Blue Jays News

 Rays, Blue Jays sign Cuban prospects
Si is reporting Cuban outfielder-first baseman Leslie Anderson and the Tampa Bay Rays reached agreement Tuesday on a four-year contract worth a minimum of $1,725,000.

 Jays more laid-back without Roy Halladay
The TOronto Sun is reporting As Toronto moves on without Roy Halladay, according to some, the clubhouse is a more relaxed place. The problem with Halladay was simply that he was so dedicated, worked so hard and had such a talent gap between himself and the others -- he was buddies with Chris Carpenter way back and more recently for a time with A.J. Burnett, two pitchers who came close to matching his talent -- that the younger pitchers were intimidated and didn't know how to approach him.

 Lind, Blue Jays agree to $18 million, 4-year deal
Yahoo Sports is reporting Outfielder Adam Lind(notes) and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed Saturday to an $18 million, four-year contract that includes three additional club option years.

 Jays Talk: BLUE JAYS SET PITCHING STAFF TO START 2010 SEASON
TSN is reporting The Toronto Blue Jays put the finishing touches on their pitching staff Thursday and will open the season with a starting five of Shaun Mar*****, Brian Tallet, Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow and Dana Eveland.

 AL East Preview: Blue Jays
Baltimoresportsreport is reporting It is no secret the Blue Jays are using 2010 as a rebuilding year. They lost their ace, Roy Halladay, to the Phillies this past offseason and their rotation is in shambles. Playing in the AL East and not having a strong pitching staff is not a good combination. Their lineup also has some question marks so 2010 could prove to be a very long season for the Blue Jays.

 Ace gone, but Jays still have cards to play
Boston.com is reporting The Blue Jays were a 75-win team with Roy Halladay. Without him? Well, second baseman Aaron Hill feels they could be one of those “under-the-radar’’ teams.

 Toronto Nearing Deal with Gregg
Various sources are reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are about to sign free-agent reliever Kevin Gregg.

 Indians sent LHP Jackson to Blue Jays
The Cleveland Indians have traded pitcher Zach Jackson(notes) to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named.

 Ricciardi says Doc wants trade
The Toronto Star is reporting J.P. Ricciardi says Roy Halladay wants out of Toronto.

In the most unambiguous statement yet on the ace right-hander's feelings, the former Blue Jays general manager told SIRIUS XM Radio's MLB Home Plate channel Halladay was ready to move on in the summer, and still is now.

 Dealing Halladay could fit in with GM Anthopoulos' vision
Mlb.com is reporting Alex Anthopoulos finally did away with the suspense and agreed on Saturday afternoon to discuss the immediate and long-term direction of the Blue Jays. It was a topic the new general manager wanted to address when the time was right.

With the General Managers' Meetings set to kick off in Chicago on Monday, Anthopoulos felt the time had come to talk about the road ahead. Coming off a disappointing 75-win season, the Blue Jays do not appear close to their first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 1993. It is now up to Anthopoulos to find a remedy for the situation.

Anthopoulos' vision is of an organization that can have a sustained period of success, becoming an annual postseason contender within a tough American League East. To reach that point, Anthopoulos plans on relying less on free agency for now, and focusing his attention on building a strong core through trades and strong scouting and player development.

Anthopoulos does not want fans thinking this means the Blue Jays are entering a rebuilding phase.

 D-Backs discussing Snyder-for-Overbay swap

 BLUE JAYS FIRE GENERAL MANAGER RICCIARDI

 When It comes to bad contracts Jays GM Ricciardi is hard to beat

 Why the Jays gave up on Rios

 Would Halladay Rejoin the Jays?

 Ricciardi won't comment on Rios report

 A waiver claim has been placed on Toronto Blue Jays Alex Rios

 Halladay Refused to go to Texas

 Looks like Halladay will remain a Jay

 Rangers bid for Hallday fading away