General 2016 Blue Jays discussion thread

[Atothe]

You guys are such self-centered *******S. who only think you know everything.

 

I don't even think Gruber would agree with what you said. Think about that. Have a good day

[baseballsss]

You guys are such self-centered *******S. who only think you know everything.

 

1/10. You're falling fast son.

[burlingtonbandit]

Tellez is interesting. There are no red flags in his numbers, and yet scouty types (like Eric Longenhagen) keep saying they think the swing won't work against MLB pitching.

 

I've read he's got slow bat speed and that it will be tough for him to hit inside against advanced pitching. Makes sense on the surface but maybe he'll be able to adjust.

[Brownie19]

I've read he's got slow bat speed and that it will be tough for him to hit inside against advanced pitching. Makes sense on the surface but maybe he'll be able to adjust.

 

Would it be common for a player to post a wRC+ of 152 and strike out less than 18% of the time (and walk over 12% of the time) in AA with slow bat speed?

 

Separate note - does anyone know what Tellez's splits are vs. LHP?

[ColdPint]

I've read he's got slow bat speed and that it will be tough for him to hit inside against advanced pitching. Makes sense on the surface but maybe he'll be able to adjust.

 

Not that I'm comparing, because that'd be dumb, but I recall hearing the same things about Anthony Rizzo when he was coming up.

 

Brett Wallace too. Let's hope Tellez is more Rizzo than Wallace.

[King]

I've read he's got slow bat speed and that it will be tough for him to hit inside against advanced pitching. Makes sense on the surface but maybe he'll be able to adjust.

/keithlaw

[L54]

Rowdy is the most searched minor leaguer on Fangraphs this afternoon.

[KingKat]

/keithlaw

 

 

Anyone read the article where Keith Law goes off on Tim Tebow?

[King]

Would it be common for a player to post a wRC+ of 152 and strike out less than 18% of the time (and walk over 12% of the time) in AA with slow bat speed?

 

Separate note - does anyone know what Tellez's splits are vs. LHP?

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=642133#/splits/R/hitting/2016/MINORS

 

Vs LHP

2013 (GCL): 256/396/385 (39 AB)

2014 (Bluefield): 303/439/667 (33 AB)

2015 (LAN): 194/219/274 (62 AB)

2015 (DUN): 300/353/467 (30 AB)

2016 (NH): 264/345/456 (125 AB)

 

Vs RHP

2013 (GCL): 224/280/365 (85 AB)

2014 (Bluefield): 291/339/373 (158 AB)

2015 (LAN): 327/387/494 (208 AB)

2015 (DUN): 267/333/475 (101 AB)

2016 (NH): 310/404/559 (313 AB)

[King]

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Bucketload of Atkins quotes about to come down, gird thyselves, here they come! #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 1m1 minute ago

#BlueJays will qualify both EE and Bautista barring something unforeseen per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 48s49 seconds ago

#BlueJays will let assistant hitting coach Eric Owens go per Ross Atkins. Rest of staff has been asked to return

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Atkins: Really strong core of players up the middle who are returning, plus Donaldson. Culture of expecting to win. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 53s53 seconds ago

Atkins: Feel really good about our opportunity to get a little bit closer to a championship next year. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago

Atkins: We have built a very strong (front office). Feel like we have an incredible opportunity to compete against anyone. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago

Atkins: Each day in this seat it's become more tangible and palpable what bringing a championship to Canada would mean. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Gregor Chisholm ‏@gregorMLB 19s20 seconds ago

Atkins confirms that entire #BlueJays coaching staff will return with exception of assistant hitting coach Eric Owens.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s17 seconds ago

Atkins: Obvious holes will be made by the potential free agents leaving, so those will be our priorities. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 35s36 seconds ago

Atkins: We were relatively successful in building a balanced team, but not good enough. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 6s7 seconds ago

Atkins: Grilli's option is realistic and seemingly as close to a no-brainer that you could have. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 19s20 seconds ago

#BlueJays have interest in adding "more balance, more platoon advantage and potentially more speed" per Atkins.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 28s29 seconds ago

Atkins: More balance, more platoon effect and more speed come to mind if offense could be remade the way we wanted. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 13s13 seconds ago

