At least 11 teams were on hand to watch Troy Tulowitzki work out earlier today, reports Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports. The Giants, Angels, Red Sox, Cubs, Padres, White Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Phillies, Tigers and Pirates were all represented at the showcase, Brown reports (as were other, unnamed teams), with some clubs even sending their top executives to get a first-hand look at the former Rockies star. Angels GM Billy Eppler was in attendance, per Brown, as were new Giants president of baseball ops Farhan Zaidi and manager Bruce Bochy.
Since being released by the Blue Jays last week — with two years and $38MM remaining on his contract — Tulowitzki has been separately connected to a handful of teams including the Pirates, the Yankees, the Cubs and the Giants. His agent, Paul Cohen, recently told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that Tulowitzki is open to playing second base or third base with a new team. Brown, notably, writes that the biggest appeal for Tulowitzki will be the promise of regular at-bats at one positions (as opposed to moving between those three spots in a utility role).
It doesn’t seem as though there’s any early favorite to add Tulowitzki, who’ll cost his new team only the Major League minimum of $555K next season. (Toronto is on the hook for the remainder of his salary.) At that price, it’s justifiable for virtually any team to take a look at Tulowitzki and see if he can rediscover some of the form that once made him one of the game’s premier players. While few would expect him to return to his 2013-14 levels of output, that type of performance is hardly necessary from someone whose new team will pay him the league minimum. Tulowitzki’s bat was at least league-average in both 2015 and 2016, so if he’s healthy there’s plenty of reason to believe he can at least be fairly productive at the dish. How he adjusts defensively after undergoing surgery on both heels last year could be a more pressing question — particularly if he’s also adjusting to a new position after spending his entire pro career at shortstop.
Giants go for it
Can’t be worse defensively than Hanson and offensively than Panik
Please get your facts straight,the first third of the season Hansen struggled defensively but after that he was outstanding and made highlight reel plays,but then again you needed to watch to know that,can’t wait to see him play next year because he still is a young player
I love Hanson. I was the only one on these threads months ago advocating for him to be the starting 2B (my old account baseball1600 was banned) but overall defensively Hanson needs to put serious time in. He’s a mediocre fielder at best and you can really tell the difference with panik and second than with Hanson at second. Probably because Panik is arguably the best defensive second baseman in the game, but still.
Utility player bub
It will be mainly his choice. With no financial risk just about every team will be in on him. Going in, he’s looking at a platoon. His body shouldn’t expect full time. That said, if he’s healthy, every team will find him more at bats. Would love to have a healthy Tulo in Boston to share third with Devers. The team then trades Nunez. for little but saves against the threshold. When he goes on the DL, Marco Hernandez if healthy gets his shot. Between the two, the risk is one is healthy when the other is not. The Sox won last year in spite of having no defensive third baseman. They should not expect to do it again and I haven’t heard that Devers is now Brooks Robinson or even Butch Hobson for that matter. That says something being compared unfavorably to Hobson.
I don’t think they would want to interrupt Devers growth by platooning him, He’s likely not going to be the third baseman long anyway
Panik as the best defensive second baseman in the game?
Wong, Baez, LeMahieu, Kinzler…
Obviously we are forgetting about the one and only Ozzie Albies. The only second baseman that is above Ozzie defensively, I believe, is Baez.
The Giants are concerned about Panik’s defensive regression.
He was a gold glove winner in ’15, down hill since then. DJ LaMaheu has been linked to the Giants as a fee agent, better offensive better glove.
Lemahieu is kind of the exact player as Panik, only more expensive.
Tulo grew up as an A’s fan and despised the Giants but that’ll change if it means regular playing time and a chance to play at home in the Bay Area. As a Giants fan id be onboard with signing Tulo. No risk with upside if he can stay healthy. Giants go out and sign him!
Considering Bochy and Zaidi were there I’d say they are going for it. Assuming he’s going to want to play somewhere that offers him a starting gig, I don’t get where he’s going to play regularly unless they get rid of Panik. And if you get rid of Panik, you’re assuming Troy will be healthy enough to play regularly, which is lunacy.
I have a feeling the Giants will try to trade Panik.
