With JP saying that the Jays are done, barring some minor league signings to fill out the AAA roster (In Las Vegas now, fuckin eh).
I have decided that I am going to look at the roster, the entire 40-man roster, and see where certain guy fit in going forward, starting with the pitching, and working my way around positionally.
Pitchers
Doc is the obvious ace of the staff, and one of the best arms in baseball. There are retarded rumblings to trade him for a package of prospects, but fuck that. No way is that cool with me. He should remain a Blue Jay until it is his free agent year and let him walk, Carlos Delgado style, unless a deal can be reached.
Shaun Marcum has got plenty of time left untill free agency, and will be back in the fold in 2010, as he will miss all of 2009.
McGowan will start the season on the DL, and will probably miss 2 months. He should be carefully brought back and not rushed 1 second too soon. 2010 is the key due to the health of Marcum & McGowan.
Jesse Litsch turned himself around after his AAA demotion and may be a different pitcher than the round, pink, efficient he was in 2007 and early 2008. He can be effective with either approach, and should use 2009 to find out which method is most effective going forward.
David Purcey is still an enigma. A 1st round pick who has shown what a 1st round pick is capable of with 2 dominate showings against the Rays last season. He has also shown flashes of what he mostly is, a bust. He could end up a decent 5th starter or a quality bullpen arm, but I see a AAAA player who will end up on 12 different teams signing minor league deals every year.
Ricky Romero, another 1st round pick (the infamous one), is going to get a shot at some point in 2009. It will be nice to see what the still-young Romero will be able to do against AAA to start the year. He has 3 above average pitches and I see no reason why he can't be another Ted Lilly type. I see a good pitcher when I look at Romero's future.
Matt Clement is a 1 year option if he can be healthy. If I see this hillbilly goat fucker on the 2010 roster, he better be the BP pitcher.
Scott Richmond will be a AAA guy bouncing between Las Vegas and Toronto like a ping-pong ball at a bachelor party. He is a control guy, so his success is hard to predict. It could be Josh Towers part 2, the ups and downs.
Other guys who could get starts in 2009:
Robert Ray, Davis Romero, Dirk Hayhurst, Brian Bullington, Brett Cecil, Brad Mills. These guys figure more into 2010 with the exceptions of Hayhurst & Bullington, who are likely 1 year as AAA rotation fillers. Both could have a spot start or 2 if the other guys falter.
Casey Janssen is an interesting case. He comes in as a starter, isn't great (but played through injury). Then goes into the pen in 2007 and dominates. Misses all of 2008 with injury, and may not be 100% ready to start until 2010. I say through him in the bullpen to build up strength and maybe post all-star break chuck him in the rotation. A rotation in 2010 with Doc, Shaun, McG, Litsch, & Janssen could be very solid and pretty cheap.
The Definate Bullpenners
The Beej may be dealt (the smart move), but he remains our closer and best pitcher. 2008 was a shaky season, but you can't deny the results and stats. He should be 100% recovered in 2009, and could dominate and give the Jays a valuable trade chip next offseason.
Scotty Downs should stay away from the rotation at all costs. He emerged as a dominate set-up guy last season after progressing from a shit-bag swingman. He could be a valuable trade chip as a cost-effective closer for another club or the Jays in 2010 is Ryan is gone.
Brandon League is a guy I have always liked. He can be so good, but sometimes he can look fucking clueless. Should be a good 7th inning guy few a while.
Jesse Carlson came out of nowhere last season and almost got some legit ROY consideration, which would've been well-deserved. The 3rd lefty in the "big 4" for 2009, gives another reason why trading Ryans/Downs would be smart.
Jeremy Accardo is hopefully going to be healthy in 2009, but I wouldn't expect 2007 part 2. He should be good, but I expect some lingering control problems due to injuries and the splitter needs to be on.
Shawn Camp was effective last year, but is no more than a 7th guy in the pen.
Brian Tallet is a guy I absolutely fucking hate. It could be his pedophillia-like sideburns, or his douche afro popping out of his hat. It could also be his shit-bag qualities. He is fine as a 7th bullpenner, but I rather the Jays see his value is better served to a team like St. Louis who needs another lefty. I just want him gone before he blows an important game.
