Tuesday trade talk

Yesterday we were all focused on the upcoming A’s series, i had a planned a fairly routine news roundup for this morning and then this happened:

To say the trade was a surprise is a mild understatement. With all the off field concerns, there has been a talk among the Jays fan base as to what might happen with Osuna and if he would return at all to the Jays.

It seems that the FO had already made a decision a while back:

Our thread on this trade was pretty interesting to say the least. Robust would be another word too.

One thing i love about the community here is the way in which we discuss things. On the whole we can disagree over things in a civilized manner. Most people put up well rounded and thought out arguments and others counter with the same. I think that’s healthy.

As you would expect from such a surprising trade the discussion wasn’t just centered around Osuna the player but Osuna the person. I’ll be honest, some of the comments regarding his off field behaviour, how we should interpret it and also how the victim should be viewed were pretty dire. None of us are party to what happened, but it was serious enough to warrant arrest, a forthcoming court appearance and a 75 game suspension.

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Domestic assault, whether once or 100 times is unacceptable. Deriding those victims who come forward to talk about it is also unacceptable. Calling it a witch hunt or other terms just shows a lack of empathy and understanding. As someone once said ‘ the privileged see equality as oppression”.

Most of all, Osuna’s partner and child have experienced something that most of us, fortunately, won’t have to. Here’s hoping that in all of the trade talk, we remember that.

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Whilst some of us are upset and others happy with the trade, ultimately we have to remember that in some ways Osuna left the Jays with no choice.

Trading him as the path of least resistance or as others might say, closed a good ‘bad baseball deal’.

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A’s: lots and lots, Jays: 1

We also had a game last night vs the A’s where we lost 10-1. Diaz hit a homer, that’s about it. I stopped caring by the end,

Teoscar Hernandez and Jaime Garcia both reinforced the fact that they should not be on a Major League roster and in fact should be fired into the sun.

Following the game, the clubhouse was closed for 30 minutes with no media allowed in. Gibby didn’t elaborate on what was going on, but i think they were all playing a game of ‘ who wants to play LF because Teoscar aint cutting it?’

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Trade talk

The Jays Blue Jays are expected to shop all three of John Axford, Tyler Clippard and Aaron Loup prior to the Deadline. I won’t be totally sad to see all three of them go.

With Justin Smoak not in the lineup yesterday, is there a chance he is on the move? Maybe even Estrada will go?

Come the 1pm trade deadline today, i guess we will see who is left standing (or lying on a physio’s couch) for the Jays.

The Yankees are kicking the tyres on Curtis Granderson (as well as Andrew McCutcheon)

The Yankees have already traded for Lance Lynn from the Twins and sent Adam Warren to the Mariners, who also hoovered up Zach Duke, also from the Twins.

The Red Sox traded for Ian Kinsler and his veteran presents.

The Braves went and got Adam Duvall ,who is coming off consectuive 30 homer seasons for the Reds.

The Pirates boarded the Rangers boat and kidnapped Keone Kela who is delighted not to be playing for the most disliked team in Texas.

Rumours are that the Nats are actively shopping Bryce Harper and that Cleveland are interested.

Meanwhile the Rays have asked everyone to empty their piggy banks and present their best offers for Chris Archer. The Dodgers, Yankees, Padres, Braves and the Brewers are all said to be keen.

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Roster moves and injury updates

And with the trades, we had some roster moves too

• RHP Ken Giles & RHP David Paulino added to 40-man roster
• RHP Oliver Drake designated for assignment (guess it wasn’t God’s Plan for him to be in Toronto very long)
• 3B Josh Donaldson transferred to 60-day DL (sad but no surprise)

Oliver Drake didnt last long with us, appearing in two games and composing a sparkling ERA of 16.20. Batters were hitting .444 against him. He has had 4 teams already this season- i think we know why...

Im not surprised at Josh going on the 60 day DL- I’m hoping its retroactive but then again, not likely.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was having his MRI results on his knee and ankle were being reviewed by team staff and a foot and ankle specialist. This together with Devon Travis’ back tightness, meant we saw Russell ‘crazy hair’ Martin at 3B

Kevin Pillar took batting practice on the field for the first time since spraining his right sternoclavicular joint before the all-star break. He’s also throwing and running without restriction and will incorporate diving and sliding later this week.

Aaron Sanchez is slated to throw his second side session Tuesday.

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Vlad mania!

While we may not have nice things now, we do have nice things awaiting in the future: Biggio, Bichette, Jansen, Alford and of course Vlad, who is now with AAA Buffalo, where its all gone a bit manic at his arrival.

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Play of the Day

The Phillies conspire to hit into a double play....the ole 5-2-6-5, double rundown double play. Ezequiel Carrera would be proud: