Winter Meetings Jays Notes: Day 3

After a very slow day 2 for the Jays, and with some more players coming off the board, I’m certain that Day 3 will bring about a little more news for Jays fans to enjoy. Here’s a summary of items that are pertinent to the Jays, including rumors and everything else:

• The biggest news of the day so far that may or may not involve the Jays is the heating up of the Russell Martin bids. Apparently as many as 3 AL East teams are involved, so if we do the simple math there’s a good chance that the Jays are somehow involved. The Red Sox have confirmed their interest, and the Yankees have been rumored to be interested as well – which is sure to hike up the price for the Canadian. The Dodgers are still interested in bringing him back as well.
• There is apparently 1 team out of the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. I’m not sure how this affects the Jays, but if you’re one of the few fans holding out hope for the Jays to grab the ace, this one’s for you! All of the usual suspect big budget teams have denied offering 7 years to Lee, making the Jays and other smaller budget teams possible noise makers. Hey, if the Nationals can throw over $120 million to Jayson Werth anything is possible, right?
• There are a few less 1B available to the Jays if they are indeed looking to add one through FA. Carlos Pena signed with the Cubs, and Paul Konerko signed with the White Sox – settling both ends of the Chicago 1B situations. Adam LaRoche and Derek Lee remain as the best available 1B FA out there, although Laroche may be close to signing with the Nationals.
• Alex Anthopolous has hinted in a recent interview that Brett Lawrie can play “anywhere” and that 3B is a possibility for the top prospect. He also added that the Jays would like to keep the young players with the big club once they’ve decided to bring them up – meaning a policy of moving players form MLB to AAA or AA as little as absolutely possible. What does this mean? Well, it heightens the chances of Lawrie beginning the year in AAA at 3B until the Jays feel he’s ready to make the jump. Once he’s ready, they can move Jose Bautista back to RF and look at moving some pieces around in the OF or using Rajai Davis as a 4th outfielder.