In his latest notes column for FOXSports.com, Jon Paul Morosi spoke with several Blue Jays players, including Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie, about the team's chemistry and whether or not it played a role in their disappointing 2013 campaign. Bautista said that it wasn't a problem, but the team will benefit in 2014 from having spent a year together. Morosi writes that the Jays' players are paying particularly close attention to the level of resources (dollars) ownership is willing to allocate to a potential Ervin Santana signing. Here are some highlights from Morosi's piece…
- Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told Morosi on Sunday, via email, that the club is "looking at [its] own personnel" and "will continue to evaluate" outside alternatives for left field in the wake of Andy Dirks' injury. Non-roster invitees Ezquiel Carrera and Trevor Crowe will compete for a spot to platoon with Rajai Davis, though neither has been impressive thus far in Spring Training.
- The Cardinals could've lined up as a trade partner for Dombrowski had Oscar Taveras been fully healthy, as he could've served as more of a challenge to Jon Jay's spot in Spring Training. Taveras has played in just two games at this point, however.
- Morosi also hears that the Rockies aren't looking to trade an outfielder and haven't had discussions about doing so, even though it may be tough to fit Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson on the Opening Day roster. Either left-handed hitter would be a logical target for Detroit to pursue should Colorado change its mind.
- Michael Pineda could give the Yankees a playoff-caliber rotation if he's able to pitch a full season, Morosi writes. He spoke with Yankees catcher Brian McCann, who recalled feeling uncomfortable when facing Pineda in 2011 and has been encouraged by his work in Spring Training thus far.
- MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told Morosi that the union and MLB continue to discuss potential changes to the Joint Drug Agreement that could take effect for the 2014 season. Clark has received "extensive" feedback from players on whether stiffer penalties are needed, including opinions on the 50-game suspension for first-time offenders.
I wonder what it would take to get John Jay. It’s not like the cards need any more major or minor league talent.
More than the Tigers are willing to part with, I’m sure. Detroit has a poor farm system. Our current prospect list is Castellanos(slated to start as the 3b this year) and then Robbie Ray… then a bunch of guys who are way off and have a lot of question marks.
Morosi talking to his baseball card collection again.
It’s Ezequiel Carrera, not Ezquiel.
How about the Tigers take Travis Snider from the Pirates. That way there’s room for Gregory Polanco to make the Opening Day roster. I know its still early in ST, but this kid looks ready.
I think the Pirates may be more interested in Polanco’s eventual Super-Two date than his readiness for Opening Day.
With Tallion, that’s understandable. But Polanco needs to be on the 25 man roster. If the Pirates are going to compete with the Cardinals, they need to field the best team possible. No one wants to see 3 months of Tabata/Snider.
Could hurt his development if they aren’t able to give him enough plate appearances.
I think the Pirates may be more interested in Polanco’s eventual Super-Two date than his readiness for Opening Day.
Isn’t Ichiro like the Yankees 5th outfielder? He seems to fit the profile of people they like these days.
Since the White Sox want a lefty bat with power potential maybe Collins and Jonathan Thompson for De Aza.
You mean Jake Thompson or Jonathan Crawford?
No we have 2 SP prospects named J Tompson and one us Jonathan I believe.
I’m not ready to panic yet over LF. Impact should be pretty minimal if he is able to return by late May or early June… that said, if they receive word that it will be longer… Then it’d have to be time to look outside of the organization.
My choice is still Sweeny from the cubs if they’re willing to part with him. Shouldn’t cost much in the way of prospects, and his splits against righties makes him a great platoon option. Then, when Dirks comes back… if DD thinks Andy is the better option, he’d be a solid reserve OF.