Thursday, November 30, 2006
Jays Add a Short Stop
The Blue Jays have just signed short stop Royce Clayton to a 1 year, $1.5 million contract, pending a physical. Aaron Hill will now be the everyday second baseman next season. The Jays are still chasing starting pitchers Ted Lilly and Gil Meche. They will only be able to afford one of the two. Meche was in town last night with J.P. at the Leafs game
Posted by Mark in
Blue Jay Player Transactions
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Zaun #1 Catcher Now
In a bizarre twist, Greg Zaun appears to be the new Toronto Blue Jays number one catcher, as Rod Barajas pulls his deal with the Blue Jays. Zuan has reportedly reached a 2 year agreement with the Blue Jays worth $7.25 million with an option for a third year.Barajas was supposed to fly to Toronto today to take his physical, and upon passing, the 2 year, $5.25 million deal was to be officially announced. But last night, he fired his agent and hired a new one, as he wasn't completely happy with the deal. His deal with the Jays would have resulted in Barajas taking a pay cut from last year, which some believe might have been a problem for the union. I wonder if this stunt that Barajas pulled with the Jays will affect his negotiations with other teams. I think it negatively affects his character, which may be a cause of concern for some teams.
2007 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training Schedule
Thurs., March 1 - Red Sox @ DunedinFri., March 2 - Red Sox @ Fort Myers
Sat., March 3 - Devil Rays @ Dunedin
Sun., March 4 - Devil Rays @ St. Petersburg
Mon., March 5 - Pirates @ Dunedin
Tues., March 6 - Tigers @ Lakeland
Wed., March 7 - Phillies @ Clearwater
Thurs., March 8 - Red Sox @ Fort Myers
Fri., March 9 - Astros @ Dunedin
Sat., March 10 - Braves @ Disney World
Sun., March 11 - Twins @ Dunedin
Mon., March 12 - Reds @ Sarastora
Tues., March 13 - Red Sox @ Dunedin
Wed. March 14 - Indians @ Dunedin; Indians @ Winter Haven
Thurs. March 15 - Phillies @ Clearwater
Fri., March 16 - Reds @ Sarasota
Sat., March 17 - Tigers @ Dunedin
Sun., March 18 - Astros @ Kissimmee
Mon., March 19 - Yankees @ Dunedin
Wed., March 21 - Phillies @ Dunedin
Thurs., March 22 - Pirates @ Dunedin
Fri., March 23 - Twins @ Fort Myers
Sat., March 24 - Yankees @ Tampa
Sun. March 25 - Reds @ Dunedin
Mon., March 26 - Pirates @ Bradenton
Tues., March 27 - Devil Rays @ Dunedin
Wed., March 28 - Indians @ Winter Haven
Thurs., March 29 - Yankees @ Dunedin
Fri., March 30 - Indians @ Winter Haven
Sat., March 31 - Reds @ Dunedin
From the Toronto star
Monday, November 27, 2006
Barajas Jays New Catcher
Rod Barajas will be taking a physical today, and if he passes, he will be latest Blue Jay free agent signing and new number 1 catcher. The deal is reportedly for 2 years and somewhere around $6 million. It has been rumored for over a week that the Jays were intent on signing Barajas, so this should come as no surprise. This is not a big upgrade over Greg Zuan, but Barajas is a bit cheaper and is 31 years old. Zuan is reportedly looking for $7 million over 2 years, with both the Red Sox and Yankees interested.The Jays are one of five teams who are pursuing second baseman Adam Kennedy, who is looking for a 4 year deal worth around $20 million. I think if the Jays end up signing him, it will be for at least $2 million more than he's looking for.
