Blue Jays Morning Brew: Twitter, trades and tirades

Alex Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays have become a Twitter darling since the Scott Kazmir trade was made official prior to first pitch on Thursday. The market appears ready to pop, and with the Blue Jays being linked to every name in the Western Hemisphere, it’s sure to be a wild weekend of refreshing Twitter.

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It’s important to keep an eye on the schedules of potential pitching targets. While the Blue Jays may want some targets before their next start to avoid the minor injury risk, they may prefer to see other options put forth one more quality performance. Johnny Cueto could fall under the latter category with his Saturday start, as buzz has grown about a potential injury following his last outing. Jays Journal will round up the rumors and bring them to you as they break, but until then, enjoy the Morning Brew.

Jays pushing harder on trade market – This piece from Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish acts as a good wrap-up of the day that was in the world of Blue Jays rumors. While the usual suspects are mentioned, as they have been repeatedly in very similar pieces, the one name that jumps out is Carlos Carrasco of the Cleveland Indians. Carrasco is young (28), talented and comes with affordable team control. Perhaps Toronto could take on one of Cleveland’s ugly contracts as part of the deal to lessen the outgoing prospects?

Buehrle remains evasive on retirement – Ian Hunter of Blue Jay Hunter offers up a valuable recap of Mark Buehrle‘s appearance on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown yesterday. Here’s the money quote offered by Buehrle on his plans for next season:

"“I can promise you I won’t be pitching when I’m 40. But as far as next year and the year after that is concerned, I have some ideas. I’ve talked it over with my wife, and I don’t think it’s going to be much longer if it is next year or the year after that. Even if I was to make a decision and know exactly what I was doing right now, I probably wouldn’t announce it because I don’t want the big farewell tour and have it be a big deal. The way I look at it, I came into the big leagues as a quiet, young guy that wasn’t a high prospect, and I’m going to go out that way. I snuck into the big leagues and I’m going to sneak on out.”"

Buehre returning to Toronto seems unlikely, but of course, the organization will explore the option if at all possible. His presence could allow the Jays to decline the option of R.A. Dickey should they see the funds better spent elsewhere, but realistically, I see Buehrle’s decision relying heavily on proximity to family. Toronto doesn’t top that list for many players.

Jul 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) pitches during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Hague making AAA look like Little League – Matt Hague has continued to rake with AAA Buffalo, and John Lott of the National Post offers up this terrific profile of the man he calls “arguably the best all-round hitter who is not in the majors”. Hague has posted a .349 average and .915 OPS, leading all of the minor leagues with 126 hits.

As Hague tells Lott, he’s not bitter about being blocked by Josh Donaldson at the MLB level. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, and this article will have you rooting for Hague to get the call up at some point later this season.

“They’re my favourite players to watch,” Hague said. “Spending a little time with Donaldson in spring training, I can definitely say I love watching the way he plays. He’s my idol. However it is, I’m still playing baseball. It’s still fun. I can’t complain.”

Next: How would Kazmir deal look from Blue Jays roster?

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