OT: 2015 Toronto Blue Jays (and general MLB) Thread

Lunatik · Feb 28, 2015

I know we have some Blue Jays fans here and probably some fans of other MLB teams, so I thought we could follow the Jays a bit closer this year. Also, spring training is here!

SPRING TRAINING ROSTER

STARTING PITCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
67 | Albers, Andrew | [SP] | R-L | 6'1" | 200 | 06-Oct-85 |
78 | Aquino, Jayson | [SP] | L-L | 6'1" | 180 | 22-Nov-92 |
56 | Buehrle, Mark | [SP] | L-L | 6'2" | 240 | 23-Mar-79 |
71 | Castro, Miguel | [SP] | R-R | 6'5" | 190 | 24-Dec-94 |
54 | Copeland, Scott | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 215 | 15-Dec-87 |
43 | Dickey, R.A | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 215 | 29-Oct-74 |
4 | Drabek, Kyle | [SP] | R-R | 6'2" | 205 | 08-Dec-87 |
25 | Estrada, Marco | [SP] | R-R | 6'0" | 200 | 05-Jul-83 |
35 | Francis, Jeff | [SP] | L-L | 6'5" | 220 | 08-Jan-81 |
31 | Hendriks, Liam | [SP] | R-R | 6'1" | 205 | 10-Feb-89 |
36 | Hutchison, Drew | [SP] | L-R | 6'3" | 195 | 22-Aug-90 |
32 | Norris, Daniel | [SP] | L-L | 6'2" | 195 | 25-Apr-93 |
51 | Oramas, Juan | [SP] | L-L | 5'10" | 210 | 11-May-90 |
72 | Osuna, Roberto | [SP] | R-R | 6'2" | 230 | 07-Feb-95 |
58 | Redmond, Todd | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 240 | 17-May-85 |
41 | Sanchez, Aaron | [SP] | R-R | 6'4" | 200 | 01-Jul-92 |
57 | Santana, Johan | [SP] | L-L | 6'0" | 210 | 13-Mar-79 |
6 | Stroman, Marcus | [SP] | R-R | 5'8" | 180 | 01-May-91 |
52 | Tepera, Ryan | [SP] | R-R | 6'1" | 180 | 03-Nov-87 |

RELIEF PITCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
63 | Barnes, Scott | [RP] | L-L | 6'4" | 200 | 05-Sep-87 |
48 | Burke, Greg | [RP] | R-R | 6'4" | 215 | 21-Sep-82 |
44 | Burns, Cory | [RP] | R-R | 6'1" | 205 | 09-Oct-87 |
27 | Cecil, Brett | [RP] | R-L | 6'3" | 220 | 02-Jul-86 |
50 | Delabar, Steve | [RP] | R-R | 6'5" | 220 | 17-Jul-83 |
24 | Guilmet, Preston | [RP] | R-R | 6'2" | 200 | 27-Jul-87 |
49 | Hynes, Colt | [RP] | L-L | 5'11" | 200 | 28-Jun-85 |
53 | Infante, Gregory | [RP] | R-R | 6'2" | 215 | 10-Jul-87 |
64 | Jenkins, Chad | [RP] | R-R | 6'4" | 235 | 22-Dec-87 |
46 | Lopez, Wilton | [RP] | R-R | 6'0" | 200 | 19-Jul-83 |
62 | Loup, Aaron | [RP] | L-L | 5'11" | 205 | 19-Dec-87 |
59 | Rasmussen, Rob | [RP] | R-L | 5'10" | 170 | 02-Apr-89 |
47 | Schultz, Bo | [RP] | R-R | 6'3" | 220 | 25-Sep-85 |
76 | West, Matt | [RP] | R-R | 6'1" | 200 | 21-Nov-88 |

CATCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
68 | Chung, Derrick | [C, 2B] | R-R | 5'9" | 175 | 23-Feb-88 |
8 | Jimenez, A.J | [C] | R-R | 6'0" | 225 | 01-May-90 |
55 | Martin,Russell | [C] | R-R | 5'10" | 205 | 15-Feb-83 |
70 | Murphy, Jack | [C] | S-R | 6'4" | 235 | 06-Apr-88 |
30 | Navarro,Dioner | [C] | S-R | 5'9" | 205 | 09-Feb-84 |
69 | Ochinko, Sean | [C, 1B, 3B] | R-R | 5'11" | 205 | 21-Oct-87 |
22 | Thole,Josh | [C, 1B] | L-R | 6'1" | 205 | 28-Oct-86 |

FIRST BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
37 | Barton, Daric | [1B, 3B] | L-R | 6'0" | 215 | 16-Aug-85 |
15 | Colabello, Chris | [1B, OF] | R-R | 6'4" | 235 | 24-Oct-83 |
10 | Encarnacion,Edwin | [1B, 3B] | R-R | 6'1" | 230 | 07-Jan-83 |
29 | Fox, Jake | [1B, C, OF] | R-R | 6'0" | 220 | 20-Jul-82 |
28 | Hague,Matt | [1B, 3B] | R-R | 6'3" | 225 | 20-Aug-85 |
14 | Smoak,Justin | [1B] | S-L | 6'4" | 230 | 05-Dec-86 |

