While the lowballing continues by the Canadian team for the left-handed slugger, the right fielder is still on the radar for general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Blue Plate Special:
In the bargain bin, some can rummage through it and find a gem at the bottom in a nondescript corner.
If you could listen to Ross Atkins, the GM of the Toronto Blue Jays, you’d hear about his balancing act. Yes, Atkins is negotiating with Jose Bautista‘s agent but is quite vocally refusing to up his proposal. Initially, Bautista rejected a $17.2 million QO (qualifying offer). Simultaneously, Atkins wants a bargain from the front office of the New York Mets regarding Jay Bruce. The Toronto executive reminds Sandy Alderson, the decision-maker of the Mets, that his four starting outfielders are making Bruce a salary dump.
On the other end of the line, Alderson is holding his ground with Atkins because Bautista might sign elsewhere. The Jays GM knows his contemporary’s reputation is to win every trade, and Alderson doesn’t mince his words. No deal! That stated, only the Blue Jays are considering Bruce but other organizations – like the Phillies – are letting the market play out. Ergo, Klentak can wait until March’s end and then decide if he wants to go in that direction.
Just yesterday, Double D, a poster from another site, asked what the plan is for the Philadelphia Phillies. Well, Klentak prefers salary dumps and contract-year players: Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton, Pat Neshek, Howie Kendrick, Clay Buchholz, Joaquin Benoit and Andres Blanco. But keep in mind, the five agreements the GM absorbed were and are bounce-back candidates. What does Klentak expect as a success ratio? Fifty percent.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I’ll win a pennant every year.” – Sparky Anderson"