Closer to the Heart

Scott Downs

Joba Chamberlain

Is the news out of New York has the Jays wanting Joba for Scott Downs, and I agree , do it and make him the closer du jour, let him work with Walton and Langford, and in 2011 , the job is his to lose. Gregg has proven to be exactly what Anthopolous thought he was, a 50 -50 shot each night. An average guy, but not dominant closer material.

If not Joba, see if the Red Sox will take John Buck ( who they need ) and Downs for Danny Bard, and Jed Lowrie ( who is almost out of options ). Lowrie plays 3 infield positions and makes peanuts, and the jewel is Bard, a hard throwing righty who has closer aspirations. He like Joba are blocked by Papelbon and Rivera, and the Yanks give the ball more lately to cheaper unheralded David Robertson, and have possibly grown tired of explaining to Joba, to wait until next year.

 Now I honestly do not believe the Yanks will do this, but if the Jays were to toss in John Buck, or Overbay and take back a double AA prospect, I would do it.  Scott Downs, Lyle Overbay and John Buck have expiring contracts, so we should shed a tear, because all will be gone next year. Do you think John Buck ( who leads the majors in homers and ribbies at the catching position ) is going to take a discount here, with Arrencibia in the wings, not a chance, he wants to cash in, and so he should, it will be his only chance to do that. I see him in Texas next year replacing Bengie Molina, as their trio of young stud catchers are all duds so far.

3 days left, and someone just starting warming up the hot stove rumours......