Toronto Blue Jays Rebuilding Thread

[jaysblue]

With Alford and Gurriel both being nearly ready, you could go with Pearce, Carrera, Pillar and Teoscar as the outfielders with ideally at some point in 2018 Alford becoming a starter, and/or Gurriel taking the Goins role of cover middle infielder with the ability to play LF if needed. Could then spend the money saved (from not signing an overpaid free agent outfielder) on pitchers (and in a perfect world Otani haha). Depends entirely on the market and who they can get - I'd be happy with either approach if they sign the right players.

 

I can't see Barney being back, he's a free agent. Goins should stick around as the 25th man, can't see him being jettisoned yet.

 

Depending on if they feel that Urena can be relied on to be called up when Tulo and/or Travis get injured, I think they may acquire another middle infielder in case Gurriel needs more time to develop.

 

Opening up the year with that outfield is a bit worrisome. I'd like to see the Jays at least target another veteran corner OF whether its Bruce, CarGo or JD Martinez. Other than Martinez who likely would cost the most, I don't see Bruce or CarGo being that crazy expensive. I really don't want to see Pearce & Carrera split time in the OF again. Would be depressing lol.

 

Gurriel & Urena are solid replacements in case Tulo or Travis go on the DL. Depending on the length of the injury. If it's an extended amount of time again, might be best to give AB's to Gurriel, whereas Urena is a decent replacement for 1-2 weeks, though wouldn't want to see Urena getting 400 AB's.

 

For the starting rotation, likely they bring back Estrada IMO as the No. 4 guy. A lot of possibilities for the No. 5 spot (Anderson, Liriano, Cahill, Fister, Chacin, Jimenez, Chatwood etc.). I'd keep Biagini either as the 6th starter, in case someone goes down with an injury. Prepare him as a starter in the offseason & ST.

 

Bullpen: adding a LHP should be on the top of their list. McGee would be a nice add IMO. I'm fine with Osuna, Leone, Tepera, Barnes, Ramirez, Loup, and Biagini (long man) in the pen.

[G-Snarls]

Opening up the year with that outfield is a bit worrisome. I'd like to see the Jays at least target another veteran corner OF whether its Bruce, CarGo or JD Martinez. Other than Martinez who likely would cost the most, I don't see Bruce or CarGo being that crazy expensive. I really don't want to see Pearce & Carrera split time in the OF again. Would be depressing lol.

 

Gurriel & Urena are solid replacements in case Tulo or Travis go on the DL. Depending on the length of the injury. If it's an extended amount of time again, might be best to give AB's to Gurriel, whereas Urena is a decent replacement for 1-2 weeks, though wouldn't want to see Urena getting 400 AB's.

 

For the starting rotation, likely they bring back Estrada IMO as the No. 4 guy. A lot of possibilities for the No. 5 spot (Anderson, Liriano, Cahill, Fister, Chacin, Jimenez, Chatwood etc.). I'd keep Biagini either as the 6th starter, in case someone goes down with an injury. Prepare him as a starter in the offseason & ST.

 

Bullpen: adding a LHP should be on the top of their list. McGee would be a nice add IMO. I'm fine with Osuna, Leone, Tepera, Barnes, Ramirez, Loup, and Biagini (long man) in the pen.

 

The list of available free agent mid-back rotation starters is massive this year. There may actually be some decent buys.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/2017-18-mlb-free-agent-list.html

 

And Jake McGee is exactly who I'd like to see them pick up for the bullpen

[gruber92]

Opening up the year with that outfield is a bit worrisome. I'd like to see the Jays at least target another veteran corner OF whether its Bruce, CarGo or JD Martinez. Other than Martinez who likely would cost the most, I don't see Bruce or CarGo being that crazy expensive. I really don't want to see Pearce & Carrera split time in the OF again. Would be depressing lol.

 

Gurriel & Urena are solid replacements in case Tulo or Travis go on the DL. Depending on the length of the injury. If it's an extended amount of time again, might be best to give AB's to Gurriel, whereas Urena is a decent replacement for 1-2 weeks, though wouldn't want to see Urena getting 400 AB's.

