Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - 2012 Schedule Released

2012 Schedule Released

Circle Thursday, April 5 on the calendar. That's the day the Blue Jays break out their new uniforms as they begin their 2012 season on the road against the Cleveland Indians. The home opener is Monday, April 9 against the Boston Red Sox.

The Jays hope to enjoy more walk-off wins in 2012 like this one against the Baltimore Orioles September 10.

As far as interleague action goes, the New York Mets will be in town for the weekend of May 18-20. Jayson Werth and the Washington Nationals and Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies (again!) will also be at the Dome June 11-13 and June 15-17 respectively. On the road, the Jays will visit the Atlanta Braves June 8-10, Shaun Marcum and the Milwaukee Brewers June 18-20 and John Buck and the Florida Marlins at their new ballpark June 22-24. The Jays end their season at home with a weekend four game set against the New York Yankees September 27-30 before the Minnesota Twins come to town October 1-3.

You can check out the monthly schedule right here. A PDF version from Sportsnet with game times are here. Your thoughts on next season's schedule, Bauxites.

Posted by #2JBrumfield on Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 12:52 PM EDT.

2012 Schedule Released | 73 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

hypobole - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 01:53 PM EDT (#243929) #

Our interleague opponents are a combined 62 games over .500. Add in the 54 games vs NY, Bos and TB. If we make the playoffs next year, it doesn't seem anyone will accuse us of backing in. My God, MLB scheduling is unfair.

Ron - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:11 PM EDT (#243933) #

The Florida Marlins are changing their name to the Miami Marlins next season. I'm sure this name change along with their new stadium and jersey will boost their season ticket base from 10 to 20 people.

The Blue Jays are also not going to hike up the price of season or single game tickets.

BlueJayWay - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#243934) #

I see five different road trips of nine or more games. Cool.

dan gordon - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:28 PM EDT (#243938) #

The Jays keep getting saddled with the Braves and Phillies as their "rivals" so they have those 2 perennially good clubs to face, in addition to the AL East teams. The AL East is facing the NL East next year, and who do they stick the Jays with for their 6th opponent- the best team in the rest of the league, Milwaukee (at least they probably don't have Fielder next year). Looks like the Jays have the toughest schedule in baseball in 2012, and have to beat out one of the 3 or 4 best teams in baseball to make the playoffs. Every year they get one of the toughest interleague schedules. I think Beeston or whomever should be doing something to try to make things a little bit more fair. The Jays shouldn't have to play such tough NL opponents every year. Other major sports leagues in North America don't have schedules that are so unfair to one team. At least the Rays and Orioles don't have to face the Phils and Braves every year.

Thomas - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:28 PM EDT (#243939) #

We probably get Washington the year before Bryce Harper arrives. That's disappointing, but a Strasburg start would be a nice consolation prize.

perlhack - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:34 PM EDT (#243940) #

Are you sure they close out on September 30? I see three games at home against the Twins October 1-3.

BalzacChieftain - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 02:57 PM EDT (#243944) #

Didn't the Jays get one of the toughest schedules this season, too? Apart from already being in the AL East, of course.

#2JBrumfield - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 03:07 PM EDT (#243947) #

Are you sure they close out on September 30? I see three games at home against the Twins October 1-3.

Noted and corrected. Thanks!

It should also be noted Vernon Wells and the Los Angeles Angels are in town for the Canada Day weekend with July 1 being a Sunday game this year at 3:07pm.

dan gordon - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#243949) #

Didn't the Jays get one of the toughest schedules this season, too? Apart from already being in the AL East, of course

Sure, they have one of the toughest schedules every year, in addition to the AL East, because they play Phil and Atl as their "rivals" every year.

Beyonder - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 04:47 PM EDT (#243955) #

Does any one know why there is an off day in the middle of the season opening series with Cleveland (the Friday night)? Is that normal?

Original Ryan - Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 04:52 PM EDT (#243957) #

Does any one know why there is an off day in the middle of the season opening series with Cleveland (the Friday night)? Is that normal?

In case there is a weather-related postponement on opening day, and yes.

