jays76

I would've preferred to have Janssen back on a 1yr contract myself, he would've been affordable and the rest of the bullpen would've sorted itself out. AA could be taking an unnecessary risk if this blows up in his face, I agree with all the sentiments that the pen is unpredictable and the closer role is overrated but if we start seeing blown saves and losing a handful of games we could experience the ugly flipside of all those cliches.

I couldn't believe how optimistic you were being until I saw the last 3.

Hey guys with the amount of gaffes that I saw in that black hole last season 2-3 hits might not even be that big of an exaggeration.

I think Jenkins is a pretty decent long reliever, he's a good piece to have down in Buffalo on standby. McGuire was a complete misfire but was pretty hard to predict.

Yup. Travis would have to be lights out in ST or it will be Goins (who I support even though it's unpopular). The 2 or 3 hits he saves every game with his defense is good enough for me if it keeps the SP's PC intact, confidence up, and keeps him around an extra inning or two. That also benefits the pen. It's up to big guns to put up the runs and if he can add to that with a hit then it's just a bonus imho. I also hated the Izturis deal from day 1.

I keep reading it's 4/70 from SD and that's the extent of their budget but maybe that's a sticking point and is what's dragging it out a little longer. I predict 4/75, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Please no.

After I watched that I scrolled down and watched a Chris Russo clip, there was definite validation for all the pedophiles out there that they have a chance to host a show on the MLB network someday.

Should be announcing a Shields signing today or tomorrow, anyone but the Yankees. Then we can all move on to- The Jays are kicking tires on Papelbon thread.

No need to piss in everybodys cornflakes. I think we all realize it's probably not happening but it's nice to dream sometimes.

Hey I don't disagree with the reasons but I think just having the veteran tenure will land him the slot. Didn't he open the past 2 seasons?

I hope that Pompey shines and Saunders stays healthy, I don't mean to bag on Pillar as he's decent defensively and he's an adequate 4th outfielder but I don't want to see him with any extended playing time at all.

You win with pitching so I think we need to clear that up first but yeah the less we see of Kevin Pillar the better.

Fair enough but I also said I don't think which is also a personal statement/opinion. Don't get me wrong I'm overjoyed with the moves AA has made so far but if you're building a house why not fully complete it, especially when the means are more than likely there to do so ("The money is there if needed and it fits"- Paul Beeston). I think that's the unanimous sentiment with the fan base and outside analysts regarding the Jays thus far.

I wholeheartedly disagree, if you're content with this team as is you're definitely the exception to the norm and I don't think the majority are wrong here. Way too many glaring weaknesses that will bite us as it stands..

I agree with a lot of your points however I think pitching is our biggest priority now and Shields serves so many areas in relation to our rotation and the pen in a trickle down effect, he's the biggest need bar none for us at the moment. I also disagree with Shields being a roadblock with a 4yr contract as the young guys are all under team control for some time and we can get creative with their extensions if need be via more backloading, etc. I do agree with your stud & dud philosophy specifically, theoretically that's exactly how you should run a team a la the Oakland A's but with a slightly higher payroll to retain more players but we're in a different situation and I do think it is a win now situation for us. Like you said we can't hinge it all on Bautista because anything can happen but the window (physically & contractually) is the next few yrs for the majority of our core- Bautista, Encarnacion, Reyes, Martin. These guys are special players and their time is now. Personally I think AA should take a serious run at Shields, his signing alone clears up multiple holes on the pitching side and if not then definitely go clear up the other holes (2B, etc.)

I guess they've completely given up on him, he might be that far gone.

I hate to say it but I think we need Shields more than he needs us right now and I doubt he's signing for 3yrs at less than 60M, or even for 3yrs for that matter. What a disaster Romero turned out to be, I just read that he didn't get an invite to spring training in spite of being fully healthy now after his knee operation. What that must do to his already fragile confidence..

Cheers

I liked Billingsley too for depth, especially at the price he went for.

Oh Yu, the one that got away..

Anyone but the Yankees.

Yeah I've said that too, McCarthy was a perfect fit for the RC being a groundball pitcher and at an affordable price who could bridge the gap for the young guns. We missed the boat on that one imo.

Crazier things have happened, I wouldn't be shocked if it actually went down but I'm also realistic about the situation. I think there is some slight validity to the rumors though and he definitely makes sense for us. It was great seeing Buck mention it on PTS when Beeston was on and having McCown agree, and then also when Gibby mentioned it and then laughed about it to AA at the State Of The Franchise.

You're probably right but if there's any hope AA can get this done he should. Him and Beeston are on their last ride together so they might as well go balls out, along with the other reasons that make sense of course. The best part of the State Of The Franchise was when Gibby said James Shields was what the pitching staff needed and the crowd went insane, if that wasn't a message to the FO than I don't know what is.