Richard Griffin raves about the newest Blue Jay in the Star this morning. He also tries out "Beane-heads" as a new epithet for the enlightened, and drops a silly rumour:
If Kielty can do the job at major-league levels, then Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi can begin dreaming of an off-season in which he successfully clears Delgado and his $19 million (U.S.) off the roster. The Jays would do it, even if they were forced to eat a portion of the final year.
Somebody's dreaming, all right. Delgado's no-trade clause is a significant obstacle, and since his salary fits in next year's budget, why give up his production? Carlos will almost certainly be gone in 2005, unless he decides to take a substantial discount (in money and years) to stay in Toronto. But nobody is pushing him out the door.
Griffin also says, "Phelps may well be the odd man out on many nights." I fear that he's right, especially if Delgado's knees require more time at DH. Josh is en route to Syracuse to begin a rehab assignment, but in a few days, there will be some tough decisions.
Carlos Tosca loves Reed Johnson -- what manager wouldn't? He called Kielty's spectacular grab in Fenway "the best play I have ever seen in a game I was managing." He's on record as saying that Frank Catalanotto benefits mentally and physically from a day or two off every week. That all adds up to very occasional playing time for Phelps -- platooning at DH with Cat, if and when Delgado is fit to play first base. As much as I love Frankie's game, I'm starting to think he should be traded. He's going to make $3 million or more in arbitration next year, and he's impeding the development of a talented young slugger.
The subtraction of Stewart (which I advocated as passionately as I could) was supposed to clear a spot in the lineup for Josh. The addition of Kielty (which I celebrate with equal enthusiasm) was completely unexpected, but it makes Catalanotto redundant. I'd be happier if they went with Kielty-Wells-Johnson in the outfield, and let Phelps and Delgado alternate at 1B/DH. Including Cat in a package with Lidle or Escobar would only increase the return, and Josh would be free at last.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030722093059999