Blue Jays Morning Brew: Sanchez, Stroman staying, Lester unlikely, Janssen talks trade deadline
You know the drill by now – the morning brew brings you the latest news and rumours about the Toronto Blue Jays. With the non-waiver trade deadline less than 36 hours away, things are happening right now at a lightning pace. For the most part, it will all be for naught but, just in case something actually does happen, we promise to keep you posted on all the latest Blue Jays related developments.
Leading off, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet writes that unless the Los Angeles Dodgers suddenly come calling with Clayton Kershaw, neither Marcus Stroman or Aaron Sanchez will be going anywhere. As a fan of young, controllable players with big-time potential/current ability, it’s music to my ears.
According to sources of Rob Bradford at WEEI.com, the Blue Jays along with the Orioles are not in the mix for Red Sox lefty ace Jon Lester. Yesterday Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com said the Blue Jays were “aggressive” in their interest of Lester but for many reasons it never seemed likely Lester would end up north of the border.
This was linked to yesterday but I never made note of it specifically – Brandon Morrow will likely pitch out of the bullpen if/when he returns to the Blue Jays. According to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, there’s no immediate timetable for Morrow but manager John Gibbons says the “hope is maybe September”. As Keegan Matheson outlined for us recently, the Blue Jays have a decision to make as to whether or not they should pick up his $10 million option for 2015.
Both Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion have hit snags with their rehab programs according to John Lott of the National Post. We already know Encarnacion had a setback but apparently Lind, who was reported as closest to returning, is still feeling pain when he runs and changes direction. The team had Lind hit in a simulated game to get him some swings and help get his timing back but it’s not clear how soon he’ll be back in the Blue Jays lineup.
And closing out, it’s closer Casey Janssen who gives an inspiring answer when it comes to whether or not the Blue Jays need to make a significant move. Scott MacArthur of TSN shares:
“Need to? I don’t know if need to is the right word but I think a lot of people in this locker room would like to,” said Janssen of acquiring a significant asset. “It’s been a while since we’ve made the playoffs. It’s been a while since we’ve been relevant. We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are and if there’s a guy out there that can get us to the next level we’ll embrace him like crazy and try and ride the wave with him.“Hopefully the front office is doing something, continuing to try to improve this team and make this thing a special season for us.
You tell ’em Casey. Just don’t trade Sanchez or Stroman (or ideally Daniel Norris or Dalton Pompey either).