It was time.
Some random observations/perspectives:
-That the contract extension talks with Edwin have stalled over the number of years (as reported by Enrique Rojas) is not surprising to me. Not because every kid in Springfield/Rogers are jerks (though I'm sure that narrative will never lose traction) but my theory is: it's a front office with new leadership, seeing a guy with severe defensive limitations and who hasn't been healthy enough to even appear in a spring training game yet. They might not think giving a five/six year (for example) contract to that type of player is a good idea, meanwhile Edwin's performance the past few years has earned him every right to more years on a deal if that's what he wants. So... I dunno?
-It's been commented on before but Josh Thole's new batting "stance" is thoroughly weird. It's like Julio Franco if his arms got tired.
- The battle for the fifth starter is an interesting one. Some forget that Gavin Floyd's biggest issue has been health, not effectiveness. When he's actually been able to take the mound he's been for the most part quite useful over the past four seasons. Staying healthy can be a skill, but being unhealthy can also be just plain ol' misfortune. Maybe he's used up all that Misfortune(TM) for now. Fingers crossed.
-I'd like to see what Aaron Sanchez could do as a big league starter one more time. In a rotation loaded with steady (though some unspectacular options) a true high upside play would be very intriguing. He'll still have to figure out how to get lefties out of course, as many have rightfully commented. Starting in AAA could help, though I'd be surprised if that's what the organization has in mind.
-Hutchison's best chance is probably if Estrada isn't quite ready to start the season. But things can change.
-I think Chavez definitely starts the year in the bullpen as the Floyd/Sanchez backup policy ready to be stretched out.
-Put me in the Ceciliani camp for the fourth outfielder job. Looks like he has good plate discipline from what I've seen, lefty hitter (which this team has so few of. The imbalance throws me) and might have a bit of pop. Haven't seen him make too many defensive plays so if he proves to be terrible out there I reserve the right to change my mind.
Blue Jays take on the Yankees tonight at 6:30 for the rare elusive evening spring training game. Drew Hutchison gets another audition for that fifth starter job, Nathan "Ew" Eovaldi goes for the pinstripes.
Anything else happening?
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20160316105531367