Jays Journal » Eric Chavez

Assessing Potential Jays Trade Targets: Brandon Wood

Mat Germain — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:31:15 +0000

The next player on my list of possible Jays targets is someone who may have worn out his welcome with the Angels…

3B Brandon Wood – LAA

6’3″ 210 lbs / Bats Right, Throws Right / 25 years old

Drafted: in the 23rd rd of the 2003 draft by the Angels

A player who could win a gold glove at 3B due to his excellent defensive play, Brandon Wood has obviously outlasted his welcome in Los Angeles as Maicer Izturis and Alberto Callaspo will likely be the mainstays at 3B for the Angels in 2011. Due to his (tremendous) struggles at the plate, the cost of acquiring Wood should be more than tolerable. Knowing that the Jays went as far as to audition Eric Chavez for 3B depth purposes, I would imagine that adding Wood fits in perfectly with whatever plan they had for Chavez. And, as a bonus, the Jays would get a player who is generally healthy and could turn out to be a steal if they can revamp his swing, whereas Chavez had already reached his potential.

Here is what Wood has accomplished thus far:

Brandon Wood Stats: (more…)

Win Some, Lose Some, and Then Some

Mat Germain — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:44:39 +0000

There are 3 things that have occurred, or are about to occur, recently that affect the 2011 season of the Toronto Blue Jays. Some of them are good for the Jays organization as a whole, some of them are bad, and others depend on the price and the landing spot. The topics in question are the Eric Chavez signing with the Yankees, the Vladimir Guerrero signing with the Orioles, and the possible dealing of Michael Young from the Rangers to another club.

Win Some

Some fans will disagree with me, but I’m ecstatic that the Jays did not add Eric Chavez to their bench for the 2011 season. If he had been added, he would have either taken a bench spot away from a younger – better – healthier option, or would have taken Brett Lawrie‘s spot in AAA at the hot corner, which would have either pushed him down to AA or to another position. Either one is a bad option at this point and the Jays are better off with him in New York. (more…)

Eric Chavez Works Out For the Blue Jays

Jared Macdonald — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 04:15:14 +0000

There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and seeing some Jays rumors to chime in on. ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reported this afternoon that 33-year-old former Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez recently worked out for the Blue Jays.

Chavez signed a 6-year-$66M contract extension with the A’s in 2004, the largest in team history, which prevented him from being able to test free agency after the 2004 season. He is now a free agent after the A’s decided to cut ties with him back in November when they declined his $12.5M 2011 club option and opted to buy him out for $3M instead. The talent could still be there with Chavez, but he comes with his fair share of questions. (more…)