Jays trying to trade for Jay Bruce

[Rusty_Savage]

He did nothing to diffuse the situation. This is going to be a huge distraction heading into the season if it isn't resolved. He could have said something along the lines of "we are confident we can put this situation behind us one way or another, we are working hard to get a deal done that makes sense for both sides, and that's all I'm going to say about it." If you think this is going away because little Rossy Atkins doesn't want to talk about it, you are very wrong.

 

His non exact words "We are going to do these things in private. Like they should be". I don't know what else you want from him.

[Cyborg]

Give Blair a pass this time. I think I may have misquoted/misunderstood him.

 

Blair doesnt get a pass. He shouldnt have a job.

[Rusty_Savage]

I wonder if Ross Atkins and Barry Davis are friends...they're both very unlikeable.

 

I don't mind Atkins. He seems quirky and seems a bit weird around media. Exactly like Davis, except Barry is the media.

 

I'm sure Atkins will grow more comfortable with the media in time.

[Sammy225]

He did nothing to diffuse the situation. This is going to be a huge distraction heading into the season if it isn't resolved. He could have said something along the lines of "we are confident we can put this situation behind us one way or another, we are working hard to get a deal done that makes sense for both sides, and that's all I'm going to say about it." If you think this is going away because little Rossy Atkins doesn't want to talk about it, you are very wrong.

 

He is not going to go into a media war with jose. What can he say that can possibly make it better. The best possible thing for him is to keep things behind closed doors. No good can come out of airing dirty laundry in the media.

 

Secondly if he is not going to discuss the trade to the media it is likely because discussions are still going on and i don't think other GMs would appreciate him going and discussing what is being discussed. Its not that f***ing hard to understand.

 

f*** this place was a lot more tolerable when we were losing.

[Sammy225]

I pisses me off that people are hating this deal even though they don't know what is coming back. There is a chance we are getting dollars or another player is my guess but some people know more lol

[glory]

Valiant speaking on behalf of the bandwagoners.

[gbill2004]

I don't mind Atkins. He seems quirky and seems a bit weird around media. Exactly like Davis, except Barry is the media.

 

I'm sure Atkins will grow more comfortable with the media in time.

 

Yea, they both come across as very awkward. Barry Davis seems like he's always constipated.

[ValiantJaysFan]

But now you're asking for 60+ innings of middle relief pitching instead of an everyday LF with power. The FO has done a pretty decent job filling the bucket with bullpen arms. Could one more make a difference? Wouldn't you prefer a guy who is probably at least as good as your current starting LF, but actually durable?

 

I don't think he is at least as good though. And I would prefer Pompey get a chance to figure out big league hitting because even the ups and downs of his development are likely still going to be more productive than Jay Bruce, for defence alone. Bruce has power, but he also strikes out way more than he walks and say he works out...he has a $17m option next year which if we have room for that, why not let Dickey walk next year and use his salary + the $17m we'd be spending on Bruce and sign Bautista or EE? Or if you need a LF, there has to be an average, replacement level player out there that would come way cheaper than Bruce to back up Pompey and we have a few in our system already.

 

Bottom line is there's better ways to spend whatever they're spending. This team did just fine without Saunders last year, so I don't see why we need to get a horrible player like Bruce to replace him. There's a reason Cincinatti is dumping him, and when you're not good enough to play for THAT team...

[ValiantJaysFan]

Valiant speaking on behalf of the bandwagoners.

 

Yeah, I don't like Jay Bruce, therefore I haven't watched this team since I was 4.

 

Great logic.

[BTS]

I don't think he is at least as good though. And I would prefer Pompey get a chance to figure out big league hitting because even the ups and downs of his development are likely still going to be more productive than Jay Bruce, for defence alone. Bruce has power, but he also strikes out way more than he walks and say he works out...he has a $17m option next year which if we have room for that, why not let Dickey walk next year and use his salary + the $17m we'd be spending on Bruce and sign Bautista or EE? Or if you need a LF, there has to be an average, replacement level player out there that would come way cheaper than Bruce to back up Pompey and we have a few in our system already.

 

Bottom line is there's better ways to spend whatever they're spending. This team did just fine without Saunders last year, so I don't see why we need to get a horrible player like Bruce to replace him. There's a reason Cincinatti is dumping him, and when you're not good enough to play for THAT team...

 

Frazier and Chapman must suck too. They weren't good enough to play for THAT team.

[ValiantJaysFan]

Frazier and Chapman must suck too. They weren't good enough to play for THAT team.

 

Yeah, those are comparable players.

[glory]

Yeah, I don't like Jay Bruce, therefore I haven't watched this team since I was 4.

 

Great logic.

 

The way you think GM's handle media sessions seems to imply you've never actually seen one.

