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

[AC]

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

The Brewers?? I said something earlier, you're using some cooky rosters.

They're the best team in the NL Central lol

[AC]

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


Blue Jays' Gibbons, Beeston Leaving the Team; Anthopoulos Promoted To President
SHI DAVIDI
OCTOBER 27 2014

The shakeup has begun in the front office of the Toronto Blue Jays.

After their disappointing first round exit, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced that manager John Gibbons will not be returning to the team after his contract expired. Paul Beeston has decided to go with him, retiring from baseball.

"When I came back in 2009, I wanted to bring another championship to the city of Toronto. I am extremely disappointed that I could not accomplish that goal. However, I believe this team has a core in place that will win lots of ball games in the upcoming years, and continue to build on this excellent season and continue to bring playoff baseball to the city of Toronto. I will dearly miss the organization."

Gibbons, the man brought in to manage the team that went all-in following 2012, started off as a bust, finishing 74-88. Gibbons then reversed that record in 2014, finishing 88-74, giving him an exactly .500 record. Amazingly, this gives Gibbons an all time record as 467-467 as the manager of the Blue Jays, giving him a winning percentage of precisely .500 over nearly 1000 games. However, Gibbons and the Blue Jays meekly bowed out of the ALDS in 2014.

Gibbons declined to comment.

The Blue Jays have already begun to attempt to replace Gibbons and Beeston. The team has received permission from the Indians to talk to brother of team legend Roberto Alomar, Sandy Alomar, Jr. The team has also scheduled meetings with managers without contracts, like former Reds' manager Brian Price, former Marlins' manager (and Blue Jays farm hand manager) Mike Redmond, Royals coach Dave Eiland, Yankees coach Larry Rothschild, former Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, and former Rockies manager Walt Weiss.

Replacing Paul Beeston will be Alex Anthopoulos, who was promoted to Toronto Blue Jays president and governor. He will remain in charge of baseball operations in the interim. In his new duties, Anthopoulos will work in conjunction with the senior president of baseball operations and president of business operations while having the final say on organizational decisions. Anthopoulos' business background and baseball experience will lend itself nicely to the role. Anthopoulos will now be responsible for finding a new replacement at president of baseball operations and general manager. The candidates for roles are, at the moment, assistant GM Andrew Tinnish, the Cubs' Jason McLeod, the Rangers' Thad Levine, the Cardinals' Michael Girsch, and the Athletics' David Forst and Farhan Zaidi.

The club is also facing the potential departures of free agents Melky Cabrera, Brandon Morrow, Casey Janssen, and Adam Lind, as well as potential long-term contracts for Brett Lawrie, Drew Hutchison, and other members of the core.

[AC]

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


Jays Promote Andrew Tinnish to General Manager
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
OCTOBER 30 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that they have promoted Andrew Tinnish from assistant general manager to general manager and president of baseball operations. Replacing him in the assistant general manager role will be Dan Evans, formerly assistant to the general manager. The Blue Jays also brought in Larry Rothschild as director of scouting and player development.

"Andrew is a great guy to be around and he knows more about the game than anyone," Alex Anthopoulos stated over a phone interview. "He's open-minded to all walks of the game and he's constantly learning and taking in information."

Tinnish, formerly the director of scouting for the Jays, rose to the assistant GM when Jay Satori left for Apple. A former baseball player at Brock University, Tinnish has been praised for his knowledge of the game and dedication to his work.

[AC]

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

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[AC]

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


Blue Jays Hire Sandy Alomar Jr. as Manager
SHI DAVIDI
NOVEMBER 3 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced they have hired Sandy Alomar Jr. as manager.

The 48 year old was the bench coach for the Cleveland Indians under Terry Francona. Alomar caught from 1988-2007, hitting .274 with 112 home runs over his career. A six time All-Star, he won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1990 along with a gold glove, and took home All-Star Game MVP honors in 1997.

In 2008, Alomar began his coaching career with the New York Mets. He then began coaching for the Cleveland Indians. He has been considered finalists for managerial positions with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays, previously. He is the son of Sandy Alomar and the brother of Roberto Alomar, Blue Jays hall of famer.

