Looks like the White Sox and D'Backs have made a trade: Carlos Quentin to the Sox for minor league prospect 1B Chris Carter.
A follow-up to a recent BBox poll - Dick Williams has been elected to the Hall of Fame. The article I linked to goes into unusual detail, in that it gets into some rather harsh quotes from Marvin Miller about the whole veterans committee process. Apparently, it has been changed, again,and MM doesn't feel he's being given a fair shake.
Cincinatti Post is reporting that a Rays/Reds trade is "done," but does not know who is included. The Rays are currently shopping around Elijah Dukes and Edwin Jackson, and Felipe Lopez was mentioned as possibly going the other way.
Here is a preview of the Jays new road jersey. It looks very nice. Thanks to Tao of Stieb.
Seems like a very good trade for the White Sox. Quentin has a very strong minor league track record and age on his side. I guess Quentin was the odd man out with Upton taking over at the corner. The Dbacks sure have a very good, young team with a lot of potential.
I think Kenny Williams is the most overrated GM in the game, but I love this trade for Chicago.... As Arizona sold low on Quentin, who is a prototypical corner outfielder when healthy. I guess Arizona just loves first basemen named Chris Carter (see exhibit A and B). The White Sox receive a former first round (supplemental) for a guy in low-A ball (albeit one with intriguing power).
It appears Ty Taubenheim has been claimed off waivers by the Pirates. It was nice knowing you Ty!
The Jays decision to put Taubenheim on waivers hopefully means they have someone in mind to pick in the rule 5 draft. The Jays did have 40 players on their roster, now 39.
Last year was a step-back for Taubenheim, he spent a lot of the year in AA. With the loss of Taubenhiem, Vermilyea and Gronkiewicz the Jays AAA bullpen will have a different look this season.
Keith Law reports that Elijah Dukes is gone to the Nats for a PTBNL.
Gerry,
I was thinking they might be making room for a catcher? They will need to grad Sal Fasano fast before the Yankees and Red Socks sign him.
Why on earth do they have Jean Machi (and who is Jean Machi?) and Joe Inglett on their 40 man? Surely those spots would be more valuable (well at least more interesting anyway) to hold open for the Rule V draft.
Red Sox. Joe Inglett is a middle infielder who can back up at the major league level in the event of injuries. Jean Machi is a minor leaguer the Jays signed before the '07 season. The Jays don't pick high in the Rule V, and even if they did, it is unlikely there would be any reason to make two picks. They have room for one now that Taubenheim is gone, and that will probably be enough. Remember that Rule V guys have to stay in the majors or the on the disabled list - they can't simply be stored in the minors.
According to Blair's latest post, it looks like there is not a lot of discussion with other teams about Burnett yet. His agent says he would be surprised if he is moved - GOOD!
However, contrary to this Blair goes on to say that privately the Jays know that he will opt out and because of this are now beleived to be open to moving him. If that is the case, then I beleive that they need a serviceable pitcher plus a top prospect in return. Texas anyone???
It's just Rule 5, no roman numerals for it.
I would think that dropping a player from the 40 man roster now indicates that the Jays have someone in mind. There's no other reason to drop a player right now.
And they certainly don't need to give Fasano anything more than a minor league contract. Of course, they gave Jason Phillips a major league contract last year so who knows.
There's about a half dozen players I would have kept over Taubenheim, particularly minor league relievers. There's always a use for someone that can come up and start.
I would think that dropping a player from the 40 man roster now indicates that the Jays have someone in mind. There's no other reason to drop a player right now.
And they certainly don't need to give Fasano anything more than a minor league contract. Of course, they gave Jason Phillips a major league contract last year so who knows.
There's about a half dozen players I would have kept over Taubenheim, particularly minor league relievers. There's always a use for someone that can come up and start.
Of course J.P. would be open to moving him, but as he's said all offseason they'd have to be blown away by the deal.
If anything, it would be nice to see us go after more quality pitching rather than reclamation projects, at this point.
I would love to see the Jays go after Eric Bedard since he's being dangled, but it seems at this point the Orioles are asking too much. Furthermore it seems unlikely he would be dealt to a division rival, although its been done before. We don't seem to be keen on trading Adam Lind, Jeremy Accardo or Shaun Marcum for anything short of God himself at this point.
