Preparing for 2018

[Agk47]

Yep. Yankees offered him $170M over 7 years. Seattle then offered him $200M over 8 years. Then apparently heard that a "mystery team" had an offer of $225M over 9 years on the table when there was no such thing and inexplicably upped their offer to $240M over 10 years. Cost themselves 2 extra years and $40M when they were by far and away the best offer Cano had anyways.

 

Article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/12/06/cano-signs-240m-deal-with-seattle-jay-z-saves-face-sort-of/#2a1a68612b74

 

Moral of the story, it took 70 million extra dollars for CANO to sign in Seattle -- that's not even taking into account cost of living!

[Agk47]

I've never advocated for a firesale. Move JD, yes, and any other player over 30, if you can get a reasonable return in youth.

 

Gotta have a winning culture and veteran leadership in place 2 years from now. Basically Tampa bay with a big budget would be ideal.

 

I'd take it one step further, trade jd osuna and happ for as many high ceilings lottery tickets as possible (we should be able to draft "depth prospects" on our own).

 

But than turn around and sign moustakas for 5 years and Cain for 4 (doubt we get a sniff at Cain).

 

Fill out the pitching staff with as many short term veteran/reclamation types off the trash pile as possible (sabathia, Jamie Garcia, Brett Anderson etc....).

 

Sign a better version of Darwin Barney.

 

And for the love of God, those cheap bastards need to invest in the back up catcher position.

 

Basically stall for two years while planning for our core two years from now.

[Agk47]

JD definitely strikes me as someone who will be testing the FA market and asking for the world. His arrogance is off the charts.

 

He is quite possibly the most competitive man Alive ever.

[Agk47]

Donaldson will be 33 when 2019 rolls around. As well, he's in a FA class that includes both Harper and Machado. I don't think any team will offer him a 7-8 year deal as a FA based on his age and the current offseason trends we've seen when it comes to aging players/sluggers. I think he'll easily get a 5 year deal + a club option perhaps. 6 years might be the tipping point in getting him locked up.

 

I'll do a rough breakdown of every team and their 3B situation come 2019:

 

AL East: Boston has Devers, so that eliminates one big payroll team. Yankees likely will throw all there money at Harper & Machado, so that would take them out of the equation. If they miss

 

NL West: D'Backs have Lamb, Rockies have Arenado, and the Padres don't have the $. The Giants have a big hole in their lineup and at 3B (unless they think Christian Arroyo is the answer). Plus, Donaldson has experience living in the Bay Area when he played with Oakland. The Dodgers have unlimited resources, though they already have a good guy at the hot corner locked up until 2020 in Justin Turner. Still they could be creative if they want and move Turner around to a different position if need be.

 

So the teams I have listed who could be interested and have a need at 3B when 2019 rolls around are the Yankees (if they can't sign Machado), Rangers, Mets, Braves, Cardinals, Giants & we'll throw the Dodgers in there because of their unlimited $.

 

 

 

I wonder if the dodgers would do turner and one of de Leon, Alvarez or Stewart for jd and filler?

[Captain Adama]

I wonder if the dodgers would do turner and one of de Leon, Alvarez or Stewart for jd and filler?

 

Obviously not. That would make absolutely no sense on the part of the Dodgers. And De Leon is in the Rays org.

[wamco]

Even more reason for them to trade de Leon

[Abomination]

Sign Otani, extend Donaldson, trade Osuna for Joc Pederson, sign Smith (he seemed to indicate he'd be open to that when leaving), trade for Zobrist, trade Morales (getting exposed on the breaking balls in a division with some wicked ones) and Pearce (he isn't being used right anyway) for salary relief. Kidnap Manfred, and torture him until he agrees to replace the blisterballs.

 

Chances of ANY of that happening: probably next to zero.

[jaysblue]

Sign Otani, extend Donaldson, trade Osuna for Joc Pederson, sign Smith (he seemed to indicate he'd be open to that when leaving), trade for Zobrist, trade Morales (getting exposed on the breaking balls in a division with some wicked ones) and Pearce (he isn't being used right anyway) for salary relief. Kidnap Manfred, and torture him until he agrees to replace the blisterballs.

