Marcus Semien to the Jays

[L54]

I apologize for posting here, but in case people don't know, Big Trev has been giving his own updates on his free agency and what he wants from teams on his YouTube channel. He doesn't divulge anything super sensitive or bring up any teams, but the things he values most seem to line up exactly with what the Jays a) need and are willing to do.

 

1. He wants a team that will pitch him on a 4 day rotation. He explains the reasoning for this in that he typically feels most ready to go on this timeframe. He also points out that he's been ahead of the curve on pitcher strength training methods and such from day one. He was so far ahead that he developed that label of being uncoachable when the reality is that he knew more than his coaches did.

 

2. With the Blue Jays emphasis on the high performance department, they are also ahead of the curve on maintaining player health and advanced training techniques.

 

3. With Nate Pearson surely on an innings limit, having Bauer go every 4 games gives a lot of opportunities to limit his innings count. Ryu as well, and Borucki if he makes it on the rotation.

 

Is won't lie, I found the video to be a bit of a slog but there is some pretty key information here.

 

 

Hello old friend nice to see you

[L54]

I can buy taking two extra weeks to feel comfortable at the dish after going through the roller coaster players did to start the season last year

[Boxcar]

Hello old friend nice to see you

 

Hello!

[Laika]

If he hits near his projection we're laughing, damn good signing.

 

Even if he only produces at his 10th percentile ZiPS projection the team is fine:

 

10th percentile = 2.5 fWAR

50th percentile = 4.1 fWAR

90th percentile = 6.3 fWAR

[Jays24]

Semien career .254/.322/.425 wRC+ 105, OPS+ 105

 

Simmons career .269/.317/.379 wRC+ 90, OPS+ 91

 

Similar on base, more extra base power for Semien

 

You cant really go by career numbers when judging someone where they are today. Imagine judging Jose and Edwin at the start of their domination vs others. Someone posted Roark vs Bauer career stats being very similar when we all know that is not the case today.

 

Semien was top 3 in MVP voting in 2019 and was on that pace for most of last year but because of the shortened season his numbers got diluted. He took a 1 year deal to bet on himself in a year where there is a crazy number of SS's available. That tells you his confidence level and we should be pumped on him using us this season to cash out in 2022.

[guylaroche5]

From a funny Oakland blog:

 

This just in: A's announce new season ticket packages, "Middle Infield"

A franchise known for innovative marketing, the Oakland A’s have pushed the envelope yet again, announcing two new "Middle Infield" season ticket packages. For just $49.95 per game, fans can suit up and actually play at 2B, or step up to the VIP "SS" level for $69.95 (must provide own glove).

MLB owners are praising the franchise for revolutionizing the fan experience and solving expensive labor problems in a single move. MLBPA leadership has yet to comment on this, but will probably capitulate.

[Jays24]

It must suck being a fan of the As and Rays when you keep producing all these talented players but aren't able to keep any. Each could be powerhouses with some Financial backing.

[TheHurl]

It must suck being a fan of the As and Rays when you keep producing all these talented players but aren't able to keep any. Each could be powerhouses with some Financial backing.

 

Nah it is quite fun

[Jimcanuck]

So apparently the A's floated the concept of a 1 yr, $12.5M contract for Semien, with $10M of the money deferred. Holy f***.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/athletics-rumors-semien-olson-chapman-fiers.html

[TwistedLogic]

From a funny Oakland blog:

 

This just in: A's announce new season ticket packages, "Middle Infield"

A franchise known for innovative marketing, the Oakland A’s have pushed the envelope yet again, announcing two new "Middle Infield" season ticket packages. For just $49.95 per game, fans can suit up and actually play at 2B, or step up to the VIP "SS" level for $69.95 (must provide own glove).

MLB owners are praising the franchise for revolutionizing the fan experience and solving expensive labor problems in a single move. MLBPA leadership has yet to comment on this, but will probably capitulate.

 

That's hilarious. Got a link?

[Jays24]

So apparently the A's floated the concept of a 1 yr, $12.5M contract for Semien, with $10M of the money deferred. Holy f***.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/athletics-rumors-semien-olson-chapman-fiers.html

 

Imagine if the Mets didn't get a new Owner... we'd be like the only team actually shopping out here.

 

Part of this reason really wanted us to go after Bauer because this will be the cheapest we'd get someone of his calibre. Things will probably skyrocket next offseason.

