jaysblue

Of course they're better than this, but we're already in the middle of June. This team has underachieved thus far. I hope they go on a major run but geez don't think its going to be a walk in the park. The schedule isn't that easy as some people think. Some of those teams can give the Jays problems, especially with the way they've been playing. What happens if they don't go on a run? What excuse is next?

So tell me how this schedule softens up a ton? Yes they play some more sub .500 teams that have been awful, but there are still decent teams that could give the Jays a tough time and it's not going to be easy. Overall, this team has to play better at the end of the day.

SN is extremely biased when it comes to the Blue Jays. But yes other media outlets raved about them before 2022 and 2023 as well. The media aren't always correct though. The team hasn't lived up to expectations so far as a World Series contender. Facts!

Haha keep wearing those blinders buddy!

After the All-Star Break: July: - D'Backs - Padres - Mariners - Dodgers - Angels August: - Orioles - Red Sox - Guardians - Cubs - Phillies - Reds - Orioles - Guardians - Nationals September: - Rockies - A's - Royals - Rangers - Red Sox - Yankees - Rays - Yankees - Rays Right after the All-Star Break, it doesn't seem like its that soft. D'Backs lead the NL West, Padres are decent, Dodgers won't be easy, Mariners can be a tossup, and Angels aren't a walkover. The schedule at the end of August/early September has a nice stretch against the Nats, A's, Rockies and Royals. Hopefully they Jays could win 10 of 12 during that stretch. Though we've seen in the past how some teams can play spoilers and give teams a hard time. End of September against the Yankees/Rays won't be easy. Sure the schedule softens a bit but at the end of the day this team needs to start playing better or else it doesn't matter how soft the schedule gets.

Yup I was shocked to see that Gibson had a 1.3 WAR and Bassitt was only at 0.4 WAR. Right now I would prefer Gibson on a 1 year/$10M contract over paying Bassitt 60 million over 3 years. I think Bassitt will be fine and he's a solid arm for this team, but on some contracts under Atkins, they seemed to overbid or overpay on some guys like Ryu, Grichuk, Morales, Roark, and Bassitt. I don't think any other team was going to give Bassitt $20M but could be wrong. But on the other hand, Atkins got Gausman on what is a bargain, Semien, Kiermaier, Belt on good deals. Want to make sure I state that or else pitch forks coming out from the homers on here!

I think some people for sure bought into what Shapiro and Atkins were saying in 2016 and still are stuck on that. When in reality since then, they haven't had a strong pipeline of players and pitchers who are waiting in the wings like some other teams do. It's not that strong of a farm system. I think Shapiro has done a fantastic job on the business sides of things though. He's really built up the brand of Blue Jays baseball and in-game experience at the Rogers Centre. As well, I think the media over the past two-three years are to blame. If you watch or listen to Rogers Sportsnet, they're extremely biased when it comes to this club. So if you watch the Blue Jays every night or followed their coverage exclusively during the offseason, you were lead to believe this team was easily going to win the AL East and be a World Series contender. We're already in the middle of June and this team so far has been what it is. Inconsistent and a fringe Wild Card contender over a 162 game season. If they get to the Postseason, sure they could get hot and lucky to go on a big run, but they need to get there first.

Yeah shocked they didn't spend any big money this offseason especially on rotation help or trade for some. Gibson has actually been decent with a 1.3 WAR so far. Otherwise looking back at some of the FAs: - Nathan Eovaldi (2.7 WAR) - nobody thought he would be this good. - Michael Wacha (2.0 WAR) - pitching well in San Diego but had many question marks. - Zach Eflin (1.6 WAR) - Rays got a bargain - Jacob deGrom (1.4 WAR) - done for this season and most of 2024. - Chris Bassitt (0.4 WAR) - age, pitching in the NL and signed a big contract with the Jays. Gibson actually has been better so far. - Carlos Rodon - has yet to throw a pitch in 2023. Not sure if I'm forgetting anyone else. I think Heaney, Tyler Anderson, Corey Kluber, were some other FAs as well. Overall, there really wasn't anyone spectacular other than deGrom and Rodon, though both are on the IL, so actually was smart on their part not to go after them. Nobody could have predicted how good Eovaldi was going to be. Eflin I believe was from the Tampa area which is why he wanted to sign there. They could have signed another vet like Wacha or Bassitt but not sure they would have made a huge impact. They should trade for either Cease or Stroman at the deadline though.

