Blue Jays renewing interest in James Shields as his price drops

[Spanky99]

So?

 

f*** you, picked up Deslauriers before me, lol...good luck.

[BTS]

Also, going back to whether or not Bautista would be re-signed, I think if the team doesn't win in 2015 or 2016, Bautista would be looking to sign with a team that has a legit shot to win. Also, assuming Donaldson continues to put up 4-War seasons in 2015 and 2016, he would be a nice trade commodity.

 

Obviously we're a long way from making that decision, but if everyone performs as we reasonably expect them too going forward, I hope Donaldson is made into a long-term priority even if it means walking away from Bautista or Edwin. Four years of control taking him to his age-33 season. There's potential there to have a franchise type of talent for 7-8 years without ever really breaking the bank the way you typically would have to for a player of his calibre. Donaldson not hitting free agency until 33 gives the team a lot of flexibility. There will be no $100+ million guaranteed mega-deal for him.

[BTS]

f*** you, picked up Deslauriers before me, lol...good luck.

 

You're going to beat me. I just hope it's by a win or two.

[Spanky99]

You're going to beat me. I just hope it's by a win or two.

 

I don't know, it's flipping close.

[ElNik2013]

Obviously we're a long way from making that decision, but if everyone performs as we reasonably expect them too going forward, I hope Donaldson is made into a long-term priority even if it means walking away from Bautista or Edwin. Four years of control taking him to his age-33 season. There's potential there to have a franchise type of talent for 7-8 years without ever really breaking the bank the way you typically would have to for a player of his calibre. Donaldson not hitting free agency until 33 gives the team a lot of flexibility. There will be no $100+ million guaranteed mega-deal for him.

 

 

Yeah, for sure. I said 'nice trade commodity' in terms of restocking the franchise with some young talent, but keeping him long term would be more likely since this franchise doesn't dig the rebuild thing.

 

 

So far ahead though. 2015 and 2016 are looking much better than we all thought after the big trades in late 2012. The moves this off season combined with the emergence of Stroman, Hutchison and Pompey has made such a difference.

[Key22]

The Rays led all of baseball in positional fWAR in the 6 years from 2008-2013.

 

And what did they win?

[Key22]

Yeah, for sure. I said 'nice trade commodity' in terms of restocking the franchise with some young talent, but keeping him long term would be more likely since this franchise doesn't dig the rebuild thing.

 

 

So far ahead though. 2015 and 2016 are looking much better than we all thought after the big trades in late 2012. The moves this off season combined with the emergence of Stroman, Hutchison and Pompey has made such a difference.

 

The Jays do the same dumb thing the Leafs do every single year. They refuse a full 5-7 year rebuild plan going young and building from within (though the new GM always says they will). Nor will they spend the money required to be a buy it all type of team. When they did lead the league in spending they won two World Series titles.

 

I was excited when AA took over and was to do a "copy Tamp Bay but also spend." Tampa's problem is they finally get good players and have to trade them as soon as they cost anything. Many fans are fans of the team and the players and while the turnover helps them win games - it doesn't help fan/player attachments which does draw people to the seats. You have to win if you're going to dump your fan favorites.

 

I grow weary of the middle ground. But at least we have some good players who are fun to watch.

[BTS]

And what did they win?

 

Four playoff berths in six years and an AL pennant. But my post was made to draw attention to the incredibly stupid idea that A) they were carried by their pitching, and even if this were true it would invalidate their success.

[Spanky99]

Four playoff berths in six years and an AL pennant. But my post was made to draw attention to the incredibly stupid idea that A) they were carried by their pitching, and even if this were true it would invalidate their success.

 

Are the Jays going to validate success with results the next two seasons if they make it and win?

[Deadpool]

Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston told Sportsnet 590 The Fan at the end of last season that he expected the team to spend at least $135 million to $137 million on its roster in 2015.

 

I legitimately do not remember this happening. He said "of course payroll is going to go up", no? Up would be well above $137M, weren't we above $140 last year? I'm drunk and tired and I'm not going to look up the numbers, but that's what my JaggerBombandBeer-addled brain remembers right now...

[baloojayz]

Here's to hoping Dickey has his best year as a Blue Jay.

 

Shields

Stroman

Dickey

Hutchison

Buehrle

 

Norris

Estrada

 

Sanchez to the BP full time, trade Navarro for a 7th inning guy and we're done!

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

Winning the AL east and playoffs have to be worth at least 20-30 mill at the gate alone to the Jays!

 

So if the difference between being competitive and being a legit playoff team is less then that you have to spend it and really move all in and go for it! Not sit and wait and hope it all just happens by leaving it to fate or chance!

 

There's a difference between holding a gun and actually pulling the trigger! Bang! Jack you're dead!

 

Remember if you buy out Dickey and with Buehrle most likey gone 29 mill fall off the books next year and James Shields is the veteran to lead a young bluejays staff, not bad!

[Atothe]

I think they should front load it while the young guys are still cheap. 25 per for the first two years and then 10-15 per for the last two

[Jimcanuck]

Here's to hoping Dickey has his best year as a Blue Jay.

