Jays sign Francisco for 1 year - avoid arbitration

[SharoneWright]

4.0 Million.

The right-hander submitted a $4.88MM arb number to the Rangers, who countered with a $3.5MM offer. This was Francisco's last year of arbitration eligibility, and he is a free agent next winter.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Francisco 4.0
Rauch 3.75
Dotel 3.5
Frasor 3.5

Lots of similar contracts at the back end - adds up to a fair chunk of change.

[Michael Bradley]

Nearly $15 million for four relievers seems very excessive. Once you factor Camp, Janssen, and Villauneva, that is nearly $20 million for the bullpen alone. It seems the motive behind this is to limit the innings for the starters, specifically Morrow, Drabek, Cecil, and Rzep, so hopefully Farrell actually uses these guys a lot.

[SharoneWright]

Nearly $15 million for four relievers seems very excessive. Once you factor Camp, Janssen, and Villauneva, that is nearly $20 million for the bullpen alone. It seems the motive behind this is to limit the innings for the starters, specifically Morrow, Drabek, Cecil, and Rzep, so hopefully Farrell actually uses these guys a lot.

I think you're spot on. 6 innings is just fine. Also, Romero/Cecil/Zep all lefties - lots of RH power'ish' arms following up our soft tossers. Got to use them, not only to benefit the starting group, but to raise their FA/comp levels.

Independently, all decent deals though,,,, I don't mind 4MIL for Frankie.

[Randle McMurphy]

I don't even think Janssen makes the roster at this point, there's no room. Pity, because he had an impressive season last year and was one of their best relievers.

[satyr9]

I don't even think Janssen makes the roster at this point, there's no room. Pity, because he had an impressive season last year and was one of their best relievers.

Well before he got hurt they were gonna stretch him out and put him back in the rotation. We haven't mentioned it before here that I've seen, but maybe he's a darkhorse for the 5th spot?

That or there's a move to come, whether it's Frasor or someone else outgoing, 'cause I can't see why they'd plan on having him in AAA again.

[Randle McMurphy]

I don't know, I've seen all that I need to out of Janssen in the rotation over the last 5 seasons. He had his chance. There are too many better options than him there.

[Lateral Quicks]

There are indeed too many relievers deserving of a spot on the big club for the number of places available.

Francisco
Rauch
Frasor
Dotel
Camp
Purcey
Janssen
Villanueva

Then there are guys like Richmond and Mills that could fill the long roll.

My guess is that one of Francisco, Rauch, Frasor or Dotel is no longer with the team come spring training, with the likelihood being Dotel or Frasor. Francisco is the best fo the bunch and I think the closer's spot is his to lose. Rauch is valuable for his good splits.

I'm a bit leery of having Purcey as the sole lefty specialist in the pen, although if he can carry through on his performance from last year we should be alright.

[wlujaysfan55]

I like a bullpen comprised of Francisco, Dotel, Rauch, Frasor, Camp, Purcey & Carlson.

You have Villanueva & Janssen making about $1M hanging out in the minors as a safety net when guys go down.

[Schad]

Nearly $15 million for four relievers seems very excessive. Once you factor Camp, Janssen, and Villauneva, that is nearly $20 million for the bullpen alone. It seems the motive behind this is to limit the innings for the starters, specifically Morrow, Drabek, Cecil, and Rzep, so hopefully Farrell actually uses these guys a lot.

It does seem somewhat excessive, but it's buffered by the fact that most of them are on one-year deals; I wouldn't be at all surprised to see one or two of them shipped out mid-season if they do well to make room for the younger guys, either.