Blue Jays Morning Brew: Gallardo, Donaldson and other notes

The Blue Jays are entering another Transaction Friday amid more Yovani Gallardo rumors. Plus, some gold from Josh Donaldson and more in the Morning Brew

It’s been a quiet week transactionally for the Blue Jays, but off the field, the news cycle has continued on at a strong pace. Mark Shapiro’s Wednesday interview sparked conversation surrounding the Blue Jays roster depth and plans for their spring training facility in Dunedin, but his answers regarding free agent starter Yovani Gallardo (which were something other than “no”) have spilled over into today’s rumour mill.

Contact with Gallardo  –  Here’s the Sportsnet report from Ben Nicholson-Smith on the Jays and Gallardo, who have stayed in touch throughout free agency. They’ve reportedly spoken this week, as well.

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The clear stumbling block is money, obviously, and the Blue Jays don’t seem to have that level of resources still available. Perhaps these reports could circle back and link in to the rumors of Toronto shopping R.A. Dickey (and his contract) to an N.L. club late last week.

Addition of Gil Kim  –  The Blue Jays recently signed 34-year old Gil Kim, formerly of the Texas Rangers, to be their new director of player development. John Lott of the National Post has the details here, and according to the team press release, Kim will “oversee the commitment of player development leaders and staff to include each player in the process of creating and realizing their physical, mental and fundamental goals.”

Josh Donaldson on Jays pitchers  –  This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Josh Donaldson was interviewed and it was beautiful. He discussed his amazement with the success of Marco Estrada and his pleasure with the re-signing, along with his admiration of both Marcus Stroman and Roberto Osuna.

He also added that he told David Price he would be fine with him playing for another team. Why? Because Price pitches left-handed. “I’ma get mine,” Donaldson said.

Number Game  –  Here’s a handy chart from Minor Leaguer over at Blue Bird Banter updating the jersey numbers for all players on the 40-man roster and non-roster invites. Most notably, Dalton Pompey is switching from 45 to 23. Like Mike!

More blue jays: Top-10 Blue Jays catchers of all time, ranked

Coach Jose  –  Along with basketball legend Steve Nash and hip hop artist Drake, Team Canada in the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity Game will also be coached by Jose Bautista!

Russell Martin‘s encore  –  Without a contract situation, MVP award or “pitcher” as his listed position, Russell Martin hasn’t gotten a lot of press this offseason. Richard Griffin caught up with the Canadian catcher over at The Star, who is heading into his sophomore season in Toronto. Coming off a 3.4 WAR season, there’s definite 4.0 potential in a healthy season.