sdyment

Travis from Fangraphs... http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/sunday-notes-perkins-varvaro-travis-in-toronto-dozier-ducks-much-more/ When the Blue Jays acquired Devon Travis from Detroit in November, in exchange for Anthony Gose, a lot of people asked “Devon who?” An updated answer to that question is imminent. Barring a curious decision from John Gibbons, Travis will break camp as Toronto’s starting second baseman. The right-handed hitter has been a line-drive machine since the Tigers took him in the 13th round of the 2012 draft out of Florida State. He has a .323/.388/.487 slash line in 257 minor-league games, and 16 hits in 47 at bats this spring. Gibbons describes him as having “a great swing – a short stroke – (with) a great idea up there.” The Toronto skipper also lauds his defense, saying the 24-year-old “can flat out play.” Travis credits tough love from his initial club for his developmental strides. “That was a first-class organization, top to bottom” Travis told me. “Bruce Fields, the hitting coordinator; and Kevin (Bradshaw), the infield instructor, were great. Every single day they were on me. At first I was like, ‘Man, do these guys even like me?’ But looking back, I’m thankful for everything they did.” Travis said he wasn’t pushed into making adjustments, nor was he prodded to turn weaknesses into strengths. The primary message was to, “turn my strengths into bigger strengths.” His most notable change was self-driven, and came after instructional league following short-season ball. “I dropped my hands and stood a little more upright,” explained Travis. “I’d never felt fully comfortable with my stance. I’d kind of felt like a machine, and in pro ball, with pitchers throwing harder with all this movement, it’s tougher to be a machine. You need to have a fluid motion.” The Blue Jays are mirroring the Tigers’ approach with regard to fine-tuning his game. For the most part, they’re telling him to “just keep doing what (he’s) been doing.” So far, that means maintaining a gap-to-gap approach and getting on base at a regular clip. And while he’s a not a bopper, he does have some pop. Travis has 26 home runs over his two full seasons of pro ball. Travis admitted to feeling pressure early in spring training. Not to make the club, but simply to prove to his new organization that he belongs. The result was a slow start – “I was pressing, trying to do more than I should have, instead of just having fun” – but he righted the ship pretty quickly. Now, thanks to a fortuitous trade, he’s on track to make his big-league debut on opening day. “If I were still with the Tigers, I wouldn’t have this opportunity,” said Travis. “They have Ian Kinsler at second base, and he’s a really good player. Nothing against Detroit, but I’m really thankful to be getting this chance.” ——

Opening day must be getting close... Two GDT's lol

Any TV today?

Just saw a tweet that Michael Taylor retired. Just another prospect sold high for AA it would seem. Give him credit - aside from Gomes, traded prospects to this point have not been overly successful with their new organizations. We'll see this year with Synd, D'arnaud, handsome Jake, etc...

Didn't see this posted. http://capitaljays.com/2015/03/10/capital-retrospection-the-j-a-happ-trade-july-2012/

One word. Deeeeeeeep....

What's our options? Pillar... And... Who's still a FA? Is there anything good left?

1.45M. Should buy us a reliever, no?

I keep forgetting about Hoffman!! Good choice...

Infant's numbers jumped LARGE last season... hmmm I guess I was referring to Jays' drafted prospects jumping multiple levels to start opening day 2016. Very unlikely to happen again, but it gives us a reason to talk about baseball. Only a couple of weeks to go now!!!!

On that note then, who are your long shots (yet somewhat realistic) to break camp in 2016? Pentecost for backup C? Maybe that's not long enough odds... Dwight Smith Jr? Vladdy Jr? OK...maybe too optimistic

I always had a hunch that AA's intention all along was to wait until ST and pick up a bargain based on what was left. I guess we'll find out soon.

With Beest gone, AA's cheerleader will no longer be there. Anything could happen, but a promotion seems less likely.

Barring a prospect heavy trade, this organization is on the verge of producing great rookies every season. Those JP years really took a toll... So this is how the other half lives... I like it! "A healthy Jeff Hoffman could out-pitch both Sanchez and Norris".... ^^ "Dwight Smith, OF, Grade B-: Age 22, continues steady development, hit .284/.364/.453 with 12 homers, 15 steals, 58 walks, just 69 strikeouts in 472 at-bats in pro-pitching Florida State League" Is Smith the correct age for his level? Just wondering how to take these numbers...?

Safe to say the hijacked thread just got rejacked...

"Mexican weed, the best." British Columbia says hello

Some info... http://andrewstoeten.com/2014/12/10/jays-have-interest-japanese-infielder-but-not-the-one-you-think/

A few years ago, someone from here was there hitting up the job fair. Just curious who it was and wanted an update on your burgeoning MLB FO career...

I know AA loves his relievers, but I think Navarro+ nets us something more significant. Some GM will love Navarros power and the ninja will strike again... Just a hunch...

I think this is my favourite thread of all year 😃😃😃😃😃

Apparently no one at Sportsnet.ca has heard about this yet. TSN.ca is front page.

I remember Chili fro his playing days, and I suspect that he may not be the most humble, soft spoken fella around...

Rogers really must want to change their image. Maybe they've been reading the board...

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/sunday-notes-winter-dealings-chili-on-donaldson-lincecum-uncoiling-umpire-aggression-much-more/ Interesting info. Sounds like a simple personality conflict. Also Masterson is mentioned as well and doesn't seem to be any interest in him. What's his story? He used to be a stud!

I was walking to work at 6am and I saw the Sun paper box being filled and the front page that it contained... That's how u found those things out then 😉