I assume that's just a typo.

So excited for this season! Here's hoping they can live up to the promise.

A.A. went all-in?  He got Rogers to cover all the Miami trade acquisition costs.   All-in?   No.

1) A.A. received $8.5 MM in the Miami trade.  Signed Melky Cabrera (OF) for two years, $8.0 MM per year. Unspent: $0.5 MM.

2) By trading John Buck and his $6.0 MM salary, A.A. got R.A. Dickey (RHP), Josh Thole (C), and Mike Nickeas (C). Unspent:$0.75 MM.

3) Signed Henry Blanco (C), and Mark DeRosa (INF) for $.75 MM each for a total of $1.5 MM.  Over-spent: $.25 MM.

So A.A. goes all-in acquiring a Cy Young winning Ace, middle-of-the-lineup Batting title winning (oops) Outfielder, three backup knuckleball Catchers and a Middle Infielder for $250,000.00 increase in Team Salary.

Posters on this site have "issues" with Colby Rasmus, Adam Lind, J.P. Arencibia, the Bullpen and the Bench.  If that's all-in, someone lets you dress yourself?  

After the positive momentum built up after last years' season (IMO there is more interest in the team than in any time in the last 15 years), the Jays would be missing out on a huge opportunity if they didn't do everything in their power retain that inertia and build on it.

The interest is a result of the offseason moves though, not the 2012 season. I think it's fair to say there was more interest in the Jays heading into the 2012 season than there was after it and before The Trade happened. Many of us made the argument last offseason that there was little reason to not be adding value by spending money in an effort to actually win, so it's a little confusing when a 73 win season provides the impetus for it and everybody is singing AAs praises for acquiring backloaded contracts for prospects when he could have signed those players himself last year for just draft picks (or different guys this offseason, as you suggested).

while also pretending to have knowledge of what directions he has or doesn't have in respect of payroll without having a scintilla of information.

Another advantage of the internet is being able to prove people wrong pretty quickly at the tip of your fingertips.

@Wilnerness590 AA: We could not have done this deal without John Buck being included in this trade from a salary standpoint

Another advantage of the internet is being able to prove people wrong pretty quickly at the tip of your fingertips.

@Wilnerness590 AA: We could not have done this deal without John Buck being included in this trade from a salary standpoint

This assumes that you take AA at face value and further assume he doesn't change his mind or that other front office variables are immutable.  After hearing that Jeff Mathis was going to shelve the entire Marlins deal, or that part of the advantage in acquiring Brandon Lyon was that we would have a window to negotiate a deal with the guy and then watching him sign for a pretty minimal contract with the Mets, I do not take all AA comments at face value. 

A solitary tweet seems insufficient to me to 'prove people wrong'. 

No logic issue, as getting A/B for d'Arnaud would not have got Dickey for the Jays

Yes, it would have, unless you believe NYM wanted A/B for Dickey from Team X but wouldn't accept that same package from the Blue Jays.

92-93, please explain your rationale that the Jays would've been able to sign Buehrle and Reyes AT ALL in the 2011-2012 off-season.

Simple. Players follow the money, unless we're certain otherwise, and I haven't seen any reports suggesting either of those players turned down better offers.

it's a huge assumption to think he could've done so as the Jays haven't made a free agent splash since the Burnett/Ryan "glory days" of 2006.

I'll add Frank Thomas to the mix. It seems when the Jays are willing to beat the market for a FA he comes here.

Note: same goes for Dickey if he was on the open market post-Cy Young; he seems like a pretty enlightened guy, but he's from Nashville, not Newmarket, and probably wants to win before he retires.

That's why you trade for him, as you did this offseason.

jerjapan, we must have wildly different interpretations of the word "scintilla", because for me Wilner's quote is a scintilla of information on the direction AA has in respect to the payroll. I wasn't looking for concrete proof that everything AA has told the media regarding the payroll is the absolute truth; I was defending myself from an attack that what I was saying was baseless. Speculate all you want on the intentions of AA saying he's tapped out, but don't pretend it didn't happen on numerous occasions please.

I loved Hill, and took a ton of grief for my faith that someday he would be a good hitter again.

