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Breaking News Rumour Mill Goes Into Overdrive

The Jays are dominating Twitter today.  The Ubaldo Jimenez rumours are still out there but the Jays appear to be focused elsewhere.  Today the hot topic is that Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen may be Toronto bound in return for Jason Frasor, a Chicago native, and one or more prospects.

The next rumour is that the Jays will flip Jackson to St Louis for Colby Rasmus, the under-achieving, Tony La Russa doghouse inhabiting, gifted centre fielder.  Is that a straight up deal?  Who knows.

And lost in all the twittering is that the Jays have reportedly signed a bunch of draft picks.



Deails of the draft signings to follow but reportedly sandwich pick Jacob Anderson (OF); 2nd round pick Jeremy Gabryszwski (P); 11th round pick Andy Burns (SS); 21st round pick Peter Mooney (SS); and 26th round pick Justin Atkinson (SS) have signed.

And Barry Davis is reporting that Brad Mills is on his way to Toronto to work out of the bullpen.

Latest as of noon:  Zach Stewart and Jason Frasor to White Sox for Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen.

More to come? 

Posted by Gerry on Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:10 AM EDT.
Rumour Mill Goes Into Overdrive | 140 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:21 AM EDT (#239351) #
Tweet by Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated

#stlcasrds targeting e-jax (plus others) for rasmus. So they want him. Deal could happen w/i day. Big powwows now.


Depending on the prospects.... could be another good day for the Jays.
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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:25 AM EDT (#239353) #
I like to think that AA read my July 12 post on the Box:

"I wonder whether Colby Rasmus would make sense as a potential acquisition. I know that Gose (and possibly Marisnick) are in line to take over in CF, but Rasmus could be a good stopgap solution, and could be flipped if a better internal option emerges. Rasmus is still young (24) and could be a good change-of-scenery guy. The Jays are starting to pile up the prospects and might be able to make the deal without severely denting the farm system."

http://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20110708164736467#comments
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:42 AM EDT (#239354) #

 
"Blue Jays prospect Moises Sierra is not in the lineup today. He's played all but three games this year." If Sierra goes to White Sox with Frasor, Rasmus has to be coming to Blue Jays, yes?
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smcs - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:45 AM EDT (#239355) #
Players in their manager's doghouse is the new OBP.
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:45 AM EDT (#239356) #
Jackson is traded, he's shaking hands with White Sox staffers, etc in clubhouse via Twitter.
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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:46 AM EDT (#239357) #
Rosenthal says the Frasor/Jackson/Rasmus deal is done and just needs approval from Bud Lite as there's more than $1M changing hands.
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:46 AM EDT (#239358) #
Wilner says deal is done. Rasmus coming to Blue Jays.
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#239359) #
You might be reading too much into that. Unless the Jays are expecting to have the deal done in the next hour, there's no reason to keep Sierra out of the lineup. The simpler explanation is that Sierra has played almost every game, so he gets half of a double-header off.
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#239360) #
Really sounds like Rasmus is coming to Toronto.

Source: Money appears only holdup in 3-team deal that would send EJax to #Cardinals, Rasmus to #BlueJays. MORE #WhiteSox #tradedeadline #MLB
As per Ken Rosenthal
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#239361) #
Sierra could be traded but the Fisher Cats are playing a double header today to Sal Fasano will probably use all his players between both games.
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#239362) #
Wilner says deal is done. Rasmus coming to Blue Jays.
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Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:51 AM EDT (#239363) #
This deal creates a lot of ripples on the Toronto roster.

If Frasor goes, it's reported that Mills is up to replace him in the bullpen. That part's easy.

If Teahen comes, then presumably McCoy is down again and we won't be seeing Lawrie anytime soon unless Encarnacion is released or something.

If Rasmus comes, then I have to believe that the Corey Patterson era comes to an end, and Thames's playing time will last only as long as Bautista's the regular third baseman.

I'll miss Frasor if the trade is real. Not enough to regret the trade; you don't want to let affection for a guy like Frasor to stand in the way of something like this. But I'm glad he got to set the appearances record before leaving.

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Spifficus - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:56 AM EDT (#239364) #

I'll miss Frasor if the trade is real. Not enough to regret the trade; you don't want to let affection for a guy like Frasor to stand in the way of something like this. But I'm glad he got to set the appearances record before leaving.

Agreed. I hope this thought doesn't get lost in all the machinations of this proposed deal.

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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 11:57 AM EDT (#239365) #
I see no reason to end Thames' playing time when Bautista goes back to right field. He's done nothing but hit, until he slows down the very least I'd do is make him the heavy half of a platoon at DH with EE.
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:00 PM EDT (#239366) #
Cardinals have asked for Thames to be included in the trade....

- Jon Morosi
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:00 PM EDT (#239367) #
Don't forget there are likely prospects headed to both Chicago and St Louis so evaluations need to wait until all is revealed.
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:01 PM EDT (#239368) #

Zack Stewart goes to White Sox.

