Toronto Blue Jays - Offseason Thread - Page 57 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Roof-Daddy · 01-19-2017, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

I thought he was more of a 1B. I could be wrong.

I think many project him as 1B long term, but as far as I know he still mostly catches.

Found an article which states he was given 11 tarts at AA last season as a 1B. Other than that he's been catching.

http://jaysjournal.com/2016/11/19/so...l-mike-ohlman/

JTech780 · 01-19-2017, 10:44 AM

Feliz just signed with the Brewers so there goes one-off the relievers I would have liked.

I see Kurt Suzuki is still available, would he not be a better option as backup catcher, or would the Jays be better off spending that money elsewhere.

RichKlit · 01-19-2017, 10:47 AM

I read Suzuki is holding out to the end for a starting gig.

TheAlpineOracle · 01-19-2017, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Haha, yeah I guess it's not like his competition is other worldly.

Jiminez had a pretty terrible year offensively in Buffalo, and actually I think i'm taking back saying having him over Thole would be an improvement even if the Jays did nothing. He's been terrible at the plate consistently in AAA. Wasn't aware as to how bad it was.

Jason14h · 01-19-2017, 11:42 AM

Anyone know why they aren't looking at Navarro as backup?

alan21 · 01-19-2017, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason14h

Anyone know why they aren't looking at Navarro as backup?

I was thinking the same thing.
He has a decent switch hitting bat and was apparently great at handling Estrada.

Cappy · 01-19-2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason14h

Anyone know why they aren't looking at Navarro as backup?

I wouldn't be surprised if they were and we just aren't hearing about it. Backup catchers aren't sexy.

Switch hitter with some power. nothing wrong with that. He made 4 mil last year so i dont think he can expect that.

Still plenty of crap back-ups out there though, so there is some leverage.

TheAlpineOracle · 01-19-2017, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason14h

Anyone know why they aren't looking at Navarro as backup?

I think Navarro still thinks he's a starting catcher, so signing in Toronto limits his ability to potentially claim that role. Would be amazing to have him back though as he is a pinch hitting threat.

howard_the_duck · 01-19-2017, 01:55 PM

I think they want a good receiver, in addition to bringing some ability with the bat. While Navarro has shown that his bat fits that role, he's not very highly regarded defensively.

I doubt there are any MLB clubs that would view him as a starter anymore.

bluejays · 01-19-2017, 04:29 PM

Personally I think Navarro would fit in, but my own theory is that he sees himself as a starter and would prefer to go to a place where he has that chance. I'm sure he enjoyed coming back this season as it was a run at the championship, but beyond that, he wants to be a starter. Who knows? In baseball GM's make head scratching moves all the time. This was the first year in recent history that no GM really made a bone head move.

cross16 · 01-20-2017, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

I think they want a good receiver, in addition to bringing some ability with the bat. While Navarro has shown that his bat fits that role, he's not very highly regarded defensively.

I doubt there are any MLB clubs that would view him as a starter anymore.

I agree, I think it has more to do with the Jays wanting to go in a different direction than Navarro thinking he is a starter. I get Jays fans like him because of some clutch hits and his clubhouse presence, but I think reality is he is a below avg defender with a decent but not great bat. With a young staff I like the idea of getting a better received who can hit a little and not Navarro.

Between his age and the fact that Martin will play the WBC I think the Jays need a solid defensive catcher because they are likely going to need to use him a fair bit. I would be cautious personally about wanting to use Navarro that heavily.

TheAlpineOracle · 01-20-2017, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cross16

I agree, I think it has more to do with the Jays wanting to go in a different direction than Navarro thinking he is a starter. I get Jays fans like him because of some clutch hits and his clubhouse presence, but I think reality is he is a below avg defender with a decent but not great bat. With a young staff I like the idea of getting a better received who can hit a little and not Navarro.

I think he has an above average bat for a catcher. His D, while not the best, is not that bad, and he took off a ton of weight which can only help that.

The thing with Navarro is that he can actually be used as a pinch hitter, is a switch hitter, and he gives Gibby some flexibility. Whatever backup we sign/go with is probably just a waste of space in the 140 games he's sitting on the bench.

Machiavelli · 01-20-2017, 09:39 PM

Lots of speculation out there about a possible Sanchez/Stroman feud. Something about twitter/Instagram unfollows

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/01/20...-aaron-sanchez

https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/co...chez/?sort=top

RichKlit · 01-20-2017, 10:47 PM

Completely agree with TAO on Navarro. Fits like a glove, Estrada connection. If the money's right bring him back.

TheAlpineOracle · 01-20-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Lots of speculation out there about a possible Sanchez/Stroman feud. Something about twitter/Instagram unfollows

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/01/20...-aaron-sanchez

https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/co...chez/?sort=top

Maybe Sanchez got sick of Stroman's baffoonery on social media and just wanted to distance himself from it. It's pretty bad.

RichKlit · 01-21-2017, 10:32 AM

Looks like Suzuki is gone to Atlanta. One less b/u catcher option for the Jays.

JTech780 · 01-21-2017, 11:17 AM

I am not too worried about finding a backup catcher, Martin plays a lot, and they are pretty easy to find mid season. Even coming out of spring training there will probably be a couple defensive first backups available.

Also Jimenez has been in the system forever, give him a shot to start the season or Ohlman, and maybe we can get by till McGuire is ready. Sounds like his defense is already at big league level, he just needs to work on his bat.

I would prefer to find a lefty bullpen arm a late inning reliever. After that I would look for a lefty power bat for the outfield.

Alberta_Beef · 01-21-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTech780

I am not too worried about finding a backup catcher, Martin plays a lot, and they are pretty easy to find mid season. Even coming out of spring training there will probably be a couple defensive first backups available.

Also Jimenez has been in the system forever, give him a shot to start the season or Ohlman, and maybe we can get by till McGuire is ready. Sounds like his defense is already at big league level, he just needs to work on his bat.

I would prefer to find a lefty bullpen arm a late inning reliever. After that I would look for a lefty power bat for the outfield.

I can't imagine Jimenez could be any worse at the plate than Thole

TheAlpineOracle · 01-21-2017, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

I can't imagine Jimenez could be any worse at the plate than Thole

You'd think that, bit his offensive stats in AAA are abysmal.

JTech780 · 01-21-2017, 04:55 PM

IMO for a backup catcher it is defense first, whatever you get with the bat is just a nice bonus.