2011 Toronto Blue Jays Redux

[ryan008]

With the death of my previous Jays Dyansty I was itchign to get cracking on another one and I've tested my league setup (ran 30+ years) and everything seems to be okay with the final release of OOTP. So my Jays will live again in dyansty form. The game has the following setup

• MLB Quickstart with settings right out of the box
• Full minors AAA through Rookie League
• Coaching and scouting on
• Trading preferences are: Low/Hard/Favour Prospects
• MLB Draft will be 30 rounds with enough players created for 40
• MLB Draft will be feeder leagues only (with exception of the first draft that I use feeder and additional because it can be a little weak using just feeders)
• I've added a 14 Division NCAA Division 1 League with most of the major conferences (Big 10, Big 12, Atlantic Coast, etc) for a total of 134 teams.
• There is also a 120 team United States Highschool Baseball Association League that will feed Highschool Players into the Draft pool.

So with all that out of the way the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays will be ready to take flight!

Thanks for reading

Up Next: 2011 Blue Jays Starting Pitchers

[ryan008]

Jays Fans Shocked as Anthopolous Steps Down

March 29th, 2011

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that General Manager Alex Anthopolous has stepped down as the teams General Manager. Anthopolous, who took over for GM J.P. Riccardi two seasons ago sited personal reasons for his departure from the club and wishes the team and the fans the best of luck in the upcomming season and beyond.

With opening day just hours away Rogers Communication Inc. the Blue Jays principal owner announced that the club has hired 30 yearold Ryan Stewart to be the teams new General Manager. Stewart was introduced to the media and fans in a press conference at the Rogers Center today by the Blue Jays President Paul Beeston.

GM Ryan Stewart "Alex has done a tremendous job in putting a plan in place and attempting to bring the Jays bact to the respictiability that they achieved in the glory days in the early 90's. The team has improved their minor league system dramatically under Anthopolous's tenure and the Organization has made great strides in the player development department. These are things that will continue under my management with the club. Establishing a prospect pipeline is first and foremost on my agenda and with increased player development and scouting budgets supplied by Rogers we will be major players in the International and Amature Scouting markets and will continue to develop talent for our Major League roster. This is an exciting time for baseball in Toronto and I am very happy to have been chosen to be a part of it"

With the 2011 Regular Season just days away it is unlikely that the new GM will have time to make any moves before the first pitch is thrown and it will likely take a while for him to settle in and get familiar with the Blue Jays.

Up Next: 2011 Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day Roster.

**I stole the introduction and preview from my previous thread as they are essentially the same.

[ryan008]

Meet the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays - Starting Pitchers

The Toronto Blue Jays dealt away their opening day starter from last season in a trade that sent SP Shawn Marcum to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for highly touted prospect 3B Brett Lawrie. With the loss of Marcum the Jays rotation will be very young this year. SP Rickey Romero a former first round draft pick of the Jays will be given the ball on opening day and the 26 yearold lefty will be tasked with leading a very young and inexperienced pitching staff.


SP Rickey Romero
Age: 26 Pitches: L Velocity: 90-92 MPH
2010 Stats: 14-9 3.73 ERA 82 BB 174 K (Toronto)
Contract: 6 years $41,350,000 remaining with Toronto
GM's Comments: The 26 yearold will be tasked with being the teams Ace this season. He features 3 above average pitches with a fastball in the 90-92 MPH range as well as a curveball and changeup. He took a big step forward last season winning 14 games for the Jays and they are hoping he can be a legitimate #1 starter in Toronto. He will get the ball for the club on opening night at the Rogers Center to face the Minnesota Twins.


SP Brett Cecil
Age: 27 Pitches: L Velocity: 90-92 MPH
2010 Stats: 15-7 4.22 ERA 54 BB 117 K (Toronto)
Contract: $414,000 (1 year deal auto renew)
GM's Comments: Cecil was the Jays best pitcher last season leading the team in victories. The 27 yearold lefty features 4 good pitches with a 90-92 MPH fastball and as well as a sinker, cutter and changeup. He along with Romero give the Jays a formidiable top of the rotation and the Jays are hoping he can build off of a successful 2010 campaign.


SP Kyle Drabek
Age: 23 Pitches: R Velocity: 92-94 MPH
2010 Stats: 0-3 4.76 ERA 5 BB 12 K (Toronto)
Contract: $414,000 (1 year deal auto renew)
GM's Comments: Drabek is the Jays #1 pitching prospect and was the centerpiece of the deal that sent SP Roy Halladay to the Phillies. Drabek got his feet wet in the majors in September last year and an injury to SP Brandon Morrow has opened the door for him to break camp with the big club this season. The Blue Jays believe Drabek has the talent to be a #1 starter at the MLB level but with just 3 major league games under his belt it could take him a while to reach that ceiling.


SP Jesse Litsch
Age: 26 Pitches: R Velocity: 89-90 MPH
2010 Stats: 1-5 5.79 ERA 15 BB 16 K (Toronto)
Contract: $830,000 (1 year deal auto renew)
GM's Comments: Litsch battled injuries last season appearing in just 6 games before heading to the DL. He doesn't have the talent of a top of the rotation arm but when he is healthy he is a very good back of the rotation innings eater. He features an assortment of 5 pitches that he throws at any time and does so with very good command. The Jays are hopefull that he can stay healthy and provide them with a solid option in the #4 spot in the rotation.


SP Jo-Jo Reyes
Age: 26 Pitches: L Velocity: 89-90 MPH
2010 Stats: 0-0 24.30 ERA 3 BB 2 K (Atlanta Braves)
Contract: $414,000 (1 year deal auto renew)
GM's Comments: Reyes was aquired in the trade that sent SS Alex Gonzalez to the Braves and brought SS Yunnel Escobar back to the Jays. Reyes does not possess a ton of natural talent and is very much a left handed version of SP Jesse Litsch. His ultimate ceiling is that of a back end of the rotation starter and the Jays believe he may end up in the bullpen sooner rather than later. They are hopeful that he can give them some quality innings out of the #5 spot in the rotation.

Injured

SP Brandon Morrow the 26 yearold righty who had a breakout season for the Jays in 2010 going 10-7 with a 4.40 ERA will start the 2011 season on the disabled list after suffering an arm injury in Spring Training. He is expected to miss the first month of the season. The Jays plan on having him rehab his injury and he is scheduled to rejoin the club at some point in May. When healthy Morrow has the stuff to be completely dominant and the Jays plan to slot him into the #3 spot in the rotation.

Top Prospects

The Jays top pitching prospect is SP Kyle Drabek who will open the season with the big club. Next in line is 21 yearold SP Deck McGuire who the Jays drafted in the 1st round 11th overall out of Georgia Tech in the NCAA. McGuire signed right at the signing deadline and did not get into any pro games last season. The 6'1 220 lb righty features a 91-93 MPH fastball as well as a curveball, slider and changeup. He will start his professional career in Low A Lansing and has the ultimate ceiling of a #2 or 3 starter at the MLB level.

Right behind McGuire is another pitcher taken in the 2010 first year player draft, 22 yearold righty SP Asher Wojciechowski was selected in the supplemental 1st round 41st overall out of the Citidel in the NCAA. He is a big 6'3" 235 lb righty with a 92-94 MPH fastball and a very sharp slider and changeup. He also did not appear in any games for the Jays last season and willd debut with McGuire in Lansing. Wojo was the talent to be a top of the rotation arm but the Jays believe his ultimate ceiling is that of a middle of the rotation starter.

[ryan008]

Meet the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays - The Bullpen

The Blue Jays Bullpen ahs changed dramatically from the 2010 season as the Jays said goodbye to MR Scott Downs who signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and CL Kevin Gregg who signed with the Baltimore Orioles. To replace those arms the Jays signed CL Jon Rauch, MR Octavio Dotel and CL Frank Francisco. Unfortunately for Toronto only MR Jon Rauch will be ready to go on Opening Day as Francisco and Dotel will both start on the disabled list.


MR Casey Jansen
Age: 29 Pitches: R Velocity: 87-90 MPH
2010 Stats: 5-2 3.67 ERA 21 BB 63 K (Toronto)
Contract: 1 year $1,095,000 (Arbitration Eligiable)
GM's Comments: The 29 yearold Jansen battled injuries last season and spent considerable time on the disabled list. He is back to 100% health now and the Jays are counting on him to be a long man out of the bullpen. Jansen has the stamina to be a starter and the Jays will use him as a spot starter here and there throughout the season to give some of their starters a day off.


MR Scott Richmond
Age: 31 Pitches: R Velocity: 90-92 MPH
2010 Stats: Did Not Pitch in 2010
Contract: 1 year $414,000 (Auto Renew)
GM's Comments: Richmond, like Jansen battled injuries last year and is finally back to 100% health. He did not appear in a game for the Jays in 2010 and last pitched in the Majors in 2009 going 8-11 with a 5.52 ERA for the Jays. He has the stamina and assortment of pitches to be a starter but the Jays plan on easing him back into game action and he will open the 2010 season in the Jays bullpen. He will likely function as a long man/spot starter for the Jays this season.


MR Carlos Villanueva
Age: 27 Pitches: R Velocity: 89-90 MPH
2010 Stats: 2-0 1 SV 4.61 ERA 22 BB 67 K (Milwaukee)
Contract: 1 year $414,000 (Auto Renew)
GM's Comments: Villanueva was aquired from the Brewers in the offseason and is another very versatile arm in the Jays pen. He could be a starter and has the stamina and pitches to be effective. The Jays beileve he is better suited as a late inning guy and will utilize him in the latter innigs this year. He does give the Jays another arm that can go multiple innings should their young pitching staff run into some trouble going deep into ballgames.


