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• I have to ask this of Jays fans, would you rather have Octavio Dotel (37) at a cost of $3.75 million over one year if bought out of his option – $6.5 million if over 2 years, or would you rather have Kevin Gregg (32) for 2 years at a cost of $10 million with a vesting option for a 3rd year that could bring the deal to $16-20 million? My answer would begin with the fact that relievers are a finicky bunch and that any time you can get one the quality of Dotel on a 1 year deal, you’re lowering your risk and exposure a ton. That and it also leaves the door open for a Jonathan Papelbon type addition in 2012. Finally, by letting Gregg walk, the Jays get yet another highly ranked draft pick, so Dotel is not only the cheaper option with more flexibility for 2012, but his acquisition also allows the Jays to continue the building process. (more…)