We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

So I spent all of yesterday simulating up to today's date and finally actually playing the game and having fun, so I'll update everything now.

If anyone cares, Ricky Romero walked 106 batters in 116 AAA IP. Jesus.

[AdamJones113]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

So I spent all of yesterday simulating up to today's date and finally actually playing the game and having fun, so I'll update everything now.

If anyone cares, Ricky Romero walked 106 batters in 116 AAA IP. Jesus.

That's it?? Get him up to Toronto, pronto!!

Following.

[hampshirestags]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

So I spent all of yesterday simulating up to today's date and finally actually playing the game and having fun, so I'll update everything now.

If anyone cares, Ricky Romero walked 106 batters in 116 AAA IP. Jesus.

Why did you keep him around long enough to throw that many innings? Cut him, he's taking up a roster spot. Lost cause.

[CameRoN0407]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

If anyone cares, Ricky Romero walked 106 batters in 116 AAA IP. Jesus.

Oh god. I've seen bad, but this is a whole new level.

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

Why did you keep him around long enough to throw that many innings? Cut him, he's taking up a roster spot. Lost cause.

1.) I didn't check until that point.
2.) He's getting paid lots of money
3.) It's kinda fun.

[hampshirestags]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

1.) I didn't check until that point.
2.) He's getting paid lots of money
3.) It's kinda fun.

When you get a chance, give us his whole line. I'm curious to see how bad this mess is.

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


MLB Season Preview 2014: Toronto Blue Jays
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
MARCH 26, 2014

After a dismal season - and their 20th in a row without playoffs - the Toronto Blue Jays enter this season with a lot less spotlight on them. Having only lost players such as J.P. Arencibia, Colby Rasmus, Sergio Santos, and Josh Johnson, and replaced them with players such as Lorenzo Cain, Wade Miley, and Ryan Madson, and Dioner Navarro, the team is more or less the same as the one that was widely predicted to come in first place last season.

However, predictions often fail. The Jays succumbed to injuries and poor play from key players such as Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, R.A. Dickey, and Brett Lawrie. The widely-panned Red Sox won the World Series. The New York Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, Masahiro Tanaka, and Carlos Beltran. Expectations for this year are low. A .500 record could be viewed as a success. But with the Rays, Yankees, Orioles, Red Sox, and entirety of the AL West (except Houston) in play for the wild cards, the Jays face an uphill battle to make the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

The Hitters

Shortstop - Jose Reyes

The crown jewel of the Miami Marlins trade, Reyes got off to a hot start at the beginning of 2013, bringing energy that the club hadn't seen in years. His injury history quickly caught up to him, however, as he seriously injured his ankle on a questionable slide into second. Reyes only played in 93 games last season, but was excellent in them, posting a 110 wRC+ and 2.1 fWAR. While he is expensive, he is still a top-tier shortstop, and will be an important part of the Blue Jays' lineup this season.

Left Field - Melky Cabrera

After struggling to an empty .279 average and just a .360 slugging percentage, Cabrera revealed that he had gone through the season harboring a tumor. With that taken care of, Cabrera hopes to be the 2-hole hitter the team expected when they signed him to a 2-year, $16 million deal. Cabrera is a popular bounce-back candidate to return to his career norms, as the team will need him to do if they have much hope of a playoff spot.

Right Field - Jose Bautista

The one and only. Joey Bats blasted 28 dingers and showed off his on base skills once again last year. He struggled through injury at times, missing significant time with a hip injury, but anything less than a big season from Bautista could mean a huge hit to the Jays' playoff chances.

First Base - Edwin Encarnacion

The Blue Jays' breakout star continued his excellent 2012 performance with a huge 2013, causing some to question if he was the best player on the Blue Jays rather than Bautista. Encarnacion is the rare slugger who hits for massive power, gets on base, and strikes out less than he walks. He is the complete package as a player and will be key in the Jays' lineup.

Designated Hitter - Adam Lind

Lind returned to his well-hitting ways by hitting .288 with 23 home runs last year. He gets on base and drives the ball with power using his sweet swing from the left side. If paired with a platoon partner to hit lefties, Lind is a very dangerous component of any lineup.

