Blue Jays Miss Out on Ervin Santana

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves appear to have signed Ervin Santana. The Blue Jays (and their fans) miss out…again.

Fans of the Toronto Blue Jays have been following the rumor mill as it had the Blue Jays linked to just about every free agent, and then some, available. Just when fans were (begrudgingly) getting used to the idea of their team not adding a free agent pitcher, they were yanked right back into the roller coaster only to be disappointed yet again.

Santana unwilling to wait on 1-yr deal, even though he would be exempt from ’14 qualifying offer after Opening Day. Wants to be in camp now.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2014

When news broke that Santana would be seeking a 1yr deal ASAP, Jays fans became insistent that this was the time to strike. Last Saturday, the drama began with several reports that Santana would make a decision soon. It had me glued to the computer and relaying all reports as quickly as I could. For a look at that craziness, check this out. Ervin Santana has pitched 9 seasons and never made fewer than 23 starts while reaching at least 30 starts 6 times. He has pitched 200 innings in a season 5 times. This is the kind of consistency the Blue Jays desperately need. If Santana can provide a full season and compile 14 or so wins, this would have been a great signing for the Blue Jays! But, alas….

From Enrique Rojas at ESPN:

Ervin Santana and #Braves agree 1 year deal, pending physical. Santana arriving to Braves park in Orlando right now.
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) March 12, 2014

From John Heyman at CBS Sorts:

#braves are close to a deal with ervin santana. @ajcbraves 1st reported it's braves for ervin.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2014

Santana was weighing options from the Baltimore Orioles and the Blue Jays. Baltimore was offering a bit less money with incentives. The Blue Jays were offering more money but NO incentives. At least fans can take some degree of solace in knowing the Blue Jays tried…

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi

Am hearing Ervin Santana's preference was to pitch in NL, dollars/term not decisive factor. BlueJays apparently offered $14m for one year.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) March 12, 2014

Atlanta’s Opening Day starter, Kris Medlin suffered a “right forearm strain”. They also have Brandon Beachy dealing with an elbow issue. In light of recent injuries, the Braves entered the mix for Ervin Santana.

The signing of Santana would have provided the Blue Jays with a potential rotation of R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow, Ervin Santana, Drew Hutchison with J.A. Happ, Esmil Rogers, Marcus Stroman, Ricky Romero and others waiting in the wings. This would put their rotation in a much better position than it was going in to last season.

Instead, the Blue Jays are left to make up their 4th and 5th spots with their internal depth. Recent outings this spring have not exactly instilled confidence. And fans are left to lament what could have been. Let the ranting begin!

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