In the first edition of a regular Sportsnet.ca feature, Blue Jays Talk host Scott MacArthur answers some frequently-asked Blue Jays questions.
Q: Why did the Blue Jays pay Troy Tulowitzki, who’s still owed $38 million guaranteed, to go away if they then were going to sign another veteran free agent (Freddy Galvis)? And why would they sign Galvis when I’ve heard for two years that Lourdes Gurriel is a shortstop and one of the franchise’s top prospects, Bo Bichette, is still toiling away in the minor leagues?
A: There are four names mentioned in this question and we’ve got to take this player-by-player in order for the scenario to make sense.
First, Troy Tulowitzki: You’re correct in saying that $38 million is a lot of money to pay someone not to play on your team. What, though, was the alternative? Tulowitzki has an unfortunate injury history and with this team going young at its core positions and not expected to contend this season, Tulowitzki, had he stayed, would have been chewing into crucial playing time for younger players. Maybe Tulowitzki could have performed in Galvis’ role, recouping a modicum of trade value in the process, but it was time to cut the cord. The cost was sunk. Some of what’s been said prior to and since Tulowitzki’s departure has been unfortunate.
Second, the aforementioned Freddy Galvis: He’s owed only $5 million guaranteed for one season ($4 million this year and a $1 million buyout should next year’s $5.5-million option be declined). He chose this opportunity. He understands his role; he knows it’s unlikely he’ll be here when this franchise is ready to contend. Galvis is durable, affordable, and his plus defence at the infield’s most important position will help Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez, the Jays’ two best starters, who rely heavily on ground balls for outs. Galvis won’t hit much, if history is an indication, but manager Charlie Montoyo is prioritizing defence out of his shortstop.
Third, Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: His positional home on a big league field remains uncertain. He’s struggled at second base this spring and Galvis’ signing tells you the organization doesn’t believe he’s the bridge to the time Bo Bichette or Kevin Smith takes over at shortstop.
Fourth, Bo Bichette: He’s only 21 and, yes, he’s wowed us all spring with his bat – which we knew could rake – and his defence, which continues to develop. As good as he’s looked, more harm can be done rushing a young player to the big leagues than to let him hone is craft in the smaller triple-A stadia. Let Bo have a strong year in Buffalo. This isn’t about service time manipulation, at least not yet, this is about doing right by a young player with star potential.
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Q: If Troy Tulowitzki got paid to go away and the Jays are paying more than 80 per cent of Russell Martin’s salary to play for the Dodgers, why is Kendrys Morales still here?
A: Great question. What you hear about Morales being a terrific mentor to the club’s younger Spanish-speaking players is true. However, he occupies a roster spot and takes up at-bats in the role of designated hitter which could be handed to guys to whom you want to give quasi days off. Want Teoscar Hernandez to hit but to stay off his feet in left field? Give him a DH day. Same goes for almost any other regular position player on the roster, especially in this day of sports science and the greater understanding of the need for more rest.
Morales is in his last season as a Blue Jay. Will he finish the season in Toronto? Time will tell. I can’t imagine there’s much, if any, trade value there. A decision will have to be made on the value of Morales’ roster spot. Don’t forget, too, that Morales was the first significant free agent signing of Ross Atkins’ tenure; the front office would like to see this relationship end as smoothly as possible.
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Q: Who will replace Ryan Borucki in the starting rotation to begin the season?
A: Manager Charlie Montoyo offered up four names on Saturday morning – Trent Thornton, Sean Reid-Foley, Sam Gaviglio, Thomas Pannone – and interestingly enough, those four were slated to start the Blue Jays’ remaining spring training games.
From my vantage point, while there are four names, there is clearly a lead dog. He’s Trent Thornton. The Blue Jays love Thornton’s moxie; he was back to pitching inside his next appearance after hitting Bryce Harper in the ankle, showing a willingness to get back in the battle. Thornton, prior to his acquisition in the Aledmys Diaz trade, was having a strong year in the Pacific Coast League, pitching for the Astros’ triple-A affiliate in Fresno. The PCL is a tough league to author a sub-1.200 Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched (WHIP) but Thornton did just that.
After Reid-Foley scuffled badly in the Jays’ Grapefruit League finale on Sunday, the picture became clearer. Gaviglio is best suited as a long reliever; Pannone has had an up-and-down spring. Thornton was slated to be in Buffalo’s rotation; throw him into the fire and see what you’ve got.
