Blue Jays News

Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto look like destinations for Milton Bradley
Comment
November 19
ESPN.com
 columnist Jayson Stark
"Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto look like the three most feasible destinations for Milton Bradley these days. But the Cubs are telling teams that (A) they're not interested in digesting all or most of Bradley's money (two years, $21 million) just for the sake of moving him, and (B) the hiring of his old hitting coach, Rudy Jaramillo, means they no longer think they have to trade him. So they seem to be zeroing in on clubs that might be willing to swap one messy contract for another. Pat Burrell would be that guy in Tampa Bay, but the money doesn't match up and the Cubs would have to find a third team interested in Burrell. Lyle Overbay seems to fit that mold in Toronto, but the Cubs would ..."
Rebuilding Jays may not be major players
Comment
November 19
MLB.com
 
"If the Blue Jays were one or two pieces away from immediately being a contender for the World Series, rookie general manager Alex Anthopoulos would strongly consider being a major player in the free-agent marketplace. The reality for Toronto, coming off a disappointing fourth-place finish in the American League East, is that reaching the postseason appears to be a long-term goal at this point. Right now, Anthopoulos is determined to piece together a talented young core that he can build around. What that means for the current offseason, and possibily next winter as well, is that the Blue Jays do not plan on being overly aggressive in free agency. On Friday at midnight ET, teams can begin ..."
Homeless Gillick could settle in nicely with Blue Jays
Comment
November 19
Toronto Star
 columnist Dave Perkins
"Pat Gillick sold his house in Toronto a couple of years ago, so by Gillick's brand of logic, it makes perfect sense for him to rejoin the Blue Jays as a wise old head. The word is out that Gillick might well latch on to a senior consulting role in Toronto similar to the one he took when he retired as GM of the Philadelphia Phillies after they won the 2008 World Series. Or put it this way: The Jays would love to have him – as much as tampering rules allow. Two things about this make excellent sense. The first is that Paul Beeston believes in having experienced executives around to help reveal baseball's many ingrained truths. Bobby Mattick filled this role in Beeston's first term as team ..."
Blue Jays fan cries foul ball over price hike
Comment
November 19
Toronto Star
 
"After the Blue Jays hobbled to a 75-87 record this season, long-time subscriber Mark Woitzik figured the price of his season tickets – section 113, on the right-field foul line – would hold steady. Instead, two weeks ago the club called to warn him, and Tuesday he received confirmation in the mail that the price of his seats was about to increase. Dramatically. Last season, Woitzik, a lawyer from Whitby, paid $3,823.92 for a pair of season tickets, but the renewal notice he received this week said the same two seats would now cost $5,964.84. That's a 56 per cent increase, and coupled with a dismal on-field outlook for 2010, it has Woitzik ready to cancel his season tickets. "I understand ..."
Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list
Comment
November 19
New York Post
 
"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."
Roy Halladay sweepstakes could be just another Yankees-Red Sox bout
Comment
November 18
SI.com
 
"The Yankees recently called the Blue Jays to express interest in superstar pitcher Roy Halladay. And while the Yankees made the very same call last summer with no hope of acquiring Halladay, this time they have a real reason to believe they may actually have a legitimate chance to make a blockbuster trade. If that's a positive development for the World Series champs, the twist is that they might be battling the rival Red Sox for the star pitcher who's well-known as a Yankee killer, as his 18-6 record against the Bronx Bombers attests. Here is the most obvious reason the Yankees (or Red Sox) may now finally have a legit shot to trade for arguably baseball's best pitcher: New Toronto GM Alex ..."
Beeston says Jays could look to Gillick for guidance
Comment
November 18
Toronto Star
 
"Since dropping the "interim" from his title and taking over full-time as Blue Jays president, Paul Beeston has worked closely with ownership and the front office on crafting a plan to make the club something they haven't been since the 1990s. Perennial contenders. In describing that plan to the Star's editorial board Tuesday, Beeston hinted it might include another link to the club's past – former GM Pat Gillick."
Coveted Halladay recognized in Cy vote
Comment
November 17
MLB.com
 