Rich Harden is one that I am really hoping we are kicking the tires on as well, despite his chronic inability to stay healthy. It would be hard to believe Billy Beane would ask a ton for this guy, since he has been hurt and has shown disdain for the A's medical staff in the past (or maybe that worked itself out). Perhaps they would be interested in a package such as Marcum and Ricky Romero, or even Marcum and Jason Frasor.
For me, it seems the upside of Harden is having another lights out arm in the rotation (barring injury) while staying within the budget. Bedard as well, would not be a significant payroll increase for the Jays.
I would rather spend the wiggle room we have on the budget on a quality arm than a catcher to split time with Zaun. But I'm sure J.P. is four steps ahead of all of us.
If anything, it would be nice to see us go after more quality pitching rather than reclamation projects, at this point.
I would love to see the Jays go after Eric Bedard since he's being dangled, but it seems at this point the Orioles are asking too much. Furthermore it seems unlikely he would be dealt to a division rival, although its been done before. We don't seem to be keen on trading Adam Lind, Jeremy Accardo or Shaun Marcum for anything short of God himself at this point.
Rich Harden is one that I am really hoping we are kicking the tires on as well, despite his chronic inability to stay healthy. It would be hard to believe Billy Beane would ask a ton for this guy, since he has been hurt and has shown disdain for the A's medical staff in the past (or maybe that worked itself out). Perhaps they would be interested in a package such as Marcum and Ricky Romero, or even Marcum and Jason Frasor.
For me, it seems the upside of Harden is having another lights out arm in the rotation (barring injury) while staying within the budget. Bedard as well, would not be a significant payroll increase for the Jays.
I would rather spend the wiggle room we have on the budget on a quality arm than a catcher to split time with Zaun. But I'm sure J.P. is four steps ahead of all of us.
Alright another update from Blair's blog (for the G & M tomorrow)...lot's of rumours but the only one that caught my attention as real was the Giants having interest in Troy Glaus. Blair mentions that Rios for Linecum or Cain would get the deal done whereas Glaus and Lind would probably do so as well.
Here's the link mentioned above. It also mentions that the Jays will be in on Bedard, in part because he's Canadian.
As always, if you reference information from another source take another second to throw in the link.
As always, if you reference information from another source take another second to throw in the link.
Accroding to WFAN radio in NY, the Mets are closing in on obtaining Bedard....
http://www.metsblog.com/2007/12/03/buzz-mets-work-with-os-on-bedard/
If the Jays can land Bedard I would like our chances to compete for the division title (assuming they also hang onto Burnett which I would definately hope they do).
Here's the Blair blog:
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071203.wsptblair3/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home
Very interesting indeed. Blair is only speculating that a deal for Bedard would center around Burnett because Burnett is from the Baltimore area. But word that the Jays have discussed a deal with the Giants for either Lincecum or Cain is very exciting (I suspect Ricciardi would be more interested in Cain, he's publicly stated he avoided drafting Kazmir because he was concerned that his body wouldn't hold up). I'd like to see the Jays hang on to Rios, but Lind/Wells/Stairs-Johnson could suffice until Snider arrives. I'd much rather see Glaus and Lind go for Cain though. It makes sense since it has been suggested that Glaus would like to return to the Pacific and because Lind doesn't have a position in 2008, and if Snider is ready in 2009 Lind will once again be usurped in the outfield.
The Jays would have to have a 3B replacement in line though. It has been reported on Rotoworld that the Reds are willing to trade Edwin Encarnacion for pitching, and the Jays would have 7 starters.
I just love the winter meetings.
Bedard might be wishful thinking as the cost may be immense, but I think Bay is do-able. Surely J.P. can beat the Cliff Lee, Kelly Shoppach deal on the table from Cleveland.
I don't get it. If San Francisco is rebuilding, why would they trade Lincecum or Cain for Glaus and Lind? Young front-of-the-rotation starters are among the game's more valuable commodity. A year or two of an expensive (and possibly hobbled) Glaus, and an unproven OF, seems like a pretty meager haul in return.
And why would the Jays trade Glaus, even for an excellent young arm? What we need are position players (think SS/C/3B), although I agree that you can never have enough quality pitching. Who would play 3B--Inglett, Santos, Scutaro?
