12:40 AM Eastern
Well, more correctly – you did it, and thank you.
Thanks for getting out the vote for Tom Cheek for the Ford C. Frick Award in the month of December. Tom finished first in the fan balloting with 38.2% of the vote, outpacing former voice-of-the-Expos Jacques Doucet, who had 33.4%. The late Joe Nuxhall, of the Cincinnati Reds’ broadcast crew (and the youngest major-leaguer in history) was a distant third, garnering 8.8%.
Our work is done, and you all did great work, so now it’s up to the voting committee. The 15 living Frick recipients plus five other “baseball historians” will now cast their ballots. Hopefully the fact that Tom won the balloting and has finished in the top three every year that it’s been going on (save for one, I think) will finally push him over the top. It’s well past time. Mrs. Cheek would look pretty good standing next to Roberto Alomar on that dias in Cooperstown this summer.
However, judging from the Associated Press story about the Frick ballot, a lot of people south of the border still need to wake up. Here’s the story in its entirety:
“COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Cincinnati’s Joe Nuxhall, Montreal’s Jacques Doucet and Toronto’s Tom Cheek have been voted finalists for baseball broadcasting’s Ford Frick Award for the second straight year.
Cheek received 5,930 votes, Doucet 5,183 and Nuxhall 1,363, the Hall of Fame said Monday.
They join seven broadcasters selected by a Hall of Fame research committee: Billy Berroa, Skip Caray, Lanny Frattare, Graham McNamee, Jon Miller, Herb Score and Dave Van Horne.
Nuxhall, a 135-game winner during 16 major league seasons spent almost entirely with the Reds, died of cancer in 2007. Miller and Van Horne are the only active broadcasters on the ballot.
The winner will be announced Feb. 1 and inducted in July.
Tony Kubek won last year’s award.”
Seriously – that’s the AP story. Nice of them to mention Tom.
Again, though, thank you so much for helping to rock the vote.
There are two other Blue Jays-related stories on which I should take a minute or six to comment – Edwin Encarnacion’s face and Aroldis’ Chapman’s good left arm.
First, to Eddie, who was burned by a New Year’s firework that his brother lit and shot into the third baseman’s jaw. Luckily, Encarnacion was unhurt, save for some first- and second-degree burns. There were no fractures, no serious injuries, no permanent damage and he won’t need surgery. He’ll be fine for Spring Training, though maybe he should bring his brother along to Dunedin so that Brian Butterfield can work with him, too.
Second, and much bigger, is the Chapman thing. An ESPN.com report says the Jays worked out the 22-or-so year-old Cuban defector in a private session on New Year’s Eve and then sat down to discuss the financials with his new agents, the Hendricks brothers.
I haven’t been able to get a confirmation from the Jays’ camp, but I haven’t gotten any denials, either.
Chapman is a left-handed starter with a rocket for an arm, and though he’s awfully, awfully raw, he is EXACTLY the kind of player the Blue Jays should be going after, and very hard.
He hit 97 on the gun for the scouts who saw his well-attended workout earlier in December, and has been clocked at over 100 miles an hour. Again – he’s awfully raw. This isn’t Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has dominated an elite-level league for years and is ready to step into a big-league starting rotation. This is a young kid, albeit one who has a few years of high-level experience behind him already. He hasn’t dominated in Cuba, though, nor did he dominate at the World Baseball Classic. But that’s OK. He’s 22.
Rumour has it that the Red Sox offered him a $15.5 million deal in November, so the thinking is that his price tag would be even higher now. Remember, though, that this is NOT a per-year sort of thing. If the Blue Jays were to come in with a $20 million offer, that would be $20 million OVER THE COURSE OF FOUR OR FIVE YEARS, which is a terrific investment.
According to the Yankees’ senior V.P. of baseball ops, Mark Newman, Chapman has a huge fastball (heck, I could have told you that, and I’ve never seen the guy pitch), but spotty command and inconsistent secondary pitches. Once he works on that command and those other pitches, he’s going to “take off”. And again – he’s apparently 22. Hat-tip to my P.F. Chang’s Indianapolis dinner-mate Chad Jennings, of The Journal News in Westchester, N.Y. for getting the Newman comments.
Basically, Chapman has the kind of arm over which scouts have been known to drool small bodies of water. As Newman added, “if you don’t like (Chapman’s stuff), you need to be in another business”.
So, should the Jays take $20 million and hand it over to this kid? Absolutely. Will he take it? Maybe.
