Blue Jays Trade Rumors

Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto look like destinations for Milton Bradley
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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
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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
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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 ..."
Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list
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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
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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 ..."
Shortstop Scutaro open to staying with Jays
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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 ..."
Wells has successful wrist surgery
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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."
Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay
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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
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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
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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 ..."
Jays' Hallday fit for Phillies?
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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."
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
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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. ..."
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
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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
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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 ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
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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 ..."
No deal: Toronto calls off Snyder trade
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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, ..."
Cubs deny Bradley-for-Wells trade talks
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November 1
ESPN.com
 
"Although the Cubs have had discussions with Toronto about different scenarios, Cubs sources on Saturday vehemently denied that there is any type of a trade for Milton Bradley for Vernon Wells being discussed. Bradley had two years left on his contract at $21.5 million. Wells has five years left at $98 million, including $23 million each in the last two years of the contract."
Wells swap 'has legs'
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October 31
Toronto Sun
 columnist Bob Elliott
"It's not a match made in heaven. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The Chicago Cubs would like to -- have to -- deal disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley. And one player they are eyeing as a target destination is the Blue Jays, with centre fielder Vernon Wells going to the Cubs in return. "It's early on, but we think this one has some legs," said one Cubs official. "But they aren't the only team we are talking with." Bradley, 31, who was suspended for the remainder of the season by the Cubs on Sept. 20, has two years and $21 million US remaining on his contract. Wells has six years left on his contract extension, $107 million remaining, including the $8.5-million final instalment of his ..."
Blue Jays to talk to three for Canadian scouting job
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October 23
Toronto Sun
 
"The Blue Jays have asked for and received permission to talk to a member of the Philadelphia Phillies front office. Pat Gillick, the Phillies' senior advisor? Nope. The Jays will add a Canadian scout leading into the 2010 draft and one of the three scouts new Jays scouting director Andrew Tinnish will interview is Montrealer Alex Agostino. Agostino scouted and signed Georgetown right-hander Shawn Hill when he worked for the Montreal Expos. Hill was a sixth-round choice in 2000. Agostino worked for the Florida Marlins after the Expos. Another candidate is former Jays left-hander Denis Boucher, of Lachine, Que. who scouted for the Washington Nationals until recently."
Anthopoulos keeping tabs on Scutaro and Barajas
Comment
October 19
Toronto Sun
 
"Whither goest free agents Marco Scutaro and Rod Barajas? Well, nowhere yet. Not until 15 days after the final pitch of the World Series. "We like both players," said Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "We'd like to bring them both back." Can the Jays afford to bring them both back? Antopoulous won't know his team budget until later this month. "Like I said, we like both players and they are both important positions, but we can't make a bad deal," the rookie GM said from Toronto. The free agents list at both positions is not deep. At short, there are the likes of Orlando Cabrera, Alex Cora, Bobby Crosby, Adam Everett, Alex Gonzalez, Khalil Greene, Miguel Tejada, Jack Wilson and the ..."
Blue Jays fire directorof player development
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October 10
Toronto Sun
 
"Dick Scott, one of J.P. Ricciardi's most trusted advisers, has been fired by the Blue Jays. Besides Scott, who had been the Jays' director of player development, Cambridge's Rob Ducey, a pro scout whose coverage included the Pacific Rim, also was let go. Scott was hired Nov. 28, 2001 and was based in Dunedin, Fla., where the Jays have spring training as well as their class-A Florida State and rookie-class Gulf Coast affiliates, extended spring and instructional league teams. There was more than one report a year ago that Scott would be fired at the end of 2008. Ricciardi's eight-year run as general manager came to an end a week ago today. Assistant GM Alex Anthopoulos was named to ..."
Pressing issues for new Jays GM
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October 5
Toronto Star
 
"Less than 48 hours into his tenure as the Jays' new general manager, Alex Anthopoulos has more questions than answers. The 32-year-old Canadian will be keeping a low profile with the media until such time as he has formulated his own off-season game plan and trundled it up to the Rogers tower for discussion with ownership. It's the way it should be. And don't look for any sneak previews on ESPN.com or FoxSports. Here are some of the first issues the GM should address as he tries to prove to fans and the rest of the baseball world that he's not just Mini-Me to former GM J.P. Ricciardi's Dr. Evil:"
Charges of unfair treatment leave Cito hurt
Comment
October 3
Toronto Sun
 