[BTS]

Yeah, those are comparable players.

 

Well there's a reason why Cinci dumped them, right?

[Stangstag]

Yeah, those are comparable players.

 

You're fighting a losing battle dude, just quit while you are behind. You'll only make yourself look worse

[ValiantJaysFan]

Well there's a reason why Cinci dumped them, right?

 

Look what they got for Chapman and Frazier. Not great, but a lot more than what they're getting for Bruce. If they're willing to dump him for what I guess you're arguing is basically nothing, which is about what he's worth, then what does that say about him? Are you arguing that Bruce is a good player? If he were a free agent, he's the kind of guy you MAYBE offer a minor league contract with an ST invite to and then likely cut bait before the season starts. He's either a homerun, a strike out, or a walk, but mostly a strikeout guy. There was a guy who used to play here, I think his name was JP Arencibia, who took a similar approach.

 

Oh but Bruce hits left handed so it's cool. Need dem dingerz from da leff.

[Rusty_Savage]

I don't think he is at least as good though. And I would prefer Pompey get a chance to figure out big league hitting because even the ups and downs of his development are likely still going to be more productive than Jay Bruce, for defence alone. Bruce has power, but he also strikes out way more than he walks and say he works out...he has a $17m option next year which if we have room for that, why not let Dickey walk next year and use his salary + the $17m we'd be spending on Bruce and sign Bautista or EE? Or if you need a LF, there has to be an average, replacement level player out there that would come way cheaper than Bruce to back up Pompey and we have a few in our system already.

 

Bottom line is there's better ways to spend whatever they're spending. This team did just fine without Saunders last year, so I don't see why we need to get a horrible player like Bruce to replace him. There's a reason Cincinatti is dumping him, and when you're not good enough to play for THAT team...

 

 

His option is actually 13 million

[Stangstag]

Look what they got for Chapman and Frazier. Not great, but a lot more than what they're getting for Bruce. If they're willing to dump him for what I guess you're arguing is basically nothing, which is about what he's worth, then what does that say about him? Are you arguing that Bruce is a good player? If he were a free agent, he's the kind of guy you MAYBE offer a minor league contract with an ST invite to and then likely cut bait before the season starts. He's either a homerun, a strike out, or a walk, but mostly a strikeout guy. There was a guy who used to play here, I think his name was JP Arencibia, who took a similar approach.

 

Oh but Bruce hits left handed so it's cool. Need dem dingerz from da leff.

 

 

And If Bruce bounces back with a 115wRC+ and puts up 2 WAR?

[ValiantJaysFan]

And If Bruce bounces back with a 115wRC+ and puts up 2 WAR?

 

And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

[BTS]

Look what they got for Chapman and Frazier. Not great, but a lot more than what they're getting for Bruce. If they're willing to dump him for what I guess you're arguing is basically nothing, which is about what he's worth, then what does that say about him? Are you arguing that Bruce is a good player? If he were a free agent, he's the kind of guy you MAYBE offer a minor league contract with an ST invite to and then likely cut bait before the season starts. He's either a homerun, a strike out, or a walk, but mostly a strikeout guy. There was a guy who used to play here, I think his name was JP Arencibia, who took a similar approach.

 

Oh but Bruce hits left handed so it's cool. Need dem dingerz from da leff.

 

So you're upset about acquiring a player that you're expecting to give up nothing for?

[BigCecil]

His option is actually 13 million

 

Reminds you of what a "hometown discount" we had on 10 for Edwin and Jose for 14.

[intentional wok]

I don't think he is at least as good though. And I would prefer Pompey get a chance to figure out big league hitting because even the ups and downs of his development are likely still going to be more productive than Jay Bruce, for defence alone. Bruce has power, but he also strikes out way more than he walks and say he works out...he has a $17m option next year which if we have room for that, why not let Dickey walk next year and use his salary + the $17m we'd be spending on Bruce and sign Bautista or EE? Or if you need a LF, there has to be an average, replacement level player out there that would come way cheaper than Bruce to back up Pompey and we have a few in our system already.

 

Bottom line is there's better ways to spend whatever they're spending. This team did just fine without Saunders last year, so I don't see why we need to get a horrible player like Bruce to replace him. There's a reason Cincinatti is dumping him, and when you're not good enough to play for THAT team...

 

This is all contingent on what the return with Bruce was/is. If enough cash exchanged hands to offset a large share of Bruce's salary then I'd be happy with the upgrade over Saunders. I'm not keen on the idea that Pompey should get a roster spot for hitting lessons, but your point about defence is good. If you could guarantee a bit of a breakout for Pompey then I'd say don't bother with Bruce. But that can't be guaranteed and neither can Saunders's health. It's entirely possible that Saunders sees a lot of time on the DL and then you end up with Pompey in LF and AAAA players rotating as the fourth OF. Bruce is probably pretty good insurance for that sort of situation -- and, frankly, I think it's more likely that Bruce puts up an adequate year than Pompey can be relied upon to breakout and take a major league starting job.

