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#BlueJays ⚾️🧵focusing on one of the league's most underrated young hitters: Alejandro Kirk
Included Below: An approach followed by many Jays; historical comps; a late-season slump (but how bad was it); and what I'd like to see just a bit more of in 2023...
Included Below: An approach followed by many Jays; historical comps; a late-season slump (but how bad was it); and what I'd like to see just a bit more of in 2023...
Let's start here: The underrated aspect to Kirk's hitting.
It's a rare combo to not strike out much, walk a lot & be a good hitter.
Kirk is one of just 5 hitters to rank in the 85th percentile or better in K-rate, walk-rate & xwOBA (really just a measure of hitting quality).
It's a rare combo to not strike out much, walk a lot & be a good hitter.
Kirk is one of just 5 hitters to rank in the 85th percentile or better in K-rate, walk-rate & xwOBA (really just a measure of hitting quality).
Over the last 20 yrs, Joe Mauer, Sal Perez & Brian McCann are the only catchers with more WAR thru their age-23 season. And look at the list below of catchers with OPS+ > 120 thru age-23.
I'm not sure any of us have appreciated just how good & refined a hitter Kirk (already) is.
I'm not sure any of us have appreciated just how good & refined a hitter Kirk (already) is.
Ricky Tiedemann #BlueJays ⚾️🧵
This is about believing the hype, swag, (un)reasonable expectations, modern pitch usage, a near-unique delivery, historical comps & what's left to work on.
Let's start here: Prospect Rankings
33rd in MLB (1st in Org)
8th-ranked pitcher (2nd LHP)
This is about believing the hype, swag, (un)reasonable expectations, modern pitch usage, a near-unique delivery, historical comps & what's left to work on.
Let's start here: Prospect Rankings
33rd in MLB (1st in Org)
8th-ranked pitcher (2nd LHP)
According to @baseball_ref, Tiedemann led ALL Minor League pitchers (75+ IP) with a 0.86 WHIP.
In his first pro season.
At age 19.
2.17 ERA, 117 K/29 BB.
Filthy, video game stuff & one of the things I like most about him is he carries himself like an ace.
He's got swag.
In his first pro season.
At age 19.
2.17 ERA, 117 K/29 BB.
Filthy, video game stuff & one of the things I like most about him is he carries himself like an ace.
He's got swag.
Gold chain, high socks, long hair, a sleeve of art work on his throwing arm... It all works!
But that only carries you so far.
The stuff is pure filth too.
I believe @PitchingNinja would call many of these ⚔️
But that only carries you so far.
The stuff is pure filth too.
I believe @PitchingNinja would call many of these ⚔️
#BlueJays ⚾️🧵 Matt Chapman Defence
Analytics vs Jays Fans!
Let's start here: If last season happened decades ago, Chapman would have won Gold Glove.
Former winner, career-low in errors, "new team" narrative & a collection of hilite reel plays.
But we need to talk about this!
Analytics vs Jays Fans!
Let's start here: If last season happened decades ago, Chapman would have won Gold Glove.
Former winner, career-low in errors, "new team" narrative & a collection of hilite reel plays.
But we need to talk about this!
And luckily, someone smarter than me already talked about this in season (see link below).
@mike_petriello dove in mid-season & found there were issues not with errors per se, but just plays not being made by Chapman
I wanted to expand on that!
mlb.com/news/how-conte…
@mike_petriello dove in mid-season & found there were issues not with errors per se, but just plays not being made by Chapman
I wanted to expand on that!
mlb.com/news/how-conte…
First, some context: It almost would have been impossible for Chapman to maintain his standard because his standard was just so bloody high.
He's one of the best defensive players of his generation, regardless of position & Buck Martinez knew it when he first saw it!
He's one of the best defensive players of his generation, regardless of position & Buck Martinez knew it when he first saw it!
What do you do when you're watching the Nuggets game & Jokic goes to the bench to rest?
You look at Zach Thompson cutters!
Mini #BlueJays ⚾️🧵starting with this: The problem was with cutters vs lefties & the problem was predictability.