 

Chances of ANY of that happening: probably next to zero.

 

Dodgers have Kenley Jansen so not sure what use they would have for Osuna.

 

Zobrist is definitely an interesting target and would be a nice piece. Could play both outfield corners & some 2B/SS (perfect to give Tulo & Travis rest sometimes). Cubs likely would trade him just for salary relief, especially since they have Baez & Happ. He's owed $28M for two more years. He has a no trade clause though during the first three years in his deal however.

[Abomination]

Dodgers have Kenley Jansen so not sure what use they would have for Osuna.

 

Zobrist is definitely an interesting target and would be a nice piece. Could play both outfield corners & some 2B/SS (perfect to give Tulo & Travis rest sometimes). Cubs likely would trade him just for salary relief, especially since they have Baez & Happ. He's owed $28M for two more years. He has a no trade clause though during the first three years in his deal however.

 

He'd form a pretty incredible 1-2 punch with Kenley. I think Morrow is a FA (and this is the first year he's been healthy in a long time), Cingrani has been great over the last 2 months, but not especially great prior to the trade. Most of the rest of the pen is fairly forgettable. I don't know if Zobrist would waive the no trade, but he'd be a beautiful fit for us and shouldn't cost much to acquire.

[jaysblue]

He'd form a pretty incredible 1-2 punch with Kenley. I think Morrow is a FA (and this is the first year he's been healthy in a long time), Cingrani has been great over the last 2 months, but not especially great prior to the trade. Most of the rest of the pen is fairly forgettable. I don't know if Zobrist would waive the no trade, but he'd be a beautiful fit for us and shouldn't cost much to acquire.

 

Might be able to get Pederson for a lot cheaper. He would be a good buy low. Though the Dodgers FO isn't stupid.

 

As with Zobrist and the no-trade, he could waive it depending on his playing time with the Cubs. Would love to see him in a Jays uniform. Could even be a leadoff option.

 

RF Ben Zobrist (S)

3B Josh Donaldson ®

1B Justin Smoak (S)

DH Kendrys Morales (S)

SS Troy Tulowitzki ®

C Russell Martin ®

2B Devon Travis ®

LF Teoscar Hernandez ®

CF Kevin Pillar ®

 

BN Steve Pearce ®

BN Ezequiel Carrera (L)

BN Alex Avila (L)

BN Ryan Goins (L) or Dawrin Barney ®

 

Zobrist could play 2B or SS when Tulo or Travis need a day. Or when one hits the DL, Zobrist takes over as the starting 2B or SS. Wouldn't have to see Goins or Barney play everyday. Then could move Pearce or Carrera to LF when Zobrist plays 2B or SS and slide over Teoscar to RF. I'd love to see the Jays bring in Alex Avila to share catching duties with Martin. Probably signs somewhere as a starter though.

[burlingtonbandit]

Zobrist can't play SS anymore that's for sure. Even at 2nd base his days of being average there could be over.

[jaysblue]

Zobrist can't play SS anymore that's for sure. Even at 2nd base his days of being average there could be over.

 

As a Plan B option to spell Tulo or Travis once or twice per week isn't going to hurt.

[Horses Fart]

As a Plan B option to spell Tulo or Travis once or twice per week isn't going to hurt.

 

Don't mean to be Debbie Downer but I'd expect both Tulo & Travis to be on the shelf for most of 2018. It's just in their nature.

[jaysblue]

Don't mean to be Debbie Downer but I'd expect both Tulo & Travis to be on the shelf for most of 2018. It's just in their nature.

 

I do as well and I don't want to see both Barney & Goins getting 400+ AB's again in 2018. The frustrating thing is that any player over Goins or Barney are significant upgrades and can easily be acquired. The Jays either need to sign a MI like Eduardo Nunez (gives them a guy who could play all over & with speed) or Zobrist at least gives them a corner outfield option (something they need) who can play some 2B or SS.

