Jays Jots: A.J. Jimenez, Closers, Jose Bautista, Jimmy Key

Here are some Blue Jays links from around the web to get you through the morning, complete with a “Flyin’ High” 1985 Blue Jays commercial embedded at the bottom:

2011 FSL All-Star Team: A.J. Jimenez | Seedlings to Stars
Over at FanSided’s great prospects site Seedlings to Stars, Jays catching prospect A.J. Jimenez ranked as one of their Florida State League All-Stars.

There’s No Need To Spend Money On A “Proven Closer” | Getting Blanked
Dustin Parkes over at Getting Blanked addresses the “25 blown saves” we’ve heard so much about this offseason, as well as a hesitancy to dole out big bucks on relievers.

SB Nation AL MVP | Bluebird Banter
Tom over at Bluebird Banter posted the results of SBNation’s AL MVP vote, where their baseball site editors played the role of the BBWAA. Jose Bautista topped their vote, I wonder if he’ll earn the real thing.

The Top 10 Games of the 2011 Season | Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts official team site reflects on their club’s ten best games of the season, and it’s a really nice list.

Baseball’s biggest PR problem | The 2-2 pitch
Speaking of Lansing, Lugnuts play-by-play voice Jesse Goldberg-Strassler chimed in on the oddity that is MLB’s media department.

2011 Positional Review: Catchers | The Southpaw
Over at The Southpaw, Tammy takes a look at the catching prospects in the Jays’ minor league system.

Canadian Crouse hopes to shine in Toronto | bluejays.com
Nice spotlight article on Jays outfield prospect Michael Crouse from Gregor Chisholm over on the Jays’ official site.

Jewish ex-players join Israel’s WBC bid | ESPN
Former Blue Jay Shawn Green highlights a group of three Jewish former big leaguers that are joining Israel’s bid to participate in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Mark Buehrle could enhance Yankees’ rotation as Jimmy Key did | nj.com
A Star-Ledger columnist compares Buehrle to Jimmy Key, who finished his career with the Yankees after winning the World Series with the Jays in 1992.

Pirates, Barajas agree to one-year deal | Pirates.com
The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to terms with former Jays catcher Rod Barajas on a one-year, $4 million contract with a $3.5 million club option for the 2013 campaign.

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-JM

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