Atkins: Can't say enough about Edwin, Jose, Saunders, Cecil, etc., but have to look at what's out there. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 43s43 seconds ago

Ross Atkins stated obvious by saying Jays expect to make qualifying offers to EE & Bautista. On Saunders it's "not quite as clear," he said.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 21s22 seconds ago

Atkins: Edwin and Jose are priorities, we'll look to do everything we can to take advantage of pre-FA window. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 31s32 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

GM Ross Atkins says #BlueJays will try to take advantage of exclusive negotiating window with FAs with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 40s41 seconds ago

Atkins: Nice to look at free agent market and see number of very good players available in 1B/OF, with offense a priority. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago

Atkins: Won't give odds on Jose and Edwin returning, but won't characterize them as low. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 16s16 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

Both Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista will be extended qualifying offers. Still working through decision with Michael Saunders

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s16 seconds ago

Atkins: Barring anything unforeseen, easiest decision we'll make it to give Jose and Edwin qualifying offers. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 33s33 seconds ago

Atkins: I would expect that Bautista is motivated to return, based on everything he's told us. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 25s25 seconds ago

Kevin Pillar dealt with a thumb issue this year per Atkins. Will be ready for ST. #BlueJays still gathering info but surgery not ruled out.

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 8s8 seconds ago

Entire Blue Jays coaching staff returns for '17 save for Eric Owens. Looking to replace him with an all-encompassing offence focused coach.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s23 seconds ago

tkins: Still working through whether to give Saunders a qualifying offer, based on his career, this yr, alternatives, etc. #Bluejays #Jays

[Governator]

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Bucketload of Atkins quotes about to come down, gird thyselves, here they come! #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 1m1 minute ago

#BlueJays will qualify both EE and Bautista barring something unforeseen per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 48s49 seconds ago

#BlueJays will let assistant hitting coach Eric Owens go per Ross Atkins. Rest of staff has been asked to return

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Atkins: Really strong core of players up the middle who are returning, plus Donaldson. Culture of expecting to win. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 53s53 seconds ago

Atkins: Feel really good about our opportunity to get a little bit closer to a championship next year. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago

Atkins: We have built a very strong (front office). Feel like we have an incredible opportunity to compete against anyone. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago

Atkins: Each day in this seat it's become more tangible and palpable what bringing a championship to Canada would mean. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Gregor Chisholm ‏@gregorMLB 19s20 seconds ago

Atkins confirms that entire #BlueJays coaching staff will return with exception of assistant hitting coach Eric Owens.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s17 seconds ago

Atkins: Obvious holes will be made by the potential free agents leaving, so those will be our priorities. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 35s36 seconds ago

Atkins: We were relatively successful in building a balanced team, but not good enough. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 6s7 seconds ago

Atkins: Grilli's option is realistic and seemingly as close to a no-brainer that you could have. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 19s20 seconds ago

#BlueJays have interest in adding "more balance, more platoon advantage and potentially more speed" per Atkins.

 

 

Watch Live: http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/watch-live-blue-jays-gm-ross-atkins-end-season-conference/

[Grant77]

Would it be common for a player to post a wRC+ of 152 and strike out less than 18% of the time (and walk over 12% of the time) in AA with slow bat speed?

 

Separate note - does anyone know what Tellez's splits are vs. LHP?

 

I don't know if it pertains to Tellez, but a lot of players with low bat speed succeed in the minors and majors. Take Justin Smoak for example.

[King]

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 21s22 seconds ago

#BlueJays have no intention of stretching Roberto Osuna out as a starter next spring per Atkins

 

Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 32s32 seconds ago

Atkins says #BlueJays' core up the middle (C, 2B/SS, CF) is strong, plus MVP candidate at 3B. #MLB

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 22s22 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

Ross Atkins says #BlueJays explored extension with manager John Gibbons. All coaches invited back except for asst. hitting coach Eric Owens

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 16s16 seconds ago

As for notion that #BlueJays might take a step back, Atkins says "we're trying to win ... I don't see how that changes"

 

Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 46s46 seconds ago

Atkins said he doesn't yet have budget for 2017, but he expects to have "enough information" by end of WS to negotiate w/ Bautista & EE.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 49s50 seconds ago

Atkins: Feel great about Dalton Pompey, some of the progress he's made, some of the AAA relievers, A.J. Jimenez. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 49s49 seconds ago

Atkins told #BlueJays' beat writers Osuna remains closer. Too hard to replace and he's been doing it for too long. #MLB

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Atkins: Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 58s59 seconds ago

John Gibbons is going into final year of his deal. Atkins and Gibbons have had discussions about the future; Atkins says they've gone well.

