Jays land Glaus?

[officeglenn]

TSN reported on their early edition of SportsCentre tonight that the Toronto Blue Jays have traded Miguel Batista and Orlando Hudson to Arizona for Troy Glaus.

The Jays organization has not confirmed this yet. Here's the story on their website: TSN.ca

If it's true ...

[Davey]

Its been announced on sportsnet site too , i guess its offical because on their site they say pending his pyshical on mon, a press confrence will be announced on tues, so ya ,,, i guess its true.

[randyc]

i think this is a REALLY good deal for Toronto, as much as i hate to see O-Dog go, i think this is the last piece of the puzzle. Plus, the Jays get rid of Batista and gain a prospect, while keeping League

[CC97]

i think this is a REALLY good deal for Toronto, as much as i hate to see O-Dog go, i think this is the last piece of the puzzle. Plus, the Jays get rid of Batista and gain a prospect, while keeping League

I agree with this, i really really really hate to lose o-dog, but it's something we had to do... but the jays are still not done, because we have glaus, koskie, hinske, hillenbrand and overbay spread out over 1b, 3b, and dh... need to move a couple of guys.

[Neon_Matrix]

i think this is a REALLY good deal for Toronto, as much as i hate to see O-Dog go, i think this is the last piece of the puzzle. Plus, the Jays get rid of Batista and gain a prospect, while keeping League

I agree with this, i really really really hate to lose o-dog, but it's something we had to do... but the jays are still not done, because we have glaus, koskie, hinske, hillenbrand and overbay spread out over 1b, 3b, and dh... need to move a couple of guys.

I WUV O-DOG!! He's so colourful and gives our team such a warm, free spirited touch. Its going to suck to see such a great guy go, especially one who plays his position exceptionally well. I hope Hill can take his place without losing a step...

[Davey]

glaus, koskie, hinske, hillenbrand and overbay spread out over 1b, 3b, and dh... need to move a couple of guys.

Trade Hinske for a back up catcher or for some minor league players, and then the team would be even better.

[Audiodrama]

In terms of bolstering their lineup, this is a great move for the Jays. I am never, however, an advocate of trading defense and pitching for offense. While Glaus is a serviceable third-baseman, they're giving up a very good defensive-minded second-baseman in Orlando Hudson and an above-average pitcher in Miguel Batista. I'm not a huge fan of this deal as a result.

[CC97]

and an above-average pitcher in Miguel Batista. I'm not a huge fan of this deal as a result.

It should be noted that Batista had no place on our team for 2006, he probably would've been released if we were not able to deal him

[randyc]

Toronto also receives SS propect Sergio Santos in the deal according to the article on MLB.com

MLB.com article

[Audiodrama]

and an above-average pitcher in Miguel Batista. I'm not a huge fan of this deal as a result.

It should be noted that Batista had no place on our team for 2006, he probably would've been released if we were not able to deal him

How is that, though? He would've been a hell of a setup guy for Ryan.

[CC97]

and an above-average pitcher in Miguel Batista. I'm not a huge fan of this deal as a result.

It should be noted that Batista had no place on our team for 2006, he probably would've been released if we were not able to deal him

How is that, though? He would've been a hell of a setup guy for Ryan.

I'm just basing it from experience with this management group... see Kerry Lightenberg, Billy Koch

[Audiodrama]

and an above-average pitcher in Miguel Batista. I'm not a huge fan of this deal as a result.

It should be noted that Batista had no place on our team for 2006, he probably would've been released if we were not able to deal him

How is that, though? He would've been a hell of a setup guy for Ryan.

I'm just basing it from experience with this management group... see Kerry Lightenberg, Billy Koch

Good point...but Koch and Ligtenberg hardly match up to Batista. I understand how Ricciardi and the boys run things, but giving up a premium bullpen arm for more offense doesn't seem smart, especially considering the division Toronto's in. You need all the pitching you can get.

[Braden]

Toronto's setup man is Justin Speier, who had a great 2005. He'll do just fine setting up B.J. Ryan. Toronto's middle relief is pretty decent, and Batista just doesn't fit in.

Replacing Hudson at 2B will be Aaron Hill, who isn't as good defensively (obviously since nobody is right now) but should be very solid nevertheless. He'll be able to contribute more offensively though.

But like Chris said, Glaus is yet another coner infielder for the Jays, so something has to give. But so far I really like what I see.

