General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2023)

[gruber92]

Right, they’re fine with moving down everyone else except for Vlad. Not exactly sure why

 

They're walking on eggshells around him waiting for him to turn into 2021 Vlad again. This has/will directly contribute to some losses, as it did last night. There are others like not assuming Clement in Espinal's role two months ago and running Manoah out there way too long. All these decisions will come home to roost when we miss the playoffs by a game or two (hopefully not).

[gruber92]

Is EE still on the bench? Haven't seen him lately.

[jaysthebest]

Why don't we replace Vladdy with Horwitz?

 

Horwitz can't be worse than Vlad who often hits gidp.

[Stangstag]

They're walking on eggshells around him waiting for him to turn into 2021 Vlad again. This has/will directly contribute to some losses, as it did last night. There are others like not assuming Clement in Espinal's role two months ago and running Manoah out there way too long. All these decisions will come home to roost when we miss the playoffs by a game or two (hopefully not).

 

It really is feeling like we’re gonna have a repeat of 2021

[Omar]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/09/vladimir-guerrero-jr-s-unusual-replacement-level-season.html

 

 

 

Good article but no mention of the elephant in the room:

his girth.

[G-Snarls]

It's very very early but...

 

Did the front office possibly keep the right prospects??

[Jonn]

It really is feeling like we’re gonna have a repeat of 2021

 

The 2021 team was actually good though.

[Spanky99]

I think about that a lot. Attendance is 2nd in MLB. TV ratings top shelf. Stadium renos and a buzz at the RC. We are in the hunt every year since 2020 as frustrating as it can be. Good fortune and luck plays big in this game, along with actual talent, and for whatever reasons it hasn't clicked yet vis a vis playoff wins.

 

But strictly as a business, is Rogers getting exactly what they want from the FO in the way they evaluate each season? They would simply view 90 +/- 3 wins as the business objective/achievement, as it keep fans interested enough - the playoffs are all gravy whatever happens. I do think there is some sustainability risk in this model as major decisions loom on the roster over the next 2-3 years with aging and FA impacts. I'm just a small fry but anecdotally as one fan aka customer...I am going to not attend games I normally would this SEPT given my feeling about this team. But having said that I'll no doubt be watching on TV lol, so I doubt they care.

 

In a nutshell, lol.

[JaysAllMighty]

Reading the comments people not happy with Vladdy's lack of effort

 

[Masterbather]

Reading the comments people not happy with Vladdy's lack of effort

 

 

Well we're not in the media Ben you are. So why the f*** aren't you CHALLENGING the manager why this guy's never held to account for his constant ********? We all know the answer, you can't. So who the f*** in the media is putting the manager's feet to the fire? Vladimir Guerrero walks on water and nobody asks questions. Just about every post game Schneider sits there looking comfortable as can be answering softball motherf***ing questions no matter how stupidly the team plays.

 

Spineless media who forgot a long time ago what their job is supposed to be. What do you expect from a room full of puppets?

[Stangstag]

Reading the comments people not happy with Vladdy's lack of effort

 

 

That was all supposed to be fixed this year wit) Schneider being manager. Instead we have the same stupid mistakes from the whole team.

 

The entire coaching staff is still a major issue IMO, they should clean house next year regardless of what happens.

 

Remember when Brian Snitker benched Acuna for doing s*** like that early in his career??? Its like our coaches are afraid to discipline the players. That’s what you get with a young manager I suppose

[jaysblue]

That was all supposed to be fixed this year wit) Schneider being manager. Instead we have the same stupid mistakes from the whole team.

 

The entire coaching staff is still a major issue IMO, they should clean house next year regardless of what happens.

 

Remember when Brian Snitker benched Acuna for doing s*** like that early in his career??? Its like our coaches are afraid to discipline the players. That’s what you get with a young manager I suppose

 

Schneider is a Beta just like Charlie was. Only difference is Schneider looks tougher with his built and beard. Otherwise, he lacks the toughness is takes to be a manager. Sometimes you have to send a message to young and arrogant players like Vlad. I would bench him next game or heck even taken him out yesterday. But Schneider and this coaching staff don't have the kahunas to do so.

