Massive Moves by Jays / Rays

I was standing in the The Keg in Sudbury, with my wife and son when images of a Blue Jay were on the bar TV.  I could not make out who it was, so it 2 hours later when we all learned that Alex A had moved the imoveable contract to the Halos for Napoli and Rivera.

To be honest, I think these 2 are just passing through, and perhaps will get some playing time until they are moved for younger chess pieces.

Then faster than you can say "Mike Napoli", you can't, he's gone before I even posted this blog. I had planned to finish this blog on Monday, but got side tracked. Back now to finish this before Rivera takes a powder.

So, Napoli has been sent packing to Texas, to back up their catchers, 1st base, and DH a bit. Vladdy is now no longer an option. Music is going to stop soon Vlad, so you better grab a team.

Frankie Fransisco arrives, and now the bullpen has added, Carlos Villanueva, Jon Rauch, Chad Cordero, Octavio Dotel and that chair shucking maniac Frankie Fransisco. Most of might have to google that evevnt years back but he was threatened by a fan, beer or some beveraged tossed his way, and then furniture was lauunched into the stands. A wild scene, and suspension followed.

So the bullpen is well stocked, and with this deal we again shave payroll, and by the way we took cask back in this deal.

Is Juan Rivera next ?? Perhaps, but Napoli's departure likely calms the faithful that JP Arrencibia's job was in jeopardy. Could not see that happening, so the Napoli deal preserves hi spot along side Jose Molina.

The Rays shed payroll all off season long, then add re treads like Damon and Manny for peanuts.

The question begs asking though, if the Jays ever considered signing Manny ?

If he signed for $ 2 million, plus a chance to collect bonus points, where was frugal Alex, clipping coupons for another attempt to save Rogers more loot.

Is the team better with Rajah Davis as an everyday CF, possibly ? Is the Jays bullpen stronger, yes, but most of the arms are on 1-2 year deals, with club options, so many will be dumped I exepct. Between Rauch, Dotel and Fransisco, all 3 have closer experience, plus hold over Jason Fraser, unless Fraser gets dropped after arbitration.

What should not be lost with losing Vernon , his contract, and the latest deal for Napoli is that we have reduced the payroll down to the mid 50's, and have cash returned as well.  A very manageable number, and one that would appear to have loads of room.

Are we spending it on Jose Bautista ?

Are we signing some free agent still out there ? 

Hands up who has any idea what the plan is ?

My guess rfemains as it did when the season ended, reduce, reduce and reduce. Keep a good young core nucleus together, and if you can move older players, and payroll, do it.

So anyone think we are gunning for 2012 yet ?

Not until we actually make the move, a Prince Fielder, an Albert Pujols, a Justin Morneau, a major piece to create a feel that we can really compete with the big spenders.

I stand by my predicition of 83 wins, without Marcum, and Wells, we'll see what the kiddie corps is really capable of.