The 2014 Toronto Blue Jays Thread

[Joe S.]

Well at least the jays still have a chance at their own division.

 

[Kin]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

 

[Peter D.]

If a cost-conscious team like the A's are willing to go all in, as a fan you'd like to see the Jays do something similar.

 

[Andy007]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

Yea I agree. I guess the Sox also get some kind of 2nd round pick thingy in the deal but Cespedes is having a very average season after a pretty bad one last year. And he's turning 29. Good on the A's.

 

[Frank E]

looks like Lester is going to the Orioles

Well, better the A's than the O's...

 

[Joe S.]

If a cost-conscious team like the A's are willing to go all in, as a fan you'd like to see the Jays do something similar.

I keep having this fantasy that the Leafs JAYS pick up Chase Utley, or someone of that ilk... that's what they need... but it's not going to happen.

 

[Joe S.]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

Well you'd think they'd have a hard time getting much more what with him potentially only being around for 10 starts or so.

I'm sure all the offers weren't much better.

 

[Peter D.]

If a cost-conscious team like the A's are willing to go all in, as a fan you'd like to see the Jays do something similar.

I keep having this fantasy that the Leafs pick up Chase Utley, or someone of that ilk... that's what they need... but it's not going to happen.

Yes, the Leafs picking up Utley is definitely not going to happen.

 

[Kin]

If a cost-conscious team like the A's are willing to go all in, as a fan you'd like to see the Jays do something similar.

It's not really going all in. They actually reduce their payroll for this year with the deal and take 10.5 million off of next year's books to boot.

edit: Also, I'm reading that Boston is throwing in cash.

 

[Kin]

Well you'd think they'd have a hard time getting much more what with him potentially only being around for 10 starts or so.

I'm sure all the offers weren't much better.

It's not really a question of other offers being more or better so much as it is I have to think that other teams were at least offering prospects.

 

[bustaheims]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

I agree, though, I think Cespedes will probably put up better power numbers hitting in Fenway than he could in Oakland. It is strange that they went this route instead of picking up young players/prospects. Also, apparently, the language in his contract allows Cespedes to bypass his arbitration seasons and become a free agent after next season.

 

[Joe S.]

If a cost-conscious team like the A's are willing to go all in, as a fan you'd like to see the Jays do something similar.

I keep having this fantasy that the Leafs pick up Chase Utley, or someone of that ilk... that's what they need... but it's not going to happen.

Yes, the Leafs picking up Utley is definitely not going to happen.

That was an awesome mistake!

 

[Kin]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

I agree, though, I think Cespedes will probably put up better power numbers hitting in Fenway than he could in Oakland. It is strange that they went this route instead of picking up young players/prospects. Also, apparently, the language in his contract allows Cespedes to bypass his arbitration seasons and become a free agent after next season.

Yeah, that's one of the things that struck me as strange. I mean, if Cespedes is under contract for a while I get it but even if he does hit like gangbusters next year in Fenway then you have to pay him a ton to keep him around.

 

[bustaheims]

Yeah, that's one of the things that struck me as strange. I mean, if Cespedes is under contract for a while I get it but even if he does hit like gangbusters next year in Fenway then you have to pay him a ton to keep him around.

Yup. This deal really only makes sense for Boston if Lester comes back AND they can re-sign Cespedes. Otherwise, they're in the same position with Cespedes next season, and he's a less valuable trade chip.

 

[pmrules]

That's a really weird trade for the Red Sox. I mean, I suppose if they've got something worked out where they get Lester back in a couple months it doesn't hurt them but a 28 year old outfielder who's had so-so offensive numbers the last two years?

I agree, though, I think Cespedes will probably put up better power numbers hitting in Fenway than he could in Oakland. It is strange that they went this route instead of picking up young players/prospects. Also, apparently, the language in his contract allows Cespedes to bypass his arbitration seasons and become a free agent after next season.

Yeah, that's one of the things that struck me as strange. I mean, if Cespedes is under contract for a while I get it but even if he does hit like gangbusters next year in Fenway then you have to pay him a ton to keep him around.

If that situation occurs, Boston will pay. 

Plus...worst case scenario for the Jays, there is the possibility that Lester returns and you now have to deal with YC and Lester.

 

[Kin]

Plus...worst case scenario for the Jays, there is the possibility that Lester returns and you now have to deal with YC and Lester.

I'm just not that concerned about that. Cespedes the last two years has had a OPS+ of 103 and 113 for the park-factor conscious. Meanwhile Colby Rasmus the last two years has been at 125 and 98 and people seem ready to chase him out of town. Unless Cespedes figures out a way to get on base he's just not that valuable an offensive player.

 

[bustaheims]

Plus...worst case scenario for the Jays, there is the possibility that Lester returns and you now have to deal with YC and Lester.

While Lester may have acknowledged his willingness to return to Boston, based on the way negotiations have gone with him in comparison to other potential free agent pitchers, it doesn't seem like Boston is willing to offer him anywhere close to what a number of other teams will. I don't think he'll be willing to leave significant dollars on the table to return to the Red Sox.

 

[Kin]

And the A's have also traded Tommy Milone for Sam Fuld.

 

[bustaheims]

And the A's have also traded Tommy Milone for Sam Fuld.

Milone's a guy I would have liked to see the Jays take a chance on.

 

[Kin]

And the A's have also traded Tommy Milone for Sam Fuld.

Milone's a guy I would have liked to see the Jays take a chance on.

Eh, his decent looking numbers seem to be a stadium by-product. Outside of Oakland he's pretty JA Happ-ish.