"The immediate future of the Blue Jays is directly linked to ace pitcher Roy Halladay. He is the unequivocal face of the Toronto franchise, though it is an organization that is in the midst of a transition period. On Tuesday, Halladay earned consideration for the Baseball Writers' Association of America's American League Cy Young Award, garnering 11 third-place votes for a fifth-place finish. The league's top pitching honor -- won by Halladay in 2003 -- went to Zack Greinke of the Royals in a landslide. For Halladay, it marked the fourth year in a row that he finished in the top five in balloting for the Cy Young -- evidence that "Doc" remains one of the true aces in the game. Halladay is ..."
Shortstop Scutaro open to staying with Jays
Comment
November 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams are inquiring about free agent Marco Scutaro not just as a shortstop, but also as a second baseman, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. One team even asked if Scutaro would consider moving to third. Scutaro, who played Gold Glove-caliber defense for the Blue Jays last season, will "entertain all possibilities," Greenberg said — including a return to the Jays on a one-year deal if, as expected, he is offered salary arbitration. The Jays offered Scutaro a contract extension during the season and another after the season ended, Greenberg said. Scutaro wants to explore the free-agent market, but he likes the city, team and manager Cito Gaston, who gave him his first chance to play ..."
Blue Jay scouting staff grows again
Comment
November 14
Toronto Star
 
"The Blue Jays may not have much cash to spend on big-name free agents, but as the off-season continues they are proving they have plenty to invest in scouting. Since Alex Anthopoulos took over as general manager in October, the Jays' scouting staff has grown steadily and Thursday it grew a little more. In addition to promoting three current scouts – Matt Briggs, Dan Cholowsky and Tom Burns – to regional cross-checkers, the Jays hired four more staffers from other clubs. Gary Rajsich and Brandon Mozley join the Jays as cross-checkers, while Dan Cox and Brian Parker are the club's newest scouts."
Wells has successful wrist surgery
Comment
November 14
Toronto Star
 
"Toronto Blue Jays centrefielder Vernon Wells is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing successful surgery on his left wrist, a team spokesman said Friday. The procedure was performed Thursday and repaired some cartilage damage in his left wrist, which he broke diving to make a catch against the Indians in 2008."
Jays sluggers go Silver
Comment
November 13
Toronto Sun
 
"Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill added to his post-season accolades, and brought teammate Adam Lind along for the ride. Both players were announced as winners of Silver Slugger Awards for their position yesterday. Hill, who already had been honoured as American League comeback player of the year, earned his award with 36 home runs, 37 doubles, 103 runs scored and 108 RBIs. Lind earned the Silver Slugger for designated hitters. He had 35 homers, 46 doubles, 93 runs scored and 114 RBIs. The honour, voted on by coaches and managers, is given the players selected as the best offensive players at each position in both the American and National Leagues. Hill and Lind become just the ..."
Lind, Hill find silver linings
Comment
November 13
Toronto Star
 
"Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill and outfielder Adam Lind were honoured with Silver Slugger Awards Thursday as the best offensive players at their positions, as voted by AL managers and coaches. The 27-year-old Hill, an all-star this past season, hit .286 with 36 home runs, 108 RBIs, 195 hits and 103 runs. Lind, 26, hit .305 with 35 homers, 114 RBIs and a .562 slugging percentage."
Halladay a Test for New Blue Jays General Manager
Comment
November 13
New York Times
 
"The first time Alex Anthopoulos called a baseball general manager was nine years ago. When Jim Beattie, then the general manager of the Montreal Expos, answered the phone, Anthopoulos, just 23, panicked and hung up as if he were a kid making a crank call. A little embarrassed and a lot disappointed, Anthopoulos decided that his dream of becoming a real baseball executive could not end as pathetically as that. "I smacked myself," he said, "and said, 'Come on, have some guts.' ""
Sizing up Jays' rotation without Halladay
Comment
November 12
Toronto Star
 
"The general managers' meetings are over and Roy Halladay is still a Blue Jay. For now. Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos used the face-to-face time with other GMs to inch toward a few deals. On Wednesday afternoon, Foxsports.com reported that the Jays and Mariners were discussing a trade involving first baseman Lyle Overbay. "There are certain players that we've been targeting (and we're) just trying to see if we can make a fit," said Anthopoulos, pointing out that he's not against multi-team trades. "We've had very productive talks.""
If anything's happening, GM's not telling
Comment
November 12
Toronto Sun
 