Alomar will bring with him a handpicked staff including coaches from his tenure in the AL Central. After the Royals endured a disastrous year, 3rd base coach Tim Kirby will flash signals for the Blue Jays, with former Blue Jays shortstop Alfredo Griffin joining the team in the first base box. Mike Redmond, formerly the manager of the Miami Marlins, will join the team as a hitting instructor. Redmond was previously a coach in the Blue Jays' farm system. Another coach from the Royals, Dave Eiland will be joining the team as pitching coach. Eiland is reputed for building relationships with young pitchers, of which the Blue Jays have plenty.

[AC]

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




With the completion of the playoffs, and the Milwaukee Brewers being crowned MLB champion, it's time to take a look at who the top free agents are. You can check out a full list of free agents here.

1. Max Scherzer. The 30 year old ace is coming off something of an off year in which he won 17 games and posted a 3.71 ERA with 251 strikeouts. For any pitcher that considers that an off year, though, a stack of money will be waiting in free agency. Scherzer is likely looking at a long term deal worth near $150 million.

2. Sergio Romo. The Giants' closer is coming off of a year in which he posted 35 saves and a 3.18 ERA. Romo continued to pitch brilliantly as a closer, but is rumored to be looking for 5 years and $50 million.

3. David Robertson. Mariano Rivera's successor posted 28 saves and a 3.14 ERA for the Bronx Bombers last year, but is reportedly looking to beat Sergio Romo's contract on the free agent market. The asking price may scare clubs off.

4. Justin Masterson. The 6'6" right-hander endured a pretty bad 2014, posting a 4.38 ERA and losing 12 games. Masterson will likely look for a long term deal at a reasonable cost.

5. Melky Cabrera. The 30 year old switch hitter hit .272 with 23 home runs in 2014, posting 2 wins above replacement. After demonstrating he can still play at a high level, one must think he'll be looking for security.

6. Aramis Ramirez. At the ripe old age of 36, the slugger is still going. Ramirez blasted 28 home runs and 95 RBI for the world-champion Brewers last year. Ramirez will likely look for a short term, high AAV contract.

7. Jim Johnson. The closer posted a 2.17 ERA with 45 saves. With a career ERA of 3 on the dot and 167 saves, Johnson is a classic closer. Standing at 6'6" and 240 lbs., Johnson should get a nice contract, althogh teams should be weary of his age.

8. Pablo Sandoval. The stocky third baseman hit 19 homers and batted .308 with 83 RBI. He could be a cheaper, infield-playing version of Melky Cabrera for teams who are looking to spend a touch less cash.

9. Billy Butler. He's 28, but you wouldn't guess it. He blasted 25 homers and hit .273 during a down year for the Royals.

10. Yasmani Tomas. The Cuban slugger was granted free agency by the MLB, and has already began working out for teams. He bears some resemblance to Dayan Viciedo.

Ervin Santana, Jake Peavy, Victor Martinez, and Asdrubal Cabrera are all poised to be available. Cuban hitters Guillermo Heredia and Jose Fernandez could become available later in the offseason, as well as Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda.

[AC]

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

[AC]

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


BREAKING: Blue Jays Acquire LHP Cole Hamels
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
DECEMBER 08 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired LHP Cole Hamels in exchange for RHP Aaron Sanchez, RHP Alberto Tirado, and LHP Ricky Romero.

Hamels, the four time All-Star, posted a 2.68 ERA with a 13-8 record for the Philadelphia Phillies last year. The 30 year old southpaw struck out 201 batters and has a career record of 112-82 with a 3.29 ERA. Hamels is in the second year of his six year, $144 million contract.

[AC]

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


Blue Jays Sign SS Jung-Ho Kang
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
JANUARY 8 2015

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed shortstop Jung-Ho Kang to a five year, $62.7 million contract. Kang, 27, was posted by his Korean team, the Nexen Heroes, and the Toronto Blue Jays won the bidding with a maximum bid of $20 million.

