Blue Jays Discussion: Off-Season V: Baseball's back and so are blockbusters (Jays send 4 prospects to A's for 3B Matt Chapman)

[dredeye]

Toronto Blue Jays GM Atkins Talks Matt Chapman Trade & Amazing Clubhouse Reaction After He Pulled The Trigger

March 16, 2022

SPORTSNET

Watch the full media availability of Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins after he acquired Gold Glover Matt Chapman from the Oakland Athletics for 4 prospects, discusses what a great fit he'll be on this roster, how he views him as a big-time threat on both sides of the ball, and saying one of the highlights of his day was seeing the clubhouse reaction from the players after he announced the deal.

What's really interesting about this interview is what he said about second base. He talked about the amount of guys that played third and talked about Biggio in particular and how he tried there when they knew it would be hard for him. He then started talking about second and did not say anything about him being there. Talked about players focusing on there now. Certainly isn't Biggios job at this point

 

[dredeye]

Guy is a millionaire and he drive a Toyota. He’s a monster, don’t know how he sits in that car comfortably.

sorry should have figured this was already talked about

 

[dredeye]

I'd love to see Espinal get an extended look but i'm not sure if that even works.

Right now he's slotted in to split time with Biggio at 2nd. If J-Ram comes in at some point, he becomes even less likely to get time there.

His two natural spots are blocked off between Bo and now Chapman coming into town. I don't see a scenario where he isn't packaged off in a trade somewhere. His defensive ability is ridiculous and his bat looked like it made improvements last year too.

Definitely will be rooting for him on the chance he does get moved.

I would prefer they trade Biggio over him if it came down to it

 

[phillipmike]

Kevin Barker said Kikuchi is hitting 100 on the radar gun

 

[ER89]

Kevin Barker said Kikuchi is hitting 100 on the radar gun

Holy f***

 

[canucksfan]

Kevin Barker said Kikuchi is hitting 100 on the radar gun

Wow! I have really warmed up to this signing. He might start off slow because I am sure Walker will make some adjustments.

 

[Eyedea]

Kevin Barker said Kikuchi is hitting 100 on the radar gun

Might be a hot gun but I know he’s touched ~98 in the past. He’s one of the hardest throwing lefty starters out there.

 

[phillipmike]

 

[Atrusai]

Would love to take a run at Hader (and the Brewers could a C)

Holy crappoli! Dude has video game stats. Brewers asking price might be too much.

 

[phillipmike]

I can thank Carlos Bagaera for this

 

[Canada4Gold]

View attachment 517367

I can thank Carlos Bagaera for this

The clocks went forward last weekend so we missed an hour. I don't believe you

 

[Deebo]

Say they are able to pull this deal off and If its Gurriel as one of the roster pieces, do we think they would be in the market for a new everyday OF or would they run with Grichuk/Springer/Hernandez in the OF and find a 4th OF?

 

[Canada4Gold]

 

[canucksfan]

I really like this idea.

 

[djdev]

Say they are able to pull this deal off and If its Gurriel as one of the roster pieces, do we think they would be in the market for a new everyday OF or would they run with Grichuk/Springer/Hernandez in the OF and find a 4th OF?

i doubt they go to this length to strengthen the roster then use grichuk as an everyday player. grab on more lefty and keep him as the 4th.

 

[Morgs]

Fine. You guys can have Grichuk and McGuire.

 

[phillipmike]

This would be great. Keep him away from a contender and when he gets hurt then Baltimore has less money to spend in their contention window.

 

[Canada4Gold]

This would be great. Keep him away from a contender and when he gets hurt then Baltimore has less money to spend in their contention window.

and then when the finally do make the playoffs and get into an elimination game they've leave him on the bench so they can use him to pinch hit in an important spot.

 

[Morgs]

Really hope he works out. Was always pulling for him.

 

[Dr.Funk]

 

[Canada4Gold]

This was from yesterday but Wilner has me confused here. Does he not realize Hoglund hasn't thrown a professional pitch yet?

 

[BertCorbeau]

This would be great. Keep him away from a contender and when he gets hurt then Baltimore has less money to spend in their contention window.

Yes please. I have no idea what Correa would go there unless he just wants the money.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Noooooooo.

 

[MS]

Say they are able to pull this deal off and If its Gurriel as one of the roster pieces, do we think they would be in the market for a new everyday OF or would they run with Grichuk/Springer/Hernandez in the OF and find a 4th OF?

I really don’t want to trade Gurriel. After his oddly poor April last year he played like a 4+ WAR guy the rest of the way, he’s one of the most likeable guys on the team, and he seems like one of the biggest glue guys in the clubhouse.

Dealing Gurriel and then putting Grichuk out there for another year would be really disappointing.

 

[conFABulator]

View attachment 517367

I can thank Carlos Bagaera for this

I think the Jays have played this in a very smart way. We want JRam, but now with Chapman on board we don't NEED him. This has to help our negotiation here.

Two major leaguers? Guriel and one of Pearson or Kirk? I think we can make something work here. I believe we will.