Thursday Bantering: Jays claim Oliver Drake

Mixed in with all the trades and trade rumors, the Blue Jays picked up RHP Oliver Drake off waivers from the Angels.

Drake hasn’t had much luck this year. He has a 6.39 ERA in 12.2 innings, split between Cleveland and LA. Career he has a 4.84 ERA in 114 relief appearances, spread over 4 seasons. Apparently he throws a low 90s fastball and a splitter that sits in the mid-80s.

I’m thinking he’s got to be better than Luis Santos.

Apparently Brandon (not Chris) Drury has been told he’ll be on the roster and in the starting lineup Friday. I would be happy if he plays third over Solarte. But if he plays over Lourdes, I’ll be far less happy.

I’m wondering if McKinney will be up too.

And MLB.com is reporting that the Braves have talked to the Blue Jays about Marcus Stroman. The Braves would have to give us a lot for Marcus. I honestly can’t see it happening.

Keith Law isn’t thrilled with the Jays take from the trade. But then, he spends a couple of hundred words calling Happ a average-ish fourth starter.

The Jays’ return here is rather disappointing, even for a rental. Brandon Drury is a solid bench player who can play third and first and maybe fill in at second (not well, but enough to stand there) and provide some OBP and a little pop in a reserve role.

(McKinney) had a beautiful swing in high school, but hasn’t developed much power and hasn’t hit for enough average to profile as even a below-average regular in left.