August 10, 2009 the Blue Jays let Alex Rios go to the Chicago White Sox on a waiver claim. It took us by surprise.

Since then this is what Alex has done:

He seems to be on an even/odd pattern for good years/bad years.

Alex was owed $58.7 million over the remainder of his contract at the time, the contract runs out after the 2014 season (there is an option for the 2015 season, $13.5 million with a $1,000,000 buyout). At the time he was let go he was hitting .264/.317/.427, not great, but not awful. I think manager Cito Gaston tired of him and wanted him gone. I'm not sure that he took instruction well.

We were kind of in shock that the Jays didn't get anything back for Rios. but we were told the Jays wanted the financial relief. Some on the site figured it was a sign that the Jays were going to resign Roy Halladay, but then he was traded after the season.

J.P. Ricciardi was fired at the end of the season. I kind of wonder if the decision to let Rios go was Ricciardi's or if it came from above him. Management wanting to bring down the payroll before making the change.

So 3 years later, what do you think of the move?

Also today is the birthday of Anthony Gose (22), Brandon Lyon (33) and Sal Fasano (41). Best wishes to all three.