Jay Jaffe Reacts To The MLB Hot Stove
The MLB hot stove fired up on Monday with multiple deals being agreed upon in the morning and afternoon. Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustrated joined the show to recap the moves made. The Toronto Blue Jays seem poised to win the offseason again after acquiring free agent catcher Russell Martin. The Jays have also been rumored to be in negotiations with Orioles homegrown outfielder Nick Markakis. Jay says a move like that would be out of the norm for Toronto. "That would be out of character for them... While they've said they would be willing to increase their income, I don't think they will be able to sign both free agents." Jaffe then gave his take on the newest Blue Jay, Russell Martin. "He's a solid hitter that is very patient. He's one of the best at pitch framing."
The Miami Marlins have locked up their face of the franchise Giancarlo Stanton. It's almost a deal that seems like its destined for failure with the length of the contract spanning 13 years. Jay gave his take on where the contract stands in terms of all-time deals. "It's less than some of the bigger players in some of the recent years like Alex Rodriguez."
In another move that was made Monday afternoon, the Braves shipped outfielder Jason Heyward and a right handed pitcher to St. Louis for starter Shelby Miller. Jay comments on Heyward who once seemed destined for greatness and is only 25 years old- "I'll be honest with you; I don't know why they want to pull the plug on this guy... I'd of fired the hitting coach before firing Hayward."
And finally the guys brought it around to the Orioles. One player that's on fans minds is outfielder Nick Markakis. Jaffe believes that the veteran free agent will stay in bird land. "I do think Markakis will stay... There is a definite desire to retain him"