And why would the Jays trade Glaus, even for an excellent young arm? What we need are position players (think SS/C/3B), although I agree that you can never have enough quality pitching. Who would play 3B--Inglett, Santos, Scutaro?
Hmm...how about
1. Glaus + Lind for Lincecum (assuming Blair's sources are accurate)
2. Romero (or Purcey) + Litsch for Tejada
Tejada could hold down third base for the next two years. Our rotation would consist of Halladay, Burnett, McGowan, Lincecum and Janssen. And our payroll would stay about the same.
1. Glaus + Lind for Lincecum (assuming Blair's sources are accurate)
2. Romero (or Purcey) + Litsch for Tejada
Tejada could hold down third base for the next two years. Our rotation would consist of Halladay, Burnett, McGowan, Lincecum and Janssen. And our payroll would stay about the same.
It appears JP has been granted some wiggle room with regards to the budget.
Here are a couple excerpts from the Canadian Press:
...the club's payroll is expected to remain around US$90 million for the 2008 season. But with general manager J.P. Ricciardi and the baseball operations staff down in Nashville, Tenn., at the winter meetings looking for ways to improve the club, Godfrey said that figure has room to rise to obtain an impact player. "We do it on a case by case basis. It's got to make sense," Godfrey said in an interview. "J.P. has got to be convinced, he's got to convince me and I've got to convince somebody."
"It's not a lengthy process. We can make quick decisions," said Godfrey. "It could happen at anytime...". Godfrey's absence from Nashville is an indication that the Blue Jays don't expect to get much accomplished at this year's swap meet. If something important was about to happen, he'd be around. "I told J.P., 'If you get something really impressive that requires my presence, I'll get on an airplane and come down,"' said Godfrey.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gFsAmtUA3cBvx-DeIcCm3qmp_Dlg
Mr Marcum...might have something to say about that 5th spot
Well, if we are going to have fun with trade possibilities...
Glaus to LAA for prospects...
Send those prospects plus one or two of our own to Florida to get Miguel Cabrera
Now _that_ would improve the team short and long term. Cabrera has '08 and '09 as arbitration years pre-free agency as I understand it.
Glaus to LAA for prospects...
Send those prospects plus one or two of our own to Florida to get Miguel Cabrera
Now _that_ would improve the team short and long term. Cabrera has '08 and '09 as arbitration years pre-free agency as I understand it.
Mr Marcum...might have something to say about that 5th spot
Oops, forgot about Marcum. But that's a pretty nice dilemma, isn't it? Marcum or Janssen for the 5th slot in your rotation?
Oops, forgot about Marcum. But that's a pretty nice dilemma, isn't it? Marcum or Janssen for the 5th slot in your rotation?
"The Jays would have to have a 3B replacement in line though. It has
been reported on Rotoworld that the Reds are willing to trade Edwin
Encarnacion for pitching, and the Jays would have 7 starters."
There's talk of the CHW cutting Crede or trading him for very little. That'd do for me.
There's talk of the CHW cutting Crede or trading him for very little. That'd do for me.
As far as adding Canadian content ... I'd rather they just concentrate on getting good top level content. If it happens to be Canadian, great. If not, such is life.
No one player will jump attendance. Only winning will. In the playoff years the only Canadians were Rob Ducey and Rob Butler, both left handed hitting backup outfielders who had extremely limited playing time. That didn't hurt the attendance of 4 million.
Plus, of course, Jason Bay really isn't amazing (solid, but not really worth what he'd cost) and Bedard isn't worth what the Orioles are asking, nor is Harden.
No one player will jump attendance. Only winning will. In the playoff years the only Canadians were Rob Ducey and Rob Butler, both left handed hitting backup outfielders who had extremely limited playing time. That didn't hurt the attendance of 4 million.
Plus, of course, Jason Bay really isn't amazing (solid, but not really worth what he'd cost) and Bedard isn't worth what the Orioles are asking, nor is Harden.
National Post article titled "Burnett could be traded" Ricciairdi says" just came on line....
