General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2025)

[glory]

Crazy to think that if the Jays had just won 1 of the games against the Angels that they blew late, then they would have been in a playoff spot right now. Doesn't feel that way given how they've played most of the season. The AL has no great teams, and only a couple of truly bad teams, so it's really wide open. 

[BB17]

Jays are doing another renovation of the TD clubs in the 200 level for next year. So I think its safe to say Shapiro will at least be here another season if he hasn't signed a contract already. 

Tickets are going to be like $250-$300 a seat and you have to sign 3/5 year contracts. I guess its good for revenue but I'll tell you the atmosphere in the ballpark so far this year has been pretty weak. A side effect of all these fancy clubs/general seating areas is there's a ton of people who just aren't watching the game at all. Its really only until there are 2 outs in the 9th that the crowd seems to get involved in the game and even then its nothing like it is across other baseball markets.

[jaysblue]

2 hours ago, Laika said:

Ah yes the two faceless bargain bin AAA lefties who never should have been on the team, why are they getting innings over Chad Green, why are they facing tough lefties like Soto - Grant

At least he doesn't flip flop all the time like you do. 

[Laika]

Oh he flips and he flops, it just looks different. 

Rather than being cute, ironic, carefree, and whimsical about the unpredictable nature of life and the necessity of adapting our opinions and conceptions over time while being intentionally hard to pin down for comedic internet effect (like me), Grant77 just denies having ever been wrong about a single thing - he'll rewrite history to look impeccable even if to himself only. 

[Masterbather]

Bullpen overall has definitely been a nice surprise. When Sandlin returns it'll be even deeper. Tons of strikeout stuff in the pen and that's been a real problem in recent years.

Starting pitching is still up and down, depth isn't great right now. 

Offense has been looking better, Vlad is still frustrating to watch even though he's hitting okay. If Springer can keep it going and if Kirk has suddenly remembered how to hit again it will be huge for this team. Barger is a key player suddenly. Toolsy. What's real and sustainable and what's not I don't know but his potential can really lengthen the lineup and boost the offense. Kid has big dick energy.

[Brownie19]

2 hours ago, BB17 said:

Jays are doing another renovation of the TD clubs in the 200 level for next year. So I think its safe to say Shapiro will at least be here another season if he hasn't signed a contract already. 

Tickets are going to be like $250-$300 a seat and you have to sign 3/5 year contracts. I guess its good for revenue but I'll tell you the atmosphere in the ballpark so far this year has been pretty weak. A side effect of all these fancy clubs/general seating areas is there's a ton of people who just aren't watching the game at all. Its really only until there are 2 outs in the 9th that the crowd seems to get involved in the game and even then its nothing like it is across other baseball markets.

Interesting observation.  I've been to several games since the reno's and thought the atmosphere was really good.  I've only been to 1 game this year and I was in a box, so my experience was different obviously.  There were 26K people in attendance and the Jays played great with a couple late inning runs to seal the victory.  I thought the place had a good vibe.

Overall, I think reno's to create "general" areas for people to hangout and be social are positive.  Yes, most of the people in those areas aren't watching the game, but having them in the building alone helps.  Personally, I'm often frustrated at games when I'm sitting around people who aren't engaged in the game - loud, obnoxious, drunk, constantly leaving their seats.  I'm all for giving them a place to go and hang out with others who want to experience the game in that manner.  And of course I've been "part of that crowd" at games myself (especially when travelling to other ball parks where I have no rooting interest).  I don't want to be cramped up in seats surrounded by kids/families myself.

The reality is stadiums really only need a certain number of seats for people who are really interested in watching the game.  After that, it's wasted space and you're better off diversifying the experience to draw in more casual fans or just people looking for somewhere to hang out before a night on the town.

I don't love seeing the super expensive seats full of rich snobs who miss half the game because of "business" and other BS either - but it's reality unfortunately.  Almost everyone in baseball is following the same pattern - likely because it gives you the best returns.  As long as Rogers is making top dollar and re-investing it into our payroll - I'm cool with it.

[Brownie19]

48 minutes ago, jaysblue said:

At least he doesn't flip flop all the time like you do. 

[G-Snarls]

4 hours ago, Masterbather said:

Bullpen overall has definitely been a nice surprise. When Sandlin returns it'll be even deeper. Tons of strikeout stuff in the pen and that's been a real problem in recent years.

Starting pitching is still up and down, depth isn't great right now. 

Offense has been looking better, Vlad is still frustrating to watch even though he's hitting okay. If Springer can keep it going and if Kirk has suddenly remembered how to hit again it will be huge for this team. Barger is a key player suddenly. Toolsy. What's real and sustainable and what's not I don't know but his potential can really lengthen the lineup and boost the offense. Kid has big dick energy.