SECOND BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
1 | Diaz, Jonathan | [2B, SS, 3B] | R-R | 5'9" | 155 | 10-Apr-85 |
17 | Goins,Ryan | [2B, SS] | L-R | 5'10" | 185 | 13-Feb-88 |
13 | Izturis,Maicer | [2B, 3B, SS] | S-R | 5'8" | 185 | 12-Sep-80 |
66 | Kawasaki, Munenori | [2B, SS] | L-R | 5'11" | 175 | 03-Jun-81 |
18 | Tolleson,Steve | [2B, 3B, SS] | R-R | 5'11" | 185 | 01-Nov-83 |
77 | Travis, Devon | [2B] | R-R | 5'9" | 190 | 21-Feb-91 |

SHORT STOP

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
7 | Reyes,Jose | [SS] | S-R | 6'0" | 195 | 11-Jun-83 |
9 | Santiago, Ramon | [SS, 2B, 3B] | S-R | 5'11" | 185 | 31-Aug-79 |

THIRD BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
20 | Donaldson,Josh | [3B] | R-R | 6'0" | 220 | 08-Dec-85 |
73 | Nay, Mitch | [3B] | R-R | 6'3" | 200 | 20-Sep-93 |
23 | Valencia,Danny | [3B] | R-R | 6'2" | 220 | 19-Sep-84 |

LEFT FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
33 | Dirks, Andy | [LF, CF] | L-L | 6'0" | 195 | 24-Jan-86 |
74 | Smith Jr., Dwight | [LF, CF] | L-R | 5'11" | 195 | 26-Oct-92 |
11 | Pillar,Kevin | [LF] | R-R | 6'0" | 205 | 04-Jan-89 |

CENTER FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
75 | Alford, Anthony | [CF] | R-R | 6'1" | 215 | 20-Jul-94 |
3 | Carrera, Ezequiel | [CF, LF] | L-L | 5'10" | 185 | 11-Jun-87 |
| Dickerson, Chris | [CF] | L-L | 6'4" | 230 | 10-Apr-82 |
45 | Pompey,Dalton | [CF] | S-R | 6'2" | 195 | 11-Dec-92 |
21 | Saunders,Michael | [CF, LF] | L-R | 6'4" | 225 | 19-Nov-86 |
88 | Viciedo, Dayan | [CF, RF, 3B] | R-R | 5'11" | 240 | 10-Mar-89 |

RIGHT FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
19 | Bautista,Jose | [RF] | R-R | 6'0" | 205 | 19-Oct-80 |
39 | Gindl, Caleb | [RF, CF] | L-L | 5'7" | 210 | 31-Aug-88 |

SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE

March

Date | Opponent | Time/Result
Mar-03 | vs Pittsburgh Pirates | 11:00 |
Mar-04 | at Pittsburgh Pirates | 11:00 |
Mar-05 | at Baltimore Orioles | 5:00 |
Mar-06 | vs Baltimore Orioles | 11:00 |
Mar-07 | at Philadelphia Phillies | 11:00 |
Mar-08 | vs Pittsburgh Pirates | 11:00 |
Mar-09 | at Detroit Tigers [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-09 | vs Houston Astros [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-10 | vs Minnesota Twins | 11:00 |
Mar-11 | at Baltimore Orioles | 11:00 |
Mar-12 | at Tampa Bay Rays | 11:00 |
Mar-13 | vs Baltimore Orioles | 11:00 |
Mar-14 | vs New York Yankees | 11:00 |
Mar-15 | at Atlanta Braves [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-15 | vs Canadian Junior Team [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-17 | at New York Yankees | 5:00 |
Mar-18 | vs Tampa Bay Rays | 11:00 |
Mar-19 | vs Boston Red Sox | 11:00 |
Mar-20 | at Tampa Bay Rays | 11:00 |
Mar-21 | at Philadelphia Phillies | 11:00 |
Mar-22 | vs Tampa Bay Rays | 10:30 |
Mar-24 | at Minnesota Twins | 11:00 |
Mar-25 | at Baltimore Orioles | 11:00 |
Mar-26 | vs Philadelphia Phillies | 11:00 |
Mar-27 | vs Detroit Tigers | 11:00 |
Mar-28 | at Pittsburgh Pirates [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-28 | vs Atlanta Braves [Split Squad] | 11:00 |
Mar-29 | vs Baltimore Orioles | 11:00 |
Mar-30 | at Houston Astros | 11:00 |
Mar-31 | vs Philadelphia Phillies | 11:00 |

April

Date | Opponent | Time
Apr-01 | at Boston Red Sox | 11:00 |
Apr-03 | vs Cincinnati Reds [In Montreal] | 5:00 |
Apr-04 | vs Cincinnati Reds [In Montreal] | 11:00 |

