Jays Trade Mike Napoli to Rangers for Frank Francisco
by Tom Dakers on Jan 25, 2011 3:35 PM EST
in Toronto Blue Jays News
Email
PrintIt is done, here is the announcement:
The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have acquired RHP FRANK FRANCISCO and cash considerations, in exchange for C MIKE NAPOLI.
FRANCISCO, 31, posted a 6-4 record with two saves and a 3.76 ERA in 56 relief appearances for Texas last season. The Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic native had a career high 25 saves in 2009 as the Rangers closer. In six Major League seasons, all with Texas, the 6-3, 250 lb. right-hander has recorded a 17-15 record with 32 saves and a 3.75 ERA, including 315 strikeouts and only 237 hits in 283.1IP.
NAPOLI, 29, acquired in the Vernon Wells deal, has spent all 11 seasons of his professional career with the Angels. The Hollywood, Florida native posted .238 average with a career high 26 home runs and 68 RBI last season, splitting time between first base (70 games), and catcher (66 games). The 6-0, 215 lb., right-handed hitter has a career .251 average with 92 home runs and 249 RBI in parts of five Major League seasons.
Tom Back: A lot of us figured Napoli wasn't long for the team but I didn't expect us going after another reliever. Francisco would become the favorite for the closer role. How many guys do we have in the bullpen now?
Update: It looks like the Rangers are sending some money our way as well.
200 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I suggest we trade for all of the relief pitchers in MLB. All of them.
Jose Bautista has a higher midi-chlorian count than you do.
by Jays11 on Jan 25, 2011 3:41 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
He is a free agent at the end of the year, right? So a good bet for a draft pick or someone to trade in August. We got cash back. The Angels will like hate us…
by JaysSaskatchewan on Jan 25, 2011 3:42 PM EST reply actions
My first reaction:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
I don’t get this one. We have enough BP arms. Even last year with Buck and Wells in the lineup, we didn’t have enough offense. Now we’ve lost 2 “allstar bats” and replaced them with….ummmm……
I’m not saying Napoli was going to be the next coming of George Bell, but he’s got to have had more value than a 31 year old closer.
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 3:42 PM EST reply actions
Think of the trade value RH relievers will have when we have them all
Teams will be begging us to trade them one.
by Tom Dakers on Jan 25, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Get that man a monacle and a tophat.
We have to do what we do better and we have to do it faster! - Jack Bauer
by Corey Perrin on Jan 25, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Trouble is
how do we fit a hotel in the bullpen?
We already managed to fit a (D)otel...
Festina Lente
by HESS2479 on Jan 25, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Fortunately there is one right above their heads
Catch the Taste
by Brown's Jays on Jan 25, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
I figured Rivera would go first
Putting Bautista in RF leaves us with no legit 3rd baseman (please no suggestions that E5 go back there).
But we have every 3-4M/ year Right handed late inning reliever on the roster. Is AA forcing someone to deal with us?
Frasor, Dotel, Rauch, Francisco
I guess maybe AA is thinking if starters can go 5, we can just roll out a different closer for an inning each to finish the game?
We have to do what we do better and we have to do it faster! - Jack Bauer
Heheh the Angel fans over at Halo’s are pissed.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
Great Comment over there
Look on the bright side
If the Blue Jays include $86 million in cash, they’ll look just as dumb as the Angels.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
Francisco has been a very good pitcher for the past three seasons. He strikes out a ton, doesn’t walk many, and has managed to keep the ball in the part in a very tough place to pitch. He’s pretty clearly the best reliever in the Jays’ bullpen now. And there’s a possibility of it yielding picks.
On the other hand, he’s still a reliever, and the Jays have so many of those.
I guess Napoli wasn’t worth nearly as much as some people thought? He could put up some huge numbers in Arlington.
"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
Second that wish...
We have to do what we do better and we have to do it faster! - Jack Bauer
by Corey Perrin on Jan 25, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
How many RHPs will get me a Pujols?