Second Base - Brett Lawrie

The 24 year old will see time at second base this spring as he comes off of another pedestrian year. After missing significant time, his health is the number one obstacle stopping him from fulfilling his superstar potential.

Third Base - Juan Francisco

Alex Anthopoulos is taking a chance that he has found the next breakout stud for the Blue Jays with the hulking hot corner. He doesn't play any defense whatsoever, but he can crush righties, and paired with Danny Valencia, could be very effective in a platoon.

Center Field - Lorenzo Cain

A new addition to the Jays' lineup, Cain is coming off of an extremely mediocre .251/.310/.348. He only played in 115 games after missing time with injury. However, his true value lies in his defense, as defensive metrics have him at a shocking 20 runs above average. Jays scouts reportedly have him as a future role 8 player, or a superstar. If he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, the Jays will have added a big presence to their lineup.

Catcher - Dioner Navarro

Another new addition, Navarro is coming off of a huge year, hitting .300 with 13 home runs. His defense behind the plate is questionable, but he brings decent on base skills for a catcher. On a cheap contract, he was at least worth a flier. We'll see how he does replacing his controversy-riddled predecessor, J.P. Arencibia.

The Rotation

#1 - R.A. Dickey

Possibly one of the biggest acquisitions in Blue Jays history, R.A. Dickey fell flat in his first year as a Blue Jay. After being expected to be an ace, the Cy Young winner posted just a 4.21 ERA in 224.2 innings pitched. The author and pitcher absolutely needs to post better stats than that in his second year with the club in order to justify the king's ransom in prospects the Blue Jays gave up for him.

#2 - Mark Buehrle

A pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays, Buehrle was one of the few bright spots in 2013. After starting off slow posting a 4.89 ERA in the first half, the former White Sox ace posted a 3.18 ERA in the second half to lead the Blue Jays in fWAR. A similar performance out of Buehrle this year would be quite alright with Jays fans.

#3 - Drew Hutchison

The young starter returning from Tommy John surgery looked excellent in his rehab. With gobs of potential and great command, Hutchison could be poised for a breakout season.

#4 - Wade Miley

The lefty came close to winning the Rookie of the Year in 2012, but his walks came up in 2013, and he was more mediocre than anything despite a 3.55 ERA. Going into his age 27 season, Miley has big upside and could be very useful in the Jays' rotation.

#5 - Marcus Stroman

The Blue Jays' top pick in 2012 posted a 3.30 ERA in 111.2 IP with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats last year, backed up by an incredible 2.66 SIERA. The Blue Jays have chosen to forgo placing Stroman in AAA and are starting him as the #5 in the big league rotation. It's a risky play, but Stroman has huge upside and could very well have a breakout season.

The Reserves

The Blue Jays appear well-poised in the bullpen with Casey Janssen, Brett Cecil, Aaron Loup, and Steve Delabar headlining a group of excellent relievers. Neil Wagner and Dustin McGowan also earned spots along with the resurgent Ryan Madson.

The bench squad is poised to be effective, with platoon players such as Josh Thole, Danny Valencia, Nolan Reimold, and Anthony Gose. The team does not lack prospects close to the MLB, with Dalton Pompey and Chris Taylor in AAA, and Daniel Norris, Sean Nolin, Aaron Sanchez, and even Taylor Cole and Matt Boyd poised to be available at some point in the year. The team has injury replacements readily available.

In all, it's a big year for the Blue Jays. Their window of contention is closing quickly and the outlook is not optimistic. The team will have to prove their doubters wrong to justify the big dollars spent on them, and to keep John Gibbons and Alex Anthopoulos off of the hot seat.

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Recapping the Season So Far
MIKE WILNER
JULY 31, 2014

The Jays have gotten themselves into a playoff race. Competing with the Rays and Yankees, let's examine things so far on this trade deadline.

APRIL

April was a trying month for the Blue Birds. The teams' young pitchers Drew Hutchison and Marcus Stroman struggled out of the gate, posting ERAs of 6.11 and 5.70 respectively. The team managed to climb into third place at a 15-13 record, behind the Yankees (18-10) and Orioles (17-10). Down on the farm, Sean Nolin opened up some eyes, posting a 2.65 ERA in his first month of play in AAA.