Moe - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 09:11 AM EDT (#243977) #

In case there is a weather-related postponement on opening day, and yes.

I had a feeling that this was just so they can stretch out the opening of the season over 3 days -- 1 game W night and then the rest spread over Thursday and Friday. Better for publicity/TV.

ayjackson - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 09:56 AM EDT (#243978) #

I was really impressed by Loewen's at bat versus Bard last night. He was able to stay on the 83mph junk, while still square up (with two strikes) a 97 mph fastball. It was only one at bat, but it was impressive.

He looks to me to be the perfect candidate for 4th outfielder next year (can play each position and 1B to boot). I wouldn't mind pencilling him in and letting Thames/Snider battle it out in ST with the loser optioned to the minors.

bpoz - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 10:30 AM EDT (#243980) #

We cannot ignore the $ side of baseball. You know revenue & costs.

So looking at the Twins being Very bad & Tigers being very good, anyone see reasons why this is happening.

It must be more than just Verlander, who was not a recent addition. Owner Mike Illich wanted to somehow respond to the good fortune he was blessed with. I read that he wanted the Tigers to be good. He said spend $ if you have to. I marvel & appreciate how well and maybe easily various Bauxites present some excellent studies on stuff. So how much was cost & revenue affected by the Tigers good results.

The Twins in year #2 at Target Field have not been blessed. Is there some kind of study that would show valuable evidence of various stuff...winning, promotion.

Our Jays may be in a similar winning situation soon. So similar reactions can happen...possibly.

Please don't analyse TB & the Cubs. I may not have time to read that story.

bpoz - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 10:32 AM EDT (#243981) #

I forgot to say Thanks!!

John Northey - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#243986) #

One wonders where the Tigers will blow money this winter and if it is something the Jays can take advantage of, or if it is something to fear.

1B/DH are set in Tigertown with Cabrera / Victor Martinez (173 / 129 OPS+). Avila has been a force behind the plate with a 151 OPS+ (never hear him for MVP, but a catcher hitting like that should be in the discussion). Peralta at SS is at 129, also very nice.

Weakness? Inge has sucked at 3B (53 OPS+) as has primary replacment Kelly (67) but Betemit seems solid (119 PA 115 OPS+ after a 141 last year in 1/2 a season). The outfield isn't great, but isn't horrid either (90+ OPS+ around the horn other than Ordonez at 71, first time sub 110 since the 90's).

Rotation is the issue though. Verlander - wow. Fister has been great in 8 starts. The rest are 94 or worse for ERA+. Expect them to be in the Darvish sweepstakes. The pen is solid.

Thus the Tigers will chase down top pitching and maybe an outfielder or 3B. They are in a win-now phase so the only pitchers here they'd want are Romero (no way), Cecil (solid 4-5 guy but there would be a 2-3), and maybe Villanueva (swing man, probably a starter there). Encarnacion might be tempting for them if there scouts ignored how he couldn't hit when playing at 3B.

Paul D - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 12:06 PM EDT (#243988) #

Speaking of next year's closer... I'd completely forgotten that K-Rod was a free agent after this year. There are a lot of issues around him, but he's one more potential closer out there.

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 01:17 PM EDT (#243991) #

.....He (Loewen) looks to me to be the perfect candidate for 4th outfielder next year (can play each position and 1B to boot). I wouldn't mind pencilling him in and letting Thames/Snider battle it out in ST with the loser optioned to the minors.....

It's a good idea, but the Jays still have Davis under contract next year for $2.75-million, and they still seem to be in love with his speed. (And with good reason: despite his low average he almost single-handedly won a couple games for the Jays with his speed and base-stealing in the early part of the season.) Davis seems like a good choice for 4th outfielder. Now if Teahen is dumped and the Jays don't acquire another 1B or DH, it might make sense for the Jays to keep Loewen as a 5th outfielder and back-up DH and 1B. But David Cooper might also have a shot at back-up 1B and DH. One of the spring-training fights to watch could be Cooper vs Loewen for a major-league spot, assuming that the Jays decide to sign and keep Loewen (since he'll be a free agent.)

