Blue Jays on the Move

The second half of the baseball season has started and even though the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t mathematically eliminated from contention yet, the odds are shrinking daily and being in the American League East doesn’t help.

So what is a team that is hovering around .500 for the season to do? They play in a very difficult division where the chances to win are very slim. With the trade deadline looming, the Jays can either be sellers or buyers.

Becoming buyers in the AL East wouldn’t be prudent. The Jays have a very good farm system and have acquired some good prospects in trades during the past two seasons. It would not be worth risking the long-term development of the franchise to make a run at the title this year when they are already 12 games out of first place in the East and 9.5 out in the wild card. Especially since the Yankees are a class to themselves and will spend to win. They don’t need much, but will probably go out and get another elite starter anyways. The Tampa Bay Rays have all the pieces in place and are primed to make another World Series run. The Boston Red Sox are on the outside looking in at the moment, if for no other reason than they have the injury bug this season. Their stars will return soon and make a return for a run at the playoffs.

So that leaves the Jays as potential sellers this August and with contenders trying to shore up fielding, offense and pitching the Jays just might have what some people are looking for. They have already moved one piece – Alex Gonzalez to the Braves, so who else would teams be interested in?

John Buck – a good catcher is hard to find. Buck is having a career year after being released in the off-season by the Kansas City Royals. He is on a one year deal with the Jays which makes him very attractive to potential suitors. Although it would be sad to see him go after a very good season, GM Alex Anthopolous should be able to get a good prospect for an every day catcher.

Scott Downs – With a 1.02 WHIP over 39.1 inning, Downs has been a lock down in the middle innings for the Jays. He has been so lights out that the Yankees have expressed interest in him. Another player with a manageable contract that would be easy to move to a contender, but it would be a blow to the Jays bullpen. If everyone was healthy was Dirk Hayhurst to Dustin McGowan it might not be so difficult to have him leave, but with the uncertainty of their return to form next season, it would be a shame for him to leave town.

Jason Frasor – The closer in waiting might have to get his saves in another uniform. Frasor was beaten out in spring training by the newly acquired Kevin Gregg. Although, Gregg has been shaky as of late, and Frasor is great to have on hand, but Frasor is still the pitcher that more teams would covet.

Lyle Overbay – The elder statesman of the Jays might be a good piece for many contenders. He is a great fielder, which is always nice for a team in contention. A former gold glover who can not only be a defensive replacement in the 7th inning, but he can also swing the bat. A consistent hitter, who makes contact is never a bad thing for a team trying to win the World Series.

So who do you think the Jays should move, if anyone?