Opening Day Roster Predictions

[AdamGreenwood]

LOCKED IN (unless injured): 19 players

 

1B: V Guerrero

2B: Undecided

3B: IKF

SS: B Bichette

C: A Kirk/D Jansen (DL)

LF: D Varsho

CF: K Kiermaier

RF: G Springer

DH: J Turner

 

 

SP1: K Gausman

SP2: J Berrios

SP3: C Bassitt

SP4: Y Kikuchi

SP5: Undecided

 

CL: J Romano (DL)

SU: E Swanson

RP3: Y Garcia

RP4: T Mayza

RP5: C Green

RP6: Y Rodriguez

RP7: Undecided

 

Bench1: Undecided

Bench2: Undecided

Bench3: Undecided

Bench4: Undecided

 

OTHER

 

2B: E Clemente, C Biggio, D Schneider, S Espinal

 

No one has really laid a claim on 2B.

Clemente looks the best, but is being used in a utility role.

Biggio is getting paid 4 million and has looked decent in ST.

Schneider was bad at the end of last year, and hasn't looked good in ST.

Espinal is OK, is owed $2.7 MM and has been OK in ST>

 

Prediction:

Clemente and Biggio make the team and share 2B in some capacity.

Schneider gets sent down to AAA to try and find the magic again.

Espinal makes the team as a bench/utility guy.

 

 

SP5: B Francis, Y Rodriguez, A Manoah, P Espino, M White

 

Prediction:

Francis has run away with this competition and should easily be the SP5

Manoah will start on the DL or minors as even if healthy he doesn't have the innings in.

P Espino will be our 6th starter, bouncing back and forth between MLB and AAA as injuries come and go.

M White is out of options, but it doesn't matter. The Jays can't carry him. We'll try to push him into AAA and take our chances.

Y Rodriguez will be a long reliever, and may get some spot starts later in the year.

 

RP7: T Richards, G Cabrera, N Pearson, H Juenger, H Danner

 

Prediction

Pearson, Juenger and Danner will all get sent down since they have options.

Richards will likely claim the last spot.

Genesis will start in the minors and be the first guy up.

 

Bench Spots:

As mentioned previous, one will go to Biggio/Clemente

One will go to Espinal,

 

Remaining 2: J Votto, D Vogelbach, E Escobar, N Lukes, D Schneider, A Roden, B Serven, A Barger

 

Predictions

There's only room for one of Votto or Vogelbach, and I think Votto is going to take it.

Escobar just hasn't shown enough.

Schneider is better off getting regular reps, plus we need an OF

I think Roden makes the squad. He looks decent in ST, and is the 4th OF we need.

 

Injuries:

If D Jansen is injured to start the season, B Serven makes the team.

If an infielder gets injured, D Schneider makes the team.

If an SP is injured to start the season (other than A Manoah), P Espino makes the team.

If an OF is injured to start the season, I honestly have no idea who makes the team - maybe S Berroa?

[wilko]

You think Rodriguez is making the team? I think he will start in AAA to get some more work in. Edited March 20, 2024 by wilko

[Brownie19]

Rodriquez is almost certainly going to start in AAA. Also, Swanson is injured and probably starts the year on the IL. What an awful spring for Swanson! First his 4 year old son is hit and critically injured by a vehicle and now his forearm is strained. This could be a lost season for him unfortunately.

 

Cabrera, Pearson and Richards will all make the team.

[Laika]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Schneider

3B IKF

SS Bo

LF Varsho

CF KK

RF Springer

DH Turner

 

BN - Serven, Clement, Biggio, Vogelbach

 

SP - Berrios, Bassitt, Kikuchi, Gausman, Francis

 

RP - Garcia, Green, Mayza, Richards, Cabrera, White, Pearson, Pop

 

IL - Jansen, Romano, Swanson

IL or AAA - Manoah, Y. Rod

AAA - Votto, Lukes, Horwitz, Espinal, Parsons, Espino, Eduardo Escobar (or released)

 

 

There is no way Roden makes it. White is not getting cut.

I have no idea what they do with Schneider, Clement, Espinal, Vogelbach... actually, add Lukes to that. Any of these guys could be in or out.

[BTS]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Schneider

3B IKF

SS Bo

LF Varsho

CF KK

RF Springer

DH Turner

 

BN - Serven, Clement, Biggio, Vogelbach

 

SP - Berrios, Bassitt, Kikuchi, Gausman, Francis

 

RP - Garcia, Green, Mayza, Richards, Cabrera, White, Pearson, Pop

 

IL - Jansen, Romano, Swanson

IL or AAA - Manoah, Y. Rod

AAA - Votto, Lukes, Horwitz, Espinal, Parsons, Espino, Eduardo Escobar (or released)

 

 

There is no way Roden makes it. White is not getting cut.