Festina Lente
by HESS2479 on Jan 25, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Does Dotel count as two, seing he´is twice the age as the average one?
Festina Lente
by HESS2479 on Jan 25, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Maybe Rivera for Fielder + cash? :)
We have to do what we do better and we have to do it faster! - Jack Bauer
by Corey Perrin on Jan 25, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think the Jays are going to get much for Jason Frasor, Shawn Camp, or Casey Janssen
"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
And I didn’t think we would ever be able to trade Wells….
Maybe the Angel’s need a few more bullpen arms… They signed Spier way back when after he left us. That worked out really well for them :)
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
I was just getting my line-up penciled in
better buy more erasers -damn
Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement
by TonyFernandezSavedMyLife on Jan 25, 2011 3:50 PM EST reply actions
Going after a draft pick?
Frank Francisco is Type-A. Napoli is Type-nothing. Not sure exactly how things will work this offseason with compensation, though.
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
But will he be able to get a contract as a type A...
He accepted arbitration this year, but perhaps that is it, AA wants to pick up a bunch of picks again.
He didn't have a choice to accept arbitration, I don't think.
And with a 3.31 xFIP, leaving Arlington, I’m betting he manages some pretty attractive numbers for you guys. Definitely enough to warrant a FA signing, I’d think.
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Jan 25, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
no, he chose to accept it
he and Jason Frasor were the only ones
"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
Now they can talk about it…
Well until we decide what to do with Frasor that is.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
Can we walk away from an award in MLB?
I know you can in hockey, but am not sure if we can do that here.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
Yes, but you have to pay the first 6 weeks(?) salary
by JaysSaskatchewan on Jan 25, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
arbitration awards, yes, most of it
1-year deals to avoid arbitration, also typically yes
"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
Ah, so he did.
Well, if he has a strong year, I doubt he’d accept again.
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Jan 25, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
With the way the Relief pitching market went this offseason.
Do you think AA is gambling on him retaining type A status and declining arb as more or less a sure thing?
if he is gambling, it's not a sure thing, but yes, I think it's at least partly about a gambit for another draft pick
"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
Mid-season trades
That’s my bet. Decent propects and a needed reliever/closer for a high end prospects from teams in the playoff race.
also a possibility
but the potential draft pick that would go along with the player would be a big sweetener in any mid-season trade, so in a way it amounts to the same thing
"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
Yep
We saw what the price was with Downs, after all. Seems like AA has noticed the loophole to be found with cheap relievers getting equal status to other players when it comes to FA compensation. Draft picks are basically for sale.
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Jan 25, 2011 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Francisco is good.
I am happy to have him. Was looking forward to Napoli, and wish this was Rivera being shipped out instead though.
The one thing that does make sense is that RPs are always overpaid for at the deadline. This is probably another attempt to obtain some prospects, through shipping one or two or three or four of these guys out at the deadline. Last year, he could hold onto everyone because of Type A or B status, which won’t necessarily happen this year. Instead, he’s acquiring assets to move later for prospects that are already in the minor league systems.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
Adding the millionth good right handed arm to the pen for a guy who crushes lefties on an offense that gets rolled over by them.
Is not exactly the best of trades. I’ll trust that there’s something more to this, like Francisco’s type A status that moved this trade along. If not it’s more than just a little confusing.
Well, we’re going to have one of the better bullpens in baseball to start the year at this rate. It will be a nice cushion for the starters.
if it is used right, it should be very good
"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
by hugo on Jan 25, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Napli didn’t really fit into the long term plan. He wasn’t going to garner draft picks and gives us options to put our minor leaguers into the majors.
Maybe AA isn’t confident in our starters and thinks we need some more support in the later innings? For all we know he’ll be traded along with Rivera and multiple others.
