Jays 2021/22 General Off-Season Discussion

[jerb]

[RobinThicc]

From Shi Davidi:

 

"What we know of the Blue Jays’ script so far is this: They made a strong offer for Andrew Heaney, according to an industry source, before the left-hander agreed on an $8-million, one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and discussed an extension with Matz.

 

An intriguing question is whether a yes from one would have cut them off to the other, and that would be especially instructive about their intentions for the rotation. They’ll have to backfill for Ray and Matz if neither returns, making two starters a clear need, but successful upside plays akin to the ones both lefties provided in 2021 are essential for them.

 

As a more established commodity than Heaney, Matz will get more term and a bigger number in average annual value, but adding both wouldn’t have precluded the Blue Jays from trying to land an impact player, as well.

 

The guess here is that the ideal target for them in that regard is Corey Seager, a dynamic left-handed hitter who could slide over to another infield spot the way Marcus Semien did last year."

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/markets-early-days-reveal-blue-jays-off-season-script/

[John_Havok]

From Shi Davidi:

 

"What we know of the Blue Jays’ script so far is this: They made a strong offer for Andrew Heaney, according to an industry source, before the left-hander agreed on an $8-million, one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and discussed an extension with Matz.

 

An intriguing question is whether a yes from one would have cut them off to the other, and that would be especially instructive about their intentions for the rotation. They’ll have to backfill for Ray and Matz if neither returns, making two starters a clear need, but successful upside plays akin to the ones both lefties provided in 2021 are essential for them.

 

As a more established commodity than Heaney, Matz will get more term and a bigger number in average annual value, but adding both wouldn’t have precluded the Blue Jays from trying to land an impact player, as well.

 

The guess here is that the ideal target for them in that regard is Corey Seager, a dynamic left-handed hitter who could slide over to another infield spot the way Marcus Semien did last year."

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/markets-early-days-reveal-blue-jays-off-season-script/

 

So basically... Shi reads this board, takes all our ideas, writes a column and makes money while we sit here holding our dicks. Sounds about right.

[Spanky99]

So basically... Shi reads this board, takes all our ideas, writes a column and makes money while we sit here holding our dicks. Sounds about right.

 

lol

[jerb]

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

One administrative note of significance to #BlueJays. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is on track to hit free agency after the 2023 season (not after 2024 as many had assumed). He'll have 5+ years of service after 2023 but would still be eligible based on the deal he signed with Jays.

[Spanky99]

 

Ben Nicholson-Smith

@bnicholsonsmith

 

One administrative note of significance to #BlueJays. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is on track to hit free agency after the 2023 season (not after 2024 as many had assumed). He'll have 5+ years of service after 2023 but would still be eligible based on the deal he signed with Jays.

 

Yeah 3 Million, kid's worth large!!!

[John_Havok]

Soria retired.

[Krylian]

Jays have apparently been checking in with the Marlins about their available arms.

[Daniel Labude]

Jays have apparently been checking in with the Marlins about their available arms.

 

Pablo Lopez would be nice

[saskjayfan]

Trading an arm to "clear a rotation spot" doesn't exist in baseball.

 

Yeah the Dodgers had 7 or 8 starters at the beginning of last year, and they were scrambling to find arms by the end of the season.

[saskjayfan]

Pablo Lopez would be nice

 

Given what it will cost, I think he makes the most sense and probably the guy that would be available.

[Jimcanuck]

Marlins will accept an athletic OF with swing and miss issues for Lopez

[itaos]

September 1, 2018 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day disabled list. Right shoulder strain.

 

June 19, 2019 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 10, 2019. Right shoulder strain.

 

September 17, 2021 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day injured list. Right rotator cuff strain.

 

Josh Johnson type red flags

[glory]

September 1, 2018 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day disabled list. Right shoulder strain.

 

June 19, 2019 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 10, 2019. Right shoulder strain.

 

September 17, 2021 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day injured list. Right rotator cuff strain.

 

Josh Johnson type red flags

 

Agreed. A young SP with history of shoulder issues, even if it hasn't lead to a major surgery, is a huge red flag. I wouldn't mind if the Jays acquired him but I'd be careful not to give up too much.

[The_DH]

Agreed. A young SP with history of shoulder issues, even if it hasn't lead to a major surgery, is a huge red flag. I wouldn't mind if the Jays acquired him but I'd be careful not to give up too much.

 

How about Cabrera or Sanchez and Kirk at the center of a trade. Gurriel could go as well.

[John_Havok]

Vlad, Semien and Teoscar with Silver Slugger awards. Teoscar’s second straight. Vlad and Semien were no brainers of course

[jerb]

 

Jeff Passan

@JeffPassan

 

In an unexpected turn, shortstop Corey Seager and infielder Marcus Semien are among the players whose markets have accelerated to the point they could sign before the expected Dec. 1 lockout, sources tell ESPN.

 

My dispatch from the GM Meetings, at ESPN+: https://es.pn/30savFv

[Krylian]

 

Jeff Passan

@JeffPassan

 

In an unexpected turn, shortstop Corey Seager and infielder Marcus Semien are among the players whose markets have accelerated to the point they could sign before the expected Dec. 1 lockout, sources tell ESPN.

 

My dispatch from the GM Meetings, at ESPN+: https://es.pn/30savFv

 

What's the % that one of them sign in Toronto?

[RustyTrombone]

What's the % that one of them sign in Toronto?

 

Semien maybe 35%, Seager maybe 15%.

[saskjayfan]

September 1, 2018 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day disabled list. Right shoulder strain.

 

June 19, 2019 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 10, 2019. Right shoulder strain.

 

September 17, 2021 Miami Marlins placed RHP Pablo Lopez on the 60-day injured list. Right rotator cuff strain.