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 26s27 seconds ago

Atkins thinks there are several minor leaguers who could be ready to be Blue Jays in 2017. Mentioned Pompey, Jimenez and triple-A relievers.

[King]

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 38s39 seconds ago

Atkins: Owens skill set was a bit redundant, not his fault. We'll replace the staff member, maybe not the exact position. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 43s43 seconds ago

Atkins: Biagini has been so good as a reliever, but if he's open to starting, it's something we have to look at doing. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 34s34 seconds ago

Atkins says Blue Jays will need to add to their bullpen "significantly" for '17. Will look to free agency, internal arms, rule 5 draft, etc.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 21s22 seconds ago

Atkins: We're trying to win and going to continue to try to win. Can't see how that changes, no matter what Jose & Edwin do. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 22s22 seconds ago

Atkins says re-upping Bautista and Encarnacion are "priorities." Plans to use exclusive window after WS to negotiate. #BlueJays #MLB

 

Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 33s34 seconds ago

Atkins said the Jays "have to consider" stretching out Joe Biagini as a starter, but multiple factors will go into the final decision.

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 30s31 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

GM Ross Atkins says #BlueJays don't have a payroll number yet, expect to have an understanding of where things stand once FA opens up

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 20s21 seconds ago

Jose Bautista could be an effective defensive outfielder for a "significant period of time," Ross Atkins says #BlueJays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 7s8 seconds ago

Atkins: No reason to believe that Bautista can't be an effective outfielder for the foreseeable future. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 17s17 seconds ago

Atkins: Absolutely factor in Jose & Edwin's history here. Helps too, to have knowns vs. unknowns. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 13s13 seconds ago

Atkins won't say if Pillar (thumb) or Donaldson (hip) will require off-season surgery, will address "at right time". #Bluejays #Jays

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 15s15 seconds ago

Atkins says Blue Jays will look at Joe Biagini as a starter in spring training if he's open to it. Roberto Osuna is now a reliever for good.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 33s33 seconds ago

Atkins: Need to add to bullpen significantly, though that might not mean significant numbers. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 12s12 seconds ago

#BlueJays will, of course, look to bolster bullpen this winter. Open to 3+ years for the right reliever per Atkins.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 22s23 seconds ago

Atkins: Although I feel better about our minor-league system now, still don't have as much as we'd like to make big trades. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 30s31 seconds ago

Atkins: We'd be open to trading big-league pitching if we got depth back as well as adding major-league talent. But unlikely #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago

Atkins: Not going to stretch out Osuna because of how difficult he is to replace and length of time he's been relieving. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 21s21 seconds ago

Atkins says #BlueJays don't have as many trade chips in minor league system as they would like. #MLB

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 17s17 seconds ago

Atkins: Can't say gloves are off Sanchez now, but can't say restrictions either. Will be based on our info as we go. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Scott MacArthur ‏@ScottyMacThinks 36s36 seconds ago

Atkins talked about better managing Aaron Sanchez's workload on the "front end." #BlueJays #MLB

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 17s18 seconds ago

Finally: Donaldson (hip), Martin (knee), and Pillar (thumb) all facing injury recoveries this offseason. Surgery not ruled out for any.

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 27s28 seconds ago

Free agent market may suit #BlueJays' needs per Atkins. Weak in starters, which they have. Stronger in OF/1B types, which they need.

[HERPDERP]

I could definitely see Liriano being used as an Andrew Miller type of guy in the regular season, with the capability of being stretched out of course if and when we need a 5th starter. We'll see how he feels about it though, he might lose a bit of money.

[BTS]

Not a whole lot there really. Biggest takeaways:

 

- QO will be offered to Bautista and Edwin

- still not sure on QO for Saunders

- Osuna is a reliever permanently

- They'd like to bring Biagini to camp as a starter

- would be willing to go 3+ years on a contract for a reliever

- "Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat."

