Toronto Blue Jays

Unless the Blue Jays sign Jose Bautista to an extension or trade for Michael Young there doesn't figure to be much Blue Jay related issues to discuss this week. There is also still the possibility the Jays could add another free agent on a minor league deal before spring training opens next week. Guys like Willy Aybar, Russell Branyan and Hank Blalock are still out there looking for work.

Jim Clancy, Doyle Alexander, Dave Stieb, Jimmy Key, Pat Hentgen, Roger Clemens and Roy Halladay. 

Whether by accomplishment or leadership attributes, when one thinks of the all-time Toronto Blue Jays starters, they usually top anyone’s list. 

Earlier in the week we took a look at ESPN's Keith Law's top five Blue Jays prospects. Today we'll have a look at the second half of Law's top 10 and what they need to do moving forward in 2011. As mentioned in the first half, this is purely a statistical analysis of each player and not a scouting/tools report.

Alex Anthopoulos had stated pretty clearly in multiple radio interviews that he's perfectly happy to go to arbitration with Jose Bautista.

But I believe that extension time is now, and with the newfound cash following the Vernon Wells trade (although I don't think it all needs to be spent at once), the opportunity has presented itself for the Blue Jays to follow through on extending the MLB home run king. 

I propose a 4 year, $45 million contract.

Over at Mop Up Duty, Matthias Koster tells us the eight men expected to start the season in the Toronto Blue Jays' 'pen are slated to make just over $19 million, making it the second most expensive bullpen the team has ever assembled. The group trails only the 2009 version that was heavily influenced by B.J. Ryan's $12 million payout.

SP/RP Adonis Cardona (6'4" 180 lbs)

Age: 17

Drafted: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2010 for $2,800,000

Bats: Right     Throws: Right

2009-10 Team: N/A

2010-11 Expected Team: DSL Blue Jays

Best-Case Scenario: Felix Hernandez

Worst-Case Scenario: Kelvim Escobar

Baseball fans north of the border have not had a taste of playoff 'ball since 1993.  Since then, fans have endured countless General Managers, Managers and empty promises.  During these glory years, the Jays boasted the highest payroll in Baseball, and now they're operating in the bottom half of the Major Leagues in terms of money.

Keith Law of ESPN recently put out his yearly organization ratings based purely on Minor League talent alone. Law rated the Jays' system as the fourth best in all of baseball. With those rankings also came his top 100 prospects list for all of baseball as well as each team's top ten prospects.

With only one real big signing remaining on Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous' agenda before the season starts—Jose Bautista, the Jays roster looks to be almost set heading into spring training.

Closer

Alex Anthopoulos has stated that the closer role will be up for open competition come spring training, and he has acquired the arms to make it a very competitive battle. Octavio Dotel has the most closing experience of anyone on the Toronto Blue Jays' staff, with 105 saves over his career.  But Dotel has also been around a lot longer and is nearing the twilight of his career, so there is a good chance the role could go to someone younger.