Jays have eye on marlins ace willis

[raptorsfan29]

something i found http://www.metronews.ca/column_york_report.asp?id=16133&cid=10223
we probably don't have enough in the farm to get him, but it's nice to see were at least talking to florida about him. I don't know if he would be a good fit anyways, going from NL to AL.


Jays have eye on Marlins ace Willis

Blue Jays starter Josh Towers (1-7) turned in his first respectable start of the season with a victory against the mediocre Tampa Bay Devil Rays two days ago, but the development is by no means comforting Toronto team brass, which is eagerly trying to fortify its pitching staff.

In fact, Metro has learned the Jays have been involved in talks with the Florida Marlins in hopes of obtaining 22-year-old left-hander Dontrelle Willis.

Willis won 22 games for the Marlins last season and was an all-star but has struggled conspicuously this season and is 1-4 with a 6.22 earned-run average. The Marlins are seeking a package of prospects for Willis and have been considering offers from the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies and, yes, the Jays.

Look for Willis to be dealt before June.

• Stealing the thunder in Florida these days is their rookie shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, who’s leading his league in hitting and quickly establishing himself as the top leadoff man in baseball ... Mind you, there’s a serious dearth of formidable leadoff batters nowadays ... The Yanks are desperate for deals. Not only are they pursuing Willis but they’re also calling Roger Clemens daily, trying to woo him out of retirement. And, to replace injured outfielder Hideki Matsui (hand), the Yanks are making offers repeatedly to the Minnesota Twins, seeking Shannon Stewart ... That hearty chuckle you’ve been hearing lately must have been coming from Babe Ruth, and you know why ... Rookie Russell Martin of East York has been dazzling with the Dodgers and the consensus is that he’ll permanently replace Dioner Navarro (injured wrist) as the first-string catcher in L.A.

• Still stunned here that the Senators were subdued by the underdog Buffalo Sabres, but it became perfectly clear as the series progressed that Ottawa was in dire need of a sparkplug/leader type with signif

icant playoff experience. The Sens failed to pick up that kind of player when the Carolina Hurricanes outbid them in mid-season for the services of Doug Weight.

Marty York’s column appears Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Listen for Marty on The ROCK 94.9 FM, Monday and Friday at 8:40 a.m.

[MaineDolFan]

Willis would give Toronto a very dangerous 1/2 punch.  You would be able to move Beckett to where he belongs and would flourish, a number 3 starter.  If the Jays were able to do this - it would certainly shift the power balance.

The Jays certainly have enough talent to make this trade happen, but the Marlins will almost certainly expect Alex Rios to be part of that package along with Chacin.

[raptorsfan29]

from the article i read it seems like they would only want prospects. I don't think Rios and Chacin would be considered prospects anymore. Rios is expected a pay day through Arbitration. he may join the corners of over and pay very soon. Marlins don't want that.

don't you mean burnett would move to #3. i thought beckett was with you guys

[MaineDolFan]

Yep, meant Burnett.  Was on the phone with Josh earlier, had Beckett on the brain.  And I mean AJ for the 3 slot.

I promise you don't get Willis without giving up Chacin.  And Rios is not due a big pay day what so ever, most consider him a prospect still.

[raptorsfan29]

when is rios due for one. don't think florida wants chacin now he headed to the DL. Were done for the year, lost to anahiem 8-3. offense lacked, glaus got hit on the elbow or somewhere on the arm, forgot where. Pitching sucks, bullpen collaped, what else is new.

it seems like Ty Taubenheim: will be called up to replace chacin, maine wharts your scouting report on this guy.

[Denver_Bronco]

when is rios due for one. don't think florida wants chacin now he headed to the DL. Were done for the year, lost to anahiem 8-3. offense lacked, glaus got hit on the elbow or somewhere on the arm, forgot where. Pitching sucks, bullpen collaped, what else is new.

it seems like Ty Taubenheim: will be called up to replace chacin, maine wharts your scouting report on this guy.

You seem to be the only guy on the board that thought the Jays were actually going to do something this year. I am glad you have come to grips. You can come to the dark side and root for America's team now.

[MaineDolFan]

Taubenheim has a career record of 23-12 in three seasons in the minor leagues with a 3.20 ERA in eight-eight games (27 starts). In 312.2 innings, Taubenheim has allowed 278 hits, issued seventy-walks and has recorded 269 strikeouts.

Most view him as a RP prospect versus a starter.  He really struggles against lefties.

[raptorsfan29]

You seem to be the only guy on the board that thought the Jays were actually going to do something this year. I am glad you have come to grips. You can come to the dark side and root for America's team now.

Yeah i was the only one that thought my jays were going to be competative and contend . i was the only one that thought Halladay would pitch somewhat similar to 2003. I was the only one that thought wells was going to be better then last year, but do you know what. i like being the only one.

3-0 we win yah. Were not done, were just getting starting. move over yanks and sox ,the jays are coming. the sky isn't falling after all. Casey Janssan the next Roy Halladay,  maine what do you think of casey so far.

i know it was against LAA but a win is a win. we can move to just one game back tommorrow with Doc on the hill.

[raptorsfan29]

maine, do you think willis has what it takes to succeed in the AL. I know some pitchers don't do well going from NL to AL.

How about that Casey Janssan

[EDGECRUSHER]

I think Willis is one of the few that can find AL success as well. However, his numbers will diminish a bit and the added bonus of him being a good hitter is now lost.

Also depends on where he goes. A place like Detroit and he will be great. A place like Texas and he may not keep his ERA under 3.50 too much.

[raptorsfan29]

maine, got another baseball Q for u. i have heard rumors of a possible trade for Adam Kennedy. have you heard anything like this