Rox, Jays Interested In D-Train?

We haven't mentioned Canada's Marty York in a good two months. Back in March, York mentioned that the Blue Jays were close to acquiring Craig Wilson and that A.J. Burnett would miss all of April.  Wilson's a Pirate and Burnett made two starts in April, but I have to give him partial credit on Burnett. 

Last Tuesday, York threw out all sorts of intiguing teams in connection with Dontrelle Willis.  The Blue Jays and Rockies were two I definitely hadn't heard before.

Willis to Colorado isn't as crazy as it sounds.  For one thing, the Rockies are shockingly a half game out of first place in the West.  Secondly, they've never really tried this strategy in Colorado: just acquire really good pitchers and the ballpark won't matter.  A rotation of Willis, Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Jason Jennings, and Byung-Hyun Kim would actually be decent.  Would the Rox offer up Ian Stewart and Brad Hawpe?

The Blue Jays, though...that part would be more feasible if the team had expendable young studs with which to make a deal.  Dustin McGowan, Josh Banks, Brandon League, David Purcey, and Casey Janssen are all intriguing young pitchers, but only McGowan has been seen on any Top 50 Prospects lists.  I imagine the Fish would want Alex Rios in the deal.  Still doesn't seem like a good fit.

York also mentions the Rangers, Yankees, and Phillies as interested parties. 

Comments

[xaseq]

Carl Pavano
Brad Penny
Josh Beckett
Mark Redman
AJ Burnett

There is a lesson to be learned from these guys. Sadly , it looks like whoever gives the farm for Willis didn't learn the lesson.

Willis is possibly the most overrated player in the game. He had 1 good full season. In 2003 and 2004, he was only effective for a half-season and this season doesn't look bright.

[Dev0]

I think you'd have to consider Rosario in that group aswell. I don't think Rios is realistic because if he keeps his current pace up he's going to be lookin to get paid soon aswell.

[desturbd1]

I'm nitpicking out of my Boston allegiance here...but you can't possibly put Beckett on the same list as Burnett and Pavano. At least he's healthy, and a 4.24 ERA isn't spectacular, but I don't think it's a bust either. Plus it's only been a quarter-season. Also Mike Lowell got "thrown in" and he's been worth the 9 million dollar salary.

[Kramerica Industries]

"The Marlins have yet to signal their willingness to trade Willis, but clubs are preparing for the possibility. Contenders with deep farm systems would stand the best chance of acquiring Willis. The Red Sox, Braves, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Angels, Braves, Blue Jays and Mets all are expected to be interested."-Ken Rosenthsal

So he believes the Blue Jays have a shot http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5612148

[Kramerica Industries]

Just pure speculation but would a pakage of McGowan, Rosario, Hinske, and Banks for Willis?

[broadwayjoe22]

Didn't the Rockies try that strategy when they signed Mike Hampton?