I'm not sure you're entitled to an I told you so, even under the guise of the contrary, if you are consistently optimistic about every single Blue Jay, be he a major leaguer or minor leaguer. Just by the law of averages, sometimes that optimism will prove to have been warranted.

The Astros are not an interleague team any more.  They are now in the AL West Division.

Rogers released their 4th quarter earnings report today.  There was a paragraph about the Blue Jays that is somewhat interesting:

The Toronto Blue Jays made several off-season all-star calibre player acquisitions and a series of other moves which provide the team with significantly enhanced depth. The 2012 season demonstrated a renewed appetite for baseball in the City of Toronto, which was apparent in the growth of ticket and merchandise sales, as well as audience viewing. The growing revenue enabled these additional investments which are consistent with Rogers Media's sports-focused strategy to significantly improve game attendance, merchandising and Sportsnet ratings.

Rogers' earnings per share increased to $3.28 for the year and they raised their dividend by 10%.

I don't know why people question why we didn't sign Reyes and Beurle last year.  Probably because they didn't want to come here.  In the recent past, the ownership has shown no commitment to winning. 

Currently, I live in Seattle.  The Mariners have been linked to every free agent this year.  (Kind of like the Jays last year).  Everybody wants to go to a winner or a team commited to winning.  The Jays showed that this year and you might see them start being able to sign free agents again. 

It really doesn't mean much, but Buehrle is rare case where there is demonstrable evidence to suggest that he would at least consider taking a less financially lucrative contract because of off-the-field considerations (namely, his pitbulls). I'm not convinced that if the Jays had offered an extra $2 million over 4 years (i.e. $500,000 a season) that Buehrle would have viewed that as being worth spending four summers away from his children (or his dogs). Of course, Buehrle didn't negotiate a no trade clause to prevent being dealt to Toronto, but I think that was more a lack of foresight rather than a reflection of the prioritization of his canine and familial committments. In any case, it's all speculation, but I agree you have to assume athletes will take the biggest contract offer unless there is something more than pure speculation that they prioritize something else relatively highly.

AA has always said that he won't rush or artificially announce a timetable for the Jays to contend, that the team will let him know by its play when to go all-in...

In 2012: 1) In spite of an badly underachieving Bullpen, this Team was in contention until late July (51-51, 30 July '12).

               2) In spite of a selective Offense for most the season, this Team was in contention until late July.

               3) In spite of losing three Starting Pitchers and a struggling Romero, this Team was in contention until late July.

I could go on.  But I think everyone can figure out why this was the time...

It was surprising this Team stayed in contention as long as they did with everything that occurred.   The Houston trade, the Seattle trade and the Pittsburgh trade moved out some of the "deadwood" that wasn't doing the Team any good and cleared some space in the minors.   We have J.A. Happ (long sought after), who has shown he can pitch for us, as vital #6 Starter.  David Carpenter disappointed and via A.A. magic became Esmil Rogers, power-arm Reliever (out of options).   I was surprised Brandon Lyon wasn`t retained, but I suspect price was a consideration.   Steve Delabar is a huge surprise - under contract thru 2017 - possibly our new closer.   Brad Lincoln is a average-ish Starter who`s a much better Reliever.   He`s #7 Starter untill he`s needed in the Bullpen.

Drabek (if he recovers from his 2nd TJ) is likely, in 2014, to be a back-of-the-rotation Starter or Reliever.   Hutchison looked like he was "getting it".   He might be an effective Starter, but should start 2014 in AAA.   Villanueva could really pitch, but lacked stamina.  Had trouble somewhere after 5.0 IP and 150 IP, and sometimes wasn`t there for a start.   McGowan is this Team`s "not making the Carpenter mistake again", which might end this year.  

R.A. Dickey was a must-have acquisition (so we don`t have to play against him) who is better than people might think.   I`m happy he`s with us long term, because he makes this rotation tougher to face.   The Miami trade was a rare and amazing windfall (a time-and-place occurrance) that changed the Baseball World.  With all A.A.`s moves he`s hugely upgraded his Rotation, the Lineup, the Bench, the Bullpen and done a good job an the Depth issues.   It`s possibly A.A. retains Josh Johnson beyond this year, as indications are J.J. is very happy with this Team and City.