[Cujo]

Chris, just so ya know... I am shocked (again) if this goes through.

The Jays have really proven me wrong this offseason. Good luck to them next year. Maybe they can beat out the Yanks for the wild card.

[amare32]

Toronto also receives SS propect Sergio Santos in the deal according to the article on MLB.com

MLB.com article

Some of the shine is off Santos based on last year's performance at AAA, but I think he's still a quality prospect. He, too, is likley to wind up at 3B in a couple years. W/ Drew and (God willing) Upton on board, Santos became our 3d best SS prospect, so he is expendable.

Santos, who just two years ago was ranked by Baseball America as the organization's top prospect, was drafted out of high school by the Diamondbacks with their first pick in the 2002 draft. The 22-year-old had a steady rise through the system before stumbling a bit last year for Triple-A Tucson when he hit just .239 with 12 homers and 68 RBIs.

At 6-foot-2, 239 pounds, Santos is big for a shortstop, which has prompted speculation that he would eventually need to switch, but the Diamondbacks have been impressed with the way he's played at short. He became expendable, however when the club drafted shortstops with its first-round pick in each of the past two drafts. Stephen Drew, selected in 2004, is thought to be just about ready for the big leagues and the team drafted high school shortstop Justin Upton with the No. 1 overall pick last year. Upton has yet to sign, but the D-Backs are optimistic that they will reach a deal with him.

I'm excited by all the glowing reviews of Hudson. Looking only at his offensive statistics, he does not appear to be that great of a player. But if his defense is as good as you say, he should make our pitching staff -- especially ground ball specialist Brandon Webb -- a lot better.

Here's how it's playing in Phoenix --

Talks include Blue Jays

Discussed deal would include pitcher Batista

Bob McManaman

The Arizona Republic

Dec. 24, 2005 12:00 AM

Rumors abound on where Troy Glaus will end up this season, and somewhere amid all the smoke, there is a fire building that seems almost certain it won't be with the Diamondbacks.

The third baseman, who had a team-high 37 home runs and 97 RBIs last season, his first in Arizona after agreeing to a four-year, $45 million deal as a free agent, appears headed to Toronto in a deal that could be finalized in the next few days.

Left fielder Luis Gonzalez has been told by Diamondbacks ownership that he will be back and starting in 2006, but rest assured, there will be trades made in the near future.

The Diamondbacks also have been talking to Boston and Baltimore, among others, about Glaus, but talks reheated with the Blue Jays on Friday and it appears a deal is imminent.

"Josh (Arizona General Manager Josh Byrnes) and his staff will continue to look at trade scenarios which have the possibility of improving the competitiveness of our team next season," General Partner Jeff Moorad said. "There are a number of possibilities that exist and we are methodically working through them.

"Gonzo is not involved in any (trade discussions). We're excited about having him back. But in fairness, we are still looking at ways to unlock the logjam at the corners. . . . There are likely to be a number of moves in short order, either through free agency or through trades, that will improve and bolster our chances to win the division next season."

According to industry sources, the Blue Jays thought they were close on a deal last weekend that would have sent pitcher Miguel Batista back to the Diamondbacks in a package that included second baseman Orlando Hudson for Glaus and a prospect. The talks Friday continued to involve the same four components.

However, Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi on Thursday night indicated the deal with the Diamondbacks was all but dead.

"We had interest in him at one time," Ricciardi said. "But nothing's going to happen with that now. It's not going to happen with us."

Talks resumed following that statement and both sides seem to believe the deal will get done, probably early next week.

Toronto has a surplus of players at the infield corner positions in first baseman Lyle Overbay, third basemen Corey Koskie and Shea Hillenbrand, and Eric Hinske, who can play both positions. Toronto also has the flexibility of the designated hitter spot.

It's doubtful the Blue Jays would be willing to assume the full worth of Glaus' remaining salary.

The Red Sox, in a quandary and pressed to make a big splash after the departure of star center fielder Johnny Damon to the rival New York Yankees, have had interest in Glaus for a while. They are set at third base, however, and probably would ask him to play first if a deal can be done with Byrnes, a former assistant GM in Boston.

Boston could be willing to send one of the following pitchers - David Wells, Matt Clement or Bronson Arroyo - to the Diamondbacks, along with prospects. The Red Sox also could be willing to pay the full $32.5 million due Glaus over the next three years, money that had been earmarked for Damon.

