The Blue Jays have fielded a few trade inquiries about star outfielder Vernon Wells, league sources said. It appears Toronto has financial constraints, and it might consider trading Wells, who has six years remaining on his seven-year, $126-million contract.
It isn't necessarily to the point where the Jays are shopping Wells. But they may have financial concerns. The Jays' star closer, B.J. Ryan, also is thought be available at the right price -- though there's no evidence the Jays would entertain trading franchise pitcher Roy Halladay.
Wells is a terrific all-around player, but he's missed some time the past two seasons. He hit .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs last year after a dreadful 2007 campaign in which he .245 with 16 homers and 80 RBIs. He is a much better player than that, although his contract may make trading him difficult in these economic times.
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Sure, I'd take Melky Cabrera and a prospect for Wells. It would free up some salary to go after a DH for the Jays. Wells is a .300/25/100 guy, but is too expensive for the Jays. Melky is cheaper and has a lot of upside. The Yanks would love to have Wells and can afford him.
sisl…
Total Comments (18)
The problem is that the Yankees already have enough corner outfiled types ... Wells would look good in an Angels uniform (sans Tex or Manny) and would be an even better fit in Boston (not that the Blue Jays would trade Wells to either the Yankees or the BoSox - because they're in the same division)
The Cubs or St Louis would be a great fit too ... and both probably could afford Wells ...
MacGrand
Total Comments (57)
The Angels are even more clogged at OF than the Yankees LOL. They got Matthews Jr and Hunter locked up in long-term contracts. They just re-signed Juan Rivera. They also have Vlad and Willis. Where exactly is Vernon Wells going to play? At least the Yankees have some flexibility in OF. Gardner/Melky can be optioned to the minors. Matsui is their full time DH. That leaves only Damon and Nady as their regular OF.
Neutral Zone
Total Comments (525)
macgrand - wells is a center fielder. he'd be a perfect fit for the yankees
sisl - you really think melky and a prospect are enough?? i mean, i know it's a salary dump, but that seems a bit light... depending on the prospect i suppose.
but mac's right. i really doubt the jays would trade him within the division..
zip_zap
Brooklyn , NY
Total Comments (10)
Why Not? The Mets gave the Twins four no names and bag of BP balls for Santana.
yankees66
Total Comments (619)
Zip: Yes, I think Melky and a prospect (Philip Hughes) would be enough. Maybe I should clarify-Prospect (with a capital P).
sisl…
Total Comments (18)
Damon, Melky, Kennedy for Wells.
Damon has an expiring contract, if Damon has a good year the Jays let him go and get a draft pick out it. Which is good since they appear to be rebuilding. Melky is a cheap stopgap player or defensive sub late in games. Ian is a pitching prospect, still. Finally the Yanks get a centerfielder.
dg Three-Three
Exit 9, NJ
Total Comments (1)
that's a lot of money
blown out knee
Paterson , NJ
Total Comments (14)
At 18 mil for the next six years, there are not going to be too many takers. That's a ton of dough for a guy who has not exactly been worth it these last two seasons. At first glance, the Yanks appear to be the best fit; both money wise and in need of an impact centerfielder. Nady is a good right fielder for the money. Damon (no arm), Matsui (age & health) and Cabrera (weak offense) are collectively not the answer in the other outfield positions. Wells would be a better upgrade than Cameron. Perhaps the Jays can grab Hughes and Gardener or Austin Jackson.
CatchDog
Palm Beach, FL
Total Comments (3)
The Yanks are a much better offense with Damon leading off. Anyway The Jays want youth not Damon.
yankees66
Total Comments (619)
There's pretty much zero chance he gets traded. At least until there is a new President and G.M. in place. But a top flight middle infield prospect and a decent pitcher would probably get him. Rios, Lind and Snider are decent enough for a young team that is going to lose 80 games for sure no matter what they do. Also he has an opt out clause too just like A.J. and worse comes to worse they get rid of his underachieving and get a good pick, now if only we had someone who could actually do something with a first rounder every now and again.
scoops11
Total Comments (44)
They better be willing to eat half of that salary
Yankee27
Castaic , CA
Total Comments (1080)
the guy is not worth that much money - just because you play center and hit above .300 in 2 of 7 full seasons (500 ABs) - with the other seasons .275 or below - doesn't mean you deserve such an absurd amount of money.
below is from talkingNYsports_dot_com
Unless there is some team that made a huge offer to Mark Teixeira, it seems that the Red Sox and Angels - who both claim they are out of the Teixeira sweepstakes - are really agitated at Teixeira's agent. Boras is a royal pain who will lie until he is blue if it earns his client an extra dollar!
I can't wait for the day every team refuses to deal with him! I hope that day comes tomorrow!
.talkingNYsports.com
New York , NY
Total Comments (112)
No thanks, the Cubs don't need him. We already have an overpriced, underproducing outfielder of our own to pay for several years - Alfonso Soriano.
wojo14
Tinley Park , IL
Total Comments (16)
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