Return if Jason Frasor Goes to Cubs?

We are all pretty certain that RP Jason Frasor is on the trade block and we have been told that the Cubs have show interest in both Frasor and Luke Gregerson. However, since the Padres are also expected to deal Heath Bell at some point in the season, it seems unlikely that the Padres would deal the heir to the closing throne there as well. With Cubs RP Angel Guzman ailing once again, it seems that the Jays may soon get the phone call they’ve been waiting for.

Let’s assume for one second that the Jays simply can’t convince the Cubs to let Starlin Castro or any other highly touted SS from the minors go. And let’s also assume that the Jays will sign Cuban SS Adeiny Hechevarria instead. Who should the Jays ask for in return for Jason Frasor if this is in fact the case?

In my opinion, there are 2 names that stand out when I start considering this question: OF Tyler Colvin, and RHP Chris Carpenter. The most likely to be available would be Colvin, and it does make some sense for the Jays to target Colvin when you consider the Jays needs. Colvin has always had the potential to become a high end regular, but has always come a little short of expectations. However, if he was currently on the Jays he would rank as the best OFer not named Wells, Snider, or Lind (offensively). Carpenter, meanwhile, pitched his way up to AA in 2009 and was ranked the 8th best prospect for the Cubs by BA (3rd amongst pitchers).

Both Colvin and Carpenter will be 24 in 2010 and would fit into the Jays plans to get younger and deeper in terms of talent. I do believe that if Carpenter was the prospect headed to the Jays in a deal, that the Cubs would look for a low-end prospect to go to Chicago along with Frasor. Colvin could be had straight up, in my opinion, and would give the Jays a better reserve and spot starter in the OF than anything they currently have.