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Originally Posted by browna
This is the problem. They (Atkins and Shapiro particularly, the Jays in general) aren't going to convince too players to come.here even with an overpay. Especially now since all MLB players see how they are dealing with Vlad.
The Jays missed the window to sign him for cheaper, hell even Judge probably has a tinge of regret because he would get more than Soto if timing was a year later.
I've said it twice but I don't think Atkins and Shapiro are enamoured or ever have been enamoured with Vlad, really ever. Feeling is probably mutual. Rogers as an owner has given complete autonomy to Shapiro and Atkins and that's biting then in this case.
Vlad isn't the answer, but he's a big part of the solution, and the Jays can't be picky with top/impact players who wish to be a Blue Jay. But here we are.
That all said, I can see this salvageable. Atkins and Shapiro or at least Atkins, has to be gone this season. If that happens my guess is Vladdy signs. I think Vlad was thinking that these guys would be gone and he could deal with someone he trusts, which isnt this regime.
Only way that happens fairly quick is if the pressure from fans and media around this and the team, and maybe some crappy early season results. Even if it's a mid season punting I can see Vlad coming around if the front office (and Schneider) are overhauled.
Question is, that move and change of course has to come from higher that Shapiro. These guys, certainly Atkins, has lasted probably a full calender longer than expected, so they seem to have the trust of Rogers as owners. Is that eroded with this past offseason? And is there anyone above Shapiro that can properly figure a way to transition to a new routine without being overruled by Shapiro?
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The only path forward is if Vlad struggles out of the gate and is willing to walk back some of his demands sensing a down year and his value plummeting. That's a big IF in my mind, and would take a very poor start by Vlad.The most likely scenario is he starts off reasonably well and locks in for his big pay day as the season progresses. The chasm between the organization and player likely isn't going to shrink from this point.
It's sad as a fan because there is no real path forward from here now. Bo will be gone shortly as well and what the team is left with now is a pretty mediocre to poor prospect base and likely several seasons of pain. Having not done more with the Vladdy / Bichette era is pretty bad, despite them not necessarily being the best of the best. In my opinion, there's no reason to continue moving on with Shapiro or Atkins, and having them around further is only causing more harm to the future.