Blue Jays are Contenders in '09 if...

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:14:47 EDT

The recent trade of Matt Stairs to the Philadelphia Phillies was the first move by the Blue Jays' front office to indicate that the team has begun to look beyond another mediocre season in 2008. The unexpected trade freed up a roster spot for the team's highly touted prospect Travis Snider. Snider made his major league debut last night in the Bronx against Carl Pavano and the Yankees. He went 1 for 3 with a double and one run scored.

The team's purchase of Snider's contract prior to the roster expansion date of September 1st seems to imply that Cito Gaston will be playing him on a daily basis for the rest of the season. Travis Snider is not the most talented player in the outfield, but his potential power at the plate makes him an ideal candidate to be the team's future designated hitter. With regular playing time in September, it appears as though Gaston will be grooming the young slugger to fill this crucial role as early as next April. Since the promotion of Snider to the big league club ostensibly addresses the team's need for a fresh bat at the DH position, Ricciardi must now set his sights on the team's other weaknesses.

Stairs Move Makes Way for the Future

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:56:40 EDT

Matt Stairs, the pride of St. Johns, New Brunswick, was designated for assignment last night after the Blue Jays lost their rubber match against the American League East leading Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. This morning, the Associated Press reported that Stairs would be traded to a team in the playoff race by Saturday. According to MLB Trade Rumours, the Philadelphia Phillies have already acquired the left hitting designated hitter from the Blue Jays for an unnamed prospect. So what are the implications of J.P. Ricciardi's latest move?

Ricciardi's latest move makes sense on many levels. Stairs production at the plate has dropped significantly from last year. His batting average and slugging percentage are both down, and his strike outs are up. For most of the season, he has looked like an aging DH in the twilight of his career. Since Stairs would not have likely been a major factor in the team's plans next year, this trade allows the Jays to avoid eating the 1 million dollars that he is owed next season. This move also makes way for highly touted prospect Travis Snider to make his MLB debut this season. Snider is slotted to be the team's DH of the future. Expect the Jays to give him a serious look this season in hopes that he may be ready to make the jump to the majors right out of Spring Training in 2009. Snider is not yet Major League ready, but a good number of big league at bats in September might fast track his development.

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Blue Jays are Contenders in '09 if...

Stairs Move Makes Way for the Future