I think AA is confident in our starters AND thinks we need some more support in later innings. Right now, the best way to counter the AL East bats is good starting pitching and a deep, flexible bullpen. All of our starters are a big question mark in one way or another, and having some shutdown relief behind them will help their confidence.
I've learned with AA, it's always safe to assume there's more going on than we know
Also, “Get Mike Napoli gear at the Toronto Blue Jays shop”… while you still can… :)
Haha.
Awesome.
Dont worry, I’ll get my Josh Towers jersey out.
They need to put a guarantee on their Jersey’s. If the player is no longer on the team within a certain time frame, then you get your cash back. And a free Hinkse/Towers jersey for your troubles.
I'm going to hold out for a Josh Phelps jersey.
Cross your fingers.
Last year Texas considered Francisco vital to their success.
Obviously it was negated because of Neftali Feliz’s emergance, but Ron Washington said the team’s success was based off of his arm. He’s a good arm and worthwhile for a young team.
The Silent Assasin Strikes Again
more to come…
by torontocoltsfan on Jan 25, 2011 4:21 PM EST reply actions
Some funny comments from Lone star ball, the Rangers forum:
I always loved him for throwing that chair at that hideous lady, forcing her to get plastic surgery so she wouldnt be as ugly… that was just the type of guy he was… always thinking of others.
AND
He always got that look on his face like he was ready to do some rapin when he was on the mound.\
oh and
HH is very butthurt right now
I actually should have said something on Monday
Napoli was scheduled to appear on Andrew Krystal’s show Monday morning but abruptly cancelled. And there were no signs of a welcome party for Napoli in Toronto. I think from these evidences (can “evidence” be pluralized?) the tone of some of AA’s interviews, some of us had a hunch that this was coming.
But I say good trade. You can never have enough relievers. Let’s hope this doesn’t hurt AA’s reputation for sneakily causing an in-division trade.
AA's reputation doesn't matter.
He’s got jedi mind tricks to use to his advantage anyways.
from Halo Heavens
Stare in to the eyes of Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos long enough and the abyss begins to stare back at you…
by rev Halofan
Don't stare for too long
I actually tried, and had to look away. I thought my soul was going the way of Shang Tsung…
Proud member of the AL North
His eyes are like the Total Perspective Vortex
"Look at me! I'm Tomokazu Ohka of the Montreal Expos!"
You are here —→
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
It just told me what I knew all the time
I’m a great and amazing guy
"Look at me! I'm Tomokazu Ohka of the Montreal Expos!"
Some people don't like this deal
but what if someone told you last week that we traded Vernon Wells for Juan Rivera and Frank Francisco and received cash back?
As an aside, we certainly have a lot of Latino players now :)
by JaysSaskatchewan on Jan 25, 2011 4:24 PM EST reply actions
Fielder is more realistic
but i’m skepticalabout his conditioning to give him such a large contract.
Pujols is not going anywhere from St Louis IMO
the Brown Jays!!!
To Infinity. And BEYOND!!!
by YunelTheLazyLatino on Jan 25, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Definitely Rec'd
I might even steal that. I’m a brown man, not latino, but still a brown man. I’ve been waiting for the Brown Jays for a long time…
Proud member of the AL North
That name is Copyrighted!
Catch the Taste
by Brown's Jays on Jan 25, 2011 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
I would admittedly be happy with that...
…but I would have been more happy if you had told me we had traded Vernon Wells for Juan Rivera and Mike Napoli.
Oh well. Impossible to slag AA this week.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
I would think we would get more WAR from Napoli but more wpa from Francisco. I think we have a better chance of winning close games now. Any thoughts?
by JaysSaskatchewan on Jan 25, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Basically, I think we have the worse player now, and we traded from a position of need to add to a position of strength. But that’s just my opinion. I’d always take WAR over WPA.
This is also coming from someone who said earlier in the offseason I would REALLY like to get Francisco. Just didn’t think we’d still have Frasor and have added Dotel and Rauch before we got him.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
well
we do have Lind and E3/5 at first and at least now JPA is playing every day (a good thing, IMO). Napoli is also not (again IMO) a solution at first base.
