Ben and Sam discuss whether Alex Anthopoulos is taking too long to turn around Toronto, then talk about why we can't find the secret to success in October. Also, Sam drops his wedding ring.
Episode 47: "Is the Alex Anthopoulos Honeymoon Over?/Why Can't We Figure Out What Works in the Playoffs?"
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Go Israel!
Alex does need to make the steps to improve the club this off season. There sould be the money and the prospects to make this happen.
For my report card, Alex Anthopoulos has earned an A+ in his first three years as Toronto's GM. His resume':
Unloading Vernon Wells was universally considered impossible, before he did it. In many ways it still seems impossible.
Locking in Jose Bautista was considered very risky at the time of the deal. Brains & courageous leadership, giving the fans some hope.
Edwin Encarcinon, once considered a joke by many statheads;.384 OBP .565 SLG, 40 HR, locked in below market value through 2015 w/ a club option.
The biggest organizational problem is figuring out how to keep their promising young arms healthy, IMO.
Overall he has made one miraculous trade, and more than his share of good ones, like the Yunel Escobar deal.
Team Payroll is about $84 Million. MLB average is $100 Million. He'll probably pass again on the high-end free agent market this winter, and it is probably the smart move.
There were starting pitchers available but AA was not willing to pay the cost in terms of prospects or cash. He either over valued his minor league prospects or mis-read the market.
This may be a bit of revisionist history, but if there was a starter brought in, Drew Hutchinson would probably not have been over throwing in the Major Leagues and have blown out his arm.
The next step for Alex is to make those moves when everyone sees you coming. This will tell whether he is a good/great GM.
BTW This season has been so bad, my only ray of hope is how high a draft pick we get next year.