I’m not sure if a mail bag every week is too much, but I do love a good mailbag, so let’s try one again later on this week. To do so means that I’ll need some questions to answer, so here’s the place to leave them for me. Submit yours in the comments on this post!
Is this THE offseason to hand out a contract that will "win" a free agent? 6 years for DJ? Awesome he got that, but does that deal work with Toronto's window? It's frustrating to watch players go off the board, but a few of the deals I can at least understand why Toronto didn't get the player. Some of the class from next year looks pretty good, and one more year of internal development could be very beneficial. To actually include a question in this; Does the DJ deal mean that Springer also likely gets 6 years? And if so, is that a deal the Jays should make? Thanks Grif!
I'm wondering how much the aspect of probably not playing in Canada is affecting the players on the Jays and players on the Jays radar this off-season.
I understand that the free-agent market has been very slow-moving this year due to a number of economic factors but the Jays seem to be in on everyone and no one knows where they are playing this year. Buffalo is probably not an option this year as I assume the Bisons need to play there.
Dunedin has been upgraded, many of the players live there, and the new facility seems to be top-notch but the training facility is still almost 6km (a 10min drive) from TD Ballpark. Although the new Dunedin park looks great for a low-A or Spring Training venue, no one could confuse it with a major-league ballpark. The Jays players can't be thrilled at playing 81 (or 60, 40 or whatever number) at that venue instead of the big-league spaces they're used to. That doesn't even start to address the visiting club's facilities (although they can sleep in a Winnebago in the Walmart parking lot as far as I care!)
The NHL got an exemption to current (and I assume future) lockdown restrictions but all the teams are staying in Canada for the duration. I can't see MLB getting a similar exemption as although flimsy, the hockey = Canadian Heritage argument is at least fathomable, not so for MLB.
Thoughts on what may happen? Do you think it's affecting FAs like Kim, Springer, Bauer (yuck!), et al with their decision? (Personally, I think old Aussie Cauliflauer ears would have come north if the $$ was there - he got overpaid, but good on ya, mate!).
How do you think the recent scandal(ish) news regarding pitchers using substances for grip will affect the market for Trevor Bauer? He was really vocal about his experiments to increase his spin rate, and voila, his spin rates skyrocketed and he became elite. Do you think GMs might be worrying that if the MLB cracks down he'll turn back into a pumpkin ? Are there any other pitchers who jump to mind who might be more impacted than others by such a crackdown - or will everyone be similarly exposed ?
If the Jays can pull off a miracle and bring Springer into the fold, what do you think of the idea of flipping Gurriel + prospects to Cinci for Suarez? Maybe add more and go for Castillo? Assuming they're interested, what prospects do you think a haul like that would take? And no I dont want to lose Gurriel but Grichuk isn't bringing anything back.
Hey Andrew, great to have you back. Given our immediate need to upgrade the rotation and the current options available, do you foresee the possibility of a return of David Price to Toronto (or interim locale)?
Hey Andrew, I think at the beginning of the off season the front office said that one of their goals was to improve their defense/ run prevention. If they miss out on the biggest free agents (which I hope they don’t), do you see them possibly targeting defensive upgrades over bat first options? I’m thinking JBJ in center, Wong at second, upgrading the pitching (through trades, hopefully not Bauer...). Maybe this season they see what they have in Bo at short for a full season, and determine if they want to sign one of the many options next off season if they think that would make the team better?
Glad you’re back! In the never ending discourse about Vladdy’s position, why does corner OF never come up? I think he profiles better out there than corner IF with his arm. Historically, bad defenders get stuck in corner OF (see: Ramirez, Manny; Canseco, Jose). He seems a bit short and lacking in footwork to be at 1B and I don’t know how much more we need to see of him at 3B to conclude it’s not likely gonna work.
I've always been a fan of Mike Wilner--his game calling is enthusiastic and he doesn't suffer fools--so I am sorry to see him go. Any thoughts on a replacement? It seems like JP Arencibia has been hanging around the Jays a bit and he might be a good fit. Siddall seems underutilized on the tv side. What's Alan Ashby up to these days?
Was there any more news on that Globe story from before Christmas suggesting a new stadium deal was imminent? The story seemed to drop off the radar within a day was never spoken of again.
LeMahieu or Springer? I get why Springer would be a nice addition, but I'd be happier with LeMahieu and supplementing the D with a cheaper Jackie Bradley Jr (who has always hit well in Toronto and will anchor a subpar OF defense). Move Biggio to 3rd and then finish the job by signing Kluber, Walker or both. Thoughts?
Failing to understand why Ole paid 35 million quid for DVDB only to leave him on the bench game after game. I can only watch 2 of Fred, Matic or McTominay on the pitch at the same time so many more times. What gives?!?
Is it OK to feel OK about some of these signings going another way? Is it Stockholm syndrome? I just think the Hendriks deal? Nah. Sugano looking to opt out at any opportunity? A sacrifice for one year of Lindor this year? That might be the one, but still, it's hard to sort through impatience from legit disappointment.
I really hope they sign George Springer (the team will be better), but I've always wondered about the bitter complaining about Grichuk. I've seen the metrics and the like, but to me eyes he played pretty well, especially given the uncertainty (got better) of the other two outfielders. Is Springer a solution looking for a problem?
