Stroman says Jays have made no effort to sign him
Pitcher says team brass is showing ‘no willingness’ to ink him to a deal
TORONTO Marcus Stroman, quiet on social media?
Perish the thought.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ ace, likely to be traded prior to the trade deadline on Wednesday, responded on Twitter on Friday to a tweet regarding his future in Toronto with “That’s news to me. Lol.”
The original tweet, by Andy Martino of SNY on Thursday, said a source indicated that the Jays have told teams interested in Stroman that they might not trade him, but extend him. Martino noted that it was not clear if it was a real possibility or a negotiating tactic.
Stroman said after his most recent — and possibly last — start for the Jays on Wednesday that there “has been no willingness from the front office to sign me.”
Stroman’s next start has been pushed back to Tuesday from Monday, giving the club another day, if needed, to work out a trade.
Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Thomas Pannone will be recalled from Triple-a Buffalo to start on Monday night in Kansas City against the Royals.
Few outside the organization expect Stroman to still be a Blue Jay by the time Tuesday rolls around.
In 21 starts, Stroman hasn’t had much run support from the feeble Jays offence and has a record of 6-11, but his 2.96 earned-run average is fourth in the American League.
Stroman has been linked to numerous teams, including the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Houston Astros, among others, as the days remaining before the deadline dwindle.
Any of the Jays outside of the group of youngsters making an impact might be available if the price is right, including closer Ken Giles, reliever Daniel Hudson and infielder Eric Sogard.
“It’s part of the business of this game,” catcher Luke Maile said of the trade chatter.
“If you’re not accustomed to it, you will be. If anything, it’s probably just a little bit of curiosity — you want to see who is going to be around and get the ball rolling with whoever that is going to be in the future. For the time being, we’re enjoying playing with each other.”
BIGGIO UP FIRST
Cavan Biggio batted leadoff on Friday night against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, and we could see more of that in the future.
Especially if Sogard, who has batted leadoff a team-high 67 times this season, is dealt.
Montoyo, who gave Sogard the night off from a start on Friday, discussed why he likes Biggio in the leadoff spot.
“His approach,” Montoyo said. “He is leading the team in walks (actually second), he is going to see a lot of pitches, he has what it takes to be a good leadoff guy. If for some reason Sogard is not here, Biggio would be a good choice.”
In 48 games before Friday, Biggio was hitting just .208, but had drawn 33 walks, second-most among Jays behind Justin Smoak’s 55.