There’s a long-running rumor that Canada native Erik Bedard will sign with the Blue Jays when he reaches free agency after the ’09 season.
However, Geoff Baker writes today:
But sources in Toronto indicated on Monday that the team has cooled on Bedard and may no longer be interested in acquiring him — now or later. The Jays have had some public-relations issues the past few seasons with A.J. Burnett, a pitcher expected to use an escape clause to opt out of his five-year deal with Toronto after this season.
Baker is suggesting the Jays may be reluctant to do another long-term deal with a media-unfriendly pitcher. Burnett and Bedard both tantalize, underachieving despite ace repertoires. Bedard’s next contract will be a risky one, perhaps five years at top dollar like Burnett’s.
Back in February, John Hickey wrote that he expected the Mariners to sign Bedard to an extension. Bedard’s mediocre results through 11 starts may give them pause.
