I'd like to see how much time Beeston spent looking for a replacement last year relative to his duties as an interim president because I certainly didn't notice much difference from the Godfrey years except he seemed significantly less visible than Godfrey ever was.

Off the field, he was remembered for making the Blue Jays, Canada's Team yet there was no effort this year to offer the rabid west coast fan base any sort of product to work with, if only to capitalize on the financial reward (this same year the Jays lost GM as a sponsor). He declined CBC's lowered bid to broadcast national games this season (CBC is probably the most nationally covered television station in Canada), and the in-game experience was just as centered around selling us things than Godfrey's ever was (there were 6 fast food chains heavily promoted between innings).

There seemed to be a conscious effort to not hand out tickets this year, but I didn't notice much else. Hopefully as a full-time president he is able to make this team the way he had so much success with.

What a happy coincidence it is that every time the Jays need to hire somebody, they're able to find the perfect guy already in the organization. I'm surprised the other teams are able to compete with Toronto, if the Blue Jays have that kind of personnel advantage.

It demonstrated it to mine as well, Matthew E.  When F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote that there were no second acts in Amercan lives, he clearly did not have the countering example of the moribund Toronto sports scene to contend with.

Joe Sixer said the Jays interviewed a number of highly qualified individuals for the President position. If they did interview other people, I’m surprised not one name leaked out. I know the Jays had interest in the Suns president, but he turned down an interview. I’m curious to know who the other people were.

I doubt if Mr. Beeston can get the Blue Jays on Vancouver radio, but the ratings would be good, in my opinion.  Few fans want to listen to Seattle baseball, heck I'd prefer listening to the Giants to thhat, given my druthers, but Blue Jays games on the radio would get my attention and ears on a regular basis, with or without local boys on the roster. 

Overall, this is a great move, if only because it assures continuity and commitment from ownership.  Also, September was encouraging, considering the limitations in the rotation.  I'd like to see Barajas come back, heck, even  St. Paddy's Day Chavez, too, what's not to like? This team has dark horse sleeper written all over it for next year, and that's always fun.  No predictions, though, that's a jinx.

The free agent list is here.

I think he means especially at catcher and SS (what the Jays need) the draft is icky. It's definitely a good year to go dumpster diving when a lot of teams might be willing to only offer minor league deals. I think you have to take a risk with Sheets and Harden. You can never have enough starters. I like Schneider at C too. I'd kick the tires on Blalock, Nick Johnson, Delgado, O-Dog, Crosby, Beltre, Crede, Glaus (for DH), Tejada, Bay, Wily Mo, Dye (if bought out), Bedard, Park Chan Ho (maybe I can see the games on TV then), Pettitte and Bradford. A lot tires need to be kicked because this team needs to have a new look for 2010. Bringing back mostly the same group would be foolish unless the plan is just to rebuild.

From Richard Griffin...

So what does this mean for Cito Gaston?

The appointment of Beeston is the only way that replacing Gaston as manager of the Jays – which is now likely – can go smoothly, without rancour and repercussion.

The Jays need a new manager moving forward.

So, Beeston may move Cito upstairs?

Yeah, but at least nobody died this year.

Apart from Ted Rogers.

Get ready to see the baseball equivalent of the Maple Leafs.

Beeston and company will attempt to pull a Burke and model a "quick retool", which is obviously quite dangerous as you can see the current state of the Leafs.

For those who thought the Yankees were suffering in the their new stadium due to the economy and debt service here's a sobering article from Jeff Blair

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/the-rich-get-richer/article1341128/

They [the Leafs] were lucky to be winning as much as they did before this year.

The Leafs have been anything but winners since 03-04.  Finishing 40-31-11 is a losing season, 91 points be damned.  Just because the NHL hands out points like candy on Hallowe'en doesn't make the Leafs winners.

downgrading at 3B via a trade

You can argue this point, and I'm going too. Sure Rolens '09 season was much better than Encarnacions. Also Encarnacion's defence will never be what we wintessed from Rolen in 08 and 09, but going forward there is a good chance Encarnacion will be more valuable than Rolen next year. I'm not familliar with the fancy defensive statistics but obviously Rolen is better than Encarnacion. But from what I saw Encarnacion is capable of playing 3rd. His bat is where his value will be. From what I saw I believe Encarnacion can push for 30HR's. He has come close in the past and showed glimpses of what he can do when he is healthy near the end of last season. He also shows a decent eye at the plate and an OPS of  .850 is very possible. Rolen will never the power threat he used to be, and is probably only going to get worse as he ages.

