2025 Toronto Blue Jays Season Thread

[bluejays]

If I recall France was a versatile player. I'm a little puzzled why he's in at all but perhaps it's simply because he's a vet and he may step up when needed (frankly I forgot he was even on the team!)

[Enoch Root]

I can't believe there is any discussion about adding Bo to the lineup - if he is healthy enough to bat, you do it. Without hesitation.

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

His potential impact on the batting order is massive. He was arguably the Jays best bat for the regular season.

But he also offers Vladdy way better protection. It's one thing to walk Vladdy to get to Kirk. It's another to walk Vladdy to get to Bo.

1. Springer.
2. Lukes
3. Vladdy
4. Bo
5. Kirk
6. Varsho
7. Barger
8. Ernie
9. Giminez

Putting Bo in at #4 slots everything below WAY better.

The bold is the reason why (along with the fact that he is one of the two best hitters on the team). Kirk is not a big enough threat to make them hesitate to walk Vladdy. Bo is. You walk Vladdy, you face a guy that had more hits than anyone in baseball this year. Yes, he hasn't played in a month. But if you're the manager, are you hanging your hat on that fact? Foolish way to manage - you always respect your opponent.

Bo lengthens and strengthens the lineup. And he is better protection for Vladdy. Full stop.

[Enoch Root]

I don't agree with the general sentiment that the Jays are massive underdogs, and that them winning would be one of the greatest upsets of all time. The Dodgers are deep, no question. But baseball is about timely hits and good pitching. And it's a short series. I think, top to bottom, the Jays bats are as good as the Dodgers', if the pitching is there, the series is winnable.

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I don't agree with the general sentiment that the Jays are massive underdogs, and that them winning would be one of the greatest upsets of all time. The Dodgers are deep, no question. But baseball is about timely hits and good pitching. And it's a short series. I think, top to bottom, the Jays bats are as good as the Dodgers', if the pitching is there, the series is winnable.

I’ve also come around on this, mostly because a) the Jays are formidable, and b) baseball can be the most random of all the major sports, which is what is also so great about it.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I don't agree with the general sentiment that the Jays are massive underdogs, and that them winning would be one of the greatest upsets of all time. The Dodgers are deep, no question. But baseball is about timely hits and good pitching. And it's a short series. I think, top to bottom, the Jays bats are as good as the Dodgers', if the pitching is there, the series is winnable.

Jays play in a tough division and despite that, they did end up with a better record than the Dodgers (and the best record in the AL). That should be worth something, you'd think.

Dodgers had 93 wins but they also got to play the Rockies a zillion times.

[Jiggy_12]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

I’ve also come around on this, mostly because a) the Jays are formidable, and b) baseball can be the most random of all the major sports, which is what is also so great about it.

Yeah, that's just it. Baseball can go ahead and baseball at any moment.

We know the Dodgers strengths, no need to go there. The Jays are carrying a wave of momentum, winning that game 7 at home in theatrical fashion and now getting to start the world series just a few days later at home again.

The Dodgers had a rather anti-climactic NLCS, and have had a long lay-off. Great to get them rested and ready, but the intensity will have fallen off a fair bit.

Jays also just seem to be having one of those magical seasons that is tough to wrap words around. They've got an aura about them that we may not see again for a very long time.

I think our chance is decent. In my mind, its 50/50

[bluejays]

The thing is, any time a payroll with that many star players are playing against you, you're going to be the underdog. I think the betting odds are right where they should be. Jays are the underdogs. We're really hoping for a solid run here. The Dodgers have a higher chance of doing so. As a fan I want the Jays to win, but the current edge to the Dodgers IIRC at 62%, sounds about right. The only uncertainty they have is RP. That's pretty damn impressive.

[SuperMatt18]

I think it would be different too if the Dodgers starting pitchers had struggled at all in the playoffs...but they really haven't.

[bluejays]

The Jays bats have to be fully awake right from the start. To me that's the key to all this. Our pitching is likely to be inconsistent (I feel). If we can wear them down by contact and prolonged looks at the plate, that will make the series more even. I really hope they can do that. As for where Bo slots, I'd put money on it he's on the opening roster, and depending if they have the lead or not IKF comes as a defensive replacement. Where he should be starting is mid order if he's still figuring it out. If he's fully ready than cleanup makes sense (though I fear there will be a ton of pressure on him).

[browna]

Really not sure about Bo starting at 2nd for the first time in his MLB career in Game 1 of the WS.

[CroCop]

What a ride but what does the offseason bring? Do we retain Bo? Can we entice an ace or other time big arms to come over? Can guys like Trey, Addison and Ernie sustain what they shown and become true All-Star players? I really hope this run has opened the eyes of future free agents that this is a premier place to play with a window to win. I think the fastest way to ease the sting of losing would be exciting action in the offseason and a hope to run it back for another shot.

[Whynotnow]

Originally Posted by CroCop

What a ride but what does the offseason bring? Do we retain Bo? Can we entice an ace or other time big arms to come over? Can guys like Trey, Addison and Ernie sustain what they shown and become true All-Star players? I really hope this run has opened the eyes of future free agents that this is a premier place to play with a window to win. I think the fastest way to ease the sting of losing would be exciting action in the offseason and a hope to run it back for another shot.

So painful and hard to look to next year already but here’s a few thoughts-

- I think trying to keep Bo is important, he brings a good bat and would be tough to replace plus the chemistry factor.
- hard to imagine Springer repeating the same year, so expect some drop off
- that should hopefully be made up by a healthy Santander but him being in complicates the dh situation a bit
- if the three young guys you mention continue the trend it’s a huge positive for the team, significant regression and that’s a problem
- gonna need a bit of work in the starting rotation although yesavage may be the immediate answer to that
- not sure about the pen and who’s available, hard to picture Hoffman as the guy just too susceptible to the long ball. He was awesome in the playoffs but his Achilles heel showed itself yesterday at the worst possible time.

All said I think they have as good a chance as any team to try to get back there and compete for the title.

[browna]

Ty France with the Blue Jays only Gold Glove this year.