 

If this team misses the Postseason, the whole coaching staff should be gone (minus Pete Walker and some other pitching coaches).

 

As well bringing back Schneider is on Atkins. He owns it.

[deanmike]

Schneider is a Beta just like Charlie was. Only difference is Schneider looks tougher with his built and beard. Otherwise, he lacks the toughness is takes to be a manager. Sometimes you have to send a message to young and arrogant players like Vlad. I would bench him next game or heck even taken him out yesterday. But Schneider and this coaching staff don't have the kahunas to do so.

 

If this team misses the Postseason, the whole coaching staff should be gone (minus Pete Walker and some other pitching coaches).

 

As well bringing back Schneider is on Atkins. He owns it.

 

100% correct on the bolded. I remember multiple media members (both national and local) being very confused at Atkins' decision to bring Schneider back. A lot of insiders were expecting him to start fresh with a new manager instead of removing the interim tag from a manager that already had baggage (his f***ups in the Seattle series).

[BigCecil]

Reading the comments people not happy with Vladdy's lack of effort

 

 

I usually don't get too wired up about these kinds of things if they are isolated. I didn't mind the HR jacket or the barrio antics either. But Vlad really pissed me off with that yesterday.

 

He pimped that more than Acuna Jr did his 30/60. If he had 45 bombs and it was a usual occurrence to go yard, I might understand it more. His 0.4 WAR and his 112 wRC+ going into yesterdays game is part of why this team is fighting for its season every single game. Just play the game hard and run the f***ing bases well. This is not hard.

 

I'd be fine to see him benched a game to send a message even now in this dogfight. And I'm not one who thinks AAA players are the magical answers to all our prayers.

[jaysblue]

100% correct on the bolded. I remember multiple media members (both national and local) being very confused at Atkins' decision to bring Schneider back. A lot of insiders were expecting him to start fresh with a new manager instead of removing the interim tag from a manager that already had baggage (his f***ups in the Seattle series).

 

Atkins has already used the "fire manager" card once, so it would be tough using it again especially after only 1.5 seasons of Schneider. The time to bring in a new manager was last offseason.

 

If the Jays miss the Postseason, you'll have some people in the media question Schneider and the coaching staff for sure to an extent. Again blame should be put mainly on the players, but Schneider and the coaching staff also own it. Something is fundamentally wrong with this team and when you look at the way the lineup has performed over a full season (not just one or two bats but a majority of your star players), you really have to start questioning what is going on.

 

This team really needs a veteran tough hard-nosed no BS manager. Someone like a John Gibbons would have been perfect with this group.

[max silver]

I usually don't get too wired up about these kinds of things if they are isolated. I didn't mind the HR jacket or the barrio antics either. But for some reason Vlad really pissed me off with that yesterday.

 

If he had 45 bombs and it was a usual occurrence to go yard, I might understand it more. His 0.4 WAR and his 112 wRC+ going into yesterdays game is part of why this team is fighting for its season every single game. Just play the game hard and run the f***ing bases well. I'd be fine to see him benched a game to send a message even now in this dogfight. And I6'm not one who thinks AAA players are the magical answers to all our prayers.

 

I'm right there with you. I don't spend any time or effort worrying about how players act away from the field of play but Vlad needs to put in a better effort on the field. I couldn't believe how he stood there watching a low line drive type of hit like that and having it bounce off of the wall. I think Schneider is in a tough spot with regards to benching given how the team is missing three important regulars from the lineup (well at least two given how poorly Chapman has been hitting for the better part of the season) so it's hard to bench a regular player with how much the team has struggled to produce offense. I would certainly understand choosing to bench Vlad if that decision was made but at the same time if a manager chooses not to publicly discipline a player then that's his choice as well. Maybe Vlad would benefit from a bit of tough love but it's entirely possible we would respond badly as well.