I agree, I don’t think Napoli would have caught very much on this team, and his value takes a pretty big hit at 1B. Relievers might be undervalued by WAR anyway, so if Napoli hits like he does last year at 1B, it actually might be comparable to a solid season from Francisco.
That said, I think it is more about the draft pick. That adds a lot of value that might have been lost from trading away Napoli’s bat.
He wasn't the solution in the sense that he will get the everyday job at 1B
but if Lind struggles against lefties like last season, then it would be a good platoon system, with Napoli being able to also DH and catch.
HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THEM, I PRESS DOWN MAH GUNS!
fair enough
but I think Encarnacion is actually better suited to that role, since he can play 3rd (as well as 1B and DH)
You do realize
That he’s not going to be traded by virtue of the fact that you are speculating about it.
by Minor Leaguer on Jan 25, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Ooops that may have come out wrong
I had wanted to say that AA’s trades usually come out of the blue, and that virtually none of the players that fans speculate would be traded or signed actually get traded or signed. What I meant was that because you were talking (even thinking!) about the trade, it means that AA won’t do it.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m all for speculation! I just need to remember to use the sarcasm font.
by Minor Leaguer on Jan 25, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
next up, hill gets traded to seattle. these are the types of trades i’ve come to expect now from AA
"It’s something you dream about to hopefully play in the NHL All-Star Game one day. To be able to do that is a great honor and I’m very excited."
by RyanO'Reilly FanClub on Jan 25, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
You know, I was just thinking about Hill being the next one...
Won’t happen though. I never saw any of AA’s moves coming…
Festina Lente
I disagree sir.
I speculated that Napoli could get flipped. Even had the right team, just the wrong player. I also speculated that we weren’t going to sign any Scott Boras clients..
I wish there was an dislike option for comments like this.
Without hot stove speculation, the offseason would be more unbearable than it already is.
While that’s true, a lot of us (myself included) tend to take those speculations as a reflection of what’s going on in the front office. And then, when it doesn’t happen, we feel like a promise was broken.
Take the whole Manny festivities, for example. People got really upset when he signed in Tampa and demanded to know why didn’t the Jays try harder. Who ever said the Jays were in on Manny to begin with? MLBTR? AA even bothered to deny it.
Again, now with Napoli. Did anyone said officially that he’s here to stay? Did AA said what his plans are for our “RHP Band”?
That’s not the most rational approach, to say the least…
Patience, my friends, is a virtue (most of the time…)
Festina Lente
I'm just happy something broke up the work day....man was I getting bored
Proud member of the AL North
Why do Angels fans even care?
If they would have flipped Vernon a couple days later, it would have no bearing on the deal we made with them?
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
They Loved Napoli
They hate the Rangers.
They hate Napoli playing for the Rangers.
Therefore, they hate AA facilitating them hating Napoli playing for the Rangers.
Proud member of the AL North
Because they dont want texas to have him
hes a HR hitter now in a very HR friendly park
they got worse and texas got better
is what they are saying.
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Their post title
Mike Napoli a Ranger in Blue Jay Backstabbing
i lol’d
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
The fans over at Lonestarball are reacting like we did with the wells trade.
If the other teams fans are that happy, I find it hard to get excited about this trade.
im sure getting a former angels player
is helping make them feel good lol
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
AA better not travel to LA for the road trip.
Riots will ensue.
There closing in on 1000...
I think we used all of our comments on the Vernon Trade…
Proud member of the AL North
Plus
My mom always told me “If you have nothing nice to say….”
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
You're Right
At first I was happy for the trade, for the trades sake, and I believe that AA can do no wrong.
But upon further review, this deal looks less and less favorable for the Jays.
I refuse to doubt AA though, and am kind of upset that at LSB, they’re talking about JD like he’s AA.
