Kuzul

According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Blue Jays are believed to have interest in signing relievers Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain.

Guerrier was not offered arbitration by the Twins, so he is now a free agent. In 2010, a campaign where he made $3.15 million, experts peg him to make no more than four to five million next season.

In 74 appearances, The 32-year-old Guerrier went 5-7 with a 3.17 ERA, 5.3 K/9, and 2.8 BB/9. The addition of Guerrier would add to an already changing Blue Jays bullpen that will see Brian Tallet (Cardinals), Scott Downs, and more than likely Kevin Gregg depart from the organization.

The Jays are also believed to have interest in signing Canadian Jesse Crain to add to the bullpen as well.

The 29-year-old Crain enjoyed a career year last year with the Twins, following off-season shoulder surgery. Despite his terrible one inning effort against the Jays in his last appearance last year, Crain appears to be right in the Blue Jays sight-lines.

Crain went 1-1 last season with a 3.04 ERA in 68 innings, while posting career highs in strikeouts (62) and holds (21).

If the Jays can add both Guerrier and Crain to their bullpen, they will definitely improve themselves from a year ago, at least in terms of right handed pitchers.

Both pitchers are not the type-A free agents, so the Jays will not have to give up draft picks to sign them. The downside is that as many as nine teams could be interested in both players, so a bidding war could commence and force the Jays out of contention.

With news coming today that the Jays have resigned Dustin McGowan to a new one-year contract worth $500,000, they could get yet another shot in the arm to their depleted bullpen here too.

McGowan, who has not pitched since 2008, has always had massive potential. The Jays don’t want to lose out on that if he goes to another club. For example, Chris Carpenter struggled with injuries with the Jays, but when he was let go and went to St. Louis, his career skyrocketed.

In keeping McGowan, the Jays are hoping for a Carpenter-like resurgence. Although extremely unlikely, McGowan still figures prominently in the Jays future plans.

With a torn labrum now behind him, McGowan has begun a throwing program that he hopes will help him get healthy in time for Spring Training in February. If McGowan does return, look for him to come out of the bullpen from now on. Already with experience out of the pen, he could conceivably close games for the Blue Jays and, at a $500,000 dollar price tag, could be among the best bang for your buck closers in the majors.

Thoughts on the Jays adding these three to the bullpen?

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According Ken Rosenthal, one of my faithful sources for Jays Rumors of Fox Sports, has reported the Jays also have strong interest in outfielder Justin Upton. Rosenthal confirmed that the Blue Jays were the one “mystery” team that

The D’Backs are believed to have a very high price tag for this 23-year-old all-star asking for as many as five major league ready talents off of a roster. Depending on the talent level of the players involved, that number should go down.

An example I’ll give you is the Bartolo Colon deal in 2002 with the Cleveland Indians in which they dealt Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens in exchange for Colon and Tim Drew. The Indians dealt their staff ace just entering his prime at 29 and received the Indians top two prospects and their starting first baseman—although Lee Stevens ended up being the third wheel in the deal.

The Blue Jays, lucky enough, have the depth in the minors to trade some pretty great prospects and not really affect their long term future. However, The Jays with outfield prospects such as Anthony Gose, Jacob Marisnick, Eric Thames and you could even say Travis Snider, as a result, they are fairly loaded when it comes to outfield talent for the future. Some of them are ready now for everyday major league play such as Snider and possibly at some point this year Thames.

Upton right now—if traded for—would assume the role of right fielder and it would shift Jose Bautista to third base.

A relatively easy to see deal with the Diamondbacks would have to include Travis Snider, at least two good to great pitching prospects and possibly at least one more good prospect.

A deal that makes sense for both sides could be Travis Snider, Marc Rzepcynski, Zack Stewart and Eric Thames for Justin Upton. The Jays give up their outfielder of the future, one of their starting pitchers from last year and two top 15 prospects from their roster for Upton.

