Blue Jays general manager addressed the media last night in an appearance at the annual meeting of the Baseball Writers Association of America’s Toronto chapter, and, in the process, spoke about his team’s 2019 roster and what lies ahead in the 2018-19 offseason (links via Shi Davidi of Sportsnet and Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com).
Atkins didn’t mince words when asked if shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who missed the entire 2018 season due to bone spurs in both feet, would be able to play regularly for the Jays in 2019.
“Candidly, and I think Troy would agree with me, that is not likely,” said the GM. “He will have to overachieve to play shortstop at an above-average level, with above-average offensive performance for 140 games.”
Whether Tulowitzki, 34, would actually agree with Atkins is up for debate; as Chisholm reminds in his column, it was just three months ago when Tulowitzki was asked about moving off the shortstop position and told reporters: “I’m a shortstop. … If someone’s better than me, I’ll pack my bags and go home.”
Certainly, no one should expect that Tulo would actually walk away from the final $38MM on his contract, but the disconnect between the two sets of comments is nonetheless of some note. Davidi adds that Atkins wouldn’t commit to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as the primary shortstop but acknowledged that “if we were playing tomorrow,” Gurriel would likely get the nod.
The other middle-infield spot doesn’t appear to come with much more certainty. Devon Travis was tendered a contract despite ongoing health issues and an awful season at the plate in 2018 (.232/.275/.381), but Atkins wouldn’t commit to him as the everyday second baseman. Rather, Atkins emphasized that Travis needs to coming into Spring Training and prove that he can “be the best guy for second base for us” in 2019.
Perhaps most notable for the league’s other 29 clubs, though, were Atkins’ comments on right-handers Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez. While nothing Atkins said should be read as an indication that Stroman or Sanchez is being shopped, he stated that he can “absolutely” envision teams making strong enough offers to consider trading either pitcher.
Both Stroman and Sanchez looked to be among the league’s most promising young starters as recently as 2016 (Sanchez) and 2017 (Stroman), but both struggled through poor showings in 2018. Beyond that, both righties are just two years away from free agency, meaning they don’t align well with the Blue Jays’ realistic timeline for contending. That said, selling low on either would be a tough pill to swallow, and it’s arguably more prudent to give each a chance to rebuild some value early in the 2019 season.
Stroman pitched to a 5.54 ERA last season as his K/BB numbers went backward, and he also battled shoulder fatigue and blister issues. But, back in 2017, Stroman turned in a 3.09 ERA with 7.3 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 0.94 HR/9 and a whopping 62.1 percent ground-ball rate in 201 innings — his second consecutive season of 200-plus frames. Though his 2018 results were ugly, it’s worth noting that he replicated that exact ground-ball rate this past season and actually allowed home runs at an even lower rate. He’s projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $7.2MM in arbitration this winter.
Sanchez, meanwhile, barely kept his ERA under 5.00 in 2018 and averaged five walks per nine innings pitched. It’s the second straight season that he’s posted that exact BB/9 mark and, more importantly, the second consecutive season in which he’s been beset by finger issues that have limited his availability and effectiveness. However, Sanchez posted a league-leading 3.00 ERA over the life of 192 innings back in 2016, making the AL All-Star team and finishing seventh in AL Cy Young voting. That season, he averaged 7.6 K/9 against 3.0 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9 and a 54.4 percent grounder rate. Unlike Stroman, he didn’t reach arbitration a year early as a Super Two player, so his $3.8MM arbitration projection is a bit more palatable.
ronnsnow
If that’s Tulowiski’s attitude about his defensive position, then he can go home. Baseball has moved on from you.
manos
Couldn’t agree more. I get he’s a prideful guy but he’s needs to understand he hasn’t been elite for YEARS now and should feel lucky just to be in a dugout at this point.
