Blue Jays Offseason Moves: Concerns About Glove-First Non-Hitters
Blue Jays Offseason Moves: Concerns About Glove-First Non-Hitters
Blog Article
In the latest chat, baseball analyst Jay Jaffe raised a pressing question about the Toronto Blue Jays' strategy: "Is Ronel Blanco for real? Or, should Blue Jays fans worry that Mark Shapiro likes non-hitters who are good at fielding? This question comes from recent player acquisitions and the team's broader tactics. They emphasize defense over offense.
Blanco's Changeup and the Blue Jays' Offense
Jay Jaffe noted Blanco's effective changeup in his recent outing against the Blue Jays, which perplexed their hitters. Despite this performance, the Blue Jays' offensive potential is the underlying concern. While they have a lineup capable of delivering a decent offense, critical
decisions—such as letting Matt Chapman go and replacing him with Isiah Kiner-Falefa—raise eyebrows. Additionally, uncertainties around their second base options further cloud the offensive outlook.
Mike Trout: A Swing and Miss Conundrum
A discussion on Mike Trout revealed a mixed bag of hope and concern. Trout's recent 473-foot home run showcased his power. But, his strikeout rate has increased. It rose from about 21% (2011-2020) to 28% over the last three seasons. Jaffe suggests this trend warrants closer examination if it persists, given Trout's pivotal role in any lineup.
Volpe's Impressive Adjustment
Anthony Volpe's performance has markedly improved since 2023. At first, people were skeptical. But, his changes to flatten his attack angle have greatly boosted his offensive output. Jaffe emphasizes that, due to Volpe's youth, he turns 23 later this month. There's lots of room for growth. This is especially true with Juan Soto's arrival injecting new energy into the Yankees' offense.
The Future of Pitch Framing
The potential advent of automated balls and strikes (ABS) brings into question the legacy of the pitch-framing era. Jaffe likens this change to the high mound era of the 1960s. He says that, while a challenge system might reduce framing's impact, it will only partly negate it. This change could greatly alter how we evaluate catchers. It would move from valuing framing to valuing other defensive and offensive stats.
Yankees' Early Season Success
Jaffe attributes the Yankees' hot start to a roster improvement rather than a shift in hitting philosophy. The addition of players like Juan Soto has greatly improved their lineup. These players are replacing less productive hitters from last season. Jaffe also expects improvements from key players. These include Anthony Volpe, Oswaldo Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Rizzo.
Jarred Kelenic: Cautious Optimism
Discussing Jarred Kelenic, Jaffe advises cautious optimism. Braves fans might like the idea of Kelenic tormenting the Mets. But, his journey to becoming a reliable major leaguer has been full of challenges. Jaffe's "caveat emptor" warning highlights Kelenic's uncertainty in his development.
National Storylines to Watch
For fans of bad teams, Jaffe offers many exciting storylines to follow this season. They include: Yamamoto's debut. Also, the Dodgers' new roster. Plus, Juan Soto's return to the East. And, O'Neill Cruz's comeback. Lastly, the Rangers' prospects with Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter. These narratives provide ample excitement beyond team performance.
Red Sox and Starting Pitching Woes
Jaffe remains skeptical about the Red Sox's chances this season. He says they lack enough starting pitchers. Despite a strong start from the rotation, the team's ability to sustain this performance remains to be determined.
The Hall of Fame Debate
The Hall of Fame debate touched on players like Johan Santana. He had an impressive career but faces stiff competition for ballot space. Jaffe highlights the challenge for players with shorter but impactful careers. He points out the ongoing evolution in evaluating Hall of Fame credentials.
Below is a table of key statistical metrics for players mentioned in Jaffe's chat:
Player
AVG
OBP
SLG
HR
RBI
SO%
BB%
WAR
Mike Trout(2021-23)
.291
.401
.582
70
162
28%
15%
17.3
Anthony Volpe (2023)
.235
.310
.390
21
62
26%
9%
2.1
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
.265
.316
.354
12
91
14%
6%
1.5
Juan Soto (2023)
.273
.407
.519
35
108
19%
18%
6.5
Jarred Kelenic (2023)
.202
.294
.363
14
45
33%
10%
1.3
Conclusion
The discussions in Jay Jaffe's chat highlight big worries and potential bright spots. They are about many teams and players. For the Blue Jays, emphasizing glove-first non-hitters like Isiah Kiner-Falefa could prove costly. Meanwhile, stars like Mike Trout and Anthony Volpe offer reasons for both optimism and caution. As the season progresses, these narratives will evolve, providing a rich tapestry of baseball drama.
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