Quote:
Originally Posted by RM
I was stunned that the Blue Jays let him go for absolutely nothing, not even a single A prospect. Why in the world did they ever sign him to that contract in the first place?
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you know how it is when a guy has a big year when his contract is coming up (i think he rose to some degree of fame in that 2007 homer derby and that was the time to cash in on him!) and then coasted...imagine if doctors performed that way? i'd be asking just before life threatening surgery "you didnt just sign a long term contract by chance, did you?" lol
here's a bit of an fresh article that speaks to your comment, rm:
"It's still tough to wrap your head around the Blue Jays' logic with regard to their former outfielder Alex Rios. In December of 2007, they believed he was an asset that was worth in trade Giants' future Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum. In March of 2008 the Jays believed Rios was worth $69 million (all figures U.S.) on a well-thought-out contract extension. In August of 2009, they believe he is worth nothing.
Go figure.
White Sox GM Kenny Williams put in a waiver claim on Rios last Friday then prepared to negotiate a trade with Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi inside the 48-hour business-day window as outlined by MLB. But in return for sending back a player for Rios, he expected the Jays to kick in some cash for contract relief. Instead the Jays said they didn't want a player. Take him, but we're not throwing in any money.
Without the late Ted Rogers in the picture, it seems ownership has become all business, all bottom line. In that light, what experienced GM would want to take over a major-league team given the obvious shackles on spending his shekels. They clearly don't want to win as much as they want to break even. It's depressing for Jays fans.
Earlier in the season, manager Cito Gaston suggested that Rios had what it takes to be a future hall of famer. Now the Jays consider it a victory to be off the hook for the next five years and to be able to spend the savings on finding a catcher and a shortstop. There has been no mention from the Jays about using the saved monies to keep Roy Halladay. They know that's a pipe dream. That inevitable parting of ways this coming off-season will save them another $15.75 million and that's the bottom line."
it goes on to comment that Cito assessed Rios as a future hall of famer as recently as the start of this year...maybe down the road he'll go into announcing or ownership and make it in that category
char, i only saw glimpses of the weekend but glad there was such a good alumni turnout....Alomar seemed to be iconic once again...i imagine Stieb would be a hall of famer if he had played for a solid team all those years
JP is a creep...i hope Beeston knows what he's doing and hope the rumour that Pat Gillick may come back to at least steady the ship (in Cliff Fletcher like fashion) is true
rm, you'll dig this...this is what youtube is all about, lol (warning: mature, make that immature language)..this was following a charity event after Alex had gone 0-for with 5 Ks...i dont see him on any Wheaties box anytime soon