First question first. Yes, Chapman is no Stephen Strasburg, but Strasburg has been talked about for a couple of years as the Second Coming – and THAT’S the guy who seems to be Chapman’s closest comparable. Heard anybody compare him to Matthew Hobgood, the next pitcher taken in the 2009 draft? Nope. Because he’s in a different conversation. Chapman may not be one of those once-in-a-lifetime young arms, but he could be close. And all it would take for the Blue Jays to bring him in is money – and less money than they would have paid to Scott Rolen and Alex Rios in 2010. Fork that cash over, and you get Chapman for a LONG time.
See, the thing is, once he’s in the system, he’s in the system. I’ll grant you, whoever signs this kid is going to have to give him a major-league contract right away, which takes away some years of control. But if the Jays do sign him, and use all three of the option years they’d get in one form or another, Chapman could be theirs through the end of the 2018 season. If he works out the way everybody thinks, they’d have to pay him some serious dough over the last two or three years of that, but that’s what we’re talking about. Adding another elite-level talent for nothing but money that’s just sitting around.
What’s the downside? His arm explodes, he never finds his control (or it doesn’t click in until after he’s gone, a la Randy Johnson), he’s a disappointment and it’s $20 million down the toilet. I don’t see that as enough of a downside not to try to sign the guy. Again – it’s $20 million (theoretically – it could be $17 million, it could be $23 million) over the course of four or five years. EASILY worth the investment.
So, would he sign? Well, there are plenty of reasons for him to do so. A lot is being made about the fact that he lost out on a bunch of money by not signing with a U.S.-based team before January 1st, as though that gave the Blue Jays an advantage. It didn’t. It merely took away an advantage that a U.S.-based team had – the playing field, cash-wise, is now merely more level.
I’m thinking that the Florida Marlins may be the Jays’ biggest competition here. There’s a massive Cuban population in Miami – he won’t even have to learn English if he doesn’t want to – and he’ll feel right at home. Also, Florida has no state income tax, so that’ll help.
What’s the advantage the Blue Jays have? Well, for one thing, Cubans are allowed to travel freely to Canada. The U.S.? Not so much. Although the government can’t be happy with Chapman for defecting, being in Canada could be a big help towards him being able to bring family over. There’s really no measuring that benefit.
Another edge the Jays have is the Hendricks brothers’ relationship with Paul Beeston. They got together way back 13 years ago to bring Roger Clemens to Toronto, and the brothers’ respect for Beeston is sky-high. That can’t hurt.
So, would Chapman come here? Probably. Should the Jays do everything they can to sign him? Yep. Will they? Within reason.
I don’t think the Jays want to get into a huge bidding war that drives the price into the stratosphere. Then again, this is no ordinary free agent. He’s young, he’s close to ready and he’s controllable beyond the years on the initial contract. It’s like signing a draft pick, only there’s more than one suitor, which raises the price tremendously.
Alex Anthopoulos has done a fantastic job of bringing in upper-echelon young talent so far in his short tenure, adding Kyle Drabek, Brett Wallace and Brandon Morrow (they also really like Travis d’Arnaud, but the other three are something else). Chapman would be another piece to that puzzle, and give the Jays a potential killer top 4 in the rotation in years to come along with Drabek, Morrow and Brett Cecil. You could pick from Ricky Romero, Shaun Marcum, Jesse Litsch, Marc Rzepczynski, Henderson Alvarez, Luis Perez and Chad Jenkins to be your fifth, and that’s a tasty menu from which to choose.
It makes sense, it fits with what they’ve been doing, and again, the cost of FIVE years of Chapman is about equal to the cost of the ONE year of Rolen and Rios that the Jays shed in August. Hopefully both Alex and Aroldis feel the same way.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome. And Happy New Year!
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Mike,
I just want to say that the guys at Drunk Jays Fans are a group of Jerks, and that your blog and your baseball analysis could beat the crap out of theirs, if we wanted to forget our maturity and go back to being in gradeschool.
On top of that, how does the Halladay trade impact the quality of the Jays farm system? I remember late last year that the Jays were ranked extremely low (would have been last in the league but for Josh Roenicke I believe). Is the influx of prospects from the Phillies sufficient to ameliorate the bad reputation of the Jays farm system?
Mike, have a great new year. I look forward to the pleasure of another year of your work (and hopefully more)
MW: I actually like the Drunk Jays Fans a lot. If we were back in gradeschool, we’d hang out. The Halladay trade impacts the quality of the Jays’ farm system tremendously. They acquired three top-flight, high-ceiling young players.