TheTrotsky
Why should he feel lucky? He has a place in a dugout because a team gave him a contract and another team took responsibility for that contract. The Jay’s knew exactly who they were getting when they traded for him. Why is it so shocking now that Tulo is injury prone?
snake120
Trot, u are dead on, he deserves a place in the dugout because of his contract and the jays should absorb that,,,,,,but he should never see the field,,,,,,with the exception of a weekend trip out west, he never showed his face around the team,,,he’s a bigheaded jerk,,,,, if he wants to collect his mega millions, sit on the bench and pinch hit in blowout games,,otherwise adios!
greg1
I would argue that the Jays did not know exactly what they were getting when they dealt for Tulo. Yes, he had injury concerns, but from the moment the Rockies agreed to the deal, his attitude has been piss poor. His first comments after learning of the trade were that the Rox had lied to him, as he was promised he would never be traded. He didn’t want to play for Toronto, or anywhere else other than Colorado.
Unlike Demar Derozan though who had the same reaction when dealt from the Raptors, Tulo’s negative attitude has continued to permeate to this day. Derozan was upset, but moved on.
If Tulo was still with the Rox, I would be willing to bet that he would be more open with a move to first. He’s just a whiny little kid, and i would like him to take his ball, go home, and never hear from him again.
its_happening
I would argue if he know Colorado would trade him, he would have either declined signing the extension or signed with a full no-trade.
Maybe he put his wife and kids first over himself, and knew staying in Colorado was better for his family. Perhaps taking him away from the city took more away from whatever the rest of his family established. Speculative.
I like that he wants to be the starting shortstop. I hope he prepares himself in 2019 to re-take the position. It would mean he still has a desire to be the best. Whether he proves that is irrelevant; it’s all about a man’s desire to perform over the money. I think he’d walk away from money left on the table. That says more than a just a “whiny little kid”.
to4
Well said, he use to be my favourite SS, until he was traded to us and became a huge jerk, or already was. I know for a fact that he was having issues with Arenado in Colorado. Nice going in behalf of Anthopolus to get us stock with the pile of dirt. Martin however, I don’t mind. The guy has a great attitude, he will play where ever you put him, and is a great mentor for the youngsters.
Ejemp2006
At this point the preparation would probably hurt him. He has a fragile body not made for a full season of MLB action. The Jays should sign MarGo and give Tulo 40 games off from the field.
its_happening
^No need for MarGo on the Jays. He’ll command 4 or 5 years, and by year 3 he will be a high priced yet ineffective player. Jays just need to get the young guys to grow together.
justin-turner overdrive
The Yankees gave up on a title for at least 3 years while waiting out Jeter being a nightmare-level SS, Tulo you moron just be a DH, you’ll probably be an awesome one. What a dumb hill to die on.
jaysfan1994
Tulo’s not a good enough hitter to be a DH anymore. His 2014 hip surgery zapped his offensive prowess and he’s a shell of his former self.
KnicksFanCavsFan
Derek Jeter was not the reason why the Yankees didn’t win anything the lady 3 seasons of his career and yet, from you, perfectly expected idiotic comment to offer up. Those teams were flawed in many ways. You act as if one great defensive SS guarantees a world series.
Honest question….. Why are you so anti-Yankee?
Oglivie
Tulo. What a team player. “If someone’s better than me, I’ll pack my bags and go home.” … If? .. You’ve jumped the shark. Move on.
MetsYankeesRedSox
Yeah! Maybe he should take up surfing.
seaver41
Irresponsible comment by the GM to claim Tulo would agree. Now he’s created a situation where Tulo has to deal with agreeing or disagreeing with his GM. Unnecessary drama.
jimmertee
Atkins is a very poor GM.
deok40
you are a very poor fake former scout.
aussiejaysfan
Hahahaha hahah
snotrocket
Better start packing, Troy.
steelerbravenation
The Braves should push hard for Stroman. He is the ace we need. All those ground balls in front of the Braves defense.
Gohora & Ynoa for Stroman
Come on AA
baseball1600
“Ace we need” it’s hilarious because most Braves fans want to pass on Bumgarner because of “injury history” yet here’s a Braves fan who’s all in for Stroman who had a legitimate shoulder injury last year. Joke.
Rebuild it
As a Braves fan i hope we avoid them both like the plague. We need an ace, not a guy who “might” pitch to a 3.75ERA if hes healthy. We have those guys. Neither posted the elite k/9 numbers than an “ace” has even when they were on top of their game
baseball1600
Bumgarner is better than whatever the Braves have right now.
