Blue Jays Discussion: Alright, no more discontent. Just baseball | ST in Mtl: StL @ Tor | Mar 26/27 7pm ET/4pm PT

[ShaneFalco]

Seems like a good choice to me under the circumstances

 

[BlueForever75]

I personally would pitch Estrada in Opener. Big game experience, will be a packed house and will keep Yanks off balance with changeup hopefully leading them to a win.

As a side note, Alberquque should make the team in the bullpen. We have options on Barnes still and I really want to see what this guy is made of. Been impressed with him pitching this spring. Relievers out of spring should be:

Axford
Alberquque
Loup
Santos
Clippard
Oh
Tepera
Osuna

 

[Discoverer]

Optioning Barnes so you can make room for a few pitchers who aren't as good as him is probably a bad decision.

 

[Eyedea]

Santos should be in Buffalo's rotation.

 

[zeke]

I'm wary of Clippard. Don't think he should just be handed a spot.

I was skeptical of Axford too, but he looked friggin great the one inning I saw him.

Albuquerque I like, too.

 

[Suntouchable13]

I personally would pitch Estrada in Opener. Big game experience, will be a packed house and will keep Yanks off balance with changeup hopefully leading them to a win.

As a side note, Alberquque should make the team in the bullpen. We have options on Barnes still and I really want to see what this guy is made of. Been impressed with him pitching this spring. Relievers out of spring should be:

Axford
Alberquque
Loup
Santos
Clippard
Oh
Tepera
Osuna

Why not go with a guy that is supposed to be an actual ace in Sanchez? Is something wrong with him? Most teams actually start their #1 guys on opening day. Why is he not an option?

 

[ShaneFalco]

Why not go with a guy that is supposed to be an actual ace in Sanchez? Is something wrong with him? Most teams actually start their #1 guys on opening day. Why is he not an option?

Just the blister thing and not having pitched in a meaningful game in a while. Otherwise, yeah it's him or Stro

 

[phillipmike]

I wouldnt mind a few of the NRI guys making the team to build up depth but i cant see 4 of them making the team - likely 1 or 2 as we would need to make room on the 40 man roster for them. Unless there is a surprise DFA or release then 1 or more of Mayza, Guerrieri, Dermody, Pompey, Smith, Maile and Ngoepe. I cant see them risking the loss of the lefty arms or Maile unless they believe McGuire or Jansen is ready. Pompey likely isnt going anywhere for now either. So that leaves Guerrieri, Smith and Ngoepe. I think Smith likely gets DFA'd because we have Grichuck, Pillar, Granderson, Pearce, Hernandez, Alford, Pompey, and other utility guys who play the OF - though Pearce and Alford's injuries might muddy things. I think they like Guerrieri but might try to sneak him through waivers if they saw a pen arm they wanted on the 40 man. They might do the same for Gift but if Tulo is starting the season on the DL (Blair wrote that they might put him on the 60-day DL) then we likely need Gift. So i see us having 2 maybe 3 spots max available for NRIs.

 

[Eyedea]

I wouldnt mind a few of the NRI guys making the team to build up depth but i cant see 4 of them making the team - likely 1 or 2 as we would need to make room on the 40 man roster for them. Unless there is a surprise DFA or release then 1 or more of Mayza, Guerrieri, Dermody, Pompey, Smith, Maile and Ngoepe. I cant see them risking the loss of the lefty arms or Maile unless they believe McGuire or Jansen is ready. Pompey likely isnt going anywhere for now either. So that leaves Guerrieri, Smith and Ngoepe. I think Smith likely gets DFA'd because we have Grichuck, Pillar, Granderson, Pearce, Hernandez, Alford, Pompey, and other utility guys who play the OF - though Pearce and Alford's injuries might muddy things. I think they like Guerrieri but might try to sneak him through waivers if they saw a pen arm they wanted on the 40 man. They might do the same for Gift but if Tulo is starting the season on the DL (Blair wrote that they might put him on the 60-day DL) then we likely need Gift. So i see us having 2 maybe 3 spots max available for NRIs.

Why would we need Gift? We have Diaz/Solarte/Urena/Gurriel.

 

[phillipmike]

Why would we need Gift? We have Diaz/Solarte/Urena/Gurriel.

Career Innings at SS:
Gift - 4647
Urena - 4578
Diaz - 2796
Solarte - 503
Gurriel - 406

I wouldnt have Gurriel playing SS for any extended period nor do i think his bat is ready to be an option on the major league roster yet. If Tulo is hurt for an extended period then Diaz is my starter and you will have Solarte as the 1st UTL guy ready to backup 2B and 3B. You arent calling up Urena or Gurriel to sit on the bench whereas you can do it with Gift. If they go with a 4 man bench then i think it will be Maile, Solarte, Gift and Pearce (or another OF if Pearce is hurt) with Diaz starting SS. Diaz and Solarte likely share time at SS.

