General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2022)

[Solaxys]

 

cute

[DigitalRock]

Bullpen ERA 2.73 since the start of July

 

Atkins slowly shutting up haters? Hope it continues

[jaysblue]

 

cute

 

Arash Madani pumping the rhetoric! Love how Sportsnet now will romanticize this team and how something special could be happening lol.

[jaysblue]

Atkins slowly shutting up haters? Hope it continues

 

Lets see how the bullpen continues this month and into September and how they do closing out a one-run game from the 6th inning on in the Postseason.

 

They've played a Yankees team stuck in a rut and a Red Sox team that is going nowhere the past week. They have a pretty easy schedule coming up in terms of opponents, so if the starters continue to pitch deep into games, bullpen should be very well rested to end this month. I'm glad to see the results, though I'm not jumping and celebrating thinking this bullpen is all of a sudden unstoppable. I like the moves Atkins made at the trade deadline with Bass and Pop - I've said that many times.

[jaysblue]

Yup need to pull ahead a bit in the standings so we can afford to lose a few against the tougher teams down the stretch. Don’t want a repeat of last year where we needed to win like every game the last 2 weeks

 

Yeah Blue Jays need to take advantage against teams like the Angels, Cubs, Pirates. At least win 2 of 3 in each series.

 

Sometimes the easiest schedules can be the toughest. Teams like the Cubs have actually played well recently, so they are no walkover. Angels are 1-9 over their last 10 so the Jays better take advantage.

[BigCecil]

Atkins slowly shutting up haters? Hope it continues

 

Funny the narratives shift from Armageddon to plan the parade. We have had one fake playoff game blowout loss in his tenure, missed playoffs by a gm last year and there are still 6 weeks of dogfight ahead in '22 because we didnt bank enough W's early on. He made some deadline moves and some seem to be working out well so far. Bravo. Would have been brain dead not to make some adds.

 

Lets see how it goes. Fingers crossed we make it in and get hot at the right time. Lets hope the rotation and pen keep rolling. One game at a time. Been a nice 7-3 stretch. This road trip travel will be a bit of a challenge. Late night last night.

[The Cats Ass]

Funny the narratives shift from Armageddon to plan the parade. We have had one fake playoff game blowout loss in his tenure, missed playoffs by a gm last year and there are still 6 weeks of dogfight ahead in '22 because we didnt bank enough W's early on. He made some deadline moves and some seem to be working out well so far. Bravo. Would have been brain dead not to make some adds.

 

Lets see how it goes. Fingers crossed we make it in and get hot at the right time. Lets hope the rotation and pen keep rolling. One game at a time. Been a nice 7-3 stretch. This road trip travel will be a bit of a challenge. Late night last night.

 

You're forgetting an ALCS appearance.

[Brownie19]

I must say I f***ing love Matt Chapman. I understand that it's unlikely we sign him beyond next year and that there would be a lot of risk with that, but I really do wish we had him for the next 3-4 years. The guy is a game changer.

[L54]

I must say I f***ing love Matt Chapman. I understand that it's unlikely we sign him beyond next year and that there would be a lot of risk with that, but I really do wish we had him for the next 3-4 years. The guy is a game changer.

 

Agreed. The way he can impact the game defensively is fun to watch and has changed the dynamic of this team. It’s too bad that he does feel like such a risky extension candidate because he has really solidified that position for the Jays. Enjoy next year and then on the hunt for his replacement

[glory]

I must say I f***ing love Matt Chapman. I understand that it's unlikely we sign him beyond next year and that there would be a lot of risk with that, but I really do wish we had him for the next 3-4 years. The guy is a game changer.

 

I feel the same way. I really like him as a short term pickup and glad he’s here for next year but seems like a very risky 5-7 year extension candidate. Hopefully someone in the minors (Orelvis, Barger?) can develop into a 3B option for 2024. Or maybe move Moreno there if Kirk is still healthy and producing. I guess there’s time to figure that out, also other trade options will present themselves over the next 15 months.

[wilko]

This next stretch of games is the easiest remaining part of the schedule we have rest of the way. Crucial portion.

 

3 vs. Angels

3 vs. Cubs

3 vs. Pirates

3 vs. Orioles

3 vs. Rangers

 

After that, barring a 3 game series vs. The Sox, it’s all .500 teams or better the rest of the way. Yankees, Phillies, Rays, Orioles. Playoff fate could be dependent on this stretch.

 

They need to win those series. 10-5 I'd be happy.

[Krylian]

 

cute

 

There have been 2 or 3 times this season where 'something's happening'... Then it abruptly stops happening.

 

They've been wildly inconsistent.

[wilko]

There have been 2 or 3 times this season where 'something's happening'... Then it abruptly stops happening.

 

They've been wildly inconsistent.

 

[jaysblue]

The Happening was an awful movie, yet it was so bad that it was good.

