Toronto Blue Jays Morning Brew: More Free Agent and Trade Rumors

Toronto Blue Jays News and Rumors

What do you know, there are even more news and rumors about the Toronto Blue Jays to report since we did our last Morning Brew two days ago. Here’s a look at the latest:

New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) during the anthem prior to a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsAndrew Stoeten at DJF takes a look at the impact Tim Lincecum‘s freshly minted two-year, $35 million deal has on the baseball world and specifically for upcoming free agent Josh Johnson. I was a strong supporter of letting Johnson go during the season but I’m starting to come around to the idea of possibly keeping him around.

Stoeten also addresses the possibly of the Blue Jays going after Robinson Cano this offseason. It might be unrealistic but I like his point – the Jays need to aim high.

Mark Simon at ESPN New York sees Jose Bautista as a good fit for the New York Mets if the Blue Jays were willing to move him.

Cathal Kelly at the Toronto Star has some interesting tidbits about the John Farrell era in Toronto.

Jason Mayo at BlueJays.com writes that prospect Marcus Stroman is embracing the role as underdog. Stroman says don’t worry about his Arizona Fall League bullpen starts – he still plans on being a starter. It’s more about “getting his innings”. The article also provides an update on how the other Jays playing in the AFL.

Speaking of the AFL, MLB.com has a video preview of the Blue Jays prospect that are taking the diamond in Arizona. Jim Callis of MLBPipeline.com says Stroman the “has the upside to be a number-two starting pitcher.”

Nick Ashbourne at Bluebird Banter investigates the two-strike approach and compares the difference in approach between Munenori Kawasaki and J.P. Arencibia. He even creates a new stat called “Z-Expansion %”.

Sportsnet reports that Bautista has been cleared to work out again.

Jose Reyes has his house up for sale on (h/t Long Island Newsday). My question – how many self-portraits does Reyes own?

And in case you haven’t heard, it was the 20th anniversary of Joe Carter‘s World Series walk-off home run. Sportsnet shares memories from those who were there.