For what? They missed the boat on that when he did have some value
Do the Giants need a good defensive outfielder? Maybe trade Panik to the Nats for Michael Taylor.
I’ve been barking up that tree for about a year.
Still, I don’t get all the Panik hate. He’s produced, and had only 1 bad season. Go check that draft, see what happened with all the players taken around him.
Here’s this: Giants sign tulo to be a platoon with panik at second, and he also spells craw/longo on days off. gives entire infield days off and hansen can attempt to go full mookie betts in right field
I would say the Giants should just go all-in; Bochy is pretty old, the farm ststem isn’t good, they only have Bumgarner one more season and Posey is going to have to move from behind the plate fairly soon. If Tulo has any bat left at all he definitely has the arm to fill in at third and the outfield and probably a bit of second and short too. Plus, the Giants are a huge-budget team and can easily afford a few big contracts as well as the minimum outlay for Tulo. As excited I am for the Padres rebuild, it’s also going to be fascinating to see how SF re-tools itself without relying on the farm system at all.
Interesting. I suppose they could have a go at Harper and Machado, but who do they have to trade? There’s not enough impact FAs on the market this year, so they will need to find teams who like what they’ve got in their farm system
Go Giants
I’d love to see the Giants get Tulo. Then trade Crawford to the Cardinals to play short and move DeJong to 3rd.
Really? Where’s Matt Carpenter going to play?
No chance he goes to the Tigers. From what I’ve gathered, he wants to play closer to the west coast.
At this point beggars can’t be choosers
Except this free agent beggar is already guaranteed 2yrs/$38MM with his new team only responsible for the MLB minimum each year. The Blue Jays will be picking up the remainder so Tulowitzki will have some leverage and choice with his next destination. His worst one would be to sign with no one and just mind his paychecks when they are deposited into his bank account.
He’s not a free agent, still under contract and he can’t control who takes it unless he refuses assignment in which he will become an unrestricted FA.
Agreed. He’ll have his choice. While playing on the west coast might be favored, I assume he also wants a ring and will consider the ability to win it all. As I wrote above, his team will likely play him as often as his body will allow. I see 3B in his future.
He was “released.” Bluejays responsible for remainder of his contract but he can sign for ML min with any team of his choice.
He can definitely choose
Uh yes he is a free agent.
He is a free agent, he has been released by the team and is not under contract.
The team owes him the money but he has no restrictions and will sign a new contract . He can sign or not sign with whomever he wishes.
TheTrotsky, he is or will be a free agent. No one is touching that contract. He was waived not demoted. Like when Boston cut Hanley and before that Panda.
What do you think “He was RELEASED from the Blue Jays last week” means? He was RELEASED from the team,but since he was under contract he still gets paid.
Reading is hard
Tigers could offer him the most playing time
I disagree. The Orioles probably offer him the most playing time. The Pirates would be next in line. Tigers just signed Mercer to play SS.
Tigers should give him a solid offer. Tulo might prefer west coast, but the Tigers would be stupid to not go for it. C’mon Al, wine n dine him!!
He’s getting league minimum from whoever. That’s “the solid offer”.
On one hand, I would like to see a high quality Troy Tulowitzky playing for the Tigers. On the other, I consider the probability he gets injured and sits on the bench (right next to the other old injured stars), the even higher probability he plays well then gets traded for a low level prospect or the probability he’s just blocking other players:
Since the Tigers are rebuilding, wouldn’t it be better to use untried unknown players and hope for a surprise, ala Niko Goodrum?
Then there’s the chance he reverts to great defense and that helps the Tiger pitchers develop… As a Tiger, he has the best chance as a comeback player of the year.
Either way, the Tigers are doing their own due diligence.
I doubt he’d sign with Detroit. They can’t offer him a full-time job at SS. They signed Mercer for that job. I’m HIGHLY familiar with Mercer. He’s the kind of guy you want on a rebuilding team. Steady defense, consistent production, and one HELL of a guy.
In truth, I don’t want Troy Tulowitzky playing for the Tigers; I hope you’re right about Jordy Mercer.