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

April

May

Date | Opponent | Time/Result
May-01-15 | at Cleveland Indians | 5:00 |
May-02-15 | at Cleveland Indians | 2:00 |
May-03-15 | at Cleveland Indians | 11:00 |
May-04-15 | vs New York Yankees | 5:00 |
May-05-15 | vs New York Yankees | 5:00 |
May-06-15 | vs New York Yankees | 5:00 |
May-08-15 | vs Boston Red Sox | 5:00 |
May-09-15 | vs Boston Red Sox | 11:00 |
May-10-15 | vs Boston Red Sox | 11:00 |
May-11-15 | at Baltimore Orioles | 5:00 |
May-12-15 | at Baltimore Orioles | 5:00 |
May-13-15 | at Baltimore Orioles | 5:00 |
May-14-15 | at Houston Astros | 6:00 |
May-15-15 | at Houston Astros | 6:00 |
May-16-15 | at Houston Astros | 5:00 |
May-17-15 | at Houston Astros | 12:00 |
May-18-15 | vs Anaheim Angels | 11:00 |
May-19-15 | vs Anaheim Angels | 5:00 |
May-20-15 | vs Anaheim Angels | 5:00 |
May-21-15 | vs Anaheim Angels | 5:00 |
May-22-15 | vs Seattle Mariners | 5:00 |
May-23-15 | vs Seattle Mariners | 11:00 |
May-24-15 | vs Seattle Mariners | 11:00 |
May-25-15 | vs Chicago White Sox | 5:00 |
May-26-15 | vs Chicago White Sox | 5:00 |
May-27-15 | vs Chicago White Sox | 5:00 |
May-29-15 | at Minnesota Twins | 6:00 |
May-30-15 | at Minnesota Twins | 12:00 |
May-31-15 | at Minnesota Twins | 12:00 |

June

July

August

September

October

Lunatik · Feb 28, 2015

Blue Jays news since the start of camp
http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/

Blue Jays open camp with several spots in play

There should be a number of competitions to keep a close eye on throughout camp. Dalton Pompey and Kevin Pillar are vying for the starting spot in center, and there could be as many as five players in the mix for the starting job at second base, with Maicer Izturis, Ryan Goins and Devon Travis the early frontrunners.

The biggest uncertainty on this team, though, can be found in the bullpen. Toronto lost Casey Janssen to free agency, and the club has come up short in its attempt to add another big piece. That has caused plenty of speculation that the bullpen will become a major weakness on the roster, but left-hander Brett Cecil doesn't want to hear about that.

Cecil ready to prove himself for closer's job

The departure of Casey Janssen this winter created an opening at the closer position, and on the first day of Spring Training, left-hander Brett Cecil made it clear that he wants the job.

Cecil enters as a possible favorite, but he is expected to receive some competition from right-hander Aaron Sanchez. Over the next six weeks, the Blue Jays will have to decide not only which pitcher is best suited for the job, but how it will impact the configuration of the bullpen.

Experience gives Martin leg up on learning staff

When Russell Martin makes his first appearance in a Blue Jays uniform, it will mark the fourth organization he has played for during an impressive nine-year career. So, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about learning a new pitching staff.

Martin previously might have spent a lot of time during the offseason stressing about how to handle an entirely new staff, but certainly not anymore. He's been there, done that and along the way has picked up a few tricks that should help ease the transition.

Instead of spending countless hours watching video in the weeks leading up to camp, Martin has a more relaxed approach. He prefers to do most of the interactions in person and with six weeks of Spring Training ahead, the three-time All-Star believes there's plenty of time to build a strong relationship with all of his pitchers.

Seeking playing time, Navarro asked for trade

Dioner Navarro wants to play on a regular basis, and since that's unlikely to happen in Toronto with Russell Martin around, he would like a change of scenery.

Navarro publicly admitted for the first time on Monday afternoon that he requested a trade "right after" the Blue Jays signed Martin to a five-year contract worth $82 million in November.

Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos previously admitted he had been exploring deals for Navarro, but a suitable offer has yet to surface.

"I asked for a trade right away, and up to today, that's still my goal," Navarro said. "I would like to go to a place where I can play every day. I already know that I can do it.

Blue Jays plan on using Encarnacion at first base

Toronto previously indicated that the majority of Encarnacion's at-bats this season would come as a DH. Encarnacion will still get some occasional starts in that role, but manager John Gibbons was quite clear about his role on the first day of official workouts.

"Well, going in Eddie's going to be our first baseman," Gibbons said Monday afternoon. "We have some options. We have to keep an eye on Eddie, too; he's had that back issue in the past. Hopefully this year he doesn't have to battle that, but it's happened. So there are going to be some days that he needs to DH."

Martin up for challenge of catching Dickey

Martin has been open about his desire to catch the knuckleballer, and he's about to get that opportunity. The only reason it didn't happen Monday was because Blue Jays manager John Gibbons thought it would be best to avoid that type of responsibility on Day 1.

Gibbons instead decided to have Dickey work with Josh Thole, who has been his personal catcher for the past four years. Martin spent his time with another group of pitchers, which included prized prospect Daniel Norris.

"The first day, those guys get all bunched in there, and Dickey -- let him throw his first [bullpen] to the guy he's comfortable with," Gibbons said. "But from here on out, [Martin is] going to be catching him because we want to see if he can do it. There's no doubt he can do it, but it's not going to be easy. So from here on out, you'll see him with Dickey."

