Should the Jays Trade Jose?

Don't hurt me. I beg of you.

The proposition seems preposterous. It may very well be preposterous; why move one of the best outfielders in the game on a bargain contract? Here's my response... why not?

Because he's locked up for nickels and dimes, that's all the more reason to trade Jose Bautista. Look at it from a contending team's perspective - who wouldn't want one of the game's biggest power threats with great instincts and a cannon of an arm in the outfield for only $14 million/year until 2015, with an option for 2016.

The Jays could get a huge haul for Joey Bats. Like... a HUGE haul... and as great a player as he is, do the Jays really need him?

Outfielder Kevin Pillar is banging on the door, posting a ridiculous .349 BA at AAA, while Anthony Gose and Moises Sierra still can't be counted out.

Further, offense isn't the problem. The Blue Jays are 8th in the Majors in runs scored - ahead of the A's, Braves, Reds, Rangers, Yankees, and Dodgers.

Would the Blue Jays offense take that huge a hit without Jose Bautista?

Take a look at MY hypothetical lineup:

1. RF Kevin Pillar
2. LF Melky Cabrera
3. SS Jose Reyes
4. 1B Edwin Encarnacion
5. DH Adam Lind
6. CF Colby Rasmus
7. 2B Maicer Izturis
8. C  JP Arencibia
9. 3B Brett Lawrie

Not too shabby.

It may be bold to assume that Kevin Pillar could so soon handle the vigor of being an everyday lead off man. But if that assumption is even close to reality, the Jays offense would be fine. That lineup is still very capable.

What the Blue Jays really need is starting pitching.

The Jays should know first hand that offense isn't needed if you pitch well. They've been slaughtered by the Rays over the course of the past six years.

So why not move Jose Bautista? Just imagine what you could get.

Jose Bautista is great. Young controllable talent is also great though.

Should Jose be moved? Leave a comment...

The Legend of The Red Bull

Some say he never left.
Some say he flew away with the wings that the Red Bull gave him.

But most say he's still here... 'cause he is. Should he be though?

Brett Lawrie is a spectacular third baseman. Defensively at least. Not as spectacular as... say a Manny Machado or dare I say it, Tabler, an Evan Longoria?

I digress. 

Brett Lawrie is still a very solid defensive infielder - and much more of a contributor than Munenori Kawasaki. Yet one must wonder if the Blue Jays are ruining him.

We've seen other Jays prospects disappear into the land of mediocrity following an impressionable debut *cough cough* Mr. Snider *cough cough*

This raises the question - should Brett Lawrie be sent down? He, like Travis Snider, had an incredible start to their careers. He, like Travis Snider, was maybe rushed. MAYBE. He, like Travis Snider, was incredibly young when he was called up.

Sure, other youngsters have been called up at young ages. Manny Machado, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, etc.

But if the player is struggling after a year or two, is it time to send them back down?

Despite the D, Lawrie has been... well... less than impressive this year, struggling to make solid contact at the plate, posting an average barely eclipsing the Mendoza Line. From what I see through my (what must be) less than professional analysis, Lawrie's swing needs work. Not level. Choppy. Overexcited. Whatever you want to call it.

It's the elephant in the room.

The next few weeks should be the deciding factor. Continuous struggles and he should be sent down.

What's your call? Leave a comment...