[TorontonianJD]

Biggest hope for 2018 is that Kendrys Morales is OFF this team!!

[G-Snarls]

Silver lining to this season:

 

We finished ahead of the Orioles and we weren't in last place

[Mikeleelop]

This off season there is a lot to decide for Aitkens and Shapiro, some easier than others

 

1. Bautista option - obviously you decline this on a negative WAR player whose swing has slowed. You have to completely cut ties, he is not a part time DH or super bench guy - the bat does not justify resigning him to even a $5m contract

 

2. Hernandez - is Teoscar the answer in LF? I am willing to let him start the year as the FT LF

 

3. Trade Donaldson, sign Donaldson to an extension - there is not right or wrong answer here. Vlad Jr is likely going to be ready to start 2019 at 3B. What pieces could you pry from a team like St Louis? The Jays have many needs - CF, RF stand out. Can you get a player and a pitcher who are ready to help, then wait for Vlad Jr and Bo to show up and contribute in 2019

 

4. Travis - are the Jays willing to let Devon play another season as the starter and hope he stays healthy?

 

5. Backup catcher - looks to me like the Jays have some options in the minors. Jansen played in Buffalo LY and had a great year. Pentecost is 24 and is getting close to the put up or shut up stage. I believe he has to be added to the 40man roster this off season or the Jays risk losing him in the Rule V draft

 

This is a start list, I know that I have ignored the pitching staff - have to hope Sanchez can come back from blister prob and have a great year

[Mikeleelop]

Biggest hope for 2018 is that Kendrys Morales is OFF this team!!

 

The speed on this team was atrocious. Two stats stand out - set MLB record for fewest triples over a season - 5. Were second worst hit into double play % with runners at 1 and 2nd at 10.1% (record was 10.6% boston in 2003 it think)

 

Anyway, Kendrys, Jose, Russell, Smoak all huge double play guys.

[burlingtonbandit]

The speed on this team was atrocious. Two stats stand out - set MLB record for fewest triples over a season - 5. Were second worst hit into double play % with runners at 1 and 2nd at 10.1% (record was 10.6% boston in 2003 it think)

 

Anyway, Kendrys, Jose, Russell, Smoak all huge double play guys.

 

With all the Home runs in the game you don't really need speed as much. Lowest amount of stolen bases in recent league history this year.

[SaskJaysFan_2]

Silver lining to this season:

 

We finished ahead of the Orioles and we weren't in last place

 

That's a bad thing, the Orioles get a better pick.

[SaskJaysFan_2]

This off season there is a lot to decide for Aitkens and Shapiro, some easier than others

 

1. Bautista option - obviously you decline this on a negative WAR player whose swing has slowed. You have to completely cut ties, he is not a part time DH or super bench guy - the bat does not justify resigning him to even a $5m contract

 

2. Hernandez - is Teoscar the answer in LF? I am willing to let him start the year as the FT LF

 

3. Trade Donaldson, sign Donaldson to an extension - there is not right or wrong answer here. Vlad Jr is likely going to be ready to start 2019 at 3B. What pieces could you pry from a team like St Louis? The Jays have many needs - CF, RF stand out. Can you get a player and a pitcher who are ready to help, then wait for Vlad Jr and Bo to show up and contribute in 2019

 

4. Travis - are the Jays willing to let Devon play another season as the starter and hope he stays healthy?

 

5. Backup catcher - looks to me like the Jays have some options in the minors. Jansen played in Buffalo LY and had a great year. Pentecost is 24 and is getting close to the put up or shut up stage. I believe he has to be added to the 40man roster this off season or the Jays risk losing him in the Rule V draft

 

This is a start list, I know that I have ignored the pitching staff - have to hope Sanchez can come back from blister prob and have a great year

 

1. I'd rather have JB that Morales as DH. In a perfect world...

 

2. Maybe, but I'd sign one more person, too. Not a bank buster, but someone like like a Curtis Granderson. Maybe Jay Bruce.