Tenn Braves
The Bumgarner of old, yes. The modern Bumgarner, not so much.
steelerbravenation
Was your thought process the same for Verlander he turned it around I would be willing to gamble MadBum would as well.
Ejemp2006
I believe MadBum is cut from the same cloth as Verlander and relies heavily on the heat of the bright lights and competition in order to pitch his best. MadBum could still kill. Stroman, not so much. The Jays don’t have an elite level guy that would command a big time haul. Thats why I know the Jays would be better competing for the wild card, collecting all the wins against the dumpster fire teams in the AL. Don’t tank.
nikki29a
i would want madbum not for the regular season. it seems like mb is an avg pitcher during the regular season but when that calander hits october he steps it up and is untouchable. also with all the young pitchers the braves have he would be a good mentor
baseball1600
Of course, a career 3.03 regular season ERA is average! Yep!
Brace4It
You’re looking at this incorrectly. Nobody is going to be paying prospects for MB’s career numbers. They are going to be paying prospects for what he is currently capable of and what he’s capable of for the duration of his contract. Same concept in free agency. That’s why GMs are shifting the way they sign players in FA anymore.
Brace4It
Additionally, ERA is a pretty outdated statistic by most baseball minds anymore.
KnicksFanCavsFan
An average pitcher? What’s the market for a pitcher, when not injured from some silly non-baseball related injury, posts an ERA around 3.30? He’s still a legit #1 or #2 if healthy. Me personally, don’t like the guys attitude. Not sure how he’d mesh in NY. Even tho Randy Johnson was 40 at the time, whereas MB is still relatively young, I think he would clash just the same way RJ did in NY. He wouldn’t shrivel like Sonny Gray but I wonder what the clubhouse vibe would be like. Not saying he’s a cancer but he just seems kinda douchey to me.
baseball1600
Bumgarner had a 3.26 ERA last year. I would say Bumgarner was rushed back last year because the giants were desperate for an extra starter, he could have easily had a few extra rehab starts and been called up around July. I believe Bumgarner pitched lots of 2018 at around 85%. If 85% of Madison Bumgarner gives you 3.26, imagine how he’d be with an entire offseason of rest and recovery. Any team would be lucky to have him.
mj-2
Braves need a bullpen first. And the latest article on the Braves site about filling the closer role internally is not an encouraging sign they’re taking that need seriously
Mjm117
You consider Stroman an Ace and clearly realize 2018 was not a true representation of the caliber SP Stroman is but offer two players nobody wants. Make sense
noraj9
No one wants a potential top 100 prospect?
callingoutdummies247
“Potential” lol
noraj9
I said potential because I knew I would get grilled on the fact that there are a hundred top 100 lists. He IS a top 100 prospect which means he’s what…better than 98% of all other players in minor league baseball. Never mind the fact he’s a lefty that can hit triple digits. You’re probably right. No one would want that.
taylorcm
I like Stroman if he is healthy. He can be really good, if you can get him at a reasonable price and have his as the #3/4 behind #1 trade piece, Folty, Newcombe- then Stroman that is a nice rotation.
justin-turner overdrive
How many “Come on AA” posts have appeared on this site? Guess what Braves fans? He sucks. Hopefully you have enough talent but man, he screwed the Jays over and over, its between AA and Dipoto for more overrated GM in MLB right now.
maxorange33
Don’t buy this garbage Braves fan. Name one GM who hasn’t made deals that didn’t work out and I’ll show you one that never wins. AA made it exciting and went all in for a 2-3 year window to try and get a ring. It didn’t get the ring but it brought fans back and made Rogers a ton of cash. When he took over he didn’t have a great farm and he built it back up until the time came to “cash in” some prospects to make a run at it because of the timing (Jose, Edwin primes). Everyone just thinks about how Tulo stinks now, but he was a steadying force taking over for Reyes. It was a good deal at the time(Reyes was on a bad contract as well!). Plus if not for AA, the Jays wouldn’t have the best (arguably, maybe) prospect in baseball. Did I mention he got an MVP for Lawrie and a few other stiffs?
its_happening
You forgot the moves made by ineptitude by AA and his staff. Plenty of them to mention. AA had his greatness and his disappointments. Average GM. Nothing wrong with that.
