Blue Jays Morning Brew: Playing Roullette, and Looking Yourself In The Mirror

Aug 26, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Casey Janssen (44) throws against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated New York 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It is sometimes an interesting phenomenon to be sitting on the outside of the baseball postseason and looking in. As Blue Jays fans, that’s a feeling we know all too well over the last several seasons. However, that sometimes gives one a clean perspective on the game, without the burden of self interest.

For instance, as Bruce Macarthur at the National Post points out, it gives us a clean look at how other rosters are built and what that says about what Toronto is lacking. Specifically, the Blue Jays are missing a shut-down ace. While a team like Detroit is featuring three of them, Boston has a pair, the Cardinals are seemingly armed to the teeth, and the Dodgers are deeper than any of them, the Blue Jays sit at home and try to imagine how to change their luck in that department. Hint, it’s not going to be an easy task.

Along a similar vein, Ian Hunter at The Blue Jay Hunter, discusses how October winners are built on pitching. And while the Blue Jays will come into 2014 with better depth, none of the options stand out as an arm to build around for the immediate future.

What Toronto does have is relief pitchers, and an abundance of those at that. Gerry at The Batter’s Box has a neat survey asking readers to choose 4 relief pitchers from 3 different pools to build a trade around to add a competent starting pitcher. While it’s a neat exercise, my money says the relief arms dealt won’t do much to bring back another arm, but likely help fill another hole at second or catcher.

Jays182 at BlueBird Banter has another unique look, noting which players that the Blue Jays have on their roster that might help each of the remaining playoff teams. The Tigers have shown during this postseason alone that they still need that Casey Janssen type at the back of the bullpen, and I could certainly get behind Rajai Davis being a good platoon partner for Jon Jay in center for the Cardinals.

And to end on another high note, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced that the team has been nominated for this year’s MiLB President’s Award. The John H. Johnson award is presented yearly to a Minor League franchise that best exemplifies its parent organization’s mission, both on the field and in the community. It is New Hampshire’s second nomination for the award, following right in line with the Blue Jays organizational goal of making their respective communities stronger through baseball and charity.