Just to update. The Jays are now 18-13 (just lost another series to the Red Sox, but 2 big winning series against Indians and Yankees). Sitting first in the division in a very close race for all teams.
The rotation has made some improvements. Stroman is looking like an ace finally, Sanchez is staying strong, Dickey is consistent so far and Estrada has been rocked the last 2 starts. I replaced Happ with Chavez in the rotation and it seemed to work. Chavez went 6.1 allowing 2 runs in his first start, while Happ has 5 IP out of the bullpen without allowing a run.
The pen has also improved. Storen has been magical and leads the league with 13 saves. Osuna has been questionable, but Nathan/Cecil/Schultz/Delabar and now Happ have all been high quality options.
I Grabbed Montero off waivers from Seattle like in real life after Brantly and Tony Sanchez have both been terrible as backups. Sanchez is in AAA and Brantly was dealt to Cleveland along with Cecilliani and Danny Jansen (B/catcher) for Aguillar/Kyle Crockett. Brantly will be their backup catcher and Cecilliani will take over the RF starting role against RHP. The Jays will use their two new pieces as depth prospect options in the minors.
Another minor league move seen AJ Jimenez and another minor leaguer sent to the Nationals for Tyler Moore and Matt Den Dekker. Den Dekker was DFA'd by Washington and the Jays just lost Mesa/Kotchman for the year in AAA and needed replacements. Washington was looking for a backup C after losing Loboton to injury.
We sent down Goins to AAA and recalled Zack Walters (acquired in the other minor deal with Cleveland) who has held his own splitting time with Casilla.
Also grabbed a couple of other minor players off of waivers for minor league depth due to injuries, which I can't remember their exact names so I will add it to the next update.
The bats have been solid. Due to good play from Saunders and Colabello, Morneau is starting to see less time. Bautista still has 9 HR but this cold spell now sees him hitting .220. The rest are all doing as expected and there have been a few big come from behind wins due to timely homers as expected from the Jays.
Now on to another series with less questions remaining than last time. The Jays are considering sending down Junior Lake who hasn't performed. Dominic Brown is a candidate to be recalled but he has struggled. There is rumblings that the Jays may make a run at Nick Swisher if he clears waivers and hits the market to stock up more platoon options if the price is right.
Stay tuned!