It Feels Like Forever, But It's Almost Free Agent Time

When Kenny Chesney wrote these lyrics in a brilliant song: "I wanna know how forever feels," I bet he never though it would be a period of time between posts on a ridiculous blog.

But it does feel like forever since I posted, and it's only been 5 days.

Anyway, I've decided that it's time to look at the free agents that will likely be available.

Catcher
Pudge Rodriguez & Miguel Olivo will be the top 2 available catchers, and the rest are mainly defensive guys with little bat, or Johnny Estrada. Gregg Zaun & Jason Varitek need to nealize they are not starters anymore, and should embrace a back-up role. Varitek should be back in Boston, while the rest are a crap-shoot. I could see the Jays picking up a catcher on a 1-yr deal, maybe even a solid one trying to find a pay day next offseason.

A Josh Bard, Mike Barrett, Johnny Estrada would be nice pick-ups, as all 3 have variary degrees of success in the big leagues and have all shown good sticks at some point. Personal preference is Bard, a switch-hitter who edge Estrada because he isn't Mexican.

First Base/Third Base Types
Rich Aurilia, Maybe Hank Blalock, Nomah Garciaparrah, Kevin Millar, Richie Sexson, Casey Blake, Aaron Boone, Russell Branyon. These are some guys I would rather have than a 12th pitcher. All could handle 3rd base when Rolen gets hurt, and all (minus Blalock & Branyon) can play 1st base against certain lefties to give Lyle some time off. Personal preference is Branyon, who I think just needs a really good shot to put up some big numbers.

Middle Infielders/Utility Players
Willie Bloomquist, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston, Nick Punto, Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis, Ramon Vazquez. I wold love to see the Jays add some speed. And I think the best place is a utility guy. Bloomquist can play all over, and Punto is slick in the IF. I would really want Izturis, even though he is Mexican. I can see 1 depth aquisition, but probly a minor league free agent type. I would really to see Hairston, Izturis, or Punto.

DH Types
Since the Jays don't need outfield help, I will include OF as well that would be nice fits. Jason Giambi, Jeff Kent, Raul Ibanez, Garret Anderson, Adam Dunn, Luis Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Moises Alou, Ken Griffey.

I would love to see a lefty bat added that could hit between Rios & Wells, so I'm looking at Giambi, Ibanez, Dunn, or Griffey. Griffey would be a shocker, while Dunn is so not likely thanks to JP's stupidity. My love of Griffey would really want him in Toronto, but realisticaly Ibanez is a perfect fit.

Starters
Ryan Dempster, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Randy Johnson, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf. I would like to see 2 guys added from this group. I have always had a Mexican man crush on Oliver Perez's stuff, so that would be nice. Arnsberg could turn that kid into a monster if he is half the man I imagine him to be. Dempster is an unrealistic option, but I mention him because he gives me a Candian boner. 1 year of the Big Unit would be pretty sweet as well.

All in all...there are guys I want off the Jays roster. I love McDonald, but if Scutaro is starting, I want a fast bench, and McDonald seems pretty slow without a glove in his hand. Punto or Izturis ar both a bunch quicker and not that far behind with the glove. Both switch-hit, so it also helps with match-ups. As a fourth OF, I want a fast guy as well. Scott Podsednik would be amazing coming off the bench to run for Barajas late in the game.

Back-Up C
Out: Thigpen (to AAA)
In: Josh Bard - switch hitter, good defence, not shitty like Thigpen.

Back-Up middle infielder
Out: Johnny Mac (sorry bud)
In: Cesar Izturis - switch hitter, great defence, really fast, better hitting than Mac by a wide margin.

Back-Up corner infielder
Out: Bautista (his power doesn't outweigh his shittiness)
In: With no other righty hitting options on the team anymore, Aaron Boone - I have always liked Boone, so I would like to see this.

Fourth OF:
Out: Buck Coates?
In: If Bautista can play OF, he can stay in this role. If not, Jason Michaels - lefty masher for Lind to play with.

Fifth OF:
Out: 12th Pitcher (the Jays don't need seven relievers, fuck Tallet)
In: Scott Podsednik - amazing fast, good bunter, wouldn't embarrass if he had to start, unlike Wilkerfuck.

With Snider starting in AAA (hopefully, please god) Ibanez can come in and DH for 2 or 3 years.

These are all fucked up thoughts I have been having, trying to come up with a perfect bench for next season.