The 2014 Toronto Blue Jays Thread

[GhostofPotvin29]

Wow. Jays blew a 6-1 lead, McGowan couldn't get an out in the 5th and Diaz grounds into a double play with the bases loaded to end the game. Starting pitching seems to want to continue to be a huge problem, and the hitters seem to want to not produce in late inning clutch situations.

If McGowan can't go more than 4 innings on a regular basis (he's only managed to get an out in the 5th inning once this season), he needs to go back to the bullpen.

The problem is the next alternative right now is probably Happ, and you will probably run into the same issue with him.

I'm really not a big Happ fan but the guy at least averaged 5.4 IP/start last year (I took out the 1.1 IP start where he got a line-drive to the face).  It would be one thing if McGowan was limited to 4 innings because of pitch count, but if he's limited to 4 innings because he's giving up 4-6 runs, might as well run with Happ who has shown that he can get a little deeper into ballgames with at least similar results.

But McGowan has pitched into the 7th once in 4 starts so far.  It's only been 4 starts so, personally at least, I'm willing to give him a bit more time since it's his first batch of starts in forever, and he had a shortened Spring as well.  Could just be a rough start to his transition back to starting.

Now if he can't physically do it, that's another thing.

 

[L K]

Wow. Jays blew a 6-1 lead, McGowan couldn't get an out in the 5th and Diaz grounds into a double play with the bases loaded to end the game. Starting pitching seems to want to continue to be a huge problem, and the hitters seem to want to not produce in late inning clutch situations.

If McGowan can't go more than 4 innings on a regular basis (he's only managed to get an out in the 5th inning once this season), he needs to go back to the bullpen.

The problem is the next alternative right now is probably Happ, and you will probably run into the same issue with him.

I'm really not a big Happ fan but the guy at least averaged 5.4 IP/start last year (I took out the 1.1 IP start where he got a line-drive to the face).  It would be one thing if McGowan was limited to 4 innings because of pitch count, but if he's limited to 4 innings because he's giving up 4-6 runs, might as well run with Happ who has shown that he can get a little deeper into ballgames with at least similar results.

But McGowan has pitched into the 7th once in 4 starts so far.  It's only been 4 starts so, personally at least, I'm willing to give him a bit more time since it's his first batch of starts in forever, and he had a shortened Spring as well.  Could just be a rough start to his transition back to starting.

Now if he can't physically do it, that's another thing.

Well there's that, and the fact that McGowan was saying he was tired after 60 pitches...eesh.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Yeah that's what I was getting at with the last comment.  Maybe it's a result of being rushed to a starter's level with one simulated game in ST, maybe not.  I'd like to see him a bit longer to see - I just have zero faith whatsoever in Happ and like McGowan's stuff so so much more.

I don't think they'll let it continue much longer though.

 

[L K]

Brett Lawrie.  Having the best worst season in Jays history?  .165 batting average, .565 OPS and he has 18 RBIs in 21 games.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

His gif/game ratio is off the charts though.

 

[bustaheims]

Brett Lawrie.  Having the best worst season in Jays history?  .165 batting average, .565 OPS and he has 18 RBIs in 21 games.

He had an awful first few weeks, but, he's been better over his last 9. He's put up a .908 OPS in that span. He needs to cut down on the Ks, but, he's starting to get better results from balls he puts in play - he had a .091 BABIP in his first 12 games, and a .200 in his last 9. Not great numbers, but improving.

 

[Frank E]

His gif/game ratio is off the charts though.

I quite enjoyed his HR celebration with Diaz last night: the fake selfie.

 

[L K]

Brett Lawrie.  Having the best worst season in Jays history?  .165 batting average, .565 OPS and he has 18 RBIs in 21 games.

He had an awful first few weeks, but, he's been better over his last 9. He's put up a .908 OPS in that span. He needs to cut down on the Ks, but, he's starting to get better results from balls he puts in play - he had a .091 BABIP in his first 12 games, and a .200 in his last 9. Not great numbers, but improving.

I know, and if anything he's been patient at the plate moreso than in previous years.  I really like Lawrie, I'm just impressed that with his slow start that he's driving in so many guys.  His defense has been great.  If he picks up his average he really makes the 2nd half of the order dangerous.

 

[mc]

I want to see how they practice those celebrations. "no no no, you fist pump ye high then you raise the roof"...

 

[bustaheims]

I know, and if anything he's been patient at the plate moreso than in previous years.  I really like Lawrie, I'm just impressed that with his slow start that he's driving in so many guys.  His defense has been great.  If he picks up his average he really makes the 2nd half of the order dangerous.