[Deadpool]

So apparently the A's floated the concept of a 1 yr, $12.5M contract for Semien, with $10M of the money deferred. Holy f***.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/athletics-rumors-semien-olson-chapman-fiers.html

 

Oh... Oh my.

[max silver]

So apparently the A's floated the concept of a 1 yr, $12.5M contract for Semien, with $10M of the money deferred. Holy f***.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/athletics-rumors-semien-olson-chapman-fiers.html

 

Wow that's like the ultimate lowball offer of all time.

[Spanky99]

Wow that's like the ultimate lowball offer of all time.

 

No kidding, that's gross. Jesus man, have you no shame Billy?!

[EastCoaster]

This is good signing for the Blue Jays even though it's bit of a gamble Semien was 3rd in MVP voting in 2019 but 2020 wasn't great for him as he was plagued with a side injury. If he can return to in 2019 form where he hit 33 hr and especially playing in a park like Oakland his numbers should be more spectacular playing in Rogers Centre. I like this deal because of versatility it gives to the Blue Jays Semien can play 2nd, SS and 3rd base he's likely to play 2nd base plus back up for Bo with Biggio playing 3rd, Bichette SS and Vladdy 1st. Biggio is the multi-role player who play infield and outfield when the need arise.

 

The Blue Jays had one of worst fielding outfield in MLB the weak link was Teoscar Hernandez with Springer in CF Grichuk RF and Gurriel in LF. the Line up should be

 

Biggio 3rd

Bichette SS

Springer CF

Vlad Jr 1st

Hernandez DH

Gurriel LF

Grichuk RF

Semien 2nd

Jansen C

 

Imagine if the Jays would've kept Urshula which the MLB network ranked the 9th best 3rd baseman in the game today. Anyways it appears Shapiro and Atkins are going in the right direction with this team.

[Carlos Danger]

This is good signing for the Blue Jays even though it's bit of a gamble Semien was 3rd in MVP voting in 2019 but 2020 wasn't great for him as he was plagued with a side injury. If he can return to in 2019 form where he hit 33 hr and especially playing in a park like Oakland his numbers should be more spectacular playing in Rogers Centre. I like this deal because of versatility it gives to the Blue Jays Semien can play 2nd, SS and 3rd base he's likely to play 2nd base plus back up for Bo with Biggio playing 3rd, Bichette SS and Vladdy 1st. Biggio is the multi-role player who play infield and outfield when the need arise.

 

The Blue Jays had one of worst fielding outfield in MLB the weak link was Teoscar Hernandez with Springer in CF Grichuk RF and Gurriel in LF. the Line up should be

 

Biggio 3rd

Bichette SS

Springer CF

Vlad Jr 1st

Hernandez DH

Gurriel LF

Grichuk RF

Semien 2nd

Jansen C

 

Imagine if the Jays would've kept Urshula which the MLB network ranked the 9th best 3rd baseman in the game today. Anyways it appears Shapiro and Atkins are going in the right direction with this team.

 

Why do people keep putting Vlad 4th when Teo and Gurriel both outperformed Vlad. Until Vlad stops massacring insects and worms, he needs to hit back further and earn his way into the clean up spot. What he did in the minors and name means jack s*** to me until he starts doing it in the majors...

[Deadpool]

Why do people keep putting Vlad 4th when Teo and Gurriel both outperformed Vlad. Until Vlad stops massacring insects and worms, he needs to hit back further and earn his way into the clean up spot. What he did in the minors and name means jack s*** to me until he starts doing it in the majors...

 

Because people base lineups on projections, not history. This isn't a difficult concept.

[Carlos Danger]

Because people base lineups on projections, not history. This isn't a difficult concept.

 

If we based lineups on projections then SRF should have been our #2 SP to start the season a few years ago. That concept is not accurate nor smart on rookies or guys who have barley had 162 games under their belt. What were the projections on Vlad coming out of AAA..? You need to set your lineup based on projections and major league track record if there is one. Put Vlad in a spot where he has performed for, IF his "projections" kick in, then you move him up. But putting him as clean up with other better proven options is stupid, and is very hard for me to understand.

[EastCoaster]

Why do people keep putting Vlad 4th when Teo and Gurriel both outperformed Vlad. Until Vlad stops massacring insects and worms, he needs to hit back further and earn his way into the clean up spot. What he did in the minors and name means jack s*** to me until he starts doing it in the majors...