The bats were pretty decent, all things considered, minus a struggling Adam Lind barely hitting .200. Brett Lawrie's new found power stroke has been a pleasant surprise, and Lorenzo Cain has been excellent on both sides of the ball.

MAY

Woe is Lind. Hitting just .208 with a .264 OBP in 178 AB, Adam Lind finds himself on the hot seat this season. The platoon of Josh Thole and Dioner Navarro has been a total success, however, with Thole slashing .279/.331/.380, and Navarro slashing .274/.338/.534. R.A. Dickey has put on a show thus far, pitching to the tune of a 3.45 ERA in 78.1 IP. Down on the farm, Andy Burns hit .283/.345/.461. It's shaping up to be a promising year for the Jays.

JUNE

The Blue Jays are in first! The Blue Jays are in first! Granted, only by 2 wins, but THE BLUE JAYS ARE IN FIRST!!! The tandem of Edwin Encarnacion and Melky Cabrera have slashed .297/.395/.564 and .297/.341/.477 thus far. Marcus Stroman has heated up after a cool start, cruising to a 3.82 ERA.

Sean Nolin has absolutely broken out, pitching to a 2.80 ERA with 113 K's in 122.1 IP. Offseason acquisition Chris Taylor has posted a .282/.351/.378 line at shortstop, and Taylor Cole has posted a 2.30 ERA and a 10-2 record in AA with 110 K's in 117.1 IP. Mitch Nay was promoted to AA after hitting .334/.436/.563 at Class Advanced A Dunedin. High upside pitcher Jeff Hoffman and advanced college bat Max Pentecost are added to the system through the draft.

JULY

More of the same. The Jays slip a bit, but are still in the thick of things and are firmly buyers coming into the deadline, sending 2B Christian Lopes for RP Josh Fields, who's posted over 9 SO/9. Aaron Sanchez posts a 3.38 ERA in AAA and is striking out nearly 8 batters per 9. And now, we pull into the trade deadline, where the Blue Jays and rest of the league will look to cement their status as contenders, or admit they're just pretenders.

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Trade Deadline Tracker
By David Schoenfield | ESPN.com

July 07: Red Sox trade Will Middlebrooks to the Marlins for Marcell Ozuna.

A change-of-scenery swap. The two youngsters had combined for .206/.265/.308 thus far and the trade not only addresses needs for the teams involved but also an opportunity for Middlebrooks and Ozuna to get a fresh start.

July 19: Phillies trade Jesse Biddle and Carlos Tocci to the Indians for Josh Tomlin.

The Phillies are in compete-mode, or at least think they are, and pulled the trigger on a deal for Josh Tomlin, who has posted an 11-3 record and a 3.02 ERA. However, in his 138.2 IP, he has only truck out 56 batters while walking 30. Biddle has posted a 9-4 record with a 3.25 ERA and a 155/44 K/BB in 138.2 IP in AAA, and Carlos Tocci has slashed .294/.344/.437 in high A this year. It's a steep price to pay for a risky get.

July 24: Blue Jays trade Christian Lopes for Josh Fields. The Astros trade Dallas Keuchel for Hak-Ju Lee.

The Blue Jays were in need of relief help and settled on Josh Fields, who has struck out 63 batters in only 59.1 IP and has walked just 19. He has posted just a 4.25 ERA however. Lopes has slashed .270/.320/.389 in High A. Lee had slashed .256/.331/.360 in the majors for Tampa in limited time with good defense at shortstop, while Keuchel posted a 107/39 K/BB ratio. He has given up 21 home runs, however, leading to a 4.15 ERA.

July 25: Dodgers trade Tom Windle and Garrett Gould to the Indians for John Axford.

The Dodgers desperately need help in the pen and got it in Axford, who's saved 23 games this year with a 3.63 ERA. However, it didn't come cheap, as Windle has posted a 9-8 record and 3.08 ERA in the minors and Gould has gone 8-3 with a pristine 2.85 ERA.