Most of the RBIs have come in the last 9, as well. 15 of the 18 in that span, including 4 of his 5 homers. His BABIP in those first 12 was absurdly low, and it's still pretty low now. As long as he keeps choosing better pitches to swing at, his numbers will improve.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I know, and if anything he's been patient at the plate moreso than in previous years.  I really like Lawrie, I'm just impressed that with his slow start that he's driving in so many guys.  His defense has been great.  If he picks up his average he really makes the 2nd half of the order dangerous.

Most of the RBIs have come in the last 9, as well. 15 of the 18 in that span, including 4 of his 5 homers. His BABIP in those first 12 was absurdly low, and it's still pretty low now. As long as he keeps choosing better pitches to swing at, his numbers will improve.

I haven't looked more recently, but I know he had one of the lowest line drive %'s in the league as well.

 

[Kin]

I really like Lawrie, I'm just impressed that with his slow start that he's driving in so many guys.

That's really more a reflection of Lind and Bautista right now, and to some extent EE's struggles, more than it really is a positive for Lawrie.

 

[sickbeast]

I really like Lawrie, I'm just impressed that with his slow start that he's driving in so many guys.

That's really more a reflection of Lind and Bautista right now, and to some extent EE's struggles, more than it really is a positive for Lawrie.

I disagree. Lawrie is hitting well in clutch situations. His 3 run home run the other night is a good example.

 

[Kin]

I disagree. Lawrie is hitting well in clutch situations. His 3 run home run the other night is a good example.

Clutch splits are useless this early in the season(and to the extent that they're not, Lawrie's aren't particularly good) but that homerun represented his only 3 RBI's that have come in so called "late and close" situations.

It's just basic stuff. RBI's are a reflection of the guys in front of you and Bautista and Lind are getting on at a terrific rate right now. There's a reason Dioner Navarro is driving in runs at the second best rate per PA and it's not because of his great clutch hitting either.

 

[Derk]

Here we go again. Hutchison with a strong start, six solid innings, 9K, left with a 3-2 lead. Wagner and Cecil come in and combine to give up the lead. Great job, guys.

Edit: That's pretty funny. Wagner loads the bases after getting the first out, gets yanked for Cecil, who allows those three runners to score on a couple hits. He gets yanked for Rogers who gives up a hit to allow those two runners to score. Five inherited runners in a row scored. 7-3 O's on some pretty shoddy bullpen work by the Jays.

Edit: Four more in the eighth, 11-3 now. Why bother bringing anyone in out of the bullpen? It's over.

 

[Derk]

Buehrle getting knocked around, 6-0 in the 6th.

What frustrates me is that the Sox came in having an exhausted bullpen, having had a position player pitch the 9th inning last night and the Jays come in and swing at everything. Ever thought of working the count a bit, getting his pitch count up and getting into that exhausted bullpen? Of course not. (sorry, venting)

 

[bustaheims]

Another day, another short start for the Jays. Morrow doubles his season BB total with 8 in 2.2 innings today. Very fortunate he was so wild that the BoSox couldn't connect for a base hit at any point while he was on the mound.

EDIT: Of course, Jenkins comes in and allows a grand slam to the first batter he faces.

 

[L K]

Another day, another short start for the Jays. Morrow doubles his season BB total with 8 in 2.2 innings today. Very fortunate he was so wild that the BoSox couldn't connect for a base hit at any point while he was on the mound.

EDIT: Of course, Jenkins comes in and allows a grand slam to the first batter he faces.

I think this team is heading no-where fast.  I hope that the deadline is a time of moving pretty much everyone off this roster.  I'm having a hard time making a list of guys that I would want to build around on this team. 

Lawrie maybe, he really hasn't shown himself to be a cornerstone piece though.  A nice guy to have on your team but nothing exceptional.
Rasmus.  Is probably going to get horrendously overpaid for his decent defense and 20HR power.
Everyone else is either old or would be well out of their prime in 3-4 years when the Jays A-ball pitching prospects make the majors. 

 

[Derk]

Also, the Jays had the tying run in scoring position in the 9th and couldn't bring it across. Frustrating again.

Today they are up 2-1 in the 6th - Dickey seems to be having a solid game. Pitch count suggests he could be done after 7.

 

[pmrules]

What does everyone think of Francisco?  Can he take over for Lind, so that we may deal Lind in a package for a decent starter (end of the rotation type of guy?)