Speaking of money saved, MLBtraderumors.com posted a list of what they deem as being "bad" contracts and what do you know, Vernon tops the list!

Who on that list (if any) would you swap VW's bad contract for?

Damien Cox has an interesting take on the Beeston hiring on his blog (not that I necessarily agree with him).  And yes, I know he's a hockey guy - but he's got to be at least as reliable as Griffin no?

Oh, Toronto can be a quirky sports town, if only for the very different way in which the different teams are perceived and handled by the sports media.

Just look at the announcement two days ago that Paul Beeston had, after a long “search” for a new Blue Jays president, decided that he was, in fact, the best man for the job. This was wildly heralded as a good thing, at least partially a reflection of Beeston’s success in baseball more than 15 years ago and the deep, loyal contacts he has throughout the Toronto sports media. He’s a friendly guy who has a lot of friends.

But remember back in 1997 when Ken Dryden pretty much did the same thing? Dryden was president of the Leafs and after conducting a search for a new general manager, chose himself. For this, he was widely mocked, as was the organization. People rolled their eyes at his inability to find a real hockey person to take the job. Interestingly, and you rarely hear this said, the Leafs went on to have a fair bit of success during Dryden’s tenure, although mostly after he handed the GM reins to Pat Quinn.

So why the two standards? Beeston fires J.P. Ricciardi and hires Ricciardi’s right hand man rather than going outside the organization, then hires himself to be president.

But you don’t see one negative or even mildly critical word.

Had Richard Peddie done the same maneuver, he would have been scalded in criticism. Guess it shows that with Beeston and Cito Gaston, the Jays organization believes it can just keep selling the past.

• Vernon Wells, Blue Jays - five years, $98.5MM
• Alfonso Soriano, Cubs - five years, $90MM
• Barry Zito, Giants - four years, $83MM
• Alex Rios, White Sox - five years, $59.7MM
• Travis Hafner, Indians - three years, $40.25MM

Paul Beeston's   decision to be a part of the rebirth of a Dynasty means big things for this team.   The minor leagues will change to a teaching, nuturing and guiding proposition for the Blue Jays, or Everyone in authority in the minor leagues will be turfed.   The players in the minors are much better than they are showing.   The disgrace is players weights hardly change from year to year.   Even in the days of "drug use refusal", just better nutrition should put on at least 10 lbs a year.   The problems existing in the minors will be solved.   The problems in drafting, scouting and evaluating talent will be solved.   The return to the SERIES will be done while he's here.   More to come, I've been called away, my appologies.

(Halladay for a batch of B prospects for example).

My worry too, looking at how well Cliff Lee is pitching (we could assume Halladay would be just as good), the Indians got fleeced. I'm glad the Jays held on to him. I would take 1 A+ prospect who your organization feels will be an impact guy and a couple throw-ins over 4  "B"  guys.

Beeston Part Two:

I don't question that Rolen will put up better non-counting numbers than Encarnacion, but if I had the choice between Zach Stewart, 5.5 million dollars, and Edwin Encarnacion for what is likely only 180 games of curmudgeony Scott Rolen (100 in 2010, <100 in 2011), I'd take the first offer, espcially considering that contending in 2010 is unlikely and 2011 is somewhat unlikely.

The deal for Rolen: Zach Stewart, 5.5 million dollars, and Edwin Encarnacion and don't forget Josh Roenicke.   http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/toronto-blue-jays_05.html shows we have E.E. under contract for 2011, final year of arbitration.   E.E. has soft hands and a strong arm - you can't teach that.   Edwin Encarnacion will be a decent defender, Butter will see to that.   He will never be a great defender - you can't teach that.   He will hit fairly well, and hit for power, and drive in runs.   That's what we need the most.