Agree on all counts

They really REALLY needed someone amongst Barger, Clement, Schneider, Roden, Wagner et al to step up and deliver.  They couldn't all be AAAA depth guys - that's not good enough with the holes on this team. And they can't afford or attract well enough anyway to fill every hole through free agency.  

[hanton]

Berroa to the Dodgers for cash considerations, probably just a depth move - with teo, edman on the IL and Outman and Conforto sucking.

[jaysblue]

Don't want to make it sound like I'm complaining, though the cost of Jays tickets especially good seats have noticeably increased over the years. 

For example, $419 for a single ticket in Section 22, Row 4 for Wednesday's night game. Section 122 and other 100 sections around the infield which are the upper levels of the 100 level are $120. TD Zone are $144 which aren't bad considering the cost of other tickets. I guess for the good seats it's best to check the resale market like SeatGeek or StubHub before the game. 

From 2009 to 2011, I was purchasing 25 games from a season ticket holder who had seats second row behind the away dugout. Was paying $100 each game for two seats, so for 25 games was $2500. As well, was allowed to trade in tickets to the box office and they would give me similar seats if available nearby for other games, which was really cool. Just remember during that time premium infield seats would run around $120-150 or so from the box office. Not anymore haha. 

Overall, Jays are still probably the most affordable ticket in town to go see a professional sports team. 500 levels are always around $30-40 and can still purchase some 100 level outfield seats for around $70-90. Whereas before could get a 500 level for like $12-15 each or a 100 level outfield for around $30 haha. 

 

[G-Snarls]

1 hour ago, jaysblue said:

Don't want to make it sound like I'm complaining, though the cost of Jays tickets especially good seats have noticeably increased over the years. 

For example, $419 for a single ticket in Section 22, Row 4 for Wednesday's night game. Section 122 and other 100 sections around the infield which are the upper levels of the 100 level are $120. TD Zone are $144 which aren't bad considering the cost of other tickets. I guess for the good seats it's best to check the resale market like SeatGeek or StubHub before the game. 

From 2009 to 2011, I was purchasing 25 games from a season ticket holder who had seats second row behind the away dugout. Was paying $100 each game for two seats, so for 25 games was $2500. As well, was allowed to trade in tickets to the box office and they would give me similar seats if available nearby for other games, which was really cool. Just remember during that time premium infield seats would run around $120-150 or so from the box office. Not anymore haha. 

Overall, Jays are still probably the most affordable ticket in town to go see a professional sports team. 500 levels are always around $30-40 and can still purchase some 100 level outfield seats for around $70-90. Whereas before could get a 500 level for like $12-15 each or a 100 level outfield for around $30 haha. 

 

How much for Leafs and Raptors these days?

[jaysblue]

18 minutes ago, G-Snarls said:

How much for Leafs and Raptors these days?

Even worse haha.

Raptors prices are crazy expensive considering how bad they've been, though can always find cheaper seats on TM Resale or StubHub. Leafs will always be expensive and a hot item. MLSE could charge whatever they want and Leafs fans will pay. 

Ticket prices in Toronto overall are very expensive, whether for sports or concerts, in comparison to certain cities in the US. 

[Stangstag]

1 hour ago, jaysblue said:

Don't want to make it sound like I'm complaining, though the cost of Jays tickets especially good seats have noticeably increased over the years. 

For example, $419 for a single ticket in Section 22, Row 4 for Wednesday's night game. Section 122 and other 100 sections around the infield which are the upper levels of the 100 level are $120. TD Zone are $144 which aren't bad considering the cost of other tickets. I guess for the good seats it's best to check the resale market like SeatGeek or StubHub before the game. 

From 2009 to 2011, I was purchasing 25 games from a season ticket holder who had seats second row behind the away dugout. Was paying $100 each game for two seats, so for 25 games was $2500. As well, was allowed to trade in tickets to the box office and they would give me similar seats if available nearby for other games, which was really cool. Just remember during that time premium infield seats would run around $120-150 or so from the box office. Not anymore haha. 

Overall, Jays are still probably the most affordable ticket in town to go see a professional sports team. 500 levels are always around $30-40 and can still purchase some 100 level outfield seats for around $70-90. Whereas before could get a 500 level for like $12-15 each or a 100 level outfield for around $30 haha. 

 

You love complaining, what do you mean lol

Also its very very cheap to just buy tix on Stubhub. Regularly low 20s for decent 500 tickets. I get 1st row seats in 200s near the foul line for $30 frequently 

[Stangstag]

1 minute ago, jaysblue said:

Even worse haha.

Raptors prices are crazy expensive considering how bad they've been, though can always find cheaper seats on TM Resale or StubHub. Leafs will always be expensive and a hot item. MLSE could charge whatever they want and Leafs fans will pay. 

