Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Eric Lauer faces a massive spring rotation battle, but his resilient arm guarantees the Toronto Blue Jays elite pitching depth this season if they keep him.
The veteran left-hander was absolutely rocked by the Tampa Bay Rays this week. Allowing three earned runs over just 1.2 innings is a brutal look.
Spring training box scores can easily trigger panic among the faithful. We have to look past a single rough afternoon in Florida.
Lauer recently lost his arbitration case and settled for a $4.4 million contract. The business side of baseball is incredibly ruthless.
He was openly frustrated about how his bullpen usage last fall damaged his earning potential.
A crowded pitching staff is the best problem a contender can possibly have. Every championship roster needs a guy willing to do the dirty work.
Let us not forget what this man accomplished during the pennant run last year. He stepped up when the lights were blinding.
Elite pitching depth separates the good teams from the champions
We all know how completely devastating a blown rotation can be in August. Having an experienced arm ready to dominate is a massive relief.
Posting a brilliant 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA last season is no fluke. He stabilized the entire staff when injuries threatened to derail the dream.
Manager John Schneider currently has Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease anchoring the staff. Adding Mad Max Scherzer into the mix only thickens the plot.
Lauer wants to be a full-time starter and he deserves that respect. His competitive fire is exactly what builds a winning clubhouse culture.
If he loses the fifth starter job to Jose Berrios or Trey Yesavage, he still holds massive value.
Ross Atkins could deploy him as a lethal weapon out of the bullpen. Alternatively, he becomes the ultimate trade chip to acquire an impact bat.
They can also use him as a solid trade piece is he ends up not being happy with being a relief pitcher.
This adversity will only fuel his motivation to dominate on the mound.
Watching these veterans battle for their innings is pure baseball poetry. The marathon season is just getting started.
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Toronto Blue Jays announce more roster transactions with a few surprises ahead of Tigers game
Toronto Blue Jays announce more roster transactions with a few surprises ahead of Tigers game