 

3. I'm on the trade him side here.

 

4. Someone like Dee Gordon would be a nice get.

 

5. I'd say minors for sure here, unless someone falls into their laps.

[Dick_Pole]

That's a bad thing, the Orioles get a better pick.

 

I hope the Jays have a worse pick than the Orioles for the next 50 years.

[Dick_Pole]

With all the Home runs in the game you don't really need speed as much. Lowest amount of stolen bases in recent league history this year.

 

I miss Rajai and his 1.5 tool skill set. I disagree that you don't need speed as much and the Jays' ALCS loss last year is a great example of that. Maybe you can get away with it in the regular season but when you face a bullpen like the Indians with a manager like Francona, a guy of the bench like Davis who can get you that extra 90 or 180 feet at a 90% clip as a PR is a very valuable commodity. In those situations you have to manufacture runs like it was the 1980's.

 

If I had a choice between Carrera and a younger-than-36 Rajai Davis who are equally useless in the field with below average baseball intelligence as the fourth OF, I'd take Davis hands down.

[Mikeleelop]

1. I'd rather have JB that Morales as DH. In a perfect world...

 

2. Maybe, but I'd sign one more person, too. Not a bank buster, but someone like like a Curtis Granderson. Maybe Jay Bruce.

 

3. I'm on the trade him side here.

 

4. Someone like Dee Gordon would be a nice get.

 

5. I'd say minors for sure here, unless someone falls into their laps.

 

JB was a horrible hitter this year. Numbers showed a huge decline - in ability to pull the ball for the last two months of the season was very evident. Time to say good bye to Jose imo

[G-Snarls]

I hope the Jays have a worse pick than the Orioles for the next 50 years.

 

Jays get the 11th pick looks like?

[G-Snarls]

JB was a horrible hitter this year. Numbers showed a huge decline - in ability to pull the ball for the last two months of the season was very evident. Time to say good bye to Jose imo

 

True

 

Morales was a significantly better hitter this year

 

97 vs 80 wRC+

[bones10]

Might be able to get Pederson for a lot cheaper. He would be a good buy low. Though the Dodgers FO isn't stupid.

 

As with Zobrist and the no-trade, he could waive it depending on his playing time with the Cubs. Would love to see him in a Jays uniform. Could even be a leadoff option.

 

RF Ben Zobrist (S)

3B Josh Donaldson ®

1B Justin Smoak (S)

DH Kendrys Morales (S)

SS Troy Tulowitzki ®

C Russell Martin ®

2B Devon Travis ®

LF Teoscar Hernandez ®

CF Kevin Pillar ®

 

BN Steve Pearce ®

BN Ezequiel Carrera (L)

BN Alex Avila (L)

BN Ryan Goins (L) or Dawrin Barney ®

 

Zobrist could play 2B or SS when Tulo or Travis need a day. Or when one hits the DL, Zobrist takes over as the starting 2B or SS. Wouldn't have to see Goins or Barney play everyday. Then could move Pearce or Carrera to LF when Zobrist plays 2B or SS and slide over Teoscar to RF. I'd love to see the Jays bring in Alex Avila to share catching duties with Martin. Probably signs somewhere as a starter though.

 

 

I might not even tune in next year.

[Rusty_Savage]

Jays get the 11th pick looks like?

 

12th

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/final-2018-mlb-draft-order-set-the-tigers-are-on-the-clock-and-heres-what-to-know/

 

Unless that was sarcasm.

[Krylian]

Detroit tanked like a motherf***er in the last third of the season to get that first overall pick.

[Ray]

Need to find a way to get Profar this offseason. Almost a certainty he’s gonna be traded because he’s out of options and that infield is pretty crowded.

 

I say trade Dalton Pompey to the Rangers for Profar. Both former highly regarded prospects that have been injury ridden and haven’t been able to put it together with their respective clubs. Pompey has more control and has another year of options, but we have a glut of OF as it is in Buffalo. We can afford to lose him. Rangers need OF depth and we need IF depth. Perfect trade.