J.P. is looking to sign a pitcher soon, with Ted Lilly or Gil Meche the most likely. Randy Wolf appears to be ready to sign with the Dodgers. Mark Mulder and Vincente Padilla are two other options. I like Mulder, but he would be the riskier signing of the bunch as he's been hampered by injuries.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thomas Fourth in MVP Voting
I wonder with Frank Thomas finishing fourth in the American League voting for MVP, will silence some of the people who were critical of the Jays signing him. His 39 home runs and 114 runs batted in would have been tops on the Blue Jays, and Oakland's stadium is not known as a hitters ballpark. Justin Morneau was named league MVP, followed by Jeter, Ortiz, and then Thomas.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Speier and Catalanotto No Longer Blue Jays
It wasn't much of a surprise that Justin Speier and Frank Catalanotto didn't re-sign with the Blue Jays. Catalanotto signed (pending a physical) a 3-year deal with the Texas Rangers for $13 million. The deal also includes a team option for a fourth year. With the signing of Frank Thomas last week, and Reed Johnson's emergence in left field, made Catalanotto expendable. J.P. was always saying that he'd like to re-sign Frank, but I don't think he tried very hard, knowing there wouldn't be a lot free at-bats for him. Also, Catalanotto wanted to play in the field, rather than DH. Reed Johnson is a much better fielder than Catalanotto.Justin Speier joined an already solid Angels bullpen. Speier's deal is for four years, at a reported $18 million. Speier will be missed in the Jays bullpen next year as he was the main set-up guy for most of the season. He posted a 2-0 record with a 2.98 ERA in 58 appearances.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Thomas’s Option Details
Scout Inc. published today the details of Frank Thomas's option year for the 2+1 year contract he signed with the Blue Jays today. The $10 million option for the 2009 season will kick in if the The Big Hurt reaches 1050 plate appearances in the first two years, or 525 plate appearances during the 2008 season.
The Big Hurt
So it was officially announced today that 'The Big Hurt' Frank Thomas signed with the Blue Jays. He signed a two-year contract worth $18 million, $10 million this season and $8 million the following year. There is also an option for a third year at $10 million. Yes, that's a lot of money for a 38-year old DH, with a history of injury problems, but don't good ball players make good money. He should rank in the top 5 in AL MVP voting, maybe even top three. $9 million average over 2 years for an MVP candidate is not bad. But J.P.'s signing of Thomas is getting riped in the Toronto media, and by some fans. Here's a list of today's articles that are trashing this signing:
Why Is Thomas a Priority?
This Move By Jays Could Hurt
$18 Million at DH Makes No Sense
First off, every free agent will be overpaid this year, the talent is thin. Utility infielder Mark DeRosa signed for $4 million a season. Ted Lilly is maybe looking north of $40 million for 4 years, and he might even get it, same goes for Vincente Padilla who's looking for $10 million a year. Sure the Jays need pitching, but who would you rather have, Ted Lilly at $10 million a year for 4 years or Frank Thomas hitting behind Vernon Wells and ahead of Troy Glaus for $9 million a year for 2 years? Give me Frank Thomas over any one of Lilly, Padilla, Gil Meche or Randy Wolf. With such a weak pitching crop this year (after Zito and Schmidt), these guys will most likely get at least $8 million. Mark Mulder is another option but he was injured the majority of last season and struggled when he was on the mound. I like this guy, but he'll get a big contract.
Secondly, Toronto isn't the only team that valued him at around $9 million a season. Texas apparently had a 2 year, $18 million offer on the table. The cash conscious Oakland A's offered 2 years at $16 million.
Thirdly, who cares what the Jays are paying him, if good ole' Ted Rogers thinks it's a good investment, so be it.
Lastly, the free agent options for the positions the Jays need, starting pitching, middle infielder, and catcher is weak. The quality (and that might be a stretch of some of them) starting pitchers where mentioned above, they'll all get large, 4 or 5 year deals around a minimum of $8 million and up to $15. The majority of teams are interested in these guys and will drive up the price. Middle infielders are rare this year as well, the Jays have interest in Lugo (who'll get over $9 million from Boston, not worth it) Alex Gonzalez (looking for around $8 million, not worth) and possibly Adam Kennedy (not sure what he's after). The Jays can sign a defensive shortstop for a lot less, Thomas's bat makes up for the lack of offense, and their team defense will have improved. As for the catching position, Zaun is comparing himself to $6 million a year catchers, Molina will obviously think he's worth more. Barahas has been linked to the Jays, but I read this morning that he might be looking at $5 million a season. They should sign a defensive catcher, Molina and Zaun were terrible last year at throwing out runners. With the remaining money J.P., should easily be able to get a decent defensive catcher and middle infielder, and a starter.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Cannon and Some Signings
Chip Cannon is tearing up the Arizona Fall League. He has 11 home runs, the next closest hitter has 6 home runs. Cannon is also batting .362 and has 26 runs batted in 26 games. Look for him to start the year in Syracuse. He needs to cut back his strike outs; in 475 at bats last season, he struck out 158 times.The Blue Jays signed Matt Roney to a major league contract. Roney went 4-3 with a 2.95 ERA in 47 games for Oakland's Triple A club. He was added to the 40-man roster.