 

I like what he said about Osuna and the backup catcher position. I bet we see the team in on Suzuki, Hundley, and Castro

[RealAccountant]

BTS selectively left out the part where atkins praised Jose's defense and mentioned wanting him back with mutual interest

[THANOS]

BTS selectively left out the part where atkins praised Jose's defense and mentioned wanting him back with mutual interest

 

Yeah that was weird lol. Maybe Atkins is just trying to appease Jose's ego on the brink on negotiations.

[RealAccountant]

Or Maybe Shatkins knows that Jose still has about 10-15 WAR left on his career and it should be here in Toronto

 

Do the right thing Atkins bring Jose home

[THANOS]

Or Maybe Shatkins knows that Jose still has about 10-15 WAR left on his career and it should be here in Toronto

 

Do the right thing Atkins bring Jose home

 

No thanks.

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

Or Maybe Shatkins knows that Jose still has about 10-15 WAR left on his career and it should be here in Toronto

 

Do the right thing Atkins bring Jose home

 

Sure if he is willing to take 3 years at 15 mil per year and become a first base/ DH then sure!

 

And remove his no trade rights as well, then we do it!!!

 

After the year he had and all the ******** around him and said by him in the playoffs...

 

Should be like shooting fish in a barrel as no one else might want him!!!

Edited October 24, 2016 by BigBounceyBlueBalls

[Brownie19]

Not a whole lot there really. Biggest takeaways:

 

- QO will be offered to Bautista and Edwin

- still not sure on QO for Saunders

- Osuna is a reliever permanently

- They'd like to bring Biagini to camp as a starter

- would be willing to go 3+ years on a contract for a reliever

- "Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat."

 

I like what he said about Osuna and the backup catcher position. I bet we see the team in on Suzuki, Hundley, and Castro

 

I also just got a popup on my phone that said exercising Grilli's option is "close to a no-brainer".

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

I also just got a popup on my phone that said exercising Grilli's option is "close to a no-brainer".

 

Would you prefer "Some" brainer ??? Mmmmmm brains!!! Lol with Rum lol

[LGBJ29]

Would you prefer "Some" brainer ??? Mmmmmm brains!!! Lol with Rum lol

 

[Terminator]

Not a whole lot there really. Biggest takeaways:

 

- QO will be offered to Bautista and Edwin

- still not sure on QO for Saunders

- Osuna is a reliever permanently

- They'd like to bring Biagini to camp as a starter

- would be willing to go 3+ years on a contract for a reliever

- "Looking for back-up catcher who can handle our pitching staff, be a leader, give a productive at-bat."

 

I like what he said about Osuna and the backup catcher position. I bet we see the team in on Suzuki, Hundley, and Castro

 

Castro would be money. He's only 29, is a very good pitch framer, and can hit right-handed pitching. He very would could outproduce Martin next season.

[Brownie19]

Castro would be money. He's only 29, is a very good pitch framer, and can hit right-handed pitching. He very would could outproduce Martin next season.

 

Man - he looked like a star in the making in 2013. He's a big K% guy, but do think he'd be a good target at the right price.

[Sammy225]

Castro would be money. He's only 29, is a very good pitch framer, and can hit right-handed pitching. He very would could outproduce Martin next season.

 

Pretty much a Carbon Copy of Martin as in he is high walk above average K rate with pop and stellar D..... I don't think he could out produce him but i think Rogers center could make him look awesome lol

[Orgfiller]

Castro would be money. He's only 29, is a very good pitch framer, and can hit right-handed pitching. He very would could outproduce Martin next season.

 

I would be all over having Jason Castro as the backup catcher. Good defense, good framing, will take walks at an above average rate and has a bit of pop. Probably as good as it gets from a realistic backup catcher IMO, assuming he doesn't get a starting gig elsewhere.

 

Also not the worst guy you can have as the main catcher if/when Martin gets injured, or at least platooning them both if Russ is banged up.

