The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the teams that many insiders think are going to be a factor in the offseason when it comes to picking up new players, and they have a good chance to move up the ranks in the American League East, as Boston is in disarray, the New York Yankees are getting older and tied up by untradeable contracts, and Tampa Bay, well, they’ll hang around somehow because that is what they do. Their biggest question mark seems to be the bullpen and specifically, the closer: the Blue Jays blew 25 saves in 2011, and only Houston had a lower percentage of converted saves. Here is a look at a few options for Toronto.
Heath Bell, San Diego
Bell had 43 saves last season and blew only five, which is a good way for a team to boost their chances at a price per head service. He hasn’t had fewer than 42 saves in the last three years, but has he been protected by a pitcher-friendly park in San Diego?
Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee
“K-Rod” split closer duties with John Axford and may want to be the full-time closer somewhere, so he’ll be an option if he brings down his asking price, which could be close to $18 million. But at 30 years old, he still has a lot of good years left.
Frank Francisco, Toronto
The Blue Jays released Jon Rauch and kept Francisco, who was much better after the All-Star break and took the closer’s role. But does Toronto trust him enough to offer another contract? That will be the key to their chances if you bet on sports.
