2012 Toronto Blue Jays Season Thread

[VERVE]

Personally, I am bias and feel Snider is the better player in the trade. However, I have to trust AA on this. He has made more shrewd deals than not so I am sure he did his homework on this. IMO, we need to get some arms that can throw strikes given our rash of injuries in that dept. and since we have alot of depth in the outfield, hence the trade. As well, we are still in the WC race (within 4 or so games behind) which makes this a slightly desperate gamble by AA than most other transactions trading Snider's fine skills inexchange for an above average arm. Lincoln was 5th in Pittsburgh's rotation with average stats. He primarily throws 2 pitches- a good 4 seamer and a curveball-can become predictable for batters. Lincoln is a better reliever than starter (according to stats). AA may consider him for the bullpen or a long reliever or perhaps a starter if things go south in the clubhouse re injury side. However, still don't know much about Lincoln, I guess we have to see how well he does in a Jay's uniform.

[KelVarnsen]

I agree with the thinking of there is going to be another move.

We need a LF, Davis isn't it and Gose isn't ready.

[Caged Great]

Lincoln had the best stats in all of baseball as a reliever this season.

[KelVarnsen]

Reading more into Lincoln, Jays may use him as the setup man. Oliver trade coming?

[Street Pharmacist]

http://pittplank.com/2012/07/31/pira...-deal-lincoln/


In their continued effort to bolster their team for a stretch run, the Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off another big move late Monday night trading Brad Lincoln to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Travis Snider. Lincoln was in the midst of a breakout season spent mostly in the bullpen with a handful of spot starts thrown in. He had a 2.73 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 59 innings of work. He was striking out 25% of the batters he faced and walking just 6%, both career-bests.

His fastball is at 94 MPH this year, up from 92.6 MPH a year ago. He has been a flyball pitcher this year (41%) which won't play nearly as well in Toronto, but he was 52% groundball rate a season ago so his path is hardly set there. I also don’t believe his role is set in stone. At 27, the Jays might still try him out as a starter for a more extended look especially since they have about 212 starters on the disabled list with various strands of the bubonic plague. He will be under Toronto’s control until 2018.

[Hells Bells]

Lincoln's numbers as a reliever.

36.2IP/2ER/8BB/40K/0.49ERA

They can always try him out as a starter but for now, he's one of the best relievers in baseball. I'll admit, wasn't a fan of the trade at all originally but the more I learn about Lincoln makes me think this might end up as a very good trade in the future.

Trading Snider/Thames within hours leads me to believe the Jays are putting pieces together to trade for an OF and/or SP. Perhaps Upton or Garza or Victorino/Lee.

[jschick88]

Don't have a link but fan590 was saying that the Jays request a medical for Garza.

Kind of excited to see what happens today.

[Jason14h]

The love for Snider is truely mind boggling! This is a guy who has continually proved he can't hit a major league breaking ball. I like the guy character wise, but we have 1 OF spot and Gose soon to be a full time player (That's the plan at least)

The Jays don't need offense. We are 1st in the league in runs! We need anyone who can get someone out.

OF are a dime a dozen.Heck, as much as Davis isn't the answer, the stats he has put up are more then what we need from a LF with speed, and for no cost.

The Jays are 3-4 arms away from the playoffs for next season because of some of their injuries this year. Who knows if Santos or Hutchinson will be able to pitch next season.

Get as many arms as possible. You can sign a Victorino or trade for a Hunter Pence, etc if you need an OF for next year

[CaramonLS]

^ ^ Replacement level OFs are probably the easist position in all of MLB to find. Worst case scenario you could always run a platoon of adequate production.

If the Jays feel that Snider wasn't going to be really good in the OF, you might as well find a new home for him and use that asset to acquire something you like.

I have always subscribed to AA's philosophy of being aggressive in acquiring those key defensive positions (C, SS, CF) who can put up solid offensive numbers (He has been fairly good in acquiring all 3 (D'Arnaud is coming soon we hope)) and trying to keep around guys at non-premium positions (1B, OF) who absolutely rake.

I'd also place SP up there with Cs, SSs, CFs, as far as premium positions - you can't underestimate their importance as far as impact on games. Hopefully AA did his homework on Lincoln to see if this is a guy they can use over the long term as an SP.

[jschick88]

No deals for the Jays but have have recalled
OF MOISES SIERRA from Las Vegas and have optioned LHP EVAN CRAWFORD and RHP JOEL CARRENO to Las Vegas.

https://twitter.com/BlueJays

[bluejays]

I can't say I'm a fan of the Snider deal, but understand totally where AA's coming from. Firstly, a reliever isn't worth the potential that Snider brings. The chances of Travis reaching his potential are very slim, but if he learns to work out his core, and continues practicing, I think he could very well be a superior Eric Hinske. I'd have liked to see AA hold out for more, but with the teams' needs, and the huge possibility Travis started to slide in production, they'd have probably got less for him. At least he showcased himself to a point where he had value.

As for Lincoln, I think most of us are reading too much into the stats. He's a solid reliever, which is good, but IMO the chances of him being anything else, whether closer or starter, aren't good. He's a two pitch player - we can't expect much from the guy no matter his breakout season or not. Jason Frasor Jr.

[jschick88]

AA was on primetime sports today. Sorry I would recap but on my phone.

http://bcove.me/z0j9vclr

[Caged Great]

Chad Jenkins got recalled today. Chavez down. Might start on Wednesday if Villaneuva does not return from the dominican in time (personal matter)

[Hells Bells]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Chad Jenkins got recalled today. Chavez down. Might start on Wednesday if Villaneuva does not return from the dominican in time (personal matter)

You know its bad when....

Jenkins has been brutal in the minors, lets hope to god Villanueva gets back in time.

[Caged Great]

Davis Single, Gose Double EE Walk Escobar Single Johnson Single all with 2 outs = 3 runs for jays 6-4

[Flickered Flame]

Drew Hutchison to have Tommy John. Out a year.

[dustyanddaflames]

What bad timing for Hutchison really - will probably miss all of the 2013 season as well...

[KelVarnsen]

Some Blue Jays news today

Barry Davis ‏@SNBarryDavis Brandon Morrow will make his 3rd rehab start (first in AA) tonight in Erie. #bluejays

Barry Davis ‏@SNBarryDavis
Lawrie had an MRI last night and it showed inflammation in the oblique area. He will throw today which is their biggest concern. #bluejays.
Barry Davis ‏@SNBarryDavis
Lawrie on his inj: "it just needs a little time to rest. Been icing it countless times everyday. Throwing today it feels good. #bluejays
Barry Davis ‏@SNBarryDavis
More Lawrie: "it feels like it's getting a lot better. From where it was to now, I can move and stuff without it barking at me." #bluejays
Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi
Brett Lawrie threw the ball today and said after his ribcage feels better. No timeline yet.

Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi
Jose Bautista underwent MRI last night that was inconclusive due to movement during imaging. Was redone today, team awaiting results.
Shi Davidi ‏@ShiDavidi
Bautista injury on forearm past wrist, says Farrell: "There's a sheath that holds a tendon in place that when he swung rolled over the bone"

[KelVarnsen]

What a frustrating and disappointing road trip that was. Jays go 2-8, while scoring 35 runs on 60 hits. All the injuries have really hurt this team, and it is going to be a long two months if this trend continues.

[Caged Great]

Jays signed Jeff Mathis 2 years 1.5 per with 1.5 option, and have maybe acquired Yorvit Torrealba (Sp) from the Rangers.