Official Blue Jays 2025 Spring Training Thread

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show with Jayson Stark from The Athletic to discuss Max Scherzer's Blue Jays spring training debut, how much he has left in the tank, an overall check-in with the team, what Jeff Hoffman brings to the team, and how Anthony Santander will help the Blue Jays make a push this season. Later, Philadelphia Phillies TV Analyst Ben Davis (31:02) joins the show to discuss the team's current status, fighting for roster spots, and if the team's bullpen can propel them to a long-term run.

bartron_44 · Post #249 » by **bartron_44** » Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:27 pm

Orelvis with another 2 RBI single to the opposite field today. He’s now 3-7 with a BB, 2B, HR and 3 RBIs.
Straw made it a 3 game hit streak today and is now 3-6 with 3 RBIs.

polo007 · Post #250 » by **polo007** » Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:28 pm

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polo007 · Post #251 » by **polo007** » Fri Feb 28, 2025 2:24 am

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I think once Soto got that $765,000,000, that affected a few guys, a couple guys who are superstars, and I put Kyle Tucker in that mix as well as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

And, when I talk about Vladimir Guerrero junior, I think it applies to Kyle Tucker. It'd be difficult to sign him up, long term. Particularly, he's on a new team. Vladimir Guerrero junior, and we'll get to it later, but, I mean, he's a Canadian citizen. He's born at least he was raised partly in, Montreal and Canada, and it certainly has an affinity for Canada.

So, I backtrack, and let's get to Vlad Guerrero Jr. who is another third baseman. Third base was our theme this week.

No question about it. Just saw him over in, camp in Dunedin, a terrific young man. We did use an interpreter. Can't blame him. I think that's very safe.

Very careful. I get it. And, just a great young man and obviously didn't get that deal done with the Blue Jays. I mean, at this point, with Soto at $765,000,000, I mean, I think it's probably it's going to be have to be in the sixes, to sign him. I think it probably $600,000,000 plus, to have gotten him done.

The Blue Jays did not get there, obviously. I think they stepped out. You know, they offered more than they wanted to offer. They didn't offer enough, obviously, or he would be signed. He will be a free agent.

There's no question about that. And we talked about his looming free agency. I would say potential looming free agency. And, you know, he said he's open to all 30 teams. He talked to his dad, and he's certainly not going to be ripping the Yankees anymore.

He did explain to me what that was all about. One thing was that, will the Cubs pursue Guerrero? You know what? I'm not going to say that the Cubs are very likely for Guerrero. I think I had him on my field list when I wrote it for the New York Post.

polo007 · Post #252 » by **polo007** » Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:28 pm

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Parataxis · Post #253 » by **Parataxis** » Mon Mar 3, 2025 9:14 pm

Well, that looked like a bit of a laugher today. Lots of extra base hits, good pitching, etc...

Hottie McShotty · Post #254 » by **Hottie McShotty** » Mon Mar 3, 2025 10:53 pm

Hoffman looked great. He was lights out in that 1 inning he pitched. 3 SO.

bartron_44 · Post #255 » by **bartron_44** » Tue Mar 4, 2025 12:04 am

Straw keeps his hit streak alive with a HR today. If he stays hot until opening day, he could be the opening day LF if Varsho doesnt start in the minors/on the IL.

Santander with a 2B. Gimenez with a 2B and a 3B. Those 2 plus a healthy Bo could be like adding 3 all-star level players to the everyday lineup. Then toss in whst looks like a rejuvenated Springer…. It probably wont be like 2021 when they had Semien and Teo to go with a career year for Vladdy, but this team looks like it is gonna score some runs again.

anj · Post #256 » by **anj** » Tue Mar 4, 2025 3:09 am

For perspective, these were the Jays' 2024 spring training stats: https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays-team-stats?category=batting&season=2024&seasonType=pre

polo007 · Post #257 » by **polo007** » Tue Mar 4, 2025 6:05 am

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Parataxis · Post #258 » by **Parataxis** » Tue Mar 4, 2025 1:42 pm

bartron_44 wrote:Straw keeps his hit streak alive with a HR today. If he stays hot until opening day, he could be the opening day LF if Varsho doesnt start in the minors/on the IL.

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

bartron_44 · Post #259 » by **bartron_44** » Tue Mar 4, 2025 11:50 pm

Parataxis wrote:
bartron_44 wrote:Straw keeps his hit streak alive with a HR today. If he stays hot until opening day, he could be the opening day LF if Varsho doesnt start in the minors/on the IL.

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Not sure, but he definitely should make the team. Likely starting the season in CF, and then moving to either LF when Varsho is ready to play CF everyday again if he keeps hitting, or switching to the 4th OF / pinch runner / defensive replacement role.

Although Berroa is doing his best to try and win that job too. He isnt a former GG winner, but he is a switch hitter who steals bases, plays CF and has more pop than Straw.

GoRapstheoriginal · Post #260 » by **GoRapstheoriginal** » Wed Mar 5, 2025 2:14 am

A rare day off today for the Jays!