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Jay M's avatar

Could the Jays use piggyback starters for two/three rotation spots, like in the playoffs? A righty and a lefty to mess with the opposition's lineup. A shorter bullpen that will not be called on as often. It would minimize the innings for two young fireballers. It would satisfy the two times through the lineup narrative. It would minimize high pitch count outings for the strikeout guys. Pitchers stats are not about wins anymore. Rosters likely expanded due to lack of pitched innings last year. Fairly set lineup with versatility would minimize size of bench needed.

Rotation

Ryu

Pearson/Ray

Roark

Merryweather/Matz

Kay/Stripling

Pen

Yates

Romano

Borucki

Dolis

Chatwood

Yamaguchi

Depth

Thornton

Hatch

Cole

etc

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Simon Pond's avatar

Yeah, I think it's safe to say they're not done. I think they're smartly waiting out this mid-market Free Agent starter group to try and get a better deal. Because lord knows there's not as many suitors out there (as you pointed out, basically the entire NL Central is punting and spending next- to-nothing).

Looking at the available guys, Odorizzi and Walker would be fine, but geez 3-4 years for one of those guys when you've already got the Roark contract there.....eesh. I'd take either one on a two year deal. Otherwise you might be better off with guys like Hamels (who was very good in 18-19 with the Cubs) and another guy on a one year deal.

What's your go-to at Arby's Stoeten?

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Mister MEH's avatar

Realistically, the Jays are going to need major league starts from everyone at the majors *and* whoever is slated to go to AAA at the start of the year, just based on how little all of them pitched (or pitched only in relief) in 2020. Ryu and Pearson, best case, won't pitch anywhere near a normal amount, and they have to save quality innings for the post-season.

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Simon Pond's avatar

Yes agreed with this. Pearson will be in the bullpen by August maybe sooner. Not a terrible prospect heading into a short post season series to have a guy throwing 100 down there.

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Andrew Stoeten's avatar

Very good point.

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steve-o's avatar

It’s a head-scratcher!

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Paul M's avatar

I think we can reliably call this “light-to-moderate lifting.”

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