Toronto Blue Jays: Does J.P. Howell Fit the Bill?
By Paul Taylor
As the Toronto Blue Jays continue their search for a southpaw, does J.P. Howell have what it takes to boost the bullpen?
There has been plenty of discussion recently, about who the Toronto Blue Jays will bring in, to boost their bullpen. In particular, a left-handed reliever is a necessity, after the loss of Brett Cecil.
In terms of the established southpaw options still available, Fan Rag Sports’ Jon Heyman recently mentioned Boone Logan, Travis Wood and Jerry Blevins. Another name that could be of interest to the Blue Jays, is J.P. Howell.
In some respects, it would be easy to dismiss Howell. After all, he is coming off his worst season in five years, which included a 4.09 ERA and 1.401 WHIP.
However, part of any decision comes down to determining if 2016 was an off-year, or that start of a decline for the 33-year old. Consider that he registered an excellent 1.97 ERA over 155 innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers, between 2013 and 2015.
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The irony of Howell’s down year, was that it came after he exercised his $6.25 million player option for the 2016 season. Many baseball analysts had predicted he would take advantage of his production between 2013 and 2015, to secure a two or three-year deal through the free agent market.
Regardless, the former first round draft pick should still be in a decent position, given the number of teams looking for lefty relief help. The question is, what does he theoretically offer to the Blue Jays?
Looking at Howell’s pitching repertoire, his main weapons are his sinker (86 mph) and knuckle-curve (79 mph). His sinker is considered particularly dangerous, as it has a heavy sinking action which produces a superior number of groundballs compared to other pitchers.
The Modesto, California native does also throw a change-up (80 mph), but rarely uses this. Generally speaking, scouting reports describe him as having a solid command of all three pitches.
Overall, giving Howell’s production in 2016, there is no denying there would be some risk attached to signing him. However, this is often the case in professional baseball, and the Blue Jays’ need for a southpaw reliever, make him an intriguing gamble worth exploring.
Next: No excuse not to sign Jose Bautista
What’s your opinion regarding Howell? Do you think he can help the Blue Jays’ bullpen or should they look elsewhere, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.