MR Marc Rzepczynski
Age: 25 Pitches: L Velocity: 90-92 MPH
2010 Stats: 4-4 4.95 ERA 30 BB 57 K (Toronto)
Contract: 1 year $414,000 (Auto Renew)
GM's Comments: Rzepczynski was a starter for the Jays last season and faired pretty well. The Jays like him as a lefty out of the bullpen and that is how they are going to utilize him for this season. He throws a good assortment of pitches and is a nightmare on left handed batters. He also has the stamina to start and gives Toronto yet another long arm out of the pen to help with their young starters.


MR Shawn Camp
Age: 35 Pitches: R Velocity: 89-90 MPH
2010 Stats: 4-3 2 SV 2.99 ERA 18 BB 46 K (Toronto)
Contract: 1 year $2,250,000
GM's Comments: Camp is one of the few veterans on the Jays staff and has turned into a very reliable reliever. He doesn't over power anyone but has pin point control and doesn't walk very many batters. He doesn't have teh stamina to go too many innings at a time but that is not the role that he will be utilized in. He will be primarily a right handed 8th inning guy or come on to get key outs when needed. His contract is up at the conclusion of the season and he will be a free agent if he doesn't resign with the Jays.


MR Jon Rauch
Age: 32 Pitches: R Velocity: 90-92 MPH
2010 Stats: 3-1 21 SV 3.72 ERA 14 BB 46 K (Minnesota)
Contract: 2 years $7,250,000 contract
GM's Comments: Rauch was brought in to fill the void left by the departure of Downs and Gregg. He is a big imposing figure on the mound but does not possess an overpowering fastball. He had good control and an assortment of pitches that includes a fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. He has experience as a closer saving 21 games for the Twins last year when CL Joe Nathan suffered an injury. He is not penciled in as the teams closer this year to start the season and will instead be looked to as an 8th inning setup reliever. He can be used to close out games if CL Jason Frasor is unavailiable.


CL Jason Frasor
Age: 33 Pitches: R Velocity: 93-95 MPH
2010 Stats: 3-4 4 SV 3.68 ERA 27 BB 65 K (Toronto)
Contract: 1 year $3,500,000 contract
GM's Comments: With Dotel and Francisco starting the season on the disabled list the Blue Jays will utilize Frasor as the closer to start the season. Frasor has experience closing out ballgames saving 11 games for the Jays in 2009. He has a hard fastball and very good slider and curve. He is also in the last year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2011 season.

Prospects:

Nothing really to speak of. The Jays depth in the bullpen is pretty thin and this is an area that will definately need to be addressed in the next few drafts. Toronto does have one familiar face who may be destined to end up in the bullpen. Former 1st round pick SP Dustin McGowan is almost ready to return from injuries that have caused him to miss the last 2 seasons. He should be ready to rehab in the middle of April and the Jays will need to decide on his future sometime before the First Year Player Draft in June.

[ryan008]

Meet the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays - Position Players

The Jays major elague roster will also feature a bunch of new faces this year as they bid farewell to 1B Lyle Overbay (free agent signed with the Pirates), C John Buck (free agent signed with the Marlins) and perhaps the biggest change of all the trading of the Jays longest serving member CF Vernon Wells and his massive contract to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Blue Jays received C Mike Napoli and RF Juan Rivera in the deal that sent wells to the Angels and they then traded Napoli to the Texas Rangers for CL Frank Francisco. The 2011 version of the Toronto Blue Jays will be very young with some exciting young prospects in C J.P. Arencebia and LF Travis Snider slated to play everyday.


C Jose Molina
Age: 35 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .246 6 HR 12 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: 1 year $414,000
GM's Comments: Molina did a great job handeling the Jays young pitchers last yeah backing up C John Buck and he was rewarded with a 1 year deal to backup and mentor rookie C J.P. Arencebia who is expected to be the Jays everyday catcher. Molina is big and slow and not great with the bat but is very strong defensively and is a great leader.


C J.P. Arencebia
Age: 25 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .143 2 HR 4 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: $414,000 (Auto Renew)
GM's Comments: The former 1st round pick burst onto the scene in 2010 belting a pair of homeruns in his major league debut but then struggled the rest of the month of September and finished batting well under .200. The Jays believe he has the potential to be a very good offensive catcher and with some work can be average behind the plate. He will be getting the majority of the playing time this season and is a player that the Jays have high hopes for.



1B Adam Lind
Age: 27 Bats: L
2010 Stats: .237 23 HR 72 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: 6 years $36,500,000 remaining
GM's Comments: Lind had a down year offensively as the Jays primary DH last season and still managed to hit 23 HR. He will be moving to first base this year to take over for the departed Overbay who signed with the Pirates. Lind is nowhere near as good defensively as Overbay was but he has the potential to more than make up for that with his bat. The Jays are hoping that last season was just an abnormality and are looking to Lind to be a legitimate offensive threat this year.


2B Aaron Hill
Age: 29 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .205 26 HR 68 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: 2 years $13,000,000 remaining
GM's Comments: Hill also had a down year in 2010 hitting just .205 but still managed 26 HR. He struggled with injuries and the Jays are hoping that he can regain his form from the 2009 season where he was one of the best offensive second baseman in the league. Hill has just 2 years left on his contract and could feel pressure from one of the Jays top prospects in SS Adieny Hechevarria who is scheduled to start in AAA Las Vegas for the Jays.


2B Jason Nix
Age: 28 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .163 1 HR 5 RBI (Chicago White Sox)
Contract: 1 year $420,000
GM's Comments: Nix is nothing more than a utility player for the Jays. He can play all over the diamond and even the outfield if necessary. He doesn't do any one thing particularly well but is average offensively and defensively.


3B Edwin Encarnacion
Age: 28 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .244 21 HR 51 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: 2 year $5,500,000 remaining
GM's Comments: Encarnacion is a very frustrating offensive and defensive player. Has the tools to be an above average fielder but has trouble with his arm and making the throws to firstbase. Offensively he has the talent to hit upwards of 30 homeruns but has zero patience at the plate and is prone to the strikeout. He may not last long at 3rd because he has the Jays top position prospect 3B Brett Lawrie right on his heels in AAA Las Vegas.


SS Mike McCoy
Age: 29 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .195 0 HR 3 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: $414,000 (auto renew)
GM's Comments: McCoy is another very good utility player who can play all over the infield. He doesn't have a very good bat or eye at the plate and that will limit him to a bench/defensive replacement role. He can play all 4 infield positions and will be utilized to give the Jays regulars a day off here and there.


SS Yunnel Escobar
Age: 28 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .275 4 HR 16 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: $2,900,000 (Arbitration Eligiable)
GM's Comments: Escobar is the key piece in the deal that sent SS Alex Gonzalez to the Braves. He has the talent to be an elite shortstop both with the bat and the glove and was really a steal for the Jays. He is arbitration eligiable after this season and is high on GM Ryan Stewart's priority list to get his name on a new contract extension as soon as possible.


LF Scott Podsednik
Age: 35 Bats: L
2010 Stats: .310 5 HR 44 RBI (Kansas City Royals)
Contract: $1,650,000/1 year
GM's Comments: Podsednik was signed to a 1 year deal in the offseason to give the Jays some depth in the outfield. The 35 yearold has battled injuries the past few seasons but still managed to put up some decent numbers in Kansas City last year. He won't be the Jays starting outfielder but gives them a very good left handed bat off the bench and is above average defensively.


LF Travis Snider
Age: 23 Bats: L
2010 Stats: .255 14 HR 32 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: $414,000 (Auto Renew)
GM's Comments: Snider is another of the Jays top young prospects. At just 23 years old he may have been rushed to the big leagues and has struggled to produce. He will be the Jays opening day left fielder and should get the majority of the atbats in left field this season. He has the potential to be a perrenial Allstar in left and has above average defensive tools. The Jays are hoping he can make some positive strides this season.


CF Rajai Davis
Age: 30 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .284 5 HR 59 RBI (Oakland)
Contract: 3 years $8,250,000
GM's Comments: Davis was picked up in a deal in the offseason with Oakland and with the trading of Wells he is scheduled to be the Jays openign day centerfielder. He is very athletic and has blazing speed and could steel many bases for the Jays. He has almost no power but will be a potent threat at the top of the Jays lineup if he is able tog et on base. He is very undiciplined at the plate and tends to strikeout way too much.


RF Jose Bautista
Age: 30 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .260 54 HR 124 RBI (Toronto)
Contract: 6 years $78,000,000
GM's Comments: The reigning homerun king in the majors last season, Bautista is fresh off of signing a 6 year extension worth $78,000,000 with the Blue Jays. Arguably the best player in Baseball the Jays are happy to move him back to right field where they can utilize his cannon of an arm. He will be a key piece to the Jays offence and the Jays are hoping that his 2010 season is not a fluke and that he can continue to put up big numbers.


