Blue Jays Morning News: Managing and Silence

Jays Journal brings you a collection of news and links about your Toronto Blue Jays. This edition looks at managing and possible frustrations.

It has been very quiet in Blue Jays Land lately. While some might say that it is always calmest before the storm, it certainly looks like fair weather for the next little while. Which is not necessarily a good sign if you were hoping for some impact moves. Instead, we are left with some interesting takes on the team thus far. Let’s get to them.

Toronto Blue Jays

AL BEAST? Tim Britton of the Providence Journal thinks that the Blue Jays are still the team to beat in the AL East. This coming after the Red Sox landed closer, Craig Kimbrel and signed David Price. While they Beantown Spenders have improved, they are still looking to face stiff competition in the Blue Jays. As Britton points out, Toronto still boasts the best offense in baseball and looks to get a full season out of Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Revere. While many wish the Blue Jays had pulled some of that Red Sox magic thus far in the winter, Britton certainly does have a point.

Gibby The Best! Sometimes, I wonder if John Gibbons ever appeared on the cover of MAD Magazine with the slogan, “What? Me Worry?” His laid back approach to a cutthroat industry is equal parts confusing and refreshing. And, over at Today’s Knuckleball, John Perrotto brings us a piece that tells us this coming season might put the affable manager’s personality to the test.

Should Gibby be worried about losing his job if the 2016 season doesn’t go well? Firstly, the obvious answer is that his contract is quite the safety net. It prevents him from being fired midseason. But, whether Perrotto meant to say this, or not, the real attention should be on the moves the team has made and whether they will pay off as the games play out. The offense should be good, the pitching should be good enough. Will good enough be good enough? If it isn’t, can we really blame John Gibbons.

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Perhaps more of the frustration that Blue Jays fans will feel if this team doesn’t succeed will be directed at the front office. As of right now, there hasn’t been the big moves that fans were waiting for this winter. On the one hand, it makes sense that the club doesn’t spend the ridiculous amounts of money that have been thrown around. But, on the other hand, it almost feels like very little effort has been put into addressing needs.

For example, if you take the 6yr/$130M deal that Johnny Cueto just signed with the Giants, you see some very interesting creativity. This creativity was necessary to come to terms on a deal that both parties could live with. There is an opt out after just 2 years, which allows for the player to test free agency again at 31. Many might ask why the Blue Jays couldn’t come up with some sort of contract magic to lure in one of the bigger free agents. And, the notion that players don’t want to come to Canada only holds so much water.

Next: An Interview With Minor Leaguer Colton Turner

This club is in great shape to compete within the next 2 years, so an opt out would certainly be an option. As well, it doesn’t hold the same financial commitment that a 7 yr deal would. Unless the player stinks it up (or is hurt) in the first 2 years, why would he NOT opt out? And, if you’re worried about him stinking it up, you probably shouldn’t be signing him anyway. These types of deals make sense for a team like the Blue Jays. While it is impossible to know what they do behind closed doors, it would be nice to see them at least trying.

Remember Him? Ever wonder what happens to former Blue Jays? Well, one guy who’s remained a bit of a mystery has just been picked up for the second year of his coaching career. Pat Borders has been named the manager (for the 2nd year) of the Phillies A short season affiliate, the Williamsport Crosscutters. According to Andrea Campbell of NorthCentralPA.com, Borders is benefitting from a successful foray into the club’s manager position. In 2015, his team went 45-33 and appeared in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Congrats, Pat!