Anthopoulos: Filling out Blue Jays rotation first a priority

General manager Alex Anthopoulos said on Tuesday that Aaron Sanchez, Marco Estrada and Daniel Norris could all be in the mix for both the Blue Jays' starting rotation and the bullpen this spring.

"Your priority is the starting rotation," the GM said. "You build everything else off that."

Sanchez, last season's surprise who posted a 1.09 ERA after arriving in July, could be the closer or a starter. Estrada could start or relieve, depending upon how Norris fares this spring in his bid to win a place in the rotation.

Donaldson already proving great fit with Blue Jays

On the topic of Donaldson being with Toronto, what we have is a virtual festival of happiness at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. With the significant additions of catcher Russell Martin and Donaldson at third base, the Jays have significantly raised their profile and increased their chances in the American League East. This has become Spring Training with glee attached.

Putting Donaldson in the middle of a lineup that already had considerable pop is a situation that creates the kind of anticipatory buzz that characterizes the best part of Spring Training.

And with Donaldson, better still, the Blue Jays are getting the total package -- run producer, defender, leader of men.

Anthopoulos expects Blue Jays will deal Navarro

Alex Anthopoulos said Tuesday he understands why catcher Dioner Navarro wants to be traded, and he actually expects that to happen. But the Blue Jays' general manager also made it clear he expects to "get good value back."

"[Navarro] wants to play every day. We understand that," Anthopoulos said, when he addressed the media outside the Blue Jays' clubhouse for the first time this spring. "And if an everyday job presents itself for him, we think we can get a deal done fast.

Donaldson brings 'spunk' to Blue Jays' lineup

"Originally I thought Donaldson would play third base and Lawrie would play second," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Tuesday as Donaldson made his Spring Training debut in a Blue Jays uniform.

It wasn't until Anthopoulos tossed Lawrie's name into the talks that A's GM Billy Beane became interested.

"I asked at the end of the season and [Beane] said he was not going to move him," Anthopoulos recalled. "He was adamant. Later, I asked again and he said he wasn't going to move him."

But Anthopoulos would not be denied. Ultimately, he sent Lawrie, right-hander Kendall Graveman, shortstop Franklin Barreto, and lefty Sean Nolin to the A's in exchange for Donaldson, whom the Blue Jays believe will play a major role in hitter-friendly Rogers Centre.

Cecil throws first 'pen session after recovering from flu

Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil threw his first bullpen session on Wednesday morning after missing the previous two days because of the flu.

Cecil caught a rather nasty bug that kept him under the weather for the past 48 hours, but he's on the mend and wasn't showing any ill effects while throwing for the first time this spring.

Izturis aims to prove health, claim second-base job

Maicer Izturis is back to full health after last year's knee surgery, and he now has his eyes on winning the Blue Jays' starting job at second base.

Izturis was limited to 11 games last season because of a torn ligament in his left knee. He appears to have since made a full recovery and will have the next six weeks to prove the knee is no longer a concern.

Position players aren't required to report until Thursday, but Izturis has been in camp since last week. The fact that he was an early arrival makes plenty of sense because he'll be squaring off against a large group of candidates for playing time up the middle.

Travis aims to take advantage of new opportunity

Devon Travis is back at his natural position after last year's brief experiment in center field, but this time, it's with a brand-new team and completely different surroundings.

Travis was dealt from Detroit to the Blue Jays during the offseason for center fielder Anthony Gose. The move gave Travis a chance to return to his roots after previously being blocked at second because Ian Kinsler was under a long-term deal with the Tigers.

Martin, Dickey have makings of strong partnership

For the third time in as many years, R.A. Dickey has started Spring Training with a new face behind the plate. Unlike previous seasons, though, there's a sense that this pairing with Russell Martin will actually work.

J.P. Arencibia and Erik Kratz auditioned for the role in the past, but neither has the pedigree of Martin. Dickey threw to the Blue Jays catcher for the first time on Wednesday morning, and after the bullpen session was over, everybody came away saying all of the right things.

The session wasn't exactly flawless, as Martin dropped a couple of pitches, but that's also to be expected at this time of the year. More encouraging is that Martin's skill set was on full display, with his soft hands handling most of the knuckleballs with relative ease.

After missing '14, Dirks close to resuming baseball activities

Blue Jays outfielder Andy Dirks is expected to resume baseball activities in approximately seven to 10 days as he continues to recover from a back injury that kept him out for the 2014 season.

Dirks underwent back surgery last March and also dealt with a hamstring injury that limited him to 14 rehab games. He signed a Minor League contract during the offseason and isn't taking part in big league camp.

The 29-year-old could receive an invitation to Major League Spring Training at some point over the next month, but first will have to prove the injury woes are a thing of the past. Dirks' return to health might allow him to become a candidate for the starting job in left field, but manager John Gibbons didn't seem overly optimistic about that possibility.

Encarnacion likely to play more first base than DH

Encarnacion reported to Spring Training after undergoing a physical Thursday morning. All position players were required to be in attendance in advance of the first official workout Friday.

The veteran slugger has spent the past several years splitting time between first base and DH. This offseason, the club said it intended to primarily use Encarnacion as a DH, but that plan has since changed and it looks like more of his at-bats could come at first base.