DH/RF Juan Rivera
Age: 32 Bats: R
2010 Stats: .252 15 HR 52 RBI (Los Angeles Angels)
Contract: 1 year $5,250,000
GM's Comments: Rivera came over in the Vernon Wells trade and will be the Jays primary DH this season. He has some decent pop in his bat and did manage to hit 15 homeruns last year with the Angels. He is another free swinger at the plate and doesn't walk very much but when he is hitting he hits for power. The Jays are hoping that he can provide some protection for Bautista and theya re counting on him to be a big part of the teams offence in 2011.

Prospects:

The Blue Jays don't have a lot of high ceiling position prospects because they have gone so pithing heavy in the last few drafts. Their #1 prospect is LF Travis Snider and he will be the teams everyday left fielder. In the Minors C Travis d'Arnaud who was aquired in the Roy Halladay deal is rated at #69 according to Baseball America. He wil start the season in AA New Hampshire and is a very strong defensive catcher, if he is able to get the bat working he could be a very good all around major leaguer.

Following d'Arnaud is 20 yearold CF Anthony Gose who was aquired in a deal with the Houston Astros that sent 1B Brett Wallace to the lone star state. Gose is a demon on the basepaths and has the potential to steal upwards of 50 bases. He is ranked at #102 according to Baseball America and will need to work on his hitting in High A Dunedin to move up any higher on BA's list. As it stands now he projects to be more of a 4th outfielder.

Finally 3B Brett Lawrie from Brittish Columbia is on the verge of breaking onto the Major league club. The Jays love his offensive upside and think he could put up some huge numbers. His downside is defensively where he is just about average if not a little below. He will start the season in AAA Las Vegas to work on his fielding at thirdbase but the Jays don't expect to have him down there very long. He is ranked as the #123rd best prospect in the Majors according to Baseball America.

Up Next: The First Month of the 2011 Season

[Klew1986]

Hey man!!! Good to see you posting again. Sorry to see the old dynasty die. Hope all is going well with the new addition to the family. You back at work yet?

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Flying out of the Gate - Lead the AL East by 3 Games

May 1st, 2011

The month of may was a great one for the Toronto Blue Jays and their new General Manager Ryan Stewart. The Blue Jays came out of the gate swinging and managed to reel off a record of 19-8 which puts them alone atop the American League East standings. The key to the Blue Jays success in this first month of the season has been their starting pitchers. The Blue Jays have 4 starters with at least 3 wins and are leading the American League with an ERA of 3.46. Their hot start has allowed them to put a 3 game cushion between the second place Red Sox.

April American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 19-8
Boston Red Sox - 16-11 (3 gb)
New York Yankees - 15-12 (4 gb)
Baltimore Orioles - 14-13 (5 gb)
Tampa Bay Rays - 14-14 (5 1/2 gb)

April's Hot Players

SP Ricky Romero - 5-1 2.81 ERA
SP Brett Cecil - 4-0 3.89 ERA
SP Kyle Drabek - 3-0 2.49 ERA
SP Marc Rzepczynski - 3-0 3.32 ERA
CL Jon Rauch - 0-1 14 SV 1.00 ERA
LF Travis Snider - .307 5 HR 9 RBI
CF Rajai Davis - .303 3 HR 12 RBI
3B Edwin Encarnacion - .288 5 HR 10 RBI
RF Jose Bautista - .263 8 HR 13 RBI

April's Cold Players

MR Shaun Camp - 0-0 8.06 ERA
SS Yunel Escobar - .210 0 HR 9 RBI
2B Jason Nix -.215 3 HR 9 RBI
C J.P. Arencibia - .225 2 HR 12 RBI

April News & Transactions

Injuries

The Jays success this month can be atributed in large part to the face that they have managed to stay healthy. They didn't avoid the injury bug completely as 3B Edwin Encarnacion suffered a knee sprain and will miss the next 3 weeks. He was hitting .288 with 5 HR and 10 RBI. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled 2B John McDonald form AAA Las Vegas where he was hitting .235 with 1 HR and 6 RBI.

Rehab Updates

Toronto started the season with SP Brandon Morrow, CL Frank Francisco and MR Octavio Dotel and all are finally healthy. They are out on rehab assignment in AAA Las Vegas and have put up decent numbers:

SP Brandon Morrow: 1-0 1.13 ERA 0 BB 11 K
CL Frank Francisco - 0-0 0.00 ERA 3 BB 4 K
MR Octavio Dotel - Has not pitched yet

International Free Agent Signing

One of GM Ryan Stewart's priorities when he took over the Blue Jays was to rebuild the teams farm system. One of the ways they looked to achieve this was to pump a lot of time and resources into their international scouting department and it has paid off. The Jays signed C Jesus Lopez a 17 yearold left handed batter out of Puerto Rico. He is just average defensively but has a very strong bat. At just 17 he is a long way from making an impact at the MLB level and was assigned to the Jays Rookie League team in Bluefield.

Awards

The Jays had 3 players in their minor league system rewarded for their performances in April.

In AAA Las Vegas CL Winston Abreau was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the month after going 1-0 with 5 SV and posting a 0.84 ERA.

In Advanced A Dunedin 1B Balbino Fuenmayor of the Dunedin Blue Jays was named hte Florida State League Batter of the Month after hitting .385 with 7 HR and 21 RBI.

In Low A Lansing SP Aaron Sanchez was named the Midwestern League Pitcher of the Month after going 4-1 with a 0.95 ERA for the Lugnuts.


Around the Majors

3B Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves recorded his 2500th career base hit in a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

SP Roy Oswalt of the Philedelphia Phillies signed a 2 year extension worht a total of $34,000,000.

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Extend Their Hot Start through May

June 1st, 2011

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to be the talk of the American League East Division as the team has extended its early season lead to 5 games over the second place Boston Red Sox. The Blue Jays continue to be one of the hottest teams in baseball posting a record of 18-11 and improving to 37-19 overall. Before the season started no one really thought that the Jays would be leading the East heading into June and no one could be happier than GM Ryan Stewart "We have an exciting group of players here and they are all firing on all cylinders at the moment. On paper we may not be the best team in the league but we battle and with our offence there isn't a team in the leage that we can't beat". With the Jays playing so well there have been a number of rumours swirling that the Jays will attempt to bring in a couple of pieces to help them push for the playoffs. GM Ryan Stewart would not comment on that story however.

April American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 37-19
New York Yankees - 32-24 (5 gb)
Baltimore Orioles - 31-25 (6 gb)
Boston Red Sox - 29-28 (8 1/2 gb)
Tampa Bay Rays - 28-28 (9 gb)

May's Hot Players

SP Jesse Litsch - 3-1 3.29 ERA
SP Brandon Morrow - 1-0 0.00 ERA
SP Kyle Drabek - 1-1 2.84 ERA
MR Shawn Camp - 3-1 0.79 ERA
MR Casey Janssen - 1-0 1.26 ERA
1B Adam Lind - .358 9 HR 21 RBI
LF Travis Snider - .338 7 HR 13 RBI
3B Edwin Encarnacion - .337 5 HR 13 RBI
C J.P. Arencibia - .262 7 HR 17 RBI

May's Cold Players

CL Jon Rauch - 2-1 7 SV 5.02 ERA
SP Ricky Romero - 1-2 8.07 ERA
LF Scott Podsednik - .195 0 HR 3 RBI

May News & Transactions

Injuries

May was not a good month for the Blue Jays on the injury front as they were forced to put three players on the disabled list. The first to get hurt was MR Octavio Dotel who was on a rehab assignment in AAA Las Vegas where he is suffering from acute elbow soreness and is expected to miss another 3 weeks.

The Jays will also be without RF Juan Rivera who will miss the next 4 weeks with a torn ankle ligament. The veteran was hitting .250 with 1 HR and 7 RBI and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Jays recalled RF Jason Lane who is hitting .287 with 11 HR and 34 RBI in AAA Las Vegas.

The Jays outfield suffered another blow when CF Rajai Davis went down with a fractured foot and will miss the next 3 weeks. He was hitting .273 with 3 HR and 18 RBI and was also placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Jays recalled RF Adam Loewen who was hitting .328 with 2 HR and 10 RBI in AAA Las Vegas.

International Free Agent Signing

Toronto's scouting staff continues to be active on the international free agent market and their efforts once again bore fruit as the Jays signed a pair of prospects. The first is 17 yearold RF Sacha Vroom out of the Netherlands. The 6/0" 190 lb lefty profiles as a very good 4th outfielder/defensive replacement. They also signed 16 yearold LF Pepe Randin out of Venezuela. The 6'0" 210 lb lefty handed batter has huge potential and could one day be an allstar. He does just about everything well with the bat and is defensively sound. Both were assigned to the Jays rookie league team in Bluefield.

Trade

GM Ryan Stewart made his frst trade as the General Manager of the Blue Jays this month. The Jays have a surplus of starting pitching with SP Brandon Morrow and SP Dustin McGowan returning from the disabled list and this left SP Jesse Litsch as the odd man out. The Jays delt the 27 yearold to the Chicago White Sox along with one of their top prospects C Travis D'arnaud for a very promising young pitcher in MR Chris Sale. GM Ryan Stewart "The Sox were looking to add a veteran starter to their rotation and we are always looking for good young pitchers so we matched up well in this deal. The White Sox have been using him as a reliever but we believe he has the stuff and talent to start and he will be streached out as a starter in AAA"

Players to Chicago

SP Jesse Litsch is a 27 yearold righty who was off to a good start to the season with the Jays posting a 4-4 record with a 2.27 ERA with 19 BB and 46 K. He simple fell victem to the numbers game and because he doesn't have the stuff or ceiling of Morrow and McGowan the Jays elected to deal him.