Kang is listed at 6 feet on the dot, and 180 pounds, but his buff physique comes off as more. He can play shortstop, second, and third, and boasts raw power as his primary tool. Kang has 106 home runs in his Korean career, including 38 last year, a year in which he posted a .360 batting average along with a 1.219 OPS and 33 doubles. Kang is said to have a solid glove at short to go along with his power.

Jose Reyes will slide over to second base to make room, while Daniel Murphy will move into the left field spot vacated by Melky Cabrera.

[AC]

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


2015 MLB Offseason Recap
SPORTSNET STAFF
FEBRUARY 22 2015

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Signed RHP John Lackey to a two year, $14 million contract.
• Signed RHP Jason Hammel to a 2 year, $9.5 million contract.

Boston Red Sox

• Trade 3B Garin Cecchini to San Francisco Giants for RHP Tim Lincecum.
• Signed RHP Kenta Maeda to a six year, $74.9 million contract.

Chicago Cubs

• Signed 3B Addison Russell to a six year, $28.46 million contract.
• Signed C Matt Wieters to a five year, $35.17 million contract.

Chicago White Sox

• Signed DH Victor Martinez to a three year, $21M contract.

Colorado Rockies

• Signed RHP Justin Masterson to a three year, $45.36 million contract.
• Traded OF David Dahl, SS Trevor Story, and 3B Ryan McMahon to the Philadelphia Phillies for RHP Cliff Lee.

Detroit Tigers

• Signed DH Billy Butler to a six year, $78.31 contract.
• Traded LHP Kevin Ziomek and SS Javier Betancourt to the San Diego Padres for OF Cameron Maybin.
• Signed RHP Sergio Romo to a three year, $26.7 million contract.

Los Angeles Angels

• Signed RHP Jason Motte to a three year, $13.03 million contract.
• Signed RHP Jake Peavy to a 4 year, $29.92 million contract.

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Signed SS Hanley Ramirez to a two year, $42.34 contract.

Milwaukee Brewers

• Signed 3B Pablo Sandoval to a six year, $76.18 million contract.
• Signed 1B Michael Cuddyer to a one year, $6.54 million contract.
• Signed CF Colby Rasmus to a three year, $27.1 million contract.

Minnesota Twins

• Signed SS Mike Aviles to a three year, $18.72 million contract.

New York Yankees

• Signed OF Melky Cabrera to a three year, $49 million contract.
• Signed RHP Jim Johnson to a four year, $37.9 million contract.
• Signed RHP Ervin Santana to a three year, $32 million contract.

Oakland Athletics

• Traded RHP Jarrod Parker and 2B Chad Pinder to the San Francisco Giants for OF Hunter Pence.

San Diego Padres

• Signed RHP Casey Janssen to a three year, $18 million contract.
• Signed RHP Ryan Madson to a two year, $9.24 million contract.
• Signed 3B Aramis Ramirez to a one year, $7.13 million contract.

Seattle Mariners

• Signed RHP Max Scherzer to a six year, $151.5 million contract.
• Signed OF Yasmani Tomas to a five year, $46.2 million contract.
• Traded RHP Erasmo Ramirez to the Colorado Rockies for OF Charlie Blackmon and RHP Matt Belisle.

San Francisco Giants

• Signed 2B Asdrubal Cabrera to a one year, $4 million contract.

Tampa Bay Rays

• Signed 1B Adam LaRoche to a two year, $11.7 million contract.

Texas Rangers

• Traded 2B Roughned Odor, RHP Luke Jackson, and OF Nick Williams to the San Francisco Giants for RHP Matt Cain.

Toronto Blue Jays

• Signed RHP Brandon Morrow to a two year, $8.23 million contract.
• Signed SS Jung-Ho Kang to a five year, $62.7 million contract.
• Signed OF Seth Smith to a one year, $2.1 million contract.
• Signed RHP Jason Grilli to a one year, $2.44 million contract.
• Traded RHP Aaron Sanchez, LHP Ricky Romero, and RHP Alberto Tirado to the Philadelphia Phillies for LHP Cole Hamels.
• Traded RHP Steve Delabar to the Atlanta Braves for C Evan Gattis.