"Alex Anthopoulos headed through the underground to the O'Hare terminal towing his suitcase yesterday afternoon. Before the new Blue Jays general manager departed for Toronto he said: "We still have some balls in the air," as the annual general managers meetings ended. One obvious ball would by ace right-hander Roy Halladay. While the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Angels and the Boston Red Sox appear as possible destination for Halladay, Anthopoulos remained steadfast in his stance about not talking trade specifics or mentioning any players by name. Earlier in the meetings when asked about dealing within the American League East division, Anthopoulos said ..."
Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay
Comment
November 12
New York Daily News
 
"The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox. According to a source, Blue Jays president Paul Beeston has not resigned himself to the seemingly inevitable move to trade Halladay, believing his team can still compete for a playoff spot in 2010. The circus that surrounded the Halladay situation last summer was one of the primary factors in the firing of former general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who made it clear he did not want to deal the ace within the division. Alex Anthopoulos appears willing to move Halladay to an AL East team, but before ..."
Source: Jays, M's discuss Overbay deal
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Jays and Mariners have discussed a trade that would send Lyle Overbay to Seattle, a major league source said today. The Mariners could also re-sign Russell Branyan to play first base. Overbay, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, would welcome a trade from Toronto, where his playing time declined this year. The Jays are discussing Overbay with multiple teams, the source said. They came close to a deal with Arizona in recent days."
Minaya going after, well, everybody
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."
Phils aim to improve at third, in 'pen
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday that his top two offseason priorities are finding a third baseman and improving the bullpen. He reiterated those priorities Tuesday. And the rotation? He said he sees a 2010 rotation that includes Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. "Hamels is one of our starters next year," Amaro said in a telephone interview. "And we view the combination of Hamels and Lee as strong a top of the rotation as anybody's in the league." Amaro would not comment on the Phillies' reported interest in Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay, but sources said a trade for Halladay is highly unlikely. The Blue Jays requested right-hander Kyle Drabek, left-hander J.A. ..."
Trading Halladay not a problem for Anthopoulos
Comment
November 11
Toronto Sun
 
"Could Roy Halladay wind up in a Boston Red Sox uniform? "If we get the right package, we'll make the trade," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters when asked if Halladay could be dealt within the division yesterday. "It would be awfully narrow thinking of me to turn down the best offer because of the fact it came from within our division. "Now, if we had a strictly apples and apples offers for Halladay, one from Boston, one from another team, it would not be Boston. If we made a deal we owe it to our fans to obtain the best deal possible." The Red Sox made a strong pitch for Halladay in July but it wasn't enough for former GM J.P. Ricciardi to pull the trigger. ..."
New Jays GM offers hope
Comment
November 11
Toronto Sun
 columnist Bob Elliott
"Alex Anthopoulos has been talking 10 minutes straight. Now, the Blue Jays rookie general manager hits another gear. "We have the best house on the nicest block in the best part of town," Anthopoulos said metaphorically about the franchise he has been entrusted to operate. "Ownership has given the president complete autonomy and Paul Beeston has given me complete autonomy. I don't know of another franchise in baseball that operates this way." The Jays are not the Milwaukee Brewers (firing Ned Yost with 12 games remaining in 2008). They aren't the Pittsburgh Pirates or the Oakland A's when it comes to attendance."
Jays' Hallday fit for Phillies?
Comment
November 11
Toronto Star
 
"Forgive us if it feels like summer again. First came the sunny, 18-degree days the GTA enjoyed earlier this week, and then came the Roy Halladay rumours, swirling as wildly as they did before last July's trade deadline. Tuesday the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the National League champion Phillies wanted to trade for Halladay. Again."
If Jays ship Doc, it had better be out of the East
Comment
November 11
Toronto Star
 columnist Dave Perkins
"Every fan probably understands the Blue Jays may need to trade Roy Halladay, sooner or later. Alex Anthopoulos, the new GM who was, presumably, kicking tires in Chicago on several possible deals this week, wisely is not playing his cards face-up here. With a free-agent pitching class headed by John Lackey and not a lot of dazzle behind him, the market for a standout starter of Halladay's level should be substantial."
Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."
Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."
Jays looking to get younger
Comment
November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Blue Jays have won between 83 and 88 games seven times in the past 12 seasons. Their goal under new general manager Alex Anthopolous is to reach the next level and finish with 95 or more wins. Such a plan is not immediately realistic — the Jays, coming off a 75-win season, play in the highly competitive AL East. But every move the Jays make this offseason will be with the idea of adding young, core players who could be part of the Jays' next contending team. Thus, the Jays are likely to make the best possible trade for right-hander Roy Halladay. They are trying to move Lyle Overbay for younger parts to clear first base for Adam Lind. And they almost certainly will offer salary ..."
Barajas officially a free agent
Comment
November 10
MLB.com
 
