Mystery Claim on Blue Jays' Alex Rios?

by Chadnudj on Aug 7, 2009 4:42 PM CDT Comment 61 comments

Interesting.....Buster Olney is reporting some mystery team has made a claim on Blue Jays' RF Alex Rios: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384253

Any chance this is a Cubs move? I doubt it, given costs (he's got 6 years left on his 7 year contract, I think, which was nearly 70 million when he signed it). Olney guesses that San Francisco is involved, and notes (astonishingly) that 20 months ago there was serious discussion of a Rios for Lincecum deal.

On the other hand, I think Rios would be pretty spectacular manning RF (and could probably play CF too). His numbers haven't been awe inspiring this season, although he's still been pretty decent....plus, he'll get a boost (I'd imagine) getting out of the AL East....

Any thoughts?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Think it will be a cold day down under before we get him......

But I darn sure want him badly!!

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 7, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

may I ask why?

or do sub .800 OPS players with long term rich deals appeal to you?

by CalCalender on Aug 7, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

really Don't have an Explanation

But I have always liked Alex Rios

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's the same reason Hendry signed Milton Bradley

by bluekoolaide on Aug 7, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YUM

Milton Bradley!!!

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 7, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he also adds + defense, and can swipe a couple of bases.

Sub .800 OPS? Over the past 4 years he has averaged an OPS of .812 (including the below average year he is having now) and an OPS+ of 112. One could argue that his contract is actually managable when you include all of the factors in.

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In his worst season he's on pace to get 76 R 20 HR 100 RBI and 30 SBs

He is in his peak years as well. I don’t see how anyone could possibly think he’s worth nothing just based on the averages for ONE YEAR.

Randy Wells. A product of the Roy Halladay School of Pitching, located in Toronto, Canada. Possible relocation.

by Cub Style on Aug 8, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh...no.

Alex Rios has $60MM-plus remaining on his contract…NO WAY the cubs will pick that up. Unless they work a deal w/ the Jays eating most of the contract…but why would we trade for him in the first place.

by desmoCubbie on Aug 7, 2009 4:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah....

There doesn’t seem to be much of a point to trading him in a situation where they’d eat some of his contract. What would be the point since they might not have even though about this situation a couple weeks ago.

But then again, maybe they see this as a way to be off the hook for that contract if they think that this is the best production they’ll get out of him.

If there was some way the Cubs could get him I’d be happy, but I’m not counting on it at all.

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Aug 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

…the Jays would have no incentive to do that, unless we sent them players back as well — a waiver wire claim means we’d take the WHOLE contract if they do nothing.

I’m not saying its a good idea or a bad idea, necessarily. I’m just saying its an interesting one. The guy is 28 years old, and despite being (admittedly) overpaid right now based on his numbers, he’s also a guy that has legit 30-30 potential who plays solid outfield defense.

And you cannot discount the “going from playing in front of empty houses to hitting in baseball’s most iconic park in front of sellouts in a division race” factor….reminds me in ways of the A-Ram deal (although with us eating MUCH more salary, and being a waiver claim as opposed to a trade). Lots of people wrote off his defense and thought A-Ram had wildly underperformed….now look at him.

by Chadnudj on Aug 7, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my thought is

why haven’t the jays let the mystery team have his contract? someone pulled that on steinbrenner a decade ago. i think it was for canseco. you want him? you et his contract, now enjoy.

by tim815 on Aug 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right...

….but they have 2 business days to decide what to do. They could either A) trade him (get talent back, but maybe only by eating some contract), B) let him go (and shed the whole contract) or C) claim him back (the status quo — he stays a Blue Jay).

by Chadnudj on Aug 7, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is just the first domino that must fall for us to get

ADAM LIND!!!!!!!!!!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If it happened I could predict ERIC HANNA's facial expression:

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Aug 7, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt the Cubs claimed him..............

mostly because I doubt he would have lasted until the Cubs’ turn. Secondly I don’t see them committing to that much money for a player, especially an OF. Now if some type of a trade would be worked out where the Jays take on an equal amount of money (player/palyers) back then maybe. But, just don’t see that happening.

by Rkfd Die Hard on Aug 7, 2009 4:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wilken

did draft Rios and watched him progress. Outside of that, I just don’t see the fit.

by socalbob on Aug 7, 2009 5:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough...