Going forward, we will have Aaron Hill (2010-2011-2013-2014), Adam Lind (2010-2013), Vernon Wells(2010-2014), Travis Snider (2010-2013-2014) and Edwin Encarnacion (2010-2011) who should be the pieces we need to contend.   This, with Lyle Overbay (2010), in some order, could be 2-7 or 3-8 in our lineup.   A Piece could be found for here.   Positions 1,8,9 or 1,2,9 plus 4 Bench position will fill out our hiting roster.   Upgrades will be made here.

If Beeston determines Roy Halladay is not staying, he will go after a Pitcher.   That will be discussed, ad nauseum, then.   If Beeston determines Roy Halladay is staying, any pitching moves will ours', used in trades.   Roy Halladay (2010-20??), Ricky Romero (2010-2014-2015) and Shawn Marcum (2010-2012) will be our top 3 (because they can pitch at this level,in this division).   Marc Rzepczynski is a better pitcher than Brett Cecil (who has more trade value).   Scott Richmond (2010-2014-2015) is the idea trade piece included in big trades.   Robert Ray (2010-2015) showed he can pitch at this level.   Brad Mills (2010-2015) and David Purcey (2010-2015) have trade value.   Jesse Litsch (2010-2013) will be ready to return sometime after mid-June.   Dustin McGowan (2010-2013) will be ready to return after Spring Training.   A Move will be made here.   (It should as we have as many as 12 or more Starters vying for 5 positions - surely 2-3 can be traded).

Until we get a "Mariano Rivera" or a "Duane Ward/Tom Henke" for ourselves, Beeston won't be satisfied.   Scott Downs (2010) isn't the answer for closer.   Jason Frasor (2010) isn't the answer for closer.   Jeremy Accardo (2010-2011) isn't the answer for closer.   Jesse Carlson (2010-2013),  Brian Tallet (2010) and Downs are LHP most needed as relievers.   Brandon League (2010-2011), Casey Janssen (2010-2012 - Starter?/Reliever?), Shawn Camp (2010-2011), Brian Wolfe (2010-2013), Josh Roenicke (2010-2014), Dirk Hayhurst (2010-2013) and others (11+) are vying for 6 or 7 positions, surely 1 or 2 can be traded.

What should happen?   To keep Roy Halladay and bring the fans back, they will go for it.   Step One is 2009-2010 off-season.   Step Two is 2010-2011 off-season.   Step Three is 2011-2012 off-season.   If neccessary, 2012-2013 off-season prior to Dec. 31 2012.   The most we will see this off-season is maybe 1 Major Trade with maybe one, two or three smaller trades.   In addition, we will see at most, 1 or 2 Big Signings with at most, two or three small signings.

In time, the minors will be set up right, with a smooth transition of talent to the big club.   A judicious signing of free agents will keep this team competitive, to know when the final push can be made to go for it.   In the meantime, 2 or 3 pieces will be added, with neccessary supporting pieces, during each Step in order to jump-start the process.   And it doesn't matter if anyone believes me.

What cost the team after 1993 was no Ward, no Henke and no one to close.   This must be settled first.

Will Hill met with Beeston and Anthopoulos and wrote a story about it.

Will Hill met with Beeston and Anthopoulos and wrote a story about it.

That's a rainbows and puppies piece that would even make MyLegacy squirm.

AA took a pass on LeBron at the ACC? Not even Brian Burke did that, and he has a reason to work nights. Maybe he was working nights and wandered to his rink to find out what all the cheering was about.

So you may need to add 1 or 2 potential first round draft picks to the Rolen side of the equation.

I'd take a known quantity such as Roenike and Zach Stewart before two draft picks any day.

I think EE is going to be better than alot of people think. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090218&content_id=3844530&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

"For years, Encarnacion has been viewed as a promising player poised for a big, breakout year. Everyone is still waiting for that year where he puts it all together offensively"  -  By the way he played in September It could very well be 2010.

WillRain:

Please check your site.   You have my permission to discuss that stuff here, or ignore it totally.    Thank you.

do you know the percentage of picks #16-30 that get a cup of coffee?

Just doing a quick run through of the 1999-2003 drafts.  Of the 75 picks, 43 at least had a cup of coffee but I would say that about 30 established themselves in the majors with various levels of success which turns out to be about 40%.  The 2002 and 2003 drafts were quite good but the 3 preceding were pretty awful.