With David Price, Blue Jays Made the Right Choice

Aug 21, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Carrasco

The Blue Jays nearly landed the righty from the Indians. His contract is so appealing that it would have been a good deal regardless of whether he can compete with David Price’s numbers. 4 years and $22M with 2 option years? Yes, please. Having this guy until 2020, potentially, would have been a nice get for GM, Alex Anthopoulos. The deal didn’t go through and AA was able to land David Price. We won’t know exactly how much one depended upon the other, but it certainly worked out for Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays

What has Carrasco done since the Trade Deadline? He had an amazing August. In 30 innings, his ERA was 1.47! 112 batters left feeling rather disappointed since they managed a total line of .151/.198/.238. He was downright stingy. He struck out 33 and walked only 5 on the month. That’s a rate of 33.3% and 4.5% respectively. His 0.68 WHIP is microscopic. He’s a big reason why his team went 16-12 in August and crept closer to a playoff spot.

But, just as his great August helped his club, September has not been kind to them. Thus far, the Tribe is 5-4 and 14 back in the AL Central. Their only hope is to grab a Wild Card spot that is currently 4 games away from them. IT doesn’t sound like a lot, but there are only a few more weeks left in the season and 3 other teams ahead of them for that final spot. That is a lot of moving parts. The climb is going to be difficult.

And, Carrasco’s September hasn’t exactly helped them. He’s lasted just 2.2 innings and boasts an ugly ERA of 13.50. Really, it was just one start. And, he was returning from a short stint on the shelf. He gave up two home runs for 4 earned runs and walked 3. The good news is that he struck out 5. But, isn’t this the point? If we’re comparing post Trade Deadline performances, a DL stint and an ugly outing against the lowly White Sox, of all teams, doesn’t exactly scream effective ace. Especially with your team fighting for a playoff spot.

Granted, he had a wonderful August. It’s true. But, if we’re comparing everything he’s given his club since July 31st, the Blue Jays clearly got the better deal, here.

Next: The Price is Right. So Right.