GDT: Orioles @ Jays - 1:07 (March 29)

[intentional wok]

 

Today's lineup. Liking it. Looks like Pompey is getting a good look higher up in the lineup still, probably only until Saunders returns though.

 

Most importantly:

 

THIS ONE'S ON TV

[sdyment]

Travis from Fangraphs...

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/sunday-notes-perkins-varvaro-travis-in-toronto-dozier-ducks-much-more/

 

When the Blue Jays acquired Devon Travis from Detroit in November, in exchange for Anthony Gose, a lot of people asked “Devon who?” An updated answer to that question is imminent. Barring a curious decision from John Gibbons, Travis will break camp as Toronto’s starting second baseman.

 

The right-handed hitter has been a line-drive machine since the Tigers took him in the 13th round of the 2012 draft out of Florida State. He has a .323/.388/.487 slash line in 257 minor-league games, and 16 hits in 47 at bats this spring. Gibbons describes him as having “a great swing – a short stroke – (with) a great idea up there.” The Toronto skipper also lauds his defense, saying the 24-year-old “can flat out play.”

 

Travis credits tough love from his initial club for his developmental strides.

 

“That was a first-class organization, top to bottom” Travis told me. “Bruce Fields, the hitting coordinator; and Kevin (Bradshaw), the infield instructor, were great. Every single day they were on me. At first I was like, ‘Man, do these guys even like me?’ But looking back, I’m thankful for everything they did.”

 

Travis said he wasn’t pushed into making adjustments, nor was he prodded to turn weaknesses into strengths. The primary message was to, “turn my strengths into bigger strengths.” His most notable change was self-driven, and came after instructional league following short-season ball.

 

“I dropped my hands and stood a little more upright,” explained Travis. “I’d never felt fully comfortable with my stance. I’d kind of felt like a machine, and in pro ball, with pitchers throwing harder with all this movement, it’s tougher to be a machine. You need to have a fluid motion.”

 

The Blue Jays are mirroring the Tigers’ approach with regard to fine-tuning his game. For the most part, they’re telling him to “just keep doing what (he’s) been doing.” So far, that means maintaining a gap-to-gap approach and getting on base at a regular clip. And while he’s a not a bopper, he does have some pop. Travis has 26 home runs over his two full seasons of pro ball.

 

Travis admitted to feeling pressure early in spring training. Not to make the club, but simply to prove to his new organization that he belongs. The result was a slow start – “I was pressing, trying to do more than I should have, instead of just having fun” – but he righted the ship pretty quickly. Now, thanks to a fortuitous trade, he’s on track to make his big-league debut on opening day.

 

“If I were still with the Tigers, I wouldn’t have this opportunity,” said Travis. “They have Ian Kinsler at second base, and he’s a really good player. Nothing against Detroit, but I’m really thankful to be getting this chance.”

 

——

[gruber92]

This is the best possible opening day line up Gibby can draw up, and what a potent line up it is. Going to be a good watch.

 

When Saunders replaces Pillar...

[KingKat]

Navarro can f*** off as well. Would prefer Smoak at first base. Edwin DH. And sulky fat f*** Navarro riding the pine.

 

I'm surprised Eddie is already back at 1B. Didn't expect that. I wonder if there's still a chance Smoak gets squeezed out of a roster spot. Would suck of course but it's not outside the realm of possibility.

[fireballW]

I don't think Smoak or Barton should have played their way out of a job with how they've done. There is no way that I can imagine Navarro having a better offensive season that Smoak, so I don't know why we wouldn't improve the 1B defense while we're at it and just put him in there against righties.

[ElNik2013]

I don't think Smoak or Barton should have played their way out of a job with how they've done. There is no way that I can imagine Navarro having a better offensive season that Smoak, so I don't know why we wouldn't improve the 1B defense while we're at it and just put him in there against righties.

 

 

Gibbons loves Navarro, he's gone as far as to call him "the best pure hitter on the team". Now, it may just be asset management so we'll have to wait and see.

[KingKat]

I don't think Smoak or Barton should have played their way out of a job with how they've done. There is no way that I can imagine Navarro having a better offensive season that Smoak, so I don't know why we wouldn't improve the 1B defense while we're at it and just put him in there against righties.

 

Yeah I'd rather have Smoak too but if they go with both Thole and Navarro, there will be a bit of a squeeze where you have to do one of the following configuations:

 

Thole, Valencia, Smoak/Navarro, Goins

(in this scenario, Travis and Smoak are esentially the 4th and 5th OFs and Tolleson is DFA'd and Pillar probably goes back to the minors when Saunders comes back or someone has to be moved)

 

Thole, Valencia, Smoak/Navarro, Tolleson

(in this scenario, Tolleson isn't DFA'd but Pillar still has to go back to the minors when Saunders comes back or someone has to be moved)

 

Thole, Valencia, Goins, Tolleson (Tolleson is basically just there because he's out of options and can sort of back up the OF. Either he gets DFA'd or Goins is demoted when Saunders comes back)

 

Thole, Valencia, Goins , Gindl(in this scenario, Tolleson is DFA'd but you have a true backup OF who you can demote when Saunders comes back, one of Smoak or Navarro has to go now though)

[Jonzo]

It's on Sportsnet?