C Travis D'arnaud is a 23 yearold right handed batter who was hitting .221 with 4 HR and 16 RBI in AA New Hampshire this season. He is the Blue Jays #2 ranked position prospect behind 3B Brett Lawrie in AAA. He has the talent and potential to be a #1 catcher at the MLB level and was not an easy player for GM Ryan Stewart to part with.

Players to Toronto

SP Chris Sale is a 23 yearold lefty who features a 91-93 MPH fastball as well as a very good slider and changeup. He was 1-5 with a 6.80 ERA with 33 BB and 39 K for AAA Charlotte this season. He is a big durable lefty at 6'5" and 175 lbs and the Jays believe he could be a #2 or 3 starter down the road. He was sent to AAA Las Vegas and will get to be a starter. The Jays hope he is in the conversation for a rotation spot in 2012.

Awards

C J.P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays was named the American League Rookie of the Month after hitting .262 with 7 HR and 17 RBI in the month of May.

Around the Majors

DH Jorge Posada of the New York Yankees signed a 2 year $29,500,000 contract extension. The 41 yearold is hitting .262 with 6 HR and 23 RBI this season.

LF Carlos Lee of the Houston Astros got his 2000th career basehit in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

RF Magglio Ordonez of the Detroit Tigers belted his 300th career homerun in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

DH Jim Thome of the Minnesota Twins belted his 600th career homerun in a game against the Seattle mariners.

[ryan008]

2011 MLB Draft Preview

June 14th, 2011

The 2011 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft is here and it will be the first one for GM Ryan Stewart at the helm of the Toronto Blue Jays. This years class features a number of very good high ceiling players but really lacks a clear cut #1 pick. The Pitsburgh Pirates will make the first overall selection in tomorrows draft and they will be followed by the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals. The Toronto Blue Jays will not select until the #18 pick.

Heading into the draft Baseball America has tabbed SP Scott Farmer a 22 yearold righty out of East Carolina University in the NCAA as their #1 prospect. The 6'0" 195 lb flame thrower features a 96-98 MPH fastball as well as a very good slider and changeup. He struggled a bit this season going just 3-3 with a 3.03 ERA walking 18 batters and striking out 69. He has very good command and control and projects as a top of the rotation arm. He is floating a signing bonus of $5,270,000 but is said to be an easy sign.

Baseball America's Top 10 Players

#1 SP Scott Farmer (East Carolina University, NCAA)

• Top of the rotation potential with a big fastball and strong secondary pitches. Struggled in his last year in the NCAA but should hear his name called early on draft day.

#2 SP Dylan Bundy

• 22 yearold righty, has a big arm and throws strikes. His control isn't as good as Farmers but still scouts as a potential #1 or 2 starter.

#3 SP Kenny Lucas (University of Michigan, NCAA)

• Hard thrower with a 95-97 MPH fastball, he has 4 good pitches but his secondary stuff needs work. He has had injury trouble in the past but if he stays healthy is a top 3 in the rotation arm.

#4 RF Angel Lopez (Blades Highschool, USHSBA)

• Easily the #1 position prospect availiable. He has huge potential with the bat with a ton of raw power. He is raw defensively but has a decent arm. Definetley should be a top pick tomorrow.

#5 LF Peter Cooley (Neuse Forest Highschool, USHSBA)

• Cooley plays all 3 outfield positions well. He has an above average arm and is very good with the bat. He doesn't ahve the power of a lopez but might have a better all around approach at the plate.

#6 SP Blazej Mariewski (Friendship Highschool, USHSBA)

• A big 6'3" 220 lb lefty with a very strong repotire of pitches. His fastball reaches 91-93 MPH and he has a strong complemient of secondary stuff. He doesn't quite have the ceiling of some of the other arms but should be a solid mid rotation talent.

#7 SP Trevor Bauer

• Bauer is very similar to Mariewski, he throws 91-93 with a good selecton of secondary stuff. He isn't likely to be an ace but should develop into a strong mid rotation innings eater.

#8 SS Enrique Nava (Columbia Highschool, USHSBA)

• Nava is a defensive wizzard, he can play anywhere on the infield and do it very well. He has tremendous range and a strong accurate arm. With the bat he has little to no power but will get on base a ton and rarely strikes out. He has above average speed and is a threat to run.

#9 3B Anthony Rendon

• Rendon should be an allstar. He can hit for average and power and is above average defensively. He should hear his name called early on draft day.

#10 SP Gerrit Cole

• Cole has a very lively fastball in the 93-95 MPH range and a very good slider and a developing change. He doesn't have the ceiling of some of the higer ranked arms but still should be a high pick and scouts as a #2 or 3 starter at the big league level.

Blue Jays Draft Preview

The Toronto Blue Jays and rookie GM Ryan Stewart will make the 18th overall selection in the draft. The new GM was asked what he was looking for with their top pick "We have a very simple draft philosophy to take the best player availiable regardless of level or position. We like big strong athletic players with strong work ethics and a willingness to get better. This years draft is too hard to call who is going to go #1 overall so you never really know who will be availiable to us at #18"

Blue Jays Previous 1st Round Picks

None Yet

Up Next: 2011 First Year Player Draft

[ryan008]

Pittsburgh Selects Catcher with Top Pick - Jays Select Long Beach State 3B at 18

June 15th, 2011

The Pittsburg Pirates held the first overall selection in the 2011 first year player draft and they suprised everyone by taking C Victor Coleman with the first overall selection in the draft this year. The 22 yearold out of the University of Ohio was not ranked among the top 10 prospects heading into the draft but was the #1 ranked catcher availiable. The 6'1" 205 lb right handed batter is all about the offence. He hit .353 with 19 HR and drove in 51 RBI for Ohio this year and was named an NCAA Allstar. Defensively he is well below average and that may necessitate a move to 1B or DH in the future. He is looking for a $6,380,000 signing bonus and is a relatively easy sign for the Pirates.

Blue Jays Draft Picks

1st Round 18th overall

GM Ryan Stewart used his first ever pick to select 22 yearold 3B Gary Cunningham out of Long Beach State University in the NCAA. The 6'1" 155 lb right handed batter played both short and 3rd in Collage and is very strong defensively at both. He has very good range and a strong arm and could play either in the minors. Offensively he doesn't have huge power potential but should hit 15-20 a year. He makes a ton of contact and has a very good eye and patient approach at the plate. He hit .357 with 3 HR and 28 RBI this year. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $1,450,000 and should be an easy sign for the Jays.

2nd Round 48th Overall

In the second round the Jays went the highschool route selecting RF Manny Avila out of Dillon Highschool in the USHSBA. Avila is a 19 yearold right handed batter who has the tools to be an everyday outfielder at the MLB level. His greatest tool is his speed and base stealing ability which is well above average. He also displayed a decent amount of power in highschool which will hopefully translate to the pro game. He hit .346 with 6 HR and 25 RBI in 2011. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $960,000 and is considered an easy sign for the Jays.

3rd Round 78th Overall

In the 3rd round the Jays selected their first pitcher taking SP Richard Barrett a 22 yearold hard throwing lefthander out of the Army Academy in the NCAA. Barrett is a big boy standing 6'4" and weighing in at 225 lbs. He fratures a 97-99 MPH fastball as well as a very good curve and slider. He was 6-0 with a 1.80 ERA with 12 BB and 58 K's in 2011 and was named to the NCAA Allstar Team. He scouts as a middle of the rotation arm right now but the Jays think he may have more potential than that and is a player that could move quickly through the system. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $480,000 and should be an easy sign.


4th Round 108th Overall

In the 4th round the Jays selected another big hard throwing lefty out of the NCAA ranks in SP Rodney Jordan, a 22 yearold out of the University of Texas. Jordan is almost a carbon copy of Barrett standing 6'4" and weighing in at 205 lbs. He features a 98-100 MPfastball and a very good splitter. He was 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA with 6 BB and 62 K for the Longhorns this season and was also an NCAA Allstar. He only has the two pitches at the moment and this may limit him to a bullpen role down the road but the Jays are hopefull he can develop a 3rd pitch in the minors. He is also looking for a slot signing bonus of $290,000 and is an easy sign for the Jays.

5th Round 138th Overall

In the 5th round the Jays selection of starters continued with the selection of SP Grayson Garvin, a 21 yearold lefty. He features a 90-92 MPH fastball as well as a cutter, slider and changeup. He may be one of the more interesting picks that the Jays made and the fact that he was availiable in the 5th round is very interesting. He stands 6'5" and weighs in at 205 lbs. The Jays scouts believe he will and a mph or two to his fastball as he fills out and that he could be a mid to back end of the rotation starter. He was also looking for a slot bonus of $150,000.

