Friday, January 21, 2011

Toronto Blue Jays Trade Vernon Wells for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera

Vernon Wells - Traded to Anaheim
Wow.


If Alex Anthopolous somehow pulls this trade off without giving Anaheim any cash, today will mark perhaps the best day in Jays history this decade - a truly refreshing deal that will free up tons of cash for Toronto to spend on free agents next winter.


The way AA has architect-ed this current roster is pretty astounding, especially the platoons likely to occur. Napoli will add much-needed left-handed batting and is likely to rotate between catcher, first base, and DH, perhaps receiving as many as 450 at-bats, including always starting against lefties. Rivera has been viewed as more of a pawn in this blockbuster, but he does have some value and, pending a bounceback, has starting upside.


Obviously, freeing up the contract of Vernon Wells is the biggest positive of the entire trade, as he had 4/86. This could open the door for the huge Prince Fielder deal I have been speculating over for a long time.


Sleep well, Jays fans, the positive effects of this deal should be felt for years to come.

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