Proud member of the AL North
We have many RH relievers
But Francisco is probably the best now.
For sure, AA is not done yet. We all know that he wants a 3B or 2B. Who is available?
Someone we don't expect...
Proud member of the AL North
Flip Frank Francisco, Edwin Encarnacion and Juan Rivera to the Rays for Evan Longoria.
Only makes logical sense.
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
Really who cares.
It’s not your money and it won’t affect how much AA spends.
We just eliminated nearly $90 million of the next 4 years.
The fact we eliminated that as well as traded for players that will get us draft picks will determine what we spend. Now we might go after some big free agents.
Besides, AA said he will spend the money when the time is right.
I doubt its a serious amount to really change anything.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
I don't care about the amount
I find it absolutely hilarious, that somehow AA turned Wells INTO cash…even a small amount. He’s a freakin’ alchemist on top of being Jedi-like, a ninja, and a secret agent.
Proud member of the AL North
except equivalent exchange appears to mean nothing to him
anyone?
"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
the law of equivalent exchange is the first law of alchemy
"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
Listen here Mr.Smartypants…..
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
it's from a manga/anime
so hardly cause for snobbery
"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
Imagine the following hypothetical:
Joss Whedon adapts FMA into a live action series
nerdgasm
They're not just hitting home runs. They're doing the little things, like hitting doubles.
haha, that would be amazing
"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
darn it, this is why i need to check earlier
would have been on that like AA on a potential type b free agent
"Look at me! I'm Tomokazu Ohka of the Montreal Expos!"
Wow
So much man-love for a guy who hasn’t proven anything yet.
I love the optimism and I hope AA finally gets us into the playoffs, but lets temper the Jedi-ninja-bond comparisons for right now. This has the makings of a long season.
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
I think the season is going to be rough
looks like a lot of close games, but maybe no late inning collapse
but theres no denying what hes done so far is special, even if it doesn’t work out, on paper its pretty good
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Hope is as good as results
He has given us real hope, and has made moves that no one thought were possible. It may be premature of results, but results have a way of skewing perception. I like to judge a situation up to the point where we’re at currently, and judge if I would have done any differently.
Other than not knowing what he has in mind for our bullpen, and being sorry to see a lefty masher leave, I’m very happy with what AA has done for this club and its fans.
Proud member of the AL North
Not expecting playoffs either
I should temper that a little bit, and say, I understand that it could be anywhere from 1-7 (See: Labour) before any of these moves pan out
Proud member of the AL North
i dont think any1 is expecting playoffs
But it might not be as fun this year to watch
who knows, its still way to early, doubt AA is done
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
Napoli was not to much more than a lefty specialist...
As I expressed earlier, last year Napoli hit only .208 BA, .277 OBP, and .700 OPS against righties. The year before he hit .252 BA/.325 OBP/.778 OPS against righties.
Really either numbers aren’t the numbers of a DH or 1st baseman that I want starting for the Jays.
He mashes lefties and that would have been useful, but we got a reliever that I consider markedly better than Rauch or Dotel, or any of our other closing options. Sure JPA needs to sign (someone to play 3rd or Right depending on Bautista or DH if Encarnacion get’s more time at third) and he needs to ship some relievers. Not that big of deal.
The Cost of Draft Picks
During the offseason, there were 33 Type A and 50 Type B free agents. Of which:
- 12 of the 33 A’s (36%) and 16 of the 50 B’s (32%) were relief pitchers
- six of the Type A’s and four of the Type B’s were starting pitchers
- all eight daily position players amounted to just 45% of Type A
free agents and 60% of Type B
Since you can’t trade draft picks, the next best thing is to receive
them as compensation for losing talent. The easiest and cheapest form
of that talent is relief pitching. Of the total pitchers who
qualified as Type A free agents last year, 52 were relief pitchers and
37 were starters. Would your team be more decimated by loosing Roy
Halladay (#1 NL Type A starting pitcher) or Frank Francisco
(second-last AL Type A relief pitcher)? The answer is obvious, as
Toronto picked up Francisco for a back-up catcher/1B/DH today and
received money in return.