 

I was equally miffed with how Vlad slowed up on his way to the plate with the Schneider double as well as it was a very close play at second base and the run may not have counted if the out was recorded at second base. At least this time he wasn't doing a slow jog like was the case recently on another time he crossed the plate but enough is enough. f*** it, I think I just talked myself into getting on board with a Vlad benching due to the lack of hustle/give a f*** at times during games.

[deanmike]

Atkins has already used the "fire manager" card once, so it would be tough using it again especially after only 1.5 seasons of Schneider. The time to bring in a new manager was last offseason.

 

If the Jays miss the Postseason, you'll have some people in the media question Schneider and the coaching staff for sure to an extent. Again blame should be put mainly on the players, but Schneider and the coaching staff also own it. Something is fundamentally wrong with this team and when you look at the way the lineup has performed over a full season (not just one or two bats but a majority of your star players), you really have to start questioning what is going on.

 

This team really needs a veteran tough hard-nosed no BS manager. Someone like a John Gibbons would have been perfect with this group.

 

If Atkins had hired a new manager last offseason instead of sticking with Schneider technically he wouldn't have used the "fire manager" card because Schneider was only the interim manager and they removed the interim tag. That's actually another one of the reasons why so many insiders were confused as to why Atkins didn't just go with someone new. He didn't even have to fire the guy he was replacing.

[Omar]

Vladdy has a complete lack of self-awareness. And I don't think anybody in the dugout has the temerity to tell him what to do, either that or they just don't care and think of him as a clown.Someone should post the major league war leader board in the dressing room and show Vladimir where he ranks with respect to the best players in the game. Nothing short of embarrassment will get this guy out of the funk he's in.Toronto fans booing him at home may also do wonders, but that is a lot to ask. Edited September 4, 2023 by Omar

[jaysblue]

Vladdy has a complete lack of self-awareness. And I don't think anybody in the dugout has the temerity to tell him what to do, either that or they just don't care and think of him as a clown.

 

Someone should post the major league war leader board in the dressing room and show Vladimir where he ranks with respect to the best players in the game. Nothing short of embarrassment will get this guy out of the funk he's in.

 

Toronto fans booing him at home may also do wonders, but that is a lot to ask.

 

This team also lacks a veteran tough minded player like Josh Donaldson or Jose Bautista. I'm sure one of them would let Vlad hear it or take him aside in the dugout after. George Springer you would think is that guy, but him and Vlad are Smucker Jam buddies lol. This coaching staff pretty much seems afraid of him for some reason. But again we don't know what happens behind closed doors.

 

As for Toronto fans, they're mostly casuals who want to enjoy the new rooftop patios, socialize and sip on the $18 beers or vodka coolers. To them, if they look at Vlad's HR and RBI total, they probably think he is their best player lol.

[polar bear]

Well we're not in the media Ben you are. So why the f*** aren't you CHALLENGING the manager why this guy's never held to account for his constant ********? We all know the answer, you can't. So who the f*** in the media is putting the manager's feet to the fire? Vladimir Guerrero walks on water and nobody asks questions. Just about every post game Schneider sits there looking comfortable as can be answering softball motherf***ing questions no matter how stupidly the team plays.

 

Spineless media who forgot a long time ago what their job is supposed to be. What do you expect from a room full of puppets?

 

On the money bud.

[hanton]

Well we're not in the media Ben you are. So why the f*** aren't you CHALLENGING the manager why this guy's never held to account for his constant ********? We all know the answer, you can't. So who the f*** in the media is putting the manager's feet to the fire? Vladimir Guerrero walks on water and nobody asks questions. Just about every post game Schneider sits there looking comfortable as can be answering softball motherf***ing questions no matter how stupidly the team plays.

 

Spineless media who forgot a long time ago what their job is supposed to be. What do you expect from a room full of puppets?

