Toronto Blue Jays 2012

[JustOpinions]

Here we are back in Blue. This section is for all things Toronto Blue Jays!

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Just wondering how Deflated OS Jays fans out there are?
I know I personally want the source in the NY times that claimed Darvish was ours to be run from any baseball related jobs for the rest of his life!
(he does work with Jays AA team in New hampshire)

We all want Prince Fielder, so lets talk hypatheticals...
We know Jays want players in contracts at most with 5 years, but guys like Fielder dont come by that often if ever. A 27 year old who has at LEAST 5 SOLID years, this guys only missed 13 games in 6 seasons, say what you will about his body type but man would he make a world of difference.
Scott Boras (his agent) wants Fielder to be the number one paid player that means beating out Pujols' $25.4 Mil a year so my proposal is this:
5 years - $130 Mil Why?
It may seem steep considering well all be reminded of Vernon Wells' 7 yr $126 BUT Fielder is obviously a much better player with more flare and personality. He wants to be the highest paid player and unrealistically wants a 10 year deal that hes slowly learning wont happen, so BLOW THE DOORS OFF! He would get $26 Mil a year, and finally all us fans can just breathe again. AT LEAST make the offer, if the Cubs were to top that than fine, at least we tried.
AA and Paul Beeston always preach about when the times right, well it is right now, guys like Prince dont come along everyday, and with Josh Hamilton next offseason (who went on record saying he doesnt like Toronto) most likely staying with the wealthy Rangers, this is it because theres no more key free agents left for the next few years in terms of adding a big bat.


As for pitching hands down they should make a deal for Garza IMO

[jaiman]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

All media could go f*** themselves at this point... using the Jays as leverage because they believe we have room to spend, agents just taking advantage and getting our hopes up. It is quite ridiculous.

As for Fielder, I completely agree. Spend whatever you have to, make sure it's a shorter deal but get it done. My main concern is that Boras is, like other using the Jays as leverage to gain interest and spike the price. Does the Prince really want to come and play in Toronto? If he does, the time is definitely not spend. Tons of potential. This could put us on the map...

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Regarding the media I think some of it is Anthopoulos' fault. Yeah, I know he likes to keep things close to the vest but the absolute silence when it comes to rumors or actual published reports is a bit ridiculous at times. I mean he even intimated that the Jays may not have even made a bid for Darvish! I know his silence is a brush back against JP Ricciardi's infamous running of the mouth but i've never seen an organization THIS tight lipped.

I agree with the rule in general but there's an exception to ever rule IMO. The Darvish situation was one such exception.

As for Fielder, I think the Jays would be wise to look at him for a 5 year deal and see what it does for 'em it'd be a real boost for the team in terms of being on a higher profile while at the same time providing the kind of protection Jose Bautista needs. We saw last year at times where the lack of protection really hurt the team. At least, even if they don't get Fielder it looks like Lawrie could end up being that kind of bat behind J-Bau.

As Mike Wilner said in a blog piece a while ago the Jays have a glut of outfielders on the roster right now so we should expect a deal for some pitching at some point so we may have that to look forward to.

I can understand the team being built up with homegrown talent but I don't know if the fanbase has the patience to go through that and not be a player for some good talent in free agency or available for trade. There's a frustration that this team is being run like a small market club when this team can arguably be a top 5 spending club.

I guess we'll see how things go but I expect plenty of empty seats after the home opener.

[sweny5632]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

I'm not even a Jays fan but I'm really excited as a baseball fan to see what Lawrie is going to do this year. Kid looks like a stud and I think he is gonna have a big year. Also it would be nice to see Rasmus break out finally, think the guy still has alot of upside and I have always liked his talent.

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Regarding the media I think some of it is Anthopoulos' fault. Yeah, I know he likes to keep things close to the vest but the absolute silence when it comes to rumors or actual published reports is a bit ridiculous at times. I mean he even intimated that the Jays may not have even made a bid for Darvish! I know his silence is a brush back against JP Ricciardi's infamous running of the mouth but i've never seen an organization THIS tight lipped.

I agree with the rule in general but there's an exception to ever rule IMO. The Darvish situation was one such exception.

As for Fielder, I think the Jays would be wise to look at him for a 5 year deal and see what it does for 'em it'd be a real boost for the team in terms of being on a higher profile while at the same time providing the kind of protection Jose Bautista needs. We saw last year at times where the lack of protection really hurt the team. At least, even if they don't get Fielder it looks like Lawrie could end up being that kind of bat behind J-Bau.

As Mike Wilner said in a blog piece a while ago the Jays have a glut of outfielders on the roster right now so we should expect a deal for some pitching at some point so we may have that to look forward to.

