The Iceman

Looks like a Jonathan Davis 2.0 but a LHH

He is almost 70 years old. An original on the Global ground breaking show Sportsline that tatti and Hebsy took over. One of the first to put a radio show on a sports channel. he had a great run.

Keith Law The Blue Jays continued an aggressive strategy at the trade deadline, sending their first overall pick from 2020 and one of the main pieces they got for Marcus Stroman to the Twins for starter José Bérrios. Bérrios has been an incredibly consistent, reliable starter since becoming a full-time big leaguer in 2017; his ERA in each of the last five seasons has been between 3.48 (this year) and 4.00 (last year), and he hasn’t missed a start. He’s a command right-hander with a three-pitch mix, nothing truly plus except for maybe his curveball (I’d call it a strong grade-55 pitch), at his best when he’s locating his fastball away from the heart of the zone. Toronto’s rotation was supposed to have Nate Pearson in it by now, but with word that the Jays are going to move Pearson to the bullpen for the rest of this year, and Alek Manoah still on the IL with a back injury, they had a clear need for a reliable starter. Bérrios gives them innings and above-average run prevention, good enough to be their No. 3. The Twins get two of the Jays’ top prospects coming into 2021, Austin Martin, No. 12 on my recent ranking of the top 50 prospects in baseball, and right-hander Simeon Woods-Richardson, but both guys who have slipped a little bit in Toronto’s and the industry’s eyes. Martin was the fifth overall pick in 2020, and was atop my draft board thanks to his combination of positional versatility, athleticism, and extremely high contact rates. The Jays assigned him right to Double A this spring to start his pro career; between that and a hand injury, he got off to a slow start, but he’s been improving as the season has progressed, hitting .289/.446/.398 since June 1st, .296/.500/.352 in 18 games so far in July. His approach at the plate is superb and he has great hand-eye coordination to make contact, so there’s a high floor here, with several teams showing an increased interest in high-contact hitters in the last year or so. His swing has become more inside-out this year than it was at Vanderbilt, and he’s not using his legs enough to drive the ball, which explains the low ISO and overall lack of power. He’s played shortstop and centerfield this year for New Hampshire, and played third base in college, but his throwing has been inconsistent and I think center or second base are his two most likely long-term positions. His hands were always plus at third, and second may make the best use of his skills. I see a clear regular and leadoff hitter, with more upside if the Twins can get him in his legs more, but a muted ceiling until that happens. Woods-Richardson’s velocity picked up after the Mets drafted him in 2018 and made him a full-time pitcher, but it has backed up since then and he’s been more fringe-average with his fastball along with a 50/55 changeup. He’s normally a strike-thrower, although this year he’s walked 13 percent of batters he’s faced after an aggressive placement in Double A, since he had just six starts in High A to close out 2019. His breaking ball remains below average, and his arm is extremely late relative to his landing leg, which, along with some stiffness through release, limits his velocity and north-south command. I think it all points to a more probable relief future than a starting one. That’s an everyday player with strong OBP skills and a small chance for some power, and a potentially above-average reliever with a small chance to start. For a year and a half of Bérrios, that sounds about right, even if these two prospects are more famous than their skills merit right now.

What is with the Phils facination with Roy Halladay? Played 3 great seasons for him but in no way is he a Philly. It would be like the Jays claiming Roger Clemens after winning 2-Cy Youngs with The Jays.

He is CF insurance at this point. He has lost his every day role to Dickerson thankfully.

Jeff Passen said it well: That is a bad loss for the Red Sox. Blew a 7-2 lead against the Blue Jays. Boston has lost 10 of 13 -- five of them to Toronto, which is now one game back of the Red Sox in the loss column. Jays now have a +123 run differential -- second best in AL, fourth in all of baseball.

That was the best I have seen Romano in quite a while.

I think Buck mentioned they haven't called on Barnes for a 4 out save this year. This after pitching twice yesterday just smells of desperation from Boston and I love it. And why did he pull Ottavino in the 8th again??

Smash your computer to save yourself from crazy posting.

I agree with your thoughts but disagree on how it reflects to this transaction. Berrios was the stock with increased interest. Would have been the time to pivot to a less shiny toy like a Charlie Morton-ish pitcher for half the capital cost.

For a guy with a career ERA north of 4 Stro netted Simeon, don't see the need to get caught in a bidding war this year.

Is he even healthy enough to play?

135 innings as a 22 year old 150 IP @ 23 years old 175 IP @ 24 years old He was well on his way to being a SP

Could anyone explain to me who thought it was a good idea to convert promising SP Ryan Bouricki to a 1 inning RP who is no more valuable to the team than Saucedo? And while we are at it why not hold experienced SP Matz back one day to face Boston, and have Hatch make his debut today?

Charlie thinks all pitchers in his pen are worthy of pitching in any situation...boy is he wrong

So what you are saying is you are ok vying for the playoffs year after year but not willing to go all in for a better chance to win it all. And I agree with you. Had many beer debates with buddies over this. As a player you want to retire with a ring. As a fan I want to be entertained year in and year out and not have any tank/rebuild years where the team is not worth watching. Not saying you can't get lucky and win this way but your odds go up ASTROnomically going for it.

How about calling up Axford (2-2 saves, 0 hits in 5 IP), give Hatch a run in the rotation, Stripling to the pen as long man when Manoah is back and trading Kay for a piece.

And in other news our 2nd best RP pitched 5 shutout innings allowing 1 hit for Buffalo yesterday.

Left side defense SUX. Need McGuire's D in the lineup.

Management seems intent on keeping him stretched out to start. With the improvement of Stripling and the promotion of Monoah this is no longer required. And management is not reacting to what this team needs. Keep Milone and Zeuch as your emergency 6th SPs and get Hatch's butt up to the BP. NOW.

One new body which pushes Dolis and Chatwood down the pecking order is a win for me. Adding Bouruki, Hatch and Merryweather will bump them down another notch. And don't look now but Mighty Taco Kirk is mashing in his first week @ AAA 1.166 OPS, .474 OBP Decision time is looming.

In fairness it would be difficult to drink water from a drinking fountain without a mask.

Just for sh!ts and giggles I would like to see Dolis stay on the mound between pitches, get the signal from the catcher and throw. Sometimes when something seems too good it returns to norm. Dolis was a great find from the dumpster. He is again a dumpster level pitcher.

Where is Payamps and his 2.70 ERA?

The Marlins needed to clear a spot for Jesus Sanchez who is ready for MLB ABs. Jays needed a LH hitting OF to help balance the roster. Reading that the Marlins are seemingly covering the bulk of the remainder owing to the uncertainty surrounding Dickerson’s health. Looks like the new platoon of Biggio and Espinal for 3rd and Espinal improved play had played Panik out of a job.