Rounds 6-30 Picks

6 - SP Jordan Cote (18, RHP)
7 - C Joe Maloney (20, R)
8 - Austin Wright (21, LHP)
9 - LF Bartolo Torres (19, S) - Redland Highschool, USHSBA
10 - C Tyler Marlette (19, R)
11 - LF Tyler Gibson (17, L)
12 - CL Dave Nolan (19, RHP) - Bellerose Highschool
13 - 1B Loren Smith (19, R) - Ceres Highschool, USHSBA
14 - CF James Zamannipa (17, L)
15 - 1B Jake Mack (22, L) - University of Missouri, NCAA
16 - RF Chris Epps (22, L)
17 - MR James Allen (21, RHP)
18 - CL Bob Flanagan (22, L) - UAB, NCAA
19 - MR Blake Treiner (22, RHP)
20 - SP Marcos Gomez (19, RHP) - Blades Highschool, USHSBA
21 - MR Ron Ellis (19, LHP) - Grapevine Highschool, USHSBA
22 - 3B Kenley Jackson (21, L)
23 - CF Bob Grimes (22, L) - University of California, NCAA
24 - LF Brandon Meredith (21, R) - Penn State University, NCAA
25 - RF Ken Cline (22, R)
26 - SP Justice French (21, R)
27 - RF Ron Matthews (20, R)
28 - CL Reynaldo Cortez (19, R) - Nuevo Highschool, USHSBA
29 - SP Steve Pierce (22, RHP) - University of California, NCAA
30 - MR Keith McConvill (19, RHP) - West Branch Highschool, USHSBA

Up Next: June 2011 Update

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Lead Down to 2 1/2 Games Heading into the Summer

July 1st, 2011

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to hold onto top spot in the American League East as the calander flips into the month of July. Toronto would put up a 15-11 record in June but actually lost ground in the tough American League East. The Baltimore Orioles surged in June and managed to close to within 2 1/2 games of the Jays and Toronto also has the ever dangerous New York Yankees lurking just 5 games back. Toronto is going to have a tough summer ahead if they want to make their first post season apearance since 1993 when they won their second of back-to-back World Series Titles.

With the month of July here there have been a number of trade rumours swirling around and the Blue Jays have been front and center in many of them. With Toronto leading the division many fans would like to see the Jays make a bold move to help them with the streach run and to get the team into the playoffs. GM Ryan Stewart on the upcomming trade deadline "We are always looking to make this team better but we will definately not mortgage the future to win now. This team is young and has a lot of talent and I believe we are just a piece or two away from really making some noise, but we won't just make trades for the sake of making trades. Everything has to be in the best interest of the club for the present and future"

June American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 52-30
Baltimore Orioles - 49-32 (2 1/2 gb)
New York Yankees - 47-35 (5 gb)
Tampa Bay Rays - 41-41 (11 gb)
Boston Red Sox - 40-42 (12 gb)

June's Hot Players

SP Dustin McGowan - 4-0 1.96 ERA
SP Ricky Romero -3-0 3.34 ERA
MR Shaun Camp - 0-0 1 SV 2.45 ERA
CL Jon Rauch - 1-0 7 SV 3.38 ERA
LF Scott Podsednik - .308 0 HR 9 RBI
2B Aaron Hill - .301 5 HR 11 RBI
SS Yunell Escobar - .280 5 HR 17 RBI
RF Jose Bautista - .268 3 HR 11 RBI

June's Cold Players

SP Brett Cecil - 2-3 4.86 ERA
SP Kyle Drabek - 2-2 5.00 ERA
SP Brandon Morrow - 0-2 4.18 ERA
MR Carlos Villanueva - 2-1 1 SV 6.52 ERA
CF Rajai Davis - .167 0 HR 1 RBI
C Jose Molina - .214 1 HR 1 RBI

June News & Transactions

Injuries

The Blue Jays lost another player to a significant injury during the month of June as their everyday left fielder LF Travis Snider is suffering from tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks. He was one of the Jays offensive leaders hitting .312 with 15 HR and driving in 27 runs. He was placed on the 15 Day Disabled list and the Jays recalled RF Adam Loewen from AAA Las Vegas where he was hitting .293 with 3 HR and 19 RBI.

Waiver Claims

GM Ryan Stewart made a pair of claims on the waiver wire during June in an attempt to shore up what has been a shaky bullpen for the Blue Jays. Toronto added CL Brade Lidge from the Philedelphia Philles. Lidge, 34, is a righty who features a 91-93 MPH fastball and was 2-0 with a 5.56 ERA with 6 BB and 15 K's for the Phillies this season. He is in the last year of his contract and has $2,810,000 remaining.

The Jays also claimed 26 yearold lefty SP Andrew Miller from the Boston Red Sox. Miller was 2-1 with 1 SV and had posted a 4.63 ERA with 10 BB and 11 K for AAA Pawtuckett. He will be transitioned to a reliever for the Jays and was assigned to AAA Las Vegas.

Awards

C J.P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays was named the American League Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month after hitting .244 with 5 HR and 17 RBI in the month of June.

In the Midwestern League 2B Oliver Dominguez of the Lansing Lugnuts had a huge month hitting .324 with 4 HR and driving in 18 RBI enroute to being named the Midwestern League Batter of the Month for June.

2011 Draft Signings

GM Ryan Stewart was able to get the Jays entire draft class inked to contracts and they will all start their professional careers with one of the Jays Rookie Level teams. In total the Jays spent $3,380,000 on the draft with their first round pick 3B Gary Cunningham earning the biggest bonus of $1,450,000.

Around the Majors

3B Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees got his 3000th career base hit, a triple in a game against the Oakland Athletics.

RF Vladimir Guerrero of the Baltimore Orioles got his 2500th career base hit in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

SP Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs agreed to a 5 year $52,500,000 contract extension. The 30 yearold is 6-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 2011.

C Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves agreed to a 5 year $81,900,000 contract extension. The 28 yearold is hitting .303 with 4 HR and 36 RBI this year.

3B Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees agreed to a 2 year $41,500,000 contract extension. The 35 yearold is having a decent year hitting .272 with 22 HR and driven in 60 runs.

[ryan008]

Jays Out of AL East Lead for First Time in 2011 - 1/2 Games Back of the Yankees

August 1st, 2011

For the first time this year if you are to look at the American League East Standings the Toronto Blue Jays are not in first place. Toronto finished the month with a record of 13-15 and now find themselvs trailing the New York Yankees by 1/2 game for the AL east Division lead. The good news for Blue Jays fans is that their overall record of 64-44 has them holding onto the American League Wild Card spot but only by 3 1/2 games over the Baltimore Orioles.

July American League East Standings

New York Yankees - 65-44
Toronto Blue Jays - 64-44 (1/2 gb)
Baltimore Orioles - 60-47 (4 gb)
Boston Red Sox - 58-50 (6 1/2 gb)
Tampa Bay Rays - 51-58 (14 gb)

July's Hot Players

SP Brandon Morrow - 3-2 2.25 ERA
SP Kyle Drabek - 1-1 3.56 ERA
MR Shaun Camp - 1-0 0.00 ERA (9 games)
MR Brad Lidge - 1-0 2.16 ERA
CL Jon Rauch - 1-1 2 SV 1.86 ERA
1B Adam Lind - .334 6 HR 13 RBI
RF Jose Bautista - .296 8 HR 17 RBI
2B Aaron Hill - .293 5 HR 15 RBI

July's Cold Players

SP Dustin McGowan - 1-2 8.64 ERA
MR Casey Janssen - 0-1 6.93 ERA
LF Travis Snider - .216 7 HR 18 RBI
SS Yunnel Escobar - .255 0 HR 10 RBI

July News & Transactions

Injuries

The Blue Jays had two players suffer injuries that would cause them to miss significant time during the month of July. MR Jason Frasor is ailing from a sore wrist and is expected to miss the next 4 weeks. He was 4-2 with 2 SV and a 3.86 ERA for the Jays this season. The Blue Jays placed him on the 15 day disabled list and recalled MR Rommie Lewis who is 4-4 with a 4.60 ERA from AAA Las Vegas.

The Jays will also be without DH Edwin Encarnacion who will miss th enext 6 weeks with a torn quad muscle. He was hitting .262 with 18 HR and 42 RBI and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Blue Jasy recalled veteran 3B Chris Woodward from AAA Las Vegas where he was hitting .265 with 0 HR and 13 RBI.

International Free Agents

The Blue Jays added another good young prospect through their International Scouting Department as they have signed 17 yearold RF Juan Garcia a 6'3" 215 lb right fielder with a big bat. He can hit for average and power and has good plate dicipline. He is very raw defensively but has a great arm and should be an everyday outfielder at the MLB level.

Awards

In the Midwestern League 3B Balbino Fuenmayor capped off a very good July and was named the Midwestern League Batter of the Month after hitting .322 with 8 HR and 22 RBI. Also in the Midwestern League SP Deck McGuire was named the Midwestern League Pitcher of the month after going 5-1 with a 1.62 ERA.

In Rookie League Bluefield SP Noah Syndergaard was named the GCL Pitcher of the Month after going 4-1 with a 1.30 ERA.

2012 MLB Trade Deadline

GM Ryan Stewart fielded a number of calls at the trade deadline this year but the team only made a single minor transaction as they agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers that sent 2B Jason Nix to the Texas Rangers for a pair of minor league prospects in RF Joshua Richmond and SP Richard Alvarez.

GM Ryan Stewart on the deadline "We were really busy and had a few different deals on the table but in the end we felt that we would have to give up too much in the way of assets for the players we were trying to aquire. In the end we made a minor deal and are happy with what we have moving forward"

Players to Texas

2B Jason Nix is a 28 yearold righty who has spent the entire season with the Blue Jays as the backup to 2B Aaron Hill and has hit .245 with 14 HR and 40 RBI. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Players to Toronto

RF Joshua Richmond is a 22 yearold right handed batter who hit .265 with 14 HR and 52 RBI for A Myrtle Beach this year. He scouts a potential 4th/5th outfielder for the Jays.

