Did anyone see that Boston acquired Jeremy Hermida?? Looks like for 2 mediocre pitchers.

Really wish the Jays could of acquired him. Would of been a good match for Gaston in my mind.

I think Gaston went wrong with Snider because you never should start off a very young guy as a platoon player. You give a top prospect every chance to be a regular and expose them to all types of pitching. Be patient through slumps, give the guy exposure against lefties and righties. Don't mess with his swing to much.

But when a guy reaches 26 years old and still hasn't established his potential that is a candidate for platooning and Gastons 'hitting' lessons. Hermida is the kind of guy who you could platoon and talk to between every at bat. He might be receptive to Gastons style because he has to establish himself soon or could wash out.

I agree. I thought Hermida would be a good fit here... also was thinking Teahen (being Canadian a bonus) and he can play corner outfield and 3B... but looks like those options are gone.

Teahan would be another good option. Same with Hardy. All of them headed towards late 20s with their careers in neutral. Since Gaston is here anyway give him guys like that, still young enough to turn it around and at the point where they would be receptive to Citos advice.

"I agree. I thought Hermida would be a good fit here... also was thinking Teahen (being Canadian a bonus) and he can play corner outfield and 3B... but looks like those options are gone."

I think his dad was born in Canada? But hey if being Canadian means more wins then I'm all for us getting as many Canadians on the Jays.

Teahan has pretty much passed the point where there is much upside left, whereas Hermida still has plenty of upside. I don't really get how GMs across the league consistently let these guys go to other teams for relatively cheap trading prices. Almost every team can run into a few really good players, but you make your team by looking for these undervalued guys. We do it well with our minorleague system, but never do it with our MLB team.

"Teahan has pretty much passed the point where there is much upside left, whereas Hermida still has plenty of upside. I don't really get how GMs across the league consistently let these guys go to other teams for relatively cheap trading prices. Almost every team can run into a few really good players, but you make your team by looking for these undervalued guys. We do it well with our minorleague system, but never do it with our MLB team."

John, how long do you in particular hold out hope for a player to live up to their expectations? Or atleast become somewhat servicable?