Atkins calls out Tulowitzki

[Black Watch]

A clickbait title, I know, but this is interesting and deserves its own thread:

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[Black Watch]

https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/blue-jays-not-sure-of-troy-tulowitzkis-role/c-301510050

Atkins later went on to say that if the season started tomorrow, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. would be the club's shortstop. There's still plenty of time for that to change, but the fact that Tulowitzki has two years and $38 million remaining on his contract only complicates things even more.

Tulowitzki has repeatedly stated -- as recently as early September -- that he has no intention of moving off shortstop. How strongly does he feel about that?

"I said I'm a shortstop," Tulowitzki added at the time. "If someone's better than me, I'll pack my bags and go home."

The Blue Jays might be prepared to call Tulowitzki's bluff, because at this point it's not immediately clear what role he will have on the 2019 roster. If he's not the starting shortstop, then what is he exactly? Would Tulowitzki be considered a part-time player? Would the club ask him to permanently change positions despite his public comments?

"First and foremost, he has to get healthy, and he is," Atkins said of Tulowitzki, who missed all of 2018 after having surgery to remove bone spurs in both of his feet. "He looks like he is healthy. He's recovering well. He has full range of motion. He has his strength. ... Our reports are very positive.

"It's just a matter of getting him into the Spring Training environment and once we see him at a higher calibre of play, with those expectations, it's just too hard to say. To call him a part-time player, the honest answer to that is, I don't know. We're not going to label him anything just yet, but I think it's unlikely that he plays an above-average shortstop for us for 140 games."

The Blue Jays are expected to start the year with Gurriel at short, Brandon Drury at third, Devon Travis at second and Justin Smoak at first. Top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be promoted by the end of April, and where this leaves Tulowitzki -- and his seemingly untradeable contract -- is anyone's guess.

Atkins on some gangsta sheet, trying to coerce Tulo into retirement.

[dagger]

https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/blue-jays-not-sure-of-troy-tulowitzkis-role/c-301510050

Atkins later went on to say that if the season started tomorrow, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. would be the club's shortstop. There's still plenty of time for that to change, but the fact that Tulowitzki has two years and $38 million remaining on his contract only complicates things even more.

Tulowitzki has repeatedly stated -- as recently as early September -- that he has no intention of moving off shortstop. How strongly does he feel about that?

"I said I'm a shortstop," Tulowitzki added at the time. "If someone's better than me, I'll pack my bags and go home."

The Blue Jays might be prepared to call Tulowitzki's bluff, because at this point it's not immediately clear what role he will have on the 2019 roster. If he's not the starting shortstop, then what is he exactly? Would Tulowitzki be considered a part-time player? Would the club ask him to permanently change positions despite his public comments?

"First and foremost, he has to get healthy, and he is," Atkins said of Tulowitzki, who missed all of 2018 after having surgery to remove bone spurs in both of his feet. "He looks like he is healthy. He's recovering well. He has full range of motion. He has his strength. ... Our reports are very positive.

"It's just a matter of getting him into the Spring Training environment and once we see him at a higher calibre of play, with those expectations, it's just too hard to say. To call him a part-time player, the honest answer to that is, I don't know. We're not going to label him anything just yet, but I think it's unlikely that he plays an above-average shortstop for us for 140 games."

The Blue Jays are expected to start the year with Gurriel at short, Brandon Drury at third, Devon Travis at second and Justin Smoak at first. Top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be promoted by the end of April, and where this leaves Tulowitzki -- and his seemingly untradeable contract -- is anyone's guess.

Atkins on some gangsta sheet, trying to coerce Tulo into retirement.

I'm no expert on corporate accounting, but here is a great situation for the CFO of Rogers to find some gain to write this contract off against - some kind of one-time write-off based on physical incapacity. What a terrible trade. I don't care if the Rockies haven't gotten much from Hoffman, this contract they foisted on AA is one of the worst in recent memory in all of sport. Think of what the Jays could do with an extra $20 million this season and next, plus $14 million in 2021.

[WuTang_OG]

I think Ross Atkins has to be one of the dumbest people in professional sports.

[dagger]

I think Ross Atkins has to be one of the dumbest people in professional sports.

Why? Do you think Tulo has real trade value? You would be the only one on the planet.