Washington Nationals

• Signed 1B Adam Lind to a one year, $6.04 million contract.
• Signed RHP Stephen Strasburg to a five year, $65 million contract.

[CameRoN0407]

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

Wow, nice job landing Hamels. What's that rotation looking like now?

[AC]

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

Wow, nice job landing Hamels. What's that rotation looking like now?

Every time I try and write a team preview it crashes. I'm on take 4.

[JoeyKirby]

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

Thank god #bowlofjello didn't get the job to be the manager.

[AC]

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

So as you can see I don't have much time in the week to upload these, but luckily the weekends are pretty okay to at least pump out one update. That, and once the team preview is up (and hopefully not crashing) I can finally start playing again. So yeah, this will probably be dead during the week and then I'll pump out a bunch of updates during the weekend.

[AC]

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


MLB Season Preview 2015: Toronto Blue Jays
BEN NICHOLSON-SMITH
MARCH 28, 2015

Your Toronto Blue Jays enter the 2015 season with a completely revamped look. Out is John Gibbons, and in is Sandy Alomar and the rest of his staff, with former Jays such as Mike Redmond and Alfredo Griffin. The team's playoff run in 2014 gave way for new GM Andrew Tinnish to add shortstop Jung-Ho Kang and ace Cole Hamels in the offseason, shoring up the team's holes with impact talent. Potential impact talent lies in wait in the minors as well, with Daniel Norris and Mitch Nay waiting to come up and contribute.

But it won't be easy for the Blue Jays to make the playoffs once again. The Red Sox are looking to rebound from an off-season, and seem poised to do so by adding 3 new members to their rotation; Japanese ace Kenta Maeda, veteran Tim Lincecum, and top prospect Henry Owens. Their stacked lineup also includes center fielder Rusney Castillo, catcher Blake Swihart, and right fielder Mookie Betts ready to replace Shane Victorino in right field while serving a super utility role in 2014.

The New York Yankees are poised to be dangerous as well, adding former Blue Jay Melky Cabrera while retaining third baseman Chase Headley. They've also added right-hander Ervin Santana to add to already dangerous rotation depth that has Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda waiting in the bullpen.

The Seattle Mariners had a big offseason once again, adding left fielder Yasmani Tomas and right hander Max Scherzer to an already potent lineup. The rotation is 5 deep, with the King and Scherzer being the most dangerous 1-2 punch in all of baseball, and Iwakuma, Walker and Paxton all adding potency to the back end. Depth could be an issue, however, with only Danny Hultzen being close to the MLB, who is an injury issue himself. The lineup is strong as well, with a 3-4-5 punch of Cano, Tomas and Seager being as good as anyone.

But the Blue Jays stack up well. Let's take a look at your 2015 Toronto Blue Jays.

The Hitters

Second Base - Jose Reyes

The 2014 AL All-Star posted an excellent .285/17/56 line last year, while staying healthy for an entire season. Reyes will resume his post at the top of the lineup, but at a different position; the Blue Jays will move Reyes to second to take the strain off his legs.

Third Base - Brett Lawrie

The young Canadian star posted a huge season last year, swatting 22 home runs and providing above average defense. The 25 year old is one of the most valuable players in baseball, and a big season could lead to an even bigger contract.

Right Field - Jose Bautista

Joey Bats came back stronger than ever last year, with 38 long flies and 91 RBI with decent defense in right field. The team may seek to rest the 34 year old a little more often than normal this year, but he still appears to be a key cog in the Blue Jays' lineup.

First Base - Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion has gone from riding the pine in Cincinnati to inarguably one of the best players in the entire league. If his 2012 and 2013 left you any doubt, his 2014 2nd place AL MVP standing with 43 home runs, 100 RBI, and a .283 batting average cemented his position as an elite player.

Shortstop - Jung-Ho Kang

The 27 year old Korean shortstop will make his MLB debut with the Blue Jays after signing a 5 year, $62.5 million contract. The slugger has drawn comparisons to Troy Tulowitzki with his power/defense combo up the middle, but a more realistic comparison could be the Nationals' Ian Desmond.

