John McDonald, former infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays

That earthquake you might have felt this afternoon was my heart breaking a wee little bit.

This just in: the Jays have traded Aaron Hill and John McDonald to the Diamondbacks in exchange for 2B Kelly Johnson.

A career .260/.342/.432 hitter, Johnson is having a slump year, and has struggled at the plate for Arizona. 2010′s numbers tell a different story; Fangraphs ranked Johnson second in the NL, behind Rickie Weeks.

It’s no question the Jays needed a 2B for the 2012 season. With no hot prospects coming up soon, the hole made by Hill was one that needed filling. Although fans like to claim the 2B solution is Brett Lawrie (with Bautista back at 3B), it’s a tired suggestion that has yet to receive even a smidgen of support from the team’s management.

The obvious move was to eye some new talent now, or in the off season. Johnson brings likely Type B status, same as Hill. But it may be easier, should Johnson work out, to sign him to a more team-friendly contract in the off season.

I’m a fan of the Johnson-Hill exchange. But I’m uncertain whether or not it’s worth the price of the man who many consider to be the heart of the franchise.

John McDonald is, without question, a fan favorite. Toronto adores the man with a flare for the infield, and often surprising delivery at the plate. He’s loved on – and off – the field.

McDonald and Hill will now join ex-Jay Lyle Overbay for a chance at post-season play. I wish them luck. I know if the Diamondbacks go to the playoffs, I’ll be rooting for them, if only for the chance to see McDonald get his first world series ring.

Updated: The press conference at 3:30pm confirmed the trade, and also revealed that John McDonald had inquired about moving to a team with post-season potential. Good for him! As tough as this is going to be for many of the fans, it’s hard to argue with what the man wants.

He’ll be missed here, and will hopefully return soon, either as a player or a coach.

St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Colby Rasmus (28). Photo by Keith Allison.

Last night, the Blue Jays took to the field 4 players short of their active roster.

With Ricky Romero pitching a shut-out, the depleted bullpen didn’t so much matter; only Rauch had to come in for the final two outs of the game.

The “New Jays” began arriving last night and may see playing time as soon as tonight’s final match against Baltimore.

So, who are these guys? And what have they been up to so far this season?

Fellow Aerys Sports Reporters Christine Coleman and Cheryl Norman share the low-down on the “New Jays” and what Toronto fans may expect to see.

» Continue reading “The New Jays: What Rasmus, Teahen, Miller, Walters and Tallet Bring to the Table”

Zach Stewart Pitches in Toronto

The Blue Jays have traded reliever Jason Frasor and Starting Pitcher Zach Stewart to the Chicago White Sox, in exchange for SP Edwin Jackson and 3B/OF Mark Teahen.

More soon, because I’m willing to bet you like a trillion dollars that this ‘done deal’ is only part of the deal for the Jays.

Will Edwin Jackson be going to the St. Louis Cardinals? And what are the Jays going to do with yet ANOTHER third baseman?

The ‘mill has it that the Jays are looking for CF Colby Rasmus in return from the Cards. It’s just a question of when, and what else we’ll be giving up in exchange.

Look for updates when I’ve got ‘em….

Brett Lawrie - Toronto's Lucky Number 13?

Last December, the announcement went out that the Jays had traded away popular starting pitcher Shaun Marcum for hot prospect Brett Lawrie.

Just 20 years old at the time, Lawrie had been a first round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2008 draft and received a whopping $1.7 million signing bonus.

Going 16th overall, Brett became the highest picked Canadian-born position player in MLB history.

In his first season with the Brewers organization, Lawrie skipped  into AA and stayed there for 2010, leading the Southern League in hits (158), triples (16), runs (90) and extra-base hits (60).

The Jays had also wanted Lawrie. With the 17th overall pick, the team just missed out.

But this doesn’t mean Alex Anthopoulos forgot about the young second baseman from Langley, BC.

In the March 2011 “State of the Franchise” presentation, Anthopoulos spoke at length about the deal – and why he was willing to trade away his pitching ace.

» Continue reading “The Imminent Arrival of Brett Lawrie”

Juan Rivera

The Blue Jays have to be a little mystified by Juan Rivera. First, he posts one of the top batting averages in Spring Training among regular players; .390, putting him in the fine company of Bautista (.400) and Escobar (.394).

Then, he joins the team for opening day, and goes 1 for 17 that first week at home, redeemed somewhat by drawing 1 walk in each of his first 5 games.

And then, unbelievably, things got worse for #20.

Juan Rivera’s stats from the 5 games April 9 – 17 illustrate a player so far below the Mendoza line that .200 would feel like an unattainable goal.

Juan Rivera: Game Stats April 9 – 17

What a slump. What a change from his .390 Spring Training AVG and his career AVG of .277. Even including all games to that point in 2011, his AVG was just .100; earning him a poor rating with the analysts and even worse, with the fans.

On April 9, I checked in with some die-hard Jays fans on Twitter and posted the results as Juan Big Problem. It’s worth a read, even now, to remind me not to get too carried away by the raw numbers.

Because, as shocked as I am to admit it, I don’t recognize this Juan Rivera guy we’ve been seeing for the past week.

Juan Rivera: Game Stats April 22 – 26

Is this a fluke? Or Toronto finally getting a chance to see what Rivera could contribute to the team?

These kinds of numbers look similar to what Rivera has done in the past. Let’s take a look at his best professional season; 2006 with the Angels.

Juan Rivera: 2006 Season Stats

Converting the strikeout, walk, and home runs to percentages, we see an even greater similarity:

It’s a teeny tiny sample size; 19 at bats does not an All Star make. But I’m relieved that, as long as we’ve got him in our lineup, he has shown he’s capable of contributing.

The other bonus is that, of course, a player is easier to trade when he’s performing well. We’ve got a few months left before the trade deadline, and I’d be surprised if Magic Alex wasn’t working to find a new home for Rivera, perhaps in exchange for a skilled infielder, given Hill’s injuries.

Yesterday, I read that the Phillies may be looking to acquire a platoon outfielder like Rivera.

Hmm.

In any case, whatever Rivera turns out to be for the Jays, I’m happy he’s living up to some potential. Let’s keep it coming, Juan!