Toronto Blue Jays Rumors: Is Daniel Norris on His Way Out?

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With the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, rumors involving the Toronto Blue Jays are heating up. This is not surprising, given the urgency to find a quality starter and help for the bullpen.

I’ve stated all along, that I believe the Blue Jays should be “all-in” on trying to improve the roster and their chances of making the postseason. The AL East – or at least a wild card spot – is still an extremely realistic prospect.

However, even I’m balking at the latest trade rumors. As per a number a reports, including one from Matt Goldman of mlbdailydish.com, the Blue Jays are seriously considering moving Daniel Norris.

The thought of losing Toronto’s number one prospect – and the 17th best overall in MLB – just doesn’t sit well with me. And yet, it is looking more likely with every passing day.

Apr 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Daniel Norris (32) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Depending on what you read, there were anywhere between 12 and 17 MLB scouts watching Norris pitch for the Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday night. While it wasn’t exactly a stellar performance, the 22-year old still managed to get the win, allowing two runs (both earned) and eight hits in 5.1 innings of action.

While there will be speculation about who was represented at Coca Cola Field, one team we know was definitely there, were the San Diego Padres. As per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, the Blue Jays have been in discussions recently with the Padres about who they would be prepared to deal.

Of the pitchers San Diego have made available, Goldman believes a package of either Tyson Ross or Andrew Cashner, and Craig Kimbrel makes the most sense. This would effectively take care of the Blue Jays need for both a starter and a reliever.

The major concern about this, is what the Padres would want in return. Unfortunately, as if the idea of losing Norris isn’t bad enough, it could potentially get worse.

As per an earlier report from the highly-respected Ken Rosenthal, San Diego would also want Jeff Hoffman. The 22-year old is currently ranked as the number three prospect in the Blue Jays organization.

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I appreciate that part of the business of baseball involves taking risks, especially when you want to find immediate help for your roster. However, giving up two top quality pitching prospects seems a little too drastic. (It may be time to rethink my stance on being “all-in”.)

For his part, Norris doesn’t seem to be letting all the trade talk affect him. As he told Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News: “I don’t really care. I honestly don’t care.”

As of right now, the Johnson City, Tennessee native is just concentrating on becoming a better pitcher: “I want to be the best pitcher in the world so you know you gotta be pretty close to perfect to be that. I expect that out of myself.”

Norris has had his struggles, hence why he was sent back down to Buffalo earlier this season, despite at the time having the best ERA within the Blue Jays starting rotation. He complained of having a dead-arm feeling, and was struggling to regain his control.

Throughout it all, the 2011 second round draft pick has remained philosophical: “This year has been difficult at times but at the same time I’m going out there and competing. There’s never been an ounce of me that’s given up.”

Norris concluded by telling Moritz: “You know at some point the tide will change and things will start going my way again and I’ll start executing better.”

The question is, while he be doing this in Toronto or somewhere else? We will have a better idea sometime between now and July 31st.

Next: James Shield should be a priority for the Blue Jays

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