If the Toronto Blue Jays want to return to the playoffs next year, skipper John Gibbons has two words for his general manager: starting pitching.
“The key to winning is your pitching staff, primarily that starting rotation,” said Gibbons in an interview on Prime Time Sports on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “We have some guys coming back. Stroman will be back in the rotation, possibly Sanchez, so we feel good about that.”
LISTEN: Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons on Prime Time Sports
Entering the off-season starting pitching was, and continues to be, a major issue. The front office responded by picking up R.A. Dickey’s option and signing Marco Estrada to a two-year deal, something Gibbons couldn’t be happier about.
“This was a big year for Marco (Estrada),” said Gibbons. “He gained a ton of confidence for himself.
“In some of our biggest games in the playoffs when we had to have something, which guy that stepped up? Marco.”
In both Game 3 of the ALDS and Game 5 of the ALCS Estrada put together impressive outings, demonstrating the ability to put up zeroes in the most pressure-filled situations.
Gibbons had only one word for the right-hander as he pulled him after his memorable must-win tilt with Kansas City: “WOW!”
“He is one of the good guys. He is very professional, he respects the game, and he respects my decisions, even if they work against him. I can’t complain about that,” added the skipper.
Even with Estrada and Dickey on board the rotation is still incomplete, and questions remain when it comes to the two youngsters that finished the year in the bullpen.
Aaron Sanchez and Roberto Osuna proved how valuable they can be in late-game situations, but the two may want to try their hand in the rotation.
Especially Sanchez.
Slotting him as a starter at the beginning of last season, Gibbons knows how effective the 23-year-old can be.
“I know Sanchez wants to be a starter,” said the Blue Jays GM about the right-hander. “I think Sanchez has a huge upside, especially after the way he developed last year to begin the season, just getting better and better before the injury. I think he can be a great starter.”
The same thing could be said about Osuna. Although he didn’t start any games, the 20-year-old was exceptional in the high-pressure situations he was thrown into, becoming a saviour for a Blue Jays’ bullpen that struggled for much of the season.
Despite the young right-hander’s potential, Gibbons was very brief when discussing the possibility of using him in the rotation.
“To be honest I’m not sure… We have talked about Osuna for that starter spot. He can go either way that is my gut feeling on him,” he said.
And of course there is David Price.
The southpaw is up for a big pay cheque this off-season, and as much as the Blue Jays would love to have him back, Price has earned the right to pick his destination.
“We would all love to have him back,” said the Blue Jays manager. “But you only get that hammer so many times in this business and I expect him to use it, but hopefully he ends up back here.”
