O
OnTheWayOut
Maybe, Orioles don't seem to want him: http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18227261/baltimore-orioles-gm-dan-duquette-want-jose-bautista
Jays 16-17 off season?
- Thread starter wazup
- Start date
So no one wants to give EE even $60m for 3 years his agent said. So it's wait and see for EE. The Jays originally offered EE $80m for 4years. If EE wants to come back to the Jays he's not getting $80m for 4 years anymore, that's for sure.
At this point, EE might be better off signing a 1 year deal with somebody for $20MM. If he has another monster year, he can cash in next winter. He should also consider getting a new agent, because the one he has botched the negotiations big time.
They can front load the contract and add an extra Million or 2 as incentive or they can do the 3 YR/60 Million with an option for the 4th.
EE had his cards played right but somewhere along the line, his agent took EE on a trip to the Greek Islands.
Based on the theory of buy low and sell high, I'd say if Bautista would accept a one or two year deal at a discounted rate, bringing him back would be a smart move. He showed signs of going downhill but the Jays need power hitting and someone who can play outfield; it's not all impossible that he can have a bounce back year.
It's difficult to see a National league team giving Bautista term and money since he can't really competently man an every day position anymore.
As for AL teams even the Yankees and Red Sox seem averse to paying luxury tax or giving up a draft pick for an older declining player; so, Bautista seems to be in the middle of a reality check here.
A number of UFA players have discovered much to their chagrin in recent years that the compensation pick attached to them has largely destroyed their ability to get some team to make them a decent offer.
As for AL teams even the Yankees and Red Sox seem averse to paying luxury tax or giving up a draft pick for an older declining player; so, Bautista seems to be in the middle of a reality check here.
A number of UFA players have discovered much to their chagrin in recent years that the compensation pick attached to them has largely destroyed their ability to get some team to make them a decent offer.
IMO there is still a lot left in his tank if his playing time is managed properly, corner OF, first, and DH. He is a smart hitter with power. If he can remain injury free and will take a1 or 2 year contract with or without option(s), he is worth signing.
I feel the same way about EE. Offer him a shorter term with or without option(s) Think EE's agent over estimated his value and they may end up taking a hit!
This crap that they have filled the position at first is easily remedied, consider what ever they are paying Smoak as the part of the cost of bringing EE back. Release or trade Smoak, either way you are going to eat part of the salary, admit you screwed up signing him. Pearce can play a corner outfield and back up almost everywhere and Morales DH and plays a little first.
I can't believe the Red Sox have not signed EE. Right handed power hitter in Fenway Park.
They are making a half hearted attempt at staying under the luxury tax line, or at least minimize their penalty. An EE contract would put them way past that line. As a luxury tax offender for the third straight year their tax rate goes to 50% on every dollar above the line. i.e. if Edwin signed for $20mln they would probably pay an extra $10mln in tax to the league next year just on that deal.
On top of that they have to play Hanley at DH when Moreland is in the field. Lastly, despite the flurry of prospect horse trading Dombroski has engineered, one of their near ready hitting prospects is a first baseman.
If Dexter Fowler is/was part of the "plan", guess the bird's brain trust will be going to plan B or C or whatever letter they may be at. Of course the plan could be to reduce payroll and if that is the case it appears they are succeeding!:blue:
He is apparently reporting for a Physical to St Louis. So Fowler may be off the the table.
EE may well be back. Smoak can be released. And get someone like Revere cheap. We will have enough bats with Travis, JD EE TT Morales top five. Maybe slot Revere or another speedy response in #2 hole. Still have Martin Pillar and whoever as last outfielder. Not a bad team with Pearce as supersub, zeke and Barney on the Bench.
Then concentrate on lefty pitching.
First of all EE is still a free agent and IMO they are not close to signing him, not saying it won't happen, just that they appear to be far apart. Bautista appears to be in a similar situation.
Jays out field , IMO . currently consists of Pillar! Carrera may win a corner by default as may Pearce. Upton appears to be another option. Lot of people like Revere, but has anyone heard rumours re Revere and the Jays??? Need a back up catcher, not a problem....that was what they said last year when they had Thole and how good was he?
At the moment this team needs help if they are going to contend again. The good news is this is Dec. and there are lots of bodies out there. Who knows, maybe you trade Upton and Smoak for the time of day, cause you probably won't get much more. Bullpen needs to be rebuilt, as you noted lefties needed.
I just don't think the picture, at this point, is as pretty as you paint it.
You still have to pay Smoak's full salary. So it clears no $ room for Encarnacion.
And you can't just trade Smoak for a prospect. You are going to need to pay somewhere between 50-80% of his contract I would think
I still think the new brass has done quite well given the bad situation that was inevitable after AA's moves in 2013 and 2015 - old team with limited prospects and owners unwilling to open the wallets to improve externally when there is a lack of internal solutions. But the Smoak move was baffling.
Plan C is bringing back Ben Revere. Gibby said that he can live with Revere once again.
Give the Jays till at least next Feb. to see what they can do with the roster. I still believe that they will win the championship before..the Leafs do! LOL