"They told me I'm going to be playing more first base," Encarnacion said. "I've worked hard this offseason [because] I knew I'm going to get more time at first. But I'm ready for whatever they need me, if they need more at first base, or if they need me at DH, I'm ready."

With Saunders out, left field open to competition

The Blue Jays entered Spring Training with competitions at second base, center field, closer and the rotation. They can now add left field to that list.

Starting outfielder Michael Saunders sustained a torn meniscus in his left knee while shagging fly balls Wednesday and is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break.

Johan signs Minor League deal with Blue Jays

Johan Santana is back in baseball as the Blue Jays signed the two-time Cy Young Award winner to a Minor League contract on Thursday.

Santana injured his shoulder in 2013 and hasn't pitched in the Majors since '12.

The left-hander began his comeback over the offseason and was pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League, but was shut down with shoulder stiffness.

The 35-year old went 6-9 with a 4.85 ERA in 2012 with the Mets and is 139-78 with a 3.20 ERA across 12 Major League seasons.

Blue Jays have the look of a postseason team

The Blue Jays haven't been to the postseason since Joe Carter blasted that historic homer to stun the Phillies in the 1993 World Series. That's a drought of 21 summers, the longest among the four major sports leagues in North America.

Remember 2013? The Blue Jays spent millions on a handful of veterans and were favorites to win the tough American League East. All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, a key acquisition, was injured in April, the clubhouse was dysfunctional and Toronto finished dead last.

Fast forward to 2014: From May until early July the Blue Jays were atop the AL East by as many as six games, but on July 5, Edwin Encarnacion suffered a right quadriceps injury and didn't return until Aug. 15.

Encarnacion, a designated hitter and first baseman, was carrying the team. In May, he hit 16 homers, five doubles, a triple and drove in 33 runs in 30 games -- and he was the talk of Major League Baseball.

Blue Jays announce starters for Spring Training games

Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker has mapped out the starting pitchers for the club's first five games in Spring Training.

Rookie right-hander Aaron Sanchez will get the start in Toronto's opener of the Grapefruit League season on Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh. He will be followed in the rotation by Marcus Stroman, Daniel Norris, R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle.

Anthopoulos sees upside in Johan signing

"For us, obviously anyone you bring in on a Minor League contract, there's no risk," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "We saw him during the winter. [He] looked good. He's just getting into his throwing program right now, so it's highly unlikely that he's ready for Opening Day.

"We're going to bring him in, he'll go at his own pace and we'll see what he has and how he looks. It really will be at his own pace as to when he'll be ready."

Santana will earn $2.5 million if he makes the big league roster, but in a unique twist, Anthopoulos also included a series of bonuses into the contract. The Blue Jays typically avoid incentive-laden deals, but an exception was made because Santana hasn't been healthy for such a long time.

Bautista excited about additions to clubhouse

Jose Bautista gave a ringing endorsement to the additions Toronto made during the offseason on Friday afternoon. He suggested that the incoming players are "maybe an uptick or two more competitive than some guys who have been here in the past."

Bautista's comments came on the day the Blue Jays officially opened camp with their first full-squad workout. Grapefruit League games are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, and by the sounds of it, Bautista is expecting big things following the offseason additions of Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin.

The 11-year veteran didn't want to get into specifics about which departing players he was talking about, but he does believe there's an added benefit to having guys who approach the game with visible passion.

"It's huge because you know people aren't complacent with losing," Bautista said. "You walk around after a loss of a crucial game, or a bad beating that you took, and sometimes you see people and you don't know what they're thinking. I'd rather at least know.

"I can't say that I can read minds and I can't say that I thought that guy didn't care but if I don't know, it makes me think. I look at you, we got our butts handed to us 10-0, or 9-1, I'd rather be able to see in your body language or your facial expressions and know that you are upset that we got our butts kicked. Some people in the past, I can't say that was there."

Saunders' prognosis improves to 5-6 weeks

Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders underwent left knee surgery on Friday afternoon and he's expected to be out of action for approximately five to six weeks.

Saunders originally was expected to be out until the All-Star break but that was under the assumption that the cartilage could be repaired and not removed. Dr. Steven Mirabello performed the procedure and determined that 60 percent of the meniscus could not be fixed, and as a result it had to be taken out.

The removal of the meniscus means a much shorter recovery time, but it does increase the risk that Saunders will suffer from arthritis or will need additional medical procedures when his playing days are over.

Blue Jays forced to work inside

The Blue Jays' on-field workouts were cancelled on Saturday morning because of severe rain and a thunderstorm that went through the Central Florida region.

Toronto had been expecting to take live batting practice for the second consecutive day, but instead hitters were forced to get their work in at the indoor batting cages.

Valencia expected to get time in outfield

The fact that Michael Saunders is expected to return in April, instead of the All-Star break, hasn't changed the Blue Jays' plans for Danny Valencia.

The Blue Jays are expected to give Valencia some reps in left field during Spring Training. It's a position he has never played before in the Major Leagues, but the club would like to increase his versatility off the bench.