Anthopoulos’ appears to be stockpiling inexpensive RP each winter
(Gregg, Downs, Frasor in 2010 and Villanueva, Reyes, Rauch, Frasor,
Dotel, Francisco in 2011) to let them walk a year later for picks.
There is no distinction made between righties or lefties as far as the
free agent model is concerned. Furthermore, the system rated Rafael
Soriano, Mariano Rivera and Matt Thornton on the same level (Type A)
as Frasor – laughable.
Position players require a predetermined number of AB at their
position to qualify, making it nearly impossible for a club to have
two players at any one of position (ie. two second basemen) both be
Type A or B in a given year. Napoli would never have played enough at
any position to qualify, and therefore his future use to the ballclub
is one-dimensional – as a player only.
by CanadianBuc on Jan 25, 2011 5:15 PM EST reply actions 14 recs
I really like what you have going on up here. rec’d
"It’s something you dream about to hopefully play in the NHL All-Star Game one day. To be able to do that is a great honor and I’m very excited."
by RyanO'Reilly FanClub on Jan 25, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
Rec'd
Great Analysis
Proud member of the AL North
Hi Karina!
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
By the way, love the new blog.
And thanks for joining!
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
rec'd as well.
Very informative post and game my information I would have never been able to find. You’re a genius man! :-)
Before the winter meetings -
AA wanted to upgrade with “young” talent – preferably by trade. Nothing much happened. Now – with Wells contract gone – AA has the FF (Financial Flexibility) to take on a Wright/Rasmus or whomever and offer a long term deal to them.
AA is – and always will be – ALWAYS looking for young “Studs.” I would not be surprised to see another shoe fall at any time if AA thinks he can make the deal.
Unless we're getting a prospect worth a Top 80 draft pick in return.
We do.
Proud member of the AL North
seems content with his bullpen
looks like he wants to wait and see how the season plays out
also said a few minor deals might happen in the near future, but nothing major
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
I hope one of those deals is swapping a RHP bullpen arm for a LHP bullpen arm of equivalent value Francisco, Rauch, Dotel, Fraser, Camp, Villaneuva, Janssen vs Pursey and ….
Hopefully Villanueva gets traded.
Seems to have the least potential of the group. He’s ok, but would like someone else of the lefty type.
You gotta trade value for value
…at least if you’re dealing with most teams.
by Minor Leaguer on Jan 25, 2011 9:04 PM EST up reply actions
Summary
There had been discussions between the Jays and the Rangers in the past about Francisco. AA wanted to sign him as a FA, but was concerned about giving up the Jays’ first round pick.
Once AA acquired Napoli, Rangers called back with their interest. When AA made the deal with Napoli, he didn’t know for sure that Napoli would be moved. The deal was focused on trying to form a veteran bullpen to anchor the young starting rotation.
Dotel and Rauch was contacted earlier today to tell them that it is now a three-man race for the closing spot.
AA did due diligence regarding Francisco’s behaviour, calls Francisco’s past chair-throwing incident as “water under the bridge”.
AA said that he is “proabably done” except for possibly some minor league free agents.
by Minor Leaguer on Jan 25, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting that it was Dotel and Rauch that were contacted. Seems they think Frasor is already the odd man out.
I really think Frasor’s time with the team may be done.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
Three-man race means Frasor will likely be traded imo…
"Touch ´em all, Joe!"
by jaysfanfromeurope on Jan 25, 2011 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Guess people can make some
posts about the lineup and stuff for next year since he seems done.
Maybe another team will stir up some activity with a good deal
and yeah.. poor frasor
by bowling_kid25 on Jan 25, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
I can see Lawrie as the dark horse in Spring training...