SP Richard Alvarez is an 18 yearold righty with a 92-94 MPH fastball and a very good change and curve. He tops out in the 92-94 MPH range and was 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA with 13 BB and 30 K in short season A ball this year. HE scouts as a back end of the rotation arm and is a long way from making an impact with the Jays.


Around the Majors

3B Scott Rolen of the Cincinatti Reds agreed to a 3 year $58,500,000 contract extension. The 36 yearold Rolen is hitting .264 with 8 HR and 37 RBI this year.

SP Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox agreed to a 3 year $42,000,000 extension. The 33 yearold is 10-7 with a 3.39 ERA this season.

3B Aramis Ramirez of the Chicago Cubs belted his 300th career homerun against the Houston Astros.

1B Mark Texiera of the New York Yankees belted his 300th career homerun in a game agains the Oakland Athletics.

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Cold, Fall out of a Playoff Spot

September 1st, 2011

The hot summer months have done nothing but cool down the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays were one of the hottest teams in baseball during the first half of the 2012 season but since the Allstar Break have really struggled and now find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture with just a little over a month left in the season. The Jays went 13-15 during the month of August and have decended into 3rd place in the American League East standings trailing the red hot New York Yankees by 5 games and the Baltimore Orioles, who leap frogged the Jays into second place by 1 game. In the American League Wild Card race the Jays are only 1 game back of the Orioles and are 5 up on the Red Sox. As the season winds down it looks like the Yankees, barring a complete collapse will take the AL East and the Orioles and Jays will be left to fight it out for the Wild Card spot.

Despite the teams recent struggles GM Ryan Stewart still believes his team can make it to the post season "With the rosters expaning we have had a chance to bring up some players to give us a jolt of energy that I think we were lacking. We've asked a lot of out starters and bullpen especially and we have added some arms to help with the last month. Even if we don't make the playoffs this is an exciting team and I think we are closer than ever to being a force in the AL East"

August American League East Standings

New York Yankees - 83-55
Baltimore Orioles - 78-58 (4 gb)
Toronto Blue Jays - 77-59 (5 gb)
Boston Red Sox - 72 -64 (10 gb)
Tampa Bay Rays - 66-71 (16 1/2 gb)

August American League Wild Card Standings

Baltimore Orioles - 78-58
Toronto Blue Jays - 77-59 (1 gb)
Boston Red Sox - 72 -64 (6 gb)
Kansas City Royals - 68-70 (11 gb)

August's Hot Players

SP Rickey Romero - 2-2 3.68 ERA
SP Brandon Morrow - 1-1 2.38 ERA
MR Frank Francisco - 3-0 0.90 ERA
MR Jason Frasor - 0-0 0.00 ERA (13 ip)
CF Rajai Davis - .302 2 HR 7 RBI
LF Travis Snider - .287 8 HR 20 RBI
C J.P. Arencibia - .278 7 HR 18 RBI
SS Yunnel Escobar - .278 2 HR 8 RBI

August's Cold Players

SP Brett Cecil - 0-3 4.59 ERA
SP Kyle Drabek - 1-2 4.91 EA
MR Octavio Dotel - 2-3 9.00 ERA
MR Brad Lidge - 1-0 1 SV 6.97 ERA
C Jose Molina - .079 0 HR 2 RBI

August News & Transactions

Injuries

The Blue Jays once again lost DH Edwin Encarnacion who will miss the next 4 wekks after suffering a concussion. He was hitting .262 with 18 HR and 42 RBI and looks like he will be out for the remainder of the season. The Jays recalled 3B Nieuman Romero who was hitting .280 with 3 HR and 29 RBI for AAA Las Vegas.

The Jays bullpen will also be without the services of MR Carlos Villanueva who ruptured a tendon in his finger and he will miss the next 4 months. He was 4-5 with 2 SV and had posted a 3.12 ERA this season. He was placed ont he 60 day disabled list and CL Winston Abreau who was 5-4 with 19 SV and has a 3.59 ERA at AAA Las Vegas had his contract purchased.

Contract Extension

GM Ryan Stewart and the Toronto Blue Jays were proud to announce that they have a greed to a new 7 year contract extension with their power hitting right fielder RF Jose Bautista. The two sides agreed to a 7 year $133,000,000 deal that will keep Bautista in Toronto until the end of the 2018 season. The 30 yearold is hitting .267 with 34 HR and 73 RBI for the Jays this season.

Awards

In the Florida State League recently promoted 3B Balbino Fuenmayor was named the FSL Batter of the Month after hitting .402 with 8 HR and 26 RBI.

In the Midwestern League SP Chad Beck went 4-1 with a 1.37 ERA for the Lansing Lugnuts and was named the Midwestern League Pitcher of the Month.

2011 September Callups

The Blue Jays announced that they have recalled 4 players from AAA Las Vegas including two of their top prospects in SP Chris Sale (4-5 3.47 ERA) and 3B Brett Lawrie (.262 9 HR 60 RBI). Joining them for the last month of the season will be C Brian Jeroloman (.228 4 HR 46 RBI) and SP Andrew Miller (6-13 4.66 ERA).

Around the Majors

3B Scott Rolen of the Cincinatti Reds got his 2000th career base hit in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

3B Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers got his 2000th career base hit against the Chicago White Sox.

SP Tommy Hunter of the Texas Rangers no hit the Oakland Athletics. He had 5 walks and 3 strikeouts in a 7-0 texas victory.

CL Mariano River of the New York Yankees signed a 1 year extension worth $11,625,000. The 41 yearold is 3-3 with 28 Saves and has a 3.70 ERA this season.

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Finish in 3rd in East - Miss Out on Playoffs by 6 Games

October 4th, 2011

The Toronto Blue Jays will have to wait until next season to break their 18 year playoff drought as they had a rough September and wound up in 3rd place in the American League East trailing the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Toronto did finish with a respectable record of 87-75 but a 10-16 month of September cost them any shot at a playoff birth. The New York Yankees ran away with the East taking the division by 7 games over the Baltimore Orioles and 13 games up on the Blue Jays. The suprise of the division this year and not in a good way was the performance of the Tampa Bay Rays who finished the season with a 74-88 record and found themselves in the basement of the American League East. In the American League Wild Card standings the Jays finished second to the Baltimore Orioles 6 back and were 3 up on the Boston Red Sox who made a late push but like the Jays ultimately would up outside a playoff birth.

2011 Post Season Matchups

American League Division Series

Cleveland Indians (82-80) vs New York Yankees (100-62)
Texas Rangers (86-76) vs Baltimore Orioles (93-69)*

National League Division Series

Atlanta Braves (92-70)* vs Chicago Cubs (98-64)
Colorado Rockies (93-69) vs New York Mets (97-65)

Around The Majors

1B Ryan Howard of the Philedelphia Philles agreed to a 6 year $126,000,000 extension. The 31 yearold hit .272 with 41 HR and 109 RBI this season.

2B Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees agreed to a 7 year $126,000,000 contract extension. The 29 yearold hit .278 with 28 HR and drove in 85 rbus.

LF Pat Burrell of the Seattle Mariners belted his 300th career homerun against the New York Yankees.

SP Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants agrees to a 6 year $81,000,000 contract extension. The 27 yearold went 15-12 with a 4.04 ERA.

SP Ryan Dempster of the Chicago Cubs signed a 2 year $26,000,000 extension. The 34 yearold was 16-10 with a 3.47 ERA for the Cubs this season.

[ryan008]

New York Yankees Take Home 2011 World Series Title

October 28th, 2011

The New York Yankees swept the National League Champion Atlanta Braves in the World Series in 2011 and captured their 27th World Series Title. The Yankees started out slow in the American League East this year but caught fire after the Allstar breal and would end up winning the division with a Major League best record of 100-62. In the first round of the playoffs they drew the Cleveland Indians who pushed the Yankees to the brink but they would take the decisive game #5 and advance to the American League Championship Series to face the AL West Champs the Texas Rangers. The Rangers were no match for the Yankees who cruised to a 4-2 series victory and then they would defeat the National League Champion Atlanta Braves 4-0 to earn the World Series Title.

The Yankees have the highest payroll in the majors and it paid off this season as a cast of stars that included SP C.C. Sabathia, SP Phil Hughes, SP Ivan Nova, SP Freddy Garcia, MR Rafael Soriano, MR David Robertson, CL Mariano Rivera, SS Derek Jeter, C Russel Martin, 1B Mark Texiera, 2B Robinson Cano, 3B Alex Rodriguez and CF Curtis Granderson were the leading cast of characters that lead the Yankees to the title.

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Salary Arbitration Cases, New Budget and Offseason Outlook

November 17th, 2011

The 2011 Major League Baseball season has come to a close with the New York Yankees capturing the World Series Title by defeating the Atlanta Braves. With the conculsion of the World Series the offseason has officially begun and GM Ryan Stewart is likely going to be very busy. The team has 11 players who will be leaving via free agency including 5 from their bullpen as well as at least two of their everyday position players in DH Edwin Encarnacion and 2B Aaron Hill. Both players were looking to sign extensions but rumours have surfaced that they were just too far apart on salary figures with the Jays.