thelastonetodie
Donaldson trade and the Tulo, and price trades were good, but remember he tried the josh Johnson, RA Dickey, Mark buerle, experiment.. and now we don’t have Thor.. so it’s been iffy; and he really raises the cookie jar
maxorange33
Uh, no, I said right off the top that every GM makes bad moves. Like the stock market it’s ideal to sell high and buy low, but unlike the stock market you have to occasionally buy high to make a run at the right time to try and actually WIN! Boston just won, everyone thinks Dumbrowski should be in the HOF and revisionist historians forget his Sandoval, Ramirez and soon to be Price contracts. So yeah, AA made some trades that NOW we are paying for, but at least he took the shot when it was right. This is the new reality, like the Expos of the 90’s, teams will cycle through rebuilds and when the outlook is good and the prospects are performing teams will “buy high” to compliment and strengthen for a run at the title.
maxorange33
If there was no AA with the Jays, there would be no Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Jays! Imagine how dismal it would be to a Jays fan then. He’s the ONLY thing that gives us hope, thanks again AA.
SuperSinker
Is AA Vladdy’s godfather or something? I can’t imagine Vladdy’s decision to sign wasn’t predicated on who the GM was.
Dynamatrix50
Guerrero Jr. is all bat, who is too fat to stay at a position other than first base or DH. Wouldn’t be surprised if they held him out another year. Shatkins signed a few blue chip IFA themselves. Let’s hope Guerrero Jr. sheds pounds and becomes more athletic to stick at the “hot corner”. I’m skeptical of his fielding.
jbigz12
Someone who can hit a baseball and master K zone like that at 19 years old does not need to be a defensive stalwart. Miguel Cabrera got so fat he needed to play 1B and how much cash did he rake in? Was he not an MVP? How about JDM? He can’t play D to save his life. When you hit like that I don’t really care if you can’t field.
jimmertee
Even though you are getting the downvotes it is from those who don’t have clu. Guerrero’s fielding is not even double A quality. He needs to work on it quickly or he’ll get eaten alive by screamers on turf. I hope the Jays are smart enough to break him in slowly or he’ll lose his confidence. It’s up to Montero to see if this is done right.
Dynamatrix50
What a silly AA fan boy. The window to win started in 2013 when Dickey and Co. came over and failed. Keep holding onto those ALCS failures. AA cause 5 or 6 years of rebuild for 2 years of SO CLOSE, but no ring. AA left shatkins with a pile of old and over paid dill holes, who clogged the roster and held the kids back.
maxorange33
No he’s not, but with a different GM the whole dynamic changes and the possibility of him being somewhere else increase greatly. We don’t know the “why” he chose the Jays (money sure, but others were also throwing it!) but if there is someone else involved then not only is it possible that the Jays don’t go after him at all or as vigorously, but maybe Vlad’s team doesn’t like or trust whoever is in charge.
southpaw2153
If you consider Stroman an ace, you should not be allowed to comment on this, or any, baseball site. Stroman would make an excellent reliever, tho.
jimmertee
Amen and amen. Called that the first time he was called up. He never be an ace, maybe a 3 when his mind is intact on the mound. Otherwise he has elite closer stuff.
gizmoldp46
I’m fine trading them both if the price is good and tulo Is a joke never wanted him here and yes I get we don’t make the playoffs without him. still never wanted him. we’ve paid him millions to eat popcorn on his couch.
troll
what a team player tulo is
davidcoonce74
Apparently bone spurs are indicative of a real lack of character and an extremely selfish sort of narcissism.
its_happening
By retiring?
qbass187
There’s always next year Jays fans.
Rex Block
It was next year last year.
johanjoseph1
Exactomundo
steelerbravenation
Braves need a buy low candidate that has tasted success in the past.
steelerbravenation
I want Kluber but we don’t match up with their needs
I want Greinke but he seems to expensive unless ARZ eats some/most of contract which they don’t seem to be willing to do
I want MadBum but Giants seem to be holding on to him until the deadline for a better return
Wouldn’t mind Bauer but see Kluber we don’t match up with their needs
Tell me who else is available AA is not signing a FA so who else is there ????
callingoutdummies247
We?
