"The Jays are asking for fan goodwill while they rebuild and we're here with a positive suggestion of a potential trade with the Oakland A's, a deal I believe may already have been discussed behind closed doors.

Spring training is 24 days away and the club has already announced to season-ticket holders that it will not be spending additional money on payroll in '09. With 16 players under contract, the Jays' committed payroll this year is $76.38 million (all figures U.S.).

They will spend another $9 million for the remaining nine to 11 players (Shaun Marcum out for the year; Dustin McGowan out until May). The plan is to let young players develop and take their lumps. But there are creative ways to maximize limited payroll and keep the Jays competitive. "