General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2022)

[Brownie19]

Jays FO isn't perfect but I don't understand what some peoples f***en problem is.

 

They pretty quickly built this team back up into a perennial 90+ win team and they did it the toughest division in baseball.

 

Went from 2016 being in the playoffs, to giving it one more go in 2017 and failing. Tearing it down and by 2020 they were back in the wild card game and now have won 91 and 92 games the last two seasons.

 

Tough crowd if you're unhappy with those results.

 

Exactly....I don't get those who suggest they better do better this year or Atkins will be gone.

[Krylian]

Jays FO isn't perfect but I don't understand what some peoples f***en problem is.

 

They pretty quickly built this team back up into a perennial 90+ win team and they did it the toughest division in baseball.

 

Went from 2016 being in the playoffs, to giving it one more go in 2017 and failing. Tearing it down and by 2020 they were back in the wild card game and now have won 91 and 92 games the last two seasons.

 

Tough crowd if you're unhappy with those results.

 

Not seriously addressing the pen is a point of contention for many.

[wamco]

Marlins aren’t trading Lopez for a couple bench players, come on now.

 

Richards ( I don’t think) and merryweather can’t be optioned. Not sure about mayza

[Eat My Shatkins]

Not seriously addressing the pen is a point of contention for many.

 

Probably the most volatile and unpredictable part of a major league roster.

 

Like I said, tough crowd.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I'm guessing the 0 playoff wins from this core (especially this year after all the hype) is partly why.

 

Yeah sure, but the roster (core) the FO put together was good enough for 90+ wins

 

If they lose in the playoffs that's on the players more than the front office IMO

[Jays24]

Not seriously addressing the pen is a point of contention for many.

 

Especially when their philosophy is to pull their starting pitchers as early as possible. If you wanna have the philosophy of the Rays then go trying bringing a similar level of pen arms. They have neglected this glaring aspect through free agency and haven't had much help from their farm system.

 

Even when they were with the Indians, it was after they left that the next GM brought in Andrew Miller. He ended up being their MVP and the Indians achieved their greatest team success afterwards. Still have nightmares of him absolutely shutting us down in the playoffs.

[Jays24]

Yeah sure, but the roster (core) the FO put together was good enough for 90+ wins

 

If they lose in the playoffs that's on the players more than the front office IMO

 

Disagree... we all see how playoff baseball is played and the level of importance shutdown relievers have. Romano is our best and he'd be like the 3rd/4th reliever on most playoff teams.

 

Again, don't take this as Shatkins sucking all together. They've done a great job getting us to this point. They just need to keep that momentum going whereas some feel (including me), we stagnated this past season.

[Laika]

Yeah sure, but the roster (core) the FO put together was good enough for 90+ wins

 

If they lose in the playoffs that's on the players more than the front office IMO

 

People (morons) are going to tell you that they lost in the playoffs specifically because of the type of teams they put together

[connorp]

People (morons) are going to tell you that they lost in the playoffs specifically because of the type of teams they put together

 

Teams build a team for sustained success. When they get there, they optimize it for the playoffs. I’m sorry you love the Rays so much. Move to Tampa. It’s a great city

[Jays24]

People (morons) are going to tell you that they lost in the playoffs specifically because of the type of teams they put together

 

Ya dude... our bullpen had nothing to do with HISTORICALLY blowing a 8-1 lead at home in a playoff game. Gosh, you're just so smart lol.

[Brownie19]

Disagree... we all see how playoff baseball is played and the level of importance shutdown relievers have. Romano is our best and he'd be like the 3rd/4th reliever on most playoff teams.

 

Again, don't take this as Shatkins sucking all together. They've done a great job getting us to this point. They just need to keep that momentum going whereas some feel (including me), we stagnated this past season.

 

Enough with this f***ing nonsense. Go look at the Phillies bullpen. Then the Mets. Then the Cards. Then the Braves. Then the Rays. Then the Yankees. The the Padres. Stupid.

[wamco]

Mayza against a righty for some reason, bass (a stud) and Romano (a stud) got blown up. It happens. The bp was fine b4 Swanson.

Pop gotta be wondering why we traded for him as he is gonna start in aaa as is.

It’s one thing Atkins does right. He f***s fat

Chicks aka getting bp help.

I’m fine with kooch/white/ Pearson/Zulu combos in the 5 hole until ryu is back or Rickey “the dragon” tiedemann ™ is ready.

[Stangstag]

I'm guessing the 0 playoff wins from this core (especially this year after all the hype) is partly why.

