July 31 is rapidly approaching. Buy or Sell lets each team know where they stand on the trade market with the deadline right around the corner.
This is the year that the Jays really thought they were going to take that step into the stratosphere of the Yankees and the Red Sox. Of course, you could probably say that about the Blue Jays every year for the last ten. But with the acquisitions of the likes of Scott Rolen and David Eckstein, this was really going to be the year.
Instead, not only were they passed by the Rays, but they've been passed by the Baltimore Orioles. And these are two franchises that haven't been known for great baseball decisions over the past ten years.
The Jays, at 10.5 games behind the Rays, and nine games behind the Red Sox for the wild card lead, are most likely sellers this season. We all know about A.J. Burnett and his opt-out clause. And for those thinking Roy Halladay ... forget it. He's not going anywhere.
But the good news for the Jays is that they can actually throw in the towel on the season without really looking like they're throwing in the towel. Besides Burnett, the Jays don't have to let go of star players like Halladay or Alex Rios to have a fire sale. They have a lot of spare type parts that, if they wish, they could sell off for younger parts and prospects. Parts like relievers Scott Downs and Jason Frasor, and perhaps even hitters like Kevin Mench and Rod Barajas could bring back some younger pieces to help replenish the farm system. David Eckstein, who's not only on the market, but signed a tradeable one-year deal, could be dealt to a team that needs a shortstop and attract some decent parts back also.
The bigger names with the Jays are either untradeable, injured, or too young to be cast aside because this season is turning into a bust. So there's not a lot that the Blue Jays can do, unless they wanted to see what B.J. Ryan could fetch on a bullpen friendly market. They'll simply hope that Burnett can bring back enough pieces to give them more hope for next season, when hopefully injured players like Vernon Wells, Dustin McGowan, Jeremy Accardo and Casey Janssen can return to form. A lot to hope for while playing in the ever tougher A.L. East.
