Chappy

As per Mlbtraderumors.com: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/blue-jays-have-discussed-signing-russell-martin.html The Blue Jays have had internal discussions about signing free agent catcher Russell Martin, Sportsnet.ca’s Jeff Blair reports. Needless to say, the Jays would have to outbid several teams in order to secure Martin, who is easily the top catcher on the open market. The Jays haven’t made any significant payroll expenditures in almost two years, though they’re trying to create some payroll flexibility in order to make some moves this winter, as evidenced by their trade of Adam Lind. With Martin a sure bet to receive a qualifying offer from the Pirates, the Jays would also have to give up their first-round draft pick (18th overall) as compensation for the signing. While surrendering a first-rounder would represent a shift in Toronto’s front office philosophy, the Blue Jays could get another draft pick back (between the first and second rounds) should Melky Cabrera sign elsewhere this offseason. Toronto already has Dioner Navarro under contract for one more season, though if Martin signed, Blair notes that Navarro would be shifted into a DH role. One would think Navarro wouldn’t be the primary DH and would split time between that spot and a backup catcher role, though that also raises the possibility that the Jays would part ways with current backup Josh Thole (whose option was picked up for 2015). Since Thole’s primary role with the Jays has been to catch for R.A. Dickey, his future with the team could depend on how well Martin or Navarro could handle the knuckleball. With Navarro already slated to start, the Jays were an off-the-board contender for Martin and thus not cited by MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes in his Top 50 Free Agent Predictions. Dierkes predicted Martin would sign the Cubs, with the Pirates and Dodgers also standing out as likely bidders.

You grouped Nolin, Norris, Drabek, Jenkins and Estrada together? One of these doesn't belong.

Thanks, gotta switch off my iPad to my laptop and give this a try.

Another game that's not on one of my channels. f***ing blood sucking cable/satellite providers.

I don't question the potential, I'm more concerned about the walks. Once he gets a shot in the rotation it's not unreasonable to think his walk rate will take a big jump considering where it was in the minors. Hopefully his time in the pen helped him understand the value of his stuff.

One year of Kendrick in a supposed contending year is worth it IMO. I'm not that high on Sanchez anyways. I think he will be an alright SP, but not a 1/2.

Another trade almost has to happen I think. Right now we have the following rotational depth: Dickey, Buehrle, Stroman, Hutch, Happ, Estrada, Hendricks, Sanchez, Nolin, and Norris. I'm not sure if I left anyone else out, but I think rotation wise we are in great shape and could definitely part with one arm now. Maybe even two if we get an upgrade to the rotation.

You have it backwards. Anyways, I'm not interested in this so let's let it go. Sound fair?

Great response. Another Gruber classic.

Look at my post count and say that with a straight face. You talk a big game and run away when people challenge your ridiculous opinions.

Gose is a platoon player.

At this point add Asdrubal, add a solid RP and find a legit CF and I think this team contends for the division.

Asdrubal would be a welcome addition.

Way too early considering Melky could be back and he isn't that difficult to replace.

AA will despair us all into loving his ungodly platoons.

It's either that or EE at DH and Smoak at 1B. Considering we have too many guys right now, I doubt it's not one or the either.

Mayberry/Francisco platoon anyone?

A platoon in LF could easily replace Melky. He isn't as valuable as you think.

Rasmus was a hole this season, so him leaving doesn't change anything. Melky leaving will hurt, but he will be replaced one way or another. I'm ok with the way things have gone so far the more I think about it. If AA can find a legitimate starter at 3B or 2B, things start to look pretty darn good IMO.

The fact that AA has been really active early on is a decent sign that he may be aggressive in moving this team forward this winter. I would be shocked if we don't see one sizeable upgrade in the infield (2B or 3B) and one other major upgrade in the OF or rotation.

The reality is this trade doesn't hurt the team as much as many of us are making it out to be. AA now has some excellent rotational depth and saved a small but not insignificant amount of payroll in the process. He now has the luxury of dealing a SP without creating a hole.

Yappers not willing to back up the talk it seems.

I wish we could give negative thanks.

Easily.

Man I wish I could watch this game. f***ing BS.