Tulo former GM said he always wanted to be traded to the Yankees, wouldn’t shock me if he’s on yanks next year until Didi is back or he gets hurt again.
Um, find that quote about Tulo wanting a trade to the Yankees. That’s news to everyone.
He literally went to watch a Yankees game while hurt with the Rockies.
He’s said he idolized jeter and would love to be a yankee.
Terrence Mann said it in an interview that Tulo always wanted to be a Yankee. – Moonlight Graham
Trimreaper- I heard Dan O’Dowd say this on the MLB Network during the Winter Meetings…I’ll back up this quote.
Go the distance…
RedLine – I asked to find a quote and you still haven’t. Glad you backed up absolutely nothing. Thin Red Line will be your new name.
Have a piece of humble pie Trim…
Tulo’s a Yank…Trim’s on the rim
Trim? You there?
Is this you Xabial?
Maybe Sacramento.
Really Brewers you should have been there watching too
“(as were other, unnamed teams)”
I can’t imagine Sterns not doing his due diligence. Miller Park, potential playoff team, wide open second base position, a chance to play some ss if Arcia slumps again…seems like an ideal landing spot for him.
Rockford ForestCitys not entirely ruled out.
The Brewers will likely sign Dozier.
It all depends on his feets
Remember the time Pillar broke Tulo’s shoulder with his face? The guy is so brittle.
Given that the Jays will be paying most of his salary, and the team that signs him will only be on the hook for the league minimum it really comes down to which team, among those offering a contract, Tulo wants to play for.
Cubs put him at 2B.
Zo becomes the main back up in right and left, while getting occasional time at 2B.
D.D. slots as the utility guy.
Happ is moved for BP help.
Tulo gets a 40 game audition until Russell comes back.
Bote is the PH, second utility guy.
Zo gets 30 games in LF, 30 in RF and another 30 in RF, when Almora goes out and Heyward slides to CF.
Add in whatever he gets at 2B.
You can put Tulo him at SS and keep Baez at 2B, too.
Zo comes off the books after this year.
If Addy rebounds the Cubs are set at each spot and money starts freeing up forvte signing FAs
And a partridge in a pear tree! What else are you dreaming about this Christmas?
Ok so let’s change the entire team to make room for a washed up veteran who won’t play next year.
I like your outlook. I think it is going to come down to where does Tulo wants to play out of the teams that are interested. reminds me of Ohtani last year except Tulo has that 38 million already in his back pocket for the next 2 years.
wow. delusional cubs fan.
You can’t take Schwarber out of LF for 30 games unless he is the DH every time for interleague play to make up for it. He needs as many abs as possible as this is his make or break season.
Carriage return works
Cubs got Descalo. That’s the Addison Russell insurance policy.
More likely to be the La Stella replacement. Zo, Happ and even Bote could play ahead of him.
I agree. But the Cubs still signed him and expect him to play whether anyone likes it or not.
As a Cardinals fan I truly hope the Cubs sign him.
why? whoever signs him is getting a great deal. Its only 550K so if he doesn’t perform they can just cut him.
Cmon Angels.
Even in decline would be an upgrade over anything angels have had at 2nd or 3rd in awhile
Really?
Fletcher put up 2 fWAR is 300 PA’s. That’s after he slashed 350/394/559 to start the season in AAA.
His prorated 5 fWAR season is pretty solid for a rookie.
angels have a prospect? damn
The Angels under Eppler have done a great job at rebuilding their farm system over the past 2 years.
Fletcher 2B, Tulo 3B. Cozart…let’s not talk about Cozart.
I would love to see what Tulo could do at 3B for the Halos. Eppler loves him some former all-stars.
The Dodgers should be interested at least a little bit. Seagar isn’t available for a while.
Kiké Hernandez or Chris Taylor would be better options than a washed up Tulo
Not sure why you got 3 downvotes for stating the obvious, Kenleyfornia.
Maybe because some people are in a 2007 time warp. Tulo was a stud in his prime. Unfortunately its long over
I don’t know either. But I know why he got the fourth one: because he’s an immature blowhard, throwing around guesses as if they’re definitive statements. That’s the way a spoiled, arrogant teenager looks at his betters.
