Some Random Musings...Winter Meetings, Thoughts, etc.

First things first.

In a recent draft, I had hoped that JP would take a wild chance and draft Pat Venditte, from Creighton. He did not. The Yankees, of all teams, took him with the 620th pick of the draft. A little insight on Venditte that I thought was out-fucking-standing: 1. HE IS A SWITCH-FUCKING-PITCHER. 2. He can pitch with both arms. Now, Venditte is 2 completely different pitchers depending on which arm he is using. As a righty, he is Josh Towers. As a lefty, Trever Miller. Now, individually, not that impressive. Combine those abilities into 1 reliever and there is serious star potential, and a future key member of a bullpen. It is worth a shot is all I'm saying. I wasn't expecting his to get drafted in the top 10-15 rounds, but after that, a lot of teams start picking toolsy OF/SS high schoolers who have made strong commitments to Colleges.

So far in his Minor League career, Venditte saved 23 games in 30 appearances, putting up a .83 ERA and K'ing more than a batter per inning. He is 23 at low A ball, but could move fast once it is realized he is fucking legit.

Now, onto some more pressing matters: the Winter Meetings.

Some quick Jays-related stuff.

1. A.J. was offered and has rejected arbitration, guaranteeing 2 extra picks in the 2009 draft. Hopefully, a good team signs him so it's a first rounder.

2. A little rumour emerged that the Beej could land in New York with the Mets. It was quickly and emphatically shot down. I would enjoy the extra payroll flexibility for a hitter though.

3. Brian Tallet has been named by a Cardinals writer as a potential target for lefty bullpen help. It's not like the Jays need 4 lefties in the pen. Peace out Tallet.

4. Tom O'Connell, Carl Pavano's agent, is saying the Jays have "significant interest" in Pavano. I am not against this. He could be a very good risk-reward cheap signing. His upside is much better than Ohka/Thomson.

5. Tim Brown from Yahoo! is saying that the Jays could be in on Rafy Furcal with the money "put aside" for Burnett. As much as I want a legit SS and lead-off guy on the Jays, it ain't happening. The money put aside has been raped by my Country's plummeting dollar.


A though always crosses my mind when I look at rumours: how could the Jays get in on that? Well, this next segment has been brought to you by that. I will run off a rumour, then discuss how the Jays could potentially get in on it.

Ramon Hernandez (Baltimore) for Ryan Freel (Cincinnati)
This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides. It could also make sense for the Jays. I am not comfortable with Barajas as the starter next year or with Jeroloman or especially Thigpen as back-ups. How about Lyle Overbay, or better yet, Scott Rolen, for Hernandez, who would add $1M if Overbay goes or would be $3M cheaper than Rolen. Overbay would be a good fit for Baltimore if Teix isn't an option. With that said, I would rather have Overbay for $7M than Hernandez for $8M.

Jermaine Dye (Chicago WS) for Homer Bailey (Cincinnati)
Another Reds rumour. Well, I for one think that if Dye could be enough, than Rios or Wells could work as well. Wells is in a ridiculous contract, but the Reds have a ton left over from Dunn/Griffey departures and the Jays could take a bad contract back in return as well (Arroyo and/or Freel). Bailey could need a change of scenery, and could flourish with some Arnsberg influence the way I imagine he helped Marcum & McGowan.

Huston Street (Colorado) for Aaron Heilman & Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets)
Surely, the Jays could top that offer for a quality reliever. The Jays need a righty at the end of games to help out BJ, Scotty, & Carlson. Accardo is coming back from injury and shouldn't be banked on. Brian Tallet is more valuable than Feliciano and Brian Wolfe is not much worse than Heilman. Accardo could be in there if Wolfe isn't enough. Street could be valuable late in games, then in July when the Jays are out it, prospects can be acquired.

Miguel Tejada (Houston) for Young Pitching
David Purcey and reliever and mid-prospect or 2. Just throwing it out there. I am convinced that Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil could have a better 2009 than Purcey. The Jays would need to unload some money after the deal, but it's not impossible. DFA'ing Bautista & trading McDonald would free up $4M right there. If Adam Everett can get $1M guaranteed, the Jays wouldn't have to eat any of his $1.9M. Plus, Miggy makes $13M in 2009, the final year of his deal. That money was "set aside" for A.J. anyways, if I am to believe what is reported.

Delmon Young (Minnesota) for Something
They want more than just Jason Donald for him. Let's start there. Justin Jackson is a SS prospect, much further away from the majors. Scott Campbell is a 2B who is probably as close as Donald is to the majors. Donald is the far superior prospect, but the Jays could add a couple more prospects or some relievers. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor are all expendable but valuable bullpen arms. The Jays have plenty of young toolsy OF who could be involved. There isn't an obvious fit, but a fit could be forced with enough creativity.

Jason Marquis (Chicago Cubs) for Salary Relief?
It wouldn't be a good deal at all, but 1 year of Marquis for almost $10M may be better than playing the free agent gamble. Plus, the Cubs could pitch in $3M to make it possible. The relief arms could be parted with here as well. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor, the usual.

Jorge Cantu (Florida) for Jon Sanchez (San Fransisco)
As much as I would like to acquire Cantu, this would be about getting Oliver Perez. Sanchez has Perez written all over in my eyes. I see so many similarities. If Cantu is almost enough, how about Lind, younger and maybe better. Or Rios, who would be overpaying for Sanchez, but some parts could come with Sanchez. Rios is losing ground to reach his potential. He could wake up and be 30 and be a .280 RF with 15HR. I would rather see him go while he can put that up while playing CF for someone else.

Well, that is it for now. It's been a lot of rumours with nothing happening today. It's late, and I have to work tomorrow morning, so I'm out.

Until next time, I'll be takin' it easy for all you sinners out there.