8:15 PM Eastern
FIRST THINGS FIRST – CAST YOUR VOTE FOR TOM CHEEK!!!!! The voice of the Blue Jays, of baseball and of summer in Canada is on the ballot to get onto the final ballot for the Ford C. Frick Award for Broadcasting Excellence, an honour that would get him into the broadcasters’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. It’s up to us to make sure he gets his due. Go to www.facebook.com/baseballhall, go to the “poll” section and please vote for Tom. Do it every day. Thank you.
Now then…….it was another quiet day at the Meetings, and having just downed a $2.00 Nestle Crunch bar for some much-needed evening energy after not having eaten since lunching on a lobby Starbucks coffee cake early this aft, I can tell you all about it.
We had one big deal get done – though it still hasn’t been officially announced. Curtis Granderson is a New York Yankee, see the previous post for my thoughts on that. That brings the total of trades so far here to two, the other being Brian Bruney’s move from the Yanks to Washington for a player to be named that the Yanks will choose (first overall) in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft.
No major signings yet, though Chone Figgins’ deal was officially announced today, and the hottest rumour is one that’s still circulating as I write this – the Cubs are very close to a deal with a mystery team in the A.L. that will see them divest themselves of one Milton Obelle Bradley. Who is the mystery team? Well, it’s not the Blue Jays. Despite Cito Gaston mentioning that Bradley is a guy he’d want (and frankly, I think that Cito is a guy who could very likely keep Bradley focused and in check), the front office has no interest in adding that headache. My guess is it’s the White Sox, and we may find out as the night progresses.
Evidently the Rangers have offered Neftali Feliz and Justin Smoak to the Marlins for Josh Johnson, as well. I’m not sure about that one, because I don’t know why the Marlins wouldn’t have screamed “Yes!” before the Rangers even finished the sentence.
Other stuff we know – the Blue Jays were in on Curtis Granderson, but didn’t offer the right pieces for the Tigers. I’m not sure if the Jays were looking at Granderson in order to flip him for younger, cheaper assets or to have him as a piece for the ’11, ’12 and 13 squads. The Yankees are still in on Roy Halladay, despite the fact that they no longer have Austin Jackson. It almost definitely means, though, that they’d have to include 20 year-old catching-prospect-who-likely-plays-first-or-third-in-the-bigs Jesus Montero and one of Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes.
The highlight of the day, of course, was Alex Anthopoulos’ meeting with the Toronto assemblage. Over the course of 45 minutes with the Jays’ G.M., we learned many things. Included among them:
-There’s nothing imminent on the trade front, though good dialogue is continuing with several teams.
-Except that there is a non-Halladay trade in the works that may come to fruition if a player gets through the Rule 5 draft.
-Roy Halladay is a unique asset, no team has anything like him, nor is there his like on the free agent market, so the Jays hold all the cards in making a deal involving him. No other trade that’s made or free agent who is signed should affect the Jays’ return in a Halladay deal, according to the G.M. (while not discussing specifics). They’re in no rush, but will move when they get a satisfactory offer as opposed to holding out for something even better.
-Offers have been made to several free agents, but they’ve been early-stage offers and have been declined, so right now there’s nothing on the table.
-Teams are interested in several Blue Jays, not just Halladay. Alex said that they’ve received multiple inquiries on “five or six” different players.
All 18 of the audio clips that I sent in to The Fan are reproduced here, for your listening pleasure, as they were yesterday:
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I hit the Trade Show this afternoon during one of today’s many down times when wandering through the lobby just couldn’t ease the hurry-up-and-waitness of this day. It’s usually a fun place to go, with all sorts of different exhibitors hawking their wares to minor-league teams, but this year’s edition seemed somewhat lacking. The coolest thing in there among the souvenir bat-decorators, mascot costume-makers and cleaners, seat sellers and turf builders was the world’s biggest jersey – an inflatable monstrosity that can also act as a batting cage if you want. Sadly, I can’t even remember the name of the company that makes it, but I’ll try to go back down tomorrow and get you a picture. Also, there were free dipping dots. There are always free dipping dots. I seem to remember that 20 years ago, I got dipping dots at the CNE and they were touted as the “ice cream of the future”. Well, the future has arrived, and there’s still ice cream.
So now I’m off to Paul Fleming Chang’s for dinner with the mlb.com boys and then back to the hotel to play Game 7 of my Fat Elvis Baseball Collective LCS. If I win, it’s off to the finals for the 7th time in nine seasons (five titles so far). If I lose, the league’s founder and commissioner goes to the big dance for the first time ever.