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#243992) #

they still seem to be in love with his speed.

How's that now?

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 01:42 PM EDT (#243993) #

A thoughtful response. Well-argued and nuanced.

John Northey - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 01:52 PM EDT (#243994) #

I think Loewen is just at arbitration level, not free agency unless the Jays remove him from the 40 man roster. 3 years in Baltimore (and not full years) plus this September would put him well shy of 6 years. He was a free agent last winter because he wasn't on the 40 man iirc.

The Jays are probably trying to figure out just what they have in Loewen. So far a 357/438/571 171 OPS+ line sure looks nice. Able to play in CF (and LF/RF of course) plus 1B (24 minor league games) helps. In the days of a 10 man pitching staff Loewen would be a no-brainer to have on the bench. Today he should be a solid 4th outfielder but, as others said, Davis is signed for that role. So a 5th OF/backup at 1B/DH? Harder to do with just 3 non-catcher slots on the bench. One slot goes to Davis, one to McCoy (or another guy who can play SS like McDonald), leaving one that would ideally be a backup for all corners (1B/3B/LF/RF). Could he play 3B? He has the arm (obviously) but who knows on reaction time (vital at 3B).

Loewen could win the LF job if Thames keeps going down (he is down to 106 for OPS+) and Snider continues to have issues. The 1B/DH role could be his if Encarnacion or Lind are traded (EE's option will be picked up).

Btw, odd note when checking stuff - I noticed Lawrie is now 1/3 of an inning from tying Nix for most time at 3B this year for the Jays. In LF Thames needs another 43 innings to catch up to Patterson. No other positions can have a new leader at this point of the season. Thus the likely final leaders by position will be...
CA: JPA, 1B: Lind, 2B: Hill, 3B: Lawrie, SS: Escobar, LF: Thames, CF: Davis, RF: Bautista even though they never all played together at any point of the season.

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 01:53 PM EDT (#243995) #

Dear China Fan,

I personally have not seen, read, or heard anything that would lead me to believe that the Toronto Blue Jays, and in particular Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Alex Anthopoulos, are in love with the speed of Rajai Davis and therefore unlikely to consider not including him on the 2012 roster of said team. Please elaborate on your statement.

Sincerely,
Jonny German.

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:07 PM EDT (#243996) #

The Jays are "unlikely to consider not including him"? I'm lost in the thickets of the double negatives.

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:08 PM EDT (#243997) #

Thus the likely final leaders by position will be... CA: JPA, 1B: Lind, 2B: Hill, 3B: Lawrie, SS: Escobar, LF: Thames, CF: Davis, RF: Bautista even though they never all played together at any point of the season.

I've been noticing this too, it'll be nice that the BB-Ref team page won't show Nix and Patterson at 3B and LF.

You're correct that they were never all in the starting lineup at once, but they did all play in a game together, August 5:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BAL/BAL201108050.shtml

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:15 PM EDT (#243998) #

I ask something succinctly, you respond to the succint-ness and ignore the question.

I spell out exactly what I'm asking and why I'm asking it, you pretend you can't parse a double negative. Ad ignore the question.

What gives? Why not answer the question?

Gerry - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:30 PM EDT (#243999) #

Let me take the risk of interjecting into the fray here.

Over the past off-season both AA and John Farrell said they would prefer to put a more athletic team on the field and have on several occasions said that speed on the bases can throw the pitcher off his game. I have seen nothing to suggest that those opinions have changed. Therefore I believe that the Jays like speed. Davis is speedy and Loewen is less speedy but faster than your average outfielder.

Whether they like speed enough to keep Davis vs Loewen is another point but speed doesn't help the team much if it is sitting on the bench most of the time. If Davis does come back I expect his major role will be to try to steal bases as a pinch runner in the eighth or ninth innings.

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:40 PM EDT (#244000) #

Thanks Gerry. Those are reasonable points, tho far from "still seem to be in love with [Davis'] speed".