Salary Arbitration

The Blue Jays will have to go to arbitration with eight different players off their major league roster. Each of them was awarded a 1 year contract for the following amount:

SP Dustin McGowan -$3,784,000
SP Brandon Morrow - $8,125,000
SP Ricky Romero - $2,800,000
MR Casey Janssen - $2,200,000
MR Carlos Villanueva - $3,400,000
1B Adam Lind - $7,260,000
SS Yunnel Escobar - $4,884,000
CF Rajai Davis - $5,550,000

Free Agents

The Jays have 11 players who will be entering free agency this year. This list includes three that will be eligiable for compensation. Toronto had no players who qualified for Type A status but 2B Aaron Hill, CL Jon Rauch and LF Scott Podsednik all qualified for Type B and will bring the Jays a pick in the Supplemental 1st Round should they sign with other teams. The Blue Jays also have the following players who left as free agents:

MR Shaun Camp
MR Octavio Dotel
MR Jason Frasor
MR Brad Lidge
C Jose Molina
2B John MacDonald
DH Edwin Encarnacion
CF Corey Patterson

New Budget & Offseason Outlook

The Blue Jays parent company Rogers Communication Inc. has announced that the teams 2012 Operating Budget will be set at $125,920,000 including $7,500,000 set aside for the Amature Draft. The Blue Jays current payroll sits at just $83,768,000 which gives them a lot of room to play with as free agency looms. GM Ryan Stewart was pretty quiet about his teams needs this offseason: "We will definately need to address our bullpen situation as we lost 5 of the players we had this year to free agency and we would like to add another starting pitcher and definately have a hole to fill at second base and at designated hitter. We don't have a clear cut plan as to how we will go about filling these needs but we willlook at all avenues be they free agency, through trades or from our own minor league system"

Up Next: 2011 MLB Awards Announced

[ryan008]

2011 Major League Award Winners

November 21, 2011

Major League Baseball handed out their hardware for the 2011 Regular Season and the Blue Jays were extremely pleased to announce that rookie C J.P. Arencibia was named the American League Rookie of the Year after hitting .256 with 37 HR and driging in 95 RBI. Arencibia is the first Jays player to win the award since 3B Eric Hinske. No other Blue Jays would take home any hardware on awards night. The rest of the MLB awards wnet to:

American League Gold Gloves

P Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox)
C Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)
2B Dustin Pedroia (Boston Red Sox)
3B Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays)
SS Jed Lowrie (Boston Red Sox)
LF Carkl Crawford (Boston Red Sox)
CF Peter Bourjos (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
RF Nick Markakis (Baltimore Orioles)

National League Gold Gloves

P Shaun Marcum (Milwaukee Brewers)
C Carlos Ruiz (Philedelphia Phillies)
1B Juan Miranda (Arizona Diamonbacks)
2B Brandon Phillips (Cincinnati Reds)
3B Ryan Zimmerman (Washington Nationals)
SS Jimmy Rollins (Philedelphia Phillies)
LF Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals)
CF Colby Rasmus (St. Louis Cardinals)
RF Hunter Pence (Houston Astros)

American League Rookie of the Year Award

C J.P. Arencibia (Toronto Blue Jays)
.257 37 HR 95 RBI

National League Rookie of the Year Award

3B Juan Francisco (Cincinnati Reds)
.307 27 HR 87 ERA

American League Cy Young Award

SP C.C. Sabathia (New York Yankees)
18-7 3.27 ERA 179 K

National League Cy Young Award

SP Roy Halladay (Philedelphia Phillies)
17-11 2.75 ERA 221 K

American League MVP Award

1B Miguel Cabrerra (Detroit Tigers)
.316 33 HR 96 RBI

National League MVP Award

RF Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves)
.330 27 HR 86 RBI

Up Next: Blue Jays 2011 Minor League Players of the Year

[ryan008]

2011 Blue Jays Minor League Players of the Year

December 3rd, 2011

Every year the Toronto Blue Jays hand out an award to a player at each level of their minor league system for their performance during the season. This award is called the R Howard Webster Award and it is designed to honour the most valuable player at each level of the minors. This years award winners were:

AAA Las Vegas 51's (51-93 Last in the South Division)

1B David Cooper
Age: 24 Bats: LHB
Aquired: Drafted by the Jays in the 1st Round of the 2008 Draft
2011 Stats: .286 14 HR 77 RBI
GM's Comments: Cooper was a lone bright spots on one fo the worst teams in the Pacific Coast League in 2011. He lead the 51's in average and RBI's and was the teams lone Allstar. He will likely get a look as the Jays DH in spring training this year unless they fill that vacancy via free agency.

AA New Hampshire Fishercats (62 -80 5th in the Northern Division)

LF Adam Calderone
Age: 28 Bats: LHB
Aquired:
2011 Stats: .336 18 HR 58 RBI
GM's Comments: Calderone is likely too old to be considered in the Jays long term plans despite havign a career year at AA New Hampshire this season. His .336 average lead the team and his 18 HR was second. He was selected to the Eastern League Allstar team and will likely be promoted to AAA Las Vegas

Advanced A Dunedin Blue Jays (82-58 1st in the North Division & FSL League Champions)

SP Deck McGuire
Age: 22 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH
Aquired: Drafted by the Jays in the 1st Round 11th Overall in 2010 (Georgia Tech, NCAA)
2011 Stats: 18-6 2.50 ERA 62 BB 111 K
GM's Comments: McGuire was dominating in the Florida State League in 2011 leading the league in wins and ERA, he was a 2011 FSL Allstar and was awarded the FSL Pitcher of the Year Award. He is one of the Jays top pitching prospects, scouting as a good middle of the rotation arm. He will get an invitation to Spring Training in 2012 and will most likely start the season in AA New Hampshire but could see AAA Las Vegas before the end of the 2012 season depending on his performance.

Low A Lansing Lugnuts (78-67 3rd in the Eastern Division)

1B K.C. Hobson
Age: 21 Bats: LHB
Aquired:
2011 Stats: .335 17 HR 58 RBI
GM's Comments: Hobson had a tremendous season for the Lugnuts in 2011 and was named the Mid Western League Batter of the Year and a Midwestern Leageu Allstar. He lead the team in almost all offensive categories. He is just 21 years old and is quickly rising up the Jays prospect rankings and if he can repeat his performance next season in the Florida State League he may really put himself on the map among Jays prospects.

Short Season A Vancouver (28-48 3rd in the West Division)

SP Adonys Cardona
Age: 18 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH
Aquired: Signed as a non-drafted International Free Agent in 2011.
2011 Stats: 6-4 2.39 ERA 21 BB 32 K
GM's Comments: The 18 yearold excelled in a league dominated by much older competition he had a team best 2.39 ERA in 13 starts this season which is very impressive for an 18 yearold. He features 3 good pitches and a fastball that can touch 93 MPH as he grows and fills out he should add some velocity and could be an interesting prospect to watch for the Jays. He is still very young and will start the 2012 season in extended Spring Training and then will likely repeat Short Season A ball in Vancouver.

GCL Dunedin Blue Jays (32-28 3rd in the North Division)

CL Bob Flanagan
Age: 22 Throws: LHP Velocity: 95-97 MPH
Aquired: 18th Round Pick 528th Overall in 2011 (UC Santa Barbra, NCAA)
2011 Stats: 1-2 17 SV 2.57 ERA 5 BB 22 K
GM's Comments: Flanagan was dominant in the GCL League this year after putting up impressive numbers in the Collegiate ranks he translated that success to professional ball. He was a late round pick for the Jays and is looking like a gem coming out of the 18th round. He is a little advanced for rookie ball at 22 years old and 2012 will be a better indication as he is ticketed for Low A Lansing where he will face competition more his age level.

Bluefield Blue Jays (30-38 5th in the East Division)

3B Kaleb Cowart
Age: 19 Bats: Switch
Aquired: Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent in 2011
2011 Stats: .286 4 HR 33 RBI
GM's Comments: The 19 yearold switch hitter was inked as an undrafted free agent this season and put up some good numbers in Rookie Ball. He is known more for his defensive ability and that shone through as he was named the 2011 Gold Glove Award Winner at third. He will likely start the 2012 season in Extended Spring Training and will then get a chance at short season A ball with Vancouver in the Northwestern League.

Up Next: The 2011 Offseason

[ryan008]

Blue Jays Offseason Report - Jays Very Active in Free Agency & Trades

March 1st, 2012

The Toronto Blue Jays just wrapped up their first offseason with GM Ryan Stewart at the helm and the Jays had a very good offseason even making what some people have described as the biggest move of the entire offseason. The Jays agreed to a contract with former Mariners Ace SP Felix Hernandez to bolster their pitching staff. The 25 yearold was not offered a contract by the Mariners and was snapped up by the Jays on a 5 year deal worth $105,000,000. GM Ryan Stewart "Hernandez is exactally the type of player that we want to bring in, he is young and still ahs the best years of his career ahead of him. We think he will be a force in the American League East and will help to lead a very young pitching staff here in Toronto. We are very excited to bring him to Toronto and can't wait to see just what he can do here"

Rule V Draft

The Blue Jays did not select or lose anyone in the 2012 Rule V Draft.

