What is the story about?
There
were little bits of Jays news yesterday:
- Ross Atkins was asked about negotiations with Bo Bichette. Ross said that “My conversations with him, I’ll keep to Bo and I.” Not a surprise.
- The Red Sox also spoke with Bichette. I’d hate to see him in a Red Sox uniform. But I’m not surprised that he’s talking to the Red Sox or that they have been loud about talking to the Red Sox. I’d imagine Bo’s plan is to talk to everyone, get an idea of how much he could get and then come back to the Jays and ask if they can match or beat it.
- After Kyle Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ spring training facilities, he talked to the Yankees. Brian Cashman said that Tucker ‘didn’t visit the Yankees’ complex.‘ I wouldn’t read much into that. But Cashman also said that they are already too ‘left-handed’. I am kind of hopeful that something will happen with him.
- The Jays have been talking to Robert Suarez. He had 40 saves last year (with 5 blown saves). Suarez will be 35 by the start of next season. He’s had four seasons with the Padres, the last two as their closer. I’m sure they have talked to every closer on the free agent market.
- Former Jays’ pitcher Steven Matz to a two-year contract. He’s been pitching out of the bullpen for the last couple of years.
- Jose Berrios ‘wasn’t happy’ that he was left off the World Series roster and decided to go home instead of watching his teammates. I never read too much into that stuff, I’d imagine that, if the Jays don’t trade him’ he’ll still be back this spring trying his best to make sure they don’t leave him off any playoff roster next year.
- Ross Atkins said that ‘Shane Bieber is expected to be ready for opening day’. I didn’t know there was some question of whether he would be ready.
- They see Cody Ponce as a starting pitcher. Also not a surprise.
- They see Louis Varland as a reliever.
- There will be no inning limit on Trey Yesavage next year.
- Jon Heyman says the Jays are interested in Ketel Marte. He’s had three really good years in a row and would be a nice fit at second if, say, Bo signed with someone else.