 

For the starting rotation, likely they bring back Estrada IMO as the No. 4 guy. A lot of possibilities for the No. 5 spot (Anderson, Liriano, Cahill, Fister, Chacin, Jimenez, Chatwood etc.). I'd keep Biagini either as the 6th starter, in case someone goes down with an injury. Prepare him as a starter in the offseason & ST.

 

Bullpen: adding a LHP should be on the top of their list. McGee would be a nice add IMO. I'm fine with Osuna, Leone, Tepera, Barnes, Ramirez, Loup, and Biagini (long man) in the pen.

 

Loup should not be in the conversation. Mayza is a massive upgrade.

[John_Havok]

Could this be an adequate 2018 lineup if they're all reasonably healthy?

 

1. Teoscar Hernandez ® LF

2. Josh Donaldson ® 3B

3. Justin Smoak (S) 1B

4. Free agent RF (Jay Bruce or Carlos Gonzalez??)

5. Kendrys Morales or Steve Pearce (S) DH

6. Russell Martin ® C

7. Troy Tulowitzki (L) SS

8. Kevin Pillar ® CF

9. Travis ® 2B

 

(You could flip Hernandez and Travis if you want)

 

Bench: Pearce, Carrera, Barney or Goins, backup catcher

 

That's a pretty old veteran team but if they want to contend in 2018 they might as well sign a decent early 30's free agent to replace Bautista and do the hard work in filling out the rotation

 

Tulo is left handed now?

 

You're probably not far off. Pompey if he's not a quadriplegic by then after falling down while walking his dog might get a shot

[glory]

I read that at the deadline the Jays were asking about Grichuk. Might have been nothing, but he hits the ball hard, hits a lot of flyballs and line drives, but just strike outs a s*** ton. Seems to fit what the Jays look for and maybe could fix like they did with Smoak. Cards have excess outfielders. Maybe there's a match.

[Boxcar]

I read that at the deadline the Jays were asking about Grichuk. Might have been nothing, but he hits the ball hard, hits a lot of flyballs and line drives, but just strike outs a s*** ton. Seems to fit what the Jays look for and maybe could fix like they did with Smoak. Cards have excess outfielders. Maybe there's a match.

 

Yeah, who knows? Seems like pretty much anyone can be a superstar in the juiced ball era.

[Krylian]

Tulo is left handed now?

 

You're probably not far off. Pompey if he's not a quadriplegic by then after falling down while walking his dog might get a shot

 

Might improve if he started batting lefty.

[Ray]

Jays interested in Alex Cobb.

 

According to Nick Cafardo of Boston Globe, the Toronto Blue Jays will be one of the teams in the mix for the services of free agent pitcher Alex Cobb in the offseason.

 

Alex Cobb has spent his entire 6-year career in the American League East after the Rays selected the pitcher in the 4th round of the 2006 amateur draft. The 29-year old earned $4.2 million this past season and is set for a lucrative multi-year payday on the open market.

 

The right-hander is 11-9 with a 3.39 earned run average fanning 119 hitters in 168 innings of work in 2017. This was his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2015.

 

Cafardo also indicated that the Orioles and Yankees will also have interest in Cobb due to his track record pitching in the AL East.

 

Alex Cobb, RHP, Rays — Cobb should make out very well in free agency. One major league source indicated that the Orioles, Yankees, and Blue Jays are very interested, knowing Cobb is battle-tested in the AL East. But the interest in him should be widespread, including in the National League. Cobb is seen as a solid mid-rotation pitcher who won’t be as costly as the perceived No. 1s and 2s.

 

The Jays have pitchers J.A. Happ, Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman penciled into the 2018 rotation with reliever Joe Biagini in the conversation. Marco Estrada is set to become a free agent at season’s end but the hurler has openly expressed his desire to remain in Toronto even though he is coming off a down 2017 campaign.

 

The Jays also have prospect Ryan Borucki on the cusp of a major league promotion as well as Tom Koehler under contract for one more season.