[baubau]

Gibbons loves Navarro, he's gone as far as to call him "the best pure hitter on the team". Now, it may just be asset management so we'll have to wait and see.

 

Gibbons says a lot of s*** to the media. What do you expect him to say for a player he wants gone? "He's a sack of fat that can't frame, call games or run and he's all yours for $5 Million folks!"

 

Yeah I'd rather have Smoak too but if they go with both Thole and Navarro, there will be a bit of a squeeze where you have to do one of the following configuations:

 

Thole, Valencia, Smoak/Navarro, Goins

(in this scenario, Travis and Smoak are esentially the 4th and 5th OFs and Tolleson is DFA'd and Pillar probably goes back to the minors when Saunders comes back or someone has to be moved)

 

Thole, Valencia, Smoak/Navarro, Tolleson

(in this scenario, Tolleson isn't DFA'd but Pillar still has to go back to the minors when Saunders comes back or someone has to be moved)

 

Thole, Valencia, Goins, Tolleson (Tolleson is basically just there because he's out of options and can sort of back up the OF. Either he gets DFA'd or Goins is demoted when Saunders comes back)

 

Thole, Valencia, Goins , Gindl(in this scenario, Tolleson is DFA'd but you have a true backup OF who you can demote when Saunders comes back, one of Smoak or Navarro has to go now though)

 

If the Jays are stuck with Navarro might as well option Thole to the minors. Martin can catch Dicky and then once Navarro is gone bring Thole back up to catch Dicky to give Martin his break/off-days. I fear that a Navarro trade won't happen at this point.

[closetjaysfan]

It's on Sportsnet?

 

yep

[ElNik2013]

Gibbons says a lot of s*** to the media. What do you expect him to say for a player he wants gone? "He's a sack of fat that can't frame, call games or run and he's all yours for $5 Million folks!"

 

 

 

I guess you missed the part where I said

Now, it may just be asset management so we'll have to wait and see.

[KingKat]

Gibbons says a lot of s*** to the media. What do you expect him to say for a player he wants gone? "He's a sack of fat that can't frame, call games or run and he's all yours for $5 Million folks!"

 

 

 

If the Jays are stuck with Navarro might as well option Thole to the minors. Martin can catch Dicky and then once Navarro is gone bring Thole back up to catch Dicky to give Martin his break/off-days. I fear that a Navarro trade won't happen at this point.

 

That would be ideal and I really hope that's what happens but it's really seeming like this Navaroo as DH, Thole as backup catcher thing has legs.

[glory]

Navarro at DH. Hmmm.

 

Gibby supporters will be dwindling by May.

[baubau]

I guess you missed the part where I said

 

Didn't miss it, but misinterpreted it. My bad!

 

Navarro at DH. Hmmm.

 

Gibby supporters will be dwindling by May.

 

Not sure how much I can blame Gibby on being forced to play a player that should have been gone by now. That is on AA, not him.

[closetjaysfan]

buehrle looking good so far

[HERPDERP]

lol Martin framed the f*** out of that K of Cabrera

[Jonzo]

Mark looking good despite the double.

[sdyment]

Watching Martin down 1-2 is a beautiful thing...

[Dylan]

Bautista has been locked in all spring

[Jonzo]

Not really worried about EE to be honest.

[sdyment]

Bautista has been locked in all spring

 

Talking shop with Donaldson all spring, no doubt has reinvigorated him. Mentor wise...

[burlingtonbandit]

Tabler looked like an idiot there. Terrible AB by Donaldson lol and Tabler raves.

[Angrioter]

Navarro over Smoak lol

I own both of them fantasy.

[closetjaysfan]

EE making his case for 1B

[jays4life19]

Sanchez with a A+ nose pick.

[Dylan]

Sanchez mining for some gold lol

[saskjayfan]

Navarro has a below average strike out rate. He's a nice switch hitter to have on the bench. Valencia kills lefties and should be in against them. Smoak has power, but an above average strike out rate. Tough righties, I might play Navarro, because he will work counts better and make better contact. Smoak should handle third fourth and 5th righty starters. Navarro will catch Buehrle and give Martin a rest and Smoak can DH. Martin can also DH some of those games. There are at bats for Navarro, Smoak and Valencia.

 

Having a backup switch hitting catcher who hits .280 and has a great rapport with Buehrle isn't the end of the world. Plus I enjoy typing butterball with a big hit...so there's that.

[baubau]

I miss the Os broadcast team.

[Dylan]

Nice catch by Jose!

[Angrioter]

Jimmy Paredes the worst OF defender i ever seen since Thames, but kid can hit the baseball ball.