They lost players, but so does many teams, Just look at the NY Yankees rotation, not the stuff of legends there. I think the current GM is maybe on his way out. Reason I say that is that I am not sure how long the board will let Paul Beeston stay and Anthopolous is a Besston boy.
I think the die is cast, profits grew , fans appeared, at a considerable cost, but like the Leafs, the Jays are skidding off the to the side like a old car and will plummet below not only the Yankees, but Tampa eventually. A 4rth place finish when they perched in first by 6 games spells doom for the GM and manager. Gibbons was Alex's choice, so should Alex walk, Gibbons will follow.
I like both guys, don't get me wrong, I though Anthopolous was a breathe of fresh air versus Riccardi, a spin doctor of the worst kind. But new shake ups in ownership have alerted us that Rogers wanted product placement, not championships. Blackberry's using Rogers air space, promos, TV spots, and new customers.
The team looks like they wish August 31st was September 30th, and September they have numerous games against top teams, and they will have nothing left.
I think they need to shut Hutchinson down now, and perhaps if they fall to 4rth soon, Strohman in early September. What's to be proven to let them achieve 200 innings. Hutch already had 3 very rough outings, Strohman less so but he came up part way into the season, but had his worst outing last weekend. He is fresher, but his psyche is fragil, despite his birth certificate.
Lind has scuffled, Edwin is not in the groove and let's face it, too many Triple AAA types litter their line up. They just look spent. The farm system was gutted, and needs a few good drafts now to recover. USA rate the Jays farm system in the bottom 10 of the majors, and bottom 10 is a compliment. So have other baseball evaluators.
GM's don't see the next wave of solid prospects, which is why they were asking for Sanchez and Strohman at the July deadline, or everyday players. The cupboard is sparse.
The problems the Jays will face is that they have money tied up in Buerhle, RA Dickey, Bautista, Reyes, and long deals. I expect these guys are all on revoccable waivers, such as the TExas Rangers have Darvish, Beltre and Rios, and Andrus. In hopes of returning kids and reducing payroll.
3 of their big money players need to move on, use that capital wisely and re stock the shelf with draftees and kids from other teams. Next year cut ties with Rasmus, try and re sign Melky, get Gose back in CF, find a bloody 2nd baseman and put safety bubble wrap on Brett Lawrie, Strohman, Hutchinson, and Sanchez are your core arms, try and move out the deadwood, or the expensice kindling before they burn up.
Hire Ernie Whitt as your next manager. He knows how to talk to kids, knows the market and the history, and go back to drawing board. See if you can pry Ortiz out of Boston, he always hits well here, and for him, a change of scenary might help for a year. Meld smart savvy vets with the kids.
They look old and tried to me, do they to you ?
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