I didn't think the Jays were going to make any real big changes so im pleasantly surprised with this trade to be honest. Looking forward to some more moves now as it looks like they will need to add an OF now and maybe they do actually take a run at a guy like Correa.
I think they either sign a FA cf (even if a stop gap solution like Peraltra) or they move one of their catchers for one in a trade. I think LH CF (or a RH CF and a LH 3/4 OF) plus a SP are the main things they need. I think they are done at reliever. I wonder if they think Pop could be a rotation option. He sure would be a solid sinker/fastball type.
I didn't think the Jays were going to make any real big changes so im pleasantly surprised with this trade to be honest. Looking forward to some more moves now as it looks like they will need to add an OF now and maybe they do actually take a run at a guy like Correa.
Completely doubt they add a ton more to their payroll. In fact I don't think that many of the large payroll teams are eager to add a lot given the economic uncertainty, but that's just a personal theory.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kasi
I think they either sign a FA cf (even if a stop gap solution like Peraltra) or they move one of their catchers for one in a trade. I think LH CF (or a RH CF and a LH 3/4 OF) plus a SP are the main things they need. I think they are done at reliever. I wonder if they think Pop could be a rotation option. He sure would be a solid sinker/fastball type.
The more I think about their lineup diversity target this off-season, the more I think Kirk is a certainty to stay. He's everything they want in a bat at the plate in a playoff situation. He really makes opposing pitchers work. I'd say there's a huge percentage they keep him and move one of the two depending on who they're dealing with (win-now team = Jansen; win-later team= Moreno).
Another thing I was thinking about is positionally, there has to be minimal uncertainty when it comes to injuries or play. Got me thinking about who is an injury threat, and who is there uncertainty about producing consistently? Well, I think Gurriel is injury prone. I do think he'll be moved. Uncertainty on production I think are two positions - 3rd (Chapman) and 2nd (Biggio/Espinal). Chapman's bat was off last year as was Biggio's. Biggio has to be moved on with I'd think.
Don't mind this deal at all. While Teo was a plus bat he sure was a liability in the field and his give af level appeared pretty low at times. He really did seem like a great guy but at this point I think Gurriel is the better player. It'll be interesting to see where this leads though.
Can’t remember the exact time, but there was a game this season where Buck just ripped Teoscar fir his work ethic and consistency. It was really out of character for Buck (or any of the SN personalities) to criticize an active roster player like that. I think there's more to this.
The Following User Says Thank You to nieuwy-89 For This Useful Post:
Fine with this because of his FA status (and assume Jays had some early chats with his agent about what number his next contract would start with) and position in the order. More arms is good and more flexibility is too.
They made the mistake of not getting the bat they very publicly said they wanted last offseason and it contributed to some of their struggles, so hopefully this and future deals (C) and signings addresses all their needs this time, with the ability to add at the deadline as well.
I like the trade as they are bolstering their pitching depth, and I think moving Hernandez is a positive if they replace him with a quality, left handed bat for the outfield (which I am sure they will).
It will be interesting to see how Vladdy reacts to this though
I’d move Kirk. As an all-star, he’ll likely get the best return. I think you need to trade high on him. He’s probably the best hitter of the three but I think Moreno can hit .280 and offer quality at bats plus has pretty good speed. He doesn’t have Kirk’s power but the catcher position doesn’t have to be a position where you get power.
I agree, I think Kirk is the one you trade.
Moreno is a better all-around baseball player and better athlete. Also, as a prospect, his return value isn't as high.
Jansen is the least sexy of the 3, but I think he is a quality guy, good defensively, and is the perfect mentor and eventually backup catcher for Moreno.
Kirk is a one-trick pony and his value is currently high
I don’t think Kirk is a one trick pony. He actually has some very good catching stats. He’s not a great thrower but he is average there. What he is though is a very good receiver, likely better than Jansen. Mainly he is a very good pitch framer which is something Jansen is noisy on. Kirk also has a very good offensive skill set and gives an approach that others lack on this team. The problem is his fitness. He clearly wore down last year even after being slimmer. Sure he’s never going to be slim but he really needs to be more 220-240 than 260.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Kasi For This Useful Post:
Kirk is in rare company with the bat as a catcher. With the numbers he put up at his age he is in the company of pretty much just a small handful of former superstars and hall of famers.
If he wasn't such a mess physically he'd be a guy you would hang onto, no question. His bowling ball physique though is rightfully a cause for concern, so I wouldn't be surprised if he was traded because his value is probably sky high right now and the Jays have two other very high end catchers.
He's had a rough two seasons...but A 27 year old former MVP and ROY, with a world series ring (and played in 3 WS) could be an amazing ad if he bounces back.
I’d hope if they could move Springer to RF that it might keep him in the field more and less in the DH spot. I don’t mind Kirk being a 2-3 C, 2-3 DH a week type if we have Jansen or Moreno to back him up. I doubt we would get a fulltime DH that would hit better than Kirk anyway.
On one hand I don't want another reclamation project, but Bellinger is intriguing. Certainly it would only be for a year then after he'd cash out elsewhere, but it would be cool if they could bring some credibility in and he fits that bill.
Again, on the Kirk decision, his combination is rare. Specifically his bat is elite, as is his warding off fouls when borderline. It would be a terrible decision to deal him unless the return is outta this world. Despite his size I'd still keep him just because his bat is off the charts smart, and that's rare to get someone like that.
Kirk's strikezone recognition is elite. That has to be one of the more sustainable traits as a hitter that there is. Knows the strike zone and high contact rate and isnt a pop gun hitter. So thats a bat that can do more than catch.. The only real issue is that when you use him as a DH you don't have a backup catcher to bring into the game without losing your DH.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