 

I don’t really see how that’s the GM’s fault. They failed spectacularly in that game 2 vs Seattle. Had they won that and lost the next game, would people be feeling any better?

 

2021 hurts more IMO

[Stangstag]

Teams build a team for sustained success. When they get there, they optimize it for the playoffs. I’m sorry you love the Rays so much. Move to Tampa. It’s a great city

 

Have you heard of the Philadelphia Phillies and their AAA scrub bullpen??

[Stangstag]

Enough with this f***ing nonsense. Go look at the Phillies bullpen. Then the Mets. Then the Cards. Then the Braves. Then the Rays. Then the Yankees. The the Padres. Stupid.

 

Louder for the idiots in the back

[Stangstag]

Mayza against a righty for some reason, bass (a stud) and Romano (a stud) got blown up. It happens. The bp was fine b4 Swanson.

Pop gotta be wondering why we traded for him as he is gonna start in aaa as is.

It’s one thing Atkins does right. He f***s fat

Chicks aka getting bp help.

I’m fine with kooch/white/ Pearson/Zulu combos in the 5 hole until ryu is back or Rickey “the dragon” tiedemann ™ is ready.

 

Lol I totally forgot about Pop

[Deadpool]

Lol I totally forgot about Pop

 

Pop's got some great stuff, and he's not even arb eligible until 2025. Lots of time to turn that great stuff into great results.

[Eat My Shatkins]

The bullpen seems to be improving incrementally every season.

 

You're no longer counting on waiver wire pick ups to come in and fill it out, or on Merryweather to be a key high leverage guy.

 

1. Romano

2. Garcia

3. Swanson

4. Bass

5. Cimber

6. Mayza

7. Pearson

8. Richards

9. Pop

10. Merryweather

11. Gage

12. Thornton

 

Probably going to have one of White or Kikuchi in there too once the Jays bring in another starter.

 

It's not some daunting, frightening bullpen but Trent Thornton pushed that far down is a good thing IMO.

 

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the Jays FO is trying to bring in another solid BP piece if you believe the rumors they made an offer to Kenley Jansen.

 

If they bring in a guy like Rogers or Kimbrel, and Pearson/Merryweather finally figure it out, that's suddenly a pretty strong BP on paper.

[Ehjays]

[Eat My Shatkins]

 

lol f***

 

I read "Bryan Reynolds to the BlueJays..."

 

And my heart skipped a few beats.

 

Then disappointment.

[NiagaraJaysFan]

lol f***

 

I read "Bryan Reynolds to the BlueJays..."

 

And my heart skipped a few beats.

 

Then disappointment.

Yes, that’s a typical offseason for us, isn’t it? Jays get linked to everyone under the sun, making us hopeful, only for said players to ink deals with literally any other team. It’s a rite of passage for Jays fans, obviously with a few exceptions (Ryu, Springer, Gausman). I wonder why it is that the Jays get linked to nearly everyone? I haven’t seen that with other teams, maybe I’m not paying enough attention…

[Ehjays]

The bullpen seems to be improving incrementally every season.

 

You're no longer counting on waiver wire pick ups to come in and fill it out, or on Merryweather to be a key high leverage guy.

 

1. Romano

2. Garcia

3. Swanson

4. Bass

5. Cimber

6. Mayza

7. Pearson

8. Richards

9. Pop

10. Merryweather

11. Gage

12. Thornton

 

Probably going to have one of White or Kikuchi in there too once the Jays bring in another starter.

 

It's not some daunting, frightening bullpen but Trent Thornton pushed that far down is a good thing IMO.

 

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the Jays FO is trying to bring in another solid BP piece if you believe the rumors they made an offer to Kenley Jansen.

 

If they bring in a guy like Rogers or Kimbrel, and Pearson/Merryweather finally figure it out, that's suddenly a pretty strong BP on paper.

 

Yes exactly, in the trade talks with St Louis they asked for Nootbar or Ryan Helsley, also with farm system supplying us, I think Pearson and Merryweather have screwed with the FO plans as their injuries have set back their plans, i think moving forward they view any contributions at all from Merryweather is a bonus and Nates will be some sort of relief only.

[Jays24]

Yes, that’s a typical offseason for us, isn’t it? Jays get linked to everyone under the sun, making us hopeful, only for said players to ink deals with literally any other team. It’s a rite of passage for Jays fans, obviously with a few exceptions (Ryu, Springer, Gausman). I wonder why it is that the Jays get linked to nearly everyone? I haven’t seen that with other teams, maybe I’m not paying enough attention…

 

I think the Jays are making offers to a lot of free agents but trying to get them on their terms aka at a bargain. It's a good method in case the market for the player isn't what was expected.