Rzepcynski, who is currently pitching the of all places, the Arizona Fall League, is pitching very close to the Diamondbacks who I’m sure are keeping close tabs on him. “Led Rzepplin” is currently 4-0 with 1.16 ERA in six games with the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League.

A steep price to pay, but one that could put the Jays over the top if they do indeed sign Manny Ramirez to be the teams DH.

The Jays however will not be the only team in hot pursuit of Upton, and not the only team in the AL East, as the Red Sox are believed to be willing to offer some pretty great players for Upton, as I’ve heard Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard and even Jonathon Papelbon’s names bandied about. I’ll add the Yankees are said to be interested, but what fun is that when the $200 million dollar payroll big wigs want in on a trade such as this.

Now, I’m trying to be realistic here, and when the likes of Upton, and even Colby Rasmus become available, at their age and skill level, the price is going to be high.

From an outsider point of view, and looking at the Diamondbacks roster, I would hazard to believe that they would ask for an elite level prospect, a pitching prospect with closing upside (since they really have no closers), another top 15 prospect and a decent starting pitcher, all of which are covered in my proposed deal to the Diamondbacks.

But if the D’Backs opt for the more flashy Red Sox deal where it may include Ellsbury and one of Papelbon or Bard, then the Jays can easily move on and say they at least tried. The Red Sox are believed to be making a very aggressive push to add Upton to their relatively aging outfield that last season included the likes of oft-injured Mike Cameron and JD Drew.

Upton last season in 495 at bats hit .273 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI and adding 17 stolen bases with Arizona last season.

Thoughts on the Jays possibly pursuing Upton and whether the Jays can put together a more attractive trade package over the likes of the Red Sox?

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According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports, the Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of acquiring speed demon outfielder Rajai Davis in exchange for relief pitching prospects Tryston Magnuson and Daniel Farquhar.

Last season, Davis enjoyed a breakout season with the Athletics, batting a cool .284 with five home runs and 52 RBI’s to go along with 51 stolen bases. Davis’ arrival likely means the end of Fred Lewis’ time in Toronto.

Davis was deemed expendable by the Athletics after the club traded prospect pitcher Vin Mazzaro for outfielder David DeJesus in an early offseason deal with the Kansas City Royals.

When Davis arrives in Toronto, you should expect him to man the outfield and, possibly, see Jose Bautista move from right field to third base. Although Davis is a speed demon, his low on-base percentage does not scream leadoff hitter to me (.320).

The offseason is still in its early stages, but it’s apparent GM Alex Anthopolous and new manager John Farrell want to bring an element of speed to the Jays lineup.

The Blue Jays ended up trading relief pitching prospect Tryston Magnuson in the rumored deal. Magnuson, who hails from Vancouver British Columbia, was one of Toronto’s best relievers last season in all levels of the minors.

In 73.1 IP, Magnuson went 3-0 and collect 63 strikeouts to go along with only 10 walks.

Magnuson, originally drafted by J.P. Ricciardi 56th overall in 2007, would have come into spring training as a long shot to make the Jays bullpen this year, but the future still looks very bright for this Canadian.

Farquhar went 4-3 last season to go along with 17 saves with the New Hampshire Fishercats. In 76.2 IP, Farquhar only gave up 50 hits and struckout 79 batters, however, he battled control issues all season and walked 42 batters.

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Late Tuesday afternoon, the Florida Marlins announced that they traded All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves for utility infielder Omar Infante and left-handed pitcher Mike Dunn. In a surprising move, the Blue Jays, originally thought to be the best trade partners for the Marlins, lost out in the sweepstakes.

Uggla, who batted .287 last season with 33 home runs and 105 RBI, enjoyed a career year, but was in the midst of a nasty contract negotiation with the Marlins. Having already turned down a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal with the Marlins, the Marlins appeared willing to trade him for whatever they could get.

The Marlins received Omar Infante, who hit .321 last season with eight home runs and 47 RBI, as well as lefty Mike Dunn, who only pitched 19 innings for the Braves last season, recording a 2-0 record and a 1.89 ERA in 25 games.