You look at Zach Thompson cutters!
Mini #BlueJays ⚾️🧵starting with this: The problem was with cutters vs lefties & the problem was predictability.
LHB vs Thompson Cutter
'21: .211 avg, .316 slug, .281 wOBA, 0 HR
'22: .378 avg, .778 slug, .513 wOBA, 4 HR
1st clip vs Freeman tipped me off: 1-1 count, pitch on edge, but he was all over it, pulling hands in, etc...
Then you look at heat maps of his cutter & a story develops.
'21: .211 avg, .316 slug, .281 wOBA, 0 HR
'22: .378 avg, .778 slug, .513 wOBA, 4 HR
1st clip vs Freeman tipped me off: 1-1 count, pitch on edge, but he was all over it, pulling hands in, etc...
Then you look at heat maps of his cutter & a story develops.
He threw cutters to the outside corner vs LHB ~5-6 times more often in 2021 compared to 2022.
He essentially threw it in one spot this year.
Good hitters & good teams pick up on that & zone in.
If he mixes it up more, goes backdoor again, the cutter results can improve (end).
He essentially threw it in one spot this year.
Good hitters & good teams pick up on that & zone in.
If he mixes it up more, goes backdoor again, the cutter results can improve (end).
#BlueJays ⚾️🧵Yusei Kikuchi Deep Dive
Another thread about belief in September stats, about finding comps for such a strange year & about mound position & usage.
Let's start here:
Reliever Strikeout Rate
1. Diaz 50.2%
2. Fairbanks 43.7%
3. Williams 40%
4. Kikuchi 39.8%
Another thread about belief in September stats, about finding comps for such a strange year & about mound position & usage.
Let's start here:
Reliever Strikeout Rate
1. Diaz 50.2%
2. Fairbanks 43.7%
3. Williams 40%
4. Kikuchi 39.8%
Now, that leaderboard is obviously tongue-in-cheek (he only has 18 IP as RP), but his performance & aggressiveness in September was really intriguing for hard-core Jays fans.
But it was such a weird year.
Check out this list of 10+ strikeouts per 9, 5+ walks per 9 (100 IP min)
But it was such a weird year.
Check out this list of 10+ strikeouts per 9, 5+ walks per 9 (100 IP min)
Robbie Ray being on that list is interesting for a few reasons...
And the Jays did something with Kikuchi in September 2022 that they did with Robbie Ray in September 2020: They moved him on the mound towards First Base.
And the Jays did something with Kikuchi in September 2022 that they did with Robbie Ray in September 2020: They moved him on the mound towards First Base.
So, the popular Day 1 bullet points on Varsho are elite defence, power, can't hit lefties. What else do you need to know about his game?
A short #BlueJays ⚾️🧵on their newest acquisition.
Let's start here: He can swipe bags!
25+ HR & 15+ SB - 2022 MLB
A short #BlueJays ⚾️🧵on their newest acquisition.
Let's start here: He can swipe bags!
25+ HR & 15+ SB - 2022 MLB
Remember: new rules on pitch clocks, pick offs, and bigger bases will place a greater emphasis on the running game...
So here's another aspect of the game where Varsho will improve the Jays overall...
So here's another aspect of the game where Varsho will improve the Jays overall...
Next: Varsho's overall numbers might improve because of the shifting rules. Along with Kiermaier & Biggio, Jays have a few hitters now whose performance might spike up just a touch because of this in '23
Last #BlueJays ⚾️🧵 of 2022 is on one of the biggest questions heading into 2023 & beyond: Bo Bichette's defence.
Let's start here: Did you know Bichette's Def. Runs Saved was +7 from 2019-21? 12th among MLB SS in that time.
Let's start here: Did you know Bichette's Def. Runs Saved was +7 from 2019-21? 12th among MLB SS in that time.
But, Outs Above Average has never been a huge fan of Bichette's D & his DRS plummeted in 2022 to -16, which ranked 238th out of 243 MLB players to 500+ innings of defensive play.
