Pitching in that division, especially now that interleague play is over, should make almost anyone look like a much better pitcher (see Weaver, Jeff and his 4-hit shutout two days ago). So he might help the Cardinals move up in the division. So might Ohka for that matter. Ohka was just not quite good enough to be passable with the Jays, forever on the brink of being truly awful or a reasonable option for the rotation. A major downgrade in competition could make him seem much better (note an ERA of 5.0 is much better than 5.8).

According to AP, the Tigers will receive the oft-traded PTBNL for Maroth.

Trades like this involving PTBNLs so soon after the amateur draft often suggest that the PTBNL will be a rookie-league type.

Meanwhile, the Royals have picked up former Blue Jay f(r)iend John Thomson, giving him a one-year contract. Thomson reportedly asked for that missing "p" in his name, but was re-buffed. Apparently a guaranteed one-year contract was enough charity.

It had to be a PTBNL because nobody's sure if the Cardinals still have minor league players. They haven't been heard from in years.

Why no notice of the theft of michale Barrett?

I for one am quite saddened we didn't make a better offer than that for a guy who - sorry Zauny - would have been a nice upgrade.

Heck, if he does nothing much at all for the Padres they still net two high draft choices for a pittance.

Barrett is on the short list of guys i think the Jays ought persue this winter and I would have been quite pleased to see him here early.

 

Thomson reportedly asked for that missing "p" in his name, but was re-buffed.

The p would be silent. Like the silent p in swimming.

Like the silent p in swimming

Oh that was you?  I thought the water got warm.