Sunday, March 11, 2007

March 11 -- DAY 25: NO DEAL

Over the weekend, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi quashed any rumors about a potential Alex Rios-Jon Lieber swap. The Phillies are known to be interested in Rios, a five-tool outfielder, and getting him would free them to trade Aaron Rowand for much-needed relief help. Lieber would help the Jays, too. Presently, the fourth and fifth spots in Toronto's rotation are held by Tomo Okha and John Thomson.

Evidently, though, the Jays aren't interested.

"I don't know where that's coming from, and I don't know why people are writing that," Ricciardi told reporters who cover the Jays. "Do people actually think we'd be stupid enough to trade Alex Rios for Jon Lieber? We have no interest in that type of trade."

Gee, J.P, tell us how you really feel.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This really doesn't surprise me. JP is a Moneyball guru and Lieber's 4.9 ERA is a bit too high for his math. Plus, Alex Rios is Alex Rios. He has the potential to be a .300/20/100/100 guy, based on his numbers from last season. Wasn't he battling Jeter for highest BA at one point?
In any event, no way they take Lieber for him. No matter how official Okha and Thomson aren't.

Someone has mentioned it before on here - and I agree - hold onto 6 starters and see how well it works. Moyer is pushing 90 and skipping a start might not be a bad idea to keep him as fresh and young as possible. Or put Eaton or Lieber in the bullpen, esp. if they can't get any help. Thinking outside the box a little isn't an innate PG trait, but why not?