Jays sign LHP JP Howell to 1yr/3m deal

s e n s i · Post #1 » by **s e n s i** » Tue Jan 31, 2017 10:47 pm

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Post #2 » by **Nolan** » Tue Jan 31, 2017 10:58 pm

He wasn't so great last year but he's been decent in the past. Could be a good buy low pickup.

Skin Blues · Post #3 » by **Skin Blues** » Tue Jan 31, 2017 11:21 pm

Solid pickup. I actually like this better than giving 2 years to Wood or Logan, assuming the price is right.

dagger · Post #4 » by **dagger** » Tue Jan 31, 2017 11:52 pm

Price is confirmed by Rosenthal, 1 yr, $3m.

polo007 · Post #5 » by **polo007** » Wed Feb 1, 2017 12:12 am

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“He’s a great guy,” Anthopoulos said. “The first thing that comes to mind is outstanding guy in the clubhouse. Great influence to the guys in the bullpen. One day whenever he’s done playing–which is hopefully a long time–I could see him being a coach and doing some things in the game but great competitor, not afraid at all. I remember seeing him out of the draft [in 2004], so I’ve been familiar with him for quite some time.”

“It’s not big stuff but if you look at the results each year he gets very good results out of the bullpen even though there’s not a lot of power to his stuff,” Anthopoulos said. “He can really pitch and he’s not afraid and he brings great experience to the bullpen…It seems like a great move [for the Blue Jays].”

"The thing with J.P. is he’ll take the ball, you ask him to go three innings he’ll go three innings," Anthopoulos said. "You ask him one [he’ll go one], so he really can do anything at any time and he won’t say no to anything. He’s a manager’s dream in that respect."

BigLeagueChew · Post #6 » by **BigLeagueChew** » Wed Feb 1, 2017 12:43 am

Howell was annoying in games against Tampa.

Brinbe · Post #7 » by **Brinbe** » Wed Feb 1, 2017 1:34 pm

Yeah, he's been decent in the past. Could be a good move.

The_Hater · Post #8 » by **The_Hater** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 12:34 am

From everything I've read, this is really solid buy low move. Everyone wants expensive and flashy but sometimes those aren't the ones that matter.

North_of_Border · Post #9 » by **North_of_Border** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 2:17 am

Read somewhere that this is the 12th straight year that the Jays have a player with initials as a first name.

Anyway, as for the signing, this is very under rated. This guy's was very very good for years. Just had 1 bad year and it hurt his stock. Even last year though, it was the ugly start that really made it look bad all year.

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T-d0t · Post #10 » by **T-d0t** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 4:27 am

Need more depth but good value signing

Post #11 » by **Patman** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 3:57 pm

How much money is left under the budget?

Lateral Quicks · Post #12 » by **Lateral Quicks** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 5:31 pm

Most relievers are so variable from year to year. In most cases committing high dollars and term doesn't make sense. So I like this move. Spread the money over three or four guys and hope one or two can reliably do the job.

phillipmike · Post #13 » by **phillipmike** » Thu Feb 2, 2017 7:51 pm

Patman wrote:How much money is left under the budget?

Used about 158M, OD payroll is rumored to be 165M. Have 7M left.

Lateral Quicks wrote:Most relievers are so variable from year to year. In most cases committing high dollars and term doesn't make sense. So I like this move. Spread the money over three or four guys and hope one or two can reliably do the job.

You are correct - wrote this about Blevins and Logan who i expect to get 2 year deals which is why i prefer guys like Howell, or Breslow on a 1 year deal;

Middle tier (non backend) relievers are so volatile - you dont have to look much further than looking at their next year;

2015 FA relievers and their 2016 performance;

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.asp...7773,8280,7416

2014 FA relievers and their 2015 performance;

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.asp...7355,4682,1100

Usually one 1 or 2 of these work out in the end. But the risk for the 2nd year could hurt more than help. Back end guys (9th or 8th inning guys) usually are worth it (though i wouldnt shell the money out) the next year. The Millers, Robertsons and Romos from the 2014 class were worth it. No real top guys from 2015... I bet Chapman, Jensen and Melancon will give you returns next year but i have my doubts about Logan or Blevins performing year after year.

Especially at 6-8M per for 2 or 3 years for very mediocre specialists. That's a potential starter on your team (Pearce, Moss or for a few million more someone better) if/when they flounder. Very much prefer a 1 year deal or develop one yourself (easier said than done). I dont think throwing money at these guys necessarily lock the position up for years to come - just too volatile.

One year deals are definitely the way to go. I would go after Breslow and another righty (Blanton, maybe Romo) too to give your pen even more depth when something blows up.

Osuna, Biagini, Grilli, Blanton, and Sparkman
Howell and Breslow

Looks good to me. Can option guys like Loup, Barnes and Tepera down as depth.