As an outsider, I question the motives behind such a move for the Marlins. Why trade Uggla to a division rival? What was the reason behind straying away from their original demands of a top prospect and a starting pitcher?

I just fully question this move, and not because the Blue Jays did not get him, but rather as sympathy towards Marlins fans everywhere. Infante is a decent all-around player with good bat skills, and will probably be a good two-hole hitter for the Marlins, but in the end, they traded their All-Star second baseman for a super utility player and a reliever.

From the good old days, when they would trade soon to be free agents for young prospects, like Hanley Ramirez and others, to today, when they trade all stars for depth players, and young players for more bullpen help (Cameron Maybin trade), I really am beginning to question the Marlins management at the moment.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays offered prospect closers Josh Roenicke and Danny Farquhar along with the Marlins choice of shortstop Ryan Goins or center fielder Darin Mastroianni.

It’s arguable who had the better deal, but the fact remains, Infante is a defensive upgrade over Uggla; however, Infante is coming off a career season and the Braves so adequately dealt him while his value was high. Infante also has never held down a starting role with any ball club since 2005.

The Braves did not have to give up any of their talented pitching prospects, such as right-handers Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino and lefty Mike Minor.

In other related Jays and Marlins news, the Blue Jays lost John Buck to the Marlins via free agency, signing the free agent catcher to a new three-year, $18 million deal.

Buck, who also hit 20 home runs for the Blue Jays last season, leaves the club for his third major league team, having played with the Blue Jays and Royals previous.

Your reaction to the no deal from the Marlins and losing catcher John Buck? I want to hear your thoughts.

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According to Rob Pizzola, “Manny Ramirez spent a few days negotiating with the Blue Jays front office, and it looks like a deal is on the horizon”.

Now, I am not a fan of Manny Ramirez’s antics, and really not a fan of adding a 38-year-old to an already young and competitive squad, but Ramiriez’s bat is still pretty lethal and would instantly provide Toronto with one of the most deadly lineups in all of baseball—given Aaron Hill and Adam Lind return to form, and of course Jose Bautista is re-signed.

Ramirez, by all accounts, was very well-liked in both the Dodgers and White Sox locker rooms, and was viewed as a nice guy to have around the clubhouse, so people who say he’s a cancer don’t have their facts straight.

In 265 at-bats last season, Ramirez hit .298 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs. Those numbers don’t really jump out at you, but Ramirez has always loved hitting in Toronto and the AL East. Also, if you project last season’s stats out over 600 at bats, you roughly get 25 home runs and 100 runs batted in, so adding that to an already potent lineup gives the Jays instant credibility, and also instant recognition in the American media.

He loves playing against the twin towers in the AL East, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, and having his bat against those teams only helps the Jays.

However, this move to me screams out Frank Thomas all over again for some reason. Granted, Ramirez is coming off of a down year by his epic standards, and not off a random career outburst year Thomas enjoyed the season prior to joining the Jays.

Ramirez if anything provides Jays fans with a reason to go out to ball games. Could this move just be a marketing tactic by Rogers in the hopes of selling more tickets? That possibility is always there, but from what I heard, Ramirez is not washed up with the bat, where the Jays could use him the most.

In 2008, Ramirez hit 38 home runs, and in 2009 he hit 19—in only 352 at bats, about 200 at bats shy of his career average, so his power stroke appears to never be wavering. However, avoid putting him out in left field at all costs.

This move however could really put a damper on Toronto’s defence. Ranked as one of the best defences in the league the last few years, with the likes of Scott Rolen, Jose Bautista, Vernon Wells, Yunel Escobar, Aaron Hill and Lyle Overbay, all deserving of Gold Gloves, the Jays defence would have to shift Adam Lind to first, and if the rumors are true about Dan Uggla, Uggla would make his way to third.

The Jays lineup will instantly transform into one of the best in all of baseball if Uggla and Ramirez are signed, though.