I can understand the team being built up with homegrown talent but I don't know if the fanbase has the patience to go through that and not be a player for some good talent in free agency or available for trade. There's a frustration that this team is being run like a small market club when this team can arguably be a top 5 spending club.

I guess we'll see how things go but I expect plenty of empty seats after the home opener.

Well said, im with you AA, I like that hes our guy but he for the first time is really irritating me (and lots of others) Silence is one thing but to not say we tried on Darvish? give me a break. He's trying to keep the Jays out of the media as much as possible but clearly its too late as mentioned in this thread, the league uses us to spike interest and money from other teams.

Building the team up through scouting and what not WAS working but heres the catch, the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) that is being put in place next offseason wont allow AA to work his magic in getting all these high draft picks anymore, at least not to the volume hes done the past 2 seasons. Which sux, The fans are frustrated but its not just the average joe fans anymore it seems more like everyone is. Even with a strong farm system right now, prospects are just that, prospects and there is always one bad one in every 3rd or so, and a stud might be one in every 4 or 5. While its very wise to build up the system and kudos to AA for doing so, that alone wont get this team to the World Series IMO

heres a fun game predict Lawrie's 2012 season

Avg. 288 HR. 22 RBI. 90 SB. 20

Just some numbers off the top of my head

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Brett Lawrie prediction:

.286 24 HRs 93 RBI

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

I want Matt Garza as much as the next person but Theo must be off his rocker rumour has it his proposal is

Drabek, Deck McGwire, Anothony Gose and Jake Marisnick

No thanks,

Drabek, sure, Deck ok ok, but than nobody but position fillers and Gose? no way

Drabek, Snider, - Done Deal if you want thames or Rajai be my guest
Theres value with Drabek (who needs the NL) and Snider (who needs a change of scenery) but Im definitely not willing to throw away the farm for 2 years of Matt Garza

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Yeah Theo is asking for way too much. This is the deal I would propose:

Drabek, McGwire, Snider and Thames/Davis (either of em tho I lean more towards giving away Davis. I think Thames has a lot of potential)

for

Garza and some filler.

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Darren Olliver has been signed to a one year deal with a club option for 2013. I see we're settling for 40+ year old relievers now.



Meh.....

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

Darren Olliver has been signed to a one year deal with a club option for 2013. I see we're settling for 40+ year old relievers now.



Meh.....

Agreed, while he had his best season of his career last season (somehow) this is a very "meh" signing. Id rather have Janssen set up maybe even listch

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

The Jays have also signed Aaron Laffey. I like this signing a lot more, he's young at age 26 and is a lefty specialist. Pretty nice move on AA's part.

[SPTO]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

I don't want to clutter up the Hot Stove thread with the minutiae of Blue Jays talk so i'll post this here:

I saw the AA interview last night and I have to say I feel sorry for the guy. It's clear that the cheap bastards at Rogers has put him in a box as to how much he can spend. Yes, he did say that before the offseason really got under way that the Blue Jays wouldn't be a player for long term big money guys but I think it's safe to say that sometimes the situation can become fluid and you have to take a gamble every now and then. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case here.

AA stated that the payroll as it stands right now is in the high 80s with some room for a bit more expenditure but it looks like this is the roster heading into spring training. One thing I found interesting was that AA said if he wanted to sign someone to a big contract and it goes beyond the budgetary constraints that he'd need to make the case to Beeston who would then have to go to Nadir Mohammed to get the bucks. This sounds pretty ridiculous especially in a bang bang situation like at the trade deadline or in future years when they DO go out and spend some money on free agents.

Another thing was AA saying that he's not willing to go out and sign a massive long term deal for someone because it might look good at the time but it could end up terrible in the long run. Yes, I suppose that's true (we've seen our fair share of those kind of signings in this city) but that really is the talk of a defeatist IMO. He then said he would only go out and sign someone like that if he can absolutely guarantee that said player would make the team win. I was a little taken aback that McCown and Cox didn't bring up Prince Fielder more because he's wasting away looking for a deal, the money and term has probably gone down substantially AND Fielder would provide immediate protection for Bautista. Are you going to tell me that signing Fielder for 4-5 years is going to "hurt the process" so to speak?!

"sigh"

On the field news:

- A week or so ago John Farrell was on PTS and stated that he thinks C Travis D'Arnaud would make the big club before the year is out however AA is more cautious about that saying that it's more likely D'Arnaud will play the entire season at Vegas. Short term this season or likely in '13 D'Arnaud would share the catcher position and have DH ABs and they'll have to see what happens at that point as he believes both to be better off long term at the catcher position.