- Sam McLeanMW: So, would Chapman come here? Probably. Should the Jays do everything they can to sign him? Yep. Will they? Within reason.
1. Did somebody from the Jays front office tell you that they would do everything they can to sign Chapman (within reason)? That would be great news.
2. Would Chapman be under control in the exact same way a draft pick is, just with a $20MM or so bonus?
3. Would Chapman\Drabek\Cecil\Morrow\Romero be enough, in your opinion, to dominate the AL East, if they all reached 85-90% of their potential ceilings?
4. Will David Purcey start the season in the Jays rotation, due to his being out of options? What if he does not, what options do the Jays have then?
5. How bad would a lead-off Gathright-Bautista RF platoon be? How about Bautista-Church (or Winn)? What kind of contract would Church or Winn garner, and would it be worth it for 2010 in your opinion?
Thanks, Mike!
MW: 1 – No. 2 – Yes. 3 – Absolutely, though I don’t know if Romero is the 5th guy there, or if it isn’t Rzepczynski, Stewart, Alvarez or someone else. 4 – The fact that he’s out of options certainly helps his case, that’s for sure. 5 – Gathright in the lead-off spot would be pretty awful. Church would be OK there, but he has too much power and not enough speed for Cito to want to put him up top. Winn would be terrific. But that’s only if you don’t want to give at-bats to Randy Ruiz. If Church, Winn or Jack Cust could be had for one year for $2 million or less, that’d be a great get, assuming that Adam Lind and Travis Snider would still play every day and that Brett Wallace will spend the year in AAA (unless Overbay gets moved).
- andy mcHi Mike,
Love the blog.
I’m all for a 3-5 year rebuilding plan if it means we can come anywhere close to the levels we did in 1987 or the early 90′s.
From their current prospects and roster, which positions including pitching, do you think are they weakest in? I don’t see a bonifide high ceiling 3rd basemen or shortstop coming up anytime soon. Right field also seems a bit weak but is probably the easiest to obtain via trade/drafting.
MW: It all depends on how Kevin Ahrens and Justin Jackson continue to develop. If they one or both has a terrific year while repeating high-A ball at 21, then you have bona fide high-ceiling guys. If they fall on their faces again, it’s time to rethink things. I see Travis Snider as the future rightfielder if they need him there and Adam Lind in left if they need him there, but the Jays also like Moises Sierra, who is a toolsy 21 year-old with a rocket for an arm who should spend a lot of time at AA this year.
- BrianHey Mike,
You mentioned Alomar as a Hall of Famer. Any others on the ballot you consider Hall-worthy?
To me, McGwire, Alomar, Dawson and Raines (in that order) are all Hall-of-Famers.
With Barry Larkin and Edgar Martinez, it just didn’t seem like you were watching a Hall of Famer.
Joe Carter should have at least got the minimum five per cent to stay on with the likes of Parker, Murphy and Mattingly.
Who’s on your list?
MW: As you’ve since seen, my list had Alomar, Blyleven, Martinez, McGwire and Raines on it.
- Ken PaganIt’s nice to see some ACTUAL movemonet on a long term plan for this organization. Been a while since the fans have been able to point at a group of studs and say “Look! That’s the future of this organization right over there.”
Congratulations to AA for hitting the ground running and not being afraid to pull the trigger on ACTUAL deals that make ACTUAL sense for the future. (Not a critiizism of JP, it’s just some young GMs make a deal or two and nothing else in the early going. It’s just nice to see someone care.).
MW: Care?
- T.J.Happy New Year to you too.
Why are you so high on Brett Cecil? I’m not arguing. I just don’t know very much about him. I’m wondering why you’d put him ahead of R-Zep and Romero.
MW: Age, stuff and minor-league track record.
- isabella reyesHi Mike,
I am with you about going after Aroldis. It would be a great thumbs up to the fan base as well that they are serious about building something special here again.
I wanted to ask you if you think they are going to give Randy Ruiz the chance again to prove (once again) he can hit in the bigs. I really like what he did at the end of last year and I hope they give him a chance to prove he is capable as he has over and over in the minors. He could prove to be at least good trade bait later in the year if he does as well and they do not want him for whatever reason they come up with.
Your thoughts?
