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Toronto Blue Jays Wiretap

Molina Looks Like A Lock For Toronto

Bengie Molina has told the Blue Jays he'd like to play for them, as Jeff Blair reports, and now the Jays don't want Mike Piazza. The question is: Will Molina play for less than what he wants? Remember, at one point, Molina could have taken a three-year, $18 million deal dangled by the Mets, but didn't.

The notion that Molina might sit out the entire season, as he suggested last week, is pure insanity. If he wants to make $6 million annually, he certainly won't do it by sitting on his rear end for a season and making teams wonder if he's putting on weight. A Molina-Blue Jays merger for 2006 seems inevitable.

Via ESPN


Jays Remain Interested In Piazza

The Blue Jays remain interested in Mike Piazza if he would accept a one-year deal and the idea that he would catch no more than 70 games. Toronto also has interest in free agent Bengie Molina, but it is more probable he will end up with the Dodgers.

Via NY Post


Dodgers Coming Into Molina Picture With The Price Tag In Freefall

Bengie Molina's price tag has dropped so far that the Dodgers are interested in signing him for one year, multiple sources said Wednesday.

General Manager Ned Colletti has spoken twice to Alan Nero, the agent for the former Angel Gold Glove catcher, and could make an offer this weekend.

The Toronto Blue Jays have expressed the most interest in Molina, who turned down a three-year, $18-million offer from the New York Mets in November but now might get only a one-year contract.

The Blue Jays have reportedly offered Molina $4 million for one year, and the New York Yankees also might be interested.

Via LA Times


Blue Jays Ink Lilly To $4 Million Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday signed lefthander Ted Lilly to a one-year, $4 million contract, thus avoiding salary arbitration.

The 30-year-old posted a 10-11 record with a 5.56 ERA in 25 starts last season. In 126.1 innings pitched, he struck out 96 batters while walking 58.

Lilly, who represented the Blue Jays in the 2004 All-Star Game, has a 44-45 career record with a 4.67 ERA in 153 games, including 128 starts, for Montreal, the New York Yankees, Oakland and Toronto.

Via AP


Jays Still Talking To Molina

Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said he spoke last weekend with Alan Nero, the agent for free-agent catcher Bengie Molina. Published reports out of New York suggested the Blue Jays were one of only a few clubs interested in the two-time Gold Glove winner. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are also said to have some interest.

It's believed the Blue Jays don't want to go above $4 million for Molina in order to stay within their payroll constraints. But Ricciardi wouldn't confirm that figure.

Via The Globe and Mail


Blue Jays Jan 2006 Archive

  • Overbay And Downs Avoid Arbitration With Jays

    The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to one-year contracts with new first baseman Lyle Overbay and pitcher Scott Downs on Monday, avoiding salary arbitration with both players.

  • Koskie Joining The Brew Crew

    Corey Koskie was traded by Toronto to Milwaukee late Friday night for minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe.

  • Blue Jays Sign Jason Phillips

    The Blue Jays have signed C Jason Phillips to a minor league contract with an invitation to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.