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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:01 PM EDT (#239369) #
Maybe Sierra is involved after all. Wilner tweets:

Called Fisher Cats to ask why Sierra not playing today. Told to call #Bluejays as "we don't have anything to do with that"
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:02 PM EDT (#239370) #
Zach Stewart to White Sox in that trade.

http://twitter.com/#!/MDGonzales/status/96248036975579137
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ramone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:02 PM EDT (#239371) #
Don't forget there are likely prospects headed to both Chicago and St Louis so evaluations need to wait until all is revealed.   Multiple twitter sources say Zach Stewart is the prospect going to Chicago, now we see if Thames is going to the Cards as well.
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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#239372) #
I'm fine with Stewart going but if Thames is also included (and also on top of taking Teahen) it becomes less of a clear win.
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RhyZa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#239373) #
Zach oh my
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Marc Hulet - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#239374) #
I'm fine with losing Stewart for Rasmus, but not Thames or Sierra.
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Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:06 PM EDT (#239376) #
Let's not overvalue Thames. I like him too, but he's far from indispensable.
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Mike Green - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:09 PM EDT (#239377) #
Interesting.  Evaluations and lineup consequences will have to wait until all of the names are confirmed.  In broad strokes, the concept behind the deal (i.e. the talent re-arrangement given the names out there) works. 
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:12 PM EDT (#239378) #
I value Thames too, but WOW. Surprised by this much love for him considering AA (and scouts ie Law) don't see him as a great everyday player, and he can't play all three OF spots, so he can't really sub in for CF as the 4th OF guy going forward. With Rasmus here isn't a starter anymore. So.....
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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:12 PM EDT (#239379) #
I'm fine with the Chicago portion of the deal.

Let's see what dominoes fall next. E-Jax rental plus Thames for Rasmus seems like a reasonable trade, although losing Thames would be somewhat painful. He looks like a gamer. Hopefully no blue-chip prospects like d'Arnaud, Gose, Marisnick or any of the top young arms are involved.
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:12 PM EDT (#239380) #
Wilner again: "With the rumors flying about, I have been told that neither Moises Sierra nor Eric Thames is involved in today's trading."
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:13 PM EDT (#239381) #
Stewart had stagnated this year. As Kevin Goldstein said... potential number 2 starters aren't in AA giving up over a hit/inning at nearly 25.

I'm fine with that... curious to see what goes to St.Louis though.

Wilner just tweeted that neither Thames or Sierra are in the deal.
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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:13 PM EDT (#239382) #
I could see E-Jax, Thames and a reliever (other than Rzep) for Rasmus.
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Spifficus - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:17 PM EDT (#239383) #
I could see Jackson and Rzep; LH relief seems to be more of a focus for StL.
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#239384) #

You have to consider what the other team needs.  St Louis are playing for now, they want to make the playoffs and they will be more interested in major league players than prospects.  Pujols could be gone after this season. 

I believe they have players to cover Rasmus's departure, Jon Jay for one.  But they might be interested in Davis or Patterson.  They also need bullpen help so they could get one or two relievers from the Jays as well.  A starter and two relievers or a starter, a reliever a mid level prospect might get it done.

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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#239385) #
Stewart would be in AAA in any organization that wasn't afraid of its AAA affiliate. There's probably a decent chance he goes right to the White Sox rotation.
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:20 PM EDT (#239386) #
Doubtful. Weren't they running a 6 man rotation for a while. If he's the majors right away it will be as a reliever I'd guess.
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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:20 PM EDT (#239387) #
Jackson and Rzep would be painful, as Rzep could be part of the next Jays playoff contender. I would be somewhat surprised to see him included in the deal. But then again, AA has always treated relievers as fungible assets.
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Spifficus - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:24 PM EDT (#239388) #
True, but to get something like Rasmus, it's going to take more than Frasor and Stewart, something that's going to sting a bit to give up.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:26 PM EDT (#239389) #
Gose?
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:28 PM EDT (#239390) #
Ken Rosenthal tweets that there's no money in the Jays-Sox part of the deal, and the cash-approval holdup is apparently on the Jays-Cardinals end.
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Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#239391) #
John Bale didn't do much when he was with the Jays, but his trade value will linger on as long as Rasmus (and Teahen, I guess) is in town.
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92-93 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:34 PM EDT (#239392) #
Since many of you already know my feelings on Dwayne Murphy, I wonder what Colby Rasmus' dad is up to these days.
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:34 PM EDT (#239393) #
Are you asking if he's included in the deal? (don't know yet).

But as for Rasmus taking his spot... Gose is still just 20 years old and could probably use some time to refine his approach.
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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:35 PM EDT (#239394) #
Jackson and Teahen for Frasor and Stewart is officially official, tweeted by the Blue Jays.
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Mike D - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:38 PM EDT (#239395) #
St. Louis media reporting that the package is Jackson, Dotel and Zep.  That's just an excellent buy-low move.  And it does bolster the Cards for this year's stretch drive.
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PeteMoss - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:39 PM EDT (#239396) #
So this works out as:
Rasmus and Teahan
for
Frasor, Stewart, Dotel, Zep

3 relievers and 1 prospect who may max out as a reliever for Rasmus. I'll take it.
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sduguid - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:39 PM EDT (#239397) #
I would be thrilled if it was Jackson, Dotel, and Zep.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:40 PM EDT (#239398) #
I think the price for Rasmus is going to hurt a bit.

I think we send both Rzep and Gose along with Jackson for Rasmus.

I'd still make the trade, though.