A thoughtful adult has the perspective to realize that anything is possible for someone with Tulo’s talent and determination. He wouldn’t be the first great player to be derailed by injuries for a few years, and then work his bay back to the top.
In fact, players have done it when a lot older than he is now.
2007? That’s a little harsh. He was an allstar 3 years ago. He’s been hurt the last 2 years, so if you want to knock him for that I would understand.
You about done there Stu? Washed up is not an insult. Its just a fact at this point. The fact you get so triggered by a comment makes you immature. What are you his sister?
As a Tigers fan and a long time fan of Tulo, I would love to see him in Detroit. I’d much rather have him out at SS than Jordy Mercer
Last week: something along the lines of “I’m a shortstop, and if there’s anybody better out there, I’ll go home.”
Blue Jays release him.
Today: “His agent, Paul Cohen, recently told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that Tulowitzki is open to playing second base or third base with a new team. “
I hope you are expressing admiration for this man who, after a shocking life event, has the guts to face reality and take on a new challenge.
You better be sarcastic…lol…shocking life event?! You mean being told you dont have to continue playing to be paid millions of dollars…you just cant formally retire?
My wife list her folks getting hit head on and my niece had to clean their dog who was in the car with thems carcass off the highway with a shovel…let’s get real about tragic life event…my wife and kids lost all kinds or family tragically.
You better have info other than money.
Exactly! Buyer beware
Still a really good glove if he can walk, not much left in the bat… and he’s the poster boy of glass. Over/under, 3 more years in the MLB?
I’ve said it on every Troy T post. DC needs a 2nd basemen!
Tulo to the Dodgers. Platoon at 1st base.
Already have David Freese, but Dodgers could use a healthy Tulo at 2b, or even SS if Seager’s elbow is not ready for 2019.
The twins – put him at third and let Sano prove himself and his bat at DH.
With Joe and doz gone they need a clubhouse leader. Kids can’t keep the team going through the year. The vets are what make the tough times work. They will take a big step back if they don’t get some leadership.
A recent example is the cubs ws team. So many said David Ross and Zobrist helped lead them to victory. So many young and better players, but they said the vets helped them make it.
The story is the same for every other winner.
Oh…so Tulo is going to put the Twins over the hump and help win a WS…okay
Troy replacing Reyes in Toronto instantly made that 2015 Jays team better. His legs can’t play SS at a top level anymore, but his hands and arm would be perfect for 3B.
Better off in AL where he can DH
If he wants to DH…
Get ready for the “he is in the best condition of his career physically”
And he proceeds to hit .200
I thought “Best shape of his life” claims don’t start until closer to spring training?
Did he have to take a bullpen cart to get to the playing field?
No.
Pope mobile.
Like Savoir faire, the White Sox are everywhere.
Assuming Pedroia isn’t going to be able to come back from his knee injury (which most experts are saying, despite Dustin himself saying he is…) he would be a good fit at 2B for the Red Sox. It would result in a bit of a log jam for Nunez, Devers and Holt — but Holt could be traded in this scenario (as there have already been some rumors he’s on the block anyway) which would leave Devers and Nunez as a platoon at 3rd with Nunez spelling Tulo at 2nd when needed. Assuming Tulo provides something resembling his former self I think he would certainly be an upgrade than the current options. And given the Sox spending limits currently in place, adding him for the minimum would be a big bonus as long as he can produce!
Interesting lottery ticket. Odds are long but some fans are going to look at him in March/April and really hope he’s the Tulo of old instead of just an old Tulo.
Kinda surprised in the lack of A’s interest. He’s cheap, full a hole, and is the quintessential mid-high ceiling off season pick up. Plus he grew up a fan. What reason would they have to gloss over this opportunity? Little risk
Have him play 2nd or 3rd for angels would be an upgrade over anything they have had there for some time.
only if he can stay on his feet.
Could c him being the fall back option for the Yanks if they don’t want the Machado contract on the books. Could play SS or 2B until DiDi is ready. But he can’t b the only signing for them if they go that way. Because there’s a better chance of him not making it out of ST healthy then playing until DiDi is ready.