Just my personal feelings i rather have that experience at SS sitting on the bench just in case and i think Gibby and Atkins like him too;

Gift Ngoepe impressing as Blue Jays roster options begin to emerge - Sportsnet.ca

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday his club is likely to carry two backup infielders on opening day, which would presumably be Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz if Troy Tulowitzki is healthy and ready to play at the beginning of the season.

However, Tulowitzki has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game and isn’t scheduled to do so anytime soon. He’s been fielding groundballs and hitting batting practice regularly. But, with each passing day that he isn’t in an actual game, it’s increasingly likely he begins the season on the disabled list. That would open the door for Gift Ngoepe or Richard Urena to sneak onto the roster in one of those two backup infielder roles.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says Ngoepe has been particularly impressive this spring, especially in his opportunities at shortstop.

"I love him — he’s done a great job," Gibbons said. "He’s got great hands. He can play anywhere out there. You just watch him move around as an infielder, and something jumps out at you. He’s better than most."

"You know what, I’ll tell you, I see something in his bat. He’s stronger than I thought he was going to be," Gibbons said. "I’ve got to be honest, I like everything that I’ve seen. How everything shakes out, I’m not sure. But I think he’s a good pick-up for us."

Based on how they speak of him and roster composition i think he is safe to stay on the 40 man.

 

[Discoverer]

I'm wary of Clippard. Don't think he should just be handed a spot.

I was skeptical of Axford too, but he looked friggin great the one inning I saw him.

Albuquerque I like, too.

The reverse splits, though. He would basically fill the second lefty (or... first lefty, actually) role, and I would take him over Mayza/Dermody/etc. right now.

 

[phillipmike]

Blue Jays’ Tyler Clippard: Another Strong Bounce Back Candidate

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Also i didnt know Pompey was hurt.

Blue Jays notebook: Dalton Pompey to rest injured wrist - Sportsnet.ca

At first, Dalton Pompey expected his right wrist soreness to clear up without any delay.

After injuring his wrist on a slide in Lakeland on March 7, he played in two more games and was slated to start another, but when he still wasn’t at full strength four days later he informed Blue Jays decision-makers and took Sunday off to rest.

"My grip strength was decreasing and my hand was coming off the bat when I swung, so I thought I should get it checked out," Pompey said.

After meeting with doctors for a CT scan Monday morning, Pompey resolved to rest his wrist for now. If it doesn’t respond within a couple of days, the next step would be a cortisone shot.
The switch-hitting 25-year-old projects to open the season as a starting outfielder for triple-A Buffalo after a difficult 2017 season in which he was limited to just 13 total games due to concussion and knee issues.

 

[phillipmike]

Looks like Tulo is out for opening day and at best is looking at a late April return but some may think it is better to put him on the 60 day DL to open up that roster spot.

Tulowitzki to miss Opening Day, could be out longer - Article - TSN

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop has been ruled out for Opening Day as he continues to battle a bone spur in his right heel and could miss a significant amount of time after that.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the Blue Jays could return before the end of April but TSN Baseball Reporter Scott Mitchell reported the possibility of placing Tulowitzki on the 60-day disabled list and keeping him out until June. Placing Tulowitzki on the 60-day DL would also free up a spot on the 40-man roster.

I would 60 day him too, just get healthy and hopefully he can play June and into the playoffs... Gives you a roster spot and more than enough time to see what you have with Diaz and Solarte... potentially Urena too.

 

[phillipmike]

Aaron Sanchez shared gruesome photos of the injuries/blisters that de-railed his season - Article - BARDOWN



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[Discoverer]

I don't get why people keep lumping Gonzalez in with the group of guys who had to settle for cheap, one-year deals. He was never going to get anything more than that.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Looks like Tulo is out for opening day and at best is looking at a late April return but some may think it is better to put him on the 60 day DL to open up that roster spot.

Tulowitzki to miss Opening Day, could be out longer - Article - TSN





I would 60 day him too, just get healthy and hopefully he can play June and into the playoffs... Gives you a roster spot and more than enough time to see what you have with Diaz and Solarte... potentially Urena too.

Another write off season for Tulo. I mean what exactly can he do missing all of ST and first 2 months of the season?

 

[phillipmike]

AA signs Zeke. Its a minor league deal.

I did say this on Feb 14th when there was a rumor the Braves were signing a FA OFer.

Braves are close to acquiring an unnnamed outfielder. I have a feeling it’s gonna be Carrerra. They said it’s a depth place holder for Acuna. No link at all to the jays. Just a feeling.

 

[Discoverer]

AA signs Zeke. Its a minor league deal.

I did say this on Feb 14th when there was a rumor the Braves were signing a FA OFer.

Toronto South.

 

[phillipmike]

Toronto South.

Would be nice if he takes Tulo from us to continue the trend but he was smart enough to stay away from Dickey a 2nd time.

 

[Diamond Joe Quimby]

That Teoscar - Alford - Grichuk outfield is going to be fun.

