Happy Birthday Ken Giles

Ken Giles turns 29 today.

When the Blue Jays picked up Giles in the Roberto Osuna trade, he came with his own baggage. We all saw the video of him hitting himself. And the Astros had sent him to the minors when he had a poor start to the 2018 season.

Of course, Osuna had his own issues that forced the Jays into making the trade, so we kind of expected getting a discounted return. Along with Giles, the Astros sent David Paulino (who was released after 7 starts and a 3.45 ERA in Buffalo this year, as far as I can tell no team has picked him up) and Hector Perez (who had a 4.60 ERA in 26 games, 24 starts in New Hampshire).

Since the trade Giles has a 2.62 ERA with 34 saves (1 blown save). His 34 saves puts him 13th in Blue Jays history. If he can pick up 2 more saves he would be tied for 10th, 4 more would put him 9th. Batters are hitting .196/.265/.335 against him.

Had he not been injured at the trade deadline, I’m sure he would have been traded, but I’m glad he is still around. He’s been terrific and seems like a great teammate, from what we can tell from a distance.

That said he might be traded in the off-season, not that I wouldn’t be against giving him an extension and keeping him around for when we come out of the other side of this rebuild. But, at the moment, he likely has more value to us as a trade piece than as a closer. A closer on a rebuilding team isn’t all that useful.

Happy Birthday Ken. I hope you get a save for your birthday.