Tulo-Machado comparison. I like it.
LOL
pirates can give him all the time in the world at short in 2019 as long as he can still play it
Of those 11 teams mentioned, there are only 2 teams that would be able to offer him an entire season at SS–Orioles and Pirates. Considering the Orioles woes and Tulo’s connection with Hurdle, it seems more likely he’d prefer the Bucs.
Of course, that does hinge on his ability to play a more than passable SS. He was quite good in his day, but if his range has suffered too much due to injury and/or inactivity (although, I’m sure he remained as active as possible) then no team would be willing to hand him a starting job at SS for the whole season.
If that’s the case, then I’d imagine he’d be interested in joining a team willing to hand him the job at 2B or 3B. If not, his preference at that point would probably be to join a team as a temporary starter at SS (Padres, Yankees…).
If teams view him as merely a backup who can’t really play short, then he would either sign with a team close to home (Giants) or hang it up.
As a Pirate fan, I REALLY hope they can pick him up. Aside from wasting money on Machado or trading the farm + active roster members for someone like Bogaerts or Story, Tulo is probably the best case scenario. There’s no way he could hit worse than Galvis or Hechavarria, the ceiling is immense, and the leadership and name recognition would make him a star in Pittsburgh even if he proved average.
Let’s go, Bucs!
Bogaerts is a free agent next year, so he wouldn’t cost as much as you’d think. Something involving Cervelli makes sense for both teams. That seems like a good plan B, but Tulo would cost much less in terms of money and prospects.
You’re kidding right? The Red Sox trade Bogaerts for the 35 year old Cervelli? That’s got to be a joke lol… Yeah Bogaerts can become a FA at the end of the year but there’s also 0 chance the Sox don’t tender a QO so worst case scenario is another season of Bogaerts and a draft pick… which alone is more valuable than Cervelli — especially when the Red Sox already have 3 catchers on their roster… c’mon now… I know you’re just trying to be hypothetical looking at the team stats or something but dig a tiny bit deeper and you’d know that’s a bogus proposal. I also think the Sox will be doing whatever possible to resign Bogaerts UNLESS he winds up looking for/getting like 10/$250M — in that case (which I don’t think is likely) then I suppose they’d have to let him walk (given other obligations and future FA’s – Betts, Sale, etc)
I said “something involving Cervelli”, the Pirates would obviously have to add more, maybe Newman and a pitcher. Don’t jump to conclusions. It’s no secret the Red Sox are looking for catching help, they were even talking to the Pirates about Cervelli before the deadline. Plus the Sox said they are willing to listen to offers for guys like Bogaerts.
glad the Cards are not on this list.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see rays as a sleeper to jump in. The kinda bargain bin player rays like to acquire. Only down fall is rays love versatility and shuffling players around at positions. Wonder if he would mind playing 1st
Sign w the ms. We need someone w valuable experience to mentor who ever the f is on our team.
I heard the Mariners were looking at getting a couple guys from the local church softball league.
Lol. Theybwould prolly get more wins…haha
Cleveland should try him at 3B.
He left the workout complaining of back spasms
yeah, the sox wanted a win it now team and they got it. It has beed reported they willing to cut some cost. Tulo injury prone however trade Bogi now for prospect amd sign Tulo its a smart business move. I’m a sox fan
..but they way Tampa and Yankees reloading its time sox take a seatlle move.
Regardless of what you no talent hacks have to say about Tulo, or any other ball player for that matter is irrelevant. They are still top notch athletes regardless of age or stats, they will forever be better that you will ever dream to be. Remember that. When your commenting and you yourself are about 300 lbs and hacking from you parents basement.. give people a chance and stop hating.. it’s a pretty great feeling when your positive.
So you post a hate filled comment to tell people to stop hating….interesting way to go about it. Guessing you are a “do as I say not as I do” type guy
There’s always one or two. You will get yours..,I feel it..
juggy says it all!!! hey how is your mom doing? is her basement finally finished?
I only got tour of the bedroom when daddy was gone.
Original Mom jokes..must of struck a nerve with the 300 lbs remark living a n your mothers basement.. I’m sorry.. tubby
You’re*
Really odd comment… overall most comments aren’t even trashing Tulo so idk if you just felt like going on a rant because you wanted to or you’re just too lazy to actually find a thread where this comment makes sense. Anyway nice try… I guess? …
Frankly, I expect him to go back to COL. at that price it’s really up to him to where he feel comfortable and pretty much any team would take him. But who can really expect much?
I don’t quite get why the Canucks would release a 33 year old career .850 OPS shortstop. They also gave Donaldson away for basically nothing, even though all it would’ve taken to keep him was a qualifying offer.
Either one of these players could’ve had a good first half in 2019, and brought in some prospects in July.
At least bring him to Spring Training and see how he performs. Strange decision by Bluejays
When I said the same thing last week I got blasted by the Jays fans. He deserved a Spring Training. Blue Jays now have zero control over the situation except for the paychecks they will be sending his way.
It was more of a kindness than anything. Tulo is objectively not part of the Jays future. At most, dragging it out would produce a nothing trade. At worst, they still release him and he has a harder time signing. This way, he has time to actually feel out suitors. Plus, the Jays ditch the ongoing chatter and distraction. I also thought it wouldn’t happen so soon but I think it makes plenty of sense for all involved.
I think the cubs have to really want Tulo. Let him start season at ss with Baez at 2nd or give him some time at 2B, SS,3B. If he’s healthy and playing well – trade Russell – if not cut Tulo. Plus taking a chance of Tulo allows cubs to trade Zobrist ( to redsox?) and save $12MM to reinvest in BP
Per the article, Tulo wants to join a team where he will play 1 position rather than moving between 2b, SS, 3b
Read the article last night – posted this morning – my bad. Cubs could afford to let him play SS for 40 games so they should still be in on him.
If he wants playing time and moves to second base then Detroit would make sense. The tigers would have the opportunity to trade him if he does well to a contender. It’s a win/win situation. Not to mention, that’s what we have been doing lately so why not?! #rebuild
Dodgers reportedly looking for a second baseman (DJ LeMahieu rumor) so likely that they were at the workout. A tandem of a healthy Tulo and Max Muncy at 2b would be a nice bridge until top middle infield prospect Gain Lux is ready in 2020.
Do it Pirates
No Billy no!! Haha
I’d rather get Ahmed or Galvis, but…I find it hard to believe any team can make a better pitch to Tulo than “the only thing between you and a starting job is Kevin Newman.”
Did he make it through the showcase without getting hurt?
Lol…See my earlier comment
This is why his release rubbed me the wrong way as a Jay fan.
Teams are interested. We could have eaten all his salary while trading him for something….anything, a ball boy a mascot or even a busted prospect
Instead we eat the contract for 0 in return.
See my comment below. I’m a Yankee fan and a professional deal maker. I might not know baseball, but this was such a weird situation and a lost opportunity. Look we’re not on the inside and we don’t know the details of why, but at face value, makes zero sense. All of the sudden Jacoby Ellsbury looks pretty good, wouldn’t you agree?
If it was Ellsbury or release. I’d prob just release him too.
The only “trade” fans would have been happy with would have been a kid of some kind, not a bad contract swap
But I do understand your point and I’m still glad hes off the team
Just dont think a straight release was the best option
Fair enough.
I just still can’t understand how the Jays couldn’t match up on a deal with anyone. With many bad contracts around the league, even vacant ones like Sandoval who is my math is correct still owed about $23M give or take. You mean to tell me that the Red Sox couldn’t swap those contracts? The Yankees Ellsbury for Tulo straight up? (then again Ellsbury would have to approve). I mean Ellsbury owed $47M at a position that’s redundant for the Yanks and at this point a body is a body – taking a roster spot, so why not the guy who would fill a roster spot that at least has some positional need/upside? The entire Giants roster, a team that’s interested has so many weird contracts, couldn’t find a match. Fowler and some type of deal? I don’t know. I love the art of a deal and I just see such a massively lost opportunity for the Jays to get any value in return at all. This was a weird one for me, for sure.