- As it stands right now Erick Thames has the leg up on Travis Snider at LF and this is going to be the make it or break it year for Snider as he's only got one option left. He may very well no longer be a Blue Jay before the season is over.

- The starting rotation as it stands right now will be: Romero, Morrow, Cecil, Alvarez and McGowan.

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

I don't want to clutter up the Hot Stove thread with the minutiae of Blue Jays talk so i'll post this here:

I saw the AA interview last night and I have to say I feel sorry for the guy. It's clear that the cheap bastards at Rogers has put him in a box as to how much he can spend. Yes, he did say that before the offseason really got under way that the Blue Jays wouldn't be a player for long term big money guys but I think it's safe to say that sometimes the situation can become fluid and you have to take a gamble every now and then. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case here.

AA stated that the payroll as it stands right now is in the high 80s with some room for a bit more expenditure but it looks like this is the roster heading into spring training. One thing I found interesting was that AA said if he wanted to sign someone to a big contract and it goes beyond the budgetary constraints that he'd need to make the case to Beeston who would then have to go to Nadir Mohammed to get the bucks. This sounds pretty ridiculous especially in a bang bang situation like at the trade deadline or in future years when they DO go out and spend some money on free agents.

Another thing was AA saying that he's not willing to go out and sign a massive long term deal for someone because it might look good at the time but it could end up terrible in the long run. Yes, I suppose that's true (we've seen our fair share of those kind of signings in this city) but that really is the talk of a defeatist IMO. He then said he would only go out and sign someone like that if he can absolutely guarantee that said player would make the team win. I was a little taken aback that McCown and Cox didn't bring up Prince Fielder more because he's wasting away looking for a deal, the money and term has probably gone down substantially AND Fielder would provide immediate protection for Bautista. Are you going to tell me that signing Fielder for 4-5 years is going to "hurt the process" so to speak?!

"sigh"

On the field news:

- A week or so ago John Farrell was on PTS and stated that he thinks C Travis D'Arnaud would make the big club before the year is out however AA is more cautious about that saying that it's more likely D'Arnaud will play the entire season at Vegas. Short term this season or likely in '13 D'Arnaud would share the catcher position and have DH ABs and they'll have to see what happens at that point as he believes both to be better off long term at the catcher position.

- As it stands right now Erick Thames has the leg up on Travis Snider at LF and this is going to be the make it or break it year for Snider as he's only got one option left. He may very well no longer be a Blue Jay before the season is over.

- The starting rotation as it stands right now will be: Romero, Morrow, Cecil, Alvarez and McGowan.

Ya I saw those interviews as well, I find any Jays stuff on Fan590.com I can.

Youre right AA did sound defeated, I honestly think the problem is Paul Beeston. He seems like a happy go lucky guy who would have a split personality and the side we dont see is a huge P=rick.
Its funny because the entire 590 staff believes the Blue Jays are being beyond dumb about not going all out on Fielder besides Mike Wilner (go figure) and Jeff Sammut. Jeff's reasoning is he doesnt want Prince for 10 years, I wouldnt either, but we all know Fielder is hanging on the ropes in disbelief of how much teams arent willing to spend on him.
Now would be the time to blow him away with a 5 year deal at 25,26 Mil per.

Not gonna happen though, Adam Lind wont be batting 4th for long either if hes anything short of what he was in 09 when he won the silver slugger.

Unless the Rays get 2 of their starters on long term injuries, Jays seem to be destined for 4th yet again...

When is OS gonna have the new symbol like you have? hahaha I check it everyweek.

[JustOpinions]

Re: Toronto Blue Jays 2012

I find it funny how many Jays fans are ready to jump off the ledge like Leaf Fans.
I think we shouldve tried for prince, but at 9 years? detroit can have him.
Are people around Toronto fans or not? either you believe we are headed in the right direction, or jump ship.
Alot of people are just complaining, over and over, I get it but still its not like were hopeless and we dont have good things on the roster and good things coming.
If it doesnt work out in a few years (which I doubt it wont) so what, cant just be a fan when things are going well.
Im just sick of people looking at the glass half empty type of thing.

At the beginning of the off season, I thought either way we will be better next season. I still believe that, obviously if prince were there we would have a good shot at the playoffs, but even without him were a better team. I still see 4th place chances are in 2012. Were still on the rise, 2013 will be different and 14' almost for sure. This is AA he will pull off trades in the next year that will work out well, why else do we have cordero, oliver and frasor? if were not contending in July you know theyre all headed out just watch.

In AA I still believe, even though the "honeymoon" is over you cant just toss him under the bus that fast.