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Blue Jays looking at a free agent reliever that has severe health problems
The Toronto Blue Jays need to add a few arms to their bullpen this winter and have been linked to free agent Pete Fairbanks who has some big health issues.
The Blue Jays have made it clear that adding to their bullpen is a main concern and have been linked to Fairbanks since the start of the off-season.
Blue Jays trade target could come with some big issues
Fairbanks would be a great option for the Blue Jays if it weren't for a health issue that could affect his pitching ability quite drastically.
According to reports, Fairbanks deals with Raynaud's Syndrome which affects his blood flow in his finger tips and toes in colder climates which cause these extremities to become cold and numb.
The Blue Jays do play in a climate controlled down during the colder months of the season but in their division which mostly faces East coast team's that is not always the case.
He suffers from Raynaud's syndrome, which impacts blood flow to some areas of the body - such as fingers and toes - to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. This prohibits Fairbanks from effectively pitching in road games in April and October as he simply cannot properly grip the baseball. While the Jays play in the Rogers Centre, which is climate-controlled and not exposed to the elements, those road games early and late in the year are crucial to the success of the team. -Damon
Last season, Fairbanks finished with a 2.83 ERA in 60.1 innings pitched to go along with 27 saves which is why he could be a great option as a closer if they decided to move Jeff Hoffman elsewhere.
Some fans worry that due to this health issue, Fairbanks could be a risky signing in the later months of the season and the playoffs.
Fairbanks was most recently playing in Tampa Bay for the last few years where he did not need to worry about these issues too much and even in later September was able to pitch on the road thanks to the climate.
The real issue would likely only be drastic in the playoffs but could still end up being a decently big problem if they do sign him.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 444 ANSWERS Blue Jays looking at a free agent reliever that has severe health problems Should the Blue Jays sign Pete Fairbanks regardless of health issues? | ||
| Yes | 104 | 23.4 % |
| No | 340 | 76.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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