I have no idea what they do with Schneider, Clement, Espinal, Vogelbach... actually, add Lukes to that. Any of these guys could be in or out.

 

I think this is exactly it

[AdamGreenwood]

I agree with Rodriguez starting in AAA. Didn't realize he had so few IP.

I was expecting Swanson to be back, but maybe not.

8 relievers seems like a lot.

We need a legit 4th outfielder when we carry Springer and KK. Not sure who it will be. Clement is more of an IF, so is Espinal. Who does that leave?

[deanmike]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bichette

LF Varsho

CF Kiermaier

RF Springer

DH Turner

Bench: Serven, Clement, Schneider, Lukes (until Votto says he's ready. I think Votto's flexibility with starting the season in the minors will push Vogelbach out. I doubt the Jays will guarantee 2M to Vogelbach just for Votto to inevitably take his spot for another guaranteed 2M.)

 

SP: Berrios, Bassitt, Francis, Kikuchi, Gausman

RP: Green, Garcia, Richards, Mayza, Cabrera, Pearson, Parsons, White

 

IL (not making any assumptions beyond what RosterResource says): Jansen, Romano, Swanson, Manoah (would be Buffalo bound even if healthy), Yariel (also Buffalo bound to start even if healthy)

[BTS]

I agree with Rodriguez starting in AAA. Didn't realize he had so few IP.

I was expecting Swanson to be back, but maybe not.

8 relievers seems like a lot.

We need a legit 4th outfielder when we carry Springer and KK. Not sure who it will be. Clement is more of an IF, so is Espinal. Who does that leave?

 

With Varsho able to back up CF, I think they're comfortable with Biggio and Maybe Clement as the 4th/5th OFs.

[Laika]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bichette

LF Varsho

CF Kiermaier

RF Springer

DH Turner

Bench: Serven, Clement, Schneider, Lukes (until Votto says he's ready. I think Votto's flexibility with starting the season in the minors will push Vogelbach out. I doubt the Jays will guarantee 2M to Vogelbach just for Votto to inevitably take his spot for another guaranteed 2M.)

 

SP: Berrios, Bassitt, Francis, Kikuchi, Gausman

RP: Green, Garcia, Richards, Mayza, Cabrera, Pearson, Parsons, White

 

IL (not making any assumptions beyond what RosterResource says): Jansen, Romano, Swanson, Manoah (would be Buffalo bound even if healthy), Yariel (also Buffalo bound to start even if healthy)

 

Good point on Votto vs Vogelbach

 

If Votto had called Ross earlier, they probably never even sign Vogelbach

 

Parsons in the pen might make sense. He has some stuff, so maybe he would be a better 1 inning reliever than Pop.

 

But then you have White and Parsons in the pen, not really getting or being stretched out... I suppose they could still get longer outings in if they follow Gausman while he is building up and Kikuchi or Francis who are 5 and dive types.

[deanmike]

With Varsho able to back up CF, I think they're comfortable with Biggio and Maybe Clement as the 4th/5th OFs.

 

Biggio is the backup RF against RHP.

 

People around the team have been saying Clement can cover the "LF against LHP starters" role, but I'll believe it when I see it. I'm still half expecting Clement to get snubbed (traded) so they can keep Espinal.

[deanmike]

Good point on Votto vs Vogelbach

 

If Votto had called Ross earlier, they probably never even sign Vogelbach

 

Parsons in the pen might make sense. He has some stuff, so maybe he would be a better 1 inning reliever than Pop.

 

But then you have White and Parsons in the pen, not really getting or being stretched out... I suppose they could still get longer outings in if they follow Gausman while he is building up and Kikuchi or Francis who are 5 and dive types.

 

Sherm was actually first to point this out (on this board at least). Gotta give credit where it's due, the logic just made sense.

 

I put Parsons on the roster instead of Pop because I think they might carry some extra length with Gausman and Mayza also being slow to build up, but so far it seems neither of them will need IL.

[Terminator]

Sherm was actually first to point this out (on this board at least). Gotta give credit where it's due, the logic just made sense.

 

Thanks Dean. It's no Swiss Chalet gift card but that was a nice gesture. Hopefully it's the first of many that I justifiably deserve after all the attacks you've thrown my way these past few weeks. Regardless, consider the hatchet buried.