MW: My thoughts, as I’ve mentioned many times on the blog, are that the Jays aren’t as high on Ruiz as I and many others believe they should be. I don’t think he’s a serious part of their plans for 2010, but I think he should absolutely be given the chance to fail before they simply assume that he will.
- DavidGood points, Mike.
I agree that this is just the kind of high ceiling talent that the Jays should be looking to acquire.
One added benefit to signing Chapman would be the increased pitching depth from which the Jays would be able to deal from (i.e., deal some of their other young pitching). Perhaps for a young impact bat to compliment Snider, Wallace, etc.
MW: That’s always a benefit to adding any young talent. As we’ve seen with Michael Taylor and Johermyn Chavez, it can be used to acquire assets in other areas.
- JamieGreat blog Mike!! Just wondering if the jays were to sign him.. when could 1 expect to see this guy pitching in the MLB?? April 2010?
MW: That would be a huge, huge mistake. I would think mid-2011 at the earliest.
- BlueJays08Hi Mike
- Richard from AROnce again an thorough and well done peice.
I think it would be a great fan boost to see the Jays land someone that so many seem interested in
Firstly, of course It’s wonderful to see Cheek as a finalist. It’s his year, finally… I hope.
As for Chapman, this is a no-freaking-brainer. They are talking about 5 years 20 mil? are you freakin’ kidding me? I’d give him 5-37. Why? Because of the reasons you stated. A 6’10″ lefty who reminds us all of a young Randy Johnson, who at the very mot costs us a modest amount of money that isn’t even comparable to the crap we spend on .700 OPS’.
Even if we can’t afford his renewal, we can trade him. What shocks me the most is that his asking price is so low. Also, there is talk of Canadian citizenship being kinder on him than U.S. citizenship (family visits etc…) but I’m not a lawyer and don’t know the ins and outs of that.
I was never a fan of going after the Daisuke Matsuzaka type, but for the money talk that seems to be floating out there this seems like a complete no-brainer, especially with Halladay recently gone.
MW: Chapman is very different from Matsuzaka, who was an established star in a high-level league. Also, Chapman is only 6’3″, maybe 6’4″. But I agree with you, wanting to sign him is a no-brainer.
- Wyatt BaileyHappy New Year to you also Mike all the best to you and yours for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010!
Great news on Tom Cheek finishing with first place voting. Let’s just hope the final voters see things the way it is and should be.
I am truly impressed with young AA and how things are progressing in Jays land as a result. How refreshing is it to actually see someone following through (so far) on what they said they are going to do. His re-building plan is looking very nice for the future of the Jays. It’s the only way to do it and keep control of players for a long time.
Chapman would be a perfect fit and the timing would be more than perfect as to when he would be ready for MLB as to keeping in line with AA and his plan for the Jays and their future success.
This guys fastball hit 102 mph during the WBC. The scouting report from his workout in Texas was positive for the most part where he hit 97mph during a bullpen session. For a 22 year old to do that under the staring eyes of the scouts that were there, is pretty impressive.
I agree Toronto/Canada does have a huge upside for him with respect to family visitng here or moving here from Cuba. The Bo-Sox do have the inside track I would say right now as it is. From what I read in Boston papers and since his work-out with the Red Sox this past fall the kid seems to like Boston a lot. From my perspective I hope he likes it enough!
I wonder what Jason Bay is thinking these days. He turns down the Red Sox offer, goes on and on about how he would love to play with the Mariners (of couse no offer from there)and now here he is in other half of the zoo in NYC. One can’t help but think he and his agent have made the worst career move thus far as to choice of teams to play for.
I would have to say here Mike you will enjoy covering the Jays over the next couple or three years as they grow back into being a really true contender in the AL East. It’s gonna be fun for all to see. I plan on making my usual many visits down to Rogers Centre to see the boys play this summer in 2010. I just hope Toronto fans can really see the forest, despite the trees, and will support what AA and Beeston are doing here. Their plan, and the fact no matter what, they are going to see it through.
Thanks Mike, take care and keep on doing what you do best.
- Bob (from Burllington)Hey Mike, it’s been awhile since last posting but happy 2010.
Firstly, glad to see all our Facebooking helped. It was always neck and neck with Doucet. Hopefully Tom will finally get his due respect.
Secondly, I agree that the Jays should anti-up, within reason, to sign this kid. You can’t teach that sort of fastball but you can develop control and secondary pitches – mostly.
Also, just read that Dustin McGowan thinks he’ll be ready by spring training. If healthy, where does he fit in on your depth chart of starters?
Thanks as always.
