Blue Jays Morning Brew: Canadian Andrew Case, Coaching Hot Seats and Mistakes Made in 2013

Sep 27, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) congratulates center fielder Anthony Gose (8) and right fielder Moises Sierra (14) and left fielder Kevin Pillar (22) after a win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Tampa Bay 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays News

Minor Leaguer recaps yesterday afternoon’s game at Bluebird Banter. It was a Happ-y ending for Blue Jays’ starter J.A. Happ who pitched a masterful outing as the Jays held off the Rays yet again 7-2. Even though the Blue Jays are well out of it I must admit that this final series of the 2013 has been entertaining to watch and although I’ve been in full support of Tank Nation a series sweep over the Rays to keep them out of the playoffs would be a nice little (meaningless) consolation to an otherwise disastrous season.

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi writes about the instability that was the Toronto Blue Jays rotation in 2013. R.A. Dickey says that he feels like this year was “an anomaly” and in some ways I think he’s right but questions still remain about whether or not the Jays’ current starters are good (or healthy) enough to lead them to the playoffs in the vicious AL East.

Davidi also reports that the Toronto Blue Jays will soon need a new assistant GM as Jay Sartori will be leaving his post with the club next month. He’s accepted an executive position at Apple Inc. in the sports and entertainment division of the Apple Store. Davidi doesn’t name any possible replacements for the soon-to-be vacant role.

John Lott at the National Post asks the question that every Blue Jays fan wants to know the answer to – where do they go from here? Lott takes a look at the rotation, second base, team defense, injuries, the coaching staff, preparation and accountability. Lott writes specifically about the coaching staff that “it would be unsurprising if one or two Toronto coaches were jobless within the next week or two.” He doesn’t mention any names but my guess he’s referring to either hitting coach Chad Mottola or pitching coach Pete Walker who were both hired without any previous experience in their current roles.

Brenden Kennedy writes at the Star that a whole bunch of Blue Jays could be on the bubble this offseason. The list includes free agents Josh Johnson and Rajai Davis, players with team options Casey Janssen, Adam Lind, Munenori Kawasaki and Mark DeRosa, controllable players in J.P. Arencibia, Ryan Goins, Anthony Gose and Ricky Romero. He even includes players that are out of options who are Todd Redmond, Esmil Rogers, Dustin McGowan, Jeremy Jeffress, Neil Wagner, Luis Perez and Moises Sierra.

Another one from Kennedy, this time it’s the Blue Jays top 10 mistakes, which includes Brett Lawrie at 2B, Melky Cabrera playing through pain and rushing Sean Nolin.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-hander Andrew Case from Saint John, New Brunswick writes Evan Peaslee at BlueJays.com. Case thoroughly impressed at the Tournament 12 showcase highlighted by a seven-inning no-hitter in the semi-finals. He struck out 19 and walked only 2 batters for the tournament. It’s a great story and I’m thrilled to hear that a young Canadian is getting a shot at making his dream come true.

Alexis Brudnicki gives us even more on Case at the Canadian Baseball Network and includes a mention that some believe his ceiling is “incredibly high.” Point Streak also has his game log from 2013. Shout-out to Rocky @ThaGreatOne99 for kindly sharing all of these links about Case.