Papi was fabulous in response to Jeter and Arod the whole time on FS1
Pre and post game was highly entertaining.
This, prior to game 3, was great example of Ortiz with them
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As we wait for the ALCS opponent, I just want to point out that a huge chunk of this scrappy roster will be back next season too.
They only lose Seranthony out of the bullpen, but should get Yimi, Burr and Sandlin back.
They only lose Bichette from the position players, but he may still re-sign, and if he doesn't they have faired pretty well without him.
They lose Bassitt, Sherzer and Bieber from the rotation, so there is certainly work to do on that front, but plenty of money throw at it.
Is there not a chance that Bieber triggers his player option? Or am I making that up?
The Bichette question is interesting. He's clearly not at the point where he has full mobility, which is a huge liability at SS.
So maybe we bring him along as a DH or a bench bat. But if he's a DH, then the Springer/Santander paradox gets even trickier.
If you're just bringing him along as a bench bat, that's fine, but that essentially eats two bench positions as after he pinch hits, someone else needs to fill in for him defensively.
His bat alone may be worth it. But it leaves them pretty thin as far lineup flexibility and defensive maneuverability
Is there not a chance that Bieber triggers his player option? Or am I making that up?
There's a chance yeah. the general consensus after the trade was that it was very unlikely. But, Bieber really hasn't pitched all that well since the trade. so he might want one more full healthy season to improve his numbers before signing the next contract. He seems to like Toronto too. I'd put it at about 50/50 personally
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Yeah definitely a possibly but the FA pitching market is pretty thin this offseason. So I think there will be teams desperate enough (*cough* Mets *cough*) to throw some guaranteed money Biebers way. I wouldn't be surprised to see something like a 3 year 75 million contract with opt outs on the table.
I love that baseball is such a long slog that they celebrate every round. Making the playoffs and then winning each of the 3 rounds. Each step is an achievement. Unlike hockey where is so serious they can't even touch the conference championship trophy. Imagine if the Flames, after Gaudreau's series winning goal against Dallas, had a celebration like the Jays had last night.
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
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Just guessing but think Bieber has to get way way more guaranteed money than 16, the number of desperate teams for arms I think somebody is going to offer him at least 4 or 5 years just to grab him because of his track record.
With his age, a soft 92/93 mph fastball and the injury history if I were him I'd grab it and cash in this summer as he could be injured again next year. And as much as I like him as a depth starter I hope the Jays stay well away he hasn't been great since 2022 and I think there will be better value out there even if they need to move prospects and do it via a trade
If I'm Bieber I'd take that guaranteed $16M and try to have a bounceback season on a decent team (especialy defensively).
Jays are good defensively which helps build value, but I think he can probably get $20+ on a 1 year deal elsewhere, and maybe even a player option tacked on. Or even something like $20x4 with an opt-out after 2 years.
I've been listening to a lot of the experts who think Scherzer and Bassitt will be in there. To be Scherzer is a dead arm. He doesn't have movement or speed. I'd put Bassitt and Berrios, personally.
Also interesting is the possibility of the return of Bichette. Many think he'll be DHing as his defence will not be up to par. If that happens it's a great scenario - force Springer to OF, and keep Santander on the bench. IKF doesn't make the roster this round, IMO.