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:42 PM EDT (#244001) #

Actually, Jonny, I was genuinely confused by your comment about the 2012 roster. It was a bit difficult to read. Are you predicting that Davis definitely won't be on the 2012 roster? Are you saying that he'll be traded, released, or what? I'm certainly interested in your prediction, and the rationale for it, if you'd like to elaborate. I haven't seen it being predicted by other commentators here, so I'm legitimately curious.

But yes, I'm happy to elaborate on my own views. The Jays knew that Davis wasn't an offensive dynamo, they're fully aware of his poor career numbers (a career .713 OPS before 2011 for example) but they still gave him a $5.25-million two-year contract at the start of this season. This coincided with a lot of talk from Farrell and Anthopoulos about the value of speed on the base-paths. To me, the only plausible reason for the two-year contract is that the Jays want to keep speed as a weapon on the roster. Also, the Jays could have easily dumped Davis or permanently benched him at other times in this season -- for example if they had wanted to keep both Thames and Snider in the outfield -- but they didn't do that. Even after the arrival of Colby Rasmus, the Jays continued to give a lot of playing time to Davis. He was in the starting lineup for 6 games after the arrival of Rasmus. Even in limited playing time, Davis stole 34 bases this season, which is one of the highest SB totals that any Jay has achieved in many years. So, from all of this, I conclude that the Jays are unlikely to dump Davis in 2012. Perhaps the phrase "in love with speed" is a tad exaggerated, but my point is this: if the Jays love anything about Davis, it must be his speed.

Over to you.

hypobole - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:51 PM EDT (#244002) #

My take:

I'm sure the Jays are in love with Rajai's speed. I'm also sure they are not in love with his plate discipline, low OBP, poor outfield defense and hamstring injury and reinjury.

Spicol - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 02:52 PM EDT (#244003) #

Kelly Johnson: That's a helluva pose.

bball12 - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:02 PM EDT (#244004) #

Given Davis' skill set and role - his OBP is unacceptable.

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:06 PM EDT (#244005) #

I'm fairly certain that OBP is not a crucial requirement for a pinch-runner.

Jonny German - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:11 PM EDT (#244006) #

hypobole nailed it.

All I was asking, CF, was what makes you say the Jays still seem to be in love with Davis' speed. I'm curious about what they plan to do for all aspects of the 2012 roster, and if your statement had hard fact behind it those would be very relevant facts to the roster question. That's it. I wasn't disagreeing or counterarguing. I was just asking what made you say that.

At .360 OBP with his great speed (2009), Davis is a borderline AllStar centre fielder.
At .320 OBP with his great speed (2010), Davis is an adequate centre fielder.
At .273 OBP with his great speed (2011), Davis is a weak bench player.

MatO - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#244007) #

Kelly Johnson: That's a helluva pose.

Looks like he had too much to drink.

bball12 - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#244008) #

If he is used only as a pinch runner/defensive replacement - that would be fairly obvious.

Otherwise - I am fairly certain it is "no deal".

Dewey - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#244009) #

they still seem to be in love with his speed.

How's that now?

I thought Jonny G was asking 'how is [Davis's] speed now?" His injury was pretty serious. Can he regain his previous level of speed? I don't know; but I'd like to.

bball12 - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#244010) #

At .273 OBP - he will have more splinters in his backside than he will have dirt on the front of his uniform.

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:20 PM EDT (#244011) #

Those are all good points. Yet, even after the arrival of Colby Rasmus, the Jays continued to put Davis in the starting lineup on 6 occasions, and they gave him innings in other games too. I guess the Jays continue to think that he's more than a .273 OBP player. They must think that he will improve to something closer to .330 (his career OBP before this year). Call it love, or call it faith, but the Jays appear to believe that his career numbers, rather than his 2011 numbers, are more relevant to his future. They might be right or they might be wrong, but they're giving him every chance to return to his career OBP.

China fan - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:24 PM EDT (#244012) #

....I thought Jonny G was asking 'how is [Davis's] speed now?"....

Perhaps he was. It's hard to know, with three-word comments. If he was simply asking a factual question about his post-injury speed, I apologize for misunderstanding. (Although there's been absolutely no public suggestion, as far as I can tell, that the injury to Davis was some kind of career-threatening thing.)