MW: If McGowan is healthy, he’s the number one starter. Given what he’s gone through, though, I certainly don’t expect him to be ready to start the season, despite how well he says he feels. He still hasn’t thrown off a mound yet. And it’s “ante up”.
- CameronMW – hapman would be another piece to that puzzle, and give the Jays a potential killer top 4 in the rotation in years to come along with Drabek, Morrow and Brett Cecil.
This is great news Mike !!
I’ve checked at CHONE, ZIPS, Fan Graphs and some prospect ranking sites and have not found the same optimism that you share. Do you have any concrete data to support your giddiness. Looking forward to learning some more from you and hoping that you are correct.
Hope this is not another example of the home town guy simply building up the hometown boys. ie Wells, Rios, Joey, Snider, JP, etc
MW: I’m wondering who Joey is. Wells and Rios have each been to multiple all-star games and Snider is still awesome. As for the reasons for my giddiness – the guy is 22 (apparently). The sites that are looking at his numbers in Cuba and saying they don’t translate well are neglecting to mention that those are numbers put up in Cuba’s top league, mostly as a teenager. That’s kind of a big deal.
- Colour Me ScepticalHi Mike,
This year’s market for veteran DH types is about as saturated as it ever has been. That being the case, how likely do you think it is that a team will take a flier on Delgado following his hip surgery? He’s shown over the past few seasons that he can still hit a ton, but with so many other options out there it seems unlikely that he’d be anybody’s first choice.
If late February rolls around and King Carlos is still jobless, do you think the Jays would be able to sign him to a one-year deal to be this year’s Kevin Millar (or maybe more, depending on how the rest of the team shapes up)? And more importantly, do you think they should? I think power-hitting lefties like Lind, Snider, and maybe Wallace would definitely benefit from playing with a guy like that, and it’s not like he’d be an offensive liability to the team – he’s still better than lots of the guys they’ve been running out there over the past few years (Millar, Stairs, et al). As long as he’s healthy, that is.
MW: If Delgado is healthy and either: A – Overbay has been traded, or 2 – the Jays are committed to keeping Wallace in AAA all season, then there’s no harm in bringing him in. If him playing is going to block the progress of any of the young players, then it’s not a good idea.
- TyWhen I first heard about the Chapman rumor I was jumping for joy on this because it looks like Alex is trying to restore the faith in the blue jay fans that good things come to those who wait. We have to wait for Alex to work on building for the future and I have to say he has restored my faith in the Jays and even if they don’t land Chapman it shows hes trying everything he can with what he has to build a contender from the ground up like the Rays did. If they do sign Chapman Mike when do you see them being a serious contender? I am thinking 2012 at the earliest and 2015 at the latest.
MW: Hill and Lind will be gone by 2015, so you want it to come sooner than that. I would think that with Chapman in the fold, they’d be ready to be great by 2013 at the latest.
- RoyceMike,
Baseball never really has on off – season anymore, does it. I think it would be great for the Jays to get this kid. Another controllable building block for the future. And do it now while the Canadian dollar is still a high value.
Hopefully the patience is there within the organization to let these players develop.
This organization is starting to do things the right way, and building from within. Here’s hoping that the fans see it.
Who are the 4 OF projected to be come Opening Day? Will the Jays try to move Overbay before Spring Training and put Wallace in the fire, or let Overbay finish out the year and his contract, then let Wallace jump in next year?
MW: The Blue Jays have never been married to the concept of breaking camp with a certain number of outfielders. Sometimes they’ve even gone north with just three. But it’s safe to assume that Vernon Wells, Adam Lind, Jose Bautista and Travis Snider will all make the team. They’d probably like to add another one, as well. I think ideally for the Jays, they’d move Overbay this winter and still let Wallace take his time getting up here.
- Aaron KerMike, couldn’t agree with you more on Chapman, and I’m really happy to hear that there is at least a degree of interest on the Jays’ part. Not to dump on Ricciardi (I think he did a decent job) but it does seem like this is exactly kind of opportunity that he would have dismissed immediately without even exploring. I know we’re on the outside, but it sure does seem from my vantage point that there’s been a philosophical shift in the front office.
20-25M on Chapman would be money well-spent. If he flames out, he flames out, but the upside is tremendous, and you can’t have too many arms. Sure, we’re excited about Drabek, Cecil, Morrow and others, but there’s a pretty good chance that one or more of those guys won’t live up to expectations. The more guys you have, the better chance you have to really build a formidable rotation a few years down the road.
