Examining The Free Agent Market

It has been what feel like forever since I put anything up on this blog. Well, I am finally ready to start looking forward to 2010.

With some recent smart pick-ups and the free agent filings, the Jays 40-man roster sits at 36, not including Shaun Marcum, who sits on the 60-Day DL and will need to be added on. So, let's call it an uneven 37.

Departing since my last update are C Rod Barajas, SS Marco Scutaro, SS John McDonald, and 1B Kevin Millar.

Arriving are LHP Sean Henn, 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir, and IF Mike McCoy.

Hoffpauir and McCoy could make for some fine utility infielders next season and Sean Henn could make for a decent 3rd lefty out of the penn if needed.

I expect to see Jose Bautista either traded or non-tendered as well, leaving another roster spot.

Recently, it seems that the Jays would love to get rid of Lyle Overbay. I don't know why. I mean, who else would be better to help Adam Lind turn into a respectable 1B? It's not like the Jays are loaded with above average players.

So, assuming that Overbay is gone and Lind is installed as the 1B, the Jays will either be going with Dopirak and Ruiz as DH or importing one in.

They will also need some semblance of a SS, unless anyone thinks Angel Sanchez could be the answer.

A solid defensive RF would also be a great addition, allowing Snider to play LF.

I am about to drop some knowedge on what I would do if I was continuing this build.

Catcher

The Jays need a good defensive catcher who doesn't embarass himself at the plate. In my opinion, an OBP less than .260 is embarassing, no matter how many HR someone hits.

I would love to bring in a youngish catcher who is underappreciated by his current team, like AJ Ellis from the Dodgers, who posted a .400+ OBP in AAA last season.

It would also be nice if a Halladay trade brought in a proven youngish catcher. Maybe Mike Napoli or Russell Martin.

My top free agent options are Brian Schneider, Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Hernandez, and Josh Bard. Bard would splitt with Raul Chavez 50-50, while the others would play about 70% of the time.

If Arencibia gets off to a good start in AAA and shows some improved defense, he should be used in Toronto from June onward.

Short Stop

Again, it would be very nice if the Jays could bring back a good SS in a Halladay trade, like Erick Aybar.

You could also target young great glove SS with questionable bats. Chin-Lung Hu is a guy who immediately springs to mind. As long as the targets can get on-base and play really solid defense, anything they hit will be a bonus.

If you want to look at some free agent options, I would love to target Adam Everett, Alex Gonzalez, or reclamation types like Bobby Crosby or Khalil Greene. As long as you don't pay more than $2M.

Right Field

This is interesting, because a year ago, I had a thought that Rick Ankiel would be a nice piece to add if they were closer to contending. Well, the Jays aren't closer, but Ankiel had a god awful season. This could put him in the Jays range for a potential piece if the price is right. He is a very good defensive OF and has a connon for an arm. He also has exceptional power and could really help the team. He could even play CF with Wells moving into RF if Cito has enough ball-sack.

Again, you could always acquire a young piece in a Halladay trade, either in CF or RF. No names pop into mind, but if talks start heating up, I will look into what each team could offer. Michael Taylor in Philly would be a fantastic get. Maybe a prospect for prospect trade where the Jays send over a couple top prospects at areas of need for Philly.

Another potential low-risk pick-up is Austin Kearns. He plays a fine OF and has some power. Xavier Nady should also be looked into.

Other Options

I personally would love to see Adam Lind in LF, Travis Snider in RF, Randy Ruiz at DH and Brian Dopirak at 1B and just watch a tank job so awesome that it potentially be a positive. What is Ruiz can hit 30 HR+ in a full season? What if Dopirak can slam 30 HR? It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.

But, if they decide to import a DH, guys like Jim THome or Jason Giambi could be low cost veteran bats.

Maybe the Jays will bring in a couple veteran arms for insurance on the kids if Halladay is dealt. I would look into wife-beater Brett Myers if he is willing to start. Justin Duchsherer would also be a good target.

A couple names I see as free agents that are interesting are Tyler Herron, a former top pick with St. Louis, who is still young enough to have potential. He could be a good pick-up for any team smart enough to take a chance. I also think Rich Harden would be a fantastic addition, and not just because he is Canadian. he is still young, and pitching for a building team, he will be able to miss a couple starts here and there if something feels off.

I also wouldn't be against picking up a couple waiver pick-ups or Rule 5 picks when the time comes and actually keep them. Maybe you strike gold with a Dan Uggla or Everth Cabrera. It is worth a shot, because almost every year a Rule 5 guy proves that all you need is a chance.

Why pay a veteran $1M+ to do a job that some kid will do better for league minimum?

Take chances.