It is the season for silly rumors.

What an odd proposition. AA will always look for a way to get greater value, but it’s not like Rasmus built up his value in the two months he played for the Jays. Still, the Jays are in a better negotiating position than the La Russa-compromised Cardinals were, and the Royals do have a deep and interesting minor league system, with Wil Myers, Cheslor Cuthbert and Jake Odorizzi all being good potential centrepieces to a trade.

I do see us going after someone who has closing experience and potential (and perhaps 2; one to set up and take over in case of injury / long-term). It won’t be Bell, Madson or Papelbon (even if he were still available). It’s not likely to be Bailey or K-Rod, as the price seems too high. I imagine we’ll consider Francisco Cordero, Jonathan Broxton (set-up), and if Cordero signs elsewhere or asks for too much we’ll try to trade for Marmol (if he is really available) or Street. I wonder how Chad Cordero is doing in his recovery from surgery. Does anyone know if we still have him signed?

Elliot’s speculation is flighty.. but there are a couple of nuggets in there if they are true. One being Marmol’s availability, and the other being the Orioles’ hiring of Gary Rajsich as their scouting director. That may be related to the Jays’ earlier hiring of Chuck LaMar.

Heard from a guy who knows a guy. I believe him.

If the Jays moved Rasmus and were looking for a CF to fill in until Gose is ready, they could take a gamble on Aoki from the Yakult Swallows (my adopted team). Former Japan League Batting champ/Gold Glove centre fielder with a .329 career average. Gap power and contact hitter with speed. He’s going to be posted this offseason. 29 years old and wants to try his luck in the majors. I don’t know what his posting fee will be like but I doubt it will be too much – nowhere near Darvish money. I doubt he hits .330 in North America but a better option than Davis in CF.
I’d love to be able to wear my Aoki Blue Jays jersey at Jingu stadium and my Aoki Swallows jersey when I’m at the Skydome. But mostly it would mean that they would show the occasional Jays game on Japanese TV. I’m sick of Seattle and Boston.

Jays should look into that

In a fanshot that hasn’t gotten much attention, Hobbes references a rumour that it might not be Soria who will be made available from the Royals’ pen, but Holland. They have a good point: Soria with Broxton setting up puts Holland farther down the depth chart. The Royals’ pen is pretty deep now, but their starting pitching is very weak. We might be a good match, perhaps sending Cecil (or Litsch? but not likely) for Holland or Crowe. Holland might be a real find: 11.2K/9 vs. 2.?BB/9 with a 1.85 ERA; very impressive. 26 yrs old under team control until 2016.