Halos2021WSChamps
Watched tulo at long beach state , then rockies.. No injuries and he’s a first ballot hof
Gordon Lightfoot
… death, taxes, and Tulowitzki on the DL.
oldmanmiller
Here’s hoping Tulowitzki gets his bat back.. I think he would make a great mentor for the younger guys specially for Gurriel and Vlad… I hate to think at 34 a players career is completely over
Oglivie
Mentor? With that attitude? Not the kind of guy you want ‘sharing his wisdom’ with the young guys.
oldmanmiller
Yes with that attitude… basically he’s saying that he’s still ready to compete at the highest level… Id rather him say that than pack up and go without a fight!
Personally I think Tulo still has a lot to offer… unfortunately it’s not on a rebuilding jays team!
Adam6710
Well heck, i’m ready to compete at the highest level. Doesn’t mean I can. Is that the attitude you want him preaching to people? Sheesh. Rather Gil Meche.
oldmanmiller
Who’s to say he can’t compete? He was once the best SS in baseball! He’s been injured the last 3 years… I think he deserves a chance to show if he can or not!
38mil sitting on the bench kinda makes me sick to my stomach
callingoutdummies247
Mentor that says “if you find someone better, I’ll quit” yup I want him to be my mentor
TheTrotsky
Well you don’t play professional ball do you? So you don’t have a mentor.
Samuel
This shows how essential quality pitching coaches, pitching-knowledgeable managers, and an entire MLB organization has to be in order to keep their pitchers consistent. A strong defense – especially up the middle – allows a pitcher to relax and throw his game; instead of over-throwing trying to get K’s because they can’t trust their D.
New manager Charlie Montoyo is credentialed and solid. Came over from the Rays organization which is one of the 4-5 elite pitching organizations in MLB. Last years pitching coach is back. As the article notes – SS is a bit up in the air; 2B TBD; CF is so-so to poor; and a rookie will be the prime catcher.
It appears the Jays support of their pitchers is in flux for the next year or so. An organization such as the Mets, Rays, possibly Reds with Derek Johnson, and maybe another in need of a 3rd-4th-5th starter could re-calibrate/rehab those 2 pitchers (Nationals used to be able to, they went south about 4 years ago).
Samuel
The best way I’ve found to judge an organizations effectiveness with pitchers, is to look at the set-up guys……
No part of an MLB team is as inconsistent as the bullpen. The back-end guys usually are proven. Teams with money buy them. But set-up guys are extremely volatile. They might be failed starters or closers; or pitchers coming off of injury or surgery. An organization that can consistently trot out decent set-up guys year-after-year – through injuries and set-up guys suddenly losing it – are the superior pitching organizations. Rays probably top the list. Indians were up there with Callahan as pitching coach but hit a wall last year. Mets made strides with Callahan/Eiland in 2018, will be watching this year.
Vedder80
You lost all credibility when you threw Cleveland in there considering the setup guy for the last couple years would have been a closer for most teams. They hit a wall last year because their two proven back end guys got hurt from being overly used.
Samuel
Vedder80;
The Indians hit a wall in 2018 because a few of their set-up guys left as free agents.
Carl Willis is no Mickey Callaway. He could not do anything with the relief pitchers he was given.
Miller and Allen pitched within their range of innings. Francona and the FO closely monitor that.
Willis does more bad than good. Has everywhere he’s coached.
KnicksFanCavsFan
I think the Yankees have been one of the best teams at building a great bullpen. Aside from the closers they’ve had look at the guys they’ve developed.
David Robertson, Dellin Betances, Mark Melancon, Zach McAllister (all late round draft picks from the 2006 draft). David Phelps, Ramiro Mendoza, Shane Green, Adam Warren, Mike Dunn, Tommy Khanle, Johnathan Holder. Those are just guys they drafted. They also added the Tom Gordon, Andrew Miller, etc types.
Adam6710
I don’t disagree but… Ramiro Mendoza was 20 years ago.
Samuel
Many of the pitchers you mention were developed as relievers by other organizations.
bleacherbum
If I’m the Padres I’m all over this, kill two birds with one stone.
