Report: Blue Jays looking to move A.J. Burnett for Short-stop

[Halladay_is_God]

Report: Jays looking to move Burnett for shortstop

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly in the market for a shortstop and are apparently shopping pitcher A.J. Burnett to get one. According to a report in the Toronto Sun, the Jays, who are shopping Burnett, who he can opt out of the final two-years of his contract after the season, in order to solidify the left side of their infield. "They're offering Burnett to any team that needs pitching," an American League general manager told the Sun. "They've told us they're not happy with either David Eckstein or John McDonald." Eckstein, who the Blue Jays inked to a one-year deal before spring training, is hitting .273 with a .360 on base percentage this season, but has struggled in the field. McDonald, who is a defensive specialist signed a two-year deal last fall for $3.8 million, but is only hitting .163 in 29 games so far this year. Utility infielder Marco Scutaro, who is batting .262 on the season has gotten a lot of playing time at shortstop since Cito Gaston has taken over as manager. The Sun reported that Philadelphia Phillies scout Charlie Kerfeld saw Burnett's start at Miller Park against the Milwaukee Brewers and former Jays scout Ted Lekus, now with the Baltimore Orioles, saw Burnett beat the Atlanta Braves last Sunday at Rogers Centre. MLB's non-waiver trade deadline is July 31.

2nd basemen Aaron Hill is still out with post-concussion symptoms.

Eckstein has played better since returning from a early season injjury but isn't playing much under Cito Gaston with Marco Scutaro and Joe Inglett getting the most time in the field.

I don't know who the Jays can get that available

[Kingdom_of_Zito]

May have to settle for prospects?

[cjkalt]

I wonder if the Red Sox would deal Lugo to toronto and let lowrie take over at SS... i imagine the sox would have to eat some of the salary but thats a thought

[love_that_reefer]

Omar Vizquel is always available What will they do with Eckstein? Move him to second?

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Originally Posted by love_that_reefer Omar Vizquel is always available What will they do with Eckstein? Move him to second?

sounds more like bench or get rid of him

[Foster]

I think its more get rid of him than it is bench. There are a bunch of guys that can fill in his role on D (MacDoanld), and his bat isn't that good so there's no real need to keep that. Scutaro has IMO been more of a threat with a bat in his hand than Eck.

Maybe it's just better to get some young guys, cause that's about all you may get.

I don't think they would want Lugo, or at least I wouldn't. His numbers at about the same as Scutaro's.

[love_that_reefer]

Eck has a .360 OBP. Scutaro isn't that much better in the field than David. Eck seems like the best option right now for the Jays.

[realmofotalk]

Jack Wilson may be available. He's one of the Pirates' highest paid players yet they aren't winning jack shit even with him. Upon further review, Julio Lugo still sucks.

[love_that_reefer]

Maybe they could get a package going for both Wilson and Bay.

[Foster]

Originally Posted by love_that_reefer Maybe they could get a package going for both Wilson and Bay.

Now that I could get behind.

I know the idea is there that Eck is better in the field, but everytime I see him throw I think he is gonna break every bone in his body, he has to put so much on it now-a-days to get it to 1st.

[cjkalt]

Lugo has only sucked in Boston, he could have a Renteria or Cabrera like resurgence when he leaves, and if the Sox paid most of the salary it might be worth the gamble, because what team will give quality prospect for a guy with an era near 5?

[Foster]

I posted this in the Cubs/Harden thread, so I'am gonna re post it here, and keep this idea going. Guess I am pulling for JP to do something. Thankfully I am not betting the house.

Here's a suggestion, as I sit in a bus station on the way to Boston, why not make an offer to the Jays? AJ Burnett could come in, and be a great addition IMO. Maybe a return to the NL would be what sets him off again, and I am sure he wants to be a winner, and winning is what the Cubs want. Maybe in return the Jays could get someone like Cedeno, DeRosa? And if your thinking what about depth, we'll throw in Eckstein for someone else, most likely some sort of prospect.

[love_that_reefer]

Eckstein makes too much to just sit on the Cubs bench.