General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2022)

[Laika]

Believe it or not, MLB teams sometimes make baseball decisions based on the fan/entertainment aspect of things.

 

You can tell from his scoreboard introduction and video show that the Blue Jays have a bit of a marketing push behind Jordan Romano, Canadian Closer.

[Dagagad]

Believe it or not, MLB teams sometimes make baseball decisions based on the fan/entertainment aspect of things.

 

You can tell from his scoreboard introduction and video show that the Blue Jays have a bit of a marketing push behind Jordan Romano, Canadian Closer.

 

Oof, that’s scary.

[Laika]

it is what it is

 

like if they made no trades at all at the deadline they would be crucified by fans even if it was the right call

 

many teams do stuff to do stuff

 

most teams are not the Rays

[Stangstag]

Oof, that’s scary.

 

The Rays would never

[Dagagad]

The Rays would never

 

We missed the playoffs by a game last year. I think the fine margins are more important than marketing. Fair enough, that might be ownership pressure or whatever, but I don’t get the defense of it…

[Laika]

But from a baseball perspective perhaps they just think Jordan Romano thrives in the role and will be the best reliever he can be in a traditional closer role

[Dagagad]

But from a baseball perspective perhaps they just think Jordan Romano thrives in the role and will be the best reliever he can be in a traditional closer role

 

That could be true. He’s obviously not that level of reliever though that he would be slotted into a closer role indefinitely. He isn’t really thriving. He’s mostly been pretty good and pretty lucky.

[Laika]

He was a Rule 5 pick who was then given up by the selecting team

 

And he had 1.2 fWAR in 2021 as a reliever and currently has 0.7 fWAR

 

I'd say he is absolutely thriving, relative to his "talent"

 

He is probably pitching through a nagging injury this year though, judging from stuff.

[John Balkabella]

Romano’s slider does look like a meatball.

 

Had some success with it, though.

 

Ride it while it’s working.

[Jonn]

In terms of WAR, there are 45 other relievers who have a higher WAR than Romano. He's been a solid closer and has done a decent job in the role thus far, though what other options did the Blue Jays really have?

 

Roberto Osuna > Jordan Romano.

 

That’s a large number considering how many teams don’t have a true closer. The Blue Jays among them. He’s mostly fine but I don’t view him in anyway as shut down reliever. His strikeout numbers have been trending down as well. If you’re not a Closer or Setup guy you’re a middle reliever so no idea why people took offense to that. There are bullpens in this league where Romano would be the 3rd or 4th option. He’s not special. I was actually hoping they would groom him as a multi inning reliever.

[Dagagad]

He was a Rule 5 pick who was then given up by the selecting team

 

And he had 1.2 fWAR in 2021 as a reliever and currently has 0.7 fWAR

 

I'd say he is absolutely thriving, relative to his "talent"

 

He is probably pitching through a nagging injury this year though, judging from stuff.

 

If he is playing through an injury, thatÂ’s even more reason that they should bring in someone to slot above him. Or just give him 2/3 weeks off to get right.

[Terminator]

[Jonn]

There isn’t going to be a real closer on this team unless he comes through our own system. That’s just the way it is. The front office has made it extremely clear over multiple deadlines and free agency that they aren’t willing to part with high value assets for relievers in money or prospects.

 

I don’t know if a agree with it (I’d be willing to spend money and just fill the gap) but it’s also not obviously dumb either. It’s probably right long term.

 

However, that also doesn’t mean that we have to pretend that Romano is the type of best leverage reliever that most contenders would be happy with.

 

One thing i do find weird is that romano is given so many save opps. He is going to hit a big arb number at some point that he isn’t worth.

 

I really wanted to see them sign Kenley Jansen. They could have easily out bid the Braves. If they are unwilling to go multiple years with free agent relievers just start offering massive one year deals to get them to sign. Throw a 1 year 20m contract at Kenley in the off-season. He’s once again been very good this season. And the Braves don’t abuse him like the Dodgers did.

 

Seems like the organization is willing to set money on fire to sign back end Starters like Roark and Kicuchi or whatever his name is. Don’t really care he’s awful. The sport has pivoted to an emphasis on relievers and the Jays apparently see the game differently. I think they should do the exact opposite. Pay relievers and don’t buy 5th Starters. Sign a bunch of depth options for cheap and hope either one of them emerge or develop your own. Pay for premium starters and premium relievers. Fill the gaps after that.

[Terminator]

There isn’t going to be a real closer on this team unless he comes through our own system.

 

What is a "real closer"? Who in MLB fits this definition?

[Dagagad]

What is a "real closer"? Who in MLB fits this definition?

 

Someone who strikes out people a lot and doesn’t give up hard contact.

 

I’m sure you can search yourself for relievers who fit that description. There are some teams with more than 1 guy who fits that description.

