General 2020 Blue Jays Discussion Thread

[max silver]

Joel Sherman had an idea on the MLB Network that I really liked regarding the Wild Card round (assuming expanded playoffs sticks): if the higher seed wins Game 1, then they win the series, but if the higher seed loses Game 1, then it's officially a 3 game series. Which means every game in that round would be an elimination game for one of the teams. It would solve this thread's argument about which game(s) matter more.

 

While this sounds like it would make for extra excitement I really don't think this makes for a very fair setup for both teams. The higher seeded team should theoretically already have a better chance of winning due to simply having a better quality team and not need to be gifted a different set of rules for winning the series compared to their opponent.

[Jimcanuck]

While this sounds like it would make for extra excitement I really don't think this makes for a very fair setup for both teams. The higher seeded team should theoretically already have a better chance of winning due to simply having a better quality team and not need to be gifted a different set of rules for winning the series compared to their opponent.

 

Would never fly with the Owners, regardless.

[Krylian]

Joel Sherman had an idea on the MLB Network that I really liked regarding the Wild Card round (assuming expanded playoffs sticks): if the higher seed wins Game 1, then they win the series, but if the higher seed loses Game 1, then it's officially a 3 game series. Which means every game in that round would be an elimination game for one of the teams. It would solve this thread's argument about which game(s) matter more.

 

I still choose to win game 3.

[Stangstag]

Best solution/middle-ground for next year IMO is to have 6 teams in each league make the playoffs.

 

- 3 division winners

- next 3 teams with the best records

- top 2 teams get a bye

- bottom 4 teams play each other in a best of 3

- top 2 teams that had the bye play the remaining 2 teams

 

 

Honestly it would be a lot better if they just realigned the divisions entirely. Have the AL and NL be split divisionally by West and East. There's too many problems with teams playing half of their games against s*** teams in a weak division. The schedule should be more balanced overall.

[connorp]

Best solution/middle-ground for next year IMO is to have 6 teams in each league make the playoffs.

 

- 3 division winners

- next 3 teams with the best records

- top 2 teams get a bye

- bottom 4 teams play each other in a best of 3

- top 2 teams that had the bye play the remaining 2 teams

 

 

Honestly it would be a lot better if they just realigned the divisions entirely. Have the AL and NL be split divisionally by West and East. There's too many problems with teams playing half of their games against s*** teams in a weak division. The schedule should be more balanced overall.

 

Basically NFL except 3/3 instead of 4/2 for team getting in. I could dig it. You’d think if anything they’d prob go to 4 divisions rather than 2 though... of course that’d leave div with 3 teams so not sure you do that

[dineke]

I would like an adjustment to interleague play too. We have so many games and we only get some matchups once in a few years. We only get to see the jays go to Wrigley or Dodger Stadium like once in 6 years?

[Dick_Pole]

While this sounds like it would make for extra excitement I really don't think this makes for a very fair setup for both teams. The higher seeded team should theoretically already have a better chance of winning due to simply having a better quality team and not need to be gifted a different set of rules for winning the series compared to their opponent.

 

The entire point is to make it unfair. If MLB decides to continue with this playoff format they can't have an 8th seed team beat the top team about 40% of the time when those seeds were determined over 162 games. Basically they are trying to turn it from that to NBA 1st versus 8th seed level of improbability of an upset.

[Dick_Pole]

If they are going to go with this expanded format I'd prefer:

 

1. Expansion to 32 teams

2. 4 divisions of 8, split by East/West NL/AL

3. First three division winners plus two wild cards.

4. A 9 game round robin style of playoffs for each division. You play each team three times. #1 seed gets nine games at home, #4 all nine on the road. 6/3 and 3/6 for #2 and #3 spot.

5. Division winner gets spotted a 1-0 or 2-0 head start (optional)

 

The top record in each round robin advance to the ALCS/NLCS.

 

It's a fair compromise between more teams in the playoffs while still rewarding the best teams through 162 games with a substantial advantage. It also saves time where this isn't too much longer than the wild card and divisional rounds combined. Especially if there is no or only one off day during the nine game stretch.

[Dick_Pole]

Best solution/middle-ground for next year IMO is to have 6 teams in each league make the playoffs.

 

- 3 division winners

- next 3 teams with the best records

- top 2 teams get a bye

- bottom 4 teams play each other in a best of 3

- top 2 teams that had the bye play the remaining 2 teams

 

 

Honestly it would be a lot better if they just realigned the divisions entirely. Have the AL and NL be split divisionally by West and East. There's too many problems with teams playing half of their games against s*** teams in a weak division. The schedule should be more balanced overall.

 

I don't think we need re-alignment for that though I am in favour of getting rid of the imbalanced schedule and third division in each league. It's not the travel that's the issue IMO. It's the idea that baseball NEEDS the Yankees and Red Sox to face off a ridiculous amount of times each year because that brings in the best ratings.

[glory]

While this sounds like it would make for extra excitement I really don't think this makes for a very fair setup for both teams. The higher seeded team should theoretically already have a better chance of winning due to simply having a better quality team and not need to be gifted a different set of rules for winning the series compared to their opponent.