July 27: Tigers trade Domingo Leyba and Steven Moya to the Giants for Marco Scutaro.

Scutaro has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts, hitting .276/.344/.344 while manning the keystone for Detroit. He will, however, move back to shortstop for Detroit as they attempt to catch a break-out Minnesota team for the AL Central lead. Leyba has slashed just .258/.349/.330 in AA, but Moya has posted a .281/.346/.496 line and could be the real gem here.

July 28: White Sox trade John Danks to the Yankees for Tyler Austin and Jose Campos. White Sox trade Alexei Ramirez to the Cardinals for Tim Cooney.

The White Sox cleared out major payroll and got some pretty solid prospects back in return. Danks had posted a 3.28 ERA over 137 IP, but is getting older and signed to big money. Alexei has a great glove at short, but has slashed just .229/.271/.341. The Cardinals have long targeted Alexei, and will now join Jhonny Peralta on their infield. Cooney has posted a 5.10 ERA and a 3-8 record in AAA but has great stuff and has shown flashes of brilliance including a near no-hitter. Austin has seen a resurgence or sorts, slashing .272/.372/.413. Campos has posted a 3.91 ERA. The White Sox did very well in acquiring high potential prospects for pieces they didn't need.

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Trade Deadline Tracker
By David Schoenfield | ESPN.com

8:39 AM: @Buster_ESPN hearing the Rangers have dealt Lewis Brinson (.247/18/76) for Jeremy Guthrie (8-9 3.69).

9:01 AM: @JimBowdenXMFOX Sources saying Rangers deal Jurickson Profar for Giancarlo Stanton

9:02 AM: @Ken_Rosenthal can confirm @JimBowdenXMFOX report false

9:02 AM: @keithlaw @JimBowdenXMFOX lol

11:24 AM: @BNightengale Colon (6-9)-> Dbacks for Drury (.270/8/54). Hearing bigger deals being worked on.

12:49 PM: @pgammo Twins acquire Chacin 3.49 ERA 141.2 IP from Rockies for Max Kepler .279/.355/.436 Travis Harrison .329/.407/.550

1:30 PM: @ShiDavidi Blue Jays acquire 2B David Murphy from Mets. .257 with 5 HR. Chase Dejong and John Stilson going other way. Stilson hits 102 1.48 ERA in AAA pen. Dejong young HS pitcher

2:53 PM: @Ken_Rosenthal Hearing from a very reliable source that Matt Wieters (.214/.289/.305) is on the move to the Cubs. Very good prospect coming back to O's

2:55 PM: @ChrisCotillo confirming @Ken_Rosenthal report of Wieters on the move to CHC. AAA spects Soler (.251/.322/.397 14 HR) Hendricks (25 IP 2.16 ERA, pen) to BAL

[ESexton18]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

Ralph being Ralph with that Profar for Stanton tweet

[CameRoN0407]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)

9:01 AM: @JimBowdenXMFOX Sources saying Rangers deal Jurickson Profar for Giancarlo Stanton

Ralph.....

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Taking a Look at the Blue Jays' Top Prospects
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
AUGUST 13, 2014

It's been a very good year for Blue Jays prospects. In adding high-upside arms Jeff Hoffman and Sean Reid-Foley and college catcher Max Pentecost through the draft and a few breakout seasons here and there, the Jays' farm is slowly climbing back into the upper tier.

1. Daniel Norris

20 year old has been exceptional in AAA at the young age of 20, posting a 3.11 ERA and 9.34 SO/9. With a good fastball and plus secondaries, Norris' stuff justifies the large signing bonus he received from the Jays. Norris has gone from living in his van to likely being a September call-up for the big league squad, and who knows just how high his ceiling his. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #14, ESPN by Keith Law #18, Baseball America #19, Baseball Prospectus #9)

2. Aaron Sanchez

At the age of 22, young Aaron Sanchez has been promoted to the MLB. Having posted 3.50 in 25 games started at AAA, Sanchez has shown improved control and an exceptional two-seamer with downward action. Having been on prospect lists for years, Sanchez's debut is highly anticipated. Sanchez will pitch out of the bullpen for now. The sky is the limit for the 22-year-old righty. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #17, ESPN by Keith Law #8, Baseball America #22, Baseball Prospectus #26)

