Blue Jays sign Frank Thomas

[SD2]

Zito would be great. But isn't their payroll still well below that of BOS and the Yanks? I thought they only had around 90M to throw around- and that's after the increase. I'm not trying to be argumentative or anything- but how do you figure they can afford both Wells and Zito at his point?

Well, they have about $70 million already committed, and they were willing to throw at least $10 million/season apiece for both Meche and Lilly, long term.

That would've put them at over $90 million, and they still have some of their own free agents to resign. It seems they have a payroll in the $100 million range, which would mean they're one of the highest spending teams in the game.

They are blowing $9 milllion/season on Frank Thomas, nearly $10 million/season on a closer and were willing to commit $20 million/season on two mediocre pitchers.

That's nearly $40 million...more than enough for both Zito and Wells.

Ryan did well last year, but I don't think any closer is worth that much money.

If Ricciardi had actually done a decent job in the farm system, then we could have some cheaper, effective pieces. But now he's just trying to buy his way out of the mess he's made, which is why there isn't money left for actual good signings.

 

[Bogtrotter]

Ricciardi was always a bit of a whiner when it came to the payroll. I don't think he has any excuses now that they are among the top ten. Hopefully he won't send some our younger talent packing in a trade for that 4th spot. If they deal anybody, I hope it's Johnson.

 

[SD2]

^I agree.

There's talk Rios has been made trade bait. If that's true, they better get a great pitcher in return.

 

[jayomatic]

agreed. Rios could be the next franchise player if we keep him. I really hope they keep him. Last thing we need is to watch this boy get picked up by the red sox or yankees only to be an allstar year after year. Please don't let us become the new expos.

 

[tdguy]

IMO i think Rios will eclipse the player Wells is right now. He's got better hitting skills, he's faster on the bases, and when he grows into his big frame be a deadly power hitter. I wish the Jays traded Wells for Oswalt when they had the chance, him and Holliday would have been a deadly 1-2 combo.

 

[Bogtrotter]

Despite all the hoopla over Wells and Thomas, as far as I'm concerned, they haven't actually improved their offence much over last year. Hitting wasn't what they needed anyway. As it stands now they're a weaker team than last year. I'd hate to see Rios go but i suspect without another solid starter they have little chance of making the wildcard. Everything would have to go right for them- and that's a tall order.

 

[SD2]

I wish the Jays traded Wells for Oswalt when they had the chance, him and Holliday would have been a deadly 1-2 combo.

I couldn't see the Astros ever doing that. Starting pitching is just too valuable a commodity.

 

[SD2]

Despite all the hoopla over Wells and Thomas, as far as I'm concerned, they haven't actually improved their offence much over last year. Hitting wasn't what they needed anyway. As it stands now they're a weaker team than last year. I'd hate to see Rios go but i suspect without another solid starter they have little chance of making the wildcard. Everything would have to go right for them- and that's a tall order.

I agree. Their bullpen is weaker, and their starting pitching is exactly the same.

 

[billy corgan19982]

There are still a few months before the start of the season and I’m confident that JP will make a trade for a 3rd starter. I just hope he keeps Rios.

 

[Bogtrotter]

It's hard to believe that baseball will be starting up again in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see who gets those last two starting spots. Blair, of G&M, thinks that Downs might even be contending. I think it's most likely Ohka and Johnson myself. Overall I think they're marginally a better team than last year, certainly more depth. Glad they kept Rios and Johnson. Any thoughts, predictions..?

 

[SD2]

It's hard to believe that baseball will be starting up again in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see who gets those last two starting spots. Blair, of G&M, thinks that Downs might even be contending. I think it's most likely Ohka and Johnson myself. Overall I think they're marginally a better team than last year, certainly more depth. Glad they kept Rios and Johnson. Any thoughts, predictions..?

I'd say they're weaker this year, at least on paper. The bullpen is certainly weaker and their starting pitching, outside of Halladay, has a lot of question marks.

I think Ohka should make the rotation...Thomson, not so sure. I wouldn't be surprised if Downs made it.

Unless a lot of pitchers have career seasons and they have little-no injury trouble, I can't see them making the playoffs.

 

[wyliepoon]

Link to article

Jays wanted to 'say Toronto' with logo
TONY BOCK/TORONTO STAR

Richard Griffin
Feb 10, 2007 04:30 AM

The Blue Jays have officially unveiled their alternate logo for the 2007 season featuring a "T" – as in Toronto – symbol. The logo was first seen on a cap worn by Frank Thomas at a press conference last Nov. 28 when the Blue Jays announced that they had signed the former Oakland slugger as their new DH.

"Our current logos, launched for the 2004 season, have been a tremendous success and reflect the organization well. That being said, we wanted something to say Toronto on our hats. We are proud to take the field representing one of the greatest cities in the world, so why not show it off?" said team president and CEO Paul Godfrey.

 

[SD2]

I have no idea how that odd "T" is supposed to represent Toronto.

I think it looks ridiculous.

 

[shmoopie nhi]

^ Agreed. 2006's logo was much nicer.

 

[Bogtrotter]

Making the playoffs would be a surprise. Their bullpen is weaker, but their pitching has more depth overall. I think Burnett and Chacin will have to put in a full performance and play to ability and at least one of the new guys will have to step up and surprise. That being said I was quite happy they didn't get Meche or Lilly, I thought they were way over-payed for their level of talent. Thomson and Ohka will be pitching for their lives which might be in the Jays favour. I wouldn't be surprised to see Marcum get the fifth spot. Should be an exciting to team to watch however- lots of HR's, but finishing ahead of the YAnkees and Bosox is unlikely.

The new logo is very bland. It looks kind of like a 'J' as well.