But I hope I'm wrong about the price, and that AA proves he is the greek god of baseball.
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92-93 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:41 PM EDT (#239399) #
Or, as someone on Twitter already dubbed him, the Greek God of Swaps.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:42 PM EDT (#239400) #
spoke too soon....looks like AA did indeed just prove he is the greek god of baseball.

losing Rzep hurts, but that deal is still awesome for us.

Frasor, Dotel, Rzep, Stewart for Rasmus.

Four relievers for a potential elite young CF.

That is brilliant.
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BlueJayWay - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:46 PM EDT (#239401) #
Hearing that it's Jackson, Dotel, Zep for Rasmus.  I'm not thrilled about losing Zep, but it's certainly a very good deal for the Jays.
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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:47 PM EDT (#239402) #
Well this would certainly clear out some bullpen spots!

Remaining:
Rauch
Francisco
Janssen
Camp
Ledezma

Incoming?
Mills
Perez

+Litsch as starter.
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:48 PM EDT (#239403) #

Don't forget the cash, the cash as in Teahen's contract, made it possible.

The White Sox wanted to reduce payroll as reported yesterday.

If AA had maxed out major league payroll he might not have been able to do this deal, he kept cash in reserve for opportunities like this and for draft and international signings.

Remember that when you complain about the payroll not being $100 million.

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Thomas - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:49 PM EDT (#239404) #

<i>Frasor, Dotel, Rzep, Stewart for Rasmus.

<p>Four relievers for a potential elite young CF. </i>

<P>Two of those guys have the potential (or maybe already are) at least league average starters. Not to take anything away from the trade, but the Jays have always used Stewart as a starter and we all know the debate over Rzep.

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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:51 PM EDT (#239405) #
Now that's how you deal from a surplus of relievers. Excellent work, AA!
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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:52 PM EDT (#239406) #
Some more interesting angles rather than Mills & Perez coming up to the pen and Ledezman staying up:

a) McGowan

b) A 6-man pen so that the bench becomes Molina/McDonald/Davis/Encarnacion/Teahen when Lawrie comes up.

Seems to me that Teahen is highly redundant with Encarnacion. Does EE get flipped?
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:54 PM EDT (#239407) #
Hopefully there's some condition in the trade that requires Rasmus' father to move to an island without internet access.
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TheConsultant - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:55 PM EDT (#239408) #
Frasor - great middle relief
Zep - up and coming left handed specialist
Dotel - over the hill and is only used against righties
Stewart - overrated starter with only 2 pitches and will probably end up in the bullpen
2 potential draft picks

for
Rasmus
Teahan (who is owed about 7 million).

The fact that we only gave up one prospect to get this deal done is amazing. Rasmus could be like Escobar and just needs a change of scenery. Excellent deal.

Will Patterson be DFA now?

By the way, this is my first post. Love the maturity of this board.

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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:55 PM EDT (#239409) #
I actually think this is an OK deal for the Cards. They get a solid starter, an excellent ROOGY, and an excellent LOOGY-plus. If they're going all in for a WS bid this year, this deal will certainly help them.
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rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:56 PM EDT (#239410) #

I like everything in this deal except for the possibility that Teahen will block Lawrie, at least for a bit.

 

McCoy would be sent down, but who will get the ol' DFA, Patterson or Davis?

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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 12:59 PM EDT (#239411) #

I like everything in this deal except for the possibility that Teahen will block Lawrie, at least for a bit.

I am boggled why people think this would happen? and that AA would do it.

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stevieboy22 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:00 PM EDT (#239412) #
I actually love the idea of Mills as a LOOGY..
I wonder if he can throw much harder as a one inning guy than he has as a starter...

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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:00 PM EDT (#239413) #
Two of those guys have the potential (or maybe already are) at least league average starters. Not to take anything away from the trade, but the Jays have always used Stewart as a starter and we all know the debate over Rzep.

Rzep hurts for sure. But Stewart is a longshot to be a good starter in MLB, IMO. He's almost 25 and stuck in AA putting up only OK numbers. His stuff isn't the greatest, either.
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AWeb - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:02 PM EDT (#239414) #

Teahen shouldn't be blocking anybody, he's 29, and coming off multiple bad years. I think the Jays eat the money and release him/demote him while exposing him to waivers. I like the "acquire players in the doghouse" strategy with Rasmus. A good player filling a clear need works for me. And yes, please let this end Patterson's reign of terror as well.

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Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:03 PM EDT (#239415) #
I don't think Patterson vs Davis for a DFA is even a question, and if it was then the $3.25M in 2012 guaranteed salary would keep Davis on the team. Another possibility is to run a 6-man pen for a while and keep both backup outfielders. But that doesn't seem like something they'd do for any length of time.

I'm happy for Frasor that he's going home to Chicago. And for Rzep that he's going to a contender.
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rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:06 PM EDT (#239417) #

Buster Olney just said trade is done:

 

The trade: Colby Rasmus, Trever Miller, Brian Tallet and P.J. Walters for Jackson, Marc Rzepczynski, Dotel and Corey Patterson.

