Comments on: Blue Jays nab their closer, acquiring Sergio Santos from White Sox

By: proudlycanadian

proudlycanadian — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:19:18 +0000

The White Sox got a prospect whom I had thought was untouchable. Molina caught the attention of a lot of scouts last season. The Jays still have 3 other prime pitching prospects who finished last season in Double A.

By: paint771

paint771 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:44:50 +0000

Not sure why you say that – Blue Jays won 80 last year, 85 before that, with a very young core team and an AL East that looks a bit shaky at present. They buy 10 wins out of replacement players, new hires, and a few of the young guns coming into their own (Lawrie, Morrow, Alvarez, etc.), and they’re already over the top. And that’s even before the second wild card comes into effect.

By: baseballisboring

baseballisboring — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:38:43 +0000

2.21 must be his catcher’s ERA or something. The 148/16 K/BB ratio looks about right though.

By: baseballisboring

baseballisboring — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:37:44 +0000

Knowing what we know about him now this deal doesn’t look so good for the Jays…I don’t think they’re close enough that a good closer is gonna put them over the top.

By: dirtyharry1971

dirtyharry1971 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:29:05 +0000

Now i am 100% convinced the Jays have locked up 4th place!! Maybe if Bud adds 6 more wild cards the jays will actually make the playoffs with this roster!!!

By: cyanocittacristata

cyanocittacristata — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:28:21 +0000

The silent assassin strikes again! Really this is almost a trade of the same player only in difference of age and experience.

Molina best projects as a stopper tho he may become a very good starter. Santos was the one that got away from the Jay’s nest.

Cost wise, Santos looks like a steal in a cheap and club friendly contract.Compared to what Papelbon and Bell cost, this is going to put AA on FBI’s 50 most wanted list for robbery.

By: rambodiaz

rambodiaz — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:23:44 +0000

And the Pirates aren’t trading Hanrahan… why, exactly?

By: rsnorth

rsnorth — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:07:46 +0000

I’d hate to see any of those Red Sox guys go for Thornton whom the White Sox want to move badly and for the mediocre Floyd. Lavarnway is backing up Salty in ’12, Iglesias may back up Scutaro if Lowrie gets dealt and Middlebrooks will eventually replace Youk. Not a good deal for the Sox.

By: Chris K

Chris K — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:46:35 +0000

I’ve been a fan of AAs moves so far, and he still has a free pass from me for a few years for getting rid of Wells, but this is the second questionable move he’s made to get a closer.

The upside on Molina seemed higher compared to a 1 inning guy…but maybe it’s offset that we can control Santos for the next 5 seasons? OR….maybe AA is going to turn Santos into a starter? haha

By: cur68

cur68 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:44:43 +0000

Sergio Santos stats: 6′ 2″, Weight: 230 lb.
Jose Buatista: 6′, 185
Alex Anthopolous: Pillusbury Doughboy.

I’ll take Sergio in that scuffle and bet that Anthopolous waved money (deferred and incentive laden) to get Sergio into the trunk.

By: paint771

paint771 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:44:22 +0000

A good signal to Jays fans, I think. The big question has been whether the Jays are going to push contention in the next few years, or keeping trying to build and build based on long-distance prospects, draft pics, etc. Nothing wrong with that, but as a native of Kansas City and Pittsburgh I can tell you that clubs can spend DECADES “building” but never quite pull the trigger successfully to push them to major league success.

Molina is a fantastic prospect, but he’s a 2014 guy. Santos is a next year guy. Dealing the next year guy for the 2014 guy shows me the Jays are serious in trying to build those extra 10 wins to earn a playoff berth. And with the Red Sox, Tampa Bay, and New York in varying states of decay/disarray, and with a once-in-a-generation anchor like Bautista, the time to pull the trigger is now.

By: Francisco (FC)

Francisco (FC) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:28:22 +0000

They way the title is phrased makes it sound like kidnapping. AA was out on a binge with Jose Batista in a limo, then they spotted Santos, AA turned to Joey and said: “Look, look, look, it’s Sergio! We need a closer! Quick! Nab him!”.

By: cur68

cur68 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:11:19 +0000

Yeah. First off, he’s a Molina. Can’t tell you how important that last name is on a team. Second, great arm; check out this link,

http://theondeckcircle.net/2011/08/25/holy-hell-nestor-molina-prospect-watch/

Kid’s an ‘effin BEAST.

However: WE GOT A CLOSER NOT NAMED FRANK FRANCISCO! WOOOOoooooo!

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:08:00 +0000

Interesting. It seems like the Jays would just go dumpster diving for a one-year closer.

By: Ari Collins

Ari Collins — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:07:28 +0000

White Sox are selling off. Maybe my Red Sox can get Floyd/Thornton for Lavarnway/Renaudo/Iglesias? Perhaps Middlebrooks or Bogaerts would have to be in there, though I’d hate to see either go.

By: CJ

CJ — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:06:18 +0000

Must be a typo. Everyone knows you can’t be a Molina unless you’re a catcher.

By: Ari Collins

Ari Collins — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:06:17 +0000

He’s very good. John Sickels (one of the most well-respected prospect mavens) named him the 2nd best Jays prospect.

“2) Nestor Molina, RHP, Grade B+: Although Molina hasn’t received as much press as some of the other guys, his performance was impeccable, I think his stuff is underrated, and he’ll get to the majors sooner than the others. Despite his season, he is still underrated by a lot of people.”

By: pkers

pkers — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:03:53 +0000

Are those walk totals for real? Wow.

By: theonlynolan

theonlynolan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:03:26 +0000

Anyone have a scouting report on Molina?

By: phillychzstk2012

phillychzstk2012 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:56:27 +0000

for Nestor?!?!..aight