Escobar SS

Uggla 3B

Bautista RF

Manny DH

Wells CF

Lind 1B

Hill 2B

Snider LF

Olivo/Arencibia/Buck/Molina C

What should be next on the Jays agenda?

Finding a suitable closer and some relievers?

Please feel free to comment and post who you think the Jays should go after for relievers..if this move does in fact go down.

Thanks for reading all.

I don’t like posting rumors without a source of of where I got my info

A random photo of Manny in Toronto (uploaded today)

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According to Buster Olney of ESPN, he is claiming that “two rival executives cast Toronto as the favorite to land Dan Uggla, assuming the Marlins follow through on trade talks.”

With all the talk revolving around who the Jays will get to fill in at third base, it looks like they may fill the void from within and move second baseman Aaron Hill from second to third, while adding Dan Uggla possibly to the fold.

If they don’t move Hill to third, look for Uggla to possibly play third if the Jays do in fact acquire him. Who knows, I’ve heard some rumors that Uggla can also play first base, so it appears the door is wide open with Uggla in terms of a position to play.

Rumors started this week with talks of adding Zack Greinke and Alex Gordon to the Jays, and now this hot rumor comes off the shelf.

Does this rumor have legs? I for one believe this would be a huge addition to the Blue Jays roster. The Marlins have been looking to trade Uggla because they are having a tough time coming to an agreement on an extension and it appears Uggla’s days are numbered with the Marlins.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Moresi or FoxSports, a deal could be finalized within the next seven-to-10 days. Uggla has already passed on a proposed four-year, $48 million deal from the Marlins.

Uggla last season hit .287 with 33 home runs and 105 RBIs, along with 100 runs and a tidy .369 OBP.

Uggla is the only second baseman to hit at least 30 home runs a season the last four years, and could really add an extra punch to the Jays offence this year, no matter where he plays.

What really could the Marlins be looking for?

Well, if they are looking to trade Uggla, they’ll be looking for a middle infielder for sure, a starting pitcher, and of course, a starting catcher.

Right now I hazard to believe J.P. Arencibia may be involved in a Blue Jays-Marlins swap. Along with Arencibia, I expect a prospect such as Zach Stewart to possibly be involved, too.

It’s very hard to speculate on what could be given up, given the contract situation with Uggla, and his uncertain future, but I thought I’d get the speculation going.

If Uggla is added to the roster, look for him to hit fifth or sixth in the order and provide some protection for sluggers Jose Bautista and Vernon Wells in the order.

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Today, the Toronto Blue Jays lost a member of their elusive 20 home run club from last season, as Edwin Encarnacion was claimed by the Oakland Athletics.

This move was expected, as Encarnacion made around $5.175 million dollars last season and was pretty mediocre at third base. His inability to hit consistently and his erratic defensive game pretty much sealed Edwin’s fate in Toronto.

While being affectionately known was “E5” for his penchant to make errors at third base, to his credit, along with the tutelage of defensive coach Brian Butterfield, he was able to improve his defense as the season progressed.

Last season Encarnacion hit .244 adding 21 home runs and 51 runs batted in, amassing those totals in only 332 at bats. Those numbers stack up pretty nicely when you project them out over 600 at bats, which gives him a totals of roughly 35 homers and 100 runs batted in.

With the Athletics adding Encarnacion, this likely means the end of Kevin Kouzmanoff’s tenure in the Golden State.

Kouzmanoff, who is another non-tender candidate (like Encarnacion), will likely be out a job in Oakland with the likes of David DeJesus, Ryan Sweeney, Rajai Davis, Conor Jackson and Jack Cust getting time at third, the outfield and at designated hitter.

Kouzmanoff hit .247 last season hitting 16 home runs and adding 71 RBI in 551 at bats. Right now, according to the numbers, the Athletics upgraded at third, but you can also argue that the Athletics home stadium is one of the worst hitting parks in the majors, so his numbers may be better than originally thought.

Could he be an option at third base for the Blue Jays? That remains to be seen, but he will probably be on the Blue Jays radar nonetheless.