Brain Wolfe will probably be the swing-guy in 2009 doing some starting and relieving. His home will be the pen, but long outings should be common with Purcey as the 3rd starter.
AAA Guys Who Should Get A Look:
Reid Santos, Jean Machi, Bill Murphy, Rick Bauer. These guys may not be needed, but provide depth in AAA in the event that guys get hurt in bunches.
Saturday, I will look at infielders, and maybe outfielders too.
Peace, and Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Well, the signing of known goat-fucker Mark Teixeira is on the horizon. Welcome to the 3rd round, AJ compensation draft pick.
More than $20M per season, pushing the Yankee payroll above $200M. At least he is allready clean-cut. He is gonna tear the Jays up this year.
Fuck.
(Pic stolen from the Drunks @ DJF)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Non-Tenders
So, last night was the deadline for team to offer a contract to their pre-free agency players. There were some interesting names not given a contract. I want to run off a couple names that should be interesting to Toronto.
Ty Wigginton
Wigginton has hit 20 HR in each of the last 3 seasons without given 450 AB. He could be very valuable in that he is a good version of Jose Bautista. Ty has played 1B, 3B, 2B, LF, RF the last 2 seasons. He could fill in for Rolen, Overbay, Hill, and LF/DH. He is a perfect platoon guy to carry, who is really versatile. $5M should get it done, but $7-8M wouldn't be a bad idea.
Joey Gathright
Gathright has always been a favourite of mine. The Jays have lacked a speed guy since Otis Nixon almost died on the field of old age. Joey would make a solid 5th OF who could pinch run and play some solid defence. It could take a minor league deal, but a guaranteed deal at league min would be fine.
Chris Capuano
Coming off a serious injury, he would be a solid chance to take on a guy with a decent track record. I would prefer him over Clement. Capuano would probably some cheap with incentives as well.
Daniel Cabrera
Now, I know this is probably a terrible move, but I think Cabrera has incredible stuff, and watching him shut down the Jays offence makes me want to see what he can do as a Blue Jay. $2M? I would take that flier.
Jonny Gomes
Gomes has, pre-2008, mashed lefties. I see a younger Kevin Mench, when he was actually useful on this Continent. He would make a good 4th OF, who could fill in for Lind/Snider against tough lefties and would be fine if needed for a longer stretch in RF when Wells gets hurt. $2-3M would probably get it done.
Robby Hammock
I think he could be a decent back-up for dirt cheap or a quality player in AAA until needed when a catcher goes down. Minor League contract is what is coming for him.
I know that JP isn't going to sign them all, but 1 or 2 would be nice. Cabrera & Wigginton are my 2 preferences, with Gomes & Gathright on my long-time want list.
Make it happen JP.
Ty Wigginton
Wigginton has hit 20 HR in each of the last 3 seasons without given 450 AB. He could be very valuable in that he is a good version of Jose Bautista. Ty has played 1B, 3B, 2B, LF, RF the last 2 seasons. He could fill in for Rolen, Overbay, Hill, and LF/DH. He is a perfect platoon guy to carry, who is really versatile. $5M should get it done, but $7-8M wouldn't be a bad idea.
Joey Gathright
Gathright has always been a favourite of mine. The Jays have lacked a speed guy since Otis Nixon almost died on the field of old age. Joey would make a solid 5th OF who could pinch run and play some solid defence. It could take a minor league deal, but a guaranteed deal at league min would be fine.
Chris Capuano
Coming off a serious injury, he would be a solid chance to take on a guy with a decent track record. I would prefer him over Clement. Capuano would probably some cheap with incentives as well.
Daniel Cabrera
Now, I know this is probably a terrible move, but I think Cabrera has incredible stuff, and watching him shut down the Jays offence makes me want to see what he can do as a Blue Jay. $2M? I would take that flier.
Jonny Gomes
Gomes has, pre-2008, mashed lefties. I see a younger Kevin Mench, when he was actually useful on this Continent. He would make a good 4th OF, who could fill in for Lind/Snider against tough lefties and would be fine if needed for a longer stretch in RF when Wells gets hurt. $2-3M would probably get it done.
Robby Hammock
I think he could be a decent back-up for dirt cheap or a quality player in AAA until needed when a catcher goes down. Minor League contract is what is coming for him.
