Blue Jays Morning Brew: The Policy, Garza, 50/50 Split, ZiPS, Pompey

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told Jim Bowden of SiriusXM he thinks there is a 50/50 chance his team adds a starting pitcher this off-season. Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays News & Rumours

Andrew Stoeten has a trio of pieces that are well worth a read over at DJF. Firstly, he questions whether or not the Blue Jays really have a “five-year policy”, which was the reason given to John Lott and Shi Davidi for the Jays dropping out of the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes. Secondly, he says the Milwaukee Brewers recent agreement with Matt Garza may actually help the Blue Jays’ quest for a starting pitcher of their own. Thirdly, he shares the news Dirk Hayhurst will not be returning to Sportsnet this season.

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi says that the Blue Jays are handcuffing themselves with their current strategy, or at least by their refusal to bid seriously on top-tier free agents. He reminds us of J.P. Ricciardi words from 2009, which sadly couldn’t hold more true today.

"“If we’re going to play in the big man’s division, and we’re not going to spend that money, it’s going to be really hard for us to compete with those teams.” – Former Blue Jays’ GM J.P. Ricciardi in 2009"

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet writes about recent comments made by Blue Jays’ skipper John Gibbons on SiriusXM. Gibby said “I would guess maybe 50/50 on if we do something or not” in regards to the Jays’ adding another starting pitcher this off-season.

Dan Szymborski has released his 2014 ZiPS projections and Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs reviews what Szymborski thinks will be in store for the Toronto Blue Jays this upcoming season. A few interesting takeaways include:

• ZiPS suggests Marcus Stroman should be the Blue Jays fifth starter (if they don’t upgrade the rotation)
• Projection of three wins from the catching position and replacement level production at second base
• Brett Lawrie earns an Adrian Beltre comp

Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun talks to Joe Newton who is the owner of Players’ Dugout, which is where Blue Jays’ reliever Steve Delabar completed his weighted ball training program.

Jay Blue met with Dalton Pompey and his family last weekend and has a multi-media extravaganza for us with the article at Grading on the Curve and the podcast at Blue Jays From Away.