jaysblue

I remember in April there were some games where the Jays had some gutsy wins and pulled out wins in games they had no business of winning. I said in one of the threads that these are exactly the types of games this team to needs to win. Gave me a sense this season was going to be different. Crazy how this team since April has only been 56-53.

Yeah the team needs to keep 85-90 win seasons sustainable over the next 3-5 years in order for Shapiro's business model to succeed. After 2024 or 2025 for that matter, not sure what the crystal ball holds. There definitely was a lot of buzz with the new renovations such as the rooftop patios and there will be buzz next April as well with the new Club Infield 100 section. Mostly among the casuals who never even watch baseball. It could very well be a short-lived fad, especially if the team starts to have a couple 70 win seasons afterwards. Also, casual fans might not be able to justify the expensive prices if the team is not competitive.

It's very possible the Jays under Atkins might miss the Postseason in 2 of the last 3 years during what was considered the prime in their competitive window. It's fair to say thus far Atkins and management have been mediocre when you look at the bigger picture of the past three seasons. If the Jays don't have success, Atkins and the FO wear some of it as does any front office. The window seems like it's narrowing more and more with an aging expensive roster along with Bo's free agency looming, especially since there really isn't much coming up through the farm system. The Rays don't have the payroll as the Blue Jays have. The Rays front office has to work within their confines and resources they have. Considering all those factors, they have done an exceptional job at putting together competitive teams each season. While they haven't won a World Series yet and have had some early Postseason exits, they do make the Postseason at least and put themselves in a good position to have success. Their scouting and player development is on another level. I wouldn't compare them with Atkins and the Blue Jays at all. From a business perspective, Shapiro has done a fantastic job with the team. He's changed the in-game experiences at the Rogers Centre, which has definitely helped with attendance and team revenue. He's also raised the damn prices of everything haha but oh well. The Jays are raking in every season. Shapiro has put together a very successful business model for Rogers. Like you said, something does need to change. You can't keep the status quo this offseason. I still think Atkins deserves a chance to right the ship for 2024, though he's on a very short leash.

That has been one of my criticisms of Atkins thus far - he's built some competitive teams on paper but has failed to take them to the next level during his tenure here. I don't place the entire blame on him obviously, but we're talking about from 2021 to possibly 2024 without even winning a single Postseason game. Even during a time when it's easier to make the Postseason. At least when AA was here, while he wasn't perfect, he did put together a team capable of winning a World Series in 2015, and came pretty darn close. The 2021 team Atkins put together IMO was the best, but yeah we all know how that story ended. Wasted opportunity that season, but I know some posters on here don't like when that is brought up.

I still have some hope as well. Rangers are in free fall from the looks of it. Jays have a favourable schedule and control their own destiny. This team could get into the Postseason and do damage with their rotation and deep bullpen. The window is narrowing every season. We could be heading into 2024 without this team winning a single Postseason game. Put that into perspective.

While I place majority of the blame on the players, Atkins and the FO get some blame. They're not as good as other posters on here make them out to be when you look at the bigger picture. We're possibly looking at heading into 2024 without this group even winning a Postseason game. So far the results have been mediocre with this management group. Those are the facts.

Yimi Garcia not being used in the proper role. Shouldn't be coming on with runners on base, protecting leads. He's a middle reliever at best who should be starting a clean inning, in the 6th or 7th inning with a 4-run lead. I don't want Garcia pitching in any high leverage situations.

Someone should buy tickets behind home plate to boo and heckle Vladdy!

There is something fundamentally wrong with this roster and group overall. It's been super frustrating, but serious changes will have to be made this offseason to the roster and coaching staff. This team and FO just aren't as good as some people think. Another wasted opportunity in 2023 from the looks of it unfortunately.

With the Rangers literally in free fall, if the Jays don't take the 3rd WC spot especially with one of the easiest schedules, what a huge disappointment.

Jordan f***ing Lyles with his 6.51 ERA shut down Boston last night haha. Love it!

I even recall at the end of last season with the Mets, Max wasn't 100%. He pitched awful against San Diego in the WC.

Knowing the Jays luck, him and Judge will be raking at that time.

What? I listed 21 players in my queue, so none will be taken?

San Fran, San Diego, Colorado, Seattle and Houston are my top picks. Still need to visit Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

Coors Field was one of my favourite ballparks I've been to. It's definitely in my Top 3. Still has a nice blend of modern/historic feel to it (built in 1995 I believe). The mountains and skies are amazing as well. Great place to watch a ball game.

Right now, aren't they the two most exciting players in each respective league? The point I was making was that MLB needs to do a better job at marketing their players. Everyone in the world knows about NBA stars or soccer stars more than they do MLB stars.

How long are the draft windows again?

If Bedard is available at No. 2, I'll take him. As long as he doesn't end up like Erik Bedard.

Schneider definitely deserves a spot in the starting lineup heading into next season, whether it's at 2B or 3B. Would be his job to lose in ST.

Jays just need to get to the Postseason and with their rotation, could likely hang in there with the Dodgers or Braves in a 7 game series. Only thing that holds the Jays back is their lineup, which doesn't even match up to the Braves/Dodgers. The Jays pitching (both rotation and bullpen) would have to be near perfect every game in order to win.

Crazy to think that Eddie Rosario would be one of the Jays best hitters if he was in their lineup.

Josh Donaldson signed with the Brewers. Hope he could hit well for them this final month and maybe we could give him a look at 3B next season on a cheap one-year deal to be in a time share with maybe Barger or someone.

Their lineup 1 through 9 is surreal. Sean Murphy with a .900 OPS was batting 7th for them last night. Pitching wise, got to love your chances with Strider, Fried, Elder and Morton in a Postseason series. As long as their big arms stay healthy, they'll be fine. Their bullpen, which has been solid and has a lot of high K guys, might be their only question mark.

How long are the draft windows? I ranked 21 players in my queue so that should be good at least till the second round for me. I'll have to do more research this weekend for Round 3 and 4.