It`s hard to say much more.   Attendance in Games 2 and 3 are more important than Opening Day as they set the tone for the rest of the season.  The Schedule has Toronto at home, to start the season, for 6 Games (3 vs Cle., 3 vs Bos.) - that is where the Legend begins and attendance shows the way.   27 Games in April, anything less than 15-12 is not acceptable. 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/blue-jays-interested-in-munenori-kawasaki.html

Wow!   No end to it.   Can`t we do better - guess not.

What is "all-in"?   A.A. starts the 2012 Offseason needing two Starters, a Hitter, Bullpen and Bench upgrades.  Guess what?

The best Free Agents, this offseason, were Zach Greinke (6 years, $147.0 MM) and Josh Hamilton (5 years, $125.0 MM) with Anibal Sanchez (5 years, $80.0 MM), B.J.Upton (5 years, $75.25 MM) and Michael Bourn (4 years, $48.0 MM) being another level down.  Another level or two or more down are Nick Swisher (4 years, $56.0 MM), Edwin Jackson (4 years, $52.0 MM) and Shane Victorino (3 years, $39.0), Angel Pagan (4 years, $40.0 MM).   A.A. was going "hard " after two of these Free Agents.   These were A.A.'s words (around about the Miami Trade time), not mine.   He'd already acquired Esmil Rogers, Maicer Izturis, Jeremy Jeffress and about $4.0 MM in salary.

The Miami Trade nets an Ace, workhorse LHP, all-star Shortstop, super-utility stud, Catcher (who'd done well here) and $8.5 MM cash.   Chances are good A.A. had already gotten approval to go to $100.0 MM - $105.0 MM (+/- $5.0) MM level.  (Work it out).   What he actually did took it to the $120.0 MM - $125.0 MM level.  Using the Cash (48.5 MM) and John Buck (46.0 MM salary) A.A.acquires reigning Cy Young winning Ace, middle-of-lineup MVP Outfielder, 3 Catchers (all of whom can catch the Knuckleball) and a utility player for just a $0.25 MM salary increase.

There are still issues not yet dealt with.  Is Colby Rasmus (can't hit for average, etc.) the CF of the future, because I have doubts whether Gose could be better?   Is Adam Lind more than just a platoon player, or is he overpriced?   There are questions about Depth in position players who can hit.   Starting Depth is Happ, Lincoln, Jenkins, Germano, Bush to name a few.   Should we be better here?  Not everyone thinks so, but there are issues with the Bullpen and questins about depth.  Should we be better here?  Is Mark DeRosa the best we can do for 25th man?

We are in a three-year window (primetime for athletes) with Brandon Morrow (28,signed thru 2015 - option), Ricky Romero (28, thru 2016 - option), Edwin Encarnacion (30, thru 2016 - option) and Jose Bautista (32, thru 2016 - option.)   Noah Syndergaard, Jake Marisnick and Justin Nicolino were at least three years away and of no value, during this time, to the Team, outside of a trade.   Adeiny Hechavarria might be 2013 ready or needing another year, he just needs to hit!   Travis d'Arnaud might be a year or two away and may be really good.  Value for value, there's always a cost.  

A.A. basically spent $10.0 MM - $15.0MM (+/- $5.0 MM) more than he intially planned.   This offseason was being the first to the very rare right place at the very rare right time and nothing more.   All-in?  Maybe, but I have my doubts.

A.A. spoke many times on live interviews (Sportnet, CBC and other Networks) which were available on the web and usually linked on one or another of Batter's Box sites or other sites as they happened.   I know because I have done so.   But some people ignore them because .... or just lazy ... or no memory of last meal let alone ...

A.A. spoke with many reporters, which generate very many articles, which were available on the web and usually linked on one or another of Batter's Box sites or other sites as they happened. I know because I have done so. But some people ignore them because .... or just lazy.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/2013/01/17/alex_anthopoulos_pts_20130117/  or  http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/2012/08/14/alex_anthopoulos_pts/ or http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/11/20/alex_anthopoulos_marlins_trade_almost_never_happened/ or http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/2013/01/08/dickeyanthopoulos_newsconference/ or http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/12/04/anthopoulos_addresses_arencibia_rumours/ or do some of this work yourself.   Or you can check other Batter's Box posts, the information is there, just forgotten or ignored.

