I mentioned yesterday that I had a couple of smaller reasons for the Blue Jays dropping down my likability list this year. Along with their disappointing season, we have the operation style of General Manager Alex Anthopoulos. The main thing I do not like about his style is his early season manipulation of the waiver wire. Between the beginning of the season and mid-May, Toronto claimed 9 players off waivers with an empty roster spot and then tried to outright them in order to build minor league depth in AAA. There is nothing illegal with what they did, and it didn't even work with 6 of the 9 players, but it just doesn't pass the smell test to me. Not only does it seem to be sneaky at best, but it really does hurt the players involved as well. The Blue Jays claimed Casper Wells off waivers and then proceeded to waive him without him ever seeing action. This meant Wells spent 10 days in limbo before Toronto got him and 10 days after they got him before he could play a single game and then just sold his contract to the A's. Three weeks off for no injury is just crazy and then profiteering on it is just despicable in my mind. Am I making too much of it? Perhaps, but it bugs me. While you consider it, let's take a look at the second half of the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays.
My Top 5 Blue Jays Cards
1. Colby Rasmus
2. Casey Janssen
3. Brett Lawrie
4. Melky Cabrera
5. Mark Buehrle
The highlight of the Rasmus card has to be the older woman that doesn't look impressed with Rasmus's athleticism. It's just a "been there, done that" sort of look. Aside from that it is a nice catch photo. The Janssen is a great photo which reminds me of the Wal Mart blackout cards. They are great in small supply, but Topps overdid it a few years back. Imagine that! I love a flying infielder card, so the Lawrie definitely works for me. I know a lot of people don't really like Melky Cabrera, but you have to admit that this is a funny photo. Finally the Buehrle card is from his return to Chicago. Normally I only like ovation shots for a retiring player, but a returning long-time hero is pretty good as well.
Coming tomorrow - #18 Chicago White Sox
Thanx for reading.
1 comment:
I'd completely forgotten that Andy LaRoche made a brief comeback with the Jays last year.
Post a Comment