Now that the Blue Jays have completed their bullpen overhaul, attention can be turned to their starting rotation. But, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the Blue Jays may not be as aggressive in this department as many originally expected. Rosenthal hears that the Blue Jays are “unlikely to acquire” Cubs right-hander Matt Garza or one of the big-name free agent starting pitchers remaining on the market.
The Blue Jays have been tied to Garza for much of the offseason and seemed to be a likely landing spot for the 28-year-old.
Garza has pitched successfully in the American League East as a member of the Rays, something that would certainly appeal to the Blue Jays. In exchange for Garza, the Cubs are seeking young starting pitchers, and Toronto has a small army of talented arms in their farm system.
However, Rosenthal is hearing that a trade isn’t likely to happen between the Blue Jays and Cubs, as Toronto isn’t “as willing to give up top prospects for a relatively short-term addition”.
Rosenthal believes a short-term free agent deal might appeal more to the Blue Jays, though they haven’t expressed significant interest in veterans Hiroki Kuroda or Roy Oswalt. This would also likely rule out Edwin Jackson who is reportedly seeking a five-year, $60 million contract this winter.
If the Blue Jays are unable to acquire a starter before the spring, they will still be entering camp with one of the league’s best group of young arms. Toronto currently has a projected 2012 rotation made up of starters who are all 29-year-old or younger. Beyond their starting five, the Blue Jays also have several youngsters who are near major league-ready.
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