Cito has arrived in town, and tomorrow the assemblage will lunch with the Jays’ skipper. I don’t know if we’ll have our own table or if we’ll be joined by another team’s media, but one of my greatest Winter Meetings memories is sitting with the Twins’ assemblage in Dallas a few years back and listening to John Gibbons and Ron Gardenhire sharing old war stories from their days in the Mets’ system. The two of them were absolutely hilarious. Maybe we’ll sit with the Reds and be able to listen in on Cito reminiscing with Dusty Baker.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
20 Responses to “Day Two Wraperroo”
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Mike, is there any way to vote for Tom without having a facebook account. Last year, I didn’t have to go through facebook, and it seems kind of odd this is how they decided to do it.
MW: I have heard that the Hall of Fame is having some issues with its website, and that’s why they did the Facebook thing. Unfortunately, you do have to join Facebook to vote for Tom.
- RossHey Mike – So im guessing Melky moves to left now? Not sure what his contract is but he would look great in the jays outfield/lineup. He plays hard and he seems to kill the jays. Im just throwing it out there, I heard AA was looking for OF help. Take it easy.
MW: I don’t know how great Melky would look in Toronto. He’s not a great defender and doesn’t throw well, and he’s an outfielder who doesn’t hit for power and doesn’t get on base particularly well. Granted, he’s young, but he’ll be 26 in August and he’s only under control through the 2011 season. As for killing the Blue Jays, he hit a whopping .203/.226/.288 against them this past season and has hit just .270/.305/.390 at Rogers Centre for his career.
- LenAfter that 3 team trade was completed today, I was shocked to read the post-trade analysis’, which deemed kennedy and jackson as mere “rotation players” as opposed to “the second coming of clemens/mantel” whence they were yankee property….perhaps the BBWA is losing credibility? no wait, they gave jeter his gold glove…my bad
- jpHey Mike. Zack Snyder is the director of the movies 300 and The Watchmen. I remember you wrote in a blog quite a while ago that you were a comic book fan so I thought you’d be interested to know. The filming ended at 11:00pm PT tonight. Since you wrote to me that Jacques Doucet is hardly “some guy” I thought maybe you could educate me on what you ment by that. Is “he” really a “she”? Is this person deserving of the award? Obviously not as much as Tom!
MW: Is “he” really a “she”? Was that supposed to be funny? No, Jacques Doucet was the Expos’ French-language broadcaster for 33 years, is an iconic figure in Quebec, and is entitled to a little more respect from you.
- Matt in BCFlorida is crazy. I really wish that Doc would accept a move to Texas, I would take Smoak and Feliz in a heartbeat. I think that Austin Jackson’s potential may be a tad overrated, and I don’t think he would be a crucial piece in a Halladay trade like Montero would be. I hope that AA isn’t focusing on Casey Kelly, because it seems he won’t be content simply pitching especially in the AL where he can’t hit.
MW: Kelly has evidently accepted his fate as “just a pitcher”. Every Yankee prospect’s potential is a tad overrated.
- AlanGood morning Mike. We’re all 99% sure Roy will be traded, so when it does happen, do you think the Jays might consider just a little less in the overall package to trade him to a National League team. If Roy goes to the Yanks or Red Sox, I doubt we’ll get a sniff of a pennant race here for another 10 years.
MW: In 10 years, Halladay will be 42.
- Mark BellMike,
From yesterday’s National Post:
“I think Rogers’ position would be get good as quickly as you can,” Beeston said. “You just can’t go out and buy a team. You can’t do it. It doesn’t make any sense. Nor can you just go out and trade for it. You have to build it. But we have some pretty good blocks to build around.”
Do you agree with that? I tend to disagree because you can go out and buy a decent team (or buy guys to help this Jays team be at least a .500 team). I think the Jays should have spent money to buy a team while trying to rebuild the farm system as opposed to fielding a team destined to lose while rebuilding. By the time the bought guy’s contracts expire, the Jays should have developed players and built a winning team. At that point, the Jays could either let the guys contracts expire because they have their own guys. It’s just a reverse way of spending money: spend money now to at least field a competitive team while rebuilding the system; and spend less when you have rebuilt the team with solid home grown players.
MW: I don’t agree with what Beeston said. Not only can you buy a team, but you can also just go out and trade for one, if you’re willing to spend the money to take contracts that teams want to move. The Yankees have been a playoff team every year but one since 1995, and only Robinson Cano has come through their system to make an impact since Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte came up in the mid-90s.
