Blue Jay Buyers at the trade deadline?

[RocLaFamilia]

Depending on where they sit in the standings, the Blue Jays could be buyers at the trade deadline.

"You're always balancing that," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "I think that's a great problem to have. We're still sitting here pretty much at the end of May -- two months into the season. Really, by the time we get to the Trade Deadline, that's another two months away. We're halfway to the trading deadline, so a lot can change over that time for the better or for the worse.

"If we're in that position come late July, that means this team has been playing well start to finish, there's been a consistency. I'm sure the offense will continue to be good and the rotation will continue to solidify itself. If that happens, you always try to evaluate how close are you relative to the other teams. You're balancing the short term and the long term. That'd be a great problem to have and a great position to be in."

Read more: http://baseball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ ... z0p9DTckYI

[RocLaFamilia]

I really hope AA sticks with his plan. I could care less if we were 2nd in the AL East, we need a proper rebuild.

[-MetA4-]

That is moot article; because at the end of the day even AA knows we're not going to be in contention. After this 3 game series against Baltimore we have 9 straight games against the Rays/Yankees, then we play 3 against the Rockies who are decent, then 3 against the Padres who are 10 games over .500, then 3 vs. San Fran who are decent, and finally we run into 6 games against St. Louis and Philly.

By the end of June we will be firmly entrenched to 4th place in the East.

[RocLaFamilia]

That is moot article; because at the end of the day even AA knows we're not going to be in contention. After this 3 game series against Baltimore we have 9 straight games against the Rays/Yankees, then we play 3 against the Rockies who are decent, then 3 against the Padres who are 10 games over .500, then 3 vs. San Fran who are decent, and finally we run into 6 games against St. Louis and Philly.

By the end of June we will be firmly entrenched to 4th place in the East.

Its sad, but you just made me feel better lol. I know if we were in the hunt AA may be forced to make moves.

[Michael Bradley]

The Jays do not have a shot at the playoffs this year. AA is making the rights quotes to the media but I'm sure he knows what is going to happen as the team starts facing the three headed monster more often.

I would not worry about AA deviating from the plan either. He does not have any pressure from ownership (yet) and every move he has done, even holding back guys like Wallace, has long-term thinking in mind. He'll stay the course.

If by some miracle the Jays are within 3 or 4 games by the deadline, they may add a piece or two without giving away an important prospect, but again, the chances of that happening (being in the race by the end of July) is not very big.

[CapeCrusader]

I'll be happy if we can at least contend with the Yanks/Sox/Rays.

[rtcaino]

That is moot article; because at the end of the day even AA knows we're not going to be in contention. After this 3 game series against Baltimore we have 9 straight games against the Rays/Yankees, then we play 3 against the Rockies who are decent, then 3 against the Padres who are 10 games over .500, then 3 vs. San Fran who are decent, and finally we run into 6 games against St. Louis and Philly.

By the end of June we will be firmly entrenched to 4th place in the East.

Nobody knows anything for certain.

It is exceedingly likely that the Jays will be out of contention by that point. However, everyone was saying we would be out of contention by this point too.

[Duffman100]

From every move he's made, it is clear that his strategy is rebuild. He MUST know we're overachieving right now and it'll pass.

[rtcaino]

However, it is hard to see where we could easily improve.

I don't see AA giving up any prime pieces.

Overbay and Morrow could be improved upon. However, Rzep and Wallace would be possible replacements.

Hill has been horrible, but no way AA sits him down.

SS, and C could be improved upon for sure. They have all been very good so far, but with regards to implied future performance, we could reasonably bring in better guys. HOWEVER, improving those spots would require giving up legit talent.

I'm not a fan of Snider in RF, and feel that we could improve in RF, and 3B; while putting Snider in left. But that wastes too many assets, as it would put EE, JB, and/or FL out of a spot.

It is possible AA does what the Phillies did with Lee: trade our guys for prospects, and bring in better guys. Then we can realize value for our assets, and bring in guys for a play-off push. But such a transaction mid-season is not often seen. (if anyone could do it, it would be AA)

Of course, all of this is moot, since everyone knows that it is 100% certain we will be out of the race very soon.

[rtcaino]

Well, bullpen arms can always be of use!

But that is likely an area of relative strength.

[darth_federer]

Stick to the course. Dont look for instant gratification.

[OldNo7]

If we are still in contention, it will be the ultimate test for AA and will allow the world to better gauge him as a GM. If he sticks to his plan, I have all the faith in the world in him; and I bet he does.

[RocLaFamilia]

This article in the star explains the angle a little better

“I think Paul has a baseball soul and he understands what we’re doing and why,” Anthopoulos said. “No matter who you are, whether you’re a team that’s been there every single year, you’re always balancing the short term with the long term. You always have to be realistic too, with your lot in life and your place in the standings and the construction of the team.

“We make the evaluation of, where are we positioned? How are we placed? How realistic is it? Can we go out and get someone? What would the piece cost? Those are the things we would all balance. Paul’s very supportive of the baseball operations group and at the end of the day, throughout the off-season and into the season, he’s really allowed us to do our business.”

http://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/ ... the-course

[Brinbe]

I trust that AA is smart enough not to give into that garbage.

[Dr Positivity]

If we're 3 games or less out by the TD, I'd be cool with buying with minor prospects/taking on contract. You never know and if we're not giving up the real studs, the price isn't too bad

[Randle McMurphy]

Sell. No matter what. This organization has to continue what it started.

Except Jose Bautista, of course...he's the new right-handed Barry.