[ Reply to This ]
Jonny German - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:09 PM EDT (#239418) #
Miller & Tallet has to be for the comedy factor. Nice touch, AA.
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TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:09 PM EDT (#239419) #
latest:

@Buster_ESPN: The trade: Rasmus, Trever Miller, Tallet and P.J. Walters for Jackson, Zep, Dotel and Patterson #bluejays

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Ron - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:10 PM EDT (#239420) #
So basically the Jays traded: Frasor, Dotel, Stewart, and Rzepczynski for Rasmus and Teahen's bad contract.

I mentioned a few weeks ago how I would have traded Morrow for Rasmus in a challenge trade. I'm a huge fan of this deal. Whenever you have a 3/4/picks for 1 player type of trade, the team that gets the one player ends up winning the trade 9 times out of 10 regardless of the sport. AA was smart to get club options on Dotel and Frasor the past off-season.

I'm a huge fan of Rasmus. 5 Tool Players in their mid 20's are rarely available in a trade. He also brings something that the Jays need more of, a player that will draw walks.
And I will never have to watch Patterson play in a Jays uni again.

This batting order looks pretty good to me:

Escobar
Thames
Bautista
Lind
Rasmus
Snider
Lawrie
Arenciba
Hill

8 of the 9 players are club controlled for at least 3 seasons.

I'm so happy about the trade, I'm now going to the Skydome on Sunday.


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92-93 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:11 PM EDT (#239421) #
100 million would be the median AL payroll and shouldn't prevent the Blue Jays from being able to make moves like these if the front office is to be believed.
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Marc Hulet - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:12 PM EDT (#239422) #
I bet St. Louis eventually moves Rzep back into the starting rotation.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:15 PM EDT (#239423) #
were Miller/tallet/Walters even on their roster?

why would they even bother moving them? are they owed some notable money or something?
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Thomas - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:16 PM EDT (#239424) #

Toronto isn't actually getting Miller and Tallet. I'm pretty sure Olney's just summarizing St. Louis' gain and loss (as they're replacing those three relievers with Rzep, Dotel and Kyle McClellan).

 

s

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Hodgie - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:18 PM EDT (#239425) #
If this trade comes to fruition I will feel badly for Cardinals fans. Over at Viva El Birdos they are on a general suicide watch. Just a sampling of the reaction so far:
Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos: We’ll trade you Edwin Jackson, Octavio Dotel, and Marc Rzepczynski for Colby Rasmus.
Saint Louis Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak: Ooh, that’s bad.
Anthopoulos: But it comes with a free frogurt!
Mozeliak: That’s good.
Anthopoulos The frogurt is cursed.
Mozeliak: That’s bad.
Anthopoulos But you get your choice of toppings.
Mozeliak: That’s good!
Anthopoulos The toppings contain potassium benzoate. [Mozeliak looks puzzled]
Anthopoulos …That’s bad.
Mozelaik: Can I go now?

There is much, much more that I won't relay here do to some choice language....

[ Reply to This ]
katman - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:23 PM EDT (#239427) #
So, our outfield is now: Bautista, Rasmus, Snider. With Davis (late inning pinch-runner) and Thames (DH/LF) as backups.

Teahen plays 3rd until Lawrie, unless the Jays designate him.

The position guys with no chair when the music stops are McCoy (back down), E5 and Patterson. I think this is the end of Patterson's time in Toronto. Don't see an E5 trade as likely, so we may have 1 more DFA to drop if Teahen stays.

It does sting a bit losing Stewart (we really need a legit closer, there goes 1 source of hope), and Zep (bet he fulfills starter role in NL), but we do need a CF. Let's hope Rasmus can get his head on straight here.
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Gwyn - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:23 PM EDT (#239428) #
The trade: Colby Rasmus, Trever Miller, Brian Tallet and P.J. Walters

All your Loogies are belong to us!
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greenfrog - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:23 PM EDT (#239429) #
The down side to this deal is it's quite possible no GM ever makes a deal with AA again.
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Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:24 PM EDT (#239430) #
I am not familiar with P.J. Walters. What are his unique characteristics?
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:27 PM EDT (#239431) #
No, Toronto really is getting Miller & Tallet. Olney says Miller is likely to be flipped back to the White Sox.
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Gwyn - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:29 PM EDT (#239433) #
I am not familiar with P.J. Walters. What are his unique characteristics?

Carlos Lee has hit a grand slam off him both times he's faced him. I'd wager that's unique.
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Thomas - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:30 PM EDT (#239434) #

Yeah, I'm just reading that, too. My bad.

I just know those names were those most likely to be DFA'd/sent down by St. Louis and assumed it was a St. Louis roster evaluation. Maybe the Jays are providing the Cards with some small salary relief and getting some disposable live arms for the bullpen.

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Spifficus - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:31 PM EDT (#239435) #
It wouldn't surprise me if Rzep goes back to the rotation in the future; If anyone can teach him a reliable change, it's Duncan. Of course, the LaRussa factor needs to be considered - he might be deemed too valuable to start.
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Thomas - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#239436) #

The more realistic down side is that Rasmus never becomes the player his tools show he has the potential to develop into, which is very possible, and that Rzepczynski is moved into the rotation next year in St. Louis and becomes an above-average major league starter who looks even better in the NL Central.

That wouldn't mean it wasn't a trade worth making, but the down side is that the gamble doesn't pay dividends.