"Manager Cito Gaston clearly was mystified and more than a little hurt to be blindsided by what amounts to a player mutiny within the Blue Jays clubhouse. "I think I've treated everybody fairly," he said. "I haven't misused anybody. Some guys haven't pitched as much as they'd like to, but everybody has gotten playing time. I've treated everybody with respect. I'm not sure what their bitch is. I would always hope they would come to me and not go to you guys. "I was a player and I had managers whom I didn't think treated me fairly. But I'm surprised that I can find any guy who thinks I haven't treated him fairly. I'm not sure what the problem is." Gaston has another year to run on the ..."
Mutiny in Jays' clubhouse
Comment
October 3
Toronto Star
 
"Over in the far-left reaches of the home clubhouse at the Rogers Centre is a corner enclave of lockers populated by some of the Jays' deep thinkers, veterans and up-and-coming stars. Among them: Vernon Wells, Aaron Hill, Rod Barajas, Kevin Millar and, formerly, Scott Rolen. It is from that Speakers' Corner that the leadership of the unfolding Cito Gaston revolt seems to have been spawned. Since every uprising needs a leader, Wells, the longest-serving, the wealthiest, the union rep and the man with the most revolting personal '09 season rolled into one was chosen as the voice. Friday night, his silence was broken. "If something of that magnitude comes out, obviously there's some truth ..."
Sources: Players don't want Cito back in '10
Comment
October 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Blue Jays' rehiring of manager Cito Gaston last season started out as a feel-good story, a link to the franchise's back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and '93. A mere 15 months later, the mood inside the Jays' clubhouse has turned decidedly sour. The players are fed up with Gaston and do not want him to return next season, according to multiple major-league sources. "It's nearly a mutiny right now," one source says. "He has lost the entire team." The Jays are not playing like a club in turmoil — they have won six straight games and nine of their last 10, sweeping the Red Sox at Fenway Park in their most recent series. Tension built, however, while the Jays went 39-69 after their ..."
J.P. Ricciardi's Jays GM job may be on line
Comment
September 29
Boston Herald
 
"With a year remaining on his contract, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi finds himself in limbo as Toronto winds down a disappointing season. Ricciardi, completing his eighth season as the club's GM, has a deal which runs through the 2010 season. But Toronto's 72-84 record heading into last night, coupled with dwindling attendance at Rogers Centre, sparked speculation that the Jays could undergo a housecleaning. The Blue Jays haven't made the playoffs since winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and '93 and will finish fourth in the American League East this year, well behind the division-winning Yankees and second-place Red Sox. In recent days, rumors spread that Pat ..."
No joy in Draftville for the Blue Jays
Comment
August 19
Toronto Star
 
"There are valid reasons sports fans don't pay as much attention to baseball's amateur draft in June as they do other pro sports. Those became obvious for Jays fans yesterday after the deadline for signing draftees passed with three of Toronto's top four picks (all Top 100 overall) failing to come to terms. "There's a limit on everything," GM J.P. Ricciardi said of his team's financial resources and patience. "You can't just give everything everybody wants. It wouldn't be good business. From our end, we put a monetary thing on it. We thought we were very generous, but it wasn't enough.""
White Sox downplay rumored waiver bids
Comment
August 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Ken Williams confirmed White Sox activity in the waiver process without answering directly whether he placed a claim on pricey Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios. "I'm not confirming or denying any interest or any claims or anything," Williams said Saturday. "But if these things get out on a daily basis, boy, it's going to be a heck of an August around here in terms of how many players you claim and how many you don't claim. It will make your head spin if you follow each report. "A lot of players get claimed every day. Why is this a big deal?" Because Rios is guaranteed nearly $60 million from 2010 to 2014. An ESPN.com report said a team placed a claim on Rios, and that the ..."
Ricciardi won't comment on Rios report
Comment
August 8
MLB.com
 
"Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi downplayed an online report that surfaced on Friday, indicating that right fielder Alex Rios has been claimed off waivers by an unidentified team. That does not necessarily mean Toronto isn't currently weighing its options with the outfielder. "It's the time of year where everybody gets put through waivers on every team," Ricciardi said. "For us to comment on that, I don't think is a good thing. We're not going to comment on the waiver wire. It's unfortunate that someone puts anything out there that's supposed to be confidential. "In this case, all I'll tell you is everybody gets put through waivers. It's a normal process. Every team does it, but ..."
Alomar makes fresh pitch to join Jays' front office
Comment
August 8
Toronto Star
 