[dagger]

Sanchez and Stroman could be dealt if the right trade comes along.

https://www.thescore.com/news/1671390

Code: Select all

Atkins: Blue Jays could 'absolutely' deal Stroman, Sanchez
Jason Wilson

With Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings fast approaching, the Toronto Blue Jays could be convinced to trade either of their star pitchers in Marcus Stroman or Aaron Sanchez.

While the Blue Jays are not actively shopping the pair, there is reported interest around the league.

"I think there's a lot of teams that would love to have either guy," Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun.

When asked if the team could be persuaded to deal either starter if the price is right, Atkins said, "Yes, absolutely."

Both Stroman and Sanchez saw their 2018 campaigns go sideways due to injury. They each dealt with blisters and Sanchez had an additional finger issue following a suitcase mishap that required surgery.

After back-to-back 200-inning seasons, Stroman was limited to 102 1/3 frames over 19 starts. He posted a 5.54 ERA (3.91 FIP) with a 1.48 WHIP and career-worst 3.2 BB/9.



[WuTang_OG]

I think Ross Atkins has to be one of the dumbest people in professional sports.

Why? Do you think Tulo has real trade value? You would be the only one on the planet.

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

[Schad]

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

It isn't terribly uncommon for GMs to make public statements of that nature. The premiere free agent SP just went off the board, the premiere SP trade candidate has been moved, and we're a rebuilding team; this isn't a bad time to advertise the availability of a couple starters, especially given that the scuttlebutt has been that teams believe us reluctant to move them.

On Tulo, it's just reality. He isn't an everyday shortstop anymore, and he isn't in our long-term plans. If he has any interest in playing semi-regularly, whether with us or elsewhere, he needs to be open to moving around the infield, something he has rejected previously. Otherwise, his career is effectively over; it might be effectively over already.

[Al_Oliver]

I think Ross Atkins has to be one of the dumbest people in professional sports.

Why? Do you think Tulo has real trade value? You would be the only one on the planet.

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

You calling him amateur while misspelling buffoon is kinda hilarious...

[WuTang_OG]

Why? Do you think Tulo has real trade value? You would be the only one on the planet.

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

You calling him amateur while misspelling buffoon is kinda hilarious...

What does a word I mispelled have to do with the incompetence of a GM?

Nice try.

[WuTang_OG]

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

It isn't terribly uncommon for GMs to make public statements of that nature. The premiere free agent SP just went off the board, the premiere SP trade candidate has been moved, and we're a rebuilding team; this isn't a bad time to advertise the availability of a couple starters, especially given that the scuttlebutt has been that teams believe us reluctant to move them.

On Tulo, it's just reality. He isn't an everyday shortstop anymore, and he isn't in our long-term plans. If he has any interest in playing semi-regularly, whether with us or elsewhere, he needs to be open to moving around the infield, something he has rejected previously. Otherwise, his career is effectively over; it might be effectively over already.

I just don't agree with doing it publicly, especially for guys who still seem to have a future here. These arent end of career guys who we know for sure won't be jays for long. Stroman and Sanchez are still considered young talented guys in this league and will more than likely be jays come april. Just doesn't make sense to me to announce things like that in public.

[Al_Oliver]

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

You calling him amateur while misspelling buffoon is kinda hilarious...

What does a word I mispelled have to do with the incompetence of a GM?

Nice try.

Your commentary is amateurish? And you also misspelled, "misspelled..."

[dagger]

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

It isn't terribly uncommon for GMs to make public statements of that nature. The premiere free agent SP just went off the board, the premiere SP trade candidate has been moved, and we're a rebuilding team; this isn't a bad time to advertise the availability of a couple starters, especially given that the scuttlebutt has been that teams believe us reluctant to move them.

On Tulo, it's just reality. He isn't an everyday shortstop anymore, and he isn't in our long-term plans. If he has any interest in playing semi-regularly, whether with us or elsewhere, he needs to be open to moving around the infield, something he has rejected previously. Otherwise, his career is effectively over; it might be effectively over already.

I just don't agree with doing it publicly, especially for guys who still seem to have a future here. These arent end of career guys who we know for sure won't be jays for long. Stroman and Sanchez are still considered young talented guys in this league and will more than likely be jays come april. Just doesn't make sense to me to announce things like that in public.