[ Reply to This ]
Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#239437) #
5 Tool Players in their mid 20's are rarely available in a trade.

I don't think Rasmus really counts as one. He doesn't have a lot of speed, and he may never hit for average.

Still a fine player, mind you, though Fangraphs had an interesting article on what his upside might be. Maybe not a superstar, but a very good player.
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Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#239438) #

Two things in media coverage that have stuck out for me today:

#1 Gord Stellick should never be put in a position to ask any questions about Baseball when hosting on the Fan590.

#2 Kevin Goldstein is cranky about Lawrie being able to play 3rd base, and doesn't want to give Alex Anthopoulos credit for being a top notch GM.

[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#239439) #

We know what we get with Tallet, and it isn't good. With Walters, well, he has pitched only 4 innings in the majors this season.

Do you think they stay on the roster or does one of them go to make room for Mills?

Does Walters have options?

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Mike Green - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:36 PM EDT (#239440) #
If Rasmus is coming, I can't imagine why one would DFA Davis rather than Patterson. 

If there are relievers to go, it is not surprising that Frasor, Zep and Dotel would be the ones.  The deal makes sense, although it would not surprise me at all if Zep moves to the rotation and turns out to have much more value than Rasmus in the long-term.  What the deal does is allow Gose and Marisnick to develop at an appropriate pace.  That is worth a lot. 

[ Reply to This ]
sam - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:37 PM EDT (#239441) #
AA is honestly a god.
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rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:38 PM EDT (#239442) #
Patterson is gone - part of the deal to StLouis.
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Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:39 PM EDT (#239443) #
I love Brian Tallet. Best facial hair in Toronto, and one of the few players who looks appropriate when they break out the retro uniforms.

It'd be nice if he could pitch a little, but whatever. I'm not greedy.

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Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:45 PM EDT (#239444) #
So the bullpen was

Rauch
Francisco
Frasor
Rzepczynski
Dotel
Camp
Ledezma
Janssen

and is now, as far as I can tell,

Rauch
Francisco
Tallet
Walters
Mills
Camp
Ledezma
Janssen

...right?

[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:47 PM EDT (#239445) #
I guess we know (as if we didn't already) where the focus is going to be in the offseason.
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:48 PM EDT (#239446) #
Tallet is on the DL.
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TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:49 PM EDT (#239447) #
*just me but I think Teahan will be DFA'd (or dealt) within days.

*Tallet, Miller? The bullpen just got a lot worse lol

*on the other hand - Patterson's gone! Gravy!

*Don't be shocked it - assuming the Sox don't exercise his option - the jays don't re-sign Frasor this winter.

*wait...now Miller's going to Chicago? No problem

*Tallet has made ONE appearance since June 23 - someone tweeted he's been diagnosed with serious illness. Possibly this is equivilent of sending more cash (same for Teahan I expect)

*If Patterson is gone then maybe the prediction about DFA'ing Teahan is premature

*"Remember that when you complain about the payroll not being $100 million." = best post in the thread

*I wonder if McGowan will step into Stewart's slot in NH after they re-boot his 30 days?

*I don't think Lawrie get's blocked AT ALL Teahan can also play in the outfield - he just takes patterson's spot for now.

*Mills might be coming but I have an idea that in the near term, Perez and Ledezma are your LH relievers.

*I think Marc is right that Zep will end up starting in St. Louis - i think as early as next spring.

*and also - I think he'll be better for them than Stewart will be for the White Sox

*Not that he's staying but does anyone else remember - Trever Miller has been here before.



[ Reply to This ]
uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:51 PM EDT (#239448) #
I am guessing Perez, Farquhar, Uviedo, and Mills are in the running for a bullpen spot now.

I'd much rather have 3 of those guys than see tallet, walters, and ledezma in there.
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vw_fan17 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 01:57 PM EDT (#239449) #
So, our outfield is now: Bautista, Rasmus, Snider. With Davis (late inning pinch-runner) and Thames (DH/LF) as backups.

If I am to believe AA, JBats is "entrenched" at 3B. I would like us to go with this roster:
Escobar, SS
Thames, RF
Bautista, 3B
Lind, 1B
Encarnacion, DH
Snider, LF
Rasmus, CF
Arencibia, C
Hill, 2B

Teahen, IMHO, is Jayson Nix bad (this year). OPS of 620 vs RHP, OPS of 277 vs LHP. To me, Teahen (if he has any options left) goes to AAA immediately. Otherwise, DFA/waivers, and we eat the contract. He's even less part of our future than Nix was, IMHO. Unless he's some amazing defensive wizard (way better than Bautista), to me, it's just not worth it.
[ Reply to This ]
TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:00 PM EDT (#239450) #
Tallet is on the DL, Perez will absolutely be back - whether they have to wait until Friday or not now I'm not sure

the only question to me is who is the 7th guy? could be Walters.

Frankie, Rauch, Janssen, Camp, and perez are locks. given what Farrell said about Ledezma being too good to be in the minors, i strongly suspect he sticks.

That leaves one spot, with Walters and Mills (presumably) the leading candidates and Farquhar and IMO Carreno potential alternatives. I don't think Uvideo has any chance but i might be wrong. I think Chad Beck would be a better choice for a surprise sleeper than Uvideo.