MW: Yep.
- DarrenHey Mike,
I read that the Yanks would start Aroldis in Single A, or Double A ball and see how he develops. Would the Jays have the same game plan, or would they just have him compete for a starting job in spring training?
Thanks,
MW: I’m assuming the Jays would start Chapman no higher than AA, and probably not even that high. He’s still really raw.
- StavrosA lot of people complained when we didnt sign Paxton saying he was a power lefty.
All im saying is that ill trade Paxton for Chapman any day of the week.
Mike IF the Jays were to sign him (please yes, please yes) where would be be in the prospect list? 1st?
MW: I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. He’s a great prospect, as are Drabek and Wallace.
- LukaGood for the Jays, AA is doing a fantastic job don’t you think so, mean he gets the player that the Jays always wanted in Drabek since last July and the Phillies said they were not going to trade him we still get him. They land Wallace who will be a great power hitter for a long time when he is MLB Ready. Drabek will be a great pitcher in the MLB for a longtime also. He is going to be the #1 in the next 2-3 seasons. But this is great. THe Jays enter the Chapman sweepstakes with a good chance to sign him. If they do land him then they will have an unbeliveable starting rotaion for the future with a power arm. Drabek has great mechanics and we know that Cecil, Stewart, Romero and the rest of the Jays young pitching prospects will be really good also. I just wanted to ask you how much the Jays offer him money wise. Money isn’t everything and Jason Bay said that today that the money was part of the reason why he signed and he said it was nice. He really said that he really wanted to go to Queens and the Mets were always a top the list and they have great potential to win. I just hope that the Jays can land this young kid and I hope we can convince Chapman to come hear and like the City of Toronto. Halladay loved it hear and its potential he will finish what he started hear when he is nearing the end of his career. If we get Chapman then we are going to be giving the Big Leagues a huge surprise for years to come and we will have a great young core of youngsters for the future.
- DaveDo you think maybe the Jays might pick up a veteran starter to settle in with all
their young arms. And what about Overbay.?? Are the Giants interested in him ??or
is it just rumors
MW: There are a few teams that are interested in Overbay, but the Jays aren’t looking to just give him away. They might pick up a veteran starter, if a decent one comes cheaply, but they don’t need to.
- BillHey Mike
I’m excited to see where Chapman ends up, and since the Jays have cut payroll so drastically, it would be nice to see them sign him.
It does seem a little odd to sign him for 20 million when you let several top drafts picks walk last year for a few hundred thousand dollars. Do you think the 20 or so million it would take to sign Chapman would be better spent in the draft by selecting players who drop due to money demands? I’m mean, the Jays could load up the farm system with some serious talent if they dumped that 20 into the draft by signing guys for “overslot” money.
MW: No, they really couldn’t. Spending money doesn’t get you extra draft picks or picks in better spots, and also the Jays aren’t interested in destroying the amateur draft system for MLB. I think you spend the money you need to spend when opportunities present themselves, but you have to be smart about it.
- rickHey Mike got a couple for you here…
1.)Where does Purcey sit right now in the organization does he have a chance at the bigs? Will he be at the big clubs spring training?
2.) Does having young talent getting playing time in the bigs and not failing at that level (even limited games) add very much to their value for trades?
3.) Will you be having Baseball today for 2 hours in the summer like the hockey guys have in the winter?
MW: 1 – He’s one of the contenders for a spot in the starting rotation. He’ll absolutely be at big-league camp. 2 – Yes. 3 – I doubt it.
- SleepyHey Mike,
Just wondered if you could describe what you think the logic was for getting a shortstop to play ahead of McDonald next season. For a rebuilding season was it necessary for them to make a 2.75 Million dollar deal for Gonzalez. I’ve been hearing that he is only moderately better offensively and ofcourse not as good defensively. In McDonald you get a fan favourite, a good example for young players and a guy who I might say deserves a full season. Perhaps McDonald will get a good deal of playing time and quite likely more than he has ever gotten in Toronto but I still wonder why bother with the 2.75. You have a potential eplacement in case of injury – Bautista. I just thought it was a bit off theme from all the other exciting, understandable (to me) moves I’ve read about this offseason.
MW: The move to sign Gonzalez came before the other moves to which you’re referring, but he was brought in because it seems that they don’t want McDonald to be the everyday shortstop, or they don’t have the confidence that, at 35, he could handle playing every day for the first time in his career.