[jaysblue]

I must say I f***ing love Matt Chapman. I understand that it's unlikely we sign him beyond next year and that there would be a lot of risk with that, but I really do wish we had him for the next 3-4 years. The guy is a game changer.

 

He is a game changer for sure. That's why lets hope the Blue Jays don't let this season and next season go to waste as I've been saying for the last couple of weeks. You want to win when you have guys like Chapman or Teo under control before they become FAs. The focus should be fielding the best team possible in 2023.

[Orgfiller]

He is a game changer for sure. That's why lets hope the Blue Jays don't let this season and next season go to waste as I've been saying for the last couple of weeks. You want to win when you have guys like Chapman or Teo under control before they become FAs. The focus should be fielding the best team possible in 2023.

 

I have it on good authority from Ross Atkins that actually he plans to blow the team up for 2023 and run a Pirates like rebuild.

[jaysblue]

I have it on good authority from Ross Atkins that actually he plans to blow the team up for 2023 and run a Pirates like rebuild.

 

What I meant by fielding the best team is making sure the roster come Opening Day 2023 doesn't having any glaring weaknesses or holes. Address those needs in the offseason. Make sure there is adequate roster depth so if injuries happen (e.g. Springer), you're not wasting ABs on players who hurt your team more than help. Make sure you have some arms who could start and provide you innings at the MLB level so your not scrambling to find some scrap heap in the minors. Make sure the bullpen is deep with a plethora of arms as well. We saw what happened earlier on this season and hope we're not seeing players like Tapia getting more than 300 ABs in 2023. As well, this rotation currently is on thin ice. If one of Gasuman or Manoah miss 3 or 4 turns in the rotation due to injuries, kiss the Postseason goodbye.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I'd say the Jays are well on their way to having a very deep team next year.

 

The bullpen is really deep now and they won't lose anyone but Phelps, plus guys like Juenger and Hernandez will likely be contributors.

 

The only starter they lose is Stripling, unless they bring him back and guys like Zulu and Tiedemann should be debuting next season while lurking in AAA as strong depth.

 

Position players will all be back too, and the only bench guy without control is JBJ. So all the starters, plus utility guys like Espinal, Biggio and Merrifield in the fold and they still have the 3 deep catching monster at their disposal to utilize uow they see fit.

 

So the only real weakness going into next season is the rotation, but it will at least stillbe anchored by Gausman and Manoah at the top. Then you need Berrios refind his consistency and fill the last two spots from White, Kikuchi, Zulu, Tiedemann, free agency or trade.

 

Pretty good spot to be in if you ask me, going into next season.

 

Hopefully they make it this season though, and make some noise in the playoffs. Don't want another missed playoffs hanging over the teams heads weighing them down.

[jaysblue]

I'd say the Jays are well on their way to having a very deep team next year.

 

The bullpen is really deep now and they won't lose anyone but Phelps, plus guys like Juenger and Hernandez will likely be contributors.

 

The only starter they lose is Stripling, unless they bring him back and guys like Zulu and Tiedemann should be debuting next season while lurking in AAA as strong depth.

 

Position players will all be back too, and the only bench guy without control is JBJ. So all the starters, plus utility guys like Espinal, Biggio and Merrifield in the fold and they still have the 3 deep catching monster at their disposal to utilize uow they see fit.

 

So the only real weakness going into next season is the rotation, but it will at least stillbe anchored by Gausman and Manoah at the top. Then you need Berrios refind his consistency and fill the last two spots from White, Kikuchi, Zulu, Tiedemann, free agency or trade.

 

Pretty good spot to be in if you ask me, going into next season.

 

Hopefully they make it this season though, and make some noise in the playoffs. Don't want another missed playoffs hanging over the teams heads weighing them down.

 

For the rotation, the big key will be Berrios. Though given the Blue Jays World Series aspirations why not go after a solid No. 2 or 3 starter this offseason and drop Berrios down to No. 4? If Berrios then rediscovers his old form, the rotation is set #1-4 and you have guys like White, Kikuchi, Zulu, Tiedemann and maybe some other FA signings for that No. 5 spot and pitching depth.

 

The bench/lineup depth is definitely stronger now with Merrifield and Bradley Jr. Espinal and Biggio can platoon again at 2B, with Biggio getting some starts at 1B and in LF occasionally. Though for reassurance, I would try to go after an outfielder who can play all 3 positions and who wouldn't hurt you if he got 300-400ABs. You can't rely on Springer for 150+ games per season. As for catchers, you can't beat Kirk and Jansen along with Moreno. Though realistically it's probably best to trade one of Jansen or Moreno for a piece that could help you in another area if a trade is out there for the right arm or player.

 

As for the bullpen, relievers are extremely volatile. Wouldn't surprise me if there is some turnover in the bullpen. You can't go into next season expecting guys will repeat their performances from this season. Injuries happen as well. Always good to build up bullpen depth in the offseason since it's easier and less expensive than at the trade deadline. As well, if a bullpen upgrade is available for a top closer or setup man, do it.

