General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2022)

[Laika]

They had 39 guys on the 40 man and then made a couple of signings. They could be waiting to make the moves official as because maybe they have a trade in the works?

 

Interesting

[Omar]

If this happens...

 

 

Manoah, Gausman, Bassitt, Lopez, Berrios

 

[Jays24]

I'd much rather that offer be from a different team. The 35%k rate is so bad that he is nearly unplayable. Guys like Conforto, Benintendi and Brantley are much safer bets to not be total duds.

 

I think we all would but their contracts will likely be larger too. We're so close to the lux tax that I think we'd go after someone like him (if we went through free agency). We still have one of our catchers to dangle for a cheaper alternative.

[Captain_Obvious]

If this happens...

 

 

Manoah, Gausman, Bassitt, Lopez, Berrios

 

 

This is pure speculation, and a stupid one actually. Pirates have no need for a catcher. They are not a match.

[Jays24]

This is pure speculation, and a stupid one actually. Pirates have no need for a catcher. They are not a match.

 

3 way trade is always possible.

[FantasyNewb]

What would a deal for Lopez look like?

[Captain_Obvious]

3 way trade is always possible.

 

The A's are no longer available to be fleeced in a 3-way trade.

[max silver]

I think we all would but their contracts will likely be larger too. We're so close to the lux tax that I think we'd go after someone like him (if we went through free agency). We still have one of our catchers to dangle for a cheaper alternative.

 

Shapiro has started that they have the ability to surpass the CBT limit if necessary. I imagine they might already be close with the combined Kiermaier and Bassist so if they are going to go over there's no sense pinching pennies to save something like $5 million past the limit as the penalties are pretty small for first time offenders.

[Omar]

This is pure speculation, and a stupid one actually. Pirates have no need for a catcher. They are not a match.

 

Who is the Pirates opening day catcher next season? Heineman is strictly backup. Perez may not be healthy has he even started playing this off season? Endy Rodriguez isn’t ready and will start next year at A ball. They could use a catcher.

Edited December 13, 2022 by Omar

[Spanky99]

Who is the Pirates opening day catcher next season?

 

One of Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez.

[Omar]

One of Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez.

 

Endy hasn’t played a full season in A ball yet.

[Spanky99]

Endy hasn’t played a full season in A ball yet.

 

Endy's played a full season of A ball in '21, high A/AA and AAA this year? Regardless, they'd just sign a 1 year filler. We're not a fit with them, well, unless they decide to move one of those guys for something else, but I doubt it.

[Captain_Obvious]

Endy hasn’t played a full season in A ball yet.

 

Yes, because he spent the rest of the season demolishing AA and AAA pitching.

[Omar]

Yes, because he spent the rest of the season demolishing AA and AAA pitching.

 

so you’re saying with a half a season in aa/aaa he’s going to be their opening day catcher? I don’t see that happening. Even for the Pirates.

[Captain_Obvious]

so you’re saying with a half a season in aa/aaa he’s going to be their opening day catcher? I don’t see that happening. Even for the Pirates.

 

Kirk did it.

[Omar]

Kirk did it.

 

Sure that is a good example however Kirk was not brought up to be the number 1 he was still behind Jansen. The Pirates could still need a catcher.

 

https://rumbunter.com/2022/12/10/pittsburgh-pirates-still-searching-catcher-help/

 

“While Pirate fans would love to see Rodriguez start the year with the team that is not going to happen. If there was anyone holding out hope manager Derek Shelton even said during the Winter Meetings that Rodriguez would not start the season on the MLB roster.”

Edited December 13, 2022 by Omar

[Krylian]

Man, a four man OF of

 

Springer

Kiermaier

Gurriel

one of Benintendi, Conforto, Brantley

 

Would be very comfortable.

 

 

Confortoble

[Jimcanuck]

Why would the Pirates trade a high value asset for a catcher, with Endy and Henry getting close? They can just sign Narvaez for 1 yr cheap.

[Sorrow]

I think there are concerns about Davis sticking behind the plate. Catchers are so ducking busty that I could see the Pirates taking Moreno or Kirk. Remember the 2000s with the Jays you had Thigpen and some guy that started with a G among a bunch of other catchers of the future and they all failed at the MLB level.

[Jimcanuck]

I dunno, maybe if the Pirates were further along in the win curve. It doesn't make any sense for them to trade Reynolds for a C, to mitigate against risk of a bust.