In other related Jays news, reliever Brian Tallet and outfielder DeWayne Wise refused Triple-A assignments this morning and were sent packing, becoming non-tendered free agents.

Tallet compiled one of his worst seasons to date last season, going 2-6 with a 6.40 ERA and Wise was used in a utility role with the Jays last season and gained more playing time when Fred Lewis was lost to bunion surgery in the latter part of the year. 

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In what many expect to be a busy offseason for the Blue Jays, news and rumors are running rampant around the Blue Jays already, and most of these rumors are centered around 2009 CY Young Award Winner Zack Greinke.

With the majority of the focus on many upper echelon teams such as the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Boston Red Sox—who will look to sign Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford—the Blue Jays are opting for a more straight forward approach to getting roster help this offseason.

There is talk that the Kansas City Royals are already looking to deal the right-handed Greinke according to Toronto Sun Blue Jays Columnist Bob Elliott, and it appears the Blue Jays are extremely high on this kid, despite the hefty $13 million dollar price tag—the main reason why he’s on the Royals trading block to begin with.

The Royals and General Manager Dayton Moore are supposedly asking for two can’t-miss prospects or young roster players as a starting point in any deals involving Greinke, along with additional prospects to be included in the deal.

The deal would probably have to start with SP Kyle Drabek and possibly either JP Arencibia, Zach Stewart or Travis D’Arnaud as a starting point in any trade talks.

Is it worth the risk for possibly only two years of Greinke?

If I was GM, I wouldn’t be doing the deal unless Greinke was signed long-term to at least a five-year deal, but as you can see that’s just me.

Grienke, 26, was 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA in 33 starts this season in what many believe to of been an off-year for him.

Greinke, who has battled anxiety disorders earlier in his career, could be spooked by the “Big Smoke” and all the fanfare that comes with playing in one of the largest cities in North America.

However, baseball in Toronto right now isn’t very popular and Greinke, I believe, could handle pitching in Toronto. It remains to be seen whether Greinke would waive his no-trade clause to come to Toronto.

The Blue Jays have also inquired about 3B/OF Alex Gordon. Gordon, who is playing a similar role that Jose Bautista played last year, appears to be a victim of Mike Moustakas in Kansas City and the Royals may be looking to deal him as well if they want a more experienced outfielder.

Gordon started as the Royals third baseman before being demoted to Triple-A Omaha in May to play the outfield. Gordon batted .215 with eight homers and 20 RBIs in 74 games with the Royals. He hit .315 with three homers and 44 RBIs in 68 games at Omaha in the Pacific Coast League, the same league C JP Arencibia demolished last season.

With news already out that David DeJesus has been dealt to the Oakland Athletics for Vin Mazzaro and pitching prospect Justin Marks, the Royals appear to be willing to wheel and deal this offseason, so if the Jays want some quality pieces, they appear to be flying off the shelves in Kansas City.

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The Jays acquired catcher Miguel Olivo from the Colorado Rockies earlier today for the cliche “player to be named later or cash.”

The 32-year-old catcher batted .269 last season with 14 homers and 58 runs batted in.

This move, however, does not spell the possible end to John Buck in Toronto. The Rockies had until I believe have midnight to accept Olivo’s $2.5 million option, and if not, would have to pay him a $500,000 buyout. This move prevents the Rockies from doing either.

Olivo qualifies as a type B free agent catcher, so if he signs with another team, Toronto will again gain a compensatory draft pick sandwiched between the second and third rounds.

For John Buck fans, this move, like I said, does not spell the end of the catcher in Toronto. Also worth noting, this not spell the end of J.P. Arencibia’s shots at earning a roster spot either.

This move to me reeks of Alex Anthopolous’ genius. It’s another crafty way to acquire another prospect without really giving up anything of note, at least right now.

As the offseason continues to slowly move along, the Jays offseason plans are beginning to take shape. Will they sign Olivo and send Buck packing along with a position change possibly for Arencibia? That remains to be seen.

