The Blue Jays have announced that they’ve traded minor league prospect Frank Gailey to the Philadelphia Phillies for Ben Francisco today. Normally, this would seem like a depth move to bolster the bench, except in this case, it’s difficult to envision that there isn’t another move incoming that will complement this one.
With the addition of Francisco, the Blue Jays now have 6 outfielders, with Jose Bautista and Colby Rasmus entrenched in their respective positions at RF and CF. The team already has Rajai Davis on the bench, and although he could be moved in a package, I’m not certain that his market value would land the club anything particularly useful. If I had to guess (and it’s not exactly rocket science), it’s more likely that one of Snider/Thames will be on the move this time around.
Between the two, Snider would provide more trade value, being the younger prospect (23), and with better upside than Thames. While this would be a disappointment to Snider believers, like me, who have been waiting for the former top-prospect to break out (and subsequently been wrong every year), Snider is more likely to be the piece that could land the Blue Jays the potential front-end starter they seek.
As for who that starter may be…well, Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi has already floated the idea around between the Blue Jays and the Oakland A’s lefty Gio Gonzalez. I’m also strongly reminded of Anthopoulos’ vague comments regarding slotting Kelly Johnson at LF next year if the scenario is right – could we be getting a core 2nd baseman? Is Rajai Davis on the way out? Could both Snider and Thames be traded?
Whatever it is, Blue Jays-land are waiting for the other shoe to drop on this one.
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I agree with the Jays search for a closer, too many games were lost thru blown saves last year. However, I am disappointed with the fact that they seem satisfied with Adam Lind. His hitting and power production really dropped off in the second half last year and he was no protection for Bautista hitting cleanup. I realize Fielder is just a dream but can anyone envision what Bautista could do with Fielder hitting behind him?
I liked Kelly Johnson at second, he and Escobar looked good together and the outfield crowd could bring a reliable starter. I would like to see Snider get another chance but know a couple of them will have to go.