Let's all hope this goes through. I don't believe that Arizona is done dealing yet, either. Good luck, Jays. Go Diamondbacks!

[CC97]

I'd just like to say again, you are getting a great player in orlando hudson... you will notice an instant change in the attitude of the diamondbacks players once he comes on board.

A couple of weeks ago, Vernon wells made a plea, to the media, that hudson remain on the jays for 2006... if that tells you how important he is to the clubhouse.

On top of all that, he is a gold glove winning second baseman (should've won in 2004 too), and he is very clutch. Last year he did have some hamstring problems and was sidelined twice (injured himself once while rounding the bases after a homerun).

Miguel Batista is also a good pitcher when he's on... he had some major meltdowns last season... one of which i'll never forget was with the jays up by 3 in the 9th they brought in batista and he proceeded to allow the first 3 men to reach base, and the next batter hit a game winning grand slam. But the next night he struck out 4 straight Yankees at Yankee Stadium to get a save -- see what i mean?

Great deal for the D-backs... good deal for the jays... it helps both teams with what they wanted. From the Jays perspective, this is the type of move that shouldn't be evaluated until the end of the off-season when all the other deals that have to be made now are completed.

[Neon_Matrix]

I'd just like to say again, you are getting a great player in orlando hudson... you will notice an instant change in the attitude of the diamondbacks players once he comes on board.

A couple of weeks ago, Vernon wells made a plea, to the media, that hudson remain on the jays for 2006... if that tells you how important he is to the clubhouse.

On top of all that, he is a gold glove winning second baseman (should've won in 2004 too), and he is very clutch. Last year he did have some hamstring problems and was sidelined twice (injured himself once while rounding the bases after a homerun).

Miguel Batista is also a good pitcher when he's on... he had some major meltdowns last season... one of which i'll never forget was with the jays up by 3 in the 9th they brought in batista and he proceeded to allow the first 3 men to reach base, and the next batter hit a game winning grand slam. But the next night he struck out 4 straight Yankees at Yankee Stadium to get a save -- see what i mean?

Great deal for the D-backs... good deal for the jays... it helps both teams with what they wanted. From the Jays perspective, this is the type of move that shouldn't be evaluated until the end of the off-season when all the other deals that have to be made now are completed.

I don't think this deal is truely worth it. We need our defense, and by adding a big, dependable bat, we may have a Delgado situation again where alot of the players with smaller roles can lay back because dependable Glaus will always be there to bail us out. The jays were very successful when there was not one great player on our team, I do agree that we needed another bat, but not one as good as Glaus, and not for the price that is cost us. I will miss O-Dog, he was very entertaining to watch and even more entertaining when he was interviewed after a game. I will always remember his Sportsnet NHL Playoff predictions, now those were funny.

[epper]

Wow....the Jays continue to impress me. Ee have a serious shot now to dethrone the yankees.

Ee've needed a big-bat since delgado left, and now we got Glaus, who i think set the record for most postseason (another plus: playoff exp.) HRs in one year. And we got rid of our biggest weakness, Batista, who made me nervous everytime I saw him trot out of the 'pen last year.

I was at a game, and we were leading 8-4 in the 6th inning, when a friend turns to me and says "hey, looks like we may actually have a Batista-proof lead now."

my response: "The only Batista-proof lead is one where he doesn't enter the game."

Hill will be a servicable replacement for Hudson. Sure, he doesn't have the glove, but he proved last year he's got the bat.

I think for JP's final move, he'll deal Hinske or Koskie (who i would hate to see go...but he was pretty bad last year and doesn't really have a place on this team now) for a catcher, or more bullpen help.

[amare32]

Here's an article from today's Arizona Republic, which provides some more details on the deal, including the waiver of Glaus's no-trade clause --

Batista set for return to D-Backs

Glaus' trade to Blue Jays likely to be official today

Nick Piecoro

The Arizona Republic

Dec. 27, 2005 12:00 AM

The Diamondbacks are expected to announce the latest move in their winter reshuffling today as slugging third baseman Troy Glaus is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays in a four-player trade.

A deal that will send Glaus and prospect Sergio Santos to Toronto for second baseman Orlando Hudson and pitcher Miguel Batista needs only final medical clearance before becoming official.

Glaus reportedly was in Toronto to undergo a physical examination Monday, and Hudson is scheduled to undergo one in Phoenix today.