Designated Hitter - Seth Smith

While injuries limited Smith to just 127 at bats in 2014, he made the most of them, hitting a massive .339 with 8 home runs and 21 RBI. He will be the better half of a DH platoon with Matt Dominguez.

Center Field - Lorenzo Cain

Cain enjoyed a breakout season with the Blue Jays in 2014, hitting 15 homers while bringing plus defense from center field. Cain looks to repeat the performance in 2015, with the hopes of a contract looming.

Left Field - Daniel Murphy

The Jays' 2014 deadline acquisition will shift over to left field as Reyes takes over second base, but it remains to be seen how his legs will do on the turf in the outfield, and how his already lacking defense will be affected.

Catcher - Evan Gattis

The Blue Jays' third catcher in three years bears a strong resemblance to the first; Gattis is something of a one trick pony, smashing 26 home runs last year but not doing much of anything else. He has 47 home runs in his 827 at bat career, but only a .227 average. With Max Pentecost rising quickly through the ranks, Gattis has to prove he can do more than just mash.

The Rotation

#1 - Cole Hamels

Rogers really opened up the wallet for this one. The Blue Jays sent one of their best prospects in recent memory for the Phillies' ace, who posted a 2.68 ERA in his All-Star 2014 season. The lefty has a strong changeup and has won 112 games in his career with a 3.29 ERA. He's still owed nearly $65 million over the remainder of his contract and needs to perform to justify it.

#2 - R.A. Dickey

The knuckleballer posted an excellent 3.64 ERA with 14 wins in 2014, as the leader of the Blue Jays' rotation. This may be his last year in the Show, however, as at 40 years old, thoughts of retirement may start to creep in.

#3 - Marcus Stroman

The 23 year old turned in a stellar 2014, finishing third in rookie of the year voting with a 3.39 ERA and 200 strikeouts. If Stroman's diminutive stature can hold up, the Blue Jays may have one of the game's premier young pitchers.

#4 - Mark Buehrle

The grizzled veteran may be nearing the end of his storied career. Having won his 200th game, the 35 year old may consider retirement at the end of his contract. For now, though, Buehrle enters the year coming off of a 2014 in which he won 14 games with a 4.42 ERA and hitting 200 innings pitched for the 14th straight season.

#5 - Drew Hutchison

The young right hander posted a 3.79 ERA last year with 200 strikeouts and 12 wins. Hutchison enters 2015 looking to cement his spot as one of the league's best young pitchers.

The Reserves

The Blue Jays' bullpen is quite different this year, with the only returning pitchers being Aaron Loup and Josh Fields. Lefty Wade Miley will officially move into a bullpen role after a disastrous season in the rotation last year. Kyle Drabek's September audition garnered him a spot in the Blue Jays bullpen as he struck out 13 batters with a 2.79 ERA. Lefty Sean Nolin will begin his career in the bullpen as he patiently awaits a starting spot, but who knows if that will come with the Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow will make the move to the bullpen after missing most of 2014 with an injury. Closer Jason Grilli will make his Blue Jays debut this year, replacing Casey Janssen.

The bench looks different as well this year. Dioner Navarro will move over to the role of backup catcher after a disappointing 2014. Anthony Gose will resume his role as fourth outfielder while looking to have a big breakout year. Third baseman Matt Dominguez replaces Danny Valencia, bringing a similar skill set but with plus defense at the hot corner. Chris Taylor will back up shortstop and centerfield, being something of a super utility player with speed and defense.

The team has talent waiting in AAA, with Mitch Nay, Dan Norris, Dalton Pompey, Taylor Cole, and Matt Boyd all ready and waiting to come up. Ken Giles and Neil Wagner have potential in the bullpen, and Cody Johnson and Matt Szczur bring depth to the outfield.

2015 is bringing an optimistic outlook for the Blue Jays, who don't seem to have any glaring holes. The team looks to build upon its 2014 finish, and as spring training finishes, hope springs eternal for Canada's baseball team.