Quote:
Originally Posted by fleury
I don't agree with this whatsoever. What most don't understand is it's not like buying a used car. You just don't go in and make an offer. There are discussions back in forth to give an understanding of what's expected. It's quite conceivable that the Jays waited to see what others were offering and would come in if it was in their ballpark, rather than getting into the bidding war. In my mind, if Price really wanted to come back, his agent would be saying, "the Sox offered $32M for 7 years", we'd be willing to stay with the Jays for $31M at 6 years, or something to that extent to get the talks started again. If the Jays made the half assed effort and gave 5 years at $26M, they'd be criticized even further for making that lazy effort. It would also look bad on them in the FA market.
With the money Price went for, I'm glad the Jays walked. It doesn't fit in with their cost structure and it's a bad contract. I'm more upset with the lack of other FA activity which could address their SP and RP needs.
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If the Jays had made an offer first and given that Price enjoyed his time here and given the team is still intact from last season, why not assume Price might sign for a discount since he "definitely would have gone back to the Jays" (Price's agent). I believe if the Jays were serious, the offer would have been respectable and not half-assed but since there was not any, then one has to assume the Jays were not that interested. Signing Happ for 3 yrs at age 32 for 36 million (in my mind) is half-assed effort to get legitimately better as well as giving Smoak an over payment is wasted salary.
They do need to address the bullpen. Need another lefty to bolster the bullpen. I read the Jays wants to spread the salaries about and meet their needs throughout the line up. What that brings you is average help and that is what the Jays had before, average pitching.