Joe Biagini to Blue Jays in the Rule 5 Draft

Right-handed pitcher Joe Biagini was picked up in the Rule 5 draft from the Giants organization.

He pitched for Double-A Richmond in 2015. 

He stuck out 84 and walked 34 in just over 130 innings pitched.

Heyward signs with Cubs

CHICAGO - Outfielder Jason Heyward has agreed to an 8 year, $184M contract to play for the Chicago Cubs.

Reportedly, he turned down more money from Cardinals and Nationals.

The contract contains opt-outs in years 3 and 4.

Heyward will replace free agent Dexter Fowler.

Jonathan Papelbon...Are you kidding me ?

Jonathan Papelbon has filed a grievance stating that his pay was withheld during a four game suspension last season as the result of him attempting to choke Bryce Harper (NL MVP).

Seriously ?

Papelbon has made 50M over the last 4 years, 13M last year alone and he is disputing his pay for 4 games ?

More than likely, the Washington Nationals do not want Mr. Papelbon on their team in 2016.

Do you think this behavior will increase or decrease his chances of moving to another team ?

Ok....dumb question...

Did any Blue Jays Management attend Winter Meetings ?

I saw the interviews with Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro...so I think they were in Nashville.

However, maybe it was one of those computerized backgrounds made to look like they were in Nashville.

I'm just going to say what I think a lot of Blue Jays fans are thinking right now...

WTF !!!

Winter Meetings Wrapping up...who's left ??

Remaining Players (either free agents or available through trade):

                 

Jason Heyward	Outfielder
Johnny Cueto	Pitcher
Alex Gordon	Outfielder
Justin Upton	Outfielder
Mike Leake	Pitcher
Yoenis Cespedes	Outfielder
Dexter Fowler	Outfielder
Daniel Murphy	Infielder
Denard Span	Outfielder
Jose Fernandez	Pitcher
Carlos Carrasco	Pitcher
Danny Salazar	Pitcher
Todd Frazier	Infielder
Jonathan Lucroy	Catcher
Matt Moore	Pitcher
Drew Smyly	Pitcher
Jake Odorizzi	Pitcher
Jake McGee	Pitcher
Brad Boxberger	Pitcher

Happy Birthday Dalton !

Happy Birthday to Dalton Pompey

Yunel Escobar heading to Angels

Veteran infielder Yunel Escobar is on his way to the Angels from the Nationals in exchange the Nationals get reliever Trevor Gott and Minor League pitcher Michael Brady.

Escobar will likely play 3rd base but can play 2nd base if David Freese is brought back.

Escobar had a decent 2015 season in which he batted .314/.375/.415 with nine homers and 56 RBIs in 139 games.

Notable Blue Jays obtained through Rule 5

Willie Upshaw, Jim Gott, Manuel Lee, Kelly Gruber,  George Bell.

Whats going on with the Yankees ?

Based on what the New York Yankees are doing in Nashville, it's unlikely they are shooting for a championship in 2016.

Rebuild seems to be the Yankee buzzword lately.

Let's look at what they've recently done.

The solid 4 man relief unit of Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances, Justin Wilson and Adam Warren have been decimated.

They've been dangling Miller, and have traded Wilson and Warren.

For Warren they obtained Starlin Castro....maybe an even trade.... and for Wilson, 2 minor league players, Luis Cessa and Chad Green who will unlikely make the majors in 2016.

After watching a small market, low payroll team like Kansas City go deep into the post-season in 2014 and win it all in 2015, the Yankees are possibly changing their philosophy of buying a championship ?

More Chris Davis drama

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Baltimore Orioles have withdrawn their offer of $168M for Chris Davis

Rule 5 Draft Explained

The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. 

The Rule 5 draft was created to prevent teams from grabbing too many young players on their minor league teams when other teams would be willing to have them play in the majors. The Rule 5 draft is named for its place in Major League Rules. 

Any player selected under Rule 5 is immediately added to his new team's 40-man roster; thus, teams who do not have an available roster spot may not participate in the Rule 5 draft.

Chris Davis Update

Now up to $168 million over seven years from Orioles...

Why hasn't Cueto signed yet ?

Johnny Cueto was a 'hired gun' starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals down the stretch.

The Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly offered Cueto a 6-year, 120M contract which was rejected. 

Suffice to say that the Diamondbacks are no longer interested since they signed Zack Greinke.

His performance had it's ups and downs, both during the regular and post-season.

Cueto's camp states that he is not in a hurry to sign.

Clubs already know that 120M over 6 won't be accepted and are questioning whether his value is worth more...perhaps ?

Blue Jays sign Darwin Barney

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Toronto Blue Jays have signed utility infielder Darwin Barney...details are not available at this time.

Barney appeared in 15 games with the Blue Jays in September.

Zobrist next 4 years with Cubs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Free Agent Ben Zobrist has signed a 4 year, $56 M contract with the Chicago Cubs. The deal will re-unite him with manager Joe Madden. 

Super utility player Zobrist "Excited to be in the National league".. says "Heart wanted to be in Chicago"

Yankees trade Justin Wilson to Tigers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The New York Yankees have traded left-handed reliever Justin Wilson the Detroit Tigers in exchange for 2 minor league pitchers, Chad Green and Luis Cessa.

Green and Cessa went to the Tigers in the Yoenis Cespedes deal.

Chris Davis News

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly offered the 1st baseman slugger a 7 year $150M contract.