[Bobthe4th]

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Bucketload of Atkins quotes about to come down, gird thyselves, here they come! #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 1m1 minute ago

#BlueJays will qualify both EE and Bautista barring something unforeseen per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 48s49 seconds ago

#BlueJays will let assistant hitting coach Eric Owens go per Ross Atkins. Rest of staff has been asked to return

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 1m1 minute ago

Atkins: Really strong core of players up the middle who are returning, plus Donaldson. Culture of expecting to win. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 53s53 seconds ago

Atkins: Feel really good about our opportunity to get a little bit closer to a championship next year. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 40s40 seconds ago

#BlueJays "still working through" whether to issue Michael Saunders a qualifying offer per Ross Atkins

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 32s32 seconds ago

Atkins: We have built a very strong (front office). Feel like we have an incredible opportunity to compete against anyone. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago

Atkins: Each day in this seat it's become more tangible and palpable what bringing a championship to Canada would mean. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Gregor Chisholm ‏@gregorMLB 19s20 seconds ago

Atkins confirms that entire #BlueJays coaching staff will return with exception of assistant hitting coach Eric Owens.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s17 seconds ago

Atkins: Obvious holes will be made by the potential free agents leaving, so those will be our priorities. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 35s36 seconds ago

Atkins: We were relatively successful in building a balanced team, but not good enough. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 6s7 seconds ago

Atkins: Grilli's option is realistic and seemingly as close to a no-brainer that you could have. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 19s20 seconds ago

#BlueJays have interest in adding "more balance, more platoon advantage and potentially more speed" per Atkins.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 28s29 seconds ago

Atkins: More balance, more platoon effect and more speed come to mind if offense could be remade the way we wanted. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 13s13 seconds ago

Atkins: Can't say enough about Edwin, Jose, Saunders, Cecil, etc., but have to look at what's out there. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Brendan Kennedy ‏@BKennedyStar 43s43 seconds ago

Ross Atkins stated obvious by saying Jays expect to make qualifying offers to EE & Bautista. On Saunders it's "not quite as clear," he said.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 21s22 seconds ago

Atkins: Edwin and Jose are priorities, we'll look to do everything we can to take advantage of pre-FA window. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 31s32 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

GM Ross Atkins says #BlueJays will try to take advantage of exclusive negotiating window with FAs with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 40s41 seconds ago

Atkins: Nice to look at free agent market and see number of very good players available in 1B/OF, with offense a priority. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s24 seconds ago

Atkins: Won't give odds on Jose and Edwin returning, but won't characterize them as low. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi 16s16 seconds ago Mississauga, Ontario

Both Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista will be extended qualifying offers. Still working through decision with Michael Saunders

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 16s16 seconds ago

Atkins: Barring anything unforeseen, easiest decision we'll make it to give Jose and Edwin qualifying offers. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 33s33 seconds ago

Atkins: I would expect that Bautista is motivated to return, based on everything he's told us. #Bluejays #Jays

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith ‏@bnicholsonsmith 25s25 seconds ago

Kevin Pillar dealt with a thumb issue this year per Atkins. Will be ready for ST. #BlueJays still gathering info but surgery not ruled out.

 

Arden Zwelling ‏@ArdenZwelling 8s8 seconds ago

Entire Blue Jays coaching staff returns for '17 save for Eric Owens. Looking to replace him with an all-encompassing offence focused coach.

 

Mike Wilner ‏@Wilnerness590 23s23 seconds ago

tkins: Still working through whether to give Saunders a qualifying offer, based on his career, this yr, alternatives, etc. #Bluejays #Jays

 

If this in anyway affected his batting...... imagine if Pillar wasn't a liability on the offensive end. Would make an outfield of Pompey(or Upton)/Carrera, Pillar and free agent (I still think they'll be back in for Bruce) look a hell of a lot better.

Edited October 24, 2016 by Bobthe4th

[Terminator]

I would be all over having Jason Castro as the backup catcher. Good defense, good framing, will take walks at an above average rate and has a bit of pop. Probably as good as it gets from a realistic backup catcher IMO, assuming he doesn't get a starting gig elsewhere.

 

Also not the worst guy you can have as the main catcher if/when Martin gets injured, or at least platooning them both if Russ is banged up.

 

Yeah I think he gets a starting gig next year. A FO who values pitch framing and needs a C will be all over him.