Rogers Acquiring Rogers?

The Blue Jays have acquired hard throwing right hander Esmil Rogers for Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes; so in essence they traded John Farrell, David Carpenter, and Yan Gomes for a versatile righty. Doesn't sound so bad now, does it? This trade leaves me with a couple questions that happen to lead me to more questions.

1) Does Alex like Rogers as a depth starter?

            After seeing his success as a reliever in the American League last year, posting a WHIP of 1.11 and K/9 just over 9, I’d prefer to see him stay in the bullpen. This leads to my second question:

2) Does AA believe Darren Oliver is leaning towards retirement?

            With the uncertainty of Oliver’s future AA could have acquired Rogers in case Oliver decides to retire. Personally I don’t think Alex goes out and trades for a relief pitcher if he doesn’t have too. So maybe Oliver is leaning towards retirement? (Let’s hope not)

3) Was Aviles ever the answer at Second?

            I don’t think so. He would have been a brilliant bench guy, but for a team that wants to contend, he’s not a starter. Which leads to:

4) Is AA comfortable with a middle infield of Yunel and Adeiny after this trade?

            He shouldn’t be. AA hasn’t done anything to impress the “average” Jays fan of late, but I think the acquisition of Marco Scutaro could change that. Not only is he a fan favourite for all Jays fans, but he can still play the game and get to the World Series. After a huge trade or the acquisition of a franchise player, I think this is #2 on most Jays fan’s wish list.

The trade itself:

            This trade does nothing but good. It adds versatile depth at the starting and relieving positions, which the Jays could have desperately used last year (Learning the hard way!) It opens a new door for second base options, and opens up space on the 40-man by ridding themselves of Yan Gomes, who just couldn’t find his bat all year. Plus, when Brandon Lyon and Jason Frasor walk in Free AGency in the next couple of months, Rogers will fill one of their spots in the bullpen.

Conclusion:

            No true Jays fan will be disappointed in this trade because there is really nothing bad about it. 

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Source: Red Sox Hire Farrell

Missed me Boston?

According to Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) of Comcast Sports Net, the Boston Red Sox have hired John Farrell as their manager.More to come!

Update #1:It is a 4 year deal for Farrell to the Sox.

Update #2: Scratch that. 3 year deal until 2015 for Farrell. Compensation being announced in the next couple of days. Jays likely to announce new manager soon(1 week or two).

Update #3: Jon Morosi tweets via a source that a player will be moving from both teams in this trade, which likely means somebody with some value is going to be coming to Toronto! Also according to Morosi, the player going to the Jays was a Major Leaguer in 2012.

Update #4: Morosi is trolling hard right now. He now tweets that the player the Jays are getting is an infielder. Pedro Ciriaco? Jose Iglesias? David Ortiz? Dustin Pedroia(not happening)?

Update #5:The Jays are getting Mike Aviles from the Red Sox. This likely allows AA to trade one of Yunel or Hech. He might also just be a bench player, or he might even be traded. Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun tweeted that Adam Lind might be going to the Red Sox in return.

Overall, the Jays came out on top on this deal, no matter how you spin it. How often are you able to trade your manager for an MLB player? Anthopolous saw an opportunity, and he took advantage of it. We might not have gotten so much out of to, but if used in a utility role, Aviles could be great for the Blue Jays in 2013. He could replace Omar Vizquel, and play 1 game a week at 3B,2B, and SS. When is the last time the Jays had a great bat off the bench? But, then the Jays throw in Adam Lind in the deal. Even more of a win! Lind would be owed at least $7 million this year, and with his arrival in Boston, it likely means David Ortiz won't be re-signing with the Red Sox. If Ortiz is a free agent, there is a very good chance he would sign with Toronto. Big Papi's best friend is Jose Bautista, and he and Edwin Encarnacion also get along. Can you imagine a 3-4-5 of Jose,EE,and Papi? Pitchers are scared.

Alex Anthopolous isn't stupid. He coaxed a major league player from a team for a manager, who most say isn't very good. But, in addition to that, he also(maybe) cleared $7 million that can go to a starter or one of the other needs the Blue Jays have this off-season, including a DH named David Ortiz, who won't return to Boston if Lind indeed goes there.

Update #6 8:00 AM Sunday:Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston is now reporting that Adam Lind is not part of the deal...So much for that.

Update #7: Multiple sources are telling WEEI Radio that David Carpenter is the player going to the Red Sox in the trade.


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