- JGAHey Mike. Well we did it! We got Mr Cheek on the ballot. Now its up to those other guys to get the job done.
- Matt in BCInteresting. I think some teams like seattle and boston have done very well by seeking international talent. I hope the Jays may soon benefit from their expanded scouting system. (assuming they sign their picks)
I have always wondered when someone is signed as an “undrafted free agent” does mean that some scout really lucked out and found a secret gem? Do people normally register for the draft and this someone never had that opportunity? Are there any particular restrictions/rules associated with signing someone who did not get drafted? Sorry for the rapid-fire series of questions but they summarize into the following:
It seems to me had Strasburg been given the chance to go to the highest bidder he would have by-passed the draft entirely. Why does Chapman get to circumvent this process?
MW: Because he wasn’t born in North America. Only Americans, Canadians and Puerto Ricans are subject to the draft.
- DavidThank you for explaining the advantages of signing Aroldis Chapman.
MW: You’re welcome.
- DomenickHello Mike,
good news about Tom Cheek. Hopefully this is his year.
Where would you project Chapman to start when signed (obviously just going on what you hear)? Is he ready for AAA, or is it still lower?
Also, what do you make of the abundance of young arms? Do you think the Jays should package some of them now for maybe young SS, 3B or outfield prospects (the team’s greatest need?)? Or should they wait? Or never trade them away, since the saying goes that you can never have too much pitching?
Thanks, Mike. I know it is only January, but I am excited for the start of Spring Training already!
MW: Glad to hear it. See above.
- RoryWell said, Mike!
Given the facts you stated (Hendricks bros. relationship w/Beeston plus potential ability to travel to/from Cuba from Canada), the only thing I would consider doing is sweetening the pot a bit more. Why not $30mil? At least then if we don’t end up getting him, we’ve probably done everything we could have to try and get him here.
From a fan’s perspective, if we’re not going to “go for it” over the next few years, I’d rather see money spent on a potential big project like this one. Spend a few more bucks here now if need be, go for it.
MW: Why sweeten the pot if you don’t need to?
- SS in KWHi Mike,
Just curious how Chapman’s rights would be owned by the Jays (or anyone else) once acquired. Does he turn into a “regular” prospect with a certain number of controllable years, arbitration, etc or would he become a free agent at the end of the the initial agreement with the Jays?
Thanks,
MW: He goes into the system just like anyone else. It’s all based on service time, and he doesn’t have any. He’d have the same status as, say, Chad Jenkins.
- Kevin A.1. Agreed on Chapman. That said, it does seem like a lot of money for a guy who may never throw a big league pitch. That said, it’s not my money so I hope they go for it. The real question, I think, is whether he’s really 21 or not. If he’s really 26 (as has been reported) it’s not such a good investment.
2. If they did take Chapman, do you think he’s a better prospect than Drabek? He may not throw as hard or be left handed, but Drabek does have a curve ball (and apparently a good one.)
3. Ok. So you’ve given us your thoughts on your hypothetical fearsome foursome. Based on what you hear of their potential alone, where do you see them lining up in a rotation?
4. Does Zach Stewart start this year or relieve? (BA recently projected him as a set up man. Of course, they have him as their “all prospect team” set up man which I can only assume means they think he’s the second best potential short reliever in the minors.)
5. How come Brian “Dangerfield” Dopirak gets no respect?
MW: 1 – Yes, it still is – just not as good. 2 – I’ve never seen either one pitch, so I can’t do the compare and contrast thing. 3 – Why is that important? 4 – He starts. 5 – Because he did a lot of great things when he was old for his level and got labelled.
- peteMike…Put on your thinking cap..If you banged into someone tomorrow who said to you: “Mike, I’ve never seen baseball ever, but please show me a video and tell me about one player that you considered the biggest treat to watch play.” (someone in your lifetime that you personally watch play)
MW: Probably Roberto Alomar. Maybe Tony Fernandez.
Too bad you never saw Willie Mays play. Or Bill Mazeroski. Or Brooks Robinson. Or Andruw Jones before he got fat. Or Ozzie Smith the Wizard of Oz. They were all amazing to watch. It’s true then weren’t Jays, but hey, there are some pretty good ball players on the other teams too.
MW: Out of the group that you’ve mentioned, the only one I got to see play live was Andruw Jones, and I’d rather have watched Alomar and Fernandez.
