FanPost

Quick Jays Musings

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Just thought I would think out loud here & maybe start some discussion

1) It's hard to believe how many potential significant moves could happen before opening day. Scherzer, Shields, Rasmus, KRod, Janssen, Soriano on the FA market and Hamels, Zobrist, Craig, Victorino could be dealt on the trade market. Though people seem to love critiquing teams in early January, so much can change before Opening Day.

2) A CF would be nice. It is tough to see the Jays stealing Bourjos away from the Cardinals for anything less than a haul. The Royals front office doesn't seem to be the greatest, so maybe there is a better deal to be had for Jarrod Dyson. It sounds like Will Venable may stick with the Padres as their only LHH OF. Another guy that really interests me is Cameron Maybin. He is clearly blocked in San Diego but has been an above average defender in CF for his career. He is coming off a pair of down seasons, but he did put up 6.5 WAR from 2011-2012. The Padres will need to absorb some of his salary to move him, so he could end up being a great buy-low candidate. Whether the Padres move Venable or Maybin, I'm very interested.

3) Dioner Navarro is not alone on the catcher's market with Jason Castro, Wellington Castillo and Wilin Rosario potentially out there as well. Unfortunately, it seems like a bit of a buyer's market. With a tight budget, I cannot see the Jays paying Navarro 5M to be the backup catcher. The D-Backs have absolutely nothing at C, while both Cliff Pennington and Oliver Perez seem like potential players that could head back to Toronto. I'm hoping the Jays make the move sooner rather than later. I don't want them getting stuck with Navarro.

4) I still think Dustin Ackley could be available. If the Mariners can land Allen Craig or Shane Victorino, watch out. Seattle's lineup is very lefty heavy and either player would help balance that out. Ackley seems to have a weak bat for a corner outfielder, which plays much better at 2B. His calling card is his defence. Seattle has played Corey Hart, Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, Eric Thames and Mike Morse in the corner outfield positions before. I can very well see them looking for more of a bat first corner outfielder.

5) I can't see the Jays not doing anything at second base. At the very least they should be able to get Gordon Beckham. He should come cheap and is normally good for 0.5 WAR. That is at the very least, I hope they can do better. I really like Kelly Johnson and I think he is extremely underrated. Pennington and Johnson are my two picks assuming one of Ackley, Taylor and Miller aren't shopped. I thought about Yangervis Solarte as well.

6) Marco Estrada has to be the odds on favourite to be the fifth starter. His xFIP as a reliever was over 4 last season, I can't see him being a middle reliever and getting paid around 4M. The spot will clearly be Daniel Norris' when he is ready for it, but I expect Aaron Sanchez to be a high leverage reliever. I'd be interested in bringing Brandon Beachy in. He comes with two years of control and has a career 3.39 SIERA. The Jays may have to guarantee the second year to get him to pitch in the Rogers Centre, but it may very well be worth it. I am not worried about having too many good pitchers (Beachy blocking Norris).

7) I am a huge fan of Preston Guilmet. His strikeout and walk numbers in the minors are extremely impressive. I have him pencilled in as a middle reliever. Chris Martin is currently in DFA limbo and has a pretty similar profile. I'd love to have him. The bullpen really just seems to need one more high leverage reliever. If the Jays can get Janssen, KRod or Soriano this bullpen should be perfectly fine.

8) I do like Mark Ellis (hope Scott C. will be happy with this). Last year was the first season of his career where he failed to reach 1 WAR. He is extremely strong defensively and does not have to post great numbers offensively to provide value. He can hit righties much better than Steve Tolleson. I wouldn't count on the 37 year old Ellis to be the everyday option though. I wouldn't mind a Pennington-Ellis combo at all. The other 2B will need to be able to play SS as well though, so it is tough to sign Ellis before acquiring the other player.

9) Last but not least, I am beginning to wonder about the Jays lineup in 2015. The top of the lineup looks very heavy with RHH, while the bottom could end up being fairly LHH heavy. I am not a fan of having the 4 right handed hitters (Bautista-EE-Donaldson-Martin) in a row. If Bautista does stay in the 3-spot, I think I would hit Michael Saunders 5th. That would put Josh Donaldson in the 2-spot, with Russell Martin hitting sixth. Interested to hear what people think of this.

Anyways, just wanted to share some thoughts on the Jays. Hopefully things will pick up soon. It feels like nothing has happened in forever. Feel free to start a discussion or two in the comments!

Editor's Note: This is a FanPost written by a reader and member of Bluebird Banter. It was not commissioned by the editors and is not necessarily reflective of the opinions of Bluebird Banter or SB Nation.