The Blue Jays announced that Frank Menechino and Ken Huckaby have elected to become a free agents after declining assignments to Triple-A Syracuse.
Additionally, the Jays have outrighted Jason Arnold and Raul Tablado to Syracuse.
The moves open up 4 spots on the Jays 40 man roster.
Menechino is a bit of a surprise as he performed reasonably well off the bench (.352 OBP), but given that the Jays have five players (Koskie, Hillenbrand, Hudson, Adams and Hill) likely to be on next year's roster that can play the three positions that Menechino does it's not a shocker by any means.
Huckaby, Arnold and Tablado being taken off the 40 man roster are no surprises given their performance this year.
There are currently 35 players on the Jays 40 man roster. Still remaining on the 40 man roster is Miguel Negron, although I suppose he would be the first to go if the Jays needed another roster spot opened up.
Mike Green identified the following players that will need to be protected this offseason or exposed to the Rule 5 draft:
Josh Banks Jamie Vermilyea Davis Romero* Ryan Roberts Rob Cosby Bubbie Buzachero Kurt Isenberg Robinson Diaz* Romero will be a 6 year minor league free agent and not subject to the Rule 5 draft if not added to the 40 man roster
I suspect at this point the top 5 players listed above will be the candidates to be protected, likely in that order (the position players would be less likely to stick in the Majors for a full season). Of course, trades and free agent signings could take up, or free up, 40 man roster spots and have an impact on who is protected.
Thanks to Doug C for the heads up.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20051013134835873