Blue Jays Discussion: The official Danny Jackson Appreciation Society
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phillipmike
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- Oct 27, 2009
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Another 100mph arm for the O’s to fix. Amazing that he has a 9 ERA and -2 WAR. That being said, the A’s got a good prospect
phillipmike
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- Oct 27, 2009
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GoonieFace
Registered User
Can they add an outfielder to replace Varsho? He just can’t hit a baseball
trellaine201
Registered User
Ya i was pretty gung ho with this BUT he just doesn’t cut it. He can’t hit. We need more production from that position among others. I hope maybe we find someone that can play LF and hit.
trellaine201
Registered User
I wonder if Rogers is even willing to take on more salary. Aren't we already at close to $200M? Yikes
Atkins offers trade deadline vision as Blue Jays' bats stay quiet vs. Padres
Consider Ross Atkins’ latest media availability a strategic positioning of the Toronto Blue Jays for the trade deadline. A second straight loss to the San Diego Padres later Wednesday underlined the opportunity for improvement.
TORONTO – Consider Ross Atkins’ latest media availability a strategic positioning of the Toronto Blue Jays for the trade deadline, an outline to both the club’s fans and the wider baseball industry of how he plans to approach the critical juncture from now to 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 1.
Additions are coming because “we need to make this team better in any possible way,” although fitting new players in is somewhat complicated given how set the current roster is, said the general manager. From a position-player standpoint, “we are better suited for a right-handed bat, but we are open to any way that we can make our team better.” In terms of starters, “you can never have enough pitching, as they say, so we have to contingency plan, but having (the current group) as a starting point is a good place to be.” For the bullpen, “creating depth in our left-handed relief category” is ideal, “but it’s more just who's going to allow us to get the most outs.”
Lastly, take note of this: “What we don't want to do is subtract (from the current roster). We believe in the group that’s here. We believe they've earned that right. We can't say that we absolutely won’t, but we would prefer not to.”
Coming from an executive navigating the rumour-mill grist inherent to this time of year, that’s as specific and transparent a blueprint as you’re going to find. Given how carefully planned and managed the club’s public messaging is, you can be certain that they have a vague idea of what’s already realistic for them given where the market sits right now.
Everything is subject to change, of course. Two-thirds of teams in the majors believe they’re either a real contender, or are giving their players more runway before deciding in or out. A deadline add up the food chain may emerge. Shifts in the status of Hyun Jin Ryu and Chad Green could alter the current calculus. Other needs may suddenly take precedence.
By and large, though, Atkins made it clear the Blue Jays are planning to ride or die with who they already have.
Varsho's glove MORE than makes up for his struggles with the bat. He should be in the lineup any time there's a RHP on the mound.
GoonieFace
Registered User
Agree to disagree. The way he looks at the plate, he should be a late game Defensive replacement. Take away his bunt singles and he’s hitting below .200, it’s pretty bad
Suntouchable13
Registered User
It is disapointing to me Jays “wasted” Moreno on a guy like Varsho who left his hitting tool back in Arizona. Maybe they target a guy that can play LF that can mash the ball? Particularly against lefties. I believe Varsho can still turn it around and break out. Some guys break out later. We have him for 4 years, but for now maybe targeting a mashing outfielder would be prudent for this season.
By bWAR, he's been worth 1.8 WAR and has been the best defensive player in all of baseball. He's clearly capable of more with the bat since he was an above average hitter over the last two seasons. The quality of the defense means you can be patient and let him try to figure it out with the bat because he's going to continue to provide value even when he's slumping.
I don't find "he would be even worse if you took away one part of his game that he's far better at than anyone else in baseball" to be a particularly compelling argument.
GoonieFace
Registered User
I like Varsho, don’t get me wrong, but he looks like he has no clue how to hit a baseball.
metafour
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- Apr 6, 2008
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Correct, however, hitting the baseball isn't the only way that a player can help your team win.
GoonieFace
Registered User
Sure, but you could also say that about anyone who's in an awful slump.
In the last month (68 PA), he has a -8 wRC+. That's brutal.
Prior to that stretch (295 PA), he had a 95 wRC+ this year. Last year he had a 106 wRC+. The year before it was 99.
If you don't think he should be a starting OF then I would suggest you're evaluating him and projecting him going forward based on a few shitty weeks and overlooking the 1300+ PA that came before it.
The advantage of a streaky hitter like Varsho over a streaky hitter like Gurriel is that it's easier to be patient with Varsho because he brings so much else to the table when he's struggling.
I don't really disagree with this... specifically, they need a strong right-handed bat who can start against lefties and just not be terrible when needed against righties.
I'd really like to see if Davis Schneider could be that guy. Not being on the 40 man is the only thing holding him down, but he's been having a heck of a year. Lukes was also good in AAA, but has the LH disadvantage with our 2 lefties and a Springer OF.
His stuff looked absolutely devastating against us a few weeks back if he can ever harness it. Would have loved to take a flyer on him.
Just for comparison :
Teoscar, 2022 : 3.5 WAR/162
Lourdes, 2022 : 2.9 WAR/162
Varsho, 2023 : 3.1 WAR/162
The bat has been disappointing but he's so elite defensively he's still worth as much as the terrible defensive sluggers he replaced.
trellaine201
Registered User
Ya I have some doubt he is a FT player at this stage. Even his previous years are meh despite last year 27 HR He is definitely here for the D but should be hitting better. Pretty sure the Jays expected more pop in the bat.
phillipmike
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- Oct 27, 2009
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Still have until July 25th to sign players. The big one being 3rd round pick RHP Juaron Watts-Brown, slot of $771K.
Including the 5% overage, the Jays have approx $999K left to sign him, and their #14, #17 and #18 picks (Although 18th round pick HS Outfielder Benson has already said he's going to university)
Kurtz
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- Jul 17, 2005
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There is no universe on which a left-fielder with an OPS of .636 is a net positive player. If Bwar tells you that he's a net benefit to your team then Bwar is wrong. FWar has him at 0.8fWar - below replacement level.
At present level of performance, he's an acceptable 4th outfielder due to his excellent defense and baserunning - you can put him on in late innings as a pinch runner/defensive sub, and that's a great luxury to have.
But as a starter, particularly a LF starter, he's a massive liability right now.
I mean... for one thing, 0.8 fWAR is 0.8 fWAR higher than replacement level, so...
Regardless, "They're wrong because it feels wrong to me" has always been a really shitty argument.
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