Adam Lind on the move

Adam will be playing 1st base for the Seattle Mariners in 2016

The Milwaukee Brewers have sent him West for 3 minor-league pitchers..

Brett Lawrie heading to Chitown

Brett Lawrie is heading to Chicago White Sox after spending one season in Oakland.

In return the Athletics get RHP Wendelken and LHP Erwin

The Josh Donaldson trade just gained even more merit if that is at all possible.

Ross Atkins close to making a deal ?

'Patience' is the word for Toronto Blue Jays fans while we enter the 3rd day of the Winter Meetings

Ross Atkins reports that the Blue Jays are ready to pull the pin on another starter couple of relievers

We have faith in you Ross...but.....

Shelby Miller to Diamondbacks in trade with Braves

Shelby Miller has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a five player deal with the Atlanta Braves.

Notables heading to Atlanta are Ender Inciarte, Aaron Blair and Dansby Swanson

The Aroldis Chapman Saga

Last August the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLB Players Association was changed to include a domestic violence policy.

In a police report filed Oct. 30 in Davie, Fla., Aroldis Chapman's girlfriend told officers that the pitcher choked and pushed her against a wall during an argument at his home. The police report, which was first reported by Yahoo Sports on Monday, also alleges that Chapman fired eight gunshots inside the garage of his house.

As a result, an incident involving four-time All-Star pitcher has put his trade the LA Dodgers on hold until further investigations are completed.

Player Profile:Josh Donaldson

The reigning AL MVP, Josh Donaldson had career numbers for 2015....so much so that he was awarded as the American League MVP.

Let's take a look at what earned him the crown.

Runs: 122 (1st)
Hits:   184 (7th)
RBI:   123 (1st)
HR:      41 (5th)

So, what's in store for 2016 for Josh according to Baseball Reference.com.

Runs:   91 
Hits:   152 
RBI:     93 
HR:      29 

A little low, especially if you factor in a full season with Ben Revere (hopefully signs) leading off...and Josh having a full year of familiarity at Rogers Center under his belt.

A repeat year for the AL MVP ?....time will tell !!

Breaking Blue Jays RUMOUR

According to a report by Howard Berger (Fan-590) the Blue Jays are having serious discussions with former Orioles 1st baseman and free agent Chris Davis.

Adding another offensive weapon like Chris Davis to the Blue Jays will undoubtedly increase an already MLB leading offensive output.

Davis led the major leagues with 47 home runs. 

Vegas odds on NL West

If  Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the NL West will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. San Diego Padres
5. Colorado Rockies

Vegas odds on NL Central

If  Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the NL Central will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. Chicago Cubs
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Cincinnati Reds

Vegas odds on NL East

If  Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the NL East will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. New York Mets
2. Washington Nationals
3. Miami Marlins
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Philadelphia Phillies

Vegas odds on AL West

If Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the AL West will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. Houston Astros
2. Texas Rangers
3. Los Angeles Angels
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Oakland Athletics

Vegas odds on AL Central

If Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the AL Central will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. Kansas City Royals
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Minnesota Twins
5. Chicago White Sox

Vegas odds on AL East

If Vegas odds makers are accurate here's how the AL East will fall into place for the 2016 season:

1. Boston Red Sox
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. New York Yankees
4. Tampa Bay Rays
5. Baltimore Orioles

Breaking News: Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion has asked the Jays to present him a contract extension proposal before the end of spring training, 2016.

He will become a free agent in 2017.

Encarnacion has averaged 35+ home runs and 100 RBI or the last 4 seasons with the Jays.

Would Alex have done more by now?

I know...I know

I'm not being fair...give Ross/Tony a chance.

I keep watching the trade news and not seeing the Blue Jays....I only see potential Blue Jays scooped up by other teams.

As a matter of fact, I don't even see Toronto mentioned in any of the negotiations.

Something is brewing right ?

Ross and Tony will announce some kind of blockbuster deal that no one was anticipating...right ?

Or are blockbusters more of an Alex Anthopolis thing ?

So Far So Signed!!

Here is a list of the notable players who have signed so far…

Stay tuned for more signings…

Marco Estrada	Starting Pitcher	Toronto Blue Jays	2 Year $26 M
J.A. Happ	Starting Pitcher	Toronto Blue Jays	3 Year, 36 M
David Price	Starting Pitcher	Boston Red Sox	7 Year, $217 M
Zack Greinke	Starting Pitcher	Arizona Diamondbacks	6 Year, $206.5 M
Jordan Zimmerman	Starting Pitcher	Detroit Tigers	5 Year, $110 M
Jeff Samardzija	Starting Pitcher	San Francisco Giants	5 Year, $90 M
Hisashi Iwakuma	Starting Pitcher	LA Dodgers	3 Year, $45 M
Mike Pelfrey	Starting Pitcher	Detroit Tigers	2 Year, 16 M
Justin Smoak	1st Base	Toronto Blue Jays	1 Year, $3.9 M
Ryan Madson	Relief Pitcher	Oakland Athletics	3 Year, $22 M
Matt Wieters	Catcher	Baltimore Orioles	1 Year, $15.8 M
Dioner Navarro	Catcher	Chicago White Sox	1 Year, $4 M
Josh Thole	Catcher	Toronto Blue Jays	1 Year, $800,000
Jarrod Saltalamacchia	Catcher	Detroit Tigers	1 Year, $800,000
Chase Utley	2nd Base	LA Dodgers	1 Year, $7 M
Colby Rasmus	Outfielder	Houston Astros	1 Year, 15.8 M