"Rod Barajas filed for free agency on Monday, but that does not mean the veteran catcher has no interest in returning to the Blue Jays. Barajas made that very clear during the final weekend of the regular season. "I'm in," Barajas said. "I've enjoyed my time here. I've enjoyed my teammates, and I enjoy the city. From Day 1, I wasn't thinking of going elsewhere. My first choice has always been here, and I'd love to come back and hang out with my teammates. This is a great group of guys. I have a blast when I'm inside this clubhouse. For me, I see no reason for me to want to leave." For what it's worth, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has maintained -- as recently as during a ..."
D-Backs GM: Snyder progressing
Comment
November 10
Arizona Republic
 
"In the middle of the afternoon Monday, the Diamondbacks' front-office contingent arrived at the Hilton O'Hare, a decidedly less-posh destination for the general managers' meetings than for last year's proceedings in Dana Point, Calif. But instead of being able to announce a trade with Toronto, Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes was left discussing catcher Chris Snyder, whose health came into question when the Blue Jays called off a potential deal shortly after performing a physical exam Sunday. Byrnes ultimately echoed comments Snyder made to mlb.com earlier in the day. Snyder has progressed as expected after his Sept. 23 back surgery, Byrnes said, adding that there is nothing else ..."
Jays GM won't talk about Doc Halladay
Comment
November 10
Toronto Star
 
"If the Boston Red Sox really are interested in trading for ace Roy Halladay, Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos isn't saying. As the general managers' meetings opened Monday in Chicago, rumours about a future destination for Halladay, a free agent after 2010, surfaced again."
Slippery slope not up to Raptors' liking
Comment
November 10
Toronto Sun
 
"It's not exactly hockey country down here, but when the playing court is almost as slippery as ice, concerns are going to be raised and they were. The Raptors morning shootaround was limited to spot shooting and a walk-through when players complained about the court at the AT"
Bradley deal still alive
Comment
November 10
Toronto Sun
 
"The Chicago Cubs still want to send Milton Bradley to the Blue Jays. The latest is a three-team deal in which the Blue Jays send first baseman Lyle Overbay to the New York Mets, the Mets send second baseman Luis Castillo to the Cubs and the Jays wind up with Bradley. The Jays will give a player a second chance, but not a fifth or sixth or whatever chance Bradley is working on, much similar to when they turned down free-agent lefty reliever Steve Howe years ago. The Cubs have zero interest in adding centre fielder Vernon Wells. Nothing in the desert Talks between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Jays about catcher Chris Snyder for Overbay had reached an impasse. The deal would have ..."
Phils still in the running for Halladay
Comment
November 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. arrived at the annual general managers' meetings late this afternoon and listed his priorities for upgrading his team this off-season. "Third base, bullpen, bench," the Phillies' GM said in the lobby of the O'Hare Hilton, where the meetings run through tomorrow. What about starting pitching? "We're more bullpen-intensive than anything else," Amaro said. The Phils' attempt to build a better bullpen this winter apparently won't stop them from trying to strengthen their starting rotation. More than one baseball official with knowledge of the Phillies' off-season plan said today that the team remains very much in the picture to acquire Toronto Blue Jays righthander Roy ..."
In Baseball, G.M.'s Meet Amid Signs of Austerity
Comment
November 10
New York Times
 
"Baseball's general managers and their staffs arrived throughout the day at the Hilton hotel in O'Hare International Airport on Monday, most of them walking through subway-style tunnels from the main terminals and up into the lobby. There, the view across the street was not of some lavish Pacific seascape, but of the two main concrete parking lots that serve the airport. A year ago, these same meetings were held at the luxurious St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, Calif., where the grand view beyond the marble swimming pool and palm trees was the dark blue Pacific Ocean. At the time, some noted the contrast of a sport spending lavishly to host its executives while the national economy was in the ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
Comment
November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Lyle Overbay could be headed for desert in swap for a catcher
Comment
November 9
Toronto Star
 
