Jays Signing of K. Gregg is Official – The New Pen Depth Chart

Now that the deal with RP Kevin Gregg is official, here is a look at what it will cost the Jays (certainly and potentially), and some added news from MLBastien about Alex’s intentions with the pen:

The Gregg signing breaks down as follows:

• 1 year at $2.75 million with 2 options;
• Option 1a = allow Gregg to become a FA (Jays must decide on this within 10 days of World Series)
• Option 1b = Pick up option at a cost of $4.5 million for 2011
• Option 2 = Pick up an option that covers both 2011 and 2012 at a cost of $8.75 million overall (averaged to $4.375 million per season – a small discount)

As for Alex Anthopoulos‘s intentions with the pen, it’s funny how things can be spun to mean one thing or another. MLBastien reported two quotes from Alex, the first was “I anticipate going into camp with the number of arms that we do have.”, while the second was “As I sit here today, I don’t see us doing anything [else before spring training], but that’s pretty fluid and it could change.” So, MLBTR interpret this as “Alex Anthopoulos doesn’t expect to trade any of his relievers before the season starts”…..really? I don’t read it the same way at all. The first statement says they’re planning on going in with the same NUMBER of arms, not the same arms. The second statement adds how fluid the Jays position is how anything could change….so is there a story here? No. All it means is that Alex isn’t satisfied with how other teams are rating Scott Downs or Jason Frasor and that he’s ready for them to realize how horrible their pens are before dealing either one. Then, when the season is about to begin or has begun, he’ll pitch his sale again and see if he gets what he wants. Makes sense to me!

The new depth of the pen (keeping in mind that the Jays have historically kept 7 relievers on the roster during games)

1. RHP Kevin Gregg (31) – 6’6″ 240 lbs – battling for the closing job, cost $2.75 million in ’10 (2 options after)
2. RHP Jason Frasor (32) – 5’9″ 175 lbs – battling for the closing job, likely set up role, cost $2.65 million in ’10 (FA after)
3. LHP Scott Downs (33) – 6’2″ 215 lbs – battling for the closing job, likely set up role, costs $4 million in ’10 (FA after)
4. LHP Brian Tallet (32) – 6’6″ 215 lbs – middle relief – spot starter, costs $2 million in ’10 (FA after)
5. RHP Shawn Camp (34) – 6’0″ 205 lbs – middle relief, costs $1.15 million in ’10 (arb 4 in ’11)
6. RHP Jeremy Accardo (28) – 6’1″ 190 lbs – middle relief, costs $1.08 million in ’10 (arb 3 in ’11)
7. LHP Jesse Carlson (29) – 6’0″ 160 lbs – middle relief, cost just over $408,000 in ’10 (Arb 2 after 2010)

If this is the pen as we begin the 2010 season, it will cost a total of $14.038 million. Available replacements and substitutions – after the unfortunate injury to Dirk Hayhurst – are as follows:

• LHP Sean Henn (28)  – 6’4″ 225 lbs
• RHP Casey Janssen (28) – 6’3″ 225 lbs
• RHP Robert Ray (26) – 6’5″ 195 lbs
• RHP Josh Roenicke (27) – 6’3″ 195 lbs
• RHP Merkin Valdez (28) – 6’5″ 230 lbs
• RHP Zechry Zinicola (24) – 6’1″ 220 lbs *is supposed to be used or returned to the Nats….we’ll see how well he does!

Without including the possibility of Zach Stewart, Dustin McGowan, Scott Richmond, Daniel Farquhar, and Tim Collins helping out the pen at some point in ’10, you can still see that the Jays have some really good depth in the pen and can definitely afford to deal both Scott Downs and Jason Frasor if it means that the returns will help the Jays for the long term. I like the depth they currently have, believe that the majority are mature and hold a big presence on the mound, and that this group can help minimize any possible frustrations to the young pitching by ensuring most leads are safe as they proceed through 2010. There will definitely be struggles since it’s not in the top pens of the league, but it is good enough to help the Jays win a lot of games in ’10. What do you guys think? Is it good enough for your tastes, or does it require an overhaul of sorts? Who out of the reserves would you like to add to this pen if both Frasor and Downs are dealt?