3. Mitch Nay

My goodness, talk about a successful season. The young third baseman has always shown promise with the bat, but broke out this season, hitting.334/.436/.563 at Class Advanced A Dunedin. He's continued that at Class AA New Hampshire. In his first 40 games, the 22-year-old with a sweet swing has hit .342/.401/.493, as he continues to progress up the ranks. He's hit an astonishing .548 with runners in scoring position. With a decent glove at third base, Nay can also play first base and right field. He will likely join Class AAA Buffalo Bisons before the end of the season, just in time for a playoff run. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #24, ESPN by Keith Law #46, Baseball America #28, Baseball Prospectus #34)

4. Jeff Hoffman

The advanced college arm was in the discussion to go 1/1 before falling victim to TJS. This allowed him to slip to #9, where the all-too-familiar with TJS Blue Jays were more than happy to pick him up. The righty will spend the season and offseason rehabbing before joining the class A team in around May. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #56, ESPN by Keith Law #72, Baseball America #48, Baseball Prospectus #41)

5. Sean Nolin

The 24-year-old lefty has been filthy this year, with a 2.80 ERA in 27 games for the Bisons. Sporting a 3.5 K/BB, Nolin possesses above average command and plus secondaries to go with a mediocre fastball. He has started to garner recognition around the league and it won't be much longer until he gets another shot at the bigs. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #49, ESPN by Keith Law #52, Baseball America #54, Baseball Prospectus #67)

6. Roberto Osuna

The 19-year-old has already reached AA and has struck out 11 batters in just 11 innings. After going 12-1 with a 1.95 ERA in Class A Advanced Dunedin, Osuna is shedding the sleeper label and starting to come into his own as a prospect. (Prospect lists: MLB.com #67, ESPN by Keith Law #35, Baseball America #71, Baseball Prospectus #64)

7. Franklin Barreto

The young international signee has continued to rake, hitting .337/.410/.505 for the Vancouver Canadians before moving up to join the Lansing Lugnuts, where he's hit .301/.389/.498. Barreto can play short, second, and center field, and has gobs of potential with a strong hit tool. (Prospect lists: Baseball America #89, Baseball Prospectus #94)

8. Dalton Pompey

If you close your eyes, it actually feels like quite a bit has changed with Pompey. With improved plate discipline, Pompey is holding his own in AA with a great glove/speed combo and an improving hit tool.

9. Taylor Cole

The 24-year-old is a great pitcher and an even better story. After leaving for 2 years to go on a religious mission, Cole is back and better than ever with a fastball that hits 91 and plus secondaries. Cole has torn apart AA with 2.30 ERA and a 10-2 and has recorded 110 K's in 117.1 IP.

10. Max Pentecost

The Blue Jays' second first round pick in 2014, Pentecost has a compact, line-drive swing that will create lots of hard hit balls. Pentecost doesn't walk much, but he doesn't strike out much either and has been praised for good defense behind the plate with great athleticism that could allow a move to second. Pentecost has garnered Biggio comparisons.

11. Miguel Castro
12. Matt Boyd
13. Chris Taylor
14. Sean Reid-Foley
15. Matt Smoral
16. Emilio Guerrero
17. Alberto Tirado
18. Dwight Smith Jr.
19. Richard Urena
20. D.J. Davis
21. Dawel Lugo
22. A.J. Jimenez
23. Ryan Borucki
24. Jake Brentz
25. Nick Wells
HM Andy Burns

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Blue Jays Drop Two of Three To ChiSox

Game 1

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[IMG]/IMG]

Game 2

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Game 3

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*this whole GIF thing is gonna be a little rough until I get the hang of it.*

[AC]

Re: We Can't Be This Bad: Toronto Blue Jays (PS4)


Blue Jays Swept Out of Milwaukee

Game 1

Spoiler

Game 2

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eughhhh it's so rough it'll get better lol