Valencia primarily will be used as a utility corner infielder this season. But if he's able to learn another position it will only increase the club's overall depth. It's a no-lose situation according to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Blue Jays reportedly sign Viciedo to Minor League deal

The Blue Jays have reportedly signed free agent Dayan Viciedo to a Minor League deal, according to Fox Sports.

The 25-year-old outfielder was released by the White Sox in February and, per the report, Chicago still owes Viciedo 30 days worth of termination pay on the $4.4 million he was owed for 2015.

Johan looks to complete comeback in Toronto

The 35-year-old knows all too well that there are plenty of people out there who don't think he will make it back, but that's not what matters to him. The goal all along has been to resume his playing career and that's something Santana hopes to accomplish in a Blue Jays uniform.

"As long as my arm is still attached I'm going to give it a chance," Santana said on Saturday morning after undergoing a physical and reporting to camp. "I know there are going to be a lot of good and bad things out there, but the reality is I have to do it myself.

"I'm still doing it, I love what I do and if I'm able to, it will be great. But if it doesn't happen, at least I tried my best to come back. That's what I've done through all the years and I'm looking forward to it."

Saunders moving forward after knee surgery

"First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I made this decision on my own," Saunders said Saturday afternoon. "Yesterday morning, a few hours before surgery, I was starting to have a change of heart about repairing it, compared to removing it. So I did a lot of research, I talked to a lot of professionals, and I came down to the decision that I felt like was in my best interest, as well as deep down in my heart, it's what I wanted to do.

"That being said, the Blue Jays organization had the best interest in mind about my future. At first they were trying to talk to me out of it. But after I sat down and had some long talks with people, they understood where I was coming from. After we had the conversations, they fully supported my decision to get [the meniscus] removed."

Anglesmith · Mar 1, 2015

I almost read all of that post, AF.

Excited for this season. I like that after the miserable "dream team" season of 2013, the team has improved rather than having to tear down again. This season should be even better than last, and maybe we'll get to watch some playoff baseball!

Lunatik · Mar 1, 2015

Anglesmith said:
I almost read all of that post, AF.

Excited for this season. I like that after the miserable "dream team" season of 2013, the team has improved rather than having to tear down again. This season should be even better than last, and maybe we'll get to watch some playoff baseball!

I read each article associated with each quote :laugh:

My brain may have exploded.

Anglesmith · Mar 1, 2015

Adirondack Flames said:
I read each article associated with each quote

My brain may have exploded.

All in one sitting? My god, man! Slow day at the desk or what? :laugh:

CraigsList · Mar 1, 2015

I am excited for the upcoming Blue Jay season!

Lunatik · Mar 1, 2015

Anglesmith said:
All in one sitting? My god, man! Slow day at the desk or what?

insomnia, on nights this weekend

Anglesmith · Mar 1, 2015

Adirondack Flames said:
insomnia, on nights this weekend

That sucks, unlike the Blue Jays.

Body Checker · Mar 1, 2015

This team has to stay healthy, not much position player depth in the minors. An injury to Reyes could be killer. We got more options for the inevitable encarncion and Bautista 15 day day dl stints. Some power bats in smoak and vivciedo

Body Checker · Mar 1, 2015

I think Cecil has the mentality to be a closer

Don't feel good about izturis or goins at 2nd

Super excited to watch Donaldson every day

Just hope dickey and buehrle do well enough to get thru 6 innings each start

Lunatik · Mar 1, 2015

Body Checker said:
I think Cecil has the mentality to be a closer

Don't feel good about izturis or goins at 2nd

Super excited to watch Donaldson every day

Just hope dickey and buehrle do well enough to get thru 6 innings each start

I like Goins because of his defense, I agree on Izturis and think he will be used more as a utility infielder because I do beleive he can play 3B as well as 2B and SS. I think Devon Travis could steal the job at 2B to be honest. Call it a gut feeling.

I think Cecil could be a good closer, but the thought of Sanchez developing into a closer is quite exciting to me.

Anglesmith · Mar 1, 2015

Just also want to say it's so incredible how much roster turnover there is in baseball. It's like half of the team is new every year.

Lunatik · Mar 1, 2015

I am quite excited about Johan Santana too, if he can come back and be half the starter he was for the Twins/Mets then I think he will be a major addition to the bottom half of the rotation.

Johnny Hoxville · Mar 1, 2015

Adirondack Flames said:
I am quite excited about Johan Santana too, if he can come back and be half the starter he was for the Twins/Mets then I think he will be a major addition to the bottom half of the rotation.

Me too, I'm optimistic the time off he's taken will have his body rested and ready to go.