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rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:07 PM EDT (#239452) #

Keith Law calls Walters "a nice orginizational arm".

He also likes Stewart a lot more than Zep. He think sStewart will become a middle of the rotation starter while Zep will never be more than an "effective left-handed reliever", which isn't nothing, but he says he doesn't have the command to start.

 

He also makes it clear that the obvious winner in this deal is Toronto, while St.Louis shoudl be ashamed about running of the 'best hitting prospect they have produced since Pujols', and the move for Chicago just doesn't make sense at all since they shouldn't be selling when they still have a good shot to win their division.

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JB21 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:10 PM EDT (#239454) #

VW_Fan: Teahen is a terrible defender. He was a below averaged 3B who went to RF because of his bat. Fly balls to right were an adventure to say the least.

Your lineup may make sense for tonight or tomorrow night but what happens in a week or two when Lawrie gets called up? You have to assume that Joey goes to RF, with Snider and Thames sharing LF/DH, and Lawrie playing everyday at 3B. IMO this means either EE or Teahen is DFA'd.

[ Reply to This ]
Alex Obal - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:11 PM EDT (#239455) #
So the best player AA gave up is probably Marc Rzepczynski, and he managed to spin that package into Rasmus. Impressive. I guess that's why you draft pitchers.

Rajai Davis, if returned to his calling as a fourth outfielder, is going to give relievers fits in the late innings as a pinch-runner.
[ Reply to This ]
D. King - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:11 PM EDT (#239456) #

In shortly over two weeks the team has shed Juan Rivera, Jo Jo Reyes, and now Corey Patterson.   Even leaving aside the Rasmus-Stewart & Scrabble part of the deal, I am very, very happy.

 

[ Reply to This ]
smcs - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#239457) #
Reminder: Colby Rasmus hits and throws left.

Escobar SS
Rasmus CF
Bautista RF
Lind 1B
Lawrie 3B --> Encarnacion here until Lawrie comes up, with Bautista staying at 3B and Thames in RF.
Snider LF
Hill 2B
Thames DH
Arencibia C.

[ Reply to This ]
Sano - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#239458) #

Can someone explain what the big fuss is about Rasmus?  Fine, he's better than Patterson (not hard to do) but all I see is a .240 BA/.330 OBP guy with middling power.  I'm okay with the trade, but I just don't get the gushing right now.  We've lost two valuable pieces from our bullpen (Frasor and Zep) which was already one of our biggest problems this year and an okay prospect (I admit I was never really convinced by Stewart).  It's not that I'm against the deal, I just want to know what's got everyone so excited. 

Any links to scouting reports that explain the gushing would be appreciated.

[ Reply to This ]
Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:16 PM EDT (#239459) #
I'm not sure DFAs are in the immediate future. Juan Rivera lasted 70 games with the Jays, hitting 243/305/360 with little defensive value before getting the boot; Jayson Nix was even worse over 46 games, though he could at least field a little. I'd guess the Jays hang on to Teahan for at least a while - he's only a roster obstacle until September, anyway.
[ Reply to This ]
Paul D - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:16 PM EDT (#239460) #


Sano, Rasmus's line this year works out to an 111 OPS+,  and he was at 133 last year.  and he's 23.

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Marc Hulet - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:19 PM EDT (#239461) #
Rasmus was the Cardinals No. 1 prospect for a while, he was a top-tier amateur and has many tools... he just didn't blossom in St. Louis. Stats do not tell us everything... especially in limited context. Rasmus is only 26, as well. Very similar to the Escobar situation from last year.
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TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:20 PM EDT (#239462) #
don't be surprised if AA gets someone to take Teahen before the week is out. It might be a Rivera type deal, but there are a few teams hurting enough at 3B that they might risk it. (including the Dodgers BTW)

I expect on Tuesday we'll see this lineup:

Escobar
Rasmus (if hitting in front of JB helped Patterson....!)
Bautista
Lind
Encarnacion (DH)
Snider
JPA
Hill
Lawrie

(do NOT expect to see Lawrie high in the order when he's first recalled. if he hits well, then you simply re-start the order faster)

Interestingly, when Thames plays it will be tricky to break up all the lefties we suddenly have - maybe let JPA hit fifth and Hill seventh and slot him in at 8?



[ Reply to This ]
Paul D - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:20 PM EDT (#239463) #

Oops, 26, not 23.

[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:22 PM EDT (#239464) #
I agree that Lawrie will likely hit 9th when he comes up. It is the same strategy they used with Snider initially.
[ Reply to This ]
Brent S - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#239465) #
Rasmus will be turning 25 on August 11th.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:27 PM EDT (#239466) #
rasmus has to earn that #2 slot, IMO. they won't just yank out Thames from there with how well he's been hitting.

I expect:

1) SS Escobar
2) RF Thames
3) 3B Bautista
4) 1B Lind
5) DH Encarnacion
6) CF Rasmus
7) 2B Hill
8) LF Snider
9) C Arencibia

When Lawrie comes up, EE is out of the lineup with Thames at DH. I wouldn't be shocked to see Lawrie slotted right into that #5 slot, either.
[ Reply to This ]
Paul D - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:27 PM EDT (#239467) #
Rasmus will be turning 25 on August 11th.

