2020 Blue Jays General Season Thread

[Highlander]

Travis who?  Sorry Bergen, we didn't get to know ya.  Welcome Robbie Ray

[bustaheims]

Obviously a low risk move, and I would imagine this is plan C because plan A and B didn't work out.

The M.O. seems to be all about low risk moves, which is fair, considering the crapshoot this season is, and the limited amount of playing time any acquisition is going to get (especially a starting pitcher - you're looking at 5 or 6 starts before the regular season ends). The Jays seem focused on bringing guys on expiring deals who can help now. Both Walker and Ray have been excellent in the past, and have been at least average-ish starters for most of their careers. That's not a huge endorsement, obviously, but, for a team with serious injury issues to their starting rotation, it has value.

[Frank E]

Obviously a low risk move, and I would imagine this is plan C because plan A and B didn't work out.

The M.O. seems to be all about low risk moves, which is fair, considering the crapshoot this season is, and the limited amount of playing time any acquisition is going to get (especially a starting pitcher - you're looking at 5 or 6 starts before the regular season ends). The Jays seem focused on bringing guys on expiring deals who can help now. Both Walker and Ray have been excellent in the past, and have been at least average-ish starters for most of their careers. That's not a huge endorsement, obviously, but, for a team with serious injury issues to their starting rotation, it has value.

Yeah, I'm not really being critical.  I agree with you.  And really they're chasing a wildcard spot here, it's not like they're dominant contenders.

[Deebo]

Jays also get Villar from the Marlins.

Infielder to play SS while Bichette is out.

[bustaheims]

Jays also get Villar from the Marlins.

Infielder to play SS while Bichette is out.

A nice short-term pick up. Versatility in the infield (with mostly okay defence - not going to save you many runs, but not likely to cost you too many, either) with a reasonable bat and pretty good speed on the base paths. Considering how many tight/extra inning games the Jays seems to be involved in, adding someone who could come in as a pinch runner in those situations could be help add an extra W or two.

EDIT:

Griffin Conine, son of Mr. Marlin Jeff Conine, goes to Marlins for Villar.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2020

Conine produced well in the lower minors last season, but doesn't really project to be a particularly impactful MLB player.

[Deebo]

One addtional deal, Ross Stripling from the Dodgers for 2 PTBNL

Final list of addtions:

Updated #BlueJays' deadline moves:

Daniel Vogelbach ⇄ cash
Taijuan Walker ⇄ PTBNL
Robbie Ray, $$$ ⇄ Travis Bergen
Jonathan Villar ⇄ PTBNL (Griffin Conine, per @CraigMish)
Ross Stripling ⇄ 2 PTBNL

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) August 31, 2020

[bustaheims]

Stripling is an interesting add. Having a terrible season, but has been a reasonably reliable swing man for the Dodgers for the previous few seasons. Also, unlike the rest of the additions, he?s not a free agent at the end of the season.

[Highlander]

Cardiac kids at it again, Hernandez homer in the 10th to win the game.  Base running is atrocious, they are really not doing well on the bases. Hope they can sweep the Sox. 

[Frank E]

What a roller coaster ride of a season.

[L K]

What a roller coaster ride of a season.

It's odd because they are basically doing exactly what they probably shot.  They are a .500-ish team.  That being said they have also done it with awful defense, only a single reliable starter and a bunch of injuries.