…I’m not saying I agree/disagree with getting Rios, if the Cubs are the “mystery” team.

But I think it would be an intriguing idea, particularly for a guy that seems to have a ton of potential, and might benefit from a change of scenery and injection into a playoff race.

This is, though, where the Cubs’ back-loaded contracts hurt — Rios is more prohibitive given what we’ve already committed way down the line to Z, Soriano, etc….but if the Cubs want to push now (and given the age of some of the guys, maybe they should), this is not a horrible idea necessarily.

by Chadnudj on Aug 7, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not saying I wouldn't like him

but where does he play?

Dome, Bradley, and Sori have all picked up their play since the AS break. He doesn’t have a great OBP mentality, so where does he fit and at who’s expense?

I kinda like Dome leading off and Bradley after Rami and before Sori. What do you think?

by socalbob on Aug 7, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wilken 2

If you want a good read. Go into the MLB section of CBS.com and read Danny Knobler column for August the 2nd and youll find out about a rumor.

by Slamdog on Aug 7, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cubs have enough overpaid underperforming OF

He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.

by jesus christos on Aug 7, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Can't be the Cubs

Ridiculous long-term deal? Yes.
Sub-par OPS for an outfielder? Sure.
In his 30’s? Nope. Rios is only 28

Therefore, Hendry’s not interested.

by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 7, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

And remember...

… making a claim doesn’t mean you get the player — unless the Blue Jays say “he’s yours”.

Which, given the contract, they might.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 7, 2009 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

if Olney is right

and it is SFO, then doesn’t that mean the Cubs said, “no thanks” to Rios?

I tend to think if it’s an NL team, then it is SFO. I just don’t see a fit in the AL.

by socalbob on Aug 7, 2009 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he's right handed

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 7, 2009 5:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i'd actually like to see

the Cubs make a claim on Smoltz…

really good peripherals heading into last night’s outing, velocity wasn’t bad

then again i’m a proponent of never having too much SP and perhaps going to a 6 man rotation to protect Wells and Harden

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 7, 2009 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nah

Like you said, this team has enough pitching. Although, maybe a role in the bullpen wouldn’t be to bad, but this bullpen is getting better, and he’s being paid 5 and a half million dollars in a one year deal. No thanks.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 7, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mystery team is San Francisco...

….and chances are they just bought themselves the enigmatic Alex Rios and his $60 million contract.

Rios is not remotely worth his pay.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 7, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nope

not SF, at least according to a SF writer
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/giants/detail?&entry_id=45144

Did the Giants claim Alex Rios? Not likely

Doesn’t appear to be the Giants.

Vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans just told me he can’t comment on waivers — that’s actually a league rule — but he hinted strongly that the Giants are not the unnamed team that, according to Buster Olney at the WWL, claimed Toronto outfielder Alex Rios.

See what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Also, see the Cubs 2009 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2009.html

by kaseyi on Aug 7, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

......

The mere $2 million he’s owed this year is enticing but, yeah, the rest of the contract isn’t.

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Aug 7, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tom Verducci said it's an AL team.

I’m putting my money on the White Sox sending a package of 1B/DH Tyler Flowers, OF Jordan Danks and SS Brent Lillibridge.

Randy Wells. A product of the Roy Halladay School of Pitching, located in Toronto, Canada. Possible relocation.

by Cub Style on Aug 7, 2009 9:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that's a huge price

to pay when you consider you have to take on the contract as well….

by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 7, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Explain to me how he is extremely overpaid.

Please I’d like to know how a guy on pace for 76 R 20 HR 100 RBI 30 SB in his worst season isn’t worth that package.

Randy Wells. A product of the Roy Halladay School of Pitching, located in Toronto, Canada. Possible relocation.

by Cub Style on Aug 8, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no way. that's wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much for an overpaided outfielder.

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Aug 8, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wishful thinking cub fan =)

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like the White Sox were the team

So they’ll either just take Rios and the whole 69 million dollar contract or make a trade to do it. Either way, its a lot for a guy with an OBP of .315 this year.