I know that the longer comments on this site can sometimes be excessively verbose, but shorter comments can be ambiguous or unclear. Something in between maybe?

TamRa - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#244013) #

am I the only one who thinks Davis will be traded in the off-season?

greenfrog - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#244014) #

I would be surprised if the Jays simply let Loewen go. He's improved significantly as a hitter over the course of his three-year comeback, and has looked pretty good in the majors. He may not have Davis's speed, but he seems to have some defensive versatility, is an imposing, athletic player (witness his catch of Crawford's drive to centre in Fenway), and could be a decent replacement if our DH/LF/CF gets hurt or starts underperforming next year. If I were AA, I would want to see 300-400 AB from Loewen before jettisoning him.

DaveB - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 04:28 PM EDT (#244015) #

"unlikely to consider not including him on the 2012 roster of said team"

I agree with Jonny and CF: The Jays are likely to consider including Davis on the 2012 roster because they are still in love with his speed. What else is there to love? There is certainly some value in having an elite pinch-runner on the bench and a RH option to all the strikeout-prone lefty hitters.

My concern with Loewen is that he might be one of the PTBNL in the Rasmus trade.

John Northey - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 05:01 PM EDT (#244017) #

Y'know, others have said it but K-Rod is looking tempting as long as the Jays are willing to live with his attitude issue (he is furious he isn't being used for saves but talked with the media before he talked with his manager about it).

6 blown saves, 3 of which he got the win in. 23 saves plus 14 holds. 2 losses, plus a total of 4 runs allowed over 18 2/3 IP in games where no save/hold/loss/win/blown save went on his record. Pretty good. His BB/9 and K/9 are comparable to his peak years, in fact his BB/9 is slightly better. He was in line for a $17 million payday but the Brewers won't pick that option up. Otherwise he's been in the $10 million range since 2008.

K-Rod will be interesting this winter. A step down from Papelbon but still far ahead of the rest. Wouldn't go to $10 mil for him though.

ayjackson - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 05:20 PM EDT (#244020) #

I'm with Tamra. I don't think Davis is around next year.

bpoz - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 06:58 PM EDT (#244024) #

So We are questioning the make up of the bench & 2B. If that is true then IMO we have come very far, really far.

bball12 - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 07:14 PM EDT (#244026) #

bpoz

No questions on:

Bautista and Lawrie - no need to say anything here
Arencibia - homers, a bit higher average and a bit better defense
Escobar - same as this year

Questions

2B - Just not a big fan of Johnson
LF - Thames - not sure what to expect - defense must improve alot
CF - Rasmus - will he produce and be consistent?
1B/DH - nothing but questions
Bench - needs complete reworking

bpoz - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 07:46 PM EDT (#244027) #

bball12,

So what do you think, just be patient in 2012? They are young enough that hoping for improvement is reasonably sound. Some could do it. I mean where did the 2009 Hill & Lind come from?

I think a large part of my 2012 viewing & expectations will revolve on this patient theme.

bball12 - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 07:52 PM EDT (#244029) #

bpoz - I doubt you will see much patience from AA
As importantly - I truly believe that AA is going to pull off 1 big blockbuster trade that is going to surprise us all
That will alter the whole analysis.
I just dont see AA sitting back and being patient.

I think - given what AA has already accomplished - he has to approach the 2012 season like a warrior.
That is the only chance the Jays have in contending in the AL east.

Acceptance of mediocrity anywhere - and promises for tomorrow - arent in the playbook of real winners.

greenfrog - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 08:46 PM EDT (#244031) #

I'm more concerned about Thames's OBP than I am about his defense. First, I don't think his D is that bad. Second, LF is more about offense than defense. An OBP of 310-320 (and trying to pull everything to right) isn't going to get it done.

Magpie - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 10:55 PM EDT (#244038) #

We are questioning the make up of the bench & 2B. If that is true then IMO we have come very far, really far.

Well, I think we should be questioning a whole lot more than that. Certainly, neither the bench nor second base is my biggest concern.