"The Blue Jays may be working on a deal that would send first baseman Lyle Overbay to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for catcher Chris Snyder. The Arizona Republic reported Saturday such a trade was being discussed. When contacted by the Star, Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos declined comment. Overbay has been the centre of trade speculation for some time and the Jays need a catcher to replace Rod Bajaras, who is a free agent. Among the candidates to take over at first for Toronto would be slugger Adam Lind. Possibly holding up any deal is the health of Snyder, who underwent back surgery in September. The Jays would want him to pass medical and fitness tests. Snyder, 28, lost his starting job ..."
No deal: Toronto calls off Snyder trade
Comment
November 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Concerns about catcher Chris Snyder's surgically repaired back caused the Toronto Blue Jays to nix a trade that would have brought first baseman Lyle Overbay to the Diamondbacks. Not sure if Snyder "failed" the physical exam he was scheduled to undergo today or what the exact terminology is here, but we know that his condition was the reason Toronto called it off. Snyder underwent a microdiscectomy surgery, a procedure that is designed to relieve pressure off a nerve in his back. It's not considered a major surgery, but if you're Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos you obviously want to be completely sure he's going to be fine, especially since he's owed $11.25 million over the next couple of ..."
Possible D-backs, Jays deal on hold
Comment
November 8
MLB.com
 
"A potential deal between the D-backs and Blue Jays that would have sent Chris Snyder to Toronto and Lyle Overbay to Arizona has been put on hold, a Major League source said Sunday. The two sides had been making progress on the deal as of Saturday before hitting a snag. There has been plenty of speculation that Snyder would be dealt this offseason with the emergence of backup Miguel Montero last season. Snyder, who signed a three-year, $14.25 million extension last winter, was hampered for most of the 2009 season with back problems that eventually required surgery and limited him to just 61 games. He hit .200 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Overbay was initially drafted by the D-backs in the ..."
Jays' new GM eyes long-term
Comment
November 8
Toronto Sun
 
"Alex Anthopoulos shared his blueprint for the first time yesterday. The Blue Jays general manager's long-term goals are 95-win seasons through an on-field product built by scouting and player development. He said the Jays "aren't rebuilding," rather they are "building." "This isn't going to be a quick fix. We won't sacrifice the ability to have a long, sustained run," Anthopoulos said. "We're not going to put all our eggs in one basket for one year at taking a shot at winning and sacrifice four years down the road. When we do get to the point where we are winning, we can sustain it." In the long term, the Jays probably will trade right-hander Roy Halladay and, in the short term, try to add ..."
D-backs, Jays talking possible deal
Comment
November 8
MLB.com
 
"The D-backs and Blue Jays are "making progress" on a deal that would send catcher Chris Snyder to Toronto and first baseman Lyle Overbay to Arizona, according to a Major League source. Snyder, 28, was hampered for most of the 2009 season with back problems that eventually required surgery and limited him to just 61 games. He hit .200 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Overbay was initially drafted by the D-backs in the 18th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft and played for the D-backs from 2001-03 before being dealt to the Brewers prior to the '04 season as part of a trade that brought Richie Sexson to Arizona. Last season, the 32-year-old hit .265 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs in 132 games. ..."
Jays may consider trading Halladay
Comment
November 8
MLB.com
 