Also, if i’m understanding it right, just because the white sox claimed him, it doesn’t mean anything will necessarily happen. Rios has a no trade clause or Toronto could just decide to pull him back.

by apett8 on Aug 7, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Toronto could pull him back

but why? They’ve just been handed a gift in the White Sox (presumably) just offered to eat his big, overstuffed contract.

They might offer to pay a bit of Rios contract in exchange for some prospects, but they don’t need to. They can use the savings to sign half a dozen prospects.

by Josh77 on Aug 7, 2009 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am going to go with

the Yankees. They are going to need to replace some outfielders next year and Rios would be cheaper salary wise than say a Matt Holiday.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Aug 7, 2009 10:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Alex Rios will be a member of the White Sox in exchange for Josh Fields

Kenny Williams once again makes a high stakes gamble on a player. Rios has all the talent in the world but has been highly disappointing and has a humongous contract. So can Ozzie Guillen make a transformation on Rios? He’s only 28 years old and has the definite ability to be a major force both offensively and defensively.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 8, 2009 1:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

link?

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I found one

Link. Are the Sox planning on playing him in center if they get him?

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 8, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most interesting part of that linked article...

… hints that the Jays might be able to keep Roy Halladay if they can get rid of Rios’ contract.

My guess is that they tell the claiming team “take him”.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 8, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can Snyder play right?

It makes sense to me if he can take Rios’ spot.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 8, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IME they would play him in CF for the remainder of this season...

We have poor outfield defense, Pods has been very good but he is still a below average player overall. I would be very surprised if this deal actually went through because Rios can’t lead off. Now are you a better team with Pods at leadoff and killing you defensivly in center, or getting more of a production guy, with plus defense? I guess that is the question Kenny is asking himself right now. This deal would make more sense in the offseason if we can dump Thome, re-up Dye at DH, sign Chone Figgins (LF), move Quentin to right and maybe re-up Pods as a 4th outfielder.

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

purely speculation

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm let me see

less than 8 hours before when you told us San Francisco drafted him you wrote
“Rios is not remotely worth his pay.”

But now that Kenny Williams and Ozzie who you think are brilliant might have him you are qualifying your view that maybe it IS a good move even if they give up Fields AND take on the contract. Even by your standards that is pretty quick hypocrisy. I can’t even imagine the language you would have used if “donuts” Hendry had claimed him.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 8, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it's a waiver claim

There’s no trade. You want him? He’s yours!! Unconditionally, the whole contract. You don’t send us anything. Toronto can’t trade him, he didn’t clear waivers. You can’t try to slide him through waivers twice.

The wire claim that bit someone was Randy Myers. I believe Toronto put him on waivers, SD claimed him to block him from the Dodgers and the Blue Jays said fine. He’s yours.

Also, if multiple claims are made, the team does not get to pick where he goes. The order is in reverse order based on winning percentage, first in your league and then the other league. MLB awards the player to the claiming team.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -- George Santayana (1863-1952)

by cubfred on Aug 8, 2009 7:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily

The Blue Jays have three options. 1-Trade him and absorb some of the contract, 2-Let the white sox have him and all of the contract, or 3-Pull him back. They have until tuesday and Rios has a ntc so we’ll see. I doubt it would be straight up for fields though

by apett8 on Aug 8, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Rios has a no-trade clause

So he can block a trade. But he can’t block being waived…

Then Kenny Williams sends Fields to the Blue Jays for a PTBNL.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 8, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Presuming Fields clears waivers.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 8, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

would you want him?

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 8, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

neither do I

Which means, he will clear waivers.

"you should go back to your cowardly practice of offering no opinion of your own."
-picktoclick

by Where Triples Go to Die on Aug 8, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by apett8 on Aug 8, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it would be hilarious/fascinating for some reporter to quiz players about the details of their contracts

my guess is that most of them have no clue what got put in there

by TC Cubby on Aug 10, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Toronto is going to let the White Sox take the Rios contract off their hands

It sounds like they won’t even trade so much as Josh Fields.

"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)

by BLou on Aug 8, 2009 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rosenthal confirms it's the ChiSox

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9919242/Jays-ditch-salary,-let-Rios-go-to-White-Sox

I gotta say again, Kenny Williams has big brass balls. First Peavy, now Rios. No one – and I mean no one – can claim he ain’t trying to 2 WS titles in 5 seasons.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Aug 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs