Blue Jays Morning Brew: Those Who’ve Gone

That’s right, it’s still a little quiet around the Blue Jays lately. In fact, even the rumblings and rumors have died down a tad. But, we’ve still managed to scrounge up some tidbits to get you going this morning.

Rob Neyer at FoxSports.com, breaks down how the AL East is shaping up. In his brief synopsis, there are 4 teams that could contend for the AL East title. With the moves the Rays have made this winter, it is no surprise that he left them out of that discussion. I’m just not sure the Orioles have done enough to help themselves…yet. The Yankees made some improvements, but I’m not sold there either. As of right now, I think this is more of a two team race between the Jays and Red Sox. Of course, anything can happen between now and next October.

Next: Jays Journal's Preview of the 2015 Draft

There’s an interesting read over at Fangraphs.com where Eno Sarris breaks down each team’s greatest need. (h/t Brendan Kennedy)  He uses a relatively simple formula that works as follows: “By averaging team WAR over 13 roster spots — the portion of the 25-man roster usually used for offense — and then looking at the difference between that average WAR and each position WAR”. 

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Using that formula, Sarris identifies 2B as the Blue Jays’ greatest need with a difference of -1.84 between the current position’s WAR and the team’s. Then he starts dropping some names that could fill that spot. We’ve pretty much explored most of those names here at Jays Journal but he does suggest that Alex Anthopoulos could try to pry

away from Tampa Bay. Hmmmm……good luck with that. Think they have one more of those kind of moves coming?

At The Toronto Sun, Ken Fidlin gives us his take on how the Blue Jays are shaping up heading into the 2015 season. Like everyone else, he likes the improvements the club has made but sees the bullpen as an area that needs to be sorted out. But, I tend to agree with Fidlin that it is not as dire RIGHT NOW as it would be if the season were starting in a week or two. There is still time to improve. It may not seem like it as names are flying off the shelf faster than whatever it is kids are into this holiday season.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

But, Alex Anthopoulos will explore trades before free agency. But, Fidlin does point to

as perhaps the most appealing option. But, like everything else, it depends on the price.

An internal option that could be a difference maker next season is that of Steve Delabar. Sportsnet’s Barry Davis had a phone conversation with Delabar that explained a few things. Notably, he said that he had some nagging issues that didn’t require time on the DL, but had an impact on his pitching. He said that since he didn’t get the call up in September, he was able to get a head start on his preparation for 2015 ad feels as good as he did heading into his All Star 2013 season. That would be a very welcome addition to the bullpen, no?

Finally, a couple of former Blue Jays who recently signed with other teams said their ‘good byes’ via Twitter. Melky Cabrera who signed with the White Sox and Brandon Morrow, who signed with San Diego both thanked Blue Jays fans for their support, etc.

Wow. I’m a bit surprised of the honesty that came from Morrow here. He sounds disappointed in the consistency of his efforts, or at least his ability to stay on the field and produce. I guess he’s just saying what we were all thinking. Melky’s was a little less emotional.

Note he is saying goodbye while wearing the hat of his new team. His profile picture also was quick. He’s already got a picture of himself coming to bat in a White Sox uniform! His camera is so good, it takes future shots. I gotta get one of those.

Speaking of Brandon Morrow, another former Blue Jay and oft injured pitcher, Josh Johnson is apparently ready to sign with…you guessed it, San Diego. According to The Score, the Padres are considering bringing him back for 2015 after declining his $4M option.