Jays Sign Matt Clement – WTF?
J.P. has saved the day. In the vein of Thompson’s, Ohka’s and Zambrano’s, the Jays have signed a washed up pitcher to a contract. This time it’s a minor league deal for Matt Clement. Clement had a couple of decent seasons, namely 2002 – 2005. Since then he’s been hurt and ineffective. Last season Clement was a member of the Cardinals organization. Spending the majority of his season in AAA, Clement pitched in 13 PCL league games with a 7.02 ERA. What is J.P. thinking?
As fellow writer Cal points out, these ‘mancrushs’ aren’t productive at all.
Rant Alert: Jays acting in shortsighted manner
Transactions such as the Clement deal are perfect examples of why J.P.’s lack of vision is hurting the club in the long-term. The Jays cut out their rookie affiliate last season, forcing solid prospects such as Justin Jackson to play over their heads in low A lansing, and having others play short-season A ball in the New York Penn League. The reason for this? Cost savings. Here’s some cost savings, stop spending cash on these flash in the pan pitchers and put the money into player development. With the Blue Jays internal organization laying off a large percentage of sales staff after Rogers passing it’s only a matter of time before the Jays front office and scouting takes a sizeable cut. Knowing this J.P. should be using his staff in the most productive manner currently possible, not chasing after washed up minor league pitchers.
I don’t know man, I don’t think it’s that bad. I mean, guys like Cecil and Romero perhaps need some more seasoning in the minors. Clement can be a stop-gap, you know? It’s clear that expectations are crazy low for 2009, so why rush the kids?
I don’t know. I’m torn on the signing.
Even when Clement WAS healthy he wasn’t very good. If JP is going to do his “throw a bunch of trash against the wall and see what sticks” routine, at least get guys who have done something in the last 4 years. JP should be looking at Smoltzy, Braden Looper or maybe Oliver Perez.
Also, for some reason Greinke is on the block. I am sure he could be had for a couple of prospects (even Jays prospects) and he would shore up the rotation nicely.
I probably went a little harsh on this move but Callum has hit the nail on the head. When J.P takes a chance with guys like Barajas and Shannon Stewart, well at least these guys have been healthy and playing at the MLB level in the last three years. Clement is another ‘bounce back’ arm type that is unlikely to contribute. The cash and resources spent on the numerous dead arms over the years could be used to finance more forward looking activities for the club.