Lunatik · Mar 1, 2015

Added this to the OP

SPRING TRAINING ROSTER

STARTING PITCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
67 | Albers, Andrew | [SP] | R-L | 6'1" | 200 | 06-Oct-85 |
78 | Aquino, Jayson | [SP] | L-L | 6'1" | 180 | 22-Nov-92 |
56 | Buehrle, Mark | [SP] | L-L | 6'2" | 240 | 23-Mar-79 |
71 | Castro, Miguel | [SP] | R-R | 6'5" | 190 | 24-Dec-94 |
54 | Copeland, Scott | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 215 | 15-Dec-87 |
43 | Dickey, R.A | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 215 | 29-Oct-74 |
4 | Drabek, Kyle | [SP] | R-R | 6'2" | 205 | 08-Dec-87 |
25 | Estrada, Marco | [SP] | R-R | 6'0" | 200 | 05-Jul-83 |
35 | Francis, Jeff | [SP] | L-L | 6'5" | 220 | 08-Jan-81 |
31 | Hendriks, Liam | [SP] | R-R | 6'1" | 205 | 10-Feb-89 |
36 | Hutchison, Drew | [SP] | L-R | 6'3" | 195 | 22-Aug-90 |
32 | Norris, Daniel | [SP] | L-L | 6'2" | 195 | 25-Apr-93 |
51 | Oramas, Juan | [SP] | L-L | 5'10" | 210 | 11-May-90 |
72 | Osuna, Roberto | [SP] | R-R | 6'2" | 230 | 07-Feb-95 |
58 | Redmond, Todd | [SP] | R-R | 6'3" | 240 | 17-May-85 |
41 | Sanchez, Aaron | [SP] | R-R | 6'4" | 200 | 01-Jul-92 |
57 | Santana, Johan | [SP] | L-L | 6'0" | 210 | 13-Mar-79 |
6 | Stroman, Marcus | [SP] | R-R | 5'8" | 180 | 01-May-91 |
52 | Tepera, Ryan | [SP] | R-R | 6'1" | 180 | 03-Nov-87 |

RELIEF PITCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
63 | Barnes, Scott | [RP] | L-L | 6'4" | 200 | 05-Sep-87 |
48 | Burke, Greg | [RP] | R-R | 6'4" | 215 | 21-Sep-82 |
44 | Burns, Cory | [RP] | R-R | 6'1" | 205 | 09-Oct-87 |
27 | Cecil, Brett | [RP] | R-L | 6'3" | 220 | 02-Jul-86 |
50 | Delabar, Steve | [RP] | R-R | 6'5" | 220 | 17-Jul-83 |
24 | Guilmet, Preston | [RP] | R-R | 6'2" | 200 | 27-Jul-87 |
49 | Hynes, Colt | [RP] | L-L | 5'11" | 200 | 28-Jun-85 |
53 | Infante, Gregory | [RP] | R-R | 6'2" | 215 | 10-Jul-87 |
64 | Jenkins, Chad | [RP] | R-R | 6'4" | 235 | 22-Dec-87 |
46 | Lopez, Wilton | [RP] | R-R | 6'0" | 200 | 19-Jul-83 |
62 | Loup, Aaron | [RP] | L-L | 5'11" | 205 | 19-Dec-87 |
59 | Rasmussen, Rob | [RP] | R-L | 5'10" | 170 | 02-Apr-89 |
47 | Schultz, Bo | [RP] | R-R | 6'3" | 220 | 25-Sep-85 |
76 | West, Matt | [RP] | R-R | 6'1" | 200 | 21-Nov-88 |

CATCHERS

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
68 | Chung, Derrick | [C, 2B] | R-R | 5'9" | 175 | 23-Feb-88 |
8 | Jimenez, A.J | [C] | R-R | 6'0" | 225 | 01-May-90 |
55 | Martin,Russell | [C] | R-R | 5'10" | 205 | 15-Feb-83 |
70 | Murphy, Jack | [C] | S-R | 6'4" | 235 | 06-Apr-88 |
30 | Navarro,Dioner | [C] | S-R | 5'9" | 205 | 09-Feb-84 |
69 | Ochinko, Sean | [C, 1B, 3B] | R-R | 5'11" | 205 | 21-Oct-87 |
22 | Thole,Josh | [C, 1B] | L-R | 6'1" | 205 | 28-Oct-86 |

FIRST BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
37 | Barton, Daric | [1B, 3B] | L-R | 6'0" | 215 | 16-Aug-85 |
15 | Colabello, Chris | [1B, OF] | R-R | 6'4" | 235 | 24-Oct-83 |
10 | Encarnacion,Edwin | [1B, 3B] | R-R | 6'1" | 230 | 07-Jan-83 |
29 | Fox, Jake | [1B, C, OF] | R-R | 6'0" | 220 | 20-Jul-82 |
28 | Hague,Matt | [1B, 3B] | R-R | 6'3" | 225 | 20-Aug-85 |
14 | Smoak,Justin | [1B] | S-L | 6'4" | 230 | 05-Dec-86 |

SECOND BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
1 | Diaz, Jonathan | [2B, SS, 3B] | R-R | 5'9" | 155 | 10-Apr-85 |
17 | Goins,Ryan | [2B, SS] | L-R | 5'10" | 185 | 13-Feb-88 |
13 | Izturis,Maicer | [2B, 3B, SS] | S-R | 5'8" | 185 | 12-Sep-80 |
66 | Kawasaki, Munenori | [2B, SS] | L-R | 5'11" | 175 | 03-Jun-81 |
18 | Tolleson,Steve | [2B, 3B, SS] | R-R | 5'11" | 185 | 01-Nov-83 |
77 | Travis, Devon | [2B] | R-R | 5'9" | 190 | 21-Feb-91 |