Late last week the Jays also signed minor league deals with; Geremi Gonzalez, Beau Kemp, Blaine Neal, and Brian Wolfe
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Top 50 Blue Jay Prospects
Today Scout Inc. released thier opinion on the top 50 Blue Jay prospects. It wasn't much of a surprise to see Adam Lind ranked number one, after the season he had. The list doesn't include players that no longer qualify as a rookie, therefore leaving off Janssen, McGowan, Marcum, and League. This would help explain why there are 4 hitters in the top 8.1. Adam Lind
2. Travis Snider
3. Rickey Romero
4. Curtis Thigpen
5. Francisco Rosario
6. Davis Romero
7. Jesse Litsch
8. Ryan Patterson
9. Kyle Yates
10. Ty Taubenheim
11-50
Friday, November 03, 2006
Vernon Collects Third Golden Glove
Vernon Wells was awarded his third consecutive American League Golden Glove Award yesterday. Wells committed 4 errors and had a .988 fielding percentage. Vernon makes it look easy in the outfield, getting a good jumps on balls allows him to glide into position, almost Devo'esque. Ichiro and Torii Hunter was also Gold Glove winners, both for the sixth time. Other AL winners were: P Kenny Rogers (5th gold glove), C Ivan Rodriguez (12), 1B Mark Teixeira (2), 2B Mark Grudzielanek (1), SS Derek Jeter (3) and 3B Eric Chavez (6).
The National League Gold Glove winners will be announced today.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Molina Files for Free Agency
It shouldn't have come as surprise to anyone that Benji Molina filed for free agency. The Blue Jays earlier had declined to pick up his $7.5 million option, instead choosing to buy him out for $500,000. There is still a chance that they might try to re-sign him, as J.P. has mentioned in the past, but I don't see this happening. I can see them re-signing Zaun instead of Molina, as he will be cheaper. Jason Phillips will most likely be the backup as Curtis Thigpen isn't ready yet. The Blue Jays signed Jean Machi, a pitcher out of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, and added him to their 40-man roster. The 23-year-old pitched in Double A last season, appearing in 49 games where he recorded a 6-1 record with 16 saves and a 2.64 ERA.
Posted by Mark in
Blue Jay Player Transactions
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Monday, October 30, 2006
3 Jays File for Free Agency
Ted Lilly, Justin Speier and Frank Catalanotto filed for free agency over the weekend. All three have said (J.P. as well) they'd like to return to the Jays next season, but I don't see all three coming back. I can see them making a good attempt to re-sign Speier, as they need a solid veteran in the bullpen. If they weren't able to re-sign him, they would have to bring someone else in. The Jays will probably offer Lilly a low-ball contract and he'll sign elsewhere for around $7-8 million a year. Reed Johnson took Catalanotto's left field position away from him this past season, and the 'Cat' is not interested in being a full time DH. Adam Lind's strong play as a September call-up has management thinking he might be ready for a full season in the majors.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
2006 - 07 Toronto Blue Jay Free Agents
2006-07 Toronto Blue Jay Free Agents | ||
Free Agent | Position | Contract Notes |
Frank Catalanotto | LF/DH | Signed a 3-year $13 million contract with the Texas Rangers, with a team option for a 4th year. |
Ted Lilly | LHSP | |
Benji Molina | C | |
Justin Speier | RHRP | Signed a 4-year $18 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. |
Greg Zaun | C | Re-signed with the Blue Jays for 2 years for $7.25 million, with an option for a third year. |
Friday, October 20, 2006
40-Man Roster Moves
Pete Walker and Kevin Barker have refused their minor league assignments, making them free agents. Pitcher Josh Towers and outfielder John-Ford Griffin were outrighted to Syracuse, therefore also removing both of them from the 40-man roster. The Blue Jays added right hander Tracy Thorpe to their 40 man roster, bring the number back up to 38. The 26-year-old pitched for the Double A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, where he posted a 3-1 record, 18 saves, with a 2.91 ERA.