"We've just been bouncing around who we're inviting to spring training and just throwing some ideas up against the wall, possible blockbuster trades with some other teams," he said in an lobby interview session. "But we don't have it, just kind of brainstorming.".....That includes teasing other clubs with Toronto's talent to see if a big deal can be made...."I think you throw stuff out there and just see what's available and what teams are willing to do,"
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=141685
I think we are being teased. As for moving Glaus to the Angles, they already have two 3rd baseman (Wood and Figgins). Now, as I said before if we could get Figgins back :)
I'm not just talking out of the side of my face regarding Bay. Yes I know we have several incumbents at this position, but this guy is an impact bat perfectly suited for the Rogers Centre. There's some evidence that his recent struggles may be park related ( scroll down), if this is truly the case you'd be buying low with potential for solid upside. Bay is owed $5.75 in 2008 and $7.5 in 2009, reasonable in todays marketplace and certainly given his birthright you could make a good case to the suits regarding his possible value to the teams marketing efforts.
It's hardly earth shattering, but Quiroz signed with Baltimore, according to Rotoworld.
I highly doubt the Giants would trade Lincecum or Cain for Glaus and Lind. It's not the type of move Ricciardi is known to make, and although Sabean isn't exactly immune to making strange decisions, I doubt even he'd trade cheap young high upside pitching for an aging 3B and an unproven defensive liability in the outfield (I still think Lind's future is at 1B but that's another topic). Bedard would be fantastic, as he seems to be Santana minus the hype (if 2007 becomes his norm), but I don't think the Jays have quite enough to get that deal done.
I think we are definitely being teased, but at least it's better than sitting around waiting for the ink to dry on Paul Bako's contract.
I think we are definitely being teased, but at least it's better than sitting around waiting for the ink to dry on Paul Bako's contract.
None of Blair's rumours seem terribly likely, but they're pretty exciting.
If they could trade Glaus for Lincecum or Cain they should in a heartbeat.
Perhaps the Jays could package Lincecum/Cain as a centrepiece in a deal for Bedard?
If the Jays could somehow acquire Bedard, I would move Burnett. Perhaps for a third baseman to replace Glaus?
If they could trade Glaus for Lincecum or Cain they should in a heartbeat.
Perhaps the Jays could package Lincecum/Cain as a centrepiece in a deal for Bedard?
If the Jays could somehow acquire Bedard, I would move Burnett. Perhaps for a third baseman to replace Glaus?
Plus, of course, Jason Bay really isn't amazing
Well I'm not sure what you define as amazing, I'd settle for pretty damn good. Using a salient measurement for hitting such as linear park adjusted batting runs ( as a side note the much quoted OPS + is a poor analytical tool as it improperly captures the value of getting on base) Jason Bay was the fourth best hitter in the N.L. in 2005 and in 2006 he was ninth. During this period he was the top offensive hitting outfielder in the senior circuit, that is what we call performance.
Too many casual fans look only at a players last season which leads to sample size errors, a more cogent analysis looks at a variety of factors including park, injury and history. I think at age 29 this guy may have plenty left in the tank. There's no guarantees in life, but there's a good chance Bay can bounce back to being an elite hitter in a beneficial environment ( the Rogers Centre historically favors right hand power hitters)
Well I'm not sure what you define as amazing, I'd settle for pretty damn good. Using a salient measurement for hitting such as linear park adjusted batting runs ( as a side note the much quoted OPS + is a poor analytical tool as it improperly captures the value of getting on base) Jason Bay was the fourth best hitter in the N.L. in 2005 and in 2006 he was ninth. During this period he was the top offensive hitting outfielder in the senior circuit, that is what we call performance.
Too many casual fans look only at a players last season which leads to sample size errors, a more cogent analysis looks at a variety of factors including park, injury and history. I think at age 29 this guy may have plenty left in the tank. There's no guarantees in life, but there's a good chance Bay can bounce back to being an elite hitter in a beneficial environment ( the Rogers Centre historically favors right hand power hitters)
All this Canadian content and budget flexibility talk is exciting, but I disagree with the sentiment on here that Troy Glaus needs to be moved ASAP. Why would we trade a big part of our lineup when our offense stuggled so mightily last season? He's a tough player that fights through the bumps and bruises of a season, and provides league average defense at third. I don't have to remind you that he hit 38 home runs in '06 either.
The steroid thing? I highly doubt he'll be suspended for something that wasn't even illegal in the MLB at the time.