Free Agent Signings

The Blue Jays made a huge splash in the free agent market inking 25 yearold SP Felix Hernandez to a 5 year contract. The 6'3" 222 lb righty was 12-10 with a 3.08 ERA with 67 BB and had 190 K's for a very bad Seattle Mariners team in 2011, he is a former American League Cy Young Award Winner and is a two time American League Allstar. He agreed to a 5 year deal worth a total of $105,000,000 which includes a 5th year that is a player option. Hernandez ranked as a Type A free agent meaning the Blue Jays will have to surrender their 1st round draft pick to the Mariners as compensation, a price GM Ryan Stewart was more than willing to pay "We weighed this decision heavily as we put a high value on our draft picks. We decided that the chances of hitting a player with Hernandez's talent where we are to select in the draft was unlikely so it made this the right move. We can't wait to see what he can do as a Blue Jay"

The Blue Jays also made a trio of other more minor moves during the offseason this year aiming to shoreup their bullpen and to add a back up catcher. The Jays inked MR Bobby Jenks to a 2 year deal worth $5,600,000. The 31 yearold was 4-4 with 2 SV and had a 5.65 ERA with 38 BB and 90 strikeouts in 87.2 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He will get a chance to compete for the closers role during spring training but he is more likely to wind up in a set up role for the Jays. He was a Type B free agent meaning that the Jays will not lose a draft pick to sign him.

The Blue Jays added another vetran arm to the bullpen agreeing to a 1 year deal with $2,870,000 with former Oriole's MR Michael Gonzalez. The 33 yearold lefty was 7-1 with 12 Saves and had a 3.04 ERA with 36 BB and 89 K for the Orioles last season. He was brought in as a situational lefty and to give Jays Manager John farrell another lefty option down in the bullpen.

GM Ryan Stewart's last free agent aquisition was to ink veteran C Miguel Olivo to a 1 year $1,760,000 contract extension. The 33 yearold right handed batter hit .241 with 12 HR and drove in 46 RB for the Mariners last season. He is very good defensively and is capable enough with the bat he can spell C J.P. Arencibia a few times a month to give the Jays starting catcher a break. He was also considered a Type B free agent and the Blue Jays will not forfit a draft pick to aquire his services.


Trades

GM Ryan Stewart made a pair of trades this offseason aimed at addressing two of the teams biggest needs at second base and in centerfield. With the departure of 2B Aaron Hill as a free agent and with no one in the system ready to assume the role of everyday second base at the MLB level the Jays went out and aquired 2B Kelly Johnson and minor leage SP Yo****sune Matsumoto from the Atlanta Braves for SP Marc Rzepczynski and a pair of prospects in 1B K.C. Hobson and CF Anthony Gose.

Players to Atlanta

SP Marc Rzepczynski is a 26 yearold lefty who spent the majority of last season as a reliever for the Jays. He was 5-3 with a 5.40 ERA with 35 BB and 45 Ks which included 7 starts. He has the potential to be a back end of the rotation arm but has slipped down the Jays depth chart with the return of SP Dustin McGowan and the signing of SP Felix Hernandez.

1B K.C. Hobson had a very good season for the Jays at Lansing of the Midwestern League hitting .335 with 17 HR and 85 RBI. The 21 yearold was named the Blue Jays R. Howard Webster Award Winner for Lansing and was a Midwestern league Allstar. He was quickly moving up the Blue Jays prospect depth charts before he was dealt and should be an everyday first baseman at the MLB level.

CF Anthony Gose is a 21 yearold left handed batter who heading into the 2011 season was considered one of the Jays top prospects. He had a bit of a rough season in 2011 for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League hitting just .249 with 8 HR and 48 RBI. He was still considered a top prospect and should be an everyday player at the MLB level.

Players to Toronto

2B Kelly Johnson is a 31 yearold left handed batter who hit .305 with 32 HR and drove in 103 RBI for the Braves. He is in the last year of his contract that pays him $10,500,000 and will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season. Defensively he is very steady and should add a very good left handed bat to what could be a potent Jays lineup.

SP Yo****sune Matsumoto is a 17 yearold 6'6" 230 lb righty who was signed by the Braves as an International Free Agent out of Japan in 2011. He features a 96-98 MPH fastball as well as a hard slider and is working on a curveball. He went 1-1 with 8 SV andposted a 5.21 ERA in Rookie League with Missoula in 2011. The Jays see him as a starter and will have him start in Bluefield when the Rookie League Season start up in June. He has the potential to be a middle of the rotation arm but is a long way from being MLB ready.

The Blue Jays second deal of the offseason saw them send SP Brandon Morrow and minor league SP Joel Carreno to the St. Louis Carndinals in exchange for CF Colby Rasmus and CL Eduardo Sanchez. GM Ryan Stewart on the deal "We felt that ceterfield was a position that we needed to upgrade both defensively and offensively. We had Rajai Davis for most of the season last year and he put up respectiable numbers but just not what we were expecting from a starting centerfielder. Rasmus is a young player who still has some talent to grow into and we think he will fit in well with what we are trying to accomplish here"

Players to St. Louis

SP Brandon Morrow is a 27 yearold righty with a big arm. His fastball reaches 95-97 MPH and he also has good secondary stuff. He wa 6-6 with a 3.23 ERA with 70 BB and 118 K's for the Jays last season but did miss some time due to injuries. He was not a player that the Jays wanted to part with but they could not make this deal without him included.

SP Joel Carreno is a 25 yearold righty with an 89-90 MPH fastball. He was 6-7 with a 3.65 ERA with 24 BB and 63 K's as the New Hampshire Fishercats #3 starter this year. Carreno relies heavily on his control as he can't blow hitters away with his stuff and he scouts as a back end of the rotation arm.

Players to Toronto

CF Colby Rasmus is a 25 yearold left handed batter who hit .284 with 22 HR and drove in 73 RBI for the Cardinals last season. He is another young controlable player (contract for 2012 is $6,500,000 on auto renew) who the Jays believe still has some potential to grow into. Defensively he is very sound as he took home the Gold Glove Award in centerfield in 2011.

CL Eduardo Sanchez is a 24 yearold righty who features a hard 95-97 MPH fastball as well as a late breaking slider. He was 5-4 with 20 Saves and posted a 4.93 ERA with 18 BB and 36 strikesouts in 38.1 innings for AAA Memphis. He will get a shot to crack the Jays bullpen this season and will be headed to Spring Training with the Jays.

International Free Agents

There was only a single notable free agnet that entered the Major League Free Agent pool this offseason. 29 yearold SP Rafael Soto out of the Dominican Republic. He features a 95-97 MPH fastball and has a very good curve, slider and changeup. the 6'5" 213 pounder looks like he would be a good #2 or #3 starter at the MLB level but is not going to come cheep. Rumour is he is looking for a 5 year deal in teh neighbourhood of $100,000,000.

Blue Jay International Free Agent Signings

The Jays scouting staff continued to be dillagent in their scouting of International leagues and it paid off with the Jays signing a trio of players to minor league contracts.

MR Gonzago Balderas (17, LHP, V: 89-90 MPH) - Puerto Rico
3B Ricardo Soto (18, LHB) - Dominican Republic
MR Jose Garcia (17, RHP, V: 92-94 MPH - Venezuela

2011 Major League Free Agent Signings

CF Carlos Beltran - 3 years $45,100,000 (Atlanta Braves)
CL Joe Nathan - 3 years $34,400,000 (New York Yankees)
2B Rickie Weeks - 5 years $91,400,000 (Cleveland Indians)
CL Heath Bell - 3 years $35,700,000 (Seattle Mariners)
SP Johan Santana - 2 years $27,500,000 (Kansas City Royals)
SP Felix Hernandez - 5 years $105,000,000 (Toronto Blue Jays)
2B Chase Utley - 2 years $50,200,000 (San Diego Padres)
SP C.C. Sabathia - 5 years $97,800,000 (Seattle Mriners)
SS Hanly Ramirez - 6 yers $116,000,000 (Minnesota Twins)
1B Prince Fielder - 6 years $106,700,000 (Colorado Rockies)
1B Adrian Gonzalez - 5 years $87,000,000 (Milwaukee Brewers)
CF Curtis Granderson - 2 years $29,800,000 (New York Mets)
SP C.J. Wilson - 4 years $55,000,000 (Kansas City Royals)
CL Jon Rauch - 3 years $34,200,000 (milwaukee Brewers)*
1B Mark Texiera - 6 years $102,700,000 (Seattle Mariners)
SP Rafael Soto - 6 years $68,400,000 (New York Yankees)
1B Justin Morneau - 5 years 89,000,000 (Chicago White Sox)
RF Josh Willingham - 4 years $68,700,000 (New York Yankees)
SP Zack Grenike - 4 years $75,200,000 (Atlanta Braves)
SS Jason Bartlett - 4 years $40,600,000 (Seattle Mariners)
RF Magglio Ordonez - 2 years $23,200,000 (San Francisco Giants)
CF Shane Victorino - 4 years $37,200,000 (New York Yankees)
CL Jonathan Papelbon - 3 years $38,400,000 (Colorado Rockies)
MR Houston Street - 3 years $23,700,000 (Washington Nationals)
CL Jonathan Broxton - 1 year $14,700,000 (Cleveland Indians)
1B Paul Konerko - 2 years $32,000,000 (New York Yankees)
2B Aaron Hill - 5 year $76,800,000 (Chicago White Sox)*
CF Scott Podsednik - 3 years $11,000,000 (New York Yankees)*
1B Nick Johnson - 1 year $10,620,000 (New York Yankees)

*The Blue Jays will receive compensation selections in the Supplemental 1st round
** The Blue Jays will forfit their 1st round pick 21st overall to the Seattle Mariners for the signing of SP Felix Hernandez.

Up Next: Spring Training 2012

[Klew1986]

Woah!!! Hanley to the Twins!?!?!?!?! Guess they gave up on the Nishioka/Tolbert/Casilla combos