Ticket prices in Toronto overall are very expensive, whether for sports or concerts, in comparison to certain cities in the US. 

Certain cities? Which cities? Certainly not NY, LA, Boston, etc. Which are comparables to Toronto.

[jaysblue]

12 minutes ago, Stangstag said:

You love complaining, what do you mean lol

Also its very very cheap to just buy tix on Stubhub. Regularly low 20s for decent 500 tickets. I get 1st row seats in 200s near the foul line for $30 frequently 

Yeah best to buy Jays tickets off SeatGeek or StubHub the day of the game. 

[BB17]

4 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

Interesting observation.  I've been to several games since the reno's and thought the atmosphere was really good.  I've only been to 1 game this year and I was in a box, so my experience was different obviously.  There were 26K people in attendance and the Jays played great with a couple late inning runs to seal the victory.  I thought the place had a good vibe.

Overall, I think reno's to create "general" areas for people to hangout and be social are positive.  Yes, most of the people in those areas aren't watching the game, but having them in the building alone helps.  Personally, I'm often frustrated at games when I'm sitting around people who aren't engaged in the game - loud, obnoxious, drunk, constantly leaving their seats.  I'm all for giving them a place to go and hang out with others who want to experience the game in that manner.  And of course I've been "part of that crowd" at games myself (especially when travelling to other ball parks where I have no rooting interest).  I don't want to be cramped up in seats surrounded by kids/families myself.

The reality is stadiums really only need a certain number of seats for people who are really interested in watching the game.  After that, it's wasted space and you're better off diversifying the experience to draw in more casual fans or just people looking for somewhere to hang out before a night on the town.

I don't love seeing the super expensive seats full of rich snobs who miss half the game because of "business" and other BS either - but it's reality unfortunately.  Almost everyone in baseball is following the same pattern - likely because it gives you the best returns.  As long as Rogers is making top dollar and re-investing it into our payroll - I'm cool with it.

The last part you hit the nail on the head. All sports teams do not give a s*** about the fans, they are all about money. They might give the illusion of “caring” but the reality is they want fans to think they care so they spend money. Every finance department in sports would take 5% more money if the trade off was a stadium that was going to be 70% full instead of 100%. 
 

All these venues go “cashless”and mobile only when covid began citing health reasons when it’s complete ********. They just want all customer information and then sell it to other companies. 
 

As for the stadium atmosphere I’ve been probably 10 times this year and I’d say it’s certainly weaker than it’s been in past. The biggest thing though when you compare it to other stadiums is jays fans really only cheer right after something happens instead of the anticipation of something happening. You’d like to think the crowds get better as we get into summer.

[jaysblue]

12 minutes ago, Stangstag said:

Certain cities? Which cities? Certainly not NY, LA, Boston, etc. Which are comparables to Toronto.

I went to see the Leafs play the Kings in January 2024 and got seats like 10 rows up from the glass near the Leafs bench for like around $180 USD each off StubHub. Couldn't do that in Toronto. Also, remember seeing the Leafs in Boston on a Saturday night and paid around $150 USD and was 5 rows behind the glass/goalie.

Also, last June saw the Red Sox at Fenway against the Tigers. Got seats in Sec F54 Row B for $80 USD each for a Friday night game off StubHub.

Prices in other big US cities like Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Tampa, Atlanta are cheaper. 

Going to see Ricky Gervais this August in Montreal since tickets were half the cost they were in Toronto. Got lower bowls for $250 on a Saturday night at the Bell Centre, whereas in Toronto they were around $500-600 each on TicketMaster for similar seats on the Thursday.

 

[BB17]

2 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Don't want to make it sound like I'm complaining, though the cost of Jays tickets especially good seats have noticeably increased over the years. 

For example, $419 for a single ticket in Section 22, Row 4 for Wednesday's night game. Section 122 and other 100 sections around the infield which are the upper levels of the 100 level are $120. TD Zone are $144 which aren't bad considering the cost of other tickets. I guess for the good seats it's best to check the resale market like SeatGeek or StubHub before the game. 

From 2009 to 2011, I was purchasing 25 games from a season ticket holder who had seats second row behind the away dugout. Was paying $100 each game for two seats, so for 25 games was $2500. As well, was allowed to trade in tickets to the box office and they would give me similar seats if available nearby for other games, which was really cool. Just remember during that time premium infield seats would run around $120-150 or so from the box office. Not anymore haha. 

Overall, Jays are still probably the most affordable ticket in town to go see a professional sports team. 500 levels are always around $30-40 and can still purchase some 100 level outfield seats for around $70-90. Whereas before could get a 500 level for like $12-15 each or a 100 level outfield for around $30 haha. 

