BlueJays claim 1B Andy Wilkins off waivers

[Angrioter]

Shi Davidi

#BlueJays claim first baseman Andy Wilkins, 26, off waivers from #WhiteSox and option him to Buffalo. Had .896 OPS at triple-A last year

[Dylan]

ok minor league numbers. Struggled pretty hard during his brief stint with the sox last season

[closetjaysfan]

Soon wilner or AA will be spining this into a straight trade for Drebek

[Inklink]

Can never have too many 1B.....

[raBBit]

fAA is stacking up on those 1B/DH options. Even if Wilkins isn't much of an "option."

 

When he was drafted it seemed like he would move quickly through the system given that he was an older player who had success in an elite collegiate league. That didn't end up being the case and not because Wilkins didn't do his part, but rather because the White Sox brass held him back to give the opportunities to other first base prospects who were not really much more than borderline prospects anyways.

 

He's not a guy who scouts will see and love but at the end of the day he fills the stat sheet. After getting drafted, the player development team gave him the directive to cut down on strikeouts and he did do that. It was a testament to the hard worker he is. He always plugged along and put together good seasons but last year he beat the piss out of the ball. Just had an incredibly stretch where he was barreling up everything. At first glance, one could assume that his increase in superficial numbers were a result of his home stadium having a drastic hitters' park factor (Charlotte's park is new, but figures to be most hitter friendly park in IL when sample size is sufficient). However, he mashed on the road even more than at home.

 

He is also a good teammate and well-spoken but these personal qualities are often found in these AAAA type players. I suspect he lacks the bat speed and pitch recognition to become an MLB regular. The difference in speed/rigor of the game in AAA in contrast to MLB is about as significant as I have ever seen and any significant sample size of Wilkins in the MLB would justify that ideal. I don't know if we have any Buffalo Bisons' fans here but Wilkins might be one of your favorite players this year.

 

Interestingly enough, the Jays/White Sox have had a long history together despite past transgressions. They seem to have a similar eye for talent and have had a lot running dialogue that hasn't always surfaced in the mainstream. Obviously the Jays have cleared house in the FO since the bitterness but the White Sox have plenty of long time executives upstairs. Regardless, it's a good thing for both teams though.

[G-Snarls]

At least he has options I guess...

[GNick49]

At least he has options I guess...

 

If he had options left why would Chicago put him on waivers?

[GD]

Clear space on 40 for Drabek.

 

Good 'ol spite claim.

[flafson]

I guess that raises the return from the Halladay trade, now it becomes, half of Dickey, Travis and some guy called Wilkins.

[Governator]

"Wilkins had a strong spring for the White Sox as he batted .333 with six RBIs in 14 games and 21 at-bats before being sent down to the minors last week."

 

Yea know... if he did that for the Jays this ST half here would say he should be our starting first baseman.

[King]

"Wilkins had a strong spring for the White Sox as he batted .333 with six RBIs in 14 games and 21 at-bats before being sent down to the minors last week."

 

Yea know... if he did that for the Jays this ST half here would say he should be our starting first baseman.

 

Completely untrue. Caleb Gindl is hitting .349/.420/.581 and no one is saying he should be our starting first baseman.

[Governator]

Completely untrue. Caleb Gindl is hitting .349/.420/.581 and no one is saying he should be our starting first baseman.

 

Andy Wilkins 378 games @ 1B

Caleb Gindl 0 games @ 1B

 

Fair comparison.

[KingKat]

The hot Florida sun might be melting Kings brain. Wait till he gets back to frigid Canada

 

King's point still holds though. No one is clamouring for Gindl to start in LF either and this in spite of injuries to every other LF.

[Dylan]

King's point still holds though. No one is clamouring for Gindl to start in LF either and this in spite of injuries to every other LF.

 

As long as pillar doesn't sneeze again

[Governator]

I was really just making a sarcastic comment based on the uncertainty around Smoak & Barton's cold bats this Spring... Pretty sure left field is set. Carry on.

[RealAccountant]

Smoak should start everyday indifference of spring training

[Brownie19]

I don't think people mind Pillar playing LF for a couple of weeks. Atleast he will provide good defense.

 

Pillar is (errr should be) a very solid 4th OFer. Good defense, can play all 3 OF positions, runs well, hits lefties.....Nobody should be too upset that he's lined up to start in LF for a couple of weeks...this is exactly what a good 4th OFer does. I also expect Pillar to platoon with Saunders - especially early on when Saunders returns from the DL. That said - if he gets 500 at bats, he'll get grossly exposed (as do most 4th OFers).

 

Fans should get used to him....lets hope he doesn't s*** the bed early on b/c he's the best option we have.

[Brownie19]

Pillar is (errr should be) a very solid 4th OFer. Good defense, can play all 3 OF positions, runs well, hits lefties.....Nobody should be too upset that he's lined up to start in LF for a couple of weeks...this is exactly what a good 4th OFer does. I also expect Pillar to platoon with Saunders - especially early on when Saunders returns from the DL. That said - if he gets 500 at bats, he'll get grossly exposed (as do most 4th OFers).

 

Fans should get used to him....lets hope he doesn't s*** the bed early on b/c he's the best option we have.

 

Perhaps I shouldn't have read this thread in reverse order.....overreaction alert!