2009 WAS an interesting season to say the least, as the Blue Jays "TRIED" to compete in the dangerous AL East.
Now in the offseason, the clock is ticking on the 2010 season.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Jays just aren't Rich enough to get over the Hill

Ok, the Jays had no money to spend this past offseason. We get it, but when even the lowly Orioles are both spending and making savvy offseason moves, I've just about had enough. Unless Travis Snider is an immediate second coming of Shawn Green, and left-handers Brett Cecil and Brad Mills come to town and win a combined 32-35 games, the Jays will be spectators come October, failing yet again to get over the Hill.

Lame duck GM, J.P. Ricciardi's biggest offseason acquisitions aren't even worth nothing. Instead I'll go straight to a specific Orioles acquistion, a guy who would've looked great in our nest instead: SP Rich Hill.

When I heard that the Orioles acquisition of Hill from the Chicago Cubs was imminent back in late January, I instantly screamed out "J.P, what the hell is wrong with you? Why don't the Jays go after him?". Coming off his first serious stint in the majors in 2006 where he posted a solid 4.17 ERA and K'd 90 batters in just under 100 IP, Hill was one of the most talked about young pitchers coming into the 2007 season. Accordingly he was taken 7th overall in the 2007 Tha Green Monster Dynasty Entry Draft. Hill status rose even greater to the point where, according to Rotoworld.com he was "almost untouchable a year ago". After a breakout 2007 season where he posted a 3.92 ERA over 32 starts, with a 11-8 record and 183 K's in 195 IP, Hill was on the verge of joining the ranks of the elite young starters in baseball and received a lot of draft day.

Unfortunately for owners who invested in Hill in 2008, their R.O.I. was terrible. Hill made just 5 early starts for the Cubbies before spending the rest of the season riding buses in the minors. Out of options after the 2008 season, the Cubs decided to part ways with the "former" promising youngster. According to ESPN.com, Hill made a cool $445,000 last year and I can't envision him getting any significant raise after such a disappointing season. At such an affordable cost, what better gamble could there be for a G.M. to take?

Just 29 on Opening Day, Hill should have an easy time securing a starting spot for the Orioles and playing in the AL East, Blue Jays fans will be sure to get a good look at a guy who could have replaced A.J. Burnett in a heartbeat and kept this year's squad in contention.

Thanks again J.P.

Rotoworld's Blue Jays' Updates