:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7609956/147133704.jpg)
If anyone is wondering why the links are late, it's because I forgot that it's Tuesday (it is Tuesday, right?) So, the Jays won yesterday but Alvarez left the game early. The Jays sound optimistic that it isn't anything serious, but they said the same thing when Drabek was injured. This is really something else.
Ken Rosenthal mentioned that talk of trading Detroit Tigers pitcher, Rick Porcello makes sense, considering he his a ground ball pitcher and the Tigers infield defence is bad (article here). Porcello's numbers won't blow anyone away, but this guy was a top prospect not that long ago and his FIP (3.98) looks much better than his ERA (4.71). Is he a guy that you would like to see the Jays pursue? Seems to me like he would be a typical Anthopolous acquisition. The second question is, would the Tigers even make sense as a trade partner, or would it take a third team to make the trade? Would the Tigers be interested in a player like Encarnacion since Victor Martinez is out for the year? Somebody more familiar with their roster, feel free to let me know. Would we even consider trading Encarnacion anymore? So many questions, so few answers - discuss away!
Anyway, onto the links!
JAYS LINKS
Jose Bautista’s Strange Season
Jose could be joining some rare company of elite hitting players with low Batting Average on Balls in Play.
Blue Jays’ Ricky Romero doesn’t take kindly to jokes about Jays’ injuries
Ricky is getting angry.
Adam Lind just happy to be back with Blue Jays - thestar.com
I'm sure I read about 20 of these "Lind feels great" articles a year, but this part was encouraging:
The plan for Lind’s return to the lineup, at least for the time being, will have him starting primarily against right-handed pitchers — in the sixth or seventh spot in the batting order — with Edwin Encarnacion moving to DH. Against lefties, Encarnacion will play first, Ben Francisco will DH and Lind would be a pinch-hitting option.
Jays turn to veteran Jamie Moyer
And the Jays pitching staff goes from one of the youngest in baseball, to one of the oldest in a hurry! I don't think Moyer will be great if (when?) he gets called up but he can't be any worse than some of the other guys that have been pitching.
Perchance to dream . . .
The Southpaw talks about the Jays pitching woes...and wonders if Roy Halladay would be a viable option in a trade. I doubt it would happen, but we can dream, right?
More from the Jays, a bunch of prospect talk, and a few from around the league after the jump!
Free Travis Snider
Ian at the Blue Jay Hunter with this one. I think Snider will get the call when Rajai Davis is traded - just my 2 cents though.
Three Things From Week Twelve
Considering this was written before last night, I'm sure the 500 Level Fan is feeling even 'bluer' about the Jays rotation.
Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista in line for All-Star start
Vote for Bautista! He's just ahead of Nelson Cruz for the 3rd OF spot. If he's in, it will give me one reason to watch at least 3 innings of the all-star game.
PROSPECT TALK
Syndergaard nearly perfect for five
Noah Syndergaard is developing a 5th pitch (a slider). His expanded repertoire and more importantly, better fastball control, have helped with better results as of late. Sickels is showing some love for Syndergaard as well over at Minor League Ball.
Blue Jays Prospect Hot Sheet: Week 11
Kyle Matte at Jays Journal runs down the hot prospects of the week. It's nice to see three CFers and 2 pitchers on the list.
Blue Jays’ 2012 draft class set to hatch
Griffin talks a bit about the Jays philosophy and the drafted players that haven't signed yet. The same article also has power rankings, a week in review, an all-star rant, AL and NL roundups, a minor league roundup and some thoughts about Milwaukee and Miami. Richard has been busy!
Fuenmayor & Avendano named NWL Player & Pitcher of the Week
As a team, they're not doing so well, but Vancouver had a couple of stand out performances this week.
A Quick Chat with Southpaw, Justin Nicolino
Jays Prospects has a small interview with Nicolino.
Art of Rock'N'Roll & Hey Nicolino!
Batter's Box with their minor league recaps from yesterday - it wasn't a particularly good day on the farm.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Kevin Youkilis deal opens what could be a fascinating trade season
After the Youk trade, Jeff Passan looks at 10 more players that could be on the move. Lots of pitchers might be available.
Is the full-time DH a dinosaur on its way to extinction?
Huh - only David Ortiz and Billy Butler are on pace for more than 500 PA as a DH this year. Anyway, nothing new for folks around here, but SI discussed the lack of value in a full time DH.
Marlon Byrd Shows PEDs Not a Miracle Cure
Byrd, if you didn't hear, was suspended for 50 games yesterday.