Is this THE offseason to hand out a contract that will "win" a free agent? 6 years for DJ? Awesome he got that, but does that deal work with Toronto's window? It's frustrating to watch players go off the board, but a few of the deals I can at least understand why Toronto didn't get the player. Some of the class from next year looks pretty good, and one more year of internal development could be very beneficial. To actually include a question in this; Does the DJ deal mean that Springer also likely gets 6 years? And if so, is that a deal the Jays should make? Thanks Grif!
I'm wondering how much the aspect of probably not playing in Canada is affecting the players on the Jays and players on the Jays radar this off-season.
I understand that the free-agent market has been very slow-moving this year due to a number of economic factors but the Jays seem to be in on everyone and no one knows where they are playing this year. Buffalo is probably not an option this year as I assume the Bisons need to play there.
Dunedin has been upgraded, many of the players live there, and the new facility seems to be top-notch but the training facility is still almost 6km (a 10min drive) from TD Ballpark. Although the new Dunedin park looks great for a low-A or Spring Training venue, no one could confuse it with a major-league ballpark. The Jays players can't be thrilled at playing 81 (or 60, 40 or whatever number) at that venue instead of the big-league spaces they're used to. That doesn't even start to address the visiting club's facilities (although they can sleep in a Winnebago in the Walmart parking lot as far as I care!)
The NHL got an exemption to current (and I assume future) lockdown restrictions but all the teams are staying in Canada for the duration. I can't see MLB getting a similar exemption as although flimsy, the hockey = Canadian Heritage argument is at least fathomable, not so for MLB.
Thoughts on what may happen? Do you think it's affecting FAs like Kim, Springer, Bauer (yuck!), et al with their decision? (Personally, I think old Aussie Cauliflauer ears would have come north if the $$ was there - he got overpaid, but good on ya, mate!).
Long-winded question, I know - but WELCOME BACK!
How do you think the recent scandal(ish) news regarding pitchers using substances for grip will affect the market for Trevor Bauer? He was really vocal about his experiments to increase his spin rate, and voila, his spin rates skyrocketed and he became elite. Do you think GMs might be worrying that if the MLB cracks down he'll turn back into a pumpkin ? Are there any other pitchers who jump to mind who might be more impacted than others by such a crackdown - or will everyone be similarly exposed ?
If the Jays can pull off a miracle and bring Springer into the fold, what do you think of the idea of flipping Gurriel + prospects to Cinci for Suarez? Maybe add more and go for Castillo? Assuming they're interested, what prospects do you think a haul like that would take? And no I dont want to lose Gurriel but Grichuk isn't bringing anything back.
Could Biggio put in the work to become a quality CF? His lefty bat would play there.
Hey Andrew, great to have you back. Given our immediate need to upgrade the rotation and the current options available, do you foresee the possibility of a return of David Price to Toronto (or interim locale)?
Hey Andrew, I think at the beginning of the off season the front office said that one of their goals was to improve their defense/ run prevention. If they miss out on the biggest free agents (which I hope they don’t), do you see them possibly targeting defensive upgrades over bat first options? I’m thinking JBJ in center, Wong at second, upgrading the pitching (through trades, hopefully not Bauer...). Maybe this season they see what they have in Bo at short for a full season, and determine if they want to sign one of the many options next off season if they think that would make the team better?
Glad you’re back! In the never ending discourse about Vladdy’s position, why does corner OF never come up? I think he profiles better out there than corner IF with his arm. Historically, bad defenders get stuck in corner OF (see: Ramirez, Manny; Canseco, Jose). He seems a bit short and lacking in footwork to be at 1B and I don’t know how much more we need to see of him at 3B to conclude it’s not likely gonna work.
I've always been a fan of Mike Wilner--his game calling is enthusiastic and he doesn't suffer fools--so I am sorry to see him go. Any thoughts on a replacement? It seems like JP Arencibia has been hanging around the Jays a bit and he might be a good fit. Siddall seems underutilized on the tv side. What's Alan Ashby up to these days?
What member of the Springfield Power Plant team from "Homer at the Bat" would be the best fit for the Jays this year?
Was there any more news on that Globe story from before Christmas suggesting a new stadium deal was imminent? The story seemed to drop off the radar within a day was never spoken of again.
LeMahieu or Springer? I get why Springer would be a nice addition, but I'd be happier with LeMahieu and supplementing the D with a cheaper Jackie Bradley Jr (who has always hit well in Toronto and will anchor a subpar OF defense). Move Biggio to 3rd and then finish the job by signing Kluber, Walker or both. Thoughts?
Failing to understand why Ole paid 35 million quid for DVDB only to leave him on the bench game after game. I can only watch 2 of Fred, Matic or McTominay on the pitch at the same time so many more times. What gives?!?
PS - Go Jays!
Is it OK to feel OK about some of these signings going another way? Is it Stockholm syndrome? I just think the Hendriks deal? Nah. Sugano looking to opt out at any opportunity? A sacrifice for one year of Lindor this year? That might be the one, but still, it's hard to sort through impatience from legit disappointment.
What's the thing you're most looking forward to at the ballpark, once we're allowed to get back in?
I really hope they sign George Springer (the team will be better), but I've always wondered about the bitter complaining about Grichuk. I've seen the metrics and the like, but to me eyes he played pretty well, especially given the uncertainty (got better) of the other two outfielders. Is Springer a solution looking for a problem?