches is paramount and consistency in the delivery is so important. Unlikely he will be back with the Jays, but he may bounce back better than we think. He has it in him somewhere to be an MLB pitcher.

[King]

Wouldn't surprise me if we signed a SP in the next few weeks. AA has said multiple SP have contacted him interested in signing after signing Martin.

 

Wonder if we'll add to our bullpen through the rule 5 draft on Dec. 11th.

[Dick_Pole]

Can somebody smarter than me PLEASE make a thread explaining that our starting rotation is fine? Too many people here think that our most important need is 1 or even 2 more starters.

 

The biggest improvement to the rotation was made behind the plate, and will be continued to be made on defense. RAD and MB - we know what the Jays will get from them 200-250 IP of decent pitching. I expect the biggest improvement from Hutch. The man had a K per inning over 185 IP last year coming off surgery. He could reach 200 K in 200+ IP this year with a lot better W-L and ERA based on last year's peripherals and this year's improved players supporting him.

 

Happ is a pitcher in his 30's who improved his velocity last year and now has above average stuff for a lefty with inconsistent control, although his BB/9 was his career best last year. He's going into a contract year and has all the advantages of better pitch framing as the other guys will. People write him off as the #5 guy because of his age and relative lack of success in his career. But the age curve applies to averages not everybody. Maybe the line drive to the noggin knocked some sense into him or maybe he finally finished puberty but what I saw from him last year was the best pitching I've ever seen from him. Not that I'm an expert in Phillies/Astros games. But if there's a guy who I had to pick to have a mysterious career year at age 32 looking to cash in at free agency, he'd be my choice.

 

Stroman would be the biggest wild card in all of this. He could be the best starter on this team (not an "ace" but the best starter on THIS team), or he could be mediocre or they limit his IP. If he does well and the rest of the pitchers perform to my expectations then this team could approach 1000 IP out of their starters. That would leave the RP underworked and dominant even without upgrades because the best way to get good relief pitching is to limit their innings pitched.

[RealAccountant]

Seriously what other lineup can rival Donaldson/Bautista/Edwin?

 

Redsox can, they have a lineup just as good as us if not slightly better. They currently have a lineup that includes Pedroia, Ortiz, Hanley, Pablo, and Cespedes

 

So if you look at currently our top 5 hitters

 

Bautista, EE, Donaldson, Reyes and Martin and rival that with the top 5 of Redsox, Than I would say its a toss up. With us Reyes and Martin offensively are much more questionmarks in terms of how above average they will be while they have a lot more certainty.

[jaysguy44]

Redsox can, they have a lineup just as good as us if not slightly better. They currently have a lineup that includes Pedroia, Ortiz, Hanley, Pablo, and Cespedes

 

So if you look at currently our top 5 hitters

 

Bautista, EE, Donaldson, Reyes and Martin and rival that with the top 5 of Redsox, Than I would say its a toss up. With us Reyes and Martin offensively are much more questionmarks in terms of how above average they will be while they have a lot more certainty.

 

I'd put money on Cespedes being trading at some point this off season for a starting pitcher, their rotation is awful. I also can't see Hanley staying healthy for the majority of the year. Ortiz will start to decline soon to imo, at least I hope

[RealAccountant]

I really wanted Andrew Miller. I guess we will be looking for a closer via trade.

 

I would resign Jansenn on a 1 year deal. I do not think he is going to get a deal anywhere else anyways, he was good before he took that vacation. He has likely recovered from that.

 

If the plan is to keep Sanchez in the bullpen, he should be closing. No Questions asked.

[Abomination]

2B might not even be THAT big a priority, since we'll have one of Izzy or Travis manning it if we don't make a move. That's a darn sight better than what we were rolling out there last year. Unless you're getting Drew or Lowrie to man second (or a trade), we may be better off in-house.

 

Speaking of Drew, after that disaster of a year he had last year, he might be a guy who would be willing to sign a cheap 1 year deal to be on a good team, in a hitting friendly park. That would bridge us nicely to Travis.

 

On the pitching side, I wonder if Brett Anderson is ready to give up being a starter? He'd make a real nice arm down in the pen. So would Morrow if he's ready to give up on starting. Axford could be rather intriguing. Experience closing, and will probably end up in the 2.5M range. I think Jim Johnson is also a fantastic buy-low candidate. Lots of other great options as well.