John Northey - Thursday, September 15 2011 @ 11:06 PM EDT (#244039) #

For 2012 we all seem to be assuming it is Thames vs Snider. However, I'm beginning to wonder if Loewen is going to be in the mix.

Loewen by year...
2009: A+: 236/340/355
2010: AA: 246/351/412 - improvement across the board (68 OPS)
2011: AAA: 306/377/508 - improvement across the board (121 OPS)
2011: ML: 357/438/571 - improvement across the board (125 OPS)

Yeah, the ML stats are extremely limited (16 PA) but still... that is a major achievement to improve every time he moved up a level. Even with a 100 OPS cut for LV vs other AAA's he'd still have improved.

If he could do his AA numbers in the majors (246/351/412) it would be better than Thames this year (265/314/457) due to the OBP and I'd bet on him doing better than that. A 100-120 OPS+ would not surprise me in the slightest out of him. He was always viewed as a top hitting prospect who just happened to have a killer arm. Who knows? Maybe he could be the best answer in LF out of the 3. Sure would improve the defense if nothing else.

TamRa - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 01:06 AM EDT (#244043) #

My concern with Loewen is that he might be one of the PTBNL in the Rasmus trade.

Makes no sense. There was nothing at all inhibiting the Cards from taking him on the day of the trade if they had wanted him.

There is not one good argument for why he would still be a Blue jays if he were a player they wanted.

TamRa - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 03:20 AM EDT (#244046) #

"why he would still be a Blue jays"

Note to self: your already awful spelling and grammar becomes even worse when you try to post while distracted - stop it!

Jonny German - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 08:55 AM EDT (#244047) #

Logan Morrison has filed a grievance against the Marlins regarding his demotion to the minors in August. Anthopoulos to the rescue!

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6973624/florida-marlins-logan-morrison-files-grievance-demotion

bpoz - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 09:51 AM EDT (#244048) #

With all due respect bball12, I am wondering if you are belittling AA.

1) Surprising us with only 1 block busting trade? Since the 2010 season ended and before the close of the 2011 season we have:-
The Vernon Wells deal.
The Bret Laurie Deal.
The Colby Rasmus deal.
So it cost an Arm & a Leg (not sure whose).

2) Warrior? How about Conqueror.

I know our ML batting line up is young and mostly unproven but talented. Now in my view you are setting a very high standard, AA could actually have a similar high standard, so I feel it is reasonable to ask basically position by position what type of player you want to fill these spots.

I realize this is a daunting task, but it can be fun. For example I may dream of K Griffey Jr in CF batting 3 or 4 but I would be pleased with a Devo in CF batting in another spot. Not only is CF an important position but in Rasmus, Gose and Marishnick we may already have a worthy candidate. All 3 could be in the Majors as early as 2013.

I am also thinking that no Conqueror would go into a season with JoJo Reyes & Patterson.

MatO - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 09:56 AM EDT (#244049) #

Jeff Blair in the Globe today says that Beeston won't approve any 6 or 7 seven year deals which would mean that Pujols or Fielder aren't likely to be coming here.

joeblow - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 10:05 AM EDT (#244050) #

With the season ending Oct 3, what are the chances of expanded playoffs? I can imagine some of the parties being opposed to the playoffs possibly ending in November. Or was it always a pipe dream for 2012?

bpoz - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 10:10 AM EDT (#244051) #

joeblow, I too would like to know the new playoff format. Jerry Hawarth keeps saying 2013 for the extra WC and also some kind of team realignment.

greenfrog - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 10:34 AM EDT (#244052) #

I read on espn about a month ago (possibly in a Jayson Stark article, so take this for what it's worth) that while the idea of expanded playoffs (or realignment) is definitely on the collective bargaining agenda, it's a longshot to get implemented. The problem is that there are so many different interests that come into play. There is no easy solution.

After the Wells saga, I'm not surprised that Beeston is opposed to handing out six- or seven-year deals. And really, truly, honestly, how many deals of that length work out in the end?