I'm not really sure the schedule softens up that much. - Marlins have been playing great baseball as of late and sit at 38-31. If the Jays run into Alcantara, Perez or Luzardo, won't be easy. - A's have played better but should walk over them hopefully at the Rogers Centre. - Giants aren't a pushover. Lineup isn't that bad. Hope the Jays could avoid Webb and Cobb. - Red Sox, White Sox and Tigers at the beginning of July should be all winnable series. Ideally you hope the Jays could sweep one of those series and win 2 of 3 for the other two.

We need to send Joseph Gordan Levitt to watch every Jays games!

Whoever picked Biggio today in the HR contest should still get the points.

Yup its about time. Pearson will be the Jays version of Phil Hughes out of the pen!

Yeah I'm no longer in my prime unfortunately. Hopefully I age as well as Justin Verlander or Clayton Kershaw.

I made my last post on purpose to bust your chops!

I remember a lot of posters on here a couple of years ago loved Aaron Hicks (sorry Spanky haha). He was pretty solid in 2017 and 2018. He definitely is better than Ramiel Tapia. Nothing wrong with targeting players off the scrap heap who have showed previous success before when you need to fill in a certain position. Worst case, if Hicks was really struggling he likely would be let go after two weeks.

You pretty much defend the Jays on everything. I disagree with you on some things but agree with you on other things as well. I'm sorry if I've come across as harsh in discussions with you. I know some have been heated exchanges but regardless no hard feelings so hope everything is cool. We both want the Blue Jays to succeed and win at the end of the day, that's the most important.

Nah man. It's got to the point on this board where you have two extremes. One side is 100% pro Blue Jays/Atkins while on the other side you have some trolls who complain nonstop when the Jays are losing which we've always had. Then there is a group of posters who present a middle ground and who are rational, have thoughtful and insightful discussion but when they criticize something about this team or FO, they get attacked like they're trolls or non-stop complainers by the pro Blue Jay side. I spoke with another member on here and he said the same thing. I've never seen the message board this divided ever. Like literally a World War could start based on arguments about the Moreno/Varsho trade which gets brought up everyday haha. Or heck, you can't even comment or say anything positive about the Orioles without being bombarded. It's got to the point where it's not even pleasant anymore.

Sign Jansen to an extension ASAP!

So you're more of an O's fan than anyone here on this board if you have a Miguel Tejada jersey

If I ever visit Camden Yards, I'll buy maybe a special cap or t-shirt. When I visit a new ballpark, I always buy a cap or a player t-shirt or something that I can't get here in Toronto as a souvenir. It's something I've done since 2007 since I started visiting other ballparks down in the US. Don't see what the issue is. I bought a Rockies alternate cap when I went to Coors Field in 2018. Doesn't mean I hate the Blue Jays lol. And obviously, Toronto's biggest homer Brownie19 liked your post haha. It's too bad he lives in his Blue Jays bubble.

Yup the difference will be how the Baltimore FO compliments that young talent. They could spend money on a bunch of guys and those contracts end up being duds. As well, how long does their window stay open for is another question. It's fair to say that Baltimore is an exciting young team to watch out for and they are. I wouldn't praise them as one of the best organizations until they go out there and show they're perennial contenders year in and out. Still, their FO has done a great job drafting and with player development. I don't know why some Jays posters on here go crazy when you suggest that.

I have a Devil Rays hoody and hat. Pretty stylish.

Moreno has struggled as of late. Offensively if he doesn't hit for a high batting average or hit for any power, his line definitely will look flat. If he develops into a 15HR bat and maintains a decent to high batting average, he'll be fine offensively given his defensive abilities. He's still only 23 like Jonn said. Again, I couldn't care if Moreno sucks or he has success in comparison to other posters on here who just are trying to prove a point that they were right or wrong about the trade. As long as Varsho is a 4-5 WAR outfielder each season, Jays will be more than fine. If Kirk can regain his 2022 form and be a 3-4 WAR catcher, even better!

Yeah agree 100%. Astros had a better well-rounded team and deeper team for sure. Phillies did get lucky and hot at the right time which got them on a run to the Series. Their bullpen as well were pitching lights out for a period of time.

Yeah when Gausman or Bassitt or Berrios are bad, they're bad. But that's once in a blue moon which is a good thing. Kikuchi has done a formidable job as a No. 5 starter. Not complaining at all with his performance. Sucks Manoah really s*** the bed this season. If he was a somewhat decent No. 3 starter, Jays definitely have a couple of more wins.