The Reds could have flipped Homer Bailey and his sub 7.00 ERA for Tulo and at least they get a former star player to get a few looks from fans instead of a pitcher that needs a change of scenery. At this point the $$ is splitting hairs, but you all get the point. Maybe I still have too much optimism that Tulo will be a useful player again. I do believe he has some baseball left in him.
Bailey’s AAV is only $17.5MM for one more season with Tulo at $19.1MM for 2 seasons. Then there is the problem that Bailey has 10/5 rights and not likely to accept a trade to the higher tax area of Canada.
Of those 11 teams mentioned, there are only 2 teams that would be able to offer him an entire season at SS–Orioles and Pirates. Considering the Orioles woes and Tulo’s connection with Hurdle, it seems more likely he’d prefer the Bucs.
Of course, that does hinge on his ability to play a more than passable SS. He was quite good in his day, but if his range has suffered too much due to injury and/or inactivity (although, I’m sure he remained as active as possible) then no team would be willing to hand him a starting job at SS for the whole season.
If that’s the case, then I’d imagine he’d be interested in joining a team willing to hand him the job at 2B or 3B. If not, his preference at that point would probably be to join a team as a temporary starter at SS (Padres, Yankees…).
If teams view him as merely a backup who can’t really play short, then he would either sign with a team close to home (Giants) or hang it up.
As a Pirate fan, I REALLY hope they can pick him up. Aside from wasting money on Machado or trading the farm + active roster members for someone like Bogaerts or Story, Tulo is probably the best case scenario. There’s no way he could hit worse than Galvis or Hechavarria, the ceiling is immense, and the leadership and name recognition would make him a star in Pittsburgh even if he proved average.
Let’s go, Bucs!
This man is one of the biggest dogs there is. Only contribution to the Jays was to replace maybe the only guy worse than him at SS, Jose Reyes. Milked it every chance he could. Now he wants to ‘play’. Mark my words: he will not play 1 inning this season.
He’ll play … but everyone will see what a $38 million replacement-level player looks like, at least until another “not for commercial use” part of his body breaks down.
No. He will not play in 2019. And he’s a “maybe” at best for mid 2020. That is why he was asked to leave—that and his tantrum.
Also, he was done as a player in 2016. Slow bat, no range. He is going to be better now that his ‘injuries’ have healed. Good luck with that. The Jays owners, Rogers, are the cheapest people in the world. If they authorized his release, then the man is done like dinner.
Just before the Jays released him they asked him if he would be willing to change positions. His answer was an absolute no. Now suddenly he is fine platooning? Bad teammate, he won’t be happy platooning. Whoever gets him will regret the move.
Something tells me he’s signing with the Yankees although I would like to see him with the Pirates.
@dalton….how exactly does one mark ones words? I’ve always been curious….and what value do your words hold if you’re correct/incorrect? Do we win anything one way or another?
Sorry that autocorrected to dalton it should read dalrob
This is a no-risk move for a team, I get that. However you have to consider that the likely reward is also not that high. There is good reason for the Jays deciding to dump him for $38MM. He hasn’t been able to play a game for 1.5 seasons! He literally disappeared for the entire year in 2018 after bone spur surgery.
It’s a massive leap to assume he can be healthy enough to even contribute. Even when he manages to play, there always is another injury just around the corner.
He was such a great player, its sad to see his body fail him. The challenge seems that his ego and belief in his abilities do not line up with the reality of his ongoing health. I do hope he can be okay with being a role player and manage a few more years in league
I think he would be a great 2nd base option for the Red Sox. Low cost/risk vs high reward. Be a great team for him to mesh with and he won’t have to be the superstar.
The RSox simply don’t need him. They already have a good thing going.
The RSox simply don’t need him. They already have a good thing going.
Jays have a superior player in Lordes Gurriel for 5yrs at 17.4M left. He set a Mlb rookie record at 11 multi hit games. This all says more about Tulo than it does the Jays. He took his ball and went home. We’re getting the best bat of the off season in Guerrero jr. anyways. including Harper and Machado.
A .607 OPS in A and AA in 2017. Turned it around for a season in 2018. Many guys on this site will eventually say Gurriel doesn’t walk enough. And if he doesn’t hit, oh boy….
