BY CLAYTON RICHER – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
The Toronto Blue Jays and their legion of fans are anxiously awaiting the stamp of approval from the Commissioner’s Office on this week’s blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins.
Over the past couple of days I have had time to reflect, digest and analyze the 12 player franchise altering mega-trade.
Ken Rosenthal reported that there are players who still have to complete their respective physicals as Jose Reyes was on vacation in Dubai and Jeff Mathis was on a hunting trip. Obviously there are logistical issues trying to corral 12 players on the spur of the moment during the offseason. The deal is going to be approved according to baseball minds around the game.
#BlueJays–#Marlins deal likely not finalized until Fri. or Sat. Reyes was in Dubai. Returning tonight. Needs to fly to Florida for physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 15, 2012
Speculation is running rampant that JP Arenicibia may be dealt due to the back log of catchers on the Jays roster. Arencibia could be flipped for another starting pitcher leaving John Buck to mentor Travis d’Arnaud. The personable Arencibia took to Twitter in an attempt to quell the rumors and reassure Jays faithful that he is here to stay.
Not going anywhere… #GetUseToIt
— jp arencibia (@jparencibia9) November 16, 2012
Rumors make a lot of sense… As much as udders on a bull! #NoHockey #NeedSomethingToTalkAbout
— jp arencibia (@jparencibia9) November 16, 2012
The deal added speedsters Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio to an already speed laden Blue Jays lineup. The trio of Rajai Davis, Reyes and Bonifacio combined for 116 stolen bases last season and that is not including Anthony Gose, the centre field prospect with speed to burn.
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I spent some time reviewing tape on Bonifacio and I think Blue Jays fans will come to love him. He is a gritty player with phenomenal speed swiping 30 bags in 33 attempts in only 64 games. He is my sleeper player in the deal who no doubt impressed Anthopoulos with his style and versatility being a switch hitter and capable of playing an assortment of positions.
My vote for funniest trade tweet goes to Marlins Logan Morrison tweeting about the NAFTA agreement.
I bet Canadians are feeling a little better about NAFTA tonight…
— Logan Morrison (@LoMoMarlins) November 14, 2012
The deal not only landed quality players but also respected players according to their peers which is something the Blue Jays clubhouse apparently desperately needed. Yunel Escobar and his character were a topic of conversation on numerous occasions last season as well as rumblings the Jays clubhouse lacked veteran presence. This is what former teammates had to say about the Blue Jays newly acquired players and a tweet from Jerry Cranick in regards to comments from an NL Scout.
Well I’m gonna miss you guys… Hopefully our new teammates are as awesome on and off the field as buehrle jj buck boni and Reyes
— Steve Cishek (@srSHREK31) November 14, 2012
Sad to see all those guys go, incredible group of guys on and off the field, bonifacio and Reyes never stop smiling!!!!
— Dan Jennings (@LtDanJennings) November 14, 2012
An NL scout on new #marlins shortstop Yunel Escobar: “This guy makes Hanley Ramirez look like Teammate of the Year.”
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 15, 2012
So as the week draws to a conclusion here’s hoping the trade is finalized and we can finally enjoy our Christmas in November. Thank you Santa Anthopoulos.
Clayton Richer is a baseball writer for Baseball Hot Corner, his interviews and blogs can be found daily at www.baseballhotcorner.com as well you can also follow him on twitter MLBHotCorner
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