SS Troy Tulowitzki and SP Marcus Stroman for OF/1B Wil Myers, SP Jacob Nix, CP Kirby Yates and SS Javy Guerra to Toronto.
The Jays rid themselves of Tulo + the 38 million left on his deal and send him to San Diego in what hopes to get a motivated Wil Myers back to Toronto in which they can play him in LF/RF/1B or DH him. Use him how he was used in Tampa with a former coach of his now managing the Jays and I think he will return to the player he was when he won the Rookie of the year & when he made the All-Star team in 16’
The Padres get the young controllable starter they have been looking for in Stroman, playoff experience, WBC experience for team USA, etc. similar attributes as to Hosmer- I can see Preller wanting him.
They also get Tulowitzki to hold down SS, until Tatis is ready, or they can just wait until he eventually gets hurt and then Tatis would fill in indefinitely at that point. If Tulo wanted to play third it would be a very interesting dynamic, everything hinges on his health. Just like with Myers. But with Myers they would owe him 63 million over the next 4 years, with the opportunity to bank on his comeback as they are starting to get out of their rebuild – at that point they can either cash Myers in or keep him with Guerrero, Bichette, Biggio, Gurriel, etc.
It’s a 25 million dollar gamble on Myers,Yates and a couple young controllable pieces to Toronto for their number 2 starter and a Bad attitude/ Bad contract.
Thoughts? I think this helps both sides.
jaysfan77
I like it as a Jays fan lol I think people would have to see if Tulowitzki can even walk first lol I’m kinda joking but he’s had a lot of lower body injuries the last few years, and he never had any speed to begin with
jaysfan77
I should say, watching Tulo in Toronto he has a very long swing, i don’t see him being relevant much again without some serious work
BlueJayFan1515
I’m a Blue Jay fan and I think that you are overestimating Stroman’s value. He has had injury problems and is coming off a really awful year as far as health and performance, with only 2 years of control. I doubt that with Tulo (my favourite player) attached the Jays get that much value for him, even with Myers and his contract attached.
rhymo
Don’t know much about Nix but I think jays would win this trade. Still have plenty of confidence Myers is a great player and worth his contract. Stroman I feel is a great pitcher but lots to prove. I don’t think Padres would want Tulos contract and his past injuries. Just my thoughts. Like the idea I’d take it if I were the jays but can’t see padres liking it
bleacherbum
Well that’s good because I’m a Padre fan so if it’s a realistic idea I could see it making sense for all parties. RHP Jacob Nix is currently the #14 prospect of the team who made a handful of starts in the second half and looks like he will become a solid back end of the rotation guy. He could replace Stroman’s spot in the rotation. Yates becomes the closer or setup guy depending on how Toronto plans to use Ken Giles next year.
bleacherbum
Tatis Jr could presumably start the year at AAA playing 3rd base if Tulo is acquired and could hold down 3rd for San Diego until Tulo departs in FA eventually, at which that point Hudson Potts will be ready to take over 3B with Tatis sliding over to SS and staying there for a long time.
Padres save $25 million dollars/ get rid of Myers so Renfroe, Margot, Reyes, Cordero can stay and develop more. They also get Stroman to anchor the rotation in 19’ and eventually in 20’ with Richards, Lamet and guys like Paddack, Espinoza going to be there with him.
Yates helps keep Toronto’s bullpen relevant. He is under control for 2 more seasons at an affordable rate, Nix gives them a SP option and Guerra is a very interesting glove first SS prospect who SD got as a piece in the trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to Boston. He gives middle INF depth to provide for the loss of Tulo/Diaz.
its_happening
Jays have too many 1B/DHs. No.
bleacherbum
Cool. Keep Tulo and let that 38 million rot on your bench.
its_happening
Because they aren’t contending, they can.
jimmertee
No one is taking Tulo’s contract except if they bundle Vlad jr, Bichette and Biggio all together with it. Get the point?
Enough stupid trades suggestions already, No, just no.
martras
From a straight money/value perspective:
Tulo is a questionable player at this point. There’s no guarantee he’ll be able to play well at shortstop (or any other position) with any regularity this year. He’s got $38M left this year only. Banking on more than 3 WAR from him is really optimistic.
