But did the Jays not compensate for the loss of Teo's power with Varsho's, mostly. Plus Varsho plays harder, smarter, is a better defender and base runner and is more focussed.
i’m excited to see Varsho play. Hopefully he can improve on his .230 batting average, but the Jays didn’t trade Teo for him. It just would’ve been nice to see Hernandez in this lineup as well. At least I would have liked to see that.
If the goal is to sign Vladdy and Bo to long term contracts, they would have lost Teoscar to free agency anyway. Might as well get something for while you can. It was suggested that Nate Pearson has been released, he's still with the Jays, hopefully his luck turns.
The day before Hernandez was traded, the projected outfield was Springer, Hernandez and Gurriel. Today, the starting outfield is Springer, Kiermaier and Varsho. Defensively, this is a significant upgrade and should lead to less runs scored against and just as important, pitchers may go longer innings as previous hits may be turned into outs which will put less pressure on the bullpen as starters may be able to go a bit longer in games. Getting to balls quicker may turn last years doubles and triples to singles and doubles.
I think the Jays had the second trade in mind when they did the first one. They addressed what they perceived their biggest needs with both trades. On their own, it may seem they overpaid but in the end I think they are a better team now than they were the day before Teo was traded.
Lol I’d rather see the second coming of Kevin Pillar instead of Kiermaier.
They may have improved their outfield defensively for sure, but they’re a scarier lineup with Hernandez than without him imo. Balancing this team and not pulling out all stops to remain terrifying in the lineup, is a stones throw away from Blue Jay mediocrity in my opinion. Just my opinion……
No he’s had a strong winter ball. I mentioned him to say they should’ve had confidence in strengthening the bullpen through him reemerging. He’s 26 years old he ain’t no spring chicken anymore and he needs to put it together now.
Pillar is a free agent. Could have had him and the only cost was cash and probably at a much cheaper salary than Kiermaier. Wonder why the Jays and other teams have passed on him so far.
He only pitched 78 innings in 18 starts last year (4.5 innings per game which is really low). And only 11 innings in 4 double A starts.
My guess is the Jays want to stretch him out a bit more this year in the minors (extend his innings per start) before bringing him up. He has put up really good numbers though.
He only pitched 78 innings in 18 starts last year (4.5 innings per game which is really low). And only 11 innings in 4 double A starts.
My guess is the Jays want to stretch him out a bit more this year in the minors (extend his innings per start) before bringing him up. He has put up really good numbers though.
Really depends on how he looks in spring training. He's pretty much on the same trajectory that Manoah was. If he has a good spring, he'll either break camp with the team, or be up after the date that gives the Jays an extra year of control. The alternative is they keep running Kukchi out there.
Springer actually played in more games than Hernandez in 2020 and 2022, although by one or two games. The only difference would be in 2021. Moving to right field will supposedly help keep Springer on the field for more games as right field is not as demanding as centre field and Kiermaier can cover a lot of ground so that will take some stress off of Springer.
Pillar is a free agent. Could have had him and the only cost was cash and probably at a much cheaper salary than Kiermaier. Wonder why the Jays and other teams have passed on him so far.
Remember the 2020 season was only 60 games, so 51/60 is most of the season.
Back up OF currently would be Merrifield and Biggio - but the offseason isn't over, with players like:
AJ Pollock / Adam Duvall / Tommy Pham / Jurickson Profar / Ramiel Tapia / Jackie Bradley Jr - all still available. And the clutch part right now of our 3 main OF, is they can all play CF.
Once the offseason is complete we can judge all the moves, losing Teo's power sucks, but Varsho is like 80% of that.
But with no more shifting, or 4 OF option not being allowed anymore, having 3 great defensive OF will be a major win for our pitching staff.
My thoughts is one more lights out reliever and a nice back up OF and I think they are done.
I also wouldn't be angry at taking a one year flyer on a SP who needs a bounce back season like Cueto, Archer, Bundy or other. Cause the 5th option is currently Kikuchi or White.
The day before Hernandez was traded, the projected outfield was Springer, Hernandez and Gurriel. Today, the starting outfield is Springer, Kiermaier and Varsho. Defensively, this is a significant upgrade and should lead to less runs scored against and just as important, pitchers may go longer innings as previous hits may be turned into outs which will put less pressure on the bullpen as starters may be able to go a bit longer in games. Getting to balls quicker may turn last years doubles and triples to singles and doubles.
I think the Jays had the second trade in mind when they did the first one. They addressed what they perceived their biggest needs with both trades. On their own, it may seem they overpaid but in the end I think they are a better team now than they were the day before Teo was traded.
