’ first trade of the 2020 season didn’t address their biggest need or even land someone playing all that well.from the Seattle Mariners, they added a 2019 all-star with a history of hitting right-handed pitchers. If he can bounce back to his career norms, that’s a useful bat for manager Charlie Montoyo to deploy late in games. If not, well, the cost here was minor with cash considerations going back to Seattle but no prospects.
For now, there’s Vogelbach, a second-round pick of the Cubs in 2011 who was traded to Seattle in a deadline deal a few months before Chicago won the 2016 World Series. He broke out with 30 home runs in an all-star 2019 season, largely because of his ability to destroy right-handed pitching. The left-handed hitter posted an .844 OPS against righties last year to go along with 25 home runs and an impressive 17.5-per cent walk rate.
Clearly, there are limitations to what Vogelbach offers — he shouldn’t face many lefties — but there are also clear game situations where he’s useful. With a lifetime .777 OPS against right-handed pitching, there’s some reason to believe he can bounce back from his slow start once he completes the COVID-19 intake process and joins the Blue Jays, likely later this week. If that happens, the Blue Jays will benefit from a powerful left-handed bat who works a tough at-bat.
Late in games that Tellez starts, a bat like Vogelbach will give Montoyo more pinch-hit options than usual. For example, Vogelbach would be useful if a right-handed pitcher’s on the mound and a hitter such as Santiago Espinal, Joe Panik or Brandon Drury is at the plate. It’s even possible that Montoyo will start both Tellez and Vogelbach if the matchup’s right.
BlueJays bnicholsonsmith No not really they have 3 of the same player on the roster now it makes no sense at all to pick this guy up
BlueJays bnicholsonsmith Another slow runner to clog up the bases
BlueJays bnicholsonsmith Guy should be playing beer league softball. He’s horrible
BlueJays bnicholsonsmith A pretty good pick up for the Jays. I'm not a huge fan of Rowdy, dont think will end up as much but Vogelbach in a DH role could be a scary addition to a lineup. Especially if slotted right in that 3-4 slot.
BlueJays bnicholsonsmith not if they don't have pitching