2024 Toronto Blue Jays Season Thread

[flamingred89]

Originally Posted by browna

Gotta say, Votto with textbook social media and PR this offseason in aiding him in getting a big league job...knowing the Jays offseason was lackluster and that SNet as Jays broadcaster, portal to the fans, and network owned by Rogers, needs this feel good story and will be all over it.

Today it's an apology letter to the time he ripped Canadian baseball a while ago.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article...-social-media/

So I take it you're not a Votto fan?...

[KelVarnsen]

I don’t think he likes anyone

[browna]

Originally Posted by flamingred89

So I take it you're not a Votto fan?...

Dont care either way strongly about Votto, just observing that he's playing the social media game and public relations game to perfection. For a player that no major league team would sign for a minor league or tryout contract, if he keep this well orchestrated campagin, playing up the Canadian angle etc going, they'll be angry calls and letters to Rogers and the Blue Jays if he's not on opening day roster even if he doesn't take another swing in Spring Training.

For the record I think he can still play a role and really does want to keep his career going. But there are many good major leaguers in that same boat every new season that don't get a sniff, but he's pushing all the right media buttons so far.

[ben voyonsdonc]

A future hall of famer hardly needs an elaborate campaign to make this team.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by browna

Dont care either way strongly about Votto.

Bahahaha!!! Yeah we can clearly see that, browna.

[bizaro86]

Votto is a bit of a shrug for me. Low cost, potential bench lefty power bat. Seems pretty low risk, and if it works out could be a useful guy to have.

[bluejays]

I’m with browna on this one. I know he’s saying it more crudely than it needs to be but Votto is playing it up. Does he have a high chance at making a substantial difference? No. Chances are after two subpar seasons it’s age taking its toll and he won’t fully bounce back. But as the last man on the bench I can’t say I have a problem with it. A young guy won’t get much experience there. He shouldn’t make the opening day roster as a starter. But bench guy sure. His PR will help him make the roster, but keep him on the team? He better produce when he’s called upon. I could see him getting cut if he doesn’t produce for a long stretch. My only concern is Vogelbach seems to be doing alright but may eventually get cut. Still he won’t be a dealbreaker but he does provide some power which is needed.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by bluejays

I’m with browna on this one. I know he’s saying it more crudely than it needs to be but Votto is playing it up. Does he have a high chance at making a substantial difference? No. Chances are after two subpar seasons it’s age taking its toll and he won’t fully bounce back. But as the last man on the bench I can’t say I have a problem with it. A young guy won’t get much experience there. He shouldn’t make the opening day roster as a starter. But bench guy sure. His PR will help him make the roster, but keep him on the team? He better produce when he’s called upon. I could see him getting cut if he doesn’t produce for a long stretch. My only concern is Vogelbach seems to be doing alright but may eventually get cut. Still he won’t be a dealbreaker but he does provide some power which is needed.

Yeah. I think you need to compare Votto's production to the spot he's being asked to fill. If he's the last extra bat on the bench, then as long as he produces as well as the guy he replaces in that slot then he's not hurting the team.

If you make him the starting DH that's a different story, and he'd need to produce comparable to Belt last year.

[bluejays]

Exactly. Guys like him who are experienced tend to be more clutch when you really need them. Call it calmer nerves or whatever but you need these types of guys in the playoffs. Again, I have no problem with it as he’s not your everyday lineup guy at this stage. I do have a problem with IKF, Varsho and whomever is playing second base in more or less guaranteed spots when they have uncertainty. Those guys need to be guaranteed stretches but if they can’t get it going they should be on the bench. Relying on them as starters is a real prayer.

[calculoso]

The Cincinnati Reds acquired former All-Star infielder Santiago Espinal from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Chris McElvain, the teams announced Wednesday.

https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2873744

[Roof-Daddy]

Perfect.

Clears a spot on the 40 man by moving a player that is easily replaceable from within.

Adds another arm to the system.

Works for me.

[bluejays]

Yeah, I've gone pretty cold on Espinal over the past couple years. He very well break out but he's come across pretty nonchalant on making that next step and seems pretty comfortable being mediocre. He could've made a pretty effective 2B if he worked at it but it didn't work out.

[ben voyonsdonc]

Anything more than a bag of balls is a win. Espinal was pretty bad last year both offensively and defensively. A utility player without utility…

[Roof-Daddy]

Sounds like Gausman might miss a start or two.

Also sounds like Romano and Swanson might be out with minor injuries, hopefully not for long.

Going to test the pitching depth right off the hop I guess. Ace, closer and late inning setup guy all maybe out to start.

[looooob]

Was at yesterdays game -highlights were Nimmala going deep in the 9th and Luke’s’ little league home run

Vladdy had a short day that included a home run , most of the other key starters had the day off - nice experience at the Braves facility


Off to Dunedin weather permitting for tomorrow and Saturday

[calculoso]

Francis makes team

https://twitter.com/user/status/1770908615940935881

[calculoso]

New rule - will make for some odd calls this year

https://twitter.com/user/status/1770883737254760844

[Roof-Daddy]

How in the hell are you supposed to tag the guys feet before they get to the base if you can't put your glove down there?

[calculoso]

I think it was the fielder’s foot that was the problem

[flames_fan_down_under]

What a stupid rule change. Who was asking for this?