 

And to add to the Vogelbach discussion, not only would they have to pay him, they'd have to clear ANOTHER 40-man spot for him. They already have to clear one for Serven and I'm scratching my head as to what they'll do there. Having to clear another one for Vogelbach seems really difficult.

 

I put Parsons on the roster instead of Pop because I think they might carry some extra length with Gausman and Mayza also being slow to build up, but so far it seems neither of them will need IL.

 

I agree with this. It's early in the year and some of these guys have been slowly ramping up. Adding another multi-inning guy could be helpful early on. And in the case where Parsons does throw 3+ innings they can just option him down for a fresh arm in Pop anyway.

[Terminator]

I wonder if Ross has a 60-day IL trick up his sleeve.

 

He could threaten to option Manoah again, thus screwing up his service time. The alternative for him would be that they could put him on the 60-day DL and he could accrue service time at least. I guess if s*** hits the fan in the next couple of months we might need him.

 

Another option is to put Zulu on the 60-day IL with a phantom injury. With the way he's throwing I don't think anyone would question if he's actually hurt or not.

[deanmike]

 

Does this guy have a point?

[deanmike]

I wonder if Ross has a 60-day IL trick up his sleeve.

 

He could threaten to option Manoah again, thus screwing up his service time. The alternative for him would be that they could put him on the 60-day DL and he could accrue service time at least. I guess if s*** hits the fan in the next couple of months we might need him.

 

Another option is to put Zulu on the 60-day IL with a phantom injury. With the way he's throwing I don't think anyone would question if he's actually hurt or not.

 

Manoah I think could be a real phantom 60 day possibility.

 

Zulu I doubt, because they could have done it last season in August too, but chose not to.

[Sorrow]

C. Kirk

1B. Guerrero Jr

2B. Biggio

3B. IKF

SS. Bichette

LF. Varsho

CF. KK

RF. Springer

DH. Turner

 

Bench

Clement - Util

Severn - C

Schneider - 2B/LF (Platooning with Biggio and KK)

Vogelbach

 

SP

Gausman

Berrios

Bassit

Kikuchi

Francis

 

BP

White

Parsons

Garcia

Cabrera

Mayza

Richards

Green

Pearson

 

 

Rotation and bullpen are just as they came to me not in any particular order.

 

IL: Romano, Swanson, Jansen and Manoah who will be a 60 day IL placement as I don't even think he's throwing and this opens the 40 man roster spot for Vogelbach or Severn. I think we also see Espinal traded before opening day for either an A ball prospect with a moderate amount of potential or cash to free up the salary space and 40 man roster spot.

 

As an edit I would not be surprised to see Turner starting games at 2B with Vogelbach DHing if it's against a pitcher he has a history of success with before Turner is subbed out after getting 3 at bats for a defensive replacement.

[Terminator]

Espinal traded to the Reds! Problems solved.

[Stangstag]

 

Does this guy have a point?

 

Yes. Im confused at the front office’s absolute refusal to use Varsho as an occasional backup C.

 

Point is moot now though, Espinal just got traded

[Stangstag]

Espinal traded to the Reds! Problems solved.

 

Yeah thank god. Party at Clement’s apartment tonight

[Terminator]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bichette

LF Varsho

CF Kiermaier

RF Springer

DH Turner

Bench: Serven, Clement, Schneider, Lukes (until Votto says he's ready. I think Votto's flexibility with starting the season in the minors will push Vogelbach out. I doubt the Jays will guarantee 2M to Vogelbach just for Votto to inevitably take his spot for another guaranteed 2M.)

 

SP: Berrios, Bassitt, Francis, Kikuchi, Gausman

RP: Green, Garcia, Richards, Mayza, Cabrera, Pearson, Parsons, White

 

IL (not making any assumptions beyond what RosterResource says): Jansen, Romano, Swanson, Manoah (would be Buffalo bound even if healthy), Yariel (also Buffalo bound to start even if healthy)

 

With Espinal gone I think this is likely to be the squad.

[Jimcanuck]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bo

LF Varsho

CF KK

RF Springer

DH Turner

 

BN - Serven, Clement, Schneider, Votto

 

SP - Berrios, Bassitt, Kikuchi, Gausman, Francis

 

RP - Garcia, Green, Mayza, Richards, Cabrera, White, Pearson, Pop

 

IL - Jansen, Romano, Swanson

 

 

Votto has plenty of time to get ready

[Terminator]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bo

LF Varsho

CF KK

RF Springer

DH Turner

 

BN - Serven, Clement, Schneider, Votto

 

SP - Berrios, Bassitt, Kikuchi, Gausman, Francis

 

RP - Garcia, Green, Mayza, Richards, Cabrera, White, Pearson, Pop

 

IL - Jansen, Romano, Swanson

 

 

Votto has plenty of time to get ready

 

I basically agree with that but if they wait a week or two someone might hit the 60 day DL and then they don't have to cut anyone for Votto.