[ElNik2013]

So Pompey is pretty much the starting CF. Seems to me like they should get another guy capable of playing a good CF.

[Jimcanuck]

So Pompey is pretty much the starting CF. Seems to me like they should get another guy capable of playing a good CF.

 

Pillar will be the 4th OF and is more than capable of handling CF defensively. Pompey will be the CF unless his bat reaches Goins level, highly unlikely.

[Jimcanuck]

The biggest improvement to the rotation was made behind the plate, and will be continued to be made on defense. RAD and MB - we know what the Jays will get from them 200-250 IP of decent pitching. I expect the biggest improvement from Hutch. The man had a K per inning over 185 IP last year coming off surgery. He could reach 200 K in 200+ IP this year with a lot better W-L and ERA based on last year's peripherals and this year's improved players supporting him.

 

Happ is a pitcher in his 30's who improved his velocity last year and now has above average stuff for a lefty with inconsistent control, although his BB/9 was his career best last year. He's going into a contract year and has all the advantages of better pitch framing as the other guys will. People write him off as the #5 guy because of his age and relative lack of success in his career. But the age curve applies to averages not everybody. Maybe the line drive to the noggin knocked some sense into him or maybe he finally finished puberty but what I saw from him last year was the best pitching I've ever seen from him. Not that I'm an expert in Phillies/Astros games. But if there's a guy who I had to pick to have a mysterious career year at age 32 looking to cash in at free agency, he'd be my choice.

 

Stroman would be the biggest wild card in all of this. He could be the best starter on this team (not an "ace" but the best starter on THIS team), or he could be mediocre or they limit his IP. If he does well and the rest of the pitchers perform to my expectations then this team could approach 1000 IP out of their starters. That would leave the RP underworked and dominant even without upgrades because the best way to get good relief pitching is to limit their innings pitched.

 

You wearing the rose coloured glasses today?

 

The team as constructed should be a strong contender to reach the postseason. But with the current 5 SP it's difficult to see a long PS run.

[ElNik2013]

Pillar will be the 4th OF and is more than capable of handling CF defensively. Pompey will be the CF unless his bat reaches Goins level, highly unlikely.

 

 

Makes me revisit the Gose for Travis trade. I'm hoping Travis won't need too much time at AAA and that they don't lose Andy Burns in the rule 5 draft.

[Stangstag]

You wearing the rose coloured glasses today?

 

The team as constructed should be a strong contender to reach the postseason. But with the current 5 SP it's difficult to see a long PS run.

 

True, but you never know once you reach the playoffs. It all depends on who gets hot. Look at Detroit, they had Price/Scherzer/Verlander and they got swept by Baltimore

[jays4life19]

So why did we trade Lind for Estrada again?

[Stangstag]

So why did we trade Lind for Estrada again?

 

"Clubhouse Culture Change"

[TDotttt2005]

So why did we trade Lind for Estrada again?

 

Beginning to look like more of a salary dump. AA said he would've non-tendered him to clear the salary regardless. I'd rather have Lind at $7.5M than Estrada at $4.5 though, and I'd rather have no salary, than Estrada's $4.5M, which could end up being the case if Estrada is non-tendered.

[labadee]

Guys, stop with the Asian population will buy tickets ******** if we get this guy and Canadians will love it if we get so and so...........field a f***in competitive team and the tickets will sell!!! Book it.

 

Agreed. I'm asian and I don't give a s*** if we have any Asians on our team. I Cheer for the city and as long as they win, I'm happy.

Edited November 30, 2014 by labadee

[Dick_Pole]

You wearing the rose coloured glasses today?

 

The team as constructed should be a strong contender to reach the postseason. But with the current 5 SP it's difficult to see a long PS run.

 

I think a lot of fans would be happy enough with just a f***ing playoff spot for once. Hopefully the division so we at least get to see three games.

 

Like I said (maybe in another thread) I'm happy if the Jays can spend to get a FA pitcher. But it's a long shot and that means the only other route is through a trade and the only way the Jays are collecting an ace through that route is to pay out the ace in terms of their near-MLB ready prospects. In that instance, I'll take my chances with what the team has. In summary my preference is:

 

1. Sign a free agent starter

2. Leave the SP as is.

3. Mystery scenario

4. Mystery scenario

5. Mystery scenario

6. Mystery scenario

7. Mystery scenario

8. Mystery scenario

9. Trade prospects/young pitchers off the roster for an ace.

[Angrioter]

Pillar will be the 4th OF and is more than capable of handling CF defensively. Pompey will be the CF unless his bat reaches Goins level, highly unlikely.