I know that JP isn't going to sign them all, but 1 or 2 would be nice. Cabrera & Wigginton are my 2 preferences, with Gomes & Gathright on my long-time want list.
Make it happen JP.
Monday, December 8, 2008
NEW RUMOUR WITH NO PROOF TO BACK IT UP!!!!111!!!
Michael Young is being quitely shopped. Him & V-Dub are best buds. They probably swing together.
Young makes $13M per year until 2013. Alex Rios makes about $11M per year. They are probably the same player offensively for the next few years, until Young starts to decline.
I would assume that he would be happy playing with his buddy Vernon though. Happyness does make people feel younger.
MAKE IT HAPPEN JP!!!!!!111!!!!
In all seriousness, make it happen.
Young makes $13M per year until 2013. Alex Rios makes about $11M per year. They are probably the same player offensively for the next few years, until Young starts to decline.
I would assume that he would be happy playing with his buddy Vernon though. Happyness does make people feel younger.
MAKE IT HAPPEN JP!!!!!!111!!!!
In all seriousness, make it happen.
Some Random Musings...Winter Meetings, Thoughts, etc.
First things first.
In a recent draft, I had hoped that JP would take a wild chance and draft Pat Venditte, from Creighton. He did not. The Yankees, of all teams, took him with the 620th pick of the draft. A little insight on Venditte that I thought was out-fucking-standing: 1. HE IS A SWITCH-FUCKING-PITCHER. 2. He can pitch with both arms. Now, Venditte is 2 completely different pitchers depending on which arm he is using. As a righty, he is Josh Towers. As a lefty, Trever Miller. Now, individually, not that impressive. Combine those abilities into 1 reliever and there is serious star potential, and a future key member of a bullpen. It is worth a shot is all I'm saying. I wasn't expecting his to get drafted in the top 10-15 rounds, but after that, a lot of teams start picking toolsy OF/SS high schoolers who have made strong commitments to Colleges.
So far in his Minor League career, Venditte saved 23 games in 30 appearances, putting up a .83 ERA and K'ing more than a batter per inning. He is 23 at low A ball, but could move fast once it is realized he is fucking legit.
Now, onto some more pressing matters: the Winter Meetings.
Some quick Jays-related stuff.
1. A.J. was offered and has rejected arbitration, guaranteeing 2 extra picks in the 2009 draft. Hopefully, a good team signs him so it's a first rounder.
2. A little rumour emerged that the Beej could land in New York with the Mets. It was quickly and emphatically shot down. I would enjoy the extra payroll flexibility for a hitter though.
3. Brian Tallet has been named by a Cardinals writer as a potential target for lefty bullpen help. It's not like the Jays need 4 lefties in the pen. Peace out Tallet.
4. Tom O'Connell, Carl Pavano's agent, is saying the Jays have "significant interest" in Pavano. I am not against this. He could be a very good risk-reward cheap signing. His upside is much better than Ohka/Thomson.
5. Tim Brown from Yahoo! is saying that the Jays could be in on Rafy Furcal with the money "put aside" for Burnett. As much as I want a legit SS and lead-off guy on the Jays, it ain't happening. The money put aside has been raped by my Country's plummeting dollar.
A though always crosses my mind when I look at rumours: how could the Jays get in on that? Well, this next segment has been brought to you by that. I will run off a rumour, then discuss how the Jays could potentially get in on it.
Ramon Hernandez (Baltimore) for Ryan Freel (Cincinnati)
This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides. It could also make sense for the Jays. I am not comfortable with Barajas as the starter next year or with Jeroloman or especially Thigpen as back-ups. How about Lyle Overbay, or better yet, Scott Rolen, for Hernandez, who would add $1M if Overbay goes or would be $3M cheaper than Rolen. Overbay would be a good fit for Baltimore if Teix isn't an option. With that said, I would rather have Overbay for $7M than Hernandez for $8M.
Jermaine Dye (Chicago WS) for Homer Bailey (Cincinnati)
Another Reds rumour. Well, I for one think that if Dye could be enough, than Rios or Wells could work as well. Wells is in a ridiculous contract, but the Reds have a ton left over from Dunn/Griffey departures and the Jays could take a bad contract back in return as well (Arroyo and/or Freel). Bailey could need a change of scenery, and could flourish with some Arnsberg influence the way I imagine he helped Marcum & McGowan.
