Blue Jays Morning Brew: Podcast Ep. 66 and decision day

The Blue Jays are expected to make announcements regarding their closer, bullpen construction, and fourth outfielder early Wednesday

Later this morning, the Toronto Blue Jays are expected to make several anticipated announcements regarding their 2016 opening day roster.

These will follow Tuesday’s release of Randy Choate and Steve Delabar. Marco Estrada is also expected to begin the season with a brief stint on the disabled list.

Until then, enjoy some required reading. (And listening)!

Podcast Episode 66  –  The latest episode of The Jays Nest Podcast released on Monday morning, where Shaun Doyle of Jays From the Couch and I discuss all things Jays. Along with welcoming a new podcast sponsor (!), we welcome you to subscribe for the season.

iTunes HERE   –   Stitcher for Android HERE

Shaun and I covered all the bases this week from the rotation battle to the bullpen and even Jesus Montero. We also debate several out-of-options Blue Jays and try to make sense of the fourth outfield spot as opening day nears. Enjoy this episode and the many to come throughout 2016.

Delabar exits with class  –  For all his recent struggles, Steve Delabar has remained a true professional with the Blue Jays. John Lott brings us his exit interview here at Vice Sports, with Delabar saying that he would still be willing to play on a Minor League deal if it comes to that.

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“They just told me I was not going to make the team and that I was going to be put on release waivers, and best of luck,” he told Lott. “I thanked them for the opportunity. The last year and a half of so hasn’t been as smooth as possible, but I thanked them for bringing me in and giving me the opportunity to at least get innings and get myself back out there.”

Managing Sanchez  –  The new hot topic with Aaron Sanchez is the innings limit that will follow him through 2016. Tammy Rainey at BP Toronto takes an excellent in-depth look at how the Blue Jays can avoid pushing up against that, though. As you’ll quickly see, this is a situation that could benefit from a little creativity.

Osuna in perspective  –  Over at Sportsnet, Ryan Dixon looks at the rookie season of Roberto Osuna in the context of similarly-aged players that have come before him. Osuna is such a difficult arm to match up with a contemporary because so few pitchers begin their closing careers at such a young age. Entering 2016 as a 21-year-old, he’s in rare company with a sky-high ceiling awaiting him.

General Bautista  –  Some great stuff here courtesy of Ian Hunter at Blue Jay Hunter, bringing us a recent interview with Jose Bautista on the MLB Network’s “30 clubs in 30 days”.

More blue jays: Who will be the long man between Chavez and Floyd?

“I was telling somebody the other day; we’re a team full of generals and commanders, not just great soldiers. We just got another great general when he (Troy Tulowitzki) came on board.”

Of course, Bautista’s contract entered the conversation as well.

“I’m most valuable to this organization than any other,” he said. “I would like to stay here; that’s what I’ve been saying since day one. I’ll let my agent do his job and the front office take care of that.”