Brownie19

I'm sure you get this Wok, but for me, this idea is based on the thought that starting pitchers are throwing fewer innings these days because the #'s support that strategy (ie, don't let the starter face the lineup a 3rd time + drastic improvement in the quality of the middle reliever) vs. the idea that pitchers are throwing fewer innings because their bodies can't handle it. If that's true - then let them continue throwing less innings/start (which they are already doing) - but start them more frequently. I think the premise with this strategy is you wouldn't necessarily be asking starters to throw even fewer innings/start (and thus adding innings to the bullpen). It's simply instead of having 5 guys average 5 innings per start (approx. 160 innings over 32 starts), have 4 guys average 5 innings per start (approx. 200 innings over 32 starts). That way the bullpen throws the same # of innings, but has an extra guy in it to help. 200 innings used to be a standard or goal for starting pitchers. In 2010, 45 starters reached 200 innings. In 2017, only 15 did. In 2010, 63 starters reached 190 innings. In 2017, only 19 did. In 2010, 73 pitchers reached 180 innings. In 2017, only 35 did. If this trend is all about strategy - and not about health, then this is a legit thought. Unfortunately, I fully suspect it's a bit of column A and a bit of column B - which clouds the situation. The other obvious issue is when you have an Ace who can go through the lineup a third time.....you can't have him throw 7 or 8 innings and then pitch again on 4 days rest. You'd probably need some swing man, or AAA starter that could spot start when needed... I don't think it's a terrible thought - interesting to discuss, yet unlikely we ever see it.

This interesting thought just got buried in the s*** show.

I actually like the Spank - but without the red beak.

What would you guys propose be on the Jays spring training hats if/when they are ready to dump the maple leaf? Maybe something with the CN Tower? Something with Ace to pay homage to the awful logo we had with the T and Ace in it?

10 years ago - every FO in baseball would have agreed. Times are changing though and I suspect they are more willing to convert him soon. That said, 2018 is probably a lost season for the Jays, so they may give him more leash as a starter this year.

That's some impressive detective work there man. Tellez went through a lot of adversity last year. There's still an outside chance he makes the necessary adjustments and rebuilds his value this year with a clear head. 1 year ago, we were all raving at how hard this guy worked and how he was a study of the game. A season like last year will put that to the test - let's see if he's up for it.

Yeah - perhaps we should leave these decisions up to the experts. These guys deserve the benefit of the doubt. I can see someone grabbing Jonathan Davis and making him their 4th OFer for the year.

We got Joe Smith for $3M last year. There's no way I support Koehler for $6M.

But...but why?

Christ - Boone Logan and Jerry Blevins just got $6.5M on a 1 year deal last year with a club option. Surely to god for $6M (or slightly more) we could be looking at a quality bullpen arm that would fill a need (like LOOGY) instead of Tom f***ing Koehler.....right?

It's like they designed a colour combination specific to each of their 3 fans.

I like the Detroit Alt. 1 hat...and the Royals one tbh.

You know the offseason is slow when we're discussing Tom f***in' Koehler. He's awful. New topic.

Right - 16 by the time he signs. That makes sense. Looks like Vlad started playing rookie ball as a 17 year old. What do they do during their age 16 season?

What's the deal with Jonathan Davis? He's old for AA and not much of a hitter, but he does take his walks, has some speed and a bit of pop. Is he a legit CF defensively? I mean he's probably just another guy - but if he can play all 3 OF spots and has some speed, he may have some value as a 4th OFer one day. I saw he lead off for the AFL final game?

Although Connor Greene is s***, I don't think you risk exposing that big arm just so you can keep Ref + Maile. I don't want to lose Perdomo or Romano either, but I tend to think they are safe. I think Tellez is safe too - and I'm holding out hope he can rebound this year.

15? Jesus we be buying them young these days. If the Jays signed him, would they assign him to high school FFS?

He's obviously coming off his worst season, but he's 1 season removed from back to back 4.5 WAR years. That said, his years of elite defense are gone and his 4 year wRC+ average is like 108. Owed $81M over then next 5 years (ages 32-36) - it isn't an awful contract really...but there is significant risk (as there is with any long term deal). I'd always hoped Longo would be the next Adrian Beltre. Age gracefully to complete his HOF career.

Thoughts on where Zeuch starts next year? He turns 23 this year...do they put him in AA? There never seems to be much chatter about him on this board.

I agree. I really expect to just see them sign CC to a 1 or 2 year deal to fill out that rotation.

Remind me again - do you think the Jays should get Profar or Tony Kemp?

that who shouldn't be near the top of the MVP voting?

Altuve runs away with the AL MVP (27 of 30 first place votes). Judge finishes 2nd. Stanton edges out Votto for NL MVP (302 to 300). 6 NL players got 1st place votes (Stanton + Votto with 10 each, Bryant, Blackmon, Arenado, Goldy).

I hope this stadium has more character than Atlanta's new one.

Interesting story on whether he'd have more value in the AL, or the NL https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/is-ohtani-really-more-valuable-in-the-al/