I've seen alot of these "dreamteams" (basically meaning a team that acquires everyone and their dog during the offseason, named after the Eagles) fail. Will be interesting to see if the Jays pull it off. I hope they don't.
Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
In other words, if this deal gets done, the Blue Jays are getting back a lot more than just R.A. Dickey on a one-year deal.
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Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
For those unfamiliar with Travis D'Arnaud, he's the best catching prospect in the minor leagues. Big bat/arm, superb makeup. Future star.
An early congrats to the Jays on their 2013 AL East title. I don't agree with trading D'Arnaud, but AA is striking while the Yankees, Rays and Orioles have regressed and the Red Sox are in no-man's land. It's a good time to throw the chips in the center of the table.
An early congrats to the Jays on their 2013 AL East title. I don't agree with trading D'Arnaud, but AA is striking while the Yankees, Rays and Orioles have regressed and the Red Sox are in no-man's land. It's a good time to throw the chips in the center of the table.
Mark Reynolds! Ooo! Oh, wait, they have Manny Machado.
The Orioles were an 82-win team last season by Pythagorean record and they haven't added any pieces this winter. Plus, they've lost Reynolds, who is still an above-average offensive player despite the criticism. They're not going to win 93 games again next year as presently built.
The Orioles were an 82-win team last season by Pythagorean record and they haven't added any pieces this winter. Plus, they've lost Reynolds, who is still an above-average offensive player despite the criticism. They're not going to win 93 games again next year as presently built.
Seeing as anything is possible...it's possible
Sure as hell no one could explain their record last year and FA certainly isn't ending tomorrow
They're also full of young players who should be expected to take steps forward. A full season of Machado will be worth more than a full season from Reynolds
Sure as hell no one could explain their record last year and FA certainly isn't ending tomorrow
The following are anomalies: going 29-9 in one-run games; going 16-2 in extra-innings games; going 93-69 with a plus-7 run differential. The Orioles managed to accomplish all three last season and, as mentioned, haven't yet added anything to their team since. I can't see them having similar luck next year just because Machado will be around full time.
But you can also factor in that both New York and Tampa "should" be weaker while Boston is still a mess and Toronto, for the time being, looks good on "paper".
But you can also factor in that both New York and Tampa "should" be weaker while Boston is still a mess and Toronto, for the time being, looks good on "paper".
Dickey is about as unlikely as it gets to be lit up in the AL East. Nobody in that division has faced anything like him (Tim Wakefield's knuckleball was a good 10 mph slower).