Huston Street (Colorado) for Aaron Heilman & Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets)
Surely, the Jays could top that offer for a quality reliever. The Jays need a righty at the end of games to help out BJ, Scotty, & Carlson. Accardo is coming back from injury and shouldn't be banked on. Brian Tallet is more valuable than Feliciano and Brian Wolfe is not much worse than Heilman. Accardo could be in there if Wolfe isn't enough. Street could be valuable late in games, then in July when the Jays are out it, prospects can be acquired.
Miguel Tejada (Houston) for Young Pitching
David Purcey and reliever and mid-prospect or 2. Just throwing it out there. I am convinced that Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil could have a better 2009 than Purcey. The Jays would need to unload some money after the deal, but it's not impossible. DFA'ing Bautista & trading McDonald would free up $4M right there. If Adam Everett can get $1M guaranteed, the Jays wouldn't have to eat any of his $1.9M. Plus, Miggy makes $13M in 2009, the final year of his deal. That money was "set aside" for A.J. anyways, if I am to believe what is reported.
Delmon Young (Minnesota) for Something
They want more than just Jason Donald for him. Let's start there. Justin Jackson is a SS prospect, much further away from the majors. Scott Campbell is a 2B who is probably as close as Donald is to the majors. Donald is the far superior prospect, but the Jays could add a couple more prospects or some relievers. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor are all expendable but valuable bullpen arms. The Jays have plenty of young toolsy OF who could be involved. There isn't an obvious fit, but a fit could be forced with enough creativity.
Jason Marquis (Chicago Cubs) for Salary Relief?
It wouldn't be a good deal at all, but 1 year of Marquis for almost $10M may be better than playing the free agent gamble. Plus, the Cubs could pitch in $3M to make it possible. The relief arms could be parted with here as well. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor, the usual.
Jorge Cantu (Florida) for Jon Sanchez (San Fransisco)
As much as I would like to acquire Cantu, this would be about getting Oliver Perez. Sanchez has Perez written all over in my eyes. I see so many similarities. If Cantu is almost enough, how about Lind, younger and maybe better. Or Rios, who would be overpaying for Sanchez, but some parts could come with Sanchez. Rios is losing ground to reach his potential. He could wake up and be 30 and be a .280 RF with 15HR. I would rather see him go while he can put that up while playing CF for someone else.
Well, that is it for now. It's been a lot of rumours with nothing happening today. It's late, and I have to work tomorrow morning, so I'm out.
Until next time, I'll be takin' it easy for all you sinners out there.
In a recent draft, I had hoped that JP would take a wild chance and draft Pat Venditte, from Creighton. He did not. The Yankees, of all teams, took him with the 620th pick of the draft. A little insight on Venditte that I thought was out-fucking-standing: 1. HE IS A SWITCH-FUCKING-PITCHER. 2. He can pitch with both arms. Now, Venditte is 2 completely different pitchers depending on which arm he is using. As a righty, he is Josh Towers. As a lefty, Trever Miller. Now, individually, not that impressive. Combine those abilities into 1 reliever and there is serious star potential, and a future key member of a bullpen. It is worth a shot is all I'm saying. I wasn't expecting his to get drafted in the top 10-15 rounds, but after that, a lot of teams start picking toolsy OF/SS high schoolers who have made strong commitments to Colleges.
So far in his Minor League career, Venditte saved 23 games in 30 appearances, putting up a .83 ERA and K'ing more than a batter per inning. He is 23 at low A ball, but could move fast once it is realized he is fucking legit.
Now, onto some more pressing matters: the Winter Meetings.
Some quick Jays-related stuff.
1. A.J. was offered and has rejected arbitration, guaranteeing 2 extra picks in the 2009 draft. Hopefully, a good team signs him so it's a first rounder.
2. A little rumour emerged that the Beej could land in New York with the Mets. It was quickly and emphatically shot down. I would enjoy the extra payroll flexibility for a hitter though.
3. Brian Tallet has been named by a Cardinals writer as a potential target for lefty bullpen help. It's not like the Jays need 4 lefties in the pen. Peace out Tallet.