The Bedard rumors are intruguing as are Mike Wilner's hunch that the Jays could pick up Kenny Lofton to platoon with Reed. If we came out of the winter meetings with Harden/Bedard and Kenny Lofton with a backup catcher thrown in there, even the staunchest of Ricciardi critics (Griffin, Elliott and an growing amount of the Blue Jay fan-base ) would have trouble spinning a negative view of those developments.
The steroid thing? I highly doubt he'll be suspended for something that wasn't even illegal in the MLB at the time.
The Bedard rumors are intruguing as are Mike Wilner's hunch that the Jays could pick up Kenny Lofton to platoon with Reed. If we came out of the winter meetings with Harden/Bedard and Kenny Lofton with a backup catcher thrown in there, even the staunchest of Ricciardi critics (Griffin, Elliott and an growing amount of the Blue Jay fan-base ) would have trouble spinning a negative view of those developments.
In the event that Toronto does decide to trade Rios for some wonderful package, I'd love to see them sign Andruw Jones to a three or four year deal. He's been a consistently good and frequently great player in his carreer. He had a down year last year, but he has a good chance of improving and will be relatively inexpensive. I don't know a great deal about defensive stats, but Win Shares has him as the second best defensive outfielder in baseball last year, behind Coco Crisp.
If his skills are still intact, Lofton would be a useful extra outfielder. But he is getting up there in years. And where would Stairsy play?
This off-season could be a defining moment for JP. With some creative moves, he could get his reputation back on track.
This off-season could be a defining moment for JP. With some creative moves, he could get his reputation back on track.
Josh Towers trade rumor:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/weblog/2007/12/padres_moving_toward_trade.html
If Towers is traded I can't imagine it will be for anything of value, but at least the Jays would get something for him.
From timpinder's article: Josh Towers is strike-thrower who is healthy; in the estimation of scouts, he has far less upside than Prior would if Prior can regain full arm health.
...
I don't even know what to say.
...
I don't even know what to say.
Blair has updated his column slightly. It emphasizes the Jays interest in Lincecum and Cain a bit more.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071203.wsptblair3/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071203.wsptblair3/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home
In the Globe today, Ricciardi says the Jays are unlikely to move Burnett, although he doesn't rule it out completely.
He also confirms that the Jays dropped Taubenheim to open up room for one or two Rule 5 pickups. They have their eye on a couple of guys.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071204.JAYS04/TPStory/Sports
He also confirms that the Jays dropped Taubenheim to open up room for one or two Rule 5 pickups. They have their eye on a couple of guys.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071204.JAYS04/TPStory/Sports
If either Lincecum or Cain could be had for a Glaus+Lind package, I think it's a no-brainer. Our depth at 3B after Glaus is pretty much non-existent, but 23-year-old major-league-ready flamethrowers are a rare and valuable commodity. The thought of a Doc-AJ-McGowan-Lincecum/Cain-Marcum rotation next year is drool-worthy. However, for the same reason, I have a feeling that deal is just wishful thinking.
So, if JP is looking to be active in the Rule 5 draft, does anyone have any favourites out there among the available players? One guy I'm a fan is is Jamie D'Antona from the D-Backs. He's 25, plays 3B, 1B and C, and posted a 312/383/487 line in AA in 2006 and a 308/362/499 line in AAA last year.
So, if JP is looking to be active in the Rule 5 draft, does anyone have any favourites out there among the available players? One guy I'm a fan is is Jamie D'Antona from the D-Backs. He's 25, plays 3B, 1B and C, and posted a 312/383/487 line in AA in 2006 and a 308/362/499 line in AAA last year.
Yeah, D'antona and Lubanski look good to me. Lubanski is a top prospect for the Royals who's had two really good looks in AA (albeit in hitters' parks). Hand him a left field platoon role and see if he sticks.
I don't even know what to say.
Those crazy scouts!
I don't even know what to say.
I don't understand. He's not a lot of things, but he is a strike-thrower (to a fault) and he is healthy.
I think the not knowing what to say is beacuse "in the estimation of scouts, Towers has far less upside than Prior would if Prior can regain full arm health" is a silly statement to write as it should be more than obvious. If Prior has full arm health he's probably better than 90% of pitchers.
Thanks for spelling it out, Pistol. Sharp wit on the part of Mr. Rutt - it must have been too early for me to detect it.