Blue Jays Morning Brew: Podcast talking JB, EE, pitching depth

The Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoff picture as the All-Star break approaches, but in all likelihood, there’s some tinkering to be done

The Jays Nest Podcast hits episode number 80 with this morning’s release. Shaun Doyle and I are back talking all things Blue Jays, and if you’re wondering, the suggested gift for an 80th anniversary is “diamonds and pearls”. 

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This week’s big story is the Joel Sherman report that the Blue Jays have no intention of re-signing either Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion. Shaun and I chat about what that means, if anything, and address the many questions that surround this situation – both within the current season and in their upcoming free agency.

We also look at a Blue Jays bullpen that is suddenly struggling again, coming off Drew Storen‘s rough outing in Colorado where he hit back-to-back Rockies and allowed four earned run with just a single out recorded. Is there help on the way beyond Brett Cecil? Perhaps top pitching prospect Conner Greene, who was just promoted to the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, is a dark horse candidate late in the season.

Starting pitching depth is also up for discussion. With the departure of triple-A ace Wade LeBlanc, Marcus Stroman struggling, and Aaron Sanchez facing a workload limit in the second half of the season, not to mention the ever-present threat of injuries to the rotation, further depth than Drew Hutchison will likely be needed.

Next: Jays promote top prospect Greene, is MLB within reach in '16?

On the back end of the show, as always, we take your questions which include a conversation on the future of Toronto’s catching position with Russell Martin and Max Pentecost. We also look at R.A. Dickey and how he’s fared his third time through the order, which differs from a traditional pitcher.

You can tweet in your questions anytime for the podcast anytime to myself at @KeeganMatheson or to the website at @JaysJournal.