The Jays decided to use up Rod Barajas' option - so the Hoss will remain a Blue Jay for the 2009 season. The Hoss hit .249 with 11 homeruns and 49 RBI's and posted a .704OPS in 349 AB's in 2008. Not exactly earth-shattering numbers, but good enough to earn approx. $2.5 million next season.
The Jays are hinting at having Curtis Thigpen or possibly Brian Jeroloman as the backup catcher who breaks camp.
This is not the start to free agency I was looking forward to. The Jays finished in 4th place in 2008. Doc and AJ combined for 40% percent of the Jays wins last season. Once A.J leaves that will create a major hole. Combine that with our serious lack of offence, we will be in trouble. To compete the Jays need to upgrade DH, C, SS, and remove Jesse Litsch from the number 2 pitching position. When I say the Jays are going to have a "bad team," I mean it comparatively to the rest of the AL East. The Rays will only get better, the Yanks and going to open the vault, and BoSox will be the BoSox. Combined that with the fact that Baltimore is seriously looking at players like A.J Burnett and Mark Teixeira, we are looking at a hard battle for 4th place next season.
The same place we finished in 2008.
EDIT - The Mets have picked up Carlos Delgado's $12 million option for next season - so for those dreaming to see him back in a Jays jersery, that won't be happening any time soon.
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