Every Chance to See the Real You, Oughta Feel You Slip Away, Truth Decay: Rumors
In a surprising change of pace there are some real rumors in Jay's land. Most impressively the Jays could 'have interest' in Rafael Furcal, which would be pretty great, as much as I'd prefer we look for a DH. Frucal would give us a real leadoff hitter and a true upgrade at shortstop. In the story it suggests JP would use the money that we planned on spending on AJ which goes against what JP has said before. But then when have we been able to believe a word coming out of that man's mouth?
As noted in the comments of the previous story the Jays are talking to Carl Pavano's agent. I'm hoping we'd just offer him a minor league contract and give him a shot at a job in spring training. That could work, offering anything guaranteed would be a a foolish move. but adding some depth wouldn't be a bad idea.
In yet another story on Mlb.com (isn't it cool that they are talking about the Jays on there again?) JP says he is not talking to the Mets about BJ Ryan. So I'd imagine tomorrow JP will be announcing the deal. JP says he can't move BJ because one of the relievers. like Downs or Tallet, may have to become a starter. Always remember JP is genetically incapable of telling a truth.
Over at Minor League Ball they have posted their top 20 Blue Jay prospects. Their top 10 are pretty close to what we have in the top ten but they do have a few names in the 10 to 20 range that aren't on our 30. They have Eric Thames an outfielder 12th, Luis Perez a lefty pitcher 13th, Markus Brisker 18th and Chad Beck a right handed pitcher 19th.
Thames was a 2008 draft choice, I think I'd like to see him play a bit more pro-ball before putting him on the list. Perez played A ball last year, at age 23 and didn't set the world on fire. Too many walks but a strikeout an inning. Being slightly old for the level he doesn't look as to be as high on the list as they have him, but they might know better. Brisker is 17 and played rookie ball. He could turn into a good one, but is early to put him on the list. Chad Beck made high A ball last year at 23 years of age. Again a bit old for the level but might turn out good.
They don't like Jeroloman as much as we do. All in all I like our list better but time will tell I I guess.
Oh and surprisingly enough Burnett turned down the Jay's offer of arbitration. I know you are all surprised. Though it would have been an interesting arbitration hearing.
The title comes from a Rodney Crowell song on his new Sex and Gasoline CD called Truth Decay which I figured would be a good title for any post talking about JP. It's a really pretty song, check it out.
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Beck is
what we got for Eckstein, right? It would be great if he turned into something.
Brisker and Thames were nice draft choices that I commend J.P. for but they’re both a long way away and haven’t shown anything yet. Then again, we have Eiland on our list and he has had two bad minor league seasons so maybe Brisker and Thames, who haven’t shown anything, are better choices than Eiland, who has, and so far it’s not been good.
By the way, Sickels always says that he doesn’t put much stock into how he ranks the player numerically, he puts more effort into what letter grade they get. He also says that the “C” prospects he ranks at the bottom half or so of the list are interchangeable with the other guys he mentions that don’t make the top 20, as they are all “C” prospects. I was happy to see him talk about Tim Collins, though!
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman
Who is Manny Rodriguez?
By the way, I’m still waiting on Chris House.
"The NY Mets are my favorite squadron" -- Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
He has
Manny Ramirez’ bat and the catching abilities of Pudge Rodriguez
sign me up!
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman
Comments...
I’m a big fan of John Sickels and he’s been right on guys that he has a hunch on quite often so I’d listen to what he has to say about Thames for sure!
As for JP…he just needs to keep his mouth shut! After he attempts to sign Furcal what’s next? A contract offer to Adam Dunn? How about brining in Barry Bonds for a year to be DH? I take everything he says with a grain of salt but don’t you think it hurts his bargaining position when he runs his mouth about not wanting Furcal then makes him an offer? Who wants to go somewhere they aren’t wanted? JP needs to learn to keep his mouth shut! Furcal is a good fit for the team (strong defensive SS and a true leadoff hitter) he also allows Scoot to be a super sub (as he should be IMO).
I agree
Sickels is definitely worth listening to. Particularly on Thames, about whom Sickels is dead on – Thames was a nice job of drafting by the Jays. His health has been a bit of a concern and he will have to get and stay healthy – but to get this much upside from the 7th round is a very good thing. I look forward to seeing him play this season.
I, too, wouldn’t mind seeing the Jays get Furcal. It leaves us very thin at 1st base/DH/OF if we don’t get anyone else though. I keep reading the Rangers are looking to shed salary and so perhaps Blalock could be had. He’s definitely worth the money on a 1-year deal if we don’t have to give up anything special for him. Then we just need a pitcher who can give us some insurance against injury, growing pains, and setbacks in Janssen/McGowan’s returns
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman
OK so...
Let’s start a coup and swoop in and take over the Jays and make these moves!
Furcal
Blalock
SP insurance (Pavano? Kris Benson?)
INF: Rolen, Furcal, Hill, Overbay, Barajas
OF: Lind, Rios, Wells
DH: Blalock
SP: Halladay, Litsch, Janssen, McGowan, Purcey, Pavano/Benson
RP: Ryan, Downs, League, one of the 6 above, Frasor
Bench: Scutaro, Bautista, Thigpen or backup catcher, Inglett, Johnny Mac
I like the idea of a coup.....
Might be a little easier to take over since there isn’t an owner at the moment. Of course it would be nice if one of us had really deep pockets.
I like your roster, but how did we get Blalock? Who did we trade to get him?
Teixeira over Manny anyday!
While the buzz seems to indicate that Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez will get similar payouts, Manny will be 37 next season and is on the decline (not to mention a clubhouse nightmare) while Teixeira will only be 29 and is still as strong as ever. All of this hype about Ramirez is pointless with Teixeira on the market. We could then either alternate Teixeira and Overbay at 1st and DH respectively, thereby letting Snider develop further, or else trade Overbay saving some of his salary to pay Teixeira’s high price tag!

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