Commentary
There’s no two ways about it, the 2010 Toronto Blue Jays are in rebuild mode.
After wading in mediocrity for the last few years, rookie general manager Alex Anthopoulos took over in the off-season and dared to go where former general manager J.P. Ricciardi would not go.
About a week before Christmas, long before players were even thinking about spring training, Anthopolous traded arguably the best player in franchise history, starting pitcher Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies for a package of highly touted prospects. That was only the beginning.
Rebuild can be a scary word for any fan because it’s justifiably paired with the idea of losing. Last year with Halladay, the Jays only managed to post a record of 75-87.
This year without Halladay, things were expected to be much worse. Sports Illustrated went so far as to predict the Jays would go 63-98 (a .395 winning percentage) this year, which would be their worst record since the strike-shortened season in 1995 when they finished 56-88 (.388).
Things haven’t been nearly as bad as expected (at our deadline the Jays’ record was 52-49), but, as the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Jays’ rebuild continues. That means they will be trading players you have heard of for players you haven’t. Here’s a list of Jays who are most likely to be on the move.
Scott Downs, relief pitcher – Downs has easily generated the most interest from potential suitors, and rightfully so. The lefty has posted an ERA at or below 3.09 in each of the last four seasons. The market for relievers has also been described as weak so Downs may be one of the most attractive players available, raising his trade value. If the Jays do part with him, expect them to get a decent prospect (top 100) and maybe one other player from the low minors. Where? Red Sox, Yankees, Mets or Reds.
John Buck, catcher – Obviously Buck isn’t in the Jays’ long term plans with top catching prospect J.P. Arencibia laying siege on AAA (the top minor league stateside) at the moment (.311/.364/.654 with 29 home runs and 74 runs batted in), so the Jays will try to sell him while his value’s highest (Buck was selected to his first All-Star team this year). Where? Tigers, Red Sox or Reds.
Kevin Gregg, relief pitcher – He’s been struggling as of late but since it’s a weak market for relievers, someone might get desperate and hand over a couple prospects. Where? Mets, Rockies or Reds.
Lyle Overbay, first baseman – Although Overbay holds a partial no trade clause, the Jays will try to unload him since he’s a free agent at the end of the year. The centerpiece of the Roy Halladay trade, Brett Wallace, is also waiting in the wings. Where? Angels.
Jose Bautista, outfielder/third baseman – Probably the most intriguing trade-piece the Jays hold. He’s in the midst of a career year, to put it lightly, and could actually be worth something half decent for a team that believes he’s for real/is desperate enough for power help. Where? White Sox, Braves, Giants or Tigers.
Vernon Wells, centre-fielder – You try unloading that contract. Where? Nowhere.