Stroman is a quality back end rotation arm under cheap control for two years. I think banking 3 WAR per season is reasonable. He’s probably about $20M for the next two years.
Total value = 6 WAR at $58M with a ton of salary relief this year at the cost of long term salary restriction.
Myers is an annual 2.0 WAR player in RF. His bat hasn’t worked out to being good enough to place at DH. His contract is another 4 years and $63M.
Yates is expected to compete as the Padres’ closer this year, but his career lines suggest he’s due for major regression. Pitchers don’t figure it out over the age of 30 and Yates doesn’t have the power stuff expected of a closer or the track record showing he’s more than a AAAA guy. He’s probably a 0.5 WAR player and middle innings bullpen choice. He’ll probably earn $8M over the next two years.
Nix and Guerra are PTBNL class add ins at this point. Nix will probably never be above AAAA level, and Guerra’s ceiling looks like all glove utility infielder. Their combined value is probably 0 WAR.
Total value 9 WAR at $71M, but a big long term salary dump after this year.
Blue Jays get MiLB roster filler an adequate RF for 4 years at a very expensive price tag plus a functional middle reliever for 2 years while eating a big punch to the mouth in salary this year for the long term relief of being rid of Myers.
Padres ditch the long term albatross of Myers’ contract by absorbing the astronomical Tulo contract this year and gain a quality starter for the next two years in the process.
I don’t think the Blue Jays are all that open to hampering their future for the salary relief this year. They’re in a somewhat similar boat to San Diego in that neither team can afford to have many long term albatross contracts on the books. Toronto is likely at the end of a rebuild effort looking to try and compete in 2020+, not this year.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
“I’m a shortstop. … If someone’s better than me, I’ll pack my bags and go home.”
Regrettably, Tulo sustained an injury while packing his bags…
canadianyankee
Haha haha!! You win the internet!
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Yipes!!! WHERE will I store that darned thing?!?
canadianyankee
Hmmm….I’ve read all the comments and I must say it feels like something’s missing….so I’ll just go ahead and post it…Stroman, Sanchez and Tulo to the Yankees
Troutmagnet
Mmmmm. Nah. For who?
clrrogers 2
Speaking of the Blue Jays and Yankees, I’ve got a trade that might make sense for both teams. The Blue Jays send Tulo and Smoak to NY for Sonny Gray and Jacoby Elsbury.
Tulo and Elsbury are just bad contract swaps, but Tulo would fill the gap at SS while Gregorius is out. Smoak is an upgrade at first (no way Voit puts up those numbers for a full season). Smoak is a free agent after 2019.
Sonny Gray is also a free agent after 2019 but would give the Jays the solid starter they need for this coming year. Elsbury could play LF for the Jays or possibly make him the 4th outfielder to keep him healthy. If he has a good start to the year, maybe they could flip him somewhere else (while probably eating some salary, of course).
Basically, it’s Tulo for Elsbury (and maybe some cash) and Smoak for Gray. There would have to be no-trade clauses waived and possibly a little money going back to the Jays since Elsbury has three years left to Tulo’s two (although he does have a team option for a third year), but I think it’s a fair trade proposal. What do you guys think?
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
You’re saying the Yankees should replace their hurt shortstop with somebody who is notorious for being injured?
clrrogers 2
I’m saying they should replace Elsbury (who is also notorious for being injured) and his contract with Tulo and his. If Tulo is injured and can’t play, they’re no worse off financially than they are now if they unload Elsbury.
its_happening
Ellsbury has more money and years left on the contract. Yanks would need to kick in huge $$$ to balance the deal.
Adam6710
And they’re not doing that when they dont even want those players to begin with.
its_happening
Question for Jays fans: would you miss Tulo if he packed his bags and retired?
No. So why the outrage?
If he can’t hack it at SS and he feels he’s not good enough to be the player he once was, he goes out on his terms and he opens a spot for a younger player to get the same chance he got. I wouldn’t call that selfish at all. Infact, it’s commendable that Tulo would walk away from the game if he thinks he can’t play SS anymore.
