jaysblue

Vlad has sucked this year Jay, accept the facts!

I took DeJong in the HR contest, lets go!

What? Lmao

Sucks the Jays have to face both Wheeler and Nola FFS. Hope we can take at least one!

Ah but for me saying that, I get attacked by the Terminator, Brownie19 and others.

Hey Laika, wasn't I saying the same thing in the other thread? Funny.

I said in the other thread that it was a disappointment that the Jays missed the Postseason in 2021 by one game because Atkins failed to address the bullpen in-season and I was being attacked left, right and centre by the Mike Wilners of this board for saying so, and you agreed with them. Yet after the 2021 season, you specifically blamed the shortcomings of the bullpen as to why the team missed the Postseason. But hey, attack me and say I got rekt for bringing up that point in a recent discussion, while you said the same thing two years ago lol.

Even in 2022, you stated the bullpen sunk the Jays! Rekt again haha!

Lmao even you criticized the bullpen in 2021 as a reason why they missed the Postseason. Rekt!

Again, responding to your comment that they did go for it in 2021. If they did, and missed the Postseason by one game, isn't that a disappointing result? Sorry maybe I shouldn't use the word "fail" as that was harsh. But yeah when all was said and done the Jays didn't get to the Postseason in 2021 after going for it!

You're going to be Rekt in a couple of minutes when I pull up one of your old posts about the 2021 team haha

AA left them with an old expensive team? What do you think Atkins will leave the next GM once he leaves lmao? Atkins has signed some big contracts as well and some of those right now aren't looking like they will age well. It's hilarious how so many of you s*** over AA while he was here. He was a far superior GM and baseball mind during his tenure with the Jays than Atkins has been so far. This Atkins core hasn't even won a Postseason game. There is still 2023, 2024 and 2025 so yeah Atkins still has time and if the Jays win a World Series during that time, Atkins will go down as one of the best GMs next to Pat Gillick for sure. So far though, it's been mediocre results. Also, how is the current farm system for the Jays? All I heard at the trade deadline was the Jays don't have the pieces to pull this trade or that trade off. As well, you were having a stroke when I suggested the Jays look at Arenado as their long term 3B solution, saying the Jays already are near their payroll threshold. So yeah, Atkins hasn't put together an expensive team. Give me a break. Where did I ever say anything bad about those contracts handed out by Atkins? Again because I question a couple decisions or things the front office has done, I get painted by Brownie19 as someone who thinks everything Atkins does is bad lol. I praised Atkins on the Ray, Matz, Semien signings, and even the Berrios trade. I was also one of the few posters on here last season who said I wouldn't give up on Berrios right yet, when a lot of posters on here were jumping ship after his disastrous 2022 season. Go look it up. All I said was the Jays had an amazing window in 2021 to do something special and that it was frustrating the team never made the Postseason and took advantage of that opportunity. What is wrong with that? Could have Atkins solidified the roster more in 2021 - yes he could have. And yes missing out the Postseason by one game because the FO failed to make a couple more upgrades is disappointing. The 2021 team was probably the best on paper and had the best opportunity to go to a World Series.

I did for just offering rational criticism or questioning some moves the FO made? Seriously, you're one of the most insufferable posters on this board. It's hilarious how you always attack me when I offer constructive criticism or question something. You get triggered so easily FFS!

Gonna go with DeJong tonight

Lmao I knew that would trigger you. Pitch forks already out! I'm done talking about Atkins and the front office with you like I said in the other thread. Definitely will talk about other baseball related things or discussions in other off topic threads, but I'm done engaging with you when it comes to Atkins and the front office.

Yeah Jays got lucky with the signings of Belt and KK and the Merrifield trade. Imagine if two of them or all three of them never panned out and went the other way, which was possible given their age and previous seasons. Great patch up and value signings during the offseason. Sometimes you hit on them, sometimes you don't. Like you said, it's been the core pieces who have really held this team back. Guys like Springer, Vladdy, Kirk, and Varsho. If this season is a lost season for all of them, the Jays better hope at least 2 or 3 of them next season turn things around or else it's going to be another frustrating year.

My bad, he's still under control for 2024. Still, Jays will have a lot of areas on the roster they'll need to add to. Won't be cheap. 4 out of 9 spots in their starting lineup (DH/2B/3B and LF) as well as some other spots mentioned before, plus raises for other players who are arbitration eligible.

I agree I wouldn't go more than 2 years on Merrifield, though as well wouldn't pick up that mutual option at 18M. 18M for one year is a lot for a player like Merrifield and that money IMO could be better utilized towards a better player or pitcher. The Jays have to replace Chapman at third base, Belt at DH, KK in the OF, Ryu in the rotation, some BP pieces like Hicks, along with guys like Vladdy, Bo and others making more through arbitration. Hope that the Jays could fill Merrifield's spot internally or Atkins can swing a trade or FA signing for a utility/multi-position guy who could give you around 400 ABs and provide 2 WAR.

Turner was also a consistent 4-5 WAR player before 2022 and actually hit for some power, whereas Merrifield has been more of a contact/speed guy throughout his career. I don't think they're the greatest comparisons player wise, but definitely Turner's contract could be a benchmark. I think if there is a team that overpays, Merrifield will get close to 15M over 2 or 3 years. Ideally he's better around 10-12M if you could sign him for that.

Yeah high end he gets 2/30 or 3/45 if a team is really crazy. If that's the case, Blue Jays should just let him walk and fill his spot internally or go after another utility guy.

Yeah agree. This always happens with Blue Jays players who are having resurgent years and when they become FAs. You don't want to bid against yourself. Like even a couple of weeks ago, I think someone was even asking or suggesting if the Jays should offer Merrifield a QO at 18M haha. Merrifield has had a nice season and definitely deserves to be rewarded for it. But he isn't getting a huge contract like 3 years/40-45M at his age. He's reasonable at 2/20 or 2/25. If he asks for anymore, Jays should just move on.

Yeah no doubt he'll take the highest offer he gets. There could be a team that offers something even better than 2/25 but doubt there would be many. Reminds me a lot when Marco Scutaro became a FA. He was a veteran coming off a 4.3 WAR season at the age of 33 with the Blue Jays. Signed a two-year/12.5M contract with Boston and then afterwards signed a one year deal with the Rockies in 2012 and a three-year deal with the Giants in 2013 for 20M. Obviously given how contracts have increased over the last decade, Merrifield probably sits anywhere from 10-12M per season over 2-3 years.

His age is the deterrent Jay. It's not like he's in his late 20's or early 30's. So that impacts some of his value and new contract. There is a chance for some regression where he goes down to become a 2 or 1.5 WAR guy.

Looking to add a closer or two, as well as a top of the rotation starter (could be a veteran as well in their mid-to-late 30s). Have a lot of third baseman who could be moved - Jake Burger, Dave Schneider, Maikel Garcia, Encarnacion.

Lost Steve Matz to the IL. Has been awesome over his last 8 starts damn. Looking to make some upgrades on my roster. Could make an upgrade to my anyone in my lineup or looking to add a solid No 2/3 starter.