 

Seeing the Blue Jays utilized 14 starting pitchers this season, they definitely will be in the market for quality starting pitching and reliable depth arms in case the blister saga that is Aaron Sanchez rears it’s ugly head again in 2018.

 

Link: https://jaysjournal.com/2017/09/16/blue-jays-alex-cobb-on-offseason-free-agent-radar/

[burlingtonbandit]

lol not a chance Tom Koehler gets tendered a contract this offseason. He would make like 7 Million in Arb.

[Spanky99]

lol not a chance Tom Koehler gets tendered a contract this offseason. He would make like 7 Million in Arb.

 

And that's bad?

[burlingtonbandit]

And that's bad?

 

For a bad SP, yes.

[jaysblue]

And that's bad?

 

http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/giphy(15).gif

[Spanky99]

And that's bad?

 

For a bad SP, yes.

 

http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/giphy(15).gif

 

LOL... I was thinking of Anderson.

[glory]

I can't see Barney being back, he's a free agent. Goins should stick around as the 25th man, can't see him being jettisoned yet.

 

Depending on if they feel that Urena can be relied on to be called up when Tulo and/or Travis get injured, I think they may acquire another middle infielder in case Gurriel needs more time to develop.

 

Find someone blocked on another team and use them as the utility infielder. Someone like Tony Kemp or Profar. Goins can EAD.

[Brownie19]

Find someone blocked on another team and use them as the utility infielder. Someone like Tony Kemp or Profar. Goins can EAD.

 

I'm not so sure Goins could EAD well. Probably a gagger.

Edited September 19, 2017 by Brownie19

[Boxcar]

LOL... I was thinking of Anderson.

 

Aside from the fact that they have entirely different names, Brett Anderson is also not worth 7 million.

 

Oh look, 2 white guys who throw baseballs, they must be the same.

 

f***ing sexist.

[Boxcar]

Find someone blocked on another team and use them as the utility infielder. Someone like Tony Kemp or Profar. Goins can EAD.

 

I would literally unretire Yuniesky Betancourt if it meant no more Goins. I can't handle any more of him.

[G-Snarls]

Fwiw

 

JP Morosi on the radio

 

Says Jays won't punt next year. Too much invested amd attendance too good

 

Says best move would be to trade for the last year of McCutchen

[THANOS]

Fwiw

 

JP Morosi on the radio

 

Says Jays won't punt next year. Too much invested amd attendance too good

 

Says best move would be to trade for the last year of McCutchen

 

I wonder what that would cost, given he's rebounded quite nicely this season and is one hot streak away from finishing with 4+ WAR.

[Dick_Pole]

I wonder what that would cost, given he's rebounded quite nicely this season and is one hot streak away from finishing with 4+ WAR.

 

Without gutting the farm system which is what I think this FO wants to avoid while still improving the MLB roster - Smoak, and let Pearce play 1B. Would need a third team involved. Possibly Pillar+ if Pittsburgh is willing to accept a lesser, cheaper player with more years of control as the centerpiece.

[Spanky99]

I wonder what that would cost, given he's rebounded quite nicely this season and is one hot streak away from finishing with 4+ WAR.

 

Quite a bit.

[Krylian]

I'm glad Bautista will not be part of the future.

[Spanky99]

I'm glad Bautista will not be part of the future.

 

Easy Peasy.

[Jimcanuck]

Without gutting the farm system which is what I think this FO wants to avoid while still improving the MLB roster - Smoak, and let Pearce play 1B. Would need a third team involved. Possibly Pillar+ if Pittsburgh is willing to accept a lesser, cheaper player with more years of control as the centerpiece.

 

Pitt wouldn't have much interest in either. Not much, if any, upgrade on who they have in house.

[Omar]

This mornings interview with Shapiro on the Fan590 was actually the least optomistic I have ever heard him. He seemed resigned (realistic?) to the fact that next year could be a very tough year for this ball club as well. Seemed to be laying the PR groundwork for the future of this team being a couple of years away, which is true. Never the less he didnt sound confident.