 

Shields

Stroman

Dickey

Hutchison

Buehrle

 

Norris

Estrada

 

Sanchez to the BP full time, trade Navarro for a 7th inning guy and we're done!

 

I like how you've got Hutch after Dickey. Need to maximize Hutch chance of success and his pitch count. Dickey effect will help.

[BlueJayWay]

And what did they win?

A s*** ton of games and four playoff berths. Would we could have a six year run like that.

[flafson]

I honestly don't see how getting Shields is a good idea, he's not what he used to be. Sure, he can still eat a lot of quality innings but you all saw him in the playoffs, he wasn't effective anymore and chances are, he's on decline. It's like paying Dickey 20M per to pitch fast balls, it ain't going to work for more than maybe a year.

[saskjayfan]

I honestly don't see how getting Shields is a good idea, he's not what he used to be. Sure, he can still eat a lot of quality innings but you all saw him in the playoffs, he wasn't effective anymore and chances are, he's on decline. It's like paying Dickey 20M per to pitch fast balls, it ain't going to work for more than maybe a year.

 

I'm not sure looking at a 25 inning sample size and ignoring a 227 sample size is the right way to go. I'm pretty sure when players decline they don't decline that far in 2 weeks. It's more likely he just pitched poorly in that stretch. Shields is a valuable commodity. It's just a matter if the price is right.

 

Ps bigbouncyballs...classic rant in the other thread!

[BTS]

I honestly don't see how getting Shields is a good idea, he's not what he used to be. Sure, he can still eat a lot of quality innings but you all saw him in the playoffs, he wasn't effective anymore and chances are, he's on decline. It's like paying Dickey 20M per to pitch fast balls, it ain't going to work for more than maybe a year.

 

There really isn't much to suggest that Shields has started to decline. He's entering his age-33 season, so there's always that concern, but through 2014 his performance has held steady.

[NorthOf49]

I honestly don't see how getting Shields is a good idea, he's not what he used to be. Sure, he can still eat a lot of quality innings but you all saw him in the playoffs, he wasn't effective anymore and chances are, he's on decline. It's like paying Dickey 20M per to pitch fast balls, it ain't going to work for more than maybe a year.

I'm not sure why you think he's in such decline. Shields' fastball velocity has been increasing throughout his career and he was worth 8.2 fWAR in his two seasons with Kansas City. He'd provide a huge boost to the Blue Jays pitching staff.

[glory]

If Shields is lowering his demands to 4/70-80, then I'd assume many teams would be in on him, not just Toronto. Maybe Kenny wants to troll us a bit while the off-season is slow.

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

I'm not sure why you think he's in such decline. Shields' fastball velocity has been increasing throughout his career and he was worth 8.2 fWAR in his two seasons with Kansas City. He'd provide a huge boost to the Blue Jays pitching staff.

 

Not to mention he steals innings and helps save the pen!

[TwistedLogic]

And what did they win?

 

What the hell does this even mean? So you're saying that it's world series or bust? If the Jays make the playoffs the next four years, but don't win a ring, you'll consider it a failure?

[Boxcar]

I honestly don't see how getting Shields is a good idea, he's not what he used to be. Sure, he can still eat a lot of quality innings but you all saw him in the playoffs, he wasn't effective anymore and chances are, he's on decline. It's like paying Dickey 20M per to pitch fast balls, it ain't going to work for more than maybe a year.

 

Jesus, lol

[Boxcar]

I'm not sure why you think he's in such decline. Shields' fastball velocity has been increasing throughout his career and he was worth 8.2 fWAR in his two seasons with Kansas City. He'd provide a huge boost to the Blue Jays pitching staff.

 

He didn't win a WS though, so none of that matters. He's declining.

[TheHurl]

I legitimately do not remember this happening. He said "of course payroll is going to go up", no? Up would be well above $137M, weren't we above $140 last year? I'm drunk and tired and I'm not going to look up the numbers, but that's what my JaggerBombandBeer-addled brain remembers right now...

 

$137,177,700

[Zaun of the Dead]

Winning the AL east and playoffs have to be worth at least 20-30 mill at the gate alone to the Jays!!

 

you are assuming that ownership actually cares about winning or is committed to building a good team.

[saskjayfan]

you are assuming that ownership actually cares about winning or is committed to building a good team.

 

Ownership should be committed to revenue. Winning means revenue and a lot of it. It's a matter of risk reward.

[TwistedLogic]

you are assuming that ownership actually cares about winning or is committed to building a good team.

 

Yeah you're right, who cares about money, success and good publicity?

[Angrioter]

I like Shields, but i could live without him.

[SaskJaysFan_2]

I love the idea of adding Shields...even if he has an off season he will give us 2-3 wins more then without him, and spare our bullpen.

 

MB is gone next year, but I would pick up Dickey's option (is it $12M) if he has a solid season.

 

Shields and Dickey as the vets, the Stroman, Hutchinson and Sanchez as the young bucks seems awesome. for 2016. Then for 2017 you add Norris to replace Dickey. Also awesome.