I was typing when you responded. Not only do the Jays have low current salary commitments, the owners probably have not been hit as hard as other MLB owners. Jays are in a unique position.
Jays being owned by a large telecommunications giant / broadcaster has probably insured it to some extent against COVID cashflow impacts. If anything, telecommunications have grown in value during the pandemic.
As it looks like something like a full season is in the works for 2021, Rogers may well be willing to spend to improve the on-field and more importantly the TV product.
These costs are not typically included in big league roster player salary totals. And weren't included in the previous high of $140M of a few years ago.
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/payroll/
Really? Jays payroll is currently $70M including Gurriel's $4M. Picking up Wong, Springer, Lindor would increase it to ~$125M. Still some room to spend on pitchers or trade prospects for current MLB pitchers in their arb years.
I doubt after picking up Lindor and Springer, Shatkins will waste the first few years of their service by fielding a s***** pitching staff.
Some defensive weakness..... this is what I like
Lindor SS
Biggio LF
Bichette 3B
Springer CF
Guerrero Jr 1B
Hernandez / Tellez DH
Grichuk RF
Jansen C
Wong 2B
Hernandez getting time in the OF, Tellez at 1B, Biggio at 2B, Bichette at SS, Vlad at 3B, but the above is offensively and defensively an incredible group
Neither Drury or McKinney were ever FV 50, and never sniffed a top 100 - these guys have always been projected as bench players. Whereas Jansen peaked in the 50-75 range of top 100.
I wouldn't mind taking a flyer on Franco if I'm the O's, Brewers, Pirates or some other team like that, but not the Jays. Jays have other players they would rather give those reps to.
Let's see which version of Roark shows up. If he puts in the work this offseason and at ST, and he might, to secure another FA contract after the season, he could be serviceable as a 5th starter.
There is no need to get rid of any of LGJ, Teo, or Grichuk if one of those players are added. Plenty of at bats to go around even if no one gets injured.
He would be a 1B, 3B, DH... probably not many games at 3B, 30 maybe? I'm sure there will be times when Vlad at 3B, Rowdy at 1B, Teoscar at DH will make sense.
Vlad being in shape would do more at the plate than in the field, in any event.
There already are tax incentives for business investment. There shouldn't be anything additional given to Rogers. Keep the playing field level and all that.
Actually there is a multiplier effect from road construction. The workers are usually local and the materials etc are locally sourced to minimize transport costs. It results in a significant influx of cash into the local community, and the new improved roads generate business investment in the area.
Anyway, if a new stadium is economically viable, Rogers will build it. If it is only viable with millions of free tax money thrown in, forget it. Spend those tax millions on other things for public benefit instead of for Rogers Corp benefit.
Historically using tax dollars for sports stadiums has generally been a f***ing boondoggle.