Looking Ahead: Jays Roster

[NH_soxfan14]

I can't see Snider playing first base. The transition of outfield to first base is a lot tougher than you might think. Jacob Butler is now trying to learn how to play first base but he has a lot of trouble and commits errors all the time. Snider does have a pretty good arm, josh reddick tried turning a double into a triple and Travis gunned him down with a one hopper from the right field warning track.

[Raptor04]

I can't see Snider playing first base. The transition of outfield to first base is a lot tougher than you might think. Jacob Butler is now trying to learn how to play first base but he has a lot of trouble and commits errors all the time. Snider does have a pretty good arm, josh reddick tried turning a double into a triple and Travis gunned him down with a one hopper from the right field warning track.

His scouting report actually says he plays better at 1st base than in the outfield. I think theres no way we play him in the outfield as it is, we're too full out there. Wells, Rios, and Lind take it up, and if we want to bring in Burrell as a DH, then Snider is left at 1st base.

[TR50]

I can't see Snider playing first base. The transition of outfield to first base is a lot tougher than you might think. Jacob Butler is now trying to learn how to play first base but he has a lot of trouble and commits errors all the time. Snider does have a pretty good arm, josh reddick tried turning a double into a triple and Travis gunned him down with a one hopper from the right field warning track.

His scouting report actually says he plays better at 1st base than in the outfield. I think theres no way we play him in the outfield as it is, we're too full out there. Wells, Rios, and Lind take it up, and if we want to bring in Burrell as a DH, then Snider is left at 1st base.

I just don't see the big deal about Burrell, he's not THAT young, THAT cheap and he doesn't make us that great either. I think i'd have to look for more of a difference maker. and once again, what happens to Overbay? He's not a guy that gets cast away like that. I can see Snider the DH and Overbay plays 1st next year unless he gets moved.

[Dr Octagon]

Well, the first move would be getting a new GM.

JP is way overdue, and won't do anything but chase his tail...

[Raptor04]

I just don't see the big deal about Burrell, he's not THAT young, THAT cheap and he doesn't make us that great either. I think i'd have to look for more of a difference maker. and once again, what happens to Overbay? He's not a guy that gets cast away like that. I can see Snider the DH and Overbay plays 1st next year unless he gets moved.

Burrell is just an option that would probably be a realistic addition to the Jays. He's had a consistent power bat over his years, and he would give the Jays what they've been missing, a true RBI guy that can drive in runs for us and a much better DH than an aging Stairs.

I'd rather take money on a power hitting Burrell than an aging Orlando Cabrera, who will be 34 going on 35 very soon.

I think a deal sending Overbay and Scutaro away for a 2B or SS could work out very well. Inglett could take Scutaro's position as the super utility guy off the bench, while we could acquire a speedy contact hitter to be the leadoff guy. Heck, I'd even throw in a pitching prospect if we could get someone really decent.

[kelso]

I don't think McGowan will be ready for next season. I beleive his surgery comes with a 8+ months of rehab, which puts him at next June, best case scenario.

[Raptors90102]

I really like our farm situation.. I have high hopes for the likes of Campbell, Cooper, Snider, Anercibia, Cecil and even Dopirak.. having said that, its a bit too early to throw these guys into the fire.. so we must hang onto the likes of Overbay and Burnett. We need to sign a big bat, thats for sure. But putting the young guys in so quickly is just asking for too much.

[TR50]

I just don't see the big deal about Burrell, he's not THAT young, THAT cheap and he doesn't make us that great either. I think i'd have to look for more of a difference maker. and once again, what happens to Overbay? He's not a guy that gets cast away like that. I can see Snider the DH and Overbay plays 1st next year unless he gets moved.

Burrell is just an option that would probably be a realistic addition to the Jays. He's had a consistent power bat over his years, and he would give the Jays what they've been missing, a true RBI guy that can drive in runs for us and a much better DH than an aging Stairs.

I'd rather take money on a power hitting Burrell than an aging Orlando Cabrera, who will be 34 going on 35 very soon.

I think a deal sending Overbay and Scutaro away for a 2B or SS could work out very well. Inglett could take Scutaro's position as the super utility guy off the bench, while we could acquire a speedy contact hitter to be the leadoff guy. Heck, I'd even throw in a pitching prospect if we could get someone really decent.