 

It’s an elite reliever. What argument are you trying to make? Have you seen romano pitch this year? Just simply by the eye test, you can see he’s a good, not great reliever.

[Terminator]

Someone who strikes out people a lot and doesn’t give up hard contact.

 

I’m sure you can search yourself for relievers who fit that description. There are some teams with more than 1 guy who fits that description.

 

It’s an elite reliever. What argument are you trying to make here? Have you seen romano pitch this year? Just simply by the eye test, you can see he’s a good, not great reliever.

 

I'm just curious what your definition is and how good someone would have to be for you to think he was a real closer. Was 2021 Romano a real closer?

[Brownie19]

Someone who strikes out people a lot and doesn’t give up hard contact.

 

I’m sure you can search yourself for relievers who fit that description. There are some teams with more than 1 guy who fits that description.

 

It’s an elite reliever. What argument are you trying to make here? Have you seen romano pitch this year? Just simply by the eye test, you can see he’s a good, not great reliever.

 

Romano was in the 85th percentile for hard hit % and 95th percentile for K% in 2021. He obviously hasn't been as good this year, but there could be several reasons for that and based on history, he could return to his elite form next year because relivers are often volatile from one year to the next.

 

Yimi Garcia is in the 86th percentile for hard hit % and 62nd in K%

Anothy Bass is 81st and 73rd

 

Most here wanted David Bednar but he's in the 6th percentile for hard hit % this year and he's still been excellent.

 

2022 poster boy Clay Holmes in only in the 22nd percentile for hard hit % and 74th percentile for K% this year...guess he's not elite either.

[Dagagad]

I'm just curious what your definition is and how good someone would have to be for you to think he was a real closer. Was 2021 Romano a real closer?

 

Oh yea, he absolutely was. This is why I don’t give a crap about control for relievers. It changes all the time and most aren’t great year to year. Or at least reliever control especially when they are out of options is massively overrated.

 

He just isn’t great this year. I could see him snap back into being great next year or falling off even more. It’s impossible to predict.

[jaysguy44]

I really wanted to see them sign Kenley Jansen. They could have easily out bid the Braves. If they are unwilling to go multiple years with free agent relievers just start offering massive one year deals to get them to sign. Throw a 1 year 20m contract at Kenley in the off-season. He’s once again been very good this season. And the Braves don’t abuse him like the Dodgers did.

 

Seems like the organization is willing to set money on fire to sign back end Starters like Roark and Kicuchi or whatever his name is. Don’t really care he’s awful. The sport has pivoted to an emphasis on relievers and the Jays apparently see the game differently. I think they should do the exact opposite. Pay relievers and don’t buy 5th Starters. Sign a bunch of depth options for cheap and hope either one of them emerge or develop your own. Pay for premium starters and premium relievers. Fill the gaps after that.

Hasn't Romano been better than Jansen this season?

[RustyTrombone]

Hasn't Romano been better than Jansen this season?

 

If you are going purely by ERA yes. Jansen has been far, far better in just about every other measurable way.

[Jonn]

Hasn't Romano been better than Jansen this season?

 

Lol no

[jaysblue]

What is a "real closer"? Who in MLB fits this definition?

 

Kevin Gregg. He wore goggles!

[gruber92]

I hate it when Gurriel sits, line up is not the same with too much weakness at the bottom.

[Jimcanuck]

Even in a down year, Romano is solidly a top 10 closer. Some of you reacting to last night's game?

[jaysblue]

If the Blue Jays hold the top Wildcard likely will play either Seattle or Tampa at the Rogers Centre. I know it's still early since some teams can get hot right in September or during that last week, though who would you rather play - the Rays or Mariners?

[John_Havok]

Even in a down year, Romano is solidly a top 10 closer. Some of you reacting to last night's game?

 

Well, results have been largely good, but there's some definite concern in his underlying numbers that could indicate he could be due for some much worse results.

 

https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/jordan-romano-605447?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb

 

Those top 6 category percentile rankings are not good at all.

[Dagagad]

Even in a down year, Romano is solidly a top 10 closer. Some of you reacting to last night's game?

 

He’s absolutely not a top 10 reliever this year.

[Dagagad]

If the Blue Jays hold the top Wildcard likely will play either Seattle or Tampa at the Rogers Centre. I know it's still early since some teams can get hot right in September or during that last week, though who would you rather play - the Rays or Mariners?

 

Rays honestly. Seattle have better pitching overall probably and I’m more scared of their hitters. Either way it’s tough.

[Jimcanuck]

He’s absolutely not a top 10 reliever this year.

 

I didn't say he's a top 10 reliever. I said he's a top 10 closer.

[JaysAllMighty]

I hate it when Gurriel sits, line up is not the same with too much weakness at the bottom.

 

A lot of those rest days are ridiculous. Cal Ripken jr. says hi.