A.J. Burnett’s agent Darek Braunecker, has released a statement that his client has filled out all the paperwork and will be opting out of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Burnett was to make $24 million dollars over the next two years with the Blue Jays but instead chose to opt out and play the free agent game.

Burnett, posted an 18-10 record with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto this season and established career highs with 34 starts and 221 1/3 innings pitched. He’s expected to be seeking a four- or five-year deal for at least $16 million annually on the open market.

Too bad the Blue Jays didn’t trade his butt during the season when he wanted to be traded. Atleast they would have got something in return during the season.

Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed outfielder Shannon Stewart to a minor league contract.  If Stewart happens to make the big league roster, he would be paid $1.5 million from the Blue Jays.  Stewart will be battling for playing time in left field with Matt Stairs and Reed Johnson.

Blue Jays Blog

Alex Rios and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one year contract to avoid salary arbitration.  Rios will be paid $4.8 million for 2008, and $3.5 million of that will be paid via the signing bonus.  If Rios does make the All Star team, he will earn an extra $150,000.

Good deal for both parties.  If Rios has a big year in 2008, he is for sure going to get a huge pay raise in 2009.   I do see that happening, as I am big Rios fan.

Blue Jays Blog

It was a busy day for the Toronto Blue Jays management today as they signed five players to contracts.  Scott Downs, Marco Scutaro, Jason Frasor, Gustavo Chacin, and Brian Tallet all signed with the Blue Jays today.

Scott Downs:  Downs received a three year contract worth $10 million.
Marco Scutaro:  Scutaro will be getting a two year contract worth $2.65 million.
Jason Frasor:  Frasor was signed to a one year deal worth $1.125 million.
Gustavo Chacin:  Chacin inked a one year deal for $725,000.
Brian Tallet:  Tallet signed a one year contract for $640,000.

What do you think Blue Jays fans?  Good deals for the ballclub?  The two big names of course are Downs and Scutaro.  Pretty decent signings if you ask me.

Blue Jays Blog

The Toronto Blue Jays will have a new third basement in 2008 and it will be former St. Louis Cardinal Scott Rolen.  On Saturday, Troy Glaus was traded to the Cardinals in exchange for Rolen.  Rolen was injured part of 2007 just like Glaus, but Rolen had a few run-ins with Tony LaRussa that didn’t set so well with the manager.

To be honest, I really don’t like this trade one bit for the Blue Jays.  Glaus is a way better player then Rolen right now, and I feel Glaus would have been a lot better for the team in the long run.  What do you all think?  Do you like the trade?

Blue Jays Blog