Uh Oh...

when did the Jays make a promise to Bradley that he was their priority, and why would anyone make a promise like that? Also, haven’t the Yankees make a humungous offer to C.C. – why is Gammons assuming the Dodgers will sign him? I just don’t ever follow his thinking on these topics, and he is overwhelmingly wrong about hot stove rumors, though he’s a good baseball guy when not discussing trade and free agency rumors.

That said, assuming he’s right about the Jays, I actually really like the idea of signing Bradley. He’s a switch-hitter who, while he probably won’t have the year he had last season, has been an above-average offensive performer (118 Career OPS+). His power numbers took a big hit away from Arlington, but he still got on base over 40% of the time away from home. And he likely won’t sign for ridiculous dollar or year figures, which is nice. He could also bat near or even at the top of the lineup, as he’s so good at getting on base. He could be a real bargain. I’m not too concerned about his attitude, but Cito is the right guy for that, I’d think, anyway. I am concerned for his durability, but if we could offer him a 2-year deal with a big option year vesting based on plate appearances, that’d be great. Also, DH-ing most days should help with that. I wouldn’t expect another .999 OPS season, but he would likely be the best hitter on the Jays.

All things considered, and since I’m assuming Manny is a pipe dream who would break the bank, Bradley is the DH I’d want to bring in, free-agent wise. There are risks, but the Jays don’t have unlimited resources so they’re going to have to take some chances if they are to compete. Bradley could make a big difference if he pays off.