Well I wish there was an edit function right now.   Still, that's part of the reason people get excited about him.
[ Reply to This ]
RhyZa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:27 PM EDT (#239468) #
Double A, absolutely amazing
[ Reply to This ]
Mike D - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:28 PM EDT (#239470) #

His definitive age:  24.  25 next month.

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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:29 PM EDT (#239471) #
This is Rasmus' 24 year old season.

3B Lawrie 21
LF Snider 23
DH Thames 24
CF Rasmus 24
C Arencibia 25
1B Lind 27
SS Escobar 28
2B Hill 29
RF Bautista 30
[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:30 PM EDT (#239472) #
Side note: Ervin Santana just finished a no hitter vs Cleveland.
[ Reply to This ]
Greg - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:31 PM EDT (#239473) #

Not links to scouting reports, but Baseball America had Rasmus as the #3 prospect in baseball in 2009, #5 in 2008.

He's 23 with a poor rookie season, a great sophmore season and so far a merely "good" third year.

His #1 comparable through last year is Bobby Bonds (frighteningly enough Corey Patterson is #7.

Guys like this don't grow on trees

[ Reply to This ]
Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:31 PM EDT (#239474) #
Tony La Russa's sunny disposition brought about a Scott Rolen trade to Toronto, now Rasmus. And Scott Role brought Zack Stewart, who helped bring in Rasmus.
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Gerry - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#239475) #
PJ Walters looks like an interesting pitcher.  He has been stuck in AAA for a few years now which isn't a good sign but he has always been a starter there.  He strikes out a hitter per inning and limits his walks.  He could turn into a decent reliever.
[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#239476) #

It seems we are getting into looking at the roster going forward, so I have a question... do you think Aaron Hill will be on the team next year?

 

If not, who will be available to play second?

[ Reply to This ]
Greg - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#239477) #
Whoops, 24 going on 25 as noted above
[ Reply to This ]
Ryan Day - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:36 PM EDT (#239479) #
I suspect Hill will be on the roster next year, if only because there isn't anyone else to play second. (that could change with another trade, or possible FA signing) My guess at the moment is the Jays decline his options, then sign him to a cheaper one year + option deal.
[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:38 PM EDT (#239480) #
MLBTradeRumors is reporting that St.Louis also gets 3 PTBNL or cash considerations. Sounds like it is an out in case the league doesn't aprove the volume of cash.
[ Reply to This ]
christaylor - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#239481) #
Buster nails it: "The Toronto Blue Jays are turning into the Oakland Raiders of the '70s. They'll take your talented guys (Escobar, Rasmus)."

AA = Amazingly Awesome

This will single handedly get me back to watching Jays, instead of Yankees (I've been transplanted to Boston where it is impossible for a Jays fan to not be a Yankee fan this year), games on mlb.tv

Rasmus is an exciting player that I've wanted to see AA acquire since the rumors started last off-season. I've been secretly a Frasor fan for a while and thought it a tad unfair that he wasn't given more high-leverage work when he was here.
[ Reply to This ]
uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#239482) #
kelly johnson
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rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:40 PM EDT (#239483) #

Official Jays tweets

 

BlueJays Blue Jays-Official The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have acquired OF COLBY RASMUS, LHP TREVER MILLER, LHP BRIAN TALLET, and RHP P.J. WALTERS from the St. Louis Cardinals   BlueJays Blue Jays-Official ..in exchange the @bluejays send RHP EDWIN JACKSON, RHP OCTAVIO DOTEL, LHP MARC RZEPCZYNSKI, OF COREY PATTERSON.....   BlueJays Blue Jays-Official …and three players to be named later or cash considerations to the St. Louis Cardinals.
[ Reply to This ]
TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:41 PM EDT (#239484) #
Even as a "just good" CF Rasmus would be at worst 4th best in the AL at that position - but also 4th best in the AL East.
[ Reply to This ]
Matthew E - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:43 PM EDT (#239485) #
Three players to be named later, holy smoke.
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uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:53 PM EDT (#239489) #
that gives me an idea.....


C.Granderson (30): 3866pa, .834ops, 117ops+, .361woba, +3.3uzr/150, 5.2war/700pa
J.Ellsbury (27): 1964pa, .782ops, 103ops+, .355woba, +3.6uzr/150, 4.8war/700pa
C.Rasmus (24): 1440pa, .777ops, 111ops+, .337woba, -3.6uzr/150, 4.1war/700pa
B.J.Upton (26): 3192pa, .751ops, 102ops+. .337woba, +5.0uzr/150, 3.7war/700pa
A.Jones (25): 2214pa, .758ops, 102ops+. .331woba, -4.3uzr/150, 2.7war/700pa

[ Reply to This ]
Kelekin - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:53 PM EDT (#239491) #
I am sad to see Rzep go, but it is more than worth it.  Even if Rasmus doesn't fully live up to his potential, this gives us plenty of extra time to develop Gose and Rasmus can become a huge trade chip down the road too.

I am not surprised to see Dotel and Frasor go (they were the two closest to Type A status, too) as AA might also be realizing that extra picks are good, but too many isn't always a good thing (look at TB taking tons of over-drafts). 

It is nice to see Stewart parlayed into something better.  He may have talent but I think another organization is going to have a better shot of getting it out of him.