 

http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/comment/comics-WulffMorgenthaler-USA-fat-people-129304.png

[gbill2004]

Apparently the Red Sox really want to trade Cespedes. They're entire coaching staff hates him.

How do you know this?

[Chappy]

What happens if one of them gets hurt? We've seen it before. You just can't say we're going to outscore every opponent - because hitting goes into dry spells, even the best of lineups.

 

I don't know what AA will do about second base - he can surprise us all who knows! Find a solid veteran like a Mark Ellis maybe to play the first half and then callup Travis later after showing success down in Buffalo? Or trade for someone like Justin Turner from the Dodgers, Daniel Murphy from the Mets, or Howie Kendrick from the Angels?

 

As for Sanchez, I'd rather trade him in a package for a studly piece rather than use him out of the pen in 2015.

 

Injuries can happen to any team anytime, that does not detract from the fact that we have arguably the best trio of hitters in baseball. the rotation is fine, could it be better? Ovcourse, but it's certainly not a priority. As for 2B, if AA can acquire a good piece than by all means, but I could live with a short term option for the time being.

[Ehjays]

I'm asian and I don't give a s*** if we have any Asians on our team. I Cheer for the city and as long as they win, I'm happy.

 

My point exactly.

[ElNik2013]

I think AA has made his 2B move. I think he'll try to add to the OF with a guy that can play CF. If he goes out and gets a 2B, then he would've been better off keeping Gose to compete with Pompey and Pillar for playing time instead of having Travis at AAA while basically handing the CF job to Pompey.

 

We'll see, no one saw the Jays signing Martin, except Blair of course, to many a poster's chagrin, so who knows how this thing will shake out.

[Dick_Pole]

Injuries can happen to any team anytime, that does not detract from the fact that we have arguably the best trio of hitters in baseball. the rotation is fine, could it be better? Ovcourse, but it's certainly not a priority. As for 2B, if AA can acquire a good piece than by all means, but I could live with a short term option for the time being.

 

Agreed. Jaysblue has a point based on past instances of this team, but AA has moved to rectify the situation either by choice or by force. Lawrie, Rasmus, Morrow and Santos are no longer expected contributors to this team. The Jays have had above average injury risk in the past, but I think they've at least worked on getting that down to average. Reyes and Bautista remain the top risks. Hutch came off strong off of surgery. I wouldn't consider him a significant injury threat. RAD and MB are the faces of anti-injury. EE is in a 1B/DH role. Happ's problems are with his back and freak injuries as opposed to shoulder/elbow/forearm. We all hope for the best but at least shouldn't have to fear for the worst like we have the past...oh...10 years or so.

[jayswin11]

Bullpen, LF, and a starter upgrade.

[Chappy]

Agreed. Jaysblue has a point based on past instances of this team, but AA has moved to rectify the situation either by choice or by force. Lawrie, Rasmus, Morrow and Santos are no longer expected contributors to this team. The Jays have had above average injury risk in the past, but I think they've at least worked on getting that down to average. Reyes and Bautista remain the top risks. Hutch came off strong off of surgery. I wouldn't consider him a significant injury threat. RAD and MB are the faces of anti-injury. EE is in a 1B/DH role. Happ's problems are with his back and freak injuries as opposed to shoulder/elbow/forearm. We all hope for the best but at least shouldn't have to fear for the worst like we have the past...oh...10 years or so.

 

The best part is that even if injuries hit the lineup, we can now withstand the loss of one of our big bats. Hopefully that doesn't happen, but it's definitely an added benefit. We have high end depth in the lineup and quality but unspectacular depth in the rotation. We just need to fill out the remaining spots with adequate players, anything above that is just an added benefit at this point IMO.

[Atothe]

I really wanted Andrew Miller. I guess we will be looking for a closer via trade.

 

How about no

[guylaroche5]

In a chat with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of SiriusXM, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos downplayed his interest in the market’s top free agent relievers. “I don’t know that you’re going to see us involved in some of the large big money deals,” AA said, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet (via Twitter).

 

this pleases me, I wasn't too fond of the idea of signing miller or robertson to 40-50 mil contracts