General manager Alex Anthopoulos somewhat distanced himself from a potential extension when he went public with questions over Villanueva's durability in late August. Anthopoulos couldn't help but look back to the 2011 season when Villanueva similarly started off strong in the rotation (3.67 ERA in nine starts) before struggling (9.31 ERA in final four starts) and succumbing to injury.
It also was all but impossible for Anthopoulos to ignore that prior to 2012, Villanueva had never thrown more than 115 innings or made more than 13 starts in a season.
"There's no question when he's taken the ball he's done a great job," Anthopoulos said at the time. "But his [durability] is obviously part of the equation. That's not to take anything away from him. But that's the unknown with Carlos. He's never had 200 innings, he's never had 32 or 34 starts.
Villanueva will now test free agency for the first time in his career. After making $2.28 million in 2012, he'll be looking for both a raise and ideally a multi-year contract. Just as important will be an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong by getting the opportunity to start over the course of a full season.
Just saw this on the Blue Jays website. Do not want him to start because of durability issues, and I agree, a few starts he was great but when he got fatigued later on in the season he just completely sucked.
I would have loved to see him as long relief though, but that's clearly not what he wants to do.
