There have been moments in previous off-seasons that make you stand up and take notice. I was on cloud nine when the Blue Jays signed Roger Clemens in the fall of 1996. I was speechless 10 years later when Frank Thomas joined the team.
But what happened over the last week is on a higher level. Just thinking about it makes my knees weak.
Instead of analyzing everything – that’s already been done by several writers and broadcasters – here are some point-form notes:
Re. The Trade with Miami
– Not crazy about losing Adeiny Hechavarria and Henderson Alvarez. These two had potential. Hech is a great fielder who could hit every now and then. Alvarez, if given a little more rope, will become a good pitcher. However, there was no way the Marlins would let the Jays walk away without giving up something. It was a “spend money to make money” scenario.
– Jeff Mathis is a good guy, but his departure will not hurt nor affect the Jays.
– Yunel Escobar clearly needed a change of scenery.
– Not shedding any tears over the “prospects.” Prospects are crap-shoots. They either make it, make it and have productive careers or don’t make it at all. It could go either way.
– 14 months ago, I thought Mark Buehrle would look great in a Jays uniform. Wish granted, albeit late. He’s never had an ERA above 5.00 and his career WHIP is 1.17. I see him in the 4th or 5th spot.
– Really like Josh Johnson’s numbers. Career ERA of 3.15; 8.2 K/9. He’s had some injuries over his career, but hasn’t been plagued with them (knock on wood). I see him in the 2nd or 3rd spot.
– Yes, Emilo Bonifacio only played 64 games in 2012. But if stays healthy, the results will be very positive. In 2011, his OBP was .360. He’s a versatile fielder who will likely play second.
– Jose Reyes will make a great lead off hitter. Had an OBP of .347 and led the NL in plate appearances. He’s got speed and can swipe a base. Never imagined he would play in Toronto. Interested to see how he will handle AL pitching. His interleague numbers are good: .295/.333/.436/.770
– John Buck’s best season was with the Jays in 2010. He hit 20 HRs and picked up 66 RBIs; even made the AL All-Star team. I’m not expecting that same kind of production. He’ll back up JP Arencibia and can be used a pinch hitter. He’s got a little pop in his bat.
– On paper, this is the biggest trade in Blue Jays history. Of course, trades can’t be fully judged until some time has passed. Everything depends on what actually happens on the field. For now, this trade improves the starting rotation and the middle infield; two issues that surrounded the roster.
Re. Melky Cabrera
– I was content with Anthony Gose starting in LF in 2013. But Cabrera is a better option. He collects a lot of hits. He also has a terrific fielding percentage. If he can at hit at least .275, I will be happy.
– The failed drug test and suspension have certainly stained Cabrera’s career. But at 16 million over two years, it’s a low-risk gamble.
– A year in Buffalo cannot hurt Anthony Gose. It will help his development. Besides, if Colby Rasmus were to get traded, Gose would likely take over in CF.
Re. John Gibbons
– I didn’t see it coming. Neither did anyone else. Gibby wasn’t a phenomenal manager, but he wasn’t an awful one either. In fact, his MLB managerial record is an even 305-305.
– Managers get too much credit when they win; too much criticsm when they lose. As long as he makes good choices, while inspiring and helping the players, I’m happy.
If there’s anything to take away from yesterday’s press conference, it would be that AA is not done. He wants to add depth, especially to the pitching staff. Looks like AA is far from finished.
-The Hek
Definitely Not JaysTalk 