SHORT STOP

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
7 | Reyes,Jose | [SS] | S-R | 6'0" | 195 | 11-Jun-83 |
9 | Santiago, Ramon | [SS, 2B, 3B] | S-R | 5'11" | 185 | 31-Aug-79 |

THIRD BASE

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
20 | Donaldson,Josh | [3B] | R-R | 6'0" | 220 | 08-Dec-85 |
73 | Nay, Mitch | [3B] | R-R | 6'3" | 200 | 20-Sep-93 |
23 | Valencia,Danny | [3B] | R-R | 6'2" | 220 | 19-Sep-84 |

LEFT FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
33 | Dirks, Andy | [LF, CF] | L-L | 6'0" | 195 | 24-Jan-86 |
74 | Smith Jr., Dwight | [LF, CF] | L-R | 5'11" | 195 | 26-Oct-92 |
11 | Pillar,Kevin | [LF] | R-R | 6'0" | 205 | 04-Jan-89 |

CENTER FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
75 | Alford, Anthony | [CF] | R-R | 6'1" | 215 | 20-Jul-94 |
3 | Carrera, Ezequiel | [CF, LF] | L-L | 5'10" | 185 | 11-Jun-87 |
| Dickerson, Chris | [CF] | L-L | 6'4" | 230 | 10-Apr-82 |
45 | Pompey,Dalton | [CF] | S-R | 6'2" | 195 | 11-Dec-92 |
21 | Saunders,Michael | [CF, LF] | L-R | 6'4" | 225 | 19-Nov-86 |
88 | Viciedo, Dayan | [CF, RF, 3B] | R-R | 5'11" | 240 | 10-Mar-89 |

RIGHT FIELD

# | Name | Pos | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB
19 | Bautista,Jose | [RF] | R-R | 6'0" | 205 | 19-Oct-80 |
39 | Gindl, Caleb | [RF, CF] | L-L | 5'7" | 210 | 31-Aug-88 |

Lunatik · Mar 5, 2015

The Jays spring training opener on Tuesday was a slugfest. They lost 8-7 to the Pirates, Pillar had the only HR, Thole & Goins each had a pair of hits. Sanchez got the loss.

Wednesday the Jays beat the Pirates 4-1. Pompey had a 2 hit game. Redmond got the win and West the save.

Johnny Hoxville · Mar 5, 2015

I like Pompey, I hope he does well this year.

Lunatik · Mar 5, 2015

Johnny Hoxville said:
I like Pompey, I hope he does well this year.

I hope they all do well :laugh:

Lunatik · Apr 10, 2015

We're a few games in now....

at

Apr 6: Blue Jays win 6-1

W:Hutchison (1-0)
S: None
HR: Encarnacion (1), Travis (1)
RBI: Martin 2 (2), Encarnacion 2 (2), Travis (1)

Apr 8: Yankees win 4-3

L: Loup (0-1)
S: None
HR: None
RBI: Travis (2), Martin (3)

Apr 9: Blue Jays win 6-3

W: Norris (1-0)
S: Castro (1)
HR: Encarnacion (2)
RBI: Pillar (1), Tolleson (1), Travis (3), Reyes (1), Encarnacion (3)

at

Apr 10: Blue Jays win 12-5

W: Buehrle (1-0)
S: None
HR: None
RBI: Bautista 2 (2), Encarnacion (4), Navarro, D 3 (3), Donaldson 3 (3), Pompey 2 (2), Reyes (2)

Apr 11: Orioles win 7-1

L: Sanchez (0-1)
S: None
HR: None
RBI: Encarnacion (5)

April 12: Blue Jays win 10-7

W: Loup (1-1)
S: Castro (2)
HR: Pompey (1), Pillar (1), Bautista (1)
RBI: Pompey 2 (4), Pillar (2), Reyes (3), Navarro, D (4), Bautista 2 (4)

at

Apr 13: 5:00pm

SP: Dickey (0-0, 1.42 era)

Apr 14: 5:00pm

SP: Norris (1-0, 4.76 era)

Apr 15: 5:00pm

SP: Buehrle (1-0, 3.00 era)

Apr 16: 5:00pm

SP: Sanchez (0-1, 8.10 era)

CraigsList · Apr 11, 2015

We're doing well

. Sucks that the one game I saw we lost.

Lunatik · Apr 11, 2015

ForeverFlameFan said:
We're doing well . Sucks that the one game I saw we lost.

so it's your fault :sarcasm:

Anglesmith · Apr 11, 2015

The one loss was brutal. Just threw that game away. But the rest of it's been great.

herashak · Apr 11, 2015

crazy game in the bronx

Lunatik · Apr 11, 2015

Apparently during the ceremonies for the Orioles home opener last night they introduced the Jays to a song titled "loser"

Then we stomped them like like that scene in American History X

Lunatik · Apr 11, 2015

Bahahaha @ Buck Martinez going full homer and talking smack during last nights broadcast :laugh:

Camera pans to a family of Jays fan family with an infant with the ear protection on and cue Buck:

Young Jays fan with the earmuffs on because the sound from the Blue Jays bats has been cranking all afternoon

OT: 2015 Toronto Blue Jays (and general MLB) Thread

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