Incidentally, there is an article on BP about why it doesn't make sense for the Brewers to re-sign Fielder. The author, Steven Goldman, comments that while Fielder might make sense for a bigger-spending team like the Angels, his pricetag is likely to be too high for the Brew Crew, because (1) while Fielder is a very good offensive player, his defensive and baserunning deficiencies are significant; (2) the offensive bar is already high for first basemen (Fielder is only the fifth-ranked 1B, behind Votto, Pujols, Gonzalez and Cabrera); and (3) Fielder is slow and will only get slower, and therefore might be limited to a DH role in a few years.

This doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't make sense for the Jays, but it's an interesting analysis nonetheless. It reinforces my belief that while AA might kick the tires on Fielder (so to speak), some other team is likely to land him.

BlueJayWay - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 10:58 AM EDT (#244053) #

As far as expanding the playoffs, the players want a more balanced schedule if a wildcard is added. Selig wants to balance the leagues by realigning Houston over. It would seem too late for realignment for 2012, since a whole new schedule would have to be drawn up at this point. I saw that Stark article about a month ago, and then a different article about a week ago suggesting expanded playoffs for 2012 is "iffy". Jerry Howarth, in contact with Paul Beeston, seems to think there will be realignment and extra wildcard in 2013.

DaveB - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 11:49 AM EDT (#244054) #

There was nothing at all inhibiting the Cards from taking (Loewen) on the day of the trade if they had wanted him.

Tamra, there was obviously something inhibiting the naming of the PTBNL, whoever they are, or they would have been named at the time. All that's been reported is that they are not top prospects. Those reports could be wrong, but Loewen has not generally been considered a top 25-30 prospect. In all likelihood the two GMs settled on a working list of minor league candidates and agreed to settle up at some future date. The fact they haven't settled yet suggests to me that someone on that list is still playing.

There is not one good argument for why he would still be a Blue Jay if he were a player they wanted.

There are several arguments: 1. He wasn't going to help the Cardinals make the playoffs this year and their division-contending Triple A team in Memphis was set in the OF and 1B. 2. The Cardinals will need OF help next year, certainly a better bench and another LH bat. Their 1B situation is also a bit, umm, uncertain. Their top OF prospect is 27yo. 3. The Cardinals had a little success with this whole pitcher-to-hitter thing. It was a lot of work for what amounted to one really good season. Why not let the Jays and Loewen keep doing what they're doing 'til the end of the season? The Cardinals can continue to evaluate him, now against ML pitching, without having to pay for the privilege. 4. Anthopoulos may have wanted to evaluate Loewen in September before signing off on the PTBNL. If he wants to keep him, AA can compensate the Cardinals with a different player or cash.

I'd like to see Loewen go to ST next year with a chance to compete for a spot on the bench. That's probably what is going to happen, but as long as the PTBNL for Rasmus remain unnamed I'll permit myself some mild concern that one of them is someone I'd rather the Jays keep for at least one more season.

John Northey - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 12:48 PM EDT (#244058) #

I suspect we might get an interesting negotiation this winter.

Owners will want the extra playoffs, probably a best of 3 rather than one and out. Probably also will want the best of 5 round expanded to a best of 7. Might offer to shorten the season, shorten spring training, or offer an extra roster slot (thus 30 more ML jobs). Any of those 3 would be hard for the players to resist as most want a shorter spring, and more jobs for players is always good as far as the union is concerned.

As a fan I'd like an extra roster slot with a rule about no more than 12 pitchers on the roster at a time.

John Northey - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#244061) #

Interesting case there in Miami. Morrison was told by the teams union rep he could skip a season ticket holder 'meet and greet' and the next day the team released the union rep (Wes Helms) and demoted Morrison.

Now, Wes Helms was playing poorly (43 OPS+ his 5th straight sub100 season since a 149 at age 30) but Morrison wasn't (249/327/464 around 110 OPS+ at the time in LF - not great, but on a last place team that is pretty good). It was 100% obviously a move to show them that if the team says 'jump' you better jump.