A.A. was going hard after two Free Agents - who I don't know.  I just listed some of the best as an example.

Try here: http://www.battersbox.ca/users.php?mode=profile&uid=9081  or here: http://www.battersbox.ca/users.php?mode=profile&uid=4184 or here: http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/blue-jays-2013-state-of-the-franchise/ .   I checked through available podcasts and couldn't find what I was looking for, as well as checking the posts on this site for last three months to no avail.   I heard A.A. say what he said and its was fairly recent, I just can't find it..   If you don't like what I say, don't read my posts, most people don't.

A.A. cleared with ownership a lot of money to go after his needs.   During the G.M. Meeting, he found out the price in trades for what he needed was astronomical, so he was going after two Free Agents, a hitter and a pitcher.   Then at some point he asked about Josh Johnson - oops. 

Thank you.

You do make more sense than some others.

From a Fangraphs interview with Don Baylor:

DB: Aaron Hill. He had come over from Toronto the year before. They had kind of given up on him. He had hit 30-something homers for the Blue Jays. The ball jumps off his bat for a little guy. You think you’re going to throw the ball by him, but you can’t.

[The adjustment was with] his hand position. Guys have to get their hands in the right spot. Once he found that right spot, he was off and running. It was just a little thing with him. His swing is easy to fix.

When I read this I thought why did the Jays not fix this?  The Kelly Johnson for Aaron Hill trade was one the Jays lost.  I am sure AA is asking why and perhaps Dwayne Murphy has received some of the blame for this.

When the new coaching staff for 2013 was announced the comments from the front office suggested there were going to be two hitting coaches.  However it appears that Chad Mottola is the hitting coach and Dwayne Murphy will help with specific players or in specific circumstances.  But in no way are there joint hitting coaches.

I wonder if Aaron Hill's improvement was a black spot for Murphy. 

Hill is a blackspot for Murphy, but EE and Bautista are positives.  It maybe points to the fact that the Jays need to be inventive when it comes to batting coaches and being cut and dry could be restrictive.  Mottata could make interesting for Lind and JPA.  He has shown the ability to work with these guys in the past. 

I hate how people are raging on Romero.  He was a good pitcher for us a couple years and had a bad year.  Is Lester a bad pitcher?  Is Lincecum a bad pitcher?  I would take them both on my roster and I would take Romero.Right now, he is #5 if you use last years performance.  I also think when it comes to potential, he would be #4 (ahead of Beuhrle).  But, Morrow is so hot and cold and Johnson has always had injury issues. 

I think Romero was best when he was not the #1 and the load wasn't on him.  I think he put to much pressure on himself to carry the squad last year.(It was a very bad starting staff last year.)  I have high hopes for him this year.

I wonder if Aaron Hill's improvement was a black spot for Murphy.

My belief is that most hitting coaches have a few tools in their toolbox, but can't fix everybody. And, even when a coach can fix a player, he can't necessarily fix the fix - he can't always figure out what to do when the pitchers adjust to the hitter's adjustment.

Cito Gaston was a classic example of this: his MO was to tell hitters to wait for a pitch to drive, and then launch it. This led to short-term gains in home runs and an immediate improvement in run production. But a consequence of this was that pitchers learned each hitter's power zone, and naturally stopped pitching there. (This is not to knock Cito; I think he was a great hitting coach and manager.)

If Don Baylor can fix (almost) everybody the way he fixed Hill, I'll accept that he is a superior coach. Until then, I'll assume that most coaches can help some of the people some of the time.

I remember, not so long ago, reading people's less than optomistic evaluation of Escobar's defense and his lack of range, amongst other things.   I watched a lot of games over the years he's played (SS on my roster - Baseball pool) and he's not a great defender, but he's not as bad as everyone is trying to make out.   Doesn't phoney grass on concrete give truer rolls and bounces than on the real stuff?

J.P. Arencibia wants to be R.A. Dickey's main Catcher.   A.A. wants Henri Blanco to be the backup and R.A.'s personal catcher.   After reading this http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/scott_macarthur/?id=416516 I am opposed, I want to win every game, Thole catches R.A.!