Rumours are swirling about Blue Jays shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Joe Strauss reported in The St. Louis Post-Dispatch over the weekend that Toronto had scouts in St. Louis and that the Cardinals may be interested in acquiring the 33 year old veteran for the stretch run.
Gonzalez is having a big year at the plate power wise, with 17 homers and 50 RBIs at the All-Star break. Gonzalez’s on base percentage is a brutal .296, but his power in the middle infield would be a welcome addition to the Cardinals’ lineup.
Gonzalez is on a one-year contract paying him $2.75 million this year, and is unlikely to figure into Toronto’s long term plans.
St. Louis’ primary shortstop this season has been Brendan Ryan who, while solid defensively, is hitting .194 with an OPS of .547.
As to what Toronto may expect in return for Gonzalez, it is unlikely the Jays would be interested in Ryan or Cardinals’ backup Khalil Greene. It is more likely Toronto would be looking at prospects in return for Gonzalez, the Cardinals system is rich in pitching, but has little in the way of top end offensive talent.
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