 

The Jays like many teams in baseball over inflate their “ticketmaster” prices meanwhile will sell thousands of tickets to a company to sell on the secondary market for 20% of the cost. Super sleezy ethics which also undercut their own season ticket holders but according to their financials that’s how they make the most money so that’s the process. 

35 minutes ago, jaysblue said:

Even worse haha.

Raptors prices are crazy expensive considering how bad they've been, though can always find cheaper seats on TM Resale or StubHub. Leafs will always be expensive and a hot item. MLSE could charge whatever they want and Leafs fans will pay. 

Ticket prices in Toronto overall are very expensive, whether for sports or concerts, in comparison to certain cities in the US. 

I wouldn’t even say it’s Leafs fans will pay anything, more it’s corporations will pay it because they get a tax write off. A pair of golds for the leafs now cost like 30k for the season. No average fan is paying that lol or even rich fan I should say. If the Government ever got rid of the entertainment expense these teams would be in big trouble.
 

I bet you season ticket holders that sold their tickets for game 1 of the second round lost money on their seats.

[G-Snarls]

Tigers pounded the Red Sox 14-2 today

Only 0.5 games between Jays and Sox now

We COULD pass them in the AL East standings this week if things go well

[Grant77]

5 minutes ago, G-Snarls said:

Tigers pounded the Red Sox 14-2 today

Only 0.5 games between Jays and Sox now

We COULD pass them in the AL East standings this week if things go well

I expected us to be 3rd and them 5th, so that isn't particularly surprising.

[IrishCanuck]

[Laika]

Jake Bloss elbow surgery sigh 

[Big_Walleye]

The Jays might as well have set fire to the first 3.5 million of Scherzer's contract.  I'm guessing they'll be setting fire to the other 12 or so by season's end.  What a waste of money!  And people thought Straw would be a waste!!

[Stangstag]

2 hours ago, Big_Walleye said:

The Jays might as well have set fire to the first 3.5 million of Scherzer's contract.  I'm guessing they'll be setting fire to the other 12 or so by season's end.  What a waste of money!  And people thought Straw would be a waste!!

If he pitches just August-September-October its worth it

[jaysblue]

8 hours ago, Stangstag said:

If he pitches just August-September-October its worth it

Also, got to hope Jays are playing meaningful games during that time for it to be worth it! 

[Masterbather]

It's weird with Hoffman, he's pretty much absolute nails except for three games in which he pitched only 1/3 of an inning and gave up 3 runs, 3 runs and now 5 runs.

It's like he's either got it or he doesn't got it but when he doesn't have it he really doesn't have it and when he has it he's almost untouchable.

That they've been three of his last five outings might be concerning. But he was f***ing dominant in the other two.

[Orgfiller]

I feel like it's kind of going under the radar that Daulton Varsho hit his two hardest batted balls of his career last night. He doesn't qualify yet, and there's some aspect of SSS going on right now, but he's absolutely crushing the ball. His savant page is dead red for all the "hitting the ball well" metrics.

It should be no surprise that the team has turned around its power input the moment he was back in the lineup. Barger, Bo, Ernie have all been hitting for XBHs with a far greater frequency. If only Vlad (and Santander if he could hit at all) could get the memo.

[Orgfiller]

Speaking of Ernie Clement, with his 2 XBH game from last night, he is now up to an 89 wRC+ with elite defense at 3B and 2B. Feels like he was being dragged down by Wagner's pool noodle bat, and seeing some competition from Barger has brought him alive. BS last sentence aside, he's at 0.7 WAR and trending upwards.

[max silver]

2 hours ago, Orgfiller said:

I feel like it's kind of going under the radar that Daulton Varsho hit his two hardest batted balls of his career last night. He doesn't qualify yet, and there's some aspect of SSS going on right now, but he's absolutely crushing the ball. His savant page is dead red for all the "hitting the ball well" metrics.

It should be no surprise that the team has turned around its power input the moment he was back in the lineup. Barger, Bo, Ernie have all been hitting for XBHs with a far greater frequency. Of only Vlad (and Santander if he could hit at all) could get the memo.

I was a little concerned about how the shoulder surgery was going to effect Varsho at the plate, but he's come back swinging the bat harder than ever as a Blue Jay at 75.7 MPH average up to this point of the season.

[Orgfiller]

18 minutes ago, max silver said:

I was a little concerned about how the shoulder surgery was going to effect Varsho at the plate, but he's come back swinging the bat harder than ever as a Blue Jay at 75.7 MPH average up to this point of the season.

Rare instance of "healthiest he's ever felt" potentially actually being true. Perhaps the shoulder issue had been holding him back? Who knows. You can fake SSS performance noise but straight up hitting the ball harder, especially at top end velos, is no fluke.