 

This team has a good enough core where missing the Postseason should be viewed as unacceptable. If the Jays miss the Postseason again this season, then again have to ask why? Yes some of their star players have underachieved, though I wouldn't mainly point that as the reason. Guys like Vladdy, Kirk, Teo, Lourdes, Chapman, Springer (when healthy) and even Bo have been productive and valuable pieces. Gausman is having his best season and Manoah is having a breakout. If they miss out by one or two games, it's because of rostering below average players/arms at the end of the roster and giving them extended playing time when guys have been injured.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I've gotten to the point where I keep forgetting about Pearson lol

 

Maybe one of these years he will stay healthy and surprise the s*** out of all of us by being a key contributer.

[The Cats Ass]

What I meant by fielding the best team is making sure the roster come Opening Day 2023 doesn't having any glaring weaknesses or holes. Address those needs in the offseason. Make sure there is adequate roster depth so if injuries happen (e.g. Springer), you're not wasting ABs on players who hurt your team more than help. Make sure you have some arms who could start and provide you innings at the MLB level so your not scrambling to find some scrap heap in the minors. Make sure the bullpen is deep with a plethora of arms as well. We saw what happened earlier on this season and hope we're not seeing players like Tapia getting more than 300 ABs in 2023. As well, this rotation currently is on thin ice. If one of Gasuman or Manoah miss 3 or 4 turns in the rotation due to injuries, kiss the Postseason goodbye.

 

That's way easier said than done. Good players don't sign to be depth parts. They usually need to be developed or traded for. And it seems when we trade for good depth guys people cry. (White and Merrifield). Tapia was an above replacement player the previous 2 seasons, this was a worst case scenario season for him, I think he gets non-tendered this offseason.

[jaysblue]

I've gotten to the point where I keep forgetting about Pearson lol

 

Maybe one of these years he will stay healthy and surprise the s*** out of all of us by being a key contributer.

 

I hope Pearson can become a lights out reliever in the pen. Jays should focus on him pitching out of the pen in 2023 instead of gambling on him being an effective front of the rotation starter given their position right now. If the Blue Jays lacked starting pitching and still retooling, then sure I would still work Pearson as a starter and hope he turns into something. Pearson helps the Blue Jays more out of the bullpen than banking on him as a starter.

[The Cats Ass]

#1 for this offseason for me is Verlander. Give him a blank cheque for 2023. There's no other glaring holes that need to be filled, no one needs to get extended. This leaves financial flexibility heading into next offseason when we'll be losing 2 OFers, and 3B.

[Krylian]

I've gotten to the point where I keep forgetting about Pearson lol

 

Maybe one of these years he will stay healthy and surprise the s*** out of all of us by being a key contributer.

 

I'm guessing on another team, when he's 30. He'll be the best closer in the game

[jaysblue]

That's way easier said than done. Good players don't sign to be depth parts. They usually need to be developed or traded for. And it seems when we trade for good depth guys people cry. (White and Merrifield). Tapia was an above replacement player the previous 2 seasons, this was a worst case scenario season for him, I think he gets non-tendered this offseason.

 

You can always sign guys from free agency who either are looking to rebound such as coming off an injured season or down year. Most likely they would be happy getting 300-400ABS or more if they hit they're way into the lineup more. As well, Tapia yes did post a 0.8 and 0.7 WAR the previous two seasons, though the difference between lets say the Blue Jays and other teams like the Dodgers is that the Tapia experiment wouldn't go for over 300 ABs like it has with the Blue Jays. A team with World Series aspirations shouldn't be giving a player that much playing time and for an extended period as well, especially if that player wasn't producing. Big difference. This team doesn't know how to keep players on short leashes.

[jaysblue]

#1 for this offseason for me is Verlander. Give him a blank cheque for 2023.

 

He's spent most of his career in Detroit and has always pitched well at the Dome including the 2 no-hitter's in Toronto.

 

I'm all for giving him a blank cheque. $30M + for one season, whatever it takes. If he's looking to pitch on a contender, Toronto would be perfect. Though who knows given his age, maybe he's comfortable just staying in Texas.

[Krylian]

He's spent most of his career in Detroit and has always pitched well at the Dome including the 2 no-hitter's in Toronto.

 

I'm all for giving him a blank cheque. $30M + for one season, whatever it takes. If he's looking to pitch on a contender, Toronto would be perfect. Though who knows given his age, maybe he's comfortable just staying in Texas.

 

He's already pitching on a contender. Unless they don't want to pay him, why would he leave?

[bones10]

Why isn't merryweather on the team?

[jaysblue]

He's already pitching on a contender. Unless they don't want to pay him, why would he leave?

 

I just said at the end of my post, he's probably comfortable just staying in Houston. More advantages as well staying in Texas. Only way you would get Verlander is paying him way more than the Astros.

[The Cats Ass]

Why isn't merryweather on the team?

 

No space.