 

If the cost becomes a relative wash, Bruce is probably the safer bet than Saunders/Pompey/Carrera/Lake.

 

As far as options go, is Bruce's '17 option not a team option? They could just let him walk. He'd effectively be a low-risk gamble/upgrade over Saunders for this year.

[ValiantJaysFan]

So you're upset about acquiring a player that you're expecting to give up nothing for?

 

You're saying we're giving up nothing apparently. I'm saying if we are giving up a B prospect and taking on ANY salary he isn't worth it.

[xposbrad]

And If Bruce bounces back with a 115wRC+ and puts up 2 WAR?

 

There's a lot of IFS around baseball. Have you seen him play the last 2 years? I am just curious. I honestly think if the Jays called up almost any minor leaguer, they would put up a higher war than him. Pompey's D alone is far far far more valuable than anything Bruce can bring to the table. I would laugh at any team that took on millions to have Bruce right now, because he's just declined so much. If this team has money to burn, it should have been towards IFAs and a real #2 SP.

[Rusty_Savage]

And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

 

So your aunt had a dick before?

[Stangstag]

And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

 

And if you had more than half a brain, you might actually be intelligent. But life isn't always fair.

[Stangstag]

There's a lot of IFS around baseball. Have you seen him play the last 2 years? I am just curious. I honestly think if the Jays called up almost any minor leaguer, they would put up a higher war than him. Pompey's D alone is far far far more valuable than anything Bruce can bring to the table. I would laugh at any team that took on millions to have Bruce right now, because he's just declined so much. If this team has money to burn, it should have been towards IFAs and a real #2 SP.

 

Yeah I agree Pompey is probably the best option. But the front office knows more than we do

[Boxcar]

Jay Bruce is hot garbage. I would literally prefer Michael Saunders in a wheelchair over Jay Bruce. We have Dalton Pompey. As long as has an OBP over .294 and a WAR over 0.8 he's a better option than Bruce. I don't think you understand how bad Jay Bruce is. Do you know how bad he is? oWAR of 0.2. dWAR of -0.2 and -1.7 in 2014. $12 million a year for that. I don't care how much money Cincinatti or LAA is retaining, if we are paying him league minimum it's too much. And as for the "he's better than Saunders just sitting on the DL all year" argument, if that's the case then what a horrible move trading Revere, and what an even more terrible lack of preparation by this regime by not having a viable backup plan.

 

Jay Bruce has no place on a contending baseball team, period.

 

Yeah BTS, you know NOTHING!!!!

[BTS]

You're saying we're giving up nothing apparently. I'm saying if we are giving up a B prospect and taking on ANY salary he isn't worth it.

 

You don't have enough information to say with any kind of confidence that a couple million dollars and a low-end prospect to go from Saunders to Bruce isn't worth it. There are far too many unknowns to complain about a low-investment move like that without sounding stupid.

 

It's a notch above complaining about a MiLB deal.

[ValiantJaysFan]

This is all contingent on what the return with Bruce was/is. If enough cash exchanged hands to offset a large share of Bruce's salary then I'd be happy with the upgrade over Saunders. I'm not keen on the idea that Pompey should get a roster spot for hitting lessons, but your point about defence is good. If you could guarantee a bit of a breakout for Pompey then I'd say don't bother with Bruce. But that can't be guaranteed and neither can Saunders's health. It's entirely possible that Saunders sees a lot of time on the DL and then you end up with Pompey in LF and AAAA players rotating as the fourth OF. Bruce is probably pretty good insurance for that sort of situation -- and, frankly, I think it's more likely that Bruce puts up an adequate year than Pompey can be relied upon to breakout and take a major league starting job.

 

If the cost becomes a relative wash, Bruce is probably the safer bet than Saunders/Pompey/Carrera/Lake.

 

As far as options go, is Bruce's '17 option not a team option? They could just let him walk. He'd effectively be a low-risk gamble/upgrade over Saunders for this year.

 

Thank you for not taking pot shots while presenting a rational argument, unlike most others here.

 

Yes, I believe it is a team option. But what I'm saying is, if they can afford to pick up that option, then why not use the money and give Bautista his contract? And why not give Pompey a chance? He hit well in AAA and was a baserunning god, why wouldn't we want to develop that? I just think our assets or money or whatever it's costing us to get this guy is better spent elsewhere.

[ValiantJaysFan]

And if you had more than half a brain, you might actually be intelligent. But life isn't always fair.

 

I hope they get Jay Bruce so I can bump this thread when you're screaming for him to be DFAed by May.