 

Vlad Jr can hit he proved it already yes he had a rough start because of the pressures put on him people have to realize that this kid was only 19 most players are still in single A or AA. He's becoming more into himself and with the extra work done in the off season accompanied with his weigh loss should help him tremendously. Plus many baseball experts projected his numbers should be around for 2021 .285-.300 avg 30-35 HRS 95-100 RBI's I know these are just projections but give the kid a chance I 'm sure it doesn't workout they will move him. You can't forget they made him the franchise player they won't give up on him or make him look bad not at this early stage of career anyway.

[Jays24]

Why do people keep putting Vlad 4th when Teo and Gurriel both outperformed Vlad. Until Vlad stops massacring insects and worms, he needs to hit back further and earn his way into the clean up spot. What he did in the minors and name means jack s*** to me until he starts doing it in the majors...

 

Because he was touted to be the next great one and has shown this offseason he will do his best to reach those expectations. We are all hoping that his weight loss/dedication will mean good things for us. Otherwise he goes to the number 6/7 spot.

[TwistedLogic]

[jerb]

 

Tim and Sid

@timandsid

 

Today on #TimandSid... Marcus Semien!

 

The @BlueJays infielder joins us live today on @Sportsnet and @FAN590.

 

We're live at 5 ET / 2 PT.

[Jays24]

 

Tim and Sid

@timandsid

 

Today on #TimandSid... Marcus Semien!

 

The @BlueJays infielder joins us live today on @Sportsnet and @FAN590.

 

We're live at 5 ET / 2 PT.

 

Yaa... they said they were going to ask him whether he prefers 2B or 3B. If he could play 3B that would improve our team defense by a lot imo.

 

Maybe this is a wrong assumption but I feel an average to above average SS would be above average to elite at every other infield position.

[Stangstag]

Why do people keep putting Vlad 4th when Teo and Gurriel both outperformed Vlad. Until Vlad stops massacring insects and worms, he needs to hit back further and earn his way into the clean up spot. What he did in the minors and name means jack s*** to me until he starts doing it in the majors...

 

No f***ing clue. Vlad hasn’t proven much yet and doesn’t deserve to bat any higher than 6th in this lineup.

 

EDIT: kinda makes me believe not a lot of people actually watched the jays last year

[Jays24]

No f***ing clue. Vlad hasn’t proven much yet and doesn’t deserve to bat any higher than 6th in this lineup.

 

EDIT: kinda makes me believe not a lot of people actually watched the jays last year

 

It is purely on the assumption that he has taken the offseason seriously with the weight loss so we project that he will be the elite talent he was touted to be.

[Brownie19]

No f***ing clue. Vlad hasn’t proven much yet and doesn’t deserve to bat any higher than 6th in this lineup.

 

EDIT: kinda makes me believe not a lot of people actually watched the jays last year

 

Projections. Steamers has Vlad projected as the 9th best hitter in baseball this year. History suggests batters who were 15% above league average at the age of 21 become beasts at the plate.

 

Will Vlad? I don't know - projections obviously aren't always right. But that's why you'll see many pencil him into the cleanup spot (for the next 10 years I hope).

[wilko]

No f***ing clue. Vlad hasn’t proven much yet and doesn’t deserve to bat any higher than 6th in this lineup.

 

EDIT: kinda makes me believe not a lot of people actually watched the jays last year

 

Vladdy pegará muchos roletazos en la tierra entre la tercera base y el campocorto haciendo que los jardineros lo odien.

[Spanky99]

Vladdy pegará muchos roletazos en la tierra entre la tercera base y el campocorto haciendo que los jardineros lo odien.

 

lol

[jerb]

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

Marcus Semien says he’s looking forward to playing second base for #BlueJays, who were “one of the first teams that called.” Semien says he and his wife love the city of Toronto and are hoping Jays play some games there at some point this year.

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

Marcus Semien sees #BlueJays’ young team as a contender even without expanded playoffs. “Now it’s go-time.”

 

And maybe some more help will arrive, too. “They’re still working on some things, trying to add some pieces.”

[Jays24]

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

Marcus Semien says he’s looking forward to playing second base for #BlueJays, who were “one of the first teams that called.” Semien says he and his wife love the city of Toronto and are hoping Jays play some games there at some point this year.

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

Marcus Semien sees #BlueJays’ young team as a contender even without expanded playoffs. “Now it’s go-time.”

 

And maybe some more help will arrive, too. “They’re still working on some things, trying to add some pieces.”

 

Dammit... 2nd base confirmed lol