Jays "Shocked" By Asking Price For Free Agent Closers

[Big Bid'Ness]

From:MLBTR

Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun has a host of Blue Jays news including numerous quotes from GM Alex Anthopoulos:

Elliot hears that the Blue Jays have been "shocked" by the asking prices they've received when contacting the representatives for free agent closers. Anthopoulos sounds wary of signing closers to four- and five-year deals. Noting some research he did on injuries long-term deals for relievers when he was still an assistant GM, Anthopolous said: "...basically if you were giving out a five-year deal you were only going to get a player for four seasons."

When asked what the club's greatest surplus was, Anthopoulos replied "prospects," which Elliot speculates could hint that the Jays may try to acquire a closer via trade.

The Blue Jays aren't prepared to trade J.P. Arencibia because of Travis d'Arnaud's minor league success. The 22-year-old d'Arnaud ranked 36th on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list prior to a 2011 campaign that saw him hit .311/.371/542 and crush 21 homers at the Double-A level.

 

[snipezo]

I think the guy that AA needs to get is Broxton. He's out of shape and has been battling injuries but I think he can turn it around. He probably might sign for 1-2 years too.

 

[cruzg24]

I think the age of the expensive closer has passed. Teams are now seeing that a great closer can be had for very cheap and even internally there are a variety of options to go with. I mean look at all the closers now that are fairly young like Feliz, Kimbrel, Bailey, Perez, and Storen.

 

[bosoxlover12]

I think the age of the expensive closer has passed.

Papelbon signed for a $50 million deal like 3 days ago...

 

[cruzg24]

Papelbon signed for a $50 million deal like 3 days ago...

Yea thats 1 team, but if you look around the league the majority of closers salaries are cheap.

 

[Elite]

Papelbon signed for a $50 million deal like 3 days ago...

And everyone in baseball pretty much agreed that that was a bad contract.