Jays take chance on Classic star Boyd

[LittleOzzy]

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Blue Jays are taking a chance on one of the stars of this year's World Baseball Classic. On Wednesday, Toronto inked pitcher Leon Boyd to a Minor League contract, and he will report to the club's Minor League camp.

Boyd, 25, served as a reliever for The Netherlands in this spring's Classic, helping the country stun the Dominican Republic twice in the opening round to advance. In four games for The Netherlands, which was eliminated in the second round, the right-hander went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA, striking out four and issuing three walks in four innings.

The 6-foot-5, 209-pound Boyd -- born in Vancouver, British Columbia -- was eligible to play for The Netherlands because his mother was born in Holland. With the Dutch national team, Boyd has played in multiple events, including the 2006 Intercontinental Cup, the '07 European Championship, the '07 World Port Tournament, the '07 Baseball World Cup, the '08 European Cup and the '08 Summer Olympics.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/ar ... p&c_id=tor

Just a minor signing, but it's news. It's always sad to hear when a Canadian born kid decides to play for another country.

[Modern_epic]

The way you say that makes it sound like he turned down team Canada. I really doubt that is the case.

Even though this years pitching staff had a completely disappointing turnout, we still had guys from higher levels than they play in Europe. Whether Boyd can play at a higher level than that remains to be determined, but dominating the dutch league was never going to get him an invite.

[Geddy]

When i saw the thread title I thought JP had lost his marbles and signed Oil Can Boyd.

[s e n s i]

When i saw the thread title I thought JP had lost his marbles and signed Oil Can Boyd.

Would you be surprised?! That's vintage JP right there.

[sule]

Classic JP move...another minor league signif jopig to hit a home run, but will ultimately end up another failure.

[Modern_epic]

Classic JP move...another minor league signif jopig to hit a home run, but will ultimately end up another failure.

What? Signing a pitching prospect? That is a classic GM move. In that every one of them does it. It is kind of their job.

I hadn't heard anyone say this is an attempt at a home run, until you just did. Everyone else realizes they should be ecstatic if he ever becomes relief guy number 6. But given that it probably cost them around $15 000 this year, why not give it a shot? Especially considering the Jays great track record with finding relievers.