MLB Trade Deadline: Thankfully the Blue Jays have no interest in Brewers’ Rickie Weeks

The Toronto Blue Jays are headlong  into a playoff push, which naturally gets fans very excited. Couple that the ongoing speculation of what the  team will go leading into the Major League Baseball trade deadline, and fans can get into a bit of a fervor.

Now, we’ve spent our fair share of time discussing the team’s prospective moves, trying to do our best to guess what direction the team was leaning. From starting pitchers, to second baseman, to third baseman, we’ve been all over the board.

Away Back Gone

I’m glad to say we never once considered Rickie Weeks, and according to reports, neither have the Toronto Blue Jays.

As relayed by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Blue Jays have discussed a range of infielders that include David Murphy, Chase Headley, and others, the Blue Jays apparently see no apparent value in Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks.

Weeks, who is actually playing quite well in 2014 while being used in a strict platoon with Scooter Gennett, is readily available to would-be suitors. The Brewers are hoping that his .265/.331/.409  will entice teams to take on what remains of his $11 million deal for 2014.  The asking price will likely be relatively affordable as well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Blue Jays are biting.

As Heyman discusses, the thought of Weeks being an upgrade on the offensive side of the field may be enticing to some teams. However, the Blue Jays put a premium on the ability of players to field the ball as well.

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If this was 2009, Weeks would have been a tremendous fielding second baseman, as he put up a 16.6 UZR/150 and was worth 7 defensive runs saved. But like his offensive output over the past several seasons, Weeks has been in a steep decline in the field as well. He’s failed to register a positive UZR/150 in either of the last two seasons, and 2014 isn’t any better as he has been good for a -29.9 UZR/150 in just 220 innings of play this season.

Needless to say, if the Blue Jays have reservations about the defensive capabilities of Daniel Murphy, then they are more than smart to realize that Weeks is even worthy of being in the conversation of any potential deal.

With that all said, the Blue Jays will continue to pursue other options, including third baseman with the thought of moving Brett Lawrie over to second, at least temporarily. That takes away the rush to make a stupid move on an option like Weeks, letting us all rest quietly knowing that the Blue Jays are in better hands.