"Five years after his last professional game, Blue Jays legend Roberto Alomar is ready to return to major league baseball. Off the field. He's not sure exactly what role he wants to fill with a big-league club, but is certain that he wants that club to be the Toronto Blue Jays. Alomar says he hasn't yet had formal discussions with upper management about working for the team, but said he plans to initiate talks soon. "This is where I belong. This is where I made my mark and this is where I love to be," he said yesterday."
White Sox reportedly have interest in Alex Rios
Comment
August 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox were willing to take on the remaining $56 million on Jake Peavy's contract he signed with the Padres, and a report Friday night suggests they might be willing to take a bigger financial obligation with Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios. According to ESPN.com, citing major league sources, the Sox were the team most likely to have put in a waiver claim on Rios. Rios is guaranteed $59.7 million from 2010 through 2014. Teams can put in waiver claims simply to block another team (think the Tigers) from trying to acquire a player but run a financial risk. The Blue Jays, who are trying to shed payroll, have three options: --They can award Rios to the team that claims him without any ..."
Jays take closer look with Scott Downs out
Comment
August 3
Toronto Star
 
"or Jays fans that have already given up on 2009 as a playoff-bound season, there's a bright side to the great toe injury suffered by Scott Downs on Saturday in Oakland. While Downs is out, likely until September, it will allow Jason Frasor, Brandon League and, perhaps the newly acquired Josh Roenicke to strut their closer's stuff just in case there is a Jays' need in 2010. "Frasor's certainly done a good job down there as far as (closing)," said manager Cito Gaston. "You might mix League in there, too. Hopefully we run into a situation where you have three or four nights in a row where you've got to save a game. If that's the case then I'll have to throw somebody else in there, too." In ..."
Reds get Rolen from Jays
Comment
July 31
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds have sent Jerry Hairston Jr. to the New York Yankees, and traded Edwin Encarnacion and two others for Toronto's Scott Rolen. The Reds are sending third baseman Encarnacion and pitchers Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart to Toronto. In exchange for Hairston, the Reds got catcher Chase Weems. Rolen, who is 34 years-old, has spent the past two seasons in Toronto. This year he is hitting .320 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 88 games."
Rangers' talks for Halladay break off
Comment
July 31
MLB.com
 
"There was a point on Thursday when the Rangers thought they had a real chance at trading for Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, with a source saying a deal was "very close." But that is no longer the case. As of Friday morning, just hours before the 3 p.m. CT/4 ET Trade Deadline, trade talks between the two clubs appear to have broken off. According to those familiar with the discussions, the situation was somewhere between dead and on life-support. There were multiple issues involved that kept a deal from getting done, but the biggest involved Rangers rookie left-hander Derek Holland. The Blue Jays wanted him and the Rangers wouldn't give him up."
Dodgers looking for more bullpen help
Comment
July 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The Dodgers no longer are talking to the Blue Jays about ace right-hander Roy Halladay, and they're also unlikely to get Jays right-handed reliever Jason Frasor, according to a major-league source. The Jays are listening on all fronts until the 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline. The Dodgers, looking for bullpen help even after adding left-hander George Sherrill on Thursday, have inquired on Frasor. The source, however, indicated that the teams did not have a match."
Rangers bid for Halladay appears over
Comment
July 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rangers' bid for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay appears over. It is "unlikely" the Rangers will get anything done with the Jays, according to a major-league source with intimate knowledge of the discussions. The Jays had asked the Rangers for left-hander Derek Holland, Class AA first baseman Justin Smoak and two other top prospects."
Ryan confirms Halladay discussions
Comment
July 31
MLB.com
 
"Club president Nolan Ryan confirmed Thursday night that the Rangers and the Blue Jays are having trade discussions about pitcher Roy Halladay. "We've had discussions with them, yes," Ryan said after the Rangers' 7-1 victory over the Mariners. "Nothing has been done. It's been going on for a while and there have been names talked about. There hasn't been a deal struck and it's still premature to make a prediction whether it will happen." Earlier, when asked to comment on the report, a high-ranking Blue Jays official replied with a text message saying "nothing to them" regarding how serious the rumors may be.There are mixed signals whether a deal will get done by Friday's 3 p.m. CT ..."