"Touch ´em all, Joe!"
by jaysfanfromeurope on Jan 25, 2011 6:00 PM EST reply actions
+1
If he has a good spring training, watch out. I’m stoked for him though, I really like his minor league stats and his overall makeup. I’d prefer him as our 3B this coming year…..we’ll see though.
Hes never played 3rd yet……
Lets give him time in the minors to work out the kinks.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
Totally agree.
If he doesn’t do well at third, we could always put him at 2nd and move Hill to 3rd.
Sort of off topic, and I'
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 6:02 PM EST reply actions
m sure this has been discussed ad nauseum
What’s the 2011 rotation look like?
I’m sure RR, Cecil and Morrow are locks.
Who’s 4 and 5?
Rzep and Drabek?
Trapped in the past, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Jan 25, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
I think Drabek has a spot locked up and can only lose it in the Spring.
and the 5th spot will come down to a compeition in spring. In my mind Rzep and Litsch are frontrunners, but I could easily see Brad Mills or Stewart making a strong case especially if someone falters.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
along with Litsh & Stewert I imagine. I like Rzep for the #5 spot myself although I might be inclined to start Litsh in there to build up some trade value in order to flip him early in the season.
Stewart over Drabek ya think?
Im not sure, especially after Drabek getting the call last year and performing well enough. He didn’t get the wins but he was holding his own.
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
I think barring an epic fail on his part Drabek is a lock for the rotation this year. I think the real comp is between Rzep and Litsh for the remaining spot with Stewert being the longshot/darkhorse.
Ahhh Ok. I see what you mean now. I read it wrong.
Thanks! sorry for the confusion
I think you'll find I'm universally recognised as a mature and responsible adult.
Twitter is the thing with all the tweets...
I'm really pulling for Scrabble
i’m hoping he does well in ST and makes the team
I'm gunning for Stewart
I think he’ll force the Jays to look hard at him…
Proud member of the AL North
Ditto
I really wanna see what he can do if as AA says he was just as good as Drabek last year. That would make 3 power arms in the rotation….Someone pinch me
4 and 5 are up in the air.
Scrabble will make the team regardless, just depends on if he’s a starter or reliever; he could be our lefty reliever we’re looking for.
The rest is up to Drabek and Stewart. Obviously they’ll be frontrunners, but we fortunately can keep them in the minors if we want to. My guess is we sign a veteran for the 4th or 5th spot and have the best of the remaining as the other spot.
Finally we have someone in Francisco with a 97 plus fastball and a good slider and splitter in the back end of the bullpen. I can’t remember the last time besides Brandon League we had someone with that potential in the back end of the bullpen.
Certainly won't complain with having too much bullpen.
Then when others are desperate for help we swap them for other areas of need: (see outfielder, 3B).
Not a fan of this deal unless Frasor, Janssen or Camp are traded. Otherwise, you might end up devaluing (Frasor by making him less of an option in the ‘pen) or losing (Janssen and Camp to waivers because there’s too many righties) assets.
Closers also have very short shelf lives (unless you’re Rivera) and Francisco really struggled in the beginning part of the year. I believe had to be sent down on assignment to fix his mechanics and brought back up. With that history, you would think Francisco should be avoided.
And I refuse to believe that this is what you get for a power-hitting catcher. Key prospects at least.
Janssen actually has options remaining I think
though I doubt that Camp does
"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 For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bluebird Banter
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Giancarlo Stanton busts Marlins Park scoreboard with tape-measure grand slam (VIDEO)
- Baltimore’s tradition of fans shouting ‘O!’ during national anthem sparks interleague feud
- Chris Perez follows rant against Cleveland fans with even better rant against Cleveland fans
- Pitcher Clayton Richard gets key pinch single in 13th after coming in 0 for 16
- Livan Hernandez welcomes ball boy to the bigs with shower of sunflower seeds (VIDEO)