Let's establish this: He is going to want to stay at SS. It makes the best sense for him for his career & future free agency.
It also makes sense for the Jays to see if he can figure it out because the bat is historically good.
Check out the comp to age-24 with Tulo & Nomar.
It also makes sense for the Jays to see if he can figure it out because the bat is historically good.
Check out the comp to age-24 with Tulo & Nomar.
A brief interruption from tennis for a short #NextLevel #BlueJays 🇨🇦⚾️🧵 on Jose Berrios.
It's about what happens when something stops working, how you try to adjust & a prediction about the off-season.
Let's start here: His 4-seam pitch chart from last night....
It's about what happens when something stops working, how you try to adjust & a prediction about the off-season.
Let's start here: His 4-seam pitch chart from last night....
Easy to look at chart above & say, "he couldn't locate his 4-seamer" but when you look at tape, that's not where I land.
I see someone who has told himself he almost will never throw a 4-seamer over the plate (of note, of the 3 he threw over the plate: bunt single, HR, single)
I see someone who has told himself he almost will never throw a 4-seamer over the plate (of note, of the 3 he threw over the plate: bunt single, HR, single)
It makes sense. 4-seam has been issue all year & the team has been trying to work around it (w/ some success)
They moved him on mound, threw more sinkers, threw more breakers & here's 2 undisputable truths: He's throwing it less often & less in the zone than he ever has before
They moved him on mound, threw more sinkers, threw more breakers & here's 2 undisputable truths: He's throwing it less often & less in the zone than he ever has before
So many sports writers are neutral about @WhitMerrifield's bodily autonomy, who got traded to #BlueJays
but won't be able to play unless he submits his body over to the state.
It's sad. We all know vax doesn't stop the spread. What gives?
@timandfriends
@JeffPassan
1/4
but won't be able to play unless he submits his body over to the state.
It's sad. We all know vax doesn't stop the spread. What gives?
@timandfriends
@JeffPassan
1/4
This mandate is cruel and unscientific. There's a chance for permanent heart damage, even death. Would you be proud of your silence if an adverse effect happened to him?
@longleysunsport
@bnicholsonsmith
2/4
@longleysunsport
@bnicholsonsmith
2/4
Sports writers were eager to virtue signal about other causes, get political when it was safe. But absurd medical coercion doesn't make the cut?
A reason why this ridiculous mandate remains is because ...
@ShiDavidi
@DShulman_ESPN
3/4
A reason why this ridiculous mandate remains is because ...
@ShiDavidi
@DShulman_ESPN
3/4
Geez, never give up on this #BlueJays team. Just tied it 7-7!
Now they’re winning! 🤯 #BlueJays
And they’re back in the lead 9-8! Is this what #NextLevel means!?
Caught up with Buck Martinez today and the veteran broadcaster is thrilled at returning to full-time duties calling #Bluejays games, including those in Toronto in 2022.
Buck politely declined to talk about his vaccine status, but you can do the math.
And yes, he will be calling games in person in Toronto.
"It's gonna get better"
Perhaps someone else needs to hear this today. So I'm sharing.
I was leaving the grocery store, overloaded and overheated (and overwhelmed in general) and I was really struggling to get (and keep) it together. One elastic on my "good" mask had broken so
Perhaps someone else needs to hear this today. So I'm sharing.
I was leaving the grocery store, overloaded and overheated (and overwhelmed in general) and I was really struggling to get (and keep) it together. One elastic on my "good" mask had broken so
it was being held on by my cloth mask...which was strapped over my bike helmet. And threaded through all that action was an earbud so I could try to listen to the #BlueJays game on the radio. I couldn't retrace my way out of that tangle. I was hot and didn't feel well.
I was exhausted and I couldn't find a way to get the groceries onto my bike (watermelons are awkward and heavy). And then I couldn't find my keys to unlock my bike. And, after watching this absolute disaster of a human crumple in front of him for a few minutes, a man
Jays' 8th in Oakland tonight was picture perfect inside ball.
Team functioning like gears in a transmission; putting pressure on the opposition, executing unusual ways to take bases and plate runs.