4. Tom O'Connell, Carl Pavano's agent, is saying the Jays have "significant interest" in Pavano. I am not against this. He could be a very good risk-reward cheap signing. His upside is much better than Ohka/Thomson.
5. Tim Brown from Yahoo! is saying that the Jays could be in on Rafy Furcal with the money "put aside" for Burnett. As much as I want a legit SS and lead-off guy on the Jays, it ain't happening. The money put aside has been raped by my Country's plummeting dollar.
A though always crosses my mind when I look at rumours: how could the Jays get in on that? Well, this next segment has been brought to you by that. I will run off a rumour, then discuss how the Jays could potentially get in on it.
Ramon Hernandez (Baltimore) for Ryan Freel (Cincinnati)
This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides. It could also make sense for the Jays. I am not comfortable with Barajas as the starter next year or with Jeroloman or especially Thigpen as back-ups. How about Lyle Overbay, or better yet, Scott Rolen, for Hernandez, who would add $1M if Overbay goes or would be $3M cheaper than Rolen. Overbay would be a good fit for Baltimore if Teix isn't an option. With that said, I would rather have Overbay for $7M than Hernandez for $8M.
Jermaine Dye (Chicago WS) for Homer Bailey (Cincinnati)
Another Reds rumour. Well, I for one think that if Dye could be enough, than Rios or Wells could work as well. Wells is in a ridiculous contract, but the Reds have a ton left over from Dunn/Griffey departures and the Jays could take a bad contract back in return as well (Arroyo and/or Freel). Bailey could need a change of scenery, and could flourish with some Arnsberg influence the way I imagine he helped Marcum & McGowan.
Huston Street (Colorado) for Aaron Heilman & Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets)
Surely, the Jays could top that offer for a quality reliever. The Jays need a righty at the end of games to help out BJ, Scotty, & Carlson. Accardo is coming back from injury and shouldn't be banked on. Brian Tallet is more valuable than Feliciano and Brian Wolfe is not much worse than Heilman. Accardo could be in there if Wolfe isn't enough. Street could be valuable late in games, then in July when the Jays are out it, prospects can be acquired.
Miguel Tejada (Houston) for Young Pitching
David Purcey and reliever and mid-prospect or 2. Just throwing it out there. I am convinced that Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil could have a better 2009 than Purcey. The Jays would need to unload some money after the deal, but it's not impossible. DFA'ing Bautista & trading McDonald would free up $4M right there. If Adam Everett can get $1M guaranteed, the Jays wouldn't have to eat any of his $1.9M. Plus, Miggy makes $13M in 2009, the final year of his deal. That money was "set aside" for A.J. anyways, if I am to believe what is reported.
Delmon Young (Minnesota) for Something
They want more than just Jason Donald for him. Let's start there. Justin Jackson is a SS prospect, much further away from the majors. Scott Campbell is a 2B who is probably as close as Donald is to the majors. Donald is the far superior prospect, but the Jays could add a couple more prospects or some relievers. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor are all expendable but valuable bullpen arms. The Jays have plenty of young toolsy OF who could be involved. There isn't an obvious fit, but a fit could be forced with enough creativity.
Jason Marquis (Chicago Cubs) for Salary Relief?
It wouldn't be a good deal at all, but 1 year of Marquis for almost $10M may be better than playing the free agent gamble. Plus, the Cubs could pitch in $3M to make it possible. The relief arms could be parted with here as well. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor, the usual.
Jorge Cantu (Florida) for Jon Sanchez (San Fransisco)
As much as I would like to acquire Cantu, this would be about getting Oliver Perez. Sanchez has Perez written all over in my eyes. I see so many similarities. If Cantu is almost enough, how about Lind, younger and maybe better. Or Rios, who would be overpaying for Sanchez, but some parts could come with Sanchez. Rios is losing ground to reach his potential. He could wake up and be 30 and be a .280 RF with 15HR. I would rather see him go while he can put that up while playing CF for someone else.
Well, that is it for now. It's been a lot of rumours with nothing happening today. It's late, and I have to work tomorrow morning, so I'm out.
Until next time, I'll be takin' it easy for all you sinners out there.
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