This would be a win-win situation for the Blue Jays.
oldmanmiller
Commendable yes! But stupid to walk away from 38 million
its_happening
Absolutely. He’ll still be ridiculed if he stayed in the game just to collect on the 1st and 15th. So I don’t believe the flack he’s receiving on this thread about attitude is warranted or accurate.
oldmanmiller
Agreed!
coldbeer
Guys should play for the name on the front of the Jersey not the one on the back. If you disagree then you are wrong.
its_happening
^It’s a mix of both. That’s reality. And if Tulo walks away from the game and the money he will have done good for the name on the front.
stell
There is no way tulo walks away from the game without being paid is 38 mil. Or at least a large portion. Toronto will probably have to pay him to sit on the bench or send him to robidas island with Horton and lupul
bravesfan
Gosh I’m such a Tulo fan, but he’s really not the same player any more. If he wants to continue to play baseball, he’s gonna have to move positions DH more etc. If you love the game enough, want the money, and can perform at a high enough lvl, you find ways to stay in the league as long as possible. I’m thinking Tulo doesn’t love the game like he once did. No shame in that, it’s been very taxing on him and he’s been doing it for a long time. If he wants to retire at all, better do it before bringing a bad attitude to the game
tgovey
“Overachieve”?
If that’s Tulo’s words fine but if not, what a slap in the face.
Yes, Tulo’s had health problems over the years but you can’t deny his talents.
Why not plan for him to DH more, move to 1B, etc.
He was once looked at as a top SS in the game.
clrrogers 2
No room for him at DH/1B. They’ve already got Smoak and Morales, not to mention Tellez. I just don’t see much of a path to playing time for him anywhere on the Jays. I think his only chance is to come out of the gates strong in Spring Training and win his SS job back. Then he’ll need to continue that into the regular season if he wants to hold onto the job. It’s kind of like being a rookie again. He has to continually prove himself throughout the year.
jimmertee
All player must constantly prove themselves or they are on the bench, that is the way professional sports is.
As for tulo if he can get back to 75% of what he was i’d Be amazed. He belongs at 1st or Dh. Period.
coldbeer
Jays need to move Pillar and Smoak in trades for more young arms and by the time the trade deadline rolls around hopefully have gotten enough out of Sanchez and Stroman (and ideally Morales) to move them as well. 2019 is the year to kick the rebuild into high gear.
As for Tulo, hopefully he continues to count the stacks of cash he’s making at home and away from the clubhouse. Can’t have that attitude near the future of the organization.
imgman09
Obviously your not a Athlete,so stay with he Pokey man
oldmanmiller
You are completely out to lunch
bourbon
If Russell Martin were a FA, what does his contract look like (yrs / $) ?
its_happening
Around Brian McCann money.
bourbon
I’ll make him worth 5mil then.
Brett Cecil (2/15mil) back to Tor for Martin.
Martin backs up Yadi with Carson Kelly now gone and Kninzer starts at AAA. Matins D flexibility helps his PA’s as PH and finish the game.
its_happening
^Bourbon, I’d be ok with that deal.
jimmertee
As said last year, tulo belongs at DH or 1st somewhere. Tulo will have his moments trying out for SS again but a maturing Gurriel jr will vastly outperform Tulo over the course of an entire season.
The Blue Jays need to be further blown up like dipoto is doing with his club.
I suspect one of Sanchez or Stro man will find himself again and the other belongs in the pen.
Offer everyone else except Guerriel jr, Vlad jr, Tellez, borucki, and Jansen in trades. This team is going to be very bad of a long while unless they totally tank it now like I called them to do 2 years ago and trade for more prospects.
thelastonetodie
How do people forget that he has the best fielding percentage for a SS EVER in the history of the game, even with his diminished range, he will still be a good or better SS
kelticknotz
I don’t blame Tulo for not walking away. Anyone who says they would leave 38 million sitting on the table for the good of the “TEAM” . is a liar. The days of team loyalty by either player or organization is long gone.
Where to start with the Jays improving the team. First fire Shapiro and Atkins in the years they have been here they have successfully gutted the team of players without replacing them.
Jays have some young players coming up but they have no one for them to learn from and be assured Jays will dump Martin, Morales, Tulo and likely Pillar just as fast as they can.
Gibby saw what was coming thats why he wanted no part of it and left.