While getting a Gold Glove second baseman, a versatile pitcher and payroll flexibility, the trade also allows the Diamondbacks to ease their logjam at the corner positions.

Glaus' departure means Chad Tracy will move back to third base, where he played during the 2004 season and will leave first base to a combination of Conor Jackson and Tony Clark. Shawn Green can move from center field back to right field - where Tracy played much of the second half of 2005.

The club is still expected to pursue a center fielder to start until prospect Chris Young is ready. Free agents such as Jeff DaVanon and Eric Byrnes are possibilities. Both players struggled at the plate last season but could provide defensive stability.

Hudson is a slick-fielding second baseman who last season committed only six errors in capturing his first Gold Glove. Hudson, 28, who hit .271 with 10 home runs, is arbitration eligible and likely to command around $2 million this season. The Diamondbacks will have Hudson under contract for at least three seasons.

Batista returns to Arizona after spending two years in Toronto, again giving the Diamondbacks a right-hander capable of starting or relieving. He spent last season as a closer in Toronto but enjoyed success in the Diamondbacks rotation from 2001-03. He has one year at $4.75 million remaining on his contract.

Hudson's arrival likely will move Craig Counsell to shortstop while potentially making Alex Cintron a trade commodity. The team could look to package Cintron with another pitcher in hopes of upgrading the rotation.

When it is determined shortstop prospect Stephen Drew is ready - perhaps early or midway through the 2006 season - Counsell could be shifted into a utility role.

Glaus, who has three years and about $32 million left on his deal, hit 37 homers with 97 RBIs last season, his first with the Diamondbacks. He had a limited no-trade provision built into his deal. Toronto was one of the teams to which he could block a trade.

Agent Mike Nicotera did not return a call from The Republic seeking comment, but he told MLB.com on Monday that Glaus was wary of Toronto's old playing surface. But because the artificial surface has been replaced with FieldTurf, Glaus agreed to the deal.

Santos' inclusion in the deal was difficult for some in the organization who hold him in high regard. The Blue Jays were given a list of Diamondbacks minor leaguers whom they could not include in the deal, and Santos' name was not on the list.

The 2002 first-round pick progressed quickly through the system before hitting only .239 in Triple-A last season. With Drew and potentially Justin Upton, the club is well stocked at shortstop, and third base, a position to which Santos could move, looks to be manned by Tracy for the foreseeable future.

If it had not been Santos, it would have needed to be someone else on the 40-man roster in order to create room for Hudson and Batista.

As part of the deal, the Diamondbacks will be sending less than $1 million to the Blue Jays, a payment that won't be made until 2008, the final year of Glaus' contract. The cash is to offset the tax differential that Glaus will incur by playing for a Canadian team.

The trade will give the Diamondbacks financial flexibility, particularly in the long term. Glaus is due $23 million total in '07 and '08. The Diamondbacks likely will save around $2.5 million in 2006.

***

Orlando Hudson

Ht./Wt.: 6-0/185. Age: 28. Position: Second base. Scouting report: Hudson has fashioned a reputation as one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball. For all the offense the club could lose with Glaus, it could save as much ground in the glove department. Glaus tied for the major league lead with 24 errors at third base; Hudson committed only six at second base en route to his first Gold Glove. Offensively, the switch-hitting Hudson is no standout, but no liability either. His numbers in his three full seasons suggest you can expect about a .270 average with 10 homers and 25 doubles.

Miguel Batista

Ht./Wt.: 6-1/195. Age: 34. Position: Right-handed pitcher. Batista returns for his second tour of duty with the Diamondbacks, with whom he established himself in the majors. In three seasons with the Diamondbacks from 2001-03, he began each season in the bullpen but eventually wound up in the starting rotation. He signed a three-year deal with Toronto and last season converted 31 saves as the Blue Jays closer, a job he lost when the club signed free agent B.J. Ryan.  Batista, who writes poetry and was working on a crime novel during his first stint here, could land back in the rotation. He has one year and $4.75 million left on his contract.

[Phil]

Dang. Losing Orlando Hudson is a shot... I mean, Glaus has a pretty hefty bat, but it's tough to replace that great attitude. He was the Pinball Clemons of the Blue Jays, minus perhaps the HOF-credentials.

Now which Blue Jay is the Toronto media going to interview for a laugh?