Gambling for Success

There are a few things I am aware of in making this suggestion towards those in the Jays front office, whom I am sure read this blog on a daily basis, just waiting to read what exactly they should do next:

1) I am aware that there is no indication that the following free agent has any desire to come to Toronto, and in fact, would be willing to bet, if similar but less money was offered in a more desirable location for him, this free agent would be much more willing to go to that place (that place probably being New York)

2) I am also aware that the Blue Jays experiment of throwing a little bit of cash on what were considered "re-tread" pitchers last year yielded no favourable results from those low value acquisitions (though did result in very favourable results in the longhaul because of said failed experiment retread pitchers)

3) The media in Toronto does not like the idea of spending significant money on pitchers with long histories of arm troubles and questionable temperament (see: AJ Burnett), and would probably criticize the move from the get-go, not to mention if the money was eye opening...

HOWEVER...

The Jays should seriously blow the bankload on getting Mark Prior signed to a contract. Yes, there are plenty of reasons to suggest that Prior will give absolutely nothing in return. There is a laundry list of reasons: he hasn't pitched at all for a whole year, and a grand total of 9 games in the past two seasons. He hasn't pitched a full season really since his one great year in 2003. His fastball has also reportedly lost a significant amount of zip. He is a shell of a pitcher he was five years ago.

HOWEVER...

If the Jays really want to have a shot at overtaking the East over the next few years, they really need a lot of miracles to take place, and there's not a better player to encapsulate that idea than Prior. The chances of Prior reviving his once limitless career are almost nil. But with the Free Agent pool dried up, AJ Burnett seemingly on his way out after this year, and the Jays roster still lacking the punch of the Yanks/Sox, the move in integral. Ignore the medical records which seem to indicate Prior will return throwing at a velocity in the vicinity of yours truly, ignore that he won't be around until at least July recouperrating from serious shoulder surgery. Take the 1/1,000 shot and do the expensive gamble. There's nothing to lose, except .00004% of Ted Rogers' money.


Probable Results but Potential Results

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

JP loves a light hitting SS.

Anonymous said...

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