 

It's probably too convoluted to execute in reality, but I think there needs to be some level of benefit to the higher seed in an expanded field due to the randomness of a short series (Dodgers/Brewers, for example), plus I think having every game in a 3 game series being an elimination game is probably good for networks. TV ratings are down for practically every sport during the pandemic, but I'm curious to see how the MLB playoff ratings do. If it turns out viewers like this format, then maybe fans don't really care about what is fair or not. More teams = more fanbases engaged.

 

12-14 teams making it with the best team in each league getting a bye and the other division winners getting to choose their opponents during the WC round is a good compromise, though.

[TheDragon]

Disagree. I think you're really overstating the effects of being down 1-0 in a 3 game series. Yes, it puts the team at a statistical disadvantage, but it's not going to turn the whole team into pudding brains, and the whole "WOW WE'RE IN THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME" would be just as likely to cause "pressing".

 

Most definitely disagree

[Deadpool]

Most definitely disagree

 

So, what caused the "pressing" last night then? was it the pressure of being tied 0-0 in the series?

[Laika]

Bo Bichette is not a shortstop.

 

Fair statement or overreaction to this game?

[Spanky99]

Bo Bichette is not a shortstop.

 

Fair statement or overreaction to this game?

 

Overreaction.

[Spanky99]

Fair

 

Pffftttt...

[Spanky99]

I feel like every single player on our team belongs one rung down on the position spectrum, honestly.

 

Yeah, CF... the other kids move around when Groshans and Martin come up. The guys haven't been black holes or anything though. Stop gaps at 3rd, CF seem likely, plus a top SP, offseason should be interesting.

[TheHurl]

Bo Bichette is not a shortstop.

 

Fair statement or overreaction to this game?

 

Somewhere in the middle? He's looking like a league average defensive SS by the numbers, and his decision making is questionable at times. I think he's a Major League SS but a guy you move if someone better comes along.

[Spanky99]

Somewhere in the middle? He's looking like a league average defensive SS by the numbers, and his decision making is questionable at times. I think he's a Major League SS but a guy you move if someone better comes along.

 

Agreed, so you're on team overreaction.

[bendera3]

Somewhere in the middle? He's looking like a league average defensive SS by the numbers, and his decision making is questionable at times. I think he's a Major League SS but a guy you move if someone better comes along.

 

I agree. I'd have no problem with Bo being a guy who splits his time in the middle infield. The more versatility the better.

[Laika]

Somewhere in the middle? He's looking like a league average defensive SS by the numbers, and his decision making is questionable at times. I think he's a Major League SS but a guy you move if someone better comes along.

 

I kind of WANT him to not be a SS so he beefs up a bit and starts launching more dongs

[Olerud363]

Bo Bichette is not a shortstop.

 

Fair statement or overreaction to this game?

 

His fangraphs stats look fine

 

I'm no scout but don't remember seeing anything too worrisome during the season. Looked like a short stop to me. Don't remember Buck Martinez, Kieth Hernandez or the Yankees crew bringing up anything about his defense (and I think at least the latter two would of).

 

2 plays today (unless there were more when I tuned out)

 

1. He didn't see the second basemen was covering because he was coming in from an odd angle... looked like he should of thrown to second, but for some reason didn't then made a pathetic throw to first. Haven't see throws like that routinely.

 

2. Bobbled a very routine grounder... the weird thing was instead of picking up and throwing a bullet.. his throw was late and off.

 

Not aware that has any issues with the arm... so I would say 2 rushed plays and nothing to worry about. What do I know. Get the real scouts to have some input.

[dineke]

I kind of WANT him to not be a SS so he beefs up a bit and starts launching more dongs

 

Before he went out for injury he was hitting plenty of dongs. And the guy's damn cute, I don't want him to be Muscle Bichette like his father. He and Grichuk are carrying the attractiveness of this team, they don't need another fatty.

[Laika]

Here are the interesting stories entering 2021, as I see it:

 

- Is Bo Bichette a real shortstop?

- Where does Alejandro Kirk fit in? C or DH...

- Who is the CF - still Grichuk?

- Will Vladdy lose any weight? Will the team take more control of his development? Will he attempt any approach changes?

- What is Biggio's position in 2021? 2B, 3B, or CF...

- Who out of Merryweather, Hatch, Borucki, and Kay will be SP in 2021? All of them? Some in Buffalo?

- Will any of Walker, Shoe, or Ray be brought back?

- Team is close but the biggest need is a real Ace or at least an SP2 to pair with Ryu. Is there money left and will they take a run at one?

- Giles is gone and the bullpen without Merryweather or Romano looked very mediocre towards the end. Will Toronto continue bargain bin shopping for RP or will they try to sign/trade from some more reliable or higher end talent?

- How good would Danny Jansen's season have been over 162 games? It seemed like he was turning a corner; .290/.371/.516 in the last couple weeks and then this 2 HR playoff game. BB rate was excellent.

- How far away are Groshans, Martin, Manoah, and SWR? Will guys like this "skip" a level, sort of, because of non-game development in 2020?