[ Reply to This ]
Shane - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 02:57 PM EDT (#239493) #

Three players to be named later, holy smoke.

That's what? Someone who is a drafted player but who hasn't passed the twelve month signing thing, or $$$$$$ (which is what Rosenthal was talking about when the trade news was about to break).

[ Reply to This ]
TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:00 PM EDT (#239494) #
11 players changed organizations in Blue jays related deals today.

Wow.

Plus, Morosi tweets Mills has indeed been recalled for the pen, likely Perez will be back Friday,  and the Vegas rotation will be a starter short when Listch is promoted.

Any chance Carreno gets promoted? or will the just punt those starts and let LaMura have them?
(I suppose MacDonald coming off the DL is more likely than either)

[ Reply to This ]
jerjapan - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:00 PM EDT (#239495) #

If AA had maxed out major league payroll he might not have been able to do this deal, he kept cash in reserve for opportunities like this and for draft and international signings.

Remember that when you complain about the payroll not being $100 million.

Very true Gerry!


[ Reply to This ]
Dr B - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:03 PM EDT (#239496) #
*Not that he's staying but does anyone else remember - Trever Miller has been here before.

Sure, do, and I was mildly irritated when they got rid of him. He had a quite a good season for the jays back
in 2003. He was actually one of the best members of the 2003 bullpen, though it was at a time when
the bullpen was plumbing the depths of AAA relief talent at the time...Corey Thurman, Jeff Tam, John Wasdin...
You had Tanyon Sturtze, Corey Lidle and Mark Hendrickson on that roster too. Oh, the humanity!

From memory the Jays and Miller had a stoush over a contract. He thought he deserved about $200k more
than Jays offered (which he probably did). No great loss of course, and his best years are likely past now.
[ Reply to This ]
uglyone - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:04 PM EDT (#239497) #

SP Romero
SP Morrow
SP Cecil
SP Villy
SP Litsch

CL Janssen
SU Francisco
RU Rauch
MR Camp
MR Perez
MR Mills
MR Ledezma* (hopefully replaced by farquhar)

with McCoy sent down when Teahen gets here.

which really leaves only one roster question going forward - who is the odd man out when lawrie gets promoted? EE or Teahen?
[ Reply to This ]
Mylegacy - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:07 PM EDT (#239499) #
BREAKING NEWS!!!

Just found out the REAL KEY to this deal was: Getting Jeremy Gabryszwski signed from our 2011 Draft Haul. He's got 11 letters in his last name as does Rzepczynski. AA was quoted as saying, "The Commissioners office was adamant - you can't lose an 11 letter guy unless you sign another - so finally - now we could make the Rasmus deal. We're thinking of getting Rasmus to change his last name to Supercalifragilisticexpiodilious. Then it'll be a really big win for our AL East Jay's Scrabble Team."
[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:08 PM EDT (#239500) #

From MLBTR

 

Trever Miller said he's been told nothing about White Sox. Headed to join Toronto tomorrow, per his conv. with Jays.

[ Reply to This ]
Timbuck2 - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#239502) #
Oh happy day!  Cory Patterson was dealt to the Cards too!!
[ Reply to This ]
rpriske - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#239503) #
Just heard the Cardinals are tryign to get Heath Bell. Maybe THAT is where those rumours that AA was looking at Bell came from. He was trying to find someone he could use to get Rasmus.
[ Reply to This ]
TamRa - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#239509) #
Just heard the Cardinals are tryign to get Heath Bell. Maybe THAT is where those rumours that AA was looking at Bell came from. He was trying to find someone he could use to get Rasmus.

I think you are exactly right
[ Reply to This ]
Lylemcr - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 03:58 PM EDT (#239514) #

To me, this is like last years Escobar trade.  High upside, in the doghouse player for middle of the road players.

The thing that I really like about it is that it cleans house in the middle of the road guys.  There are a ton of good young pitchers in AA and lower that are itching to get a little closer to Toronto. 

I like Rzep and Stewart, but we have arms like that in the minors.  We don't have guys like Rasmus (right now).

Next, Fransisco and Rauch!

[ Reply to This ]
Mylegacy - Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 04:04 PM EDT (#239518) #
This is a scout's trade.

AA says (one of these days we'll listen to him), "Good players are not enough in the AL East."

That is why he's gone out and got Escobar, Lawrie and now Rasmus.

Ironically, Rasmus is the biggest risk of the three. While Rasmus is - a no doubt - 5 tool "potential" star - so too was Rios and dozens of others who haven't made the grade. AA believes that Rasmus - who turns 25 on August 11th this year - has the "tools" and the "intangibles" to make the transition from "star prospect" to "star." I really applaud him putting his money where his mouth is. Even if Rasmus crashes and burns and turns out to be a total "head case bust" as some serious Card fans think - AA - and his scouts - believe, like with Escobar, the upside is worth the risk.

One of these days - down the road - AA will be fired - ALL GM's get fired at some point - when he does - he'll be able to say, "I was fired for doing what I thought was the best thing to get our team to excel - in a division where anything less than excellence just doesn't cut it."

I'm really proud of AA - not all these moves will work - but failure is guaranteed in the AL East IF you don't try and make them.

[ Reply to This ]
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