 

[zeke]

because I know you've all been waiting with bated breath, just figured I'd post the 2yr stats of everyone who I think is in contention for a roster spot that has had at least minimal mlb time (i.e. 10pa/ip+).

as always, multiple war are averaged out here.


3B Josh (32): 1196pa, 153wrc+, 12.5war, 6.8war650
1B Smoak (31): 977pa, 118wrc+, 3.1war, 2.0war650
LF Grandy (37): 1160pa, 110wrc+, 4.4war, 2.5war650
DH Morales (35): 1226pa, 104wrc+, 0.4war, 0.2war650
2B Travis (27): 629pa, 103wrc+, 3.4war, 3.5war650
C Martin (35): 900pa, 100wrc+, 3.5war, 2.5war650
RF Grichuk (26): 920pa, 98wrc+, 3.7war, 2.6war650
SS Tulo (33): 804pa, 95wrc+, 3.2war, 2.6war650
CF Pillar (29): 1216pa, 83wrc+, 5.7war, 3.0war650

UT Pearce (35): 650pa, 116wrc+, 2.2war, 2.2war650
UT Diaz (27): 761pa, 111wrc+, 2.9war, 2.5war65
UT Solarte (30): 955pa, 105wrc+, 3.7war, 2.5war650
C Maile (27): 262pa, 29wrc+, -0.1war, -0.3war650

OF Smith (25): 29pa, 135wrc+, 0.1war, 2.2war650
OF Teoscar (25): 207pa, 112wrc+, 0.6war, 1.9war650
IF Ngoepe (28): 63pa, 71wrc+, 0.0war, 0.0war650
IF Urena (22): 75pa, 53wrc+, -0.3war, -2.2war650



SP Happ (35): 57gs, 6.0ip/gs, 77era-, 7.3war, 4.1war32
SP Sanchez (25): 38gs, 6.0ip/gs, 75era-, 4.7war, 3.9war32
SP Stroman (27): 65gs, 6.2ip/gs, 86era-, 7.3war, 3.6war32
SP Estrada (34): 62gs, 5.8ip/gs, 98era-, 5.7war, 2.9war32
SP Garcia (31): 57gs, 5.7ip/gs, 109era-, 2.7war, 1.5war32

SP Biagini (28): 18gs, 4.9ip/gs, 129era-, 0.4war, 0.6war32
SP McGuire (29): 2gs, 6.8ip/gs, 60era-, 0.2war, 3.2war32


RP Osuna (23): 138.0ip, 69era-, 4.3war, 2.2war70
RP Oh (35): 139.0ip, 68era-, 2.8war, 1.4war70
RP Biagini (28): 99.1ip, 80era-, 1.3war, 0.9war70
RP Tepera (30): 96.0ip, 79era-, 1.1war, 0.8war70
RP Barnes (28): 79.2ip, 82era-, 1.0war, 0.8war70
RP Loup (30): 72.0ip, 91era-, 0.6war, 0.5war70
RP Clippard (33): 123.1ip, 96era-, 0.9war, 0.5war70

RP Axford (35): 86.2ip, 109era-, 0.1war, 0.0war70
RP Ramirez (27): 16.2ip, 61era-, 0.3war, 1.3war70
RP Alburquerque (32): 20.0ip, 62era-, 0.3war, 0.9war70
RP Santos (27): 16.2ip, 61era-, 0.2war, 0.8war70
RP Breslow (37): 49.1ip, 113era-, -0.2war, -0.2war70
RP Mayza (26): 17.0ip, 156era-, -0.1war, -0.3war70
RP Dermody (28): 25.1ip, 122era-, -0.3war, -0.7war70

 

[LeafsNation75]

 

[Gargyn]

I’ve pulled my calf muscle before bad and now my calf muscle has never been the same. It gets aggravated easily. Seems that’s the case with Donaldson.

 

[Eyedea]

Career Innings at SS:
Gift - 4647
Urena - 4578
Diaz - 2796
Solarte - 503
Gurriel - 406

I wouldnt have Gurriel playing SS for any extended period nor do i think his bat is ready to be an option on the major league roster yet. If Tulo is hurt for an extended period then Diaz is my starter and you will have Solarte as the 1st UTL guy ready to backup 2B and 3B. You arent calling up Urena or Gurriel to sit on the bench whereas you can do it with Gift. If they go with a 4 man bench then i think it will be Maile, Solarte, Gift and Pearce (or another OF if Pearce is hurt) with Diaz starting SS. Diaz and Solarte likely share time at SS.

Just my personal feelings i rather have that experience at SS sitting on the bench just in case and i think Gibby and Atkins like him too;

Gift Ngoepe impressing as Blue Jays roster options begin to emerge - Sportsnet.ca



Based on how they speak of him and roster composition i think he is safe to stay on the 40 man.

Okay, excellent. Just when you thought they got rid of Goins, they end up with an African version of him.

 

[Leafin]

How has Pillar played this ST? Are we close to seeing him replaced by one of the prospects?

Looks like Hernandez is stepping up.