Vernon Wells...and the Blue Jays future

Monday, December 18th, 2006.

Mark that date in your mental calendars.

With the recent signing of Vernon Wells, the Toronto Blue Jays have shown the big spenders around the Majors that they are here to play, and play competitively. By making a commitment to one of the most renown 'almost'-free agents, not only have they spoke volumes to their competitors, they have screamed to their fans; "WE ARE GOING TO TRY!"

If you reside on the East Coast this could be something that hasn't been worried about for over a decade. If you live north of the 42, this made a Monday enjoyable.

For the first time since 1991, Toronto is going to be a major player for years to come. The city has been suffering through ownership and personnel changes that haunt franchises and immobilize clubs for over a decade (ie. the Pittsburgh Pirates).

Not until, and I say this with mixed emotions, Ted Rogers came in and bought majority interest in the club, has there been as much vigor and promise to the organization since the glory days of the early 90's. A time that seems to be in the very distant past.

In the fall of 2000, the man who would soon be renovating to put cell phone and video stores behind the backstop made a bold move, Ted Rogers purchased 80% of a club who had been bouncing around the .500 mark, and this was even with the greatest pitcher of the game playing at his highest level. Things changed quickly though. JP Ricciardi was brought in and with him, he brought a new mind frame. Extra dollars were soon to follow. The Jays were going to see better days.

Still, not until this past week did we know how sunny those days were actually going to be. Not since '92 & '93 were the Jays poised to be in a position where they would be buyers, instead of sellers. The imminent Wells negotiations were a top priority for Ricciardi, even if he wouldn't admit it.

After two unsuccessful attempts to lock up free agent pitchers, hope was diminishing that Vernon would be able to return. But JP made a bold move. Acting on the original offer sent from Wells and his agent to the GM, Ricciardi anteed up and showed VDub the money: $126M/7 Yrs.

The key with this whole deal is how both player and management have been able to work together, both now and in planning for the future. Every player wants to win, Vernon is no different, despite being one of the most respectable and heartfelt players in the league. No player can continue with a franchise and stay sane if you never make the playoffs, never get a chance to make your dreams come true. Kevin Garnett, I'm sorry. AI had enough. Everyone wants to win. By substantially back loading Wells' contract, the Jays are still in position to be buyers, not just window shoppers.

Now where...

Since Wells is slotted to make $5.6M in 07, $500K in 08, and $1.5M in 09, the Jays are still in a position to go out and attract free agents.

The various scenarios in how they will address their needs will be what follows. As the free agent class has been substantially dwindled, Ricciardi may need to look in the form of a trade. Alex Rios has been the recent speculation of interest, and for good reason.

Rios, 25, started to show the flair that makes him a fan favourite in the T-Dot. With an arm that rivals Vlady, great speed both in the field and on the base paths, and a stick that helped make him a first time All-Star last year, Alex is demanding a lot of attention.

This is a very good move for JP. Although he may not actually want to move Rios, by looking at his options, he is only better positioning himself for future moves. Rios is a corner outfielder entering his prime. He was a first time All-Star last year, batting over .360 before going down with an infection - then, .333 after his return in Sept. Rios is not one to be moved without getting fair value in return, but he is a very attractive player, especially since he can be used in CF if situated in an average-smaller outfield (Florida seems a little large).

The Jays do have outfield spots loaded with the recent signing of Wells, Reed Johnson and Adam Lind waiting in the wings. To go along with these young OF, the Jays have strong young arms in the likes of Brandon Leauge, Dustin McGowan and Jeremy Accardo who will attract attention.

Although the ladies love Alex, we're reminded time and again that pitching brings home the prize.

- JW