[The_DH]

I'm still thinking an outside catcher could come in if its just for a game or two. I'm guessing they will want to clear the 40 man spot of whichever catcher covers the first games and may not want to lose Severn/Payton. Same thing with a right handed outfielder might get cut loose by another team and effectively replace Schneider who hasn't had a great looking spring.

[glory]

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio

3B IKF

SS Bichette

LF Varsho

CF Kiermaier

RF Springer

DH Turner

Bench: Serven, Clement, Schneider, Lukes (until Votto says he's ready. I think Votto's flexibility with starting the season in the minors will push Vogelbach out. I doubt the Jays will guarantee 2M to Vogelbach just for Votto to inevitably take his spot for another guaranteed 2M.)

 

SP: Berrios, Bassitt, Francis, Kikuchi, Gausman

RP: Green, Garcia, Richards, Mayza, Cabrera, Pearson, Parsons, White

 

IL (not making any assumptions beyond what RosterResource says): Jansen, Romano, Swanson, Manoah (would be Buffalo bound even if healthy), Yariel (also Buffalo bound to start even if healthy)

 

Yeah this looks like the most likely roster heading into the season now that Espinal has been traded.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Good thing the Jays have lots of pitching depth.

 

Going to test it right away with the #1 starter, closer and 8th inning setup guy possibly not being ready for opening day.

[John_Havok]

Good thing the Jays have lots of pitching depth.

 

Going to test it right away with the #1 starter, closer and 8th inning setup guy possibly not being ready for opening day.

 

Yimi, Green and Mayza(i assume... havent heard jack about him being taken out with low velo the other day) will still be there, that's still pretty damn good for 7,8 and 9 (not in that order, just saying) in the absence of Swanson and Romano, if they do indeed start the season on the shelf.

Edited March 21, 2024 by John_Havok

[Spanky99]

To start the year...

 

C Kirk

1B Vlad

2B Biggio/Schneider

3B IKF

SS Bo

LF Varsho

CF KK

RF Springer

DH Turner

 

BN - Serven, Clement, Biggio/Schneider, Lukes

 

SP - Berrios, Bassitt, Kikuchi, Francis, Gausman

RP - Garcia, Green, Mayza, Richards, Cabrera, White, Pearson, Pop(maybe, Parsons?)

 

IL - Jansen, Romano, Swanson(maybe?)

 

I find it rather simple now that Espy was moved, I wish that guy well.

 

ETA; Vogelbach out, and Lukes in till Votto's ready.

Edited March 21, 2024 by Spanky99

[John_Havok]

I still don't see how the lineup construction will be overly threatening from the LH hitters initially. Varsho is probably the biggest threat with the bat power-wise and he wont hit higher than...5th?

 

Springer

Bo

Vlad

Turner

 

seems to be the defacto top 4 regardless of RHP or LHP.

 

Against RHP the rest of the lineup would probably be...

 

Varsho

Kirk or Jansen

Kiermaier

IKF

Biggio

 

Even if Vogelbach makes the team as the bench DH initially, does he start at DH for every game against RHP in the cleanup spot or just be a pinch hitter late in games for whomever is catching that day or IKF? Does he get a shot to PH for Turner more often than not, or.. does Turner get yanked in every late/close situation if he has to face a RHP? If he's just a PH threat, is he really worth carrying for a few weeks?

[Spanky99]

Rodriquez is almost certainly going to start in AAA. Also, Swanson is injured and probably starts the year on the IL. What an awful spring for Swanson! First his 4 year old son is hit and critically injured by a vehicle and now his forearm is strained. This could be a lost season for him unfortunately.

 

Cabrera, Pearson and Richards will all make the team.

 

Jays only backed both him and Romano off for a few days, if they start out on the IL, it would be minimal I believe.

[Spanky99]

I agree with Rodriguez starting in AAA. Didn't realize he had so few IP.

I was expecting Swanson to be back, but maybe not.

8 relievers seems like a lot.

We need a legit 4th outfielder when we carry Springer and KK. Not sure who it will be. Clement is more of an IF, so is Espinal. Who does that leave?

 

Schneider and Lukes, Biggio in RF.

Edited March 21, 2024 by Spanky99