Having finally passed Boston for second place in the American League East, the Blue Jays have Toronto basking in joy. Why, I ask? Is second really any better than coming in third or last? Why is this city taking joy in a season by a Blue Jay team that was supposedly ready to compete?
Remember, this was supposed to be the year the Jays took the next step. But yet again, Jay fans are forced to embrace the same misery that has been eroding their souls for years. Heading into an off-season full of questions, there is one clear-cut answer. That number one priority will be the re-signing of All-Star Vernon Wells.
After this season, Wells will be under contract with the Jays for one more season, before he can explore free agency. Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Ricciardi has a tough road ahead, especially considering he and Wells don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. Vernon has also mentioned in the past that he wouldn’t mind playing in Texas with best buddy and fellow All-Star Michael Young. Because of this, Ricciardi must act swiftly in any decision he makes.
He must decide early in negotiations whether a deal with Wells is going to be feasible. If not, he must actively explore trading the slugger, and quick. Wells’ market value will dwindle rapidly the longer it is unclear what team he’ll belong to and the more public the tension becomes.
If the Jays do in fact deal Wells, be prepared to be disappointed. Nothing the Jays can fetch in return will be full market value. In fact, the Jays are unlikely to get much in the form of major league-ready talent. More likely, they will acquire a few young prized arms and possibly a young position player of the infield variety.
Earlier this summer, the Orioles openly attempted to trade superstar shortstop Miguel Tejada and the best offer they received was from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, which included stud and future ace Ervin Santana (15-8, 4.43 E.R.A.) and young shortstop Erick Aybar.
Now, the Jays would be ecstatic if they could get a deal like this, but Tejada is under contract for a few more years and Wells is not. This means teams are unlikely to put forth their top-rated prospects for someone who could be gone in a matter of months. Which begs another question-if you can’t sign Wells, and the trade offers aren’t great, do you hold on to Wells until the trade deadline, dangling him to a contender? Renting a player rarely fetches dividends, but it’s something Ricciardi must consider.
Ricciardi must face facts: Wells has absolutely everything you could want in a centerfielder. He gets on base frequently, hits for power and average, and has a golden glove as good as any in baseball. Wells has also come out recently and said he wants his future to be in Toronto. I warn you now to not take statements like that at full value. Raptor fans can explain why. Air Canada, a.k.a. Vince Carter, also claimed that he wanted to be a Raptor, months before his self-created demise and ultimate Toronto exit.
Without Wells, the Toronto franchise would be in trouble, serious trouble. Every successful team has one player who is the guy, who teammates and fans look to, who sets the tone for each game and delivers in clutch situations.
Earlier this year, I went to the Rogers Centre for a game between the Jays and Yankees. After a B.J. Ryan blown save, the score was tied in the 11th and Wells was at the dish facing future Hall-of-Fame closer Mariano Rivera. As Rivera was winding up, a fan behind me screamed “Come on Vernon, give us a homer.” Seconds later, the man delivered. Rivera’s pitch was in the stands and the Jays were swarming the field. Wells is a player who fans believe in, even when the team is doomed to a successful second place finish.