 

cowards, all of them.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Houston vs Texas while the Jays play the A's

 

They really need to f***ing sweep them.

 

Like, I mean....come on. Time to get their crap together.

[Eat My Shatkins]

If Jays sweep and the Rangers take 2 of 3 the records would be

 

Texas 78-61

Astros 78-62

Jays 78-62

 

Don't F this up Jays lol

[Stangstag]

If Jays sweep and the Rangers take 2 of 3 the records would be

 

Texas 78-61

Astros 78-62

Jays 78-62

 

Don't F this up Jays lol

 

They’ll take 2 of 3. And then split 2-2 with Texas.

 

They’re gonna have the margins razor thin until the very last series

[G-Snarls]

They’ll take 2 of 3. And then split 2-2 with Texas.

 

They’re gonna have the margins razor thin until the very last series

 

Probably

 

Can our nerves handle that? Not sure LOL

[Laika]

Houston vs Texas while the Jays play the A's

 

They really need to f***ing sweep them.

 

Like, I mean....come on. Time to get their crap together.

 

I think we hope for a Houston sweep here.

 

Texas is the most vulnerable team

[L54]

Yup go Houston!

 

Then take 3/4 from Texas and take full control of the third WC spot

 

f*** the Rangers anyway I hope they continue to slide

[Nursehoneybadger]

If Jays sweep and the Rangers take 2 of 3 the records would be

 

Texas 78-61

Astros 78-62

Jays 78-62

 

Don't F this up Jays lol

 

Astros would have 63 losses. If Jays sweep we have sole possession of the wildcard by a .5 regardless of what Texas and Houston do.

[John_Havok]

I'm right there with you. I don't spend any time or effort worrying about how players act away from the field of play but Vlad needs to put in a better effort on the field. I couldn't believe how he stood there watching a low line drive type of hit like that and having it bounce off of the wall. I think Schneider is in a tough spot with regards to benching given how the team is missing three important regulars from the lineup (well at least two given how poorly Chapman has been hitting for the better part of the season) so it's hard to bench a regular player with how much the team has struggled to produce offense. I would certainly understand choosing to bench Vlad if that decision was made but at the same time if a manager chooses not to publicly discipline a player then that's his choice as well. Maybe Vlad would benefit from a bit of tough love but it's entirely possible we would respond badly as well.

 

I was equally miffed with how Vlad slowed up on his way to the plate with the Schneider double as well as it was a very close play at second base and the run may not have counted if the out was recorded at second base. At least this time he wasn't doing a slow jog like was the case recently on another time he crossed the plate but enough is enough. f*** it, I think I just talked myself into getting on board with a Vlad benching due to the lack of hustle/give a f*** at times during games.

 

I think the worst part of the whole situation on those two plays, all Vlad needs to do is look at what Schneider did in the PA following his. He also smashed a low line drive to left field and what did he do? Stand and stare at it because he was pretty sure it would be a hit? Nope. Busted his ass out of the box and got to 2b fairly comfortably. Even the slightest hesitation on on his part and he might have been out. The example he needs to follow was literally the very next PA after his.

 

Which brings the next obvious point as to why Vlad needs to be following a rookies example. Vlad should be the example.

 

He wants the adoration, he wants the glory, he wants the goofy times in the dugout and there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting those things either, but he damn sure has to get it through his head that he needs to play the game with alot more hustle if he wants those other things to come his way without coming off like an uncaring brat.

[BlueBaller]

Well we're not in the media Ben you are. So why the f*** aren't you CHALLENGING the manager why this guy's never held to account for his constant ********? We all know the answer, you can't. So who the f*** in the media is putting the manager's feet to the fire? Vladimir Guerrero walks on water and nobody asks questions. Just about every post game Schneider sits there looking comfortable as can be answering softball motherf***ing questions no matter how stupidly the team plays.

 

Spineless media who forgot a long time ago what their job is supposed to be. What do you expect from a room full of puppets?

 

Relax. He's still good and he's gonna figure it out imminently.