3 years between 10-12 million is defenitely reasonable for Batista. It previously sounded like he wanted Escobar money, but at that price, hopefully the Jays will bite. And I didn't realize he has such decent splits on turf. He would be a decent pickup.

Duquette was on WFAN yesterday, and although I didn't hear the interview, they were talking about it afterwards and it sounded like Batista was definitely someone they were targeting.

However, after reading the Star article it sounds like the Jays will be offering more money.

Of course, they likely offered more money to Worrell and he ended up in Philly.

I think I'd be comfortable at 3 years if the total deal was under $15 million.

I didn't realize he has such decent splits on turf

Aren't there just a few teams with turf left (only Montreal in the NL, correct?)? I would think the sample size would be too small to conclude anything off of that.

the Jays have ruled out going after ex-San Francisco Giants starter Sidney Ponson because of his history of arm problems

That's actually a relief. I know there's still a possibility that Ponson can be a star for someone (you'd thing the White Sox have to do something) but I wasn't keen on the Jays giving him three years. For the more reliable Batista, that's hardly risk-free, but it's more palatable.

If Batista prefers to play somewhere else, the next tier of options, like Jeff Suppan, wouldn't be as expensive, which means more help for the bullpen, as J.P. reiterated on the radio yesterday. To me, that would be preferable to holding my breath hoping for Sir Sidney to remain healthy and focused.

I notice that Baker doesn't quote Ricciardi in his Orlando Hudson trade speculation, keeping alive the rumours. It's quite possible that the whole Ben Sheets buzz started here in Da Box, and because they have nothing else to go on, some reporters have picked it up. I've never thought that the Brewers, with Gord Ash in the front office, would be keen to trade with the Jays.

Pistol, you are right. In the last 3 years, Batista has had 4 starts on turf, and hurled 26 innings.

His interesting splits are his right/left and ground/air. He is like a "lower case" Roy Halladay. He is tough on right-handed hitters and gives up more ground balls than fly balls. With luck, that will mean more work for Orlando Hudson, and less for Eric Hinske and Chris Woodward.

Baker doesn't quote anybody with regards to Ponson and Hudson, so I'm giving Marty York a bit more credibility on those issues (unless we know for a fact that York makes up quotes).

Baker says they Jays have "ruled out going after" Ponson, while in the York interview, Ricciardi says they were negotiating with Ponson. While it's possible the Jays were negotiating while talking to York, then broke things off when talking to Baker, Baker's phrasing suggests they were never all that interested.

And while I can see Hudson being traded, I don't think he'd fit in Milwaukee, where they have Spivey short-term and Weeks long-term. (Unless they've decided Weeks' future is in the outfield, which seems a bold decision to make after a quarter-season)

One potential hiccup in sending Hudson to Milwaukee is the fact that the Brewers currently have Junior Spivey at second base and they would need to ship him somewhere. Doug Melvin said yesterday he'd now like to hang onto Spivey, so he might not even have much interest in trading for Hudson.

Drat! One of the other Ryans was faster than me!

There's a second article in the Star today, that must be authored by Griffen.

"Looking out for No.2 has led Ricciardi to a rogues gallery of mid-range hurlers, including Miguel Batista of the D-Backs, Jeff Suppan of the Red Sox and Kenny Rogers of the Twins"

Not really fair to characterize Batista with Suppan or Rogers

"In news more important to seamheads among us, Batista boasts a lower ERA on turf than grass, a lower ERA indoors than out, a better ERA as a starter and a 2.57 career ERA against the hated Yankees, plus eight more shutout frames in the 2001 World Series. The Jays, indeed, do their homework."

Huh!? I don't understand the intent of his last sentence. Is he taking a shot at someone - seamheads? (I prefer Bauxites), the Jays?, or is he implying that he too can research statistical information. It's not about the raw stats, it's how you interpret them that gives you an advantage.

Can someone give me a quick lesson in how to add a link? Please.

I promise to write it down and commit it to memory. Thanks.

Can someone give me a quick lesson in how to add a link? Please.

Go to the page in question. Right click on the address (or write it down). Select Copy

Go to Batters Box. Right click the homepage and paste it in

Viola!

Blue: I think Griffin was trying to tell us that he approves of the idea of signing Batista. I don't blame you for being confused by it; it doesn't sound like the sort of thing he'd normally say.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1071097810326&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908
Rich seems to be in a good mood today. (COMN)

He calls J.P. both "frugal" and "slick," mild compared to some previous shots, and referring to the available pitchers within the Jays' budget as a "rogues gallery" with "warts" is just colourful writing, which I enjoy when it isn't used to hide misinformation and half-truths. He does seem to like Batista, though he cautions that the Jays are unlikely to get him without offering three years, and I agree. I've also mentioned Cliff Politte as redundant. Griffin even uses "seamheads" without being derogatory. That's practically an olive branch. :)

http://me.woot.net
Batista is very welcome in a Jays uniform. Craig B's comment on the Big Easy hijack central makes it seem seems like he'll fit right in.

Griffin's latest seems like he's trying to give a nod to the ZLC while not actually doing any sabrmetric research. Why else would he quote only ERA?

I interpreted 'seamheads' to mean 'true baseball fans', ie, those of us who like baseball instead of playing with our calculators. Note that he says "seamheads among *us*", implying that he himself is a seamhead.

Geoff Baker ??? - you mean the WHITE JAYS guy!!!

Has anyone actually seen a copy of TheStar in print today? Is Griffs name under the headline? I don't know who else it would be, and I only read once earlier, but this doesn't sound like Griffin in any way.

Yeah, it's Griffin all right -- on the "rogues gallery" and "seamheads" comments.

Doesn't seem to be a lot of support around here for Ponson...what does everyone think he'd cost, and for how long? I trust Marty York about as far as I can throw him, but he DOES make it sound as though JP is interested and close...

Thoughts?

Reports coming from ESPN and The Score that the Jays have signed Batista. No contract details yet.

If the Batista signing is final, then as far as I'm concerned, Boston and New York had better follow Satchel Paige's advice and not look behind them.

http://economics.about.com
Google doesn't have any official news yet. I did find this report, posted less than an hour ago at MLB:

Blue Jays: The Toronto Star reports that the Jays are closing in on Miguel Batista with an offer believed to be for three years and between $12 million-$14 million. Apparently, the Jays want him to make up his mind before the Winter Meetings start, and Batista's camp has been somewhat receptive.

There's a new thread; Mike Wilner will be live on The FAN 590 for the next hour. You guys call him, I'll transcribe. :)