Should players be coming out to those events? Most of the time they should. But it does seem odd to be doing these meet & greets just before game time (maybe that is normal) and I have no idea how often they do those in Miami. A smart club would rotate players through, and check with them to find out if the player wants to skip one for some reason. If a player flat out refuses to participate over a long period of time, that is one issue. But if a guy just wants an afternoon away from them for some reason I certainly could think of dozens of reasons for that.

The Marlins have major issues with attendance as this is their 6th straight year in last place for attendance. Their first 5 years in Miami they were top 10. Then 13th in year 6, and once in 14th spot (after winning the World Series) to go with 6 15th place finishes before falling to dead last the last 6. I think a single player skipping a meet and greet is the least of their issues.

dan gordon - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 01:40 PM EDT (#244062) #

I suspect the players haven't been named in the Rasmus deal because it depends on whether St.Louis signs the guys they got in the trade, or they leave as free agents.

Loewen is an interesting case. Based on his age and his AAA numbers (after adjusting for the LV effect) he's not much of a prospect, but you have to allow for the fact he got such a late start as a hitter, and he might still have a fair bit of improvement in him before he reaches his peak. Hard to find guys who have speed, power and will take a walk, and I imagine the Jays still find him a somewhat interesting prospect.

Original Ryan - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 02:28 PM EDT (#244065) #

In all likelihood the two GMs settled on a working list of minor league candidates a nd agreed to settle up at some future date. The fact they haven't settled yet suggests to me that someone on that list is still playing.

...for New Hampshire or Lansing. There's virtually no chance of it being Loewen.

greenfrog - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 03:16 PM EDT (#244066) #

I'm guessing the PTBNLs are true filler, sort of the trade equivalent of non-drafted FAs signed to round out minor-league rosters. No way is there anyone with real prospect potential in there. And giving up on Loewen would be silly given that (a) he's Canadian, (b) he's a physical specimen, athletic and a potential late-bloomer (just AA's type), and (c) they've just invested three years of intensive player development after poaching him from the O's. And if he's on the list of potential PTBNLs, why are the Jays showcasing him in September (playing him in CF, etc)? Doesn't make sense.

Original Ryan - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#244067) #

Loewen doesn't make much sense from the Cardinals' perspective, either. He's 27 years old (28 in April), out of options, and still relatively new to hitting. If the Cards want a left-handed bat for their bench, there are more established guys out there to acquire.

MatO - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#244068) #

McGowan starts tonight in place of Cecil who apparently cut his finger cleaning out a blender.

greenfrog - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 03:53 PM EDT (#244069) #

Hopefully the blender wasn't on at the time.

TamRa - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#244080) #

Tamra, there was obviously something inhibiting the naming of the PTBNL, whoever they are, or they would have been named at the time.

Of course.

In all likelihood the two GMs settled on a working list of minor league candidates a nd agreed to settle up at some future date.

A specific number of players are on a list, per reports at the time - 10 i think but i can't be sure of that.

The fact they haven't settled yet s uggests to me that someone on that list is still playing.
***
There are several arguments: 1. He wasn't going to help the Cardinals make the playoffs this year and their division-contending Triple A team in Memphis was set in the OF and 1B.

this was true at the time, but became "not-true" on September 1.

The Cardinals will need OF help next year, certainly a better bench and another LH bat. Their 1B situation is also a bit, umm, uncertain. Thei r top OF prospect is 27yo

So why wouldn't they want to be having a look at him right now, instead of risking his being injured in Toronto?

I don't see how it adds up to Loewen. I'd be stunned.

DaveB - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 06:53 PM EDT (#244085) #

I don't believe it "adds up" to Loewen either, just keeping open the possibility until we know for sure.

Original Ryan - Friday, September 16 2011 @ 10:18 PM EDT (#244095) #

I think it's pretty safe to close it.

bpoz - Saturday, September 17 2011 @ 09:36 AM EDT (#244111) #

E Jackson, Dotel & Zep are doing quite well for St Louis.

I believe Jackson is definitely a FA & Dotel could become a FA if his option is declined. So there is value in doing the usual of offering Arb & if declined getting the draft picks.

I wonder what St Louis will do, and if AA would like a shot at getting the draft picks. It is a long shot or something but maybe.

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