1
The Toronto Blue Jays finished with 89 losses in the American League East, running an operation much like the payroll-confined Seattle Mariners, who finished with 87 losses.
But what a move Toronto made on Tuesday, becoming the recipients of the Miami Marlins’ latest salary dump. Toronto got pitchers Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle and shortstop Jose Reyes, plus a couple others, for a bunch of players who are troubled, young or untested.
The Blue Jays have had bats for several years, but their pitching was weak. Now they add Johnson and Buehrle. Toronto management realizes if you want to be competitive you have to pay for a good product.
For the first time in a long, long time, the Blue Jays actually look like they’re ready to play ball.
And that just made the jobs of the Mariners and a bunch of other teams a whole lot tougher.
2
There are a zillion trade rumors in the Major League Baseball blogosphere, none of which should be taken very seriously at this point. But here are a few of the names connected to the Mariners this week:
• The M’s reportedly have an interest in Russell Martin, in addition to Mike Napoli, as a veteran catcher. Remember, the M’s have Jesus Montero (weak defensively) and John Jaso (platoon hitter), plus first-round choice Mike Zunino in the pipeline.
• The latest young hitters who the M’s allegedly want are Minnesota’s Ben Revere or Twins’ prospect Aaron Hicks, or Kansas City prospect Wil Myers.
3
More sad news in the sad saga of Milton Badly, err…Bradley. For the third time since January 2011 his estranged wife has accused him of felony domestic violence.
According to his wife, Monique, a verbal altercation turned physical last week, and she filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department. Milton and Monique each filed for divorce earlier this year, and Milton also might have violated a restraining order in this most recent episode.
“Milton denies hitting her and will cooperate with police. This is an ongoing, bitter divorce,” Bradley’s attorney said.
Bradley is only 34. He last played in the majors in 2011 with the Seattle Mariners, who released him in mid-May after hitting .218 in 28 games.