- JoachimHey Mike,
Can you provide details on your “Fat Elvis Baseball Collective LCS” or just let me know where you’ve previously explained it. Sounds like quite dynasty.
Does the poll on facebook reset everday?, http://www.facebook.com/baseballhall VOTE FOR TOM CHEEK!
Regardless of where Doc gets traded I’m gonna find it very hard not to cheer for him and the team
MW: The Fat Elvis Baseball Collective is one of two sim leagues that I play in. http://www.fat-elvis.com. I think the facebook poll may reset every week.
- DrewThe benefit of spend now and less later is to maintain a solid fan base now or at least keep a buzz around this team that it is at least trying to win instead of mailing it in again (for the 3rd time in the last 16 years) to rebuild again.
MW: I wouldn’t say “mailing it in”, but that’s one of the benefits, yes.
- JoachimHi Mike:
Enjoy the blog; thank you. Just got back from a trip to Boston with a stop in Cooperstown. My 14 yr old son and his buddy were awestruck by the Hall of Fame. An easy 5 hour drive from Peterborough. I would recommend it to anyone with a day to spare. Brought a tear to my eye when I got to the Frick display and Tom Cheek wasn’t there. May very deserved members but Tom should be in as well. A very user friendly way of voting this year so we have no excuse for not getting him on the ballot. Keep reminding us.
Brent
MW: Don’t worry, I will.
- brent jibbHey Mike,
Is it conceivable for the Jays to have interest in both Jesus Montero and Ryan Doumit and still envision a central role in the franchise for J.P. Arencibia? Obviously all three can catch, but Doumit has played right-field in the past. Is he a legitimate major league right-fielder, or will a permanent shift to that position reveal some serious defensive deficiencies and further exacerbate his tendency to get injured?
MW: It’s definitely possible to see all three of them as part of the team’s future, though it might be with one at first, one catching and one DHing. I don’t think Doumit is a guy you’d want to run out in right field every day. If Arencibia is the best defender of the three (and that’s up for major debate) than he could catch, because you would want a better bat at first and at DH. In fact, you would probably want a better bat than Doumit at one of those positions, too. So maybe they’re better off not taking on all three.
- FMBhey mike if the jays kept halladay and added lackey, figgins, beltre and holliday/bay do you think that they would compete?
also should the jays look at vlady as a dh cuz hes awesome?
MW: Yes, they would, though Figgins is off the market. And no, awesomeness isn’t enough of a reason.
- Alan PeransonSo far I am disappointed with the way the week is going. Scutaro is gone, Barajas is gone, Johnny Mac and another short stop are in. I assume Hill, Lind and Wells are untouchables. The big question is what are we going to get or lose for Halladay?
It looks like Rogers is reticent to spend more money so the only real available options are cheap free agents (who will hold out for better offers) and trades.
I apologize in advance for my pessimism… I would have thought that the Jays would have made a few deals by now.
MW: No one has made a few deals, so it’s not only the Blue Jays. I’m thinking things are unlikely to really get rolling until after Saturday’s tender deadline. I don’t know why you say it looks like Rogers is reticent to spend more money when they told you last month that they wouldn’t be spending money.
- TimMike, I am RedSox fan, but, since I live in the GTA, I tend to follow the ‘local nine’ with some interest. I find the comments of AA somewhat amusing. In every interview he has stated that the Jays are incapable of competing in the AL East as the team is presently constructed and that no amount of money can make them ‘competitive’ for the upcoming season. It is also his belief that the farm system is in need of a complete upgrade as there are very few prospects on the horizon. I was never a fan of JP, but, there are some excellent pieces in place on this team, as well as many very good young pitchers. Considering that AA was the Assistant GM, ‘methinks he doth protest too much’ Perhaps he is not the man for the job. This team is not all that far away from competing. Some astute and creative moves are required. This is not Pittsburg, but one of the biggest markets in North America. Personally, I believe the day for trading Halladay passed long ago. It would be better to build around him. I will be very surprised if the Jays get anything approaching ‘fair market value’. Boston will never give up Buchholz or Kelly and the Angels will not be much better than the Jays if they give up several young prospects. It doesn’t make economic sense for a team to give up young, cost efficient players for Hallady, who will cost $100 million dollars for the next 5 years. Only the Yankees could make that deal and I doubt that Cashman would strip his farm system. They could use Halladay, but don’t really need him.
