Sunday afternoon linkage..
- Sources say that there is a growing expectation within the Marlins organization that Larry Beinfest will lose power and that Dan Jennings will gain influence and become the dominant advisory voice for owner Jeffery Loria, writes Buster Olney of ESPN.com. It also remains to be seen whether Beinfest would be fired outright or simply see a loss in decision-making power. Sources also expect to see at least three other major changes made as well.
- The Blue Jays' next big focus will be to sign Colby Rasmus to a multi-year contract, writes Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star. The centerfielder is currently set to hit the open market after the 2014 season. Recently, Ben Nicholson-Smith looked back on the trade that brought Rasmus to Toronto.
- Bob Cohn of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks if the Pirates are truly smart spenders or just a frugal franchise. A recent piece by Bloomberg Businessweek had the Bucs as one of the most efficient spenders in MLB over the last five years, but Cohn is quick to point out the club's overall performance during that span versus their current play. Pittsburgh has gone 326-489 over the past five seasons, finishing last in the National League Central four times and fourth in 2011.
Dan Jennings the pitcher?
In my opinion, AA uses Yunel Escobar’s extension as the blueprint for negotiating an extension with Rasmus.
Why do the Blue Jays want to lock him up? Colby Rasmus is so overrated.
Just like the Braves had no use for Escobar, LaRussa was fed up with the uncoachable Rasmus in St. Louis. Two winning organizations wanted to get rid of these guys and the Blue Jays welcome them with open arms.
These guys are not worth the long-term investment at all. Find a stop gap option and send both of these guys packing.
That seems about right. They shouldn’t break the bank with him and it doesn’t sound like he’s going to ask them to.
Rasmus reminds me a lot of B. J. Upton-flashes of brilliance, slumps that take a long time to resolve, occasional bonehead plays, and a frustration to their organization for all of the above. I root for the Padres and Reds. I would love to have Rasmus and/or BJ on either one of those teams. I think they have enough talent that they are going to figure out how to be consistent.
You’re inclined do disagree with Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa? I would think both of those individuals input speaks volumes about the type of players Escobar and Rasmus are respectively (i.e. not winning players).
Even if one feels the Jays made off as bandits based on what was given up in return, it in no way should commit to them to locking either of these two up long term. They are second division players. The Jays needs to quit committing to these type of players. Rasmus and Escobar are nothing but warm bodies; something you do not tie up long-term if you want to win division titles with the hopes of going to the World Series.
Anthopolous is clueless. Bring back Gillick already.
Yep, I get your point. But, I think Upton is a lot more proven than Rasmus. Plus, he is available after this season. Your wish might come true.
Escobar is a 2 to 4 WAR SS who gets paid $5 mil per year with team options in the last two years. This is an excellent value for any team.
Sometimes a different coaching style can benefit players who are not comfortable where they are. Ever heard of this guy named Jose Bautista?
Good question! I think I’d like him in addition to him. They can figure out who plays where-there’s a lot of big outfields to patrol in the NL west.
johnsmith4 I agree that Upton is a lot more proven-he’s also had a few more seasons to gain consistency than Rasmus. I would not be surprised if their careers end up looking the same when all is said and done.
I would take them, either one, or both, flaws and all. Even with the flaws they offer a lot to a team.
Ah, yes, generally speaking, they are similar players with untapped potential. Good pickups for teams weak at CF.
Maybe history can teach you a thing or two – what do you think of Escobar now?
One down, one to go.
Pretty sure these guys are playing worse now than before. The Jays coaching staff has really done a great job of pulling the best out of Escobar, huh? It’s only a matter of time before Tony Ramus starts chirping again.