[Laika]

His fangraphs stats look fine

 

I'm no scout but don't remember seeing anything too worrisome during the season. Looked like a short stop to me. Don't remember Buck Martinez, Kieth Hernandez or the Yankees crew bringing up anything about his defense (and I think at least the latter two would of).

 

2 plays today (unless there were more when I tuned out)

 

1. He didn't see the second basemen was covering because he was coming in from an odd angle... looked like he should of thrown to second, but for some reason didn't then made a pathetic throw to first. Haven't see throws like that routinely.

 

2. Bobbled a very routine grounder... the weird thing was instead of picking up and throwing a bullet.. his throw was late and off.

 

Not aware that has any issues with the arm... so I would say 2 rushed plays and nothing to worry about. What do I know. Get the real scouts to have some input.

 

I don't think he shows the range or actions of a good SS. Lots of his throws in the second half were just... weird. As a prospect, many assumed he would not be a long-term SS. I guess I just agree with Hurl that he's good enough for now but nothing more.

[BTS]

Here are the interesting stories entering 2021, as I see it:

 

- Is Bo Bichette a real shortstop?

- Where does Alejandro Kirk fit in? C or DH...

- Who is the CF - still Grichuk?

- Will Vladdy lose any weight? Will the team take more control of his development? Will he attempt any approach changes?

- What is Biggio's position in 2021? 2B, 3B, or CF...

- Who out of Merryweather, Hatch, Borucki, and Kay will be SP in 2021? All of them? Some in Buffalo?

- Will any of Walker, Shoe, or Ray be brought back?

- Team is close but the biggest need is a real Ace or at least an SP2 to pair with Ryu. Is there money left and will they take a run at one?

- Giles is gone and the bullpen without Merryweather or Romano looked very mediocre towards the end. Will Toronto continue bargain bin shopping for RP or will they try to sign/trade from some more reliable or higher end talent?

- How good would Danny Jansen's season have been over 162 games? It seemed like he was turning a corner; .290/.371/.516 in the last couple weeks and then this 2 HR playoff game. BB rate was excellent.

- How far away are Groshans, Martin, Manoah, and SWR? Will guys like this "skip" a level, sort of, because of non-game development in 2020?

 

I'm particularly interested in the team's handling of the bullpen this offseason. I'm not buying Hatch/Bass/Cole/Dolis/Borucki all maintaining the elite contact management that led to them all outperforming their ERA estimators, and see the bullpen as Romano (and Mayweather?) and a bunch of mediocre question marks.

[Laika]

I'm particularly interested in the team's handling of the bullpen this offseason. I'm not buying Hatch/Bass/Cole/Dolis/Borucki all maintaining the elite contact management that led to them all outperforming their ERA estimators, and see the bullpen as Romano (and Mayweather?) and a bunch of mediocre question marks.

 

Yeah, it doesn't look awesome.

I kind of buy Dolis is an ERA guy because his stuff is really good and he's got some "effectively wild" traits. I'd never want him as one of the best 3 RP on the team though.

I could see Hatch is just a rock solid reliever if he can dial in a bit more on his better characteristics (drop some of his more mediocre SP tricks that aren't required in the pen - he doesn't need to throw everything, just his best things!)

Borucki was actually awful after his first several appearances so no idea what he really is:

 

July 27 through August 20:

7.2 IP

14 K

6 BB

2 hits

0.00 ERA

1.89 FIP

 

August 21 through end of season:

9.0 IP

7 K

6 BB

10 hits

5.00 ERA

5.08 FIP

[Grant77]

I don't think a lot has to be done with the bullpen if we can bring back Bass or someone like him. I believe in Romano as a closer and Dolis is a perfectly adequate alternative option.

 

Romano

Dolis

Bass

Merryweather

Hatch

Cole

Yamaguchi

Murphy/Zeuch

 

I'm not a huge believer in Cole or Yamaguchi, but we have no real reason not to give them a shot. I'm more curious to see what they do with the rotation. It's pretty slim pickings after Ryu and Pearson. I would like to see a big addition in the rotation and perhaps a 1 year deal to a guy like Ray to compete with Roark, Stripling , and the youngsters for the final spot.

[keggy]

Somewhere in the middle? He's looking like a league average defensive SS by the numbers, and his decision making is questionable at times. I think he's a Major League SS but a guy you move if someone better comes along.

 

He doesn't have a classic shortstop's arm and he knows it, leading him to rush plays deep in the hole or with fast runners. I think he's fine at SS but could be a great 2B.

[wilko]

He doesn't have a classic shortstop's arm and he knows it, leading him to rush plays deep in the hole or with fast runners. I think he's fine at SS but could be a great 2B.

 

The s***** part is I think Biggio is best at 2B as well.

[Laika]

The s***** part is I think Biggio is best at 2B as well.

 

Bo would probably be a fantastic 3B.

 

In a miracle scenario where one of Groshans or Martin are somehow a solid SS this could all work out.

Bo-Groshans-Biggio-Vlad across the IF and Martin in CF.

or maybe

Groshans-Martin-Bo-Vlad across the IF and Biggio in the OF.

 

None of Bo, Martin, or Groshans seem to be for sure long-term shortstops though.