#BlueJays
#MaddonBall
Team functioning like gears in a transmission; putting pressure on the opposition, executing unusual ways to take bases and plate runs.
#BlueJays
#MaddonBall
Fielder's Choice in the 8th as the double play is not possible and runner on second (Jonathan Davis) advances to 3rd; then the pass ball scores a run.
#BlueJays
#MaddonBall
#BlueJays
#MaddonBall
Davis scores.
STAR ROSTER NEWS ⚾
The Star is pleased to announce a new free agent signing: Long-time #BlueJays writer and radio host Mike Wilner (aka @Wilnerness) will be joining our sports team as a columnist.
Here’s why he’s getting back in the game with the Star: thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
The Star is pleased to announce a new free agent signing: Long-time #BlueJays writer and radio host Mike Wilner (aka @Wilnerness) will be joining our sports team as a columnist.
Here’s why he’s getting back in the game with the Star: thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
“I’m so excited to get to continue to be a big part of covering the #BlueJays,” @Wilnerness writes. “This iconic Toronto paper’s in my blood, and I’m thrilled to have gone from delivering it to writing in it.”
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
For many fans, #BlueJays radio has been synonymous with personalities like Jerry Horwath, Tom Cheek — and Mike Wilner.
“I was so happy to bring Blue Jays baseball into your homes on the radio for all those years.” @Wilnerness
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
“I was so happy to bring Blue Jays baseball into your homes on the radio for all those years.” @Wilnerness
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
When Alejandro Kirk was called up, he was determined to help the #BlueJays reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
“Any role that they give me, I will do my best and I will be ready. My focus is on being 100 per cent ready to help the team win.”
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
“Any role that they give me, I will do my best and I will be ready. My focus is on being 100 per cent ready to help the team win.”
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
.@GregorChisholm called Kirk's promotion a change in the club’s direction, as the #BlueJays are notoriously cautious with player development.
"Kirk’s official role on Day 1 was backup catcher ... but make no mistake about it, he’s here because of the bat.
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
"Kirk’s official role on Day 1 was backup catcher ... but make no mistake about it, he’s here because of the bat.
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
Kirk had last played at class-A in 2019, and #BlueJays manager Charlie Montoyo was clear upon his promotion that he was brought along to learn how the Jays do things.
“Just to get him acclimated to the big leagues ... that was the main idea."
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
“Just to get him acclimated to the big leagues ... that was the main idea."
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
This decision by Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine is baffling and disappointing.
If it is safe for Pittsburgh to host the #Pirates and visiting clubs for thirty games – and it is – then it is safe for Pittsburgh to host the Pirates, the #BlueJays, and visiting teams for nearly 60 games.
As explained during my roundtable yesterday, Major League Baseball and the Players Association are adhering to CDC guidelines and implementing a rigorous COVID-19 prevention and testing program.
The #BlueJays announced they'll wear a commemorative uniform patch to honour the late Tony Fernandez.
Our recent feature on #1, the Jays legend who brought hope to his homeland of the Dominican Republic and was an inspiration to kids growing up in Canada.
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
Our recent feature on #1, the Jays legend who brought hope to his homeland of the Dominican Republic and was an inspiration to kids growing up in Canada.
thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
"He could be a Hall of Famer," said @PHentgen. "He was like the Roy Halladay of position players for the Blue Jays."
Hentgen said @shawngreen15 and @carlosdelgado21 used to call Fernandez "Yoda" because of the way he passed the torch to younger players. thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
Hentgen said @shawngreen15 and @carlosdelgado21 used to call Fernandez "Yoda" because of the way he passed the torch to younger players. thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
When Vlad Jr. was 11-years-old, he stood in the dirt at third in the Dominican Republic as a man hit him ground balls.
“I didn’t know who he was when he was hitting ground balls, but they told me after that it was Tony Fernandez." @VladGuerrero27 thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
“I didn’t know who he was when he was hitting ground balls, but they told me after that it was Tony Fernandez." @VladGuerrero27 thestar.com/sports/bluejay…
