Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto Interested in Vladimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez
By Editorial Staff
Yesterday Jayson Stark of ESPN reported that the Toronto Blue Jays “could have some interest” in one of the right-handed bats that remain available. Specifically, Stark named veteran free agents Vladimir Guerrero and Magglio Ordonez.
Stark spoke with Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos who said Toronto doesn’t “have any talks going on with anyone” at this time. However, AA added that “if someone were to fall in our lap” the Blue Jays would “take a look at” the situation.
Anthopoulos later clarified “fall in our lap” as a player offering to “come in to camp on a minor league deal”. In that case AA made it clear that the Blue Jays would be interested in bringing in “pretty much anybody”.
While this may be the case, Anthopoulos made it clear that Toronto would not be adding a free agent on a guaranteed contract this spring.
This would seem to eliminate a player such as Guerrero, though with his options limited and Opening Day approaching the veteran slugger may find himself settling once again. It took Guerrero until the 18th of February to sign last season with the non-contending Baltimore Orioles, and that was coming off a season in which he maintained an OPS of .841 and tallied 57 extra base hits.
Ordonez figures to be the player more likely to sign a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training. As most veteran players looking to latch on do, Ordonez would likely use the opportunity to showcase what he has left in the tank. If he’s unable to break camp with Toronto, Ordonez could be given the opportunity to opt out of his contract rather than head to the minors.
It’s hard to argue with AA’s logic and openness to accept basically any player who’s willing to battle for a roster spot this spring without a guaranteed deal. With the number of veteran bats remaining on the market, one of these players might just happen to fall into Toronto’s lap.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.