My hope is that Olivo leaves, and the Jays get that compensation pick. Not to mention the Rockies taking a prospect whom we have no interest in keeping. I’m keeping my fingers crossed its Lance Broadway.

EDIT: The Jays decided to cut Olivo not too long after in hopes of receiving a compensatory draft pick. So my prediction ended up being correct. John Buck Fans Rejoice!

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In what many experts peg as a make or break offseason for Alex Anthopoulos, the Blue Jays look well on their way to their first playoff appearance in the last 17 years.

It’s been a long road since then—having to bear witness to many managerial changes and even a few general managers coming and going, mainly Gord Ash and J.P. Ricciardi.

But out of all the doom and gloom comes some light at the end of the tunnel.

The biggest but more unheralded thing to happen this offseason for the Blue Jays is that the U.S. $10 million contract owed to B.J. Ryan comes off the books. Not only can this money be used on multiple players, but it can also be used to hopefully re-sign home run champ Jose Bautista to a new long-term contract.

With that said, the Blue Jays come into the 2010-11 offseason with many question marks as well.

With a good handful of expiring deals and contract extensions hitting the Jays, there are questions as to whether Rogers will shell out the cash in order for this team to compete in a very expensive AL East.

The likes of Lyle Overbay ($7.9 million expiring), Edwin Encarnacion ($5.175 million expiring), Scott Downs ($4.0 million expiring), Jason Frasor ($2.6 million expiring), Kevin Gregg ($2.0 million expiring—although Jays hold an expensive option on him) and John Buck ($2.0 million expiring) have expiring contracts. I believe Brian Tallet will also be expiring at $2.0 million.

All in all, that gives the Jays about $35 million in expiring contracts (counting Ryan in the mix).

Much of that money will go towards pay raises expected for the likes of Ricky Romero, Aaron Hill, Adam Lind and Shaun Marcum.

The Jays finished last season with an 85-77 record, along with having one of the lowest payrolls in the game.

With new manager John Farrell at the helm, the Jays look to be gaining more respectability from around the majors. There’s actually some optimism now surrounding this Jays team.

Rogers should be investing all the money they can to put this team over the top. To do so, I think the Jays should invest in two All-Star players: Carl Crawford and Adrian Beltre.

I’ll start with Beltre first. Beltre is easily one of the best all-around third basemen in the majors. His combination of bat skills and glove skills leaves him in a class alone at the top of the third baseman free agent crop this offseason.

Having played on the same team as Farrell coached, Beltre would have a great idea of what his philosophies are and how well he can run a team. Beltre finished last season with a .321 avg along with 28 HR, 102 RBI and, most notably according to Farrell, a .365 OBP along with 49 doubles thanks to Fenway’s Green Monster.

I would love to peg Beltre in the No. 5 slot in the Jays lineup.

As for Crawford, he’s the epitome of what the Jays have been missing since the days of a healthy Shannon Stewart.

Crawford’s combination of defence, batting and his best attribute, his blazing speed on the basepaths, leaves him unmatched in the left field free agent crop.

Crawford would bring a newfound optimism at the top of the Jays order, getting on base and getting around the bases easier than anyone the Jays have ever had since Rickey Henderson.

Carl finished the season last year with a .307 avg along with 19 HRs and 90 RBI to go along with 47 stolen bases and 13 triples.

I would love to peg Crawford in the No. 1 slot in the Jays lineup:

Crawford/Yunel Escobar/Bautista/Wells/Beltre/Lind/Hill/Travis Snider/Jose Molina.

Yes, this may be a bit too much to ask, but you have to aim high to get results. I’m not expecting both of them to sign, or either of them quite frankly, but the reality of the situation is the Jays need to target these players if they hope to do anything this year.

This could be the year to make the playoffs. The Rays are trying to minimize payroll, the Yankees are aging fast and appear to only have CC Sabathia as their only reliable starter going into the season next year, and the Red Sox are not getting any younger either, although they stand the best chance next year of having success.

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