The guys who are free agents who don't cost a draft pick, or more than the ML minimum, is out with over 500 names to choose from. Can any help the Jays?
From http://thegameofbaseball.myblog.it/ and http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minor-league-free-agents
Blue Jay minor league free agents...
Pitchers: RHP T.J. Beam, LHP Fabio Castro, RHP James Lehman, LHP Chris Michalak, LHP Davis Romero, RHP Sean Smith
Catchers: Adair Betegon, Kyle Phillips
Infielders: Howie Clark, Jesus Gonzalez, Kevin Howard, Angel Sanchez
Outfielders: Buck Coats, Nick Gorneault, Jason Lane, Bartolo Nicolas
Nice that Phillips got his ML shot (I'm assuming this list is right) before getting a shot at free agency. Seeing Angel Snachez on the list helps explain why the Jays may not have felt the need to take a look-see. Fabio Castro is a guy I'd think the Jays want to hold onto though while Davis Romero is probably gone in an attempt to find an opportunity.
Interesting names include Josh Barfield, John-Ford Griffin, Mark Bellhorn (yes, he is still active), Gustavo Chacin, Ty Taubenheim, J.R. House (who has yet to get a real shot at the majors and after a 650 OPS last year is probably never going to - lifetime 809 in AAA for a catcher sure looks good), Tim Raines Jr., ...
Always a lot of guys who never quite made it or who are hanging on for one last shot at glory. Who is worth signing, who isn't? The Jays obviously need to replace a few guys in AAA and AA for 2010 so those teams are competitive and there is no pressure to overpromote prospects. Odds are none will be stars or even regulars in the majors at this point. Might get a few good bullpen guys, utility players, maybe even a platoon partner for someone.
Shortstop is now a big time priority with even our AAA shortstop out there for whoever wants him. A solid catcher who wants some shot at ML playing time must be out there too. Ben Davis is a knuckleballer who is interesting but I doubt the Jays will bite with their depth.
Anyone see a solid backup SS or backup catcher there?
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20091117130553789