I see no problem with being open about the availability of certain players. It's not like there wouldn't be rumours if trade talks are under way. A bidding war is always the best way to at least get a sense of the market. Playing coy with Donaldson last winter didn't exactly work. Now Atkins appears to be doing exactly what our timeline requires, and we're bitching?

[Ado05]

Very candid interview

Nice

[WuTang_OG]

It isn't terribly uncommon for GMs to make public statements of that nature. The premiere free agent SP just went off the board, the premiere SP trade candidate has been moved, and we're a rebuilding team; this isn't a bad time to advertise the availability of a couple starters, especially given that the scuttlebutt has been that teams believe us reluctant to move them.

On Tulo, it's just reality. He isn't an everyday shortstop anymore, and he isn't in our long-term plans. If he has any interest in playing semi-regularly, whether with us or elsewhere, he needs to be open to moving around the infield, something he has rejected previously. Otherwise, his career is effectively over; it might be effectively over already.

I just don't agree with doing it publicly, especially for guys who still seem to have a future here. These arent end of career guys who we know for sure won't be jays for long. Stroman and Sanchez are still considered young talented guys in this league and will more than likely be jays come april. Just doesn't make sense to me to announce things like that in public.

I see no problem with being open about the availability of certain players. It's not like there wouldn't be rumours if trade talks are under way. A bidding war is always the best way to at least get a sense of the market. Playing coy with Donaldson last winter didn't exactly work. Now Atkins appears to be doing exactly what our timeline requires, and we're bitching?

The timeline doesn't require him to be talking about trading specific players on the team. You can easily do this without pin pointing names. If Atkins was savvy, there's ways to go through the media and letting everyone know you are open for business. Publicly stating names just shows his lack of leadership and managing style.

[So_Fresh]

I agree with WuTang_OG. Why even open up when you know their trade value is at an all time low? Just doesn't make sense to me. How do you think Stroman and Sanchez will feel knowing their boss is looking to move them? Wouldn't this affect morale? Not very smart by Atkins imo.

[WuTang_OG]

You calling him amateur while misspelling buffoon is kinda hilarious...

What does a word I mispelled have to do with the incompetence of a GM?

Nice try.

Your commentary is amateurish? And you also misspelled, "misspelled..."

No reason to get so upset. Atkins is a poor leader and has mismanaged since his time here.

Just pointing out the facts so you understand.

[BigLeagueChew]

“If we were playing tomorrow (Lourdes Gurriel) is playing short,” Atkins said at a luncheon of the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (via the Toronto Sun). “(Tulowitzki) would have to over achieve to play shortstop at an above-average level with above-average performance for 140 games.

“That would be unlikely based on what has occurred over the past 2 1/2 years. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to, but candidly I don’t think that’s likely.”

----

The last time Tulo played 140 games was in 2011

[SharoneWright]

Talking about Tulo is just one of the very many things he does so poorly. His communication skills are atrocious.

Then he's saying Stroman and Sanchez could be dealt? You are a GM, you don't publicly make those statements.

He's a bafoon and an amateur GM, plain and simple.

It isn't terribly uncommon for GMs to make public statements of that nature. The premiere free agent SP just went off the board, the premiere SP trade candidate has been moved, and we're a rebuilding team; this isn't a bad time to advertise the availability of a couple starters, especially given that the scuttlebutt has been that teams believe us reluctant to move them.

On Tulo, it's just reality. He isn't an everyday shortstop anymore, and he isn't in our long-term plans. If he has any interest in playing semi-regularly, whether with us or elsewhere, he needs to be open to moving around the infield, something he has rejected previously. Otherwise, his career is effectively over; it might be effectively over already.

I just don't agree with doing it publicly, especially for guys who still seem to have a future here. These arent end of career guys who we know for sure won't be jays for long. Stroman and Sanchez are still considered young talented guys in this league and will more than likely be jays come april. Just doesn't make sense to me to announce things like that in public.

You know what, screw it. These 2 guys have been propped up by the Jays as quasi-elite from the beginning - mostly based on hope rather than merit or achievement. Maybe being made a little uncomfortable could help light a fire under them. Time to prove it boys. That's why Demar loved it here - deemed too important to the franchise to move or to offend, he operated without any real pressure to succeed. I have no trouble reminding our star players that their job isn't an honorary position that they hold with impunity.

As for Tulo, no one wants you here. Not the players, not the coaches, not management, not the accountants, not the fans. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.