Def makes more sense. Instead o sticking Snider at 1B, you'd really have to deal with Overbay first. Him moving is a prlude to Snider being ready but then again what if he's not? Dude still is really young. In terms of burrell, i can see your point but i'm a bit 'meh' on him. I mean Troy Glaus was ok lol. Not gonna beat that horse. But i'd rather Burrell over Cabrera as well but it all stems from Snider. Is he capable of hitting let alone playing D in the majors next year? Where will he play? Lots things to think about including, who's the right guy o make the decisions....

[Raptor04]

Def makes more sense. Instead o sticking Snider at 1B, you'd really have to deal with Overbay first. Him moving is a prlude to Snider being ready but then again what if he's not? Dude still is really young. In terms of burrell, i can see your point but i'm a bit 'meh' on him. I mean Troy Glaus was ok lol. Not gonna beat that horse. But i'd rather Burrell over Cabrera as well but it all stems from Snider. Is he capable of hitting let alone playing D in the majors next year? Where will he play? Lots things to think about including, who's the right guy o make the decisions....

Well, I think you have to take the gamble of him not being ready. I think he will be though, I mean he has some time at triple A right now and then he'll likely be back in the Fall league. I don't think the Jays want to wait on trading Overbay and Scutaro at the deadline because then we don't have that leadoff guy you need the first half (which has always been the most important), plus they might drop even more in production so lets trade em while they've still got value. Because those two sure aint getting you a power bat.

But in terms of McGowan not being ready in time (if he isn't), I think you try and work things this way:

Halladay
Marcum
Litsch
Purcey
Janssen/Richmond?

It's definately a bit of a warning flag, but I still think we stay strong. Halladay and Marcum are lock down pitchers, Litsch has alot of good stuff and I think he's a bit overlooked at times, and Purcey has shown he's ready for the Majors and just needs consistent PT up here in the Majors. We definately have a warning flag with our 5th starter though.

I would personally try and do a McGowan and Frasor trade for a solid starter though. MGowan has good stuff, but I dunno how he'll perform after that injury. Maybe trade both to a cellar dweller for a solid and aging starter?

The main thing is the offense though, and I think if we address that, we've seen guys who are more than capable of holding the fort down.

[Michael Bradley]

In 2009, the Jays will have roughly $69 million in guaranteed contracts locked up on 11 players (Halladay, Ryan, Downs, Wells, Rios, Stairs, Rolen, Overbay, Hill, McDonald, Scutaro). Luckily the team has a lot of pre-arbitration players on the pitching staff to cut costs, but they still need to find a starting DH, SS, catcher, and possibly a starter to replace Burnett/McGowan if they don't look for it internally. This is all assuming Burnett opts-out/is not re-signed to a bigger deal and McGowan misses a good chunk of 2009, which are both safe bets given their contract and injury situations respectively.

It's highly doubtful the Jays look for any long-term deals to veterans, like Orlando Cabrera and players like him. In 2010, the team will have $82 million in guaranteed contracts committed to only 8 players (Halladay, Wells, Rios, Hill, Rolen, Ryan, Downs, Overbay). By that point, Marcum and possibly McGowan will be arbitration eligible (say anywhere from $2-4 million first year for each of them). There's no way this team can add impact talent and keep their current core unless Rogers explodes the payroll to the $120+ range. Given the team's mediocrity, I doubt that will happen.

My guess is Ricciardi is fast tracking his prospects because he realizes the financial limitations of this group wants prospects to contribute in 2009. I'm expecting one year rentals (Ibanez types), and wouldn't be surprised if Snider, Arencibia, Cecil, etc, are all starting on the club some time in 2009 (before September).

Ricciardi has painted himself in a disaster situation if he wants to compete in 2009/2010 without making wholesale changes.

[Relentless88]

Nice post Bradley.

I just saw the wiretap and wanted to see what everyone thinks of Jason Giambi, he's having a pretty good season, but has been injured a lot. How much would Giambi get/demand this off season. He'd fill the need at DH, and possibly at first base if Overbay is moved.

[TR50]

Would he make us that much better? Seems like a lame attempt at a quick fix if you ask me.

[Raptor04]

Nah, Giambi is aging and who knows what type of production he'll have next year. And an injury prone player is the last thing we need on this roster.