Younger, yes. Superior? Not sure. Gurriel should be the starting SS. It would have been nice to see if Tulo competing for the SS job would have brought out the best in Gurriel. Now we’ll never know. It would have been a great experience for Gurriel rather than simply handing him the keys for about 2 months of work last season.
Serious question: Has anybody read anything which says Tulo is completely healed and able to play shortstop? The BlueJays said he was not likely to play a complete season of games with them but that’s different. Is Tulo completely healed of all his various injuries?
What does Vegas have the line set at on if Tulo suffers a season ending injury during his work out?
He went on the DL immediately following the showcase lol
It’s unlikely this guy will find a starting job anywhere, and other organizations are obviously worried about the clubhouse issues. This is a guy who said he wouldn’t consider changing positions. “I just said I’m a shortstop. If someone’s better than me, I’ll pack my bags and go home,” was the exact quote before the Jays released him.
Obviously the release was a wakeup call, and now he’s willing to change positions. He hasn’t played a full season in seven years, and he hasn’t played AT ALL for over a year. And he’s 34. All of a sudden he’s at full health and a team-first guy?
I guess we’ll see.
He is not 34. Where did you come up with that? And there aren’t many 5 time all stars (especially as recent as 2015) that teams can sign for 550k. He is easily worth the risk for someone. If he doesn’t cut it, then you can drop him without losing sleep.
According to baseball-reference.com, he was born October 10, 1984. 2018-1984=34. It even says he’s 34 on his b-r.com page. That’s where I came up with that.
I’m not saying he isn’t worth the risk for the league minimum, and you’re absolutely right that he can be dropped for very little cost when he doesn’t provide value above replacement level. All I was saying is that he’s old and hasn’t played in a while and hasn’t been healthy in a LONG while and hasn’t really been that good in a while. And that his comments about refusing to consider a position switch until he`got the wakeup call of his team paying $38M to get rid of him definitely says something about his character.
What is the clubhouse issue? That he wants to play short? Shucks, he should have just stopped being hungry to prove he can play the position.
In fact, the Jays should have allowed him to compete/push the young Gurriel to bring his very best at Spring Training. THAT would have made the clubhouse better; two guys wanting to compete and wanting to win. Instead, Tulo’s released and Gurriel will be handed the job without being pushed to elevate his game.
He’s willing to play any position to prove the Blue Jays were wrong to release him. Fire still burns in Tulo. We’d never hear him say he’s not exactly Johnny Hustle.
Maybe he will pack his bags and go home. Time will tell. But I’ll take a guy that still has a desire to play, compete and win over all the money and fame he’s received over 11 years.
Good comment. I agree that he’s got a reason to want to prove the Jays wrong for releasing him. And I also agree that he’s a hard worker… but someone can be a hard worker and still be a selfish and stubborn person until they get reality slapped into them.
I’ll take the guy who says he’s willing to do whatever’s best for the team BEFORE the team releases him and he’s all of a sudden got something to prove.
Phillies should be all over him. Manny isnt coming so Friday morning they should be signing this guy to play 3B and putting a deal together with Franco, Kingery or Hernandez and some minor leaguers for a stud pitcher. Also throw in Nick Williams and bring 2 Brinks trucks in for Harper.
PUT DOWN THE PHONE KENNY WILLIAMS!
I’m just here to see how many people blame Shapiro.
Tulo holds workout, injures hanstring.
If I’ve ever wanted the Angels to get someone , this is it!!!
Would be great at 3rd and split between Ward, and Cozart, and Fletch at 2nd
I’m still shocked the Blue Jays gave up. League minimum gamble – in a heart beat. This guy was one of the best 2-3 guys in baseball just a few years ago. Tulo to Anaheim – play second, third and back up short. Platoon Fletcher, Cozart and Tulo. Regardless of where he goes, I wish him well. He was awesome to watch.
Orioles! Give the guy at bats. Hope he produces. Pray someone needs him down the stretch. Grab some free players.
As a Pirate and Rockies fan I would love to see Tulo reunited with former skipper Clint Hurdle.