 

Josh Johnson type red flags

 

I wasn't aware of the injury history with Lopez. Great point. Why don't we just keep all our prospects and go sign Verlander for 2 years plus a third year option. Verlander has said he wants to pitch well into his 40s. 2 years 40 mil with a 20 mil option and a 5 mil buyout. 45 mil guaranteed. It seems crazy for a guy pitching at 39 next year, but he hit 97 in his workout and his last 2 full season he finished 1st and 2nd in Cy young voting. It seems like a fair risk reward scenario when MLB trade rumors has Scherzer getting 3 years 120. I'd rather have Verlander at those terms.

[Krylian]

I wasn't aware of the injury history with Lopez. Great point. Why don't we just keep all our prospects and go sign Verlander for 2 years plus a third year option. Verlander has said he wants to pitch well into his 40s. 2 years 40 mil with a 20 mil option and a 5 mil buyout. 45 mil guaranteed. It seems crazy for a guy pitching at 39 next year, but he hit 97 in his workout and his last 2 full season he finished 1st and 2nd in Cy young voting. It seems like a fair risk reward scenario when MLB trade rumors has Scherzer getting 3 years 120. I'd rather have Verlander at those terms.

 

Nervous about giving Verlander anything more than 1 year.

[Jimcanuck]

Nervous about giving Verlander anything more than 1 year.

 

Verlander possesses the fountain of youth. I would sign him just to see her fill out a Jays jersey.

[Krylian]

Verlander possesses the fountain of youth. I would sign him just to see her fill out a Jays jersey.

 

The fountain of youth does have a tremendous rack.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Sign Scherzer and Verlander. f*** I would love that.

 

Keeps the long term payroll flexible while adding a couple veteran aces.

[Ray]

Any interest in signing Schwarber to replace Semien's offensive production? He doesn't necessarily fit, but it could be a relatively cheap way to get an impact bat. We can then sign a guy like Eduardo Escobar to play 3B everyday and just roll with Biggio at 2B where he played best. Imagine this lineup:

 

1. Springer, CF

2. Bichette, SS

3. Guerrero, 1B

4. Teoscar, RF

5. Schwarber, DH

6. Gurriel, LF

7. Jansen/Kirk/Moreno, C

8. Escobar, 3B

9. Biggio, 2B

 

Pretty deep and balanced lineup. Could probably still spend a significant amount of money on a starter in this scenario.

[Jimcanuck]

Any interest in signing Schwarber to replace Semien's offensive production? He doesn't necessarily fit, but it could be a relatively cheap way to get an impact bat. We can then sign a guy like Eduardo Escobar to play 3B everyday and just roll with Biggio at 2B where he played best. Imagine this lineup:

 

1. Springer, CF

2. Bichette, SS

3. Guerrero, 1B

4. Teoscar, RF

5. Schwarber, DH

6. Gurriel, LF

7. Jansen/Kirk/Moreno, C

8. Escobar, 3B

9. Biggio, 2B

 

Pretty deep and balanced lineup. Could probably still spend a significant amount of money on a starter in this scenario.

 

I wouldn't object to Schwarber but would rather they spend that money on pitching, and rotate players through the DH position.

 

For 3B, my number 1 is JD, in part because he will get hurt at some point, which will probably coincide with a perfect time to elevate Moreno.

 

1. Springer, CF

2. Bichette, SS

3. Guerrero, 1B

4. Teoscar, RF

5. JD / Player Rotation, DH

6. Gurriel, LF

7. Jansen/Kirk/Moreno, C

8. Moreno / JD, 3B

9. Biggio, 2B

[Stangstag]

Any interest in signing Schwarber to replace Semien's offensive production? He doesn't necessarily fit, but it could be a relatively cheap way to get an impact bat. We can then sign a guy like Eduardo Escobar to play 3B everyday and just roll with Biggio at 2B where he played best. Imagine this lineup:

 

1. Springer, CF

2. Bichette, SS

3. Guerrero, 1B

4. Teoscar, RF

5. Schwarber, DH

6. Gurriel, LF

7. Jansen/Kirk/Moreno, C

8. Escobar, 3B

9. Biggio, 2B

 

Pretty deep and balanced lineup. Could probably still spend a significant amount of money on a starter in this scenario.

 

Yup, agree with this for sure. Schwarber makes a lot of sense as a LH bat to plug in to the top half of the lineup. Then Seager or Escobar for 3B and the lineup is pretty much set.

 

Then focus on improving pitching as much as possible

[Brownie19]

I wasn't aware of the injury history with Lopez. Great point. Why don't we just keep all our prospects and go sign Verlander for 2 years plus a third year option. Verlander has said he wants to pitch well into his 40s. 2 years 40 mil with a 20 mil option and a 5 mil buyout. 45 mil guaranteed. It seems crazy for a guy pitching at 39 next year, but he hit 97 in his workout and his last 2 full season he finished 1st and 2nd in Cy young voting. It seems like a fair risk reward scenario when MLB trade rumors has Scherzer getting 3 years 120. I'd rather have Verlander at those terms.

 

sans Spider Tack and coming off TJ, I think fans need to temper there expectations of what Verlander can add. I mean the guys a f***ing legend and HOFer, but father time is undefeated.

[FantasyNewb]

sans Spider Tack and coming off TJ, I think fans need to temper there expectations of what Verlander can add. I mean the guys a f***ing legend and HOFer, but father time is undefeated.

 

I thought I read somewhere that MLB is considering using balls with some sticky stuff already on it, like the balls in Japan and South Korea? Any truth to that?

[Jimcanuck]

I thought I read somewhere that MLB is considering using balls with some sticky stuff already on it, like the balls in Japan and South Korea? Any truth to that?

 

Being used in AFL right now. Nothing on MLB adopting it.