[Spanky99]

I dunno, maybe if the Pirates were further along in the win curve. It doesn't make any sense for them to trade Reynolds for a C, to mitigate against risk of a bust.

 

They won't, I don't see it. They'll likely roll with Rodriquez and Davis in '24, with the former likely called up in June this coming season.

[Brownie19]

Endy hasn’t played a full season in A ball yet.

 

Man - go look at his minor league stats. Bring tissue and lotion.

[Spanky99]

Man - go look at his minor league stats. Bring tissue and lotion.

 

This came out the other day on him, he'll be up by June, lol...

 

1. Endy Rodriguez | C

Endy Rodriguez

Born: May 26, 2000

Bats: B Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 170

Signed By: Anderson Taveras (Mets).

Minors: .323/.407/.590 | 25 HR | 4 SB | 458 AB

 

Track Record: The Mets didn't spend much to sign Rodriguez, inking him for $10,000 as an 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, but they're paying the price now for letting him go. New York shipped Rodriguez to the Pirates in January 2021 in a three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and netted the Mets Joey Lucchesi. Rodriguez has raked ever since. He won the batting title in the Low-A Florida State League in 2021, hitting .294 with 15 homers. He then took another leap forward in 2022, hitting 25 homers and posting a .996 OPS across three levels and ending the year with Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez was especially impactful from July 1 to the end of the season, ranking first among qualified minor league hitters in average (.377), slugging (.723), OPS (1.181) and extra-base hits (43).

 

Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Rodriguez turned in one of 2022's biggest breakout performances on the strength of his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and contact quality. Scouts covet Rodriguez's pure hitting ability--he has hit .310 in full-season ball the past two seasons--and his power emerged more consistently from both sides of the plate in 2022. Rodriguez always seems to have a plan at the plate and controls the strike zone well. His proclivity for strong swing decisions allows him to maximize his above-average power potential despite middle-of-the-road exit velocities. Rodriguez has steadily added strength to his wiry frame, too, and is very athletic. Those in the Pirates organization rave about his aptitude, leadership and baseball IQ. Rodriguez made strides defensively in 2022. He improved his blocking and receiving, especially after he settled into a more consistent defensive stance and got consistent reps once Henry Davis was promoted to Double-A Altoona in May. Rodriguez made a conscious effort to improve his throwing accuracy to second base and his transfer after struggling with inconsistency in 2021, when he threw out just 17% of basestealers. He nearly doubled that figure in 2022 and threw out 45% of baserunners once he arrived in Altoona. Opposing evaluators were impressed with Rodriguez's game management, and Pirates minor league pitchers liked throwing to him. He still needs to refine his framing, but any concerns in that regard could be mitigated if MLB introduces an automated ball-strike system. Rodriguez also spent time at first base, second base and left field in 2022, and he's athletic enough to handle any of those positions.

 

The Future: Rodriguez emerged as one of baseball's best catching prospects in 2022 and profiles as an impact big leaguer with plus hitting and power potential. He could ultimately become one half of an enviable catching duo with Davis in Pittsburgh. It's easy to dream on Rodriguez becoming a foundational piece who helps usher the Pirates out of their lengthy rebuild.

 

Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55

[Jimcanuck]

Endy and Gabby are basically interchangeable.

[Spanky99]

Endy and Gabby are basically interchangeable.

 

Yup.

[Stangstag]

Endy and Gabby are basically interchangeable.

 

I’d rather have the switch hitter…

 

Why is every single one of our highly ranked prospects a RHH

[Omar]

Endy and Gabby are basically interchangeable.

 

Endy has played first and left field as well as second. It is also possible they end up converting him.

[Omar]

Man - go look at his minor league stats. Bring tissue and lotion.

 

The issue wasn’t over his skills just whether he would be the opening day catcher next season. Looks like they are not going to rush him.

 

[Spanky99]

The issue wasn’t over his skills just whether he would be the opening day catcher next season. Looks like they are not going to rush him.

 

 

Wasn't it over them trading for one of our catchers for Reynolds?

 

They'll just sign a placeholder and have Endy come up in June to avoid losing a year of control.

[Omar]

Wasn't it over them trading for one of our catchers for Reynolds?

 

They'll just sign a placeholder and have Endy come up in June to avoid losing a year of control.

 

yup