 

Landing Gausman/Springer were great gets. I can't even fault the front office for going after Ryu, just wish they negotiated better on that 4th year.

[Laika]

Yes, that’s a typical offseason for us, isn’t it? Jays get linked to everyone under the sun, making us hopeful, only for said players to ink deals with literally any other team. It’s a rite of passage for Jays fans, obviously with a few exceptions (Ryu, Springer, Gausman). I wonder why it is that the Jays get linked to nearly everyone? I haven’t seen that with other teams, maybe I’m not paying enough attention…

 

First off, the Jays have made enough big ticket signings and trades over the last few years that nobody should be complaining.

 

But they are just super active I think. They call every possible free agent. They have discussions with every team. Some other orgs don’t turn over as many stones. I think that’s a lot of why they show up a lot in rumours.

 

Also, fan bias. You tend to remember when you see your team mentioned

[Pendleton]

The bullpen seems to be improving incrementally every season.

 

You're no longer counting on waiver wire pick ups to come in and fill it out, or on Merryweather to be a key high leverage guy.

 

1. Romano

2. Garcia

3. Swanson

4. Bass

5. Cimber

6. Mayza

7. Pearson

8. Richards

9. Pop

10. Merryweather

11. Gage

12. Thornton

 

Probably going to have one of White or Kikuchi in there too once the Jays bring in another starter.

 

It's not some daunting, frightening bullpen but Trent Thornton pushed that far down is a good thing IMO.

 

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the Jays FO is trying to bring in another solid BP piece if you believe the rumors they made an offer to Kenley Jansen.

 

If they bring in a guy like Rogers or Kimbrel, and Pearson/Merryweather finally figure it out, that's suddenly a pretty strong BP on paper.

 

Agreed on the last part, Rogers added in below Romano makes that a pretty darn good pen.

[wamco]

If a rp is obtained, Richards and merryweather would be moved out in a deal.

 

I feel a trade for a good OF prospect will come this off-season. Maybe with the cubs

[connorp]

First off, the Jays have made enough big ticket signings and trades over the last few years that nobody should be complaining.

 

But they are just super active I think. They call every possible free agent. They have discussions with every team. Some other orgs don’t turn over as many stones. I think that’s a lot of why they show up a lot in rumours.

 

Also, fan bias. You tend to remember when you see your team mentioned

 

The Jays are objectively tied to FA and trade targets maybe more than anyone. I do think they kick all the tires but likely they like to leak their name more than other teams for whatever reason. And there could be a few reasons

[connorp]

The bullpen seems to be improving incrementally every season.

 

You're no longer counting on waiver wire pick ups to come in and fill it out, or on Merryweather to be a key high leverage guy.

 

1. Romano

2. Garcia

3. Swanson

4. Bass

5. Cimber

6. Mayza

7. Pearson

8. Richards

9. Pop

10. Merryweather

11. Gage

12. Thornton

 

Probably going to have one of White or Kikuchi in there too once the Jays bring in another starter.

 

It's not some daunting, frightening bullpen but Trent Thornton pushed that far down is a good thing IMO.

 

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the Jays FO is trying to bring in another solid BP piece if you believe the rumors they made an offer to Kenley Jansen.

 

If they bring in a guy like Rogers or Kimbrel, and Pearson/Merryweather finally figure it out, that's suddenly a pretty strong BP on paper.

 

Every year the names for the BP get posted and pimped. At least you kept it a little reserved. It could be solid, or really bad. Of course you say that about other BPs, many are in the same boat. Not a lot of scary stuff in the list though. Hopefully Swanson proves legit

[Dick_Pole]

The Jays of today are a lot like the Jays of the mid-80's or so I'm told. Good team with a lousy pen with a penchant for choking. They eventually parlayed that into two World Series and the best pen in the league. Imagine the fireworks on this board if it existed for the 1985 playoffs. Or 1987 when the 87 win Twins won. At least with the Seattle series, the reward was to get raped by the Astros. Jays had those years won in 85 and 87.

[Dick_Pole]

And it's not like those mid-80's teams weren't actively trying to improve the pen like this regime is. Remember Dennis Lamp and Bill Caudell? I don't, but your dad does. It's funny because the two best guys they picked up pretty much by accident. Henke as comp for Cliff Johnson leaving and Ward for some dude they picked off the scrap bin in Doyle Alexander, got his best years then sent him packing. It'll eventually happen to this team too.