While I appreciate that Ted Rogers is increasing the Jays' payroll this season, I'd prefer it if JP Riccardi actually spent the increase on 3-4 good players, not just one closer who had a good season. This much cash for Ryan means that the Jays are likely going to lose out on AJ Burnett, whose wife wanted him to go to Baltimore.
Now, if Toronto anted up for Brian Giles, I'd be much giddier.
Edited to add: Hey CRZ, the Jays logo you have available for the baseball forum isn't actually their logo anymore.
(edited by Big Bad on 26.11.05 1809) "Oh, gosh, you know, I'm not much on speeches, but it's so gratifying to leave you wallowing in the mess you've made. You're screwed, thank you, bye."
I really wanted BJ Ryan back this year, but if we had to fork over $47M to make it happen, I will just congratulate Big Bad and all of the resident Toronto fans on a fine acquisition.
I loved the job Ryan did as closer this year, but to give him this much money over five years is borderline insane. Does anyone think Ryan is better than Gagne or Rivera? How about Hoffman or Wagner? Hell, I'd rather have Huston Street than Ryan.
But hey, with Halladay and Ryan, that's two good pitchers to the O's none. Fourth place is comfy.
As a Red Sox fan, I wondered why with two former Major League pitchers (now just Mike Flanagan) in the front office, The Orioles haven't had a higher priority on pitching.
Originally posted by BigSteveI really wanted BJ Ryan back this year, but if we had to fork over $47M to make it happen, I will just congratulate Big Bad and all of the resident Toronto fans on a fine acquisition.
I loved the job Ryan did as closer this year, but to give him this much money over five years is borderline insane. Does anyone think Ryan is better than Gagne or Rivera? How about Hoffman or Wagner? Hell, I'd rather have Huston Street than Ryan.
But hey, with Halladay and Ryan, that's two good pitchers to the O's none. Fourth place is comfy.
Baltimore better not get comfy in 4th if Tampa ever can get more pitching to go with Kazmir and their offense. Ryan is an upgrade for the Blue Jays. I would worry somewhat that the game where he could have solidified 1st place for Baltimore in June, while potentially delivering a knockout blow to Boston, he blew on an Ortiz walk-off. Then, a few weeks later when Baltimore still was in the hunt on the 4th of July and they had an incredible comeback in New York, he imploded. If he struggles against those 2 teams, it will be virtually impossible for the Blue Jays to jump them. I like Ryan, but putting him in the same paragraph as Rivera is ridiculous. I'd rather have him than Wagner for the length of the contract due to the age differential.
(edited by redsoxnation on 26.11.05 1957) Cannibalism: The cure for famine and overpopulation.
In regards to Ryan blowing it against NY and Boston, it seemed like David Ortiz hit a walkoff against every closer in baseball last year, so there's no shame in that. Besides, Miguel Batista blew games against everyone, which was tons worse.
Don't get me wrong, Ryan is a big upgrade at closer and will help solve a spot that's basically been a weakness for Toronto since Tom Henke left. But he's not worth that kind of money.
"Oh, gosh, you know, I'm not much on speeches, but it's so gratifying to leave you wallowing in the mess you've made. You're screwed, thank you, bye."
Agreed, I also see the Brewers having an improved 2007 season. Although it's still way too early to be making accurate predictions. Wood is a better signing than Ramirez, IMO. In a limited relief role, he could STILL be fantastic as he has been at times....