MW: It’s not as though Halladay is just a guy in a sea of reasonably close available talent, though. That’s the thing. And I don’t think I’ve ever heard Alex say that no amount of money would make the Jays competitive in 2010, it’s just that he doesn’t think the quick fix is the way to go (nor does Paul Beeston).
- Brian SellsI disagree with your assessment of Melky’s defense. I think he has a much better arm than you are giving him credit for. You sometimes rely too heavily on stats and discount big hits late in games and big defensive plays. A player can go 1 for 5 but that 1 hit could be a 2 out bases clearing double in ninth. Anyways, doing a great job on the blog, I appreciate the updates at the WM’s.
Len
MW: Yes, a player could certainly get a big hit in a big situation and have it be the only time he contributes in a game, but he can’t do that on a regular basis (maybe – unless he’s Andre Ethier). To your point, though, Melky has been a better hitter in “late and close” situations over the course of his career, hitting .298/.368/.378.
- LenWith the Rox signing Torrealba, do you think there is a chance that Colorado would make Chris Ianetta expendable in a trade to the Jays?
How was Boston able to just swoop in and take Fabio Castro for nothing? Was he released by the Blue Jays? Where does Boston keep all of these signings? They are continually picking up minor leage scraps everyday and not having to add them to their 40 man roster. Just a little confused.
MW: Castro was signed to a major-league contract as a minor-league free agent. There was no swooping, and he is on the 40-man roster. Torrealba hasn’t been signed yet – though it’s close – and the Rox are about to sign Iannetta to a three-year deal, so I doubt they’re looking to move him.
- bootyHey Mike,
Do you know if the Blue Jays have any interest in Ryan Church? I think he was DFA’d by Atlanta recently. I don’t think that the Braves would want a huge return for him, since thay did DFA’d him.
He’ll be 31 next year and he has a career OPS of .787 and an OPS+ of 107, which isn’t bad. Against right-handed pitching, he has a career OPS of .813. He seems to be a left-handed hitter who is willing to take a walk and who can play all OF positions, too. What are your thoughts?
Thanks!
MW: If I were the Blue Jays, I’d have interest in Church, but not until after Saturday’s tender deadline. Church will be non-tendered then if no one picks him up through the DFA process, and the Jays will be able to get him for a better price.
- Justin from ArdtreaHey Mike,
Perhaps off topic for the winter meetings, but just wondering if you’ve heard any of the media types or St. Louis staff members discussing what, in the big picture, is the biggest story of the offseason so far . . . Mark McGwire is back in baseball.
Any word how the circus will be handled in spring training or what the “approach” will be from the Cardinals and/or media standpoint?
It will be VERY interesting how this situation plays out.
MW: Tony LaRussa came out and said the other day that he only expects McGwire to have to talk about teaching hitting to the Cardinals. I think he’s very wrong.
- Ken PaganHey Mike
Glad to see Austin Jackson was included in the 3 way deal today. I was hoping he wouldn’t be one of the key pieces coming to Toronto for Doc because i suspect he is a bit overrated. If AA gets an offer of Montero and Hughes in return, do you think that gets the deal done?
MW: It’s a great start, I don’t think the Jays would need much more.
- rickMike,
I have to agree with my BoSox fan friend in comment #14.
I am tired of hearing Cito say “we can’t win” and AA saying “we won only 75 games” and the general pessimism coming from the front office.
I believe Rogers is just cheap. They dropped close to $20MM in payroll with Rios and Rolen leaving, but can’t add?
The only reason Doc wants out of Toronto is because ownership is not willing to spend with the top teams, even though they have tons of money and a massive market.
It must have made him SICK seeing guys like Mencherson and Dellucci etc. being run out to a top offensive position every night, while his team lost by 1-2 runs consistently.
Or how did he feel when the Jays had a huge start last season, and then couldn’t sustain it due to offensive holes that could have been filled easily through trade, or even for under $10MM last off-season (Abreu etc.)?
The Jays could have kept Doc and contended from 2006-present had they been willing to spend more. And you know it too.
2010′s core could have been added to, heck it still could. The Jays could easily field a competitive team with $100MM while “building”. They would still have 6-7 high draft picks in 2010, and higher revenues to build it up like the glory days.
I am still going to follow this team until the day I die, but it is painful to hear these ridiculous statements to fans as if we are completely clueless.
A simple yes or no answer for you, Mike:
Could the jays have fielded a 88-92 win team with a $100MM payroll for 2010, while building through the draft and trades at the same time?
MW: Maybe not for $100 million, but for $120 million, for sure.
- andy mc