The Blue Jays may have made an impetuous decision when they released Shun Yamaguchi RHP after he disappointed in a SSS in an extremely unusual situation. The Jays signed veteran last year to a 2 yr/$6.35 M deal after a 14 year career in Japan in which he compiled a 73-65 W-L record with a 3.19 ERA in 1262 IP. He has both starting and bullpen experience on his resume. His ERA with the Jays was over 8 in 25 IP.
The Giants deal was announced as a split minor/majors agreement but details are murky. The Jays are on the hook for all but the league minimum portion of his $3.175 salary for 2021 and there seems to be a player opt out clause if he does not make the Opening Day roster but he also has MILB options.
Yamaguchi has a 3-pitch mix of a 91 MPH FB(41%), CB(17%) and Split(40%). The Giants have announced that he will work as a SP in Spring Training. He seems to be a longshot to make the Opening Day roster but given the injury histories of several Giants pitchers, there is a good chance at least one of the will start the season on the IL making room for the new guy.
MLB.com initial Spring Training MLB Power Rankings. #1 - Dodgers. #2 - Padres. The balance of the division - Giants, D-Backs and Rockies - all in the bottom eight. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteIf 2-3 of the acquired SP's come close to their upside, I think the Giants could contend for a Wild Card berth, although with the Dodgers and Padres in the West and the Nationals and Braves in the East, that will be tough without an expanded postseason field.
DeleteIf the injury histories come back to bite or we see multiple disappointing performances, it also could get ugly.
Scott Kazmir.
ReplyDeleteMy prediction. At least two of the pitchers the Giants have added over the past 90 days will turn into significant young talent adds to the Giants farm system between now and the trade deadline.
Unless........ the Giants get so much from the arms they have added that the Giants significantly out perform projections and find themselves seriously in the running for a wild card spot. FZ has much work to do to add enough talent to the roster for the Giants to be real contenders, but it pretty tough to find fault with his efforts so far. It's going to be fun.