- Colour Me ScepticalReal glad to see some baseball news- especially Blue Jays news out here in western Canada, tough time getting updates ect. through our local sports station in Calgary. Looking forward to seeing how the youngsters can come along this season for the Jays. Great comments Mike, hope to read alot more this season and see if you can try to get the Fan 960 in Calgary to carry more games as well as the call in show after games as well. Thanks!
MW: The only ones who can do that are you and your fellow Calgarians.
- TravisHall of fame voting makes very little sense to me. Either Alomar is good enough to be there, or he’s not. Does the BBWAA have to make political points about a player by denying him induction by one year?
MW: Evidently, they do.
- Greg WThe Hawk made it, Robbie didn’t. I think he got jobbed.
MW: Me, too.
- BobbyCongratulations to Tom Cheek (and you) for this well deserved pre-honour.
You’re a little early on the “next to Alomar” comment.
Robbie deserves to be there but I’m glad he’s not first ballot anyway. Is that wrong
:0)
And I like the fact that you aren’t shy about throwing out your opinion as to what the Jays should attempt with Chapman. At least make the effort @ 20M or so and show the fans you’re serious. If you don’t land him, so be it.
Again, much congratulations to you, Tom and his family.
MW: Thanks, but there’s nothing for which to congratulate me. And yes, it is wrong to be glad that Alomar didn’t make it on the first ballot if you think he belongs.
- GaryI can’t believe you didn’t mentain barry larkin as a hall of famer on your theortical hall of fame ballot.
MW: I’m sorry. Larkin is a guy on whom I’ve gone back-and-forth a LOT. I need more time to figure him out.
- benHey Mike,
Great news about Tom Cheek. Let’s hope he makes it this year.
Also nice to hear the Chapman rumour heating up. Apparently it’s between the Angels and Jays now. I agree with you that it would make for a smart (and exciting) signing.
It was a bummer that Alomar didn’t make the Cooperstown cut this year though. Do you think it was the spitting incident that kept him 8 votes away?
I was also pretty surprised to see Richard Griffin calling (and singling) you out in his blog:
http://thestar.blogs.com/baseball/2010/01/halloffame-dawson-in-alomar-must-wait.html
You seem to be pretty diplomatic when others are criticizing him. It seems kind of strange he sorta came after you.
Belated happy NY,
MW: I seem to be a favourite target of Griff’s in his blog and column, although he’s always very nice to me to my face. I guess he heard my segment with Doug Farraway on the Fan right after the Hall of Fame announcement came out and took umbrage to some of the things that were said. Of course, it didn’t seem to matter to him whether I said them or Doug did.
- Siguy“MW: Chapman is very different from Matsuzaka, who was an established star in a high-level league. Also, Chapman is only 6′3″, maybe 6′4″. But I agree with you, wanting to sign him is a no-brainer.”
For some reason I could’ve swore I saw/heard 6’10″ somewhere. I think I heard it on an reputable ESPN online clip, because that fact stuck with me the most of all (both lefty and RJ height).
He certainly looks more than 6’4″, but cameras can be deceiving, do you have a source on that?
Anyways, I find it really odd that teams like NYY/BOS are dropping out when his asking price supposedely is only 5/20. Is there something I’m missing here? He seems completely studly to me (21 or 25 years of age) and seems well worth an investment of quite a bit more, especially to big market clubs.
And as for Daisuke, I see the clear difference – what I meant was I’m not usually a proponent of going for unknown, unproven foreign talent.
- Wyatt BaileySigning Chapman may also take some of the short-term focus off of Drabek. Which may be a good thing. Being the guy who got traded for Doc will most certainly bring much scrutiny, no?
MW: Probably – and unfairly so.
- JamieWhy would Hill and Lind be gone in 2015? They’d be in their early 30s and I’m pretty sure should still be able to play. They might command a great deal of money if they’re successful. But Rogers is a very wealthy organization. I can’t believe they’d withhold money if the team was winning. I’m not suggesting that $$$$$ should be thrown around right now. But apparently Rogers is either the richest or one of the richest owners in the leagues. They can certainly afford to pay for high-priced talent if the situation warranted.
MW: Sure they can, but that high-priced talent has to want to stay, too. It’s not up to the Jays whether Hill and/or Lind will be here then.
- isabella reyesI don’t think the Jays being from Canada help Chapman get around the bonus scenario because in 2010 he would still be playing in the US (all Blue Jays minor league teams are based in the US).
MW: They wouldn’t have helped him get around the bonus scenario after Dec. 31st, but they’re all on the same footing now.
- scott