Governator

It looks like a kid's sandbox at the moment.

You just like his name.

I can't say Bautista has ever been my favourite player but I tell ya, I've watched the Jays throughout the rough years and it wasn't until towards the end of the 09 season that my eyes went bright with excitement watching Jose break out and homer in like 7 of his last 9 games or whatever it was. I got excited for 2010 and don't think I've missed a game since he broke out. It's easy to say we have his replacement in JD, that's obvious from a production standpoint but the combination of Joey Bats leading the way in 2010 and then afterward the new logo, buzz, etc. completely revitalized this organization and made the team relevant again in this city. Since 2011 I'd say more ppl have been wearing Jays gear than Leafs and Bautista has a lot to do with that, it wasn't just because of the modern throwback logo. So while he comes across as an egotistical douche most times, I can appreciate what he's done for this team more than any player in the past 20 years - even Halladay. That may sound a bit extreme but looking back I think he's done more for us than most give credit for.

I know it's the right thing to not extend Bautista at some insane value (and well especially the way things are unfolding) but man I'll feel crushed seeing his highlights for another team.

Probably thinking, meh AA is gone might as well try for more than 5 years now.

Do you really believe 2-3 years from now Bautista is a 1WAR player? I understand the natural decline of a player in his late 30s including the trends of all of the comparisons, it just seems far-reached that he would drop that low that fast. Also don't you think there is some added value to the organization by retaining one of the franchises biggest star's who brings in fans, sells merchandises, draws some TV viewership, etc.? I know we generally draw conclusions of value based on expected ROI, but I would think it's fair to say there is added value of certain players to organizations beyond wins above replacement. Don't get me wrong, he's obviously not worth $30M / yr but just throwing him to the side because of his age is a bit of a cliche reaction that most of us immediately jump to. His performance this year could be very telling really.

If this isn't discussion worthy I'm leaving the site.

Right, it makes me think he's sticking it to the new management and quite honestly wants out. Either that or he actually thinks he's entitled to being reimbursed from his past 5 years of service, in which case he should look for a new agent.

I kind of wish we could swap Jay Bruce for Joey Votto in this thread title to be worthy of a 37 page thread.

Curious how different you guys think it would be if AA was still here instead? I mean he's one of AA's success stories and probably more willing to negotiate with him.

I really expected this to be the least dramatic offseason in years. Can't we just enjoy nice things once?

Yea that's going to get the deal done.

The Jays won't be paying Bruce $13M...

Please explain how a $13M 1 year option compares to signing a player @ $20-$25m/yr long term? Also, they can re-sign Bruce to his actual value after the season if they wanted to by not picking up the option... especially if Reds cover his cost for this season they aren't losing anything except a body (or apparently two). All that's happening is that they are taking out a player in Saunders who is the team's largest wildcard and inserting someone who can actually play on the field instead of being forced to play Carerra as the team's 4th outfielder. This might not cost any more than what they've already committed to.

Working around medical issues isn't easy. Saunders is the moveable piece here as we're not moving prospects directly for Bruce instead. The Jays are so concerned about Saunders that they'd move him for Bruce, and it sounds like the Angels are just as scared of his rap sheet.

There is nothing good about a confirmed rekt Saunders.

lol so I'm guessing Jay's doctor evaluated Saunders, looked at Shatkins and just shook his head. Insta-trade occurs and all goes well until the 50 page health report gets faxed to the Angels.

I know a lot of you were high on Saunders even before we acquired him, but so far there has been nothing to like except the same old s*** he's been known for and the only reason he'd be moved is if FO feels like nothing will improve. It's not like he's going to bust out with 140 game season and be a 4 win player. Our LF is most certainly a wildcard going in to the season and while Jay Bruce isnt likely to go dialing the clock back and being a stud, maybe he can be average or better with some luck while eating a lot of games in a spot we don't have solitified atm. If the reds eat his salary down, Bruce over Saunders isn't the worst thing.

If I'm Bautista I'm milking every dollar I can out of these next 5 years.

The fact that he's pretty desirable on the open market, I'd say he's not in a bad position.

You can't blame Bautista and media shouldn't ask him questions that will undoubtedly make him look bad no matter how he answers.

Deserve doesn't equal expected value.

On what planet is Saunders batting lead off?

Thank you, end of discussion really.

but if Pillar had more at bats he could prove himself just like he did in the minors. or something like that.