Jays sign B.J Ryan

[jxtuoleafs]

www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=144507

This is huge for the Jays, who are trying to compete in the tough A.L East, because they beat Boston and New York to signing him.

He is now the most expensive reliever in the majors.

[detroitbasketball]

Does this mean they might not sign Burnett? I hope so.

[Cerrano39]

He's a good player. But no where near a $9 million a year player.

I would be very very surprised to see them get Burnett too.

jxtuoleafs said:

www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=144507

This is huge for the Jays, who are trying to compete in the tough A.L East, because they beat Boston and New York to signing him.

He is now the most expensive reliever in the majors.

Oh, and Boston wasn't really going for him. Sure, they want someone to replace Foulke, but they never made an offer or anything.

[jxtuoleafs]

detroitbasketball said:

Does this mean they might not sign Burnett? I hope so.

When Rogers bought the Jays (effectively changing the Skydome to the Rogers Centre) last year, the Jays were given a whopping $210 million in payroll through this year and the next two years.

We have the money, it's all about if A.J wants to play here now.

[McGahee]

Anyone know if this is higher than the Mets offer to Wagner...

[detroitbasketball]

It is. And now Wagner's gonna want more.

In fact, from the article that you obviously didn't read:

Ryan's contract might have a repercussions on Billy Wagner's negotiations with Philadelphia and the New York Mets. Wagner earned $33 million over four years in a contract he agreed to with Houston before the 2002 season.

The New York Mets have offered just over $30 million for three years, a deal that contains a 2009 option that could raise the value to $40 million. The Phillies also are trying to re-sign him.

Ryan is gonna get $47M over 5 years.

[McGahee]

Bah, I didn't read the last paragraph...

Phils aren't going to pay for him. They'll let the Mets overpay him, most likely. I mean, they just saved about 20 million dollars from trading Thome, it would be stupid to spend all of that for a closer who pretty much hates his current city and cares only about money...

[Jami]

I'll be laughing when B.J. Ryan either a) blow out his arm in May or b) blows 20 saves this year.

[Terps]

I know closers are valuable but I don't know....47 million over 5 years just doesn't sit well for this Jays fan. However, it's nice to see them try and improve that pitching.

[jxtuoleafs]

terpsisback said:

I know closers are valuable but I don't know....47 million over 5 years just doesn't sit well for this Jays fan. However, it's nice to see them try and improve that pitching.

There's no question that the Jays need pitching, especially in the closer role. Batista blew way too many to be competitive last year. I'm happy with this move because it's not like the free-agent market is riddled with Cy Young winners and 40 HR hitters. Who else should the Blue Jays acquire, because as I've said before, there's quite a bit of money to go around.

[McGahee]

If there's one hting Billy Bean has tought us, it's that finding a closer isn't as difficult as people make it sound. You just gotta look in the right places, which is exactly why Oakland is set for the next few years with Huston Street

[Jami]

Latest rumor involving the Jays is that they're interested in Lyle Overbay. It's rumored Brewers GM Doug Melvin offered Overbay for Dustin McGowan but that offer was shot down rather quickly. I wouldn't mind seeing Gustavo Chacin in a Brewers uniform, but that won't be happening.