"Alex Anthopoulos finally did away with the suspense and agreed on Saturday afternoon to discuss the immediate and long-term direction of the Blue Jays. It was a topic the new general manager wanted to address when the time was right. With the General Managers' Meetings set to kick off in Chicago on Monday, Anthopoulos felt the time had come to talk about the road ahead. Coming off a disappointing 75-win season, the Blue Jays do not appear close to their first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 1993. It is now up to Anthopoulos to find a remedy for the situation. Anthopoulos' vision is of an organization that can have a sustained period of success, becoming an annual ..."
D-Backs discussing Snyder-for-Overbay swap
Comment
November 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Miguel Montero's breakout season has made Chris Snyder the Diamondbacks' catcher most likely to be traded this off-season, and Snyder's name popped up this weekend in a rumor that just might have legs. Baseball sources said the Diamondbacks are talking about a trade that would send Chris Snyder to the Toronto Blue Jays for first baseman Lyle Overbay. It is unclear how far the trade talks have progressed, but because Snyder had back surgery in September, the Blue Jays presumably would want him to undergo a thorough examination. Last off-season, it was Montero's name that surfaced in rumors. But when Snyder went down with back problems in midseason, Montero stepped in and never looked back, ..."
Visit with Doc first step to wellness
Comment
November 6
Toronto Star
 columnist Dave Perkins
"Without actually hearing or seeing it, you can be sure Roy (Doc) Halladay was going at least a little crazy the past couple of weeks. Watching Cliff Lee star for the Phillies for a month, then seeing A.J. Burnett get a World Series ring with the Yankees, despite blowing up in two potential clinching post-season games, would make Halladay squirm: When does he get his chance to do this? That is what he lives for, the competition and chance to win. He hasn't had it with the Blue Jays and, at age 32, with one more big contract in front of him, it's not about the money. He has more than he'll ever need. It's strictly about the opportunity to go where Lee and Burnett, among many others, have ..."
Phillies should start building for next year, starting with acquiring Halladay
Comment
November 6
Philadelphia Daily News
 columnist Rich Hofmann
"AFTER THE STING wears off and everybody gets a couple of nights' sleep, the quiet pride in the accomplishment of making it to a second consecutive World Series will envelop Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., and all of them. They should be given some time to enjoy it, too - especially the general manager who is just finishing his first season. Because it was Amaro who brought Raul Ibanez here and it was Amaro who brought Cliff Lee here. They were huge moves, winning moves, and the general manager deserves an opportunity to bask in the whole thing for a good little while. OK, time's up. What to do to this roster for the 2010 season is the subject that will consume Phillies fans for ..."
Blue Jays' Wells to undergo surgery
Comment
November 4
Toronto Sun
 
"Agent Brian Peters isn't sure exactly when Vernon Wells' wrist began to ache. But it still was bothering him two weeks ago, after the season had come to an end. "Vernon told me his left wrist was still barking at him," Wells' agent said from Houston yesterday. Wells underwent an MRI, was examined by a specialist Thursday and next week will fly from Dallas to Phoenix to have arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Donald Sheridan in Scottsdale, Ariz. Sheridan will repair cartilage damage in Wells' left wrist. "I've sent a couple of my guys, Carl Crawford and Orlando Hudson, there before ... We've been talking to George Poulos (the Jays trainer)," Peters said. "Vernon needs to go in and get ..."
Tenace content to leave game but will miss T.O.
Comment
November 1
Toronto Sun
 
"Gene Tenace? He retired and he says he wasn't pushed. Brad Arnsberg? Not the case. "My wife Linda is having a knee operation and may have to have another," Tenace said. Tenace and Arnsberg were not part of the Jays new coaching staff manager Cito Gaston and general manager Alex Anthopoulos announced yesterday. "I was thinking next year would be my last but we worked things out with the club. It was time," said Tenace, while raking leaves in Baker, Ore. Arnsberg joined the Houston Astros as their new pitching coach under manager Brad Mills. "There were some unresolved issues in Toronto," Astros GM Ed Wade told MLB.com, "and (Jays) gave him a chance to go out and look around. He ..."
Whose choice was Gaston?
Comment
November 1
Toronto Sun
 
"The first reason to wonder about Alex Anthopoulos: The new Blue Jays general manager is comfortable with the arrangement that Cito Gaston will manage the ball club for one final season. Even if it wasn't necessarily his doing. Upon being appointed, the majority of general managers would want to put their own stamp on a new club, naming their own manager, making their initial choice. If Gaston is Anthopoulos' choice, that's great. But if he is his choice, why is the choice not extending beyond one season? Anthopoulos has done some nice work in reconstructing the front office, setting up his senior advisers, and making some coaching changes that were likely necessary, but the Gaston ..."
Forget that lame-duck label for Cito Gaston
Comment
November 1
Toronto Star
 
"It didn't take long after it was confirmed that he'll be back as Jays manager next spring for Cito Gaston to be stuck with the lame-duck label. Why is it that coaches and managers on one-season deals (Gaston has an extension, but in an already agreed-to consultant's role) are perceived as hamstrung and emasculated while players in a similar end-of-contract situation are seen as being blessed with incentive and inspiration? A lot of it has to do with a manager's role as den father and disciplinarian."
Griffin: Jays shuffle won't end clubhouse crisis
Comment
November 1
Toronto Star
 
"There have been a couple of days to reflect on the Blue Jays' deck-shuffling coaching changes. There were several options for management in resolving the season-ending brouhaha in Baltimore. But for many fans, the Jays chose the wrong one. For an impatient Jays Nation it was more important to move forward with a winner than to bring Cito Gaston back for a farewell tour a la Bobby Cox in Atlanta."