I think JP might also be looking at Garciaparra as one of the bats to bring in. I think that would be a great move because he could spill Adams or Koskie when needed, and although his numbers have fallen (he was hurt last year) if his primary role would be DH I think he could come back to form

1. Johnson
2. Rios (if not dealt)
3. Hillenbrand
4. Wells
DH Garciaparra
5. Koskie
6. Zaun
7. Adams
8. Hudson

They might also bring in Lyle Overbay which is not bad at all.....most likely to go would be (Batista, Rios, Bush)

So, you're thinking Shea will take over duties at first and you get rid of Hinske? I would agree with that. Hinske hasn't done much since his rookie year. But, it still begs the question of what you do with Aaron Hill. You'd have so many middle infielders around.

I totally forgot about Hill. I guess that does clog the infield especially if they want to bring in Garciaparra and Overbay. I think with Overbay they would have to trade Hillenbrand because Hinske is not going anywhere with that contract. I think JP is trying to establish some depth. Also, a late rumour going around was that he was talking with Piazza's agent about his services for primarily DH and to spell Zaun at the catching duties. I think they might land Overbay in a deal but for F.A. its probably either Garciaparra or Piazza not both. I would prefer Garciaparra as you could utilize him more (3B, SS, OF). I heard the yanks are interested in him as well since they lost out on Juan Pierre so if we could steal someone away from the yanks that would be sweet!!:)..........the Jays are creating a bit of buzz nowadays which is great. There seems to be a lot of excitement and hope, not since the early 90's has it been like this. I just hope the crowd will come out, I'm going to be going to a lot more jays games this year, more than the 10-game flex packs I bought for 2 years

http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=146172

The Jays just acquired Lyle Overbay from the Brewers for Bush, Gross and a minor leaguer. Overbay is a decent power option hitting 19 HR last year. Surprisingly they didnt trade anyone from their infield:

1. Koskie
2. Adams
3. Hill
4. Macdonald
5. Hudson
6. Overbay
7. Hillenbrand
8. Hinske

They now have 8 players for 4 positions (3B, SS, 2B, 1B). They havent traded Batista yet as well...I would be looking for Batista and Hillenbrand to be dealt very soon for an impact player....what are you upto JP??

The Jays have signed the "Big Hurt", I think its a decent pickup so now they can just get a SS or 2b and not worry about him producing much offence. Infielders that can hit are pretty expensive. I heard rumours of the Jays landing Adam Kennedy or Brian Giles, I think either one of those two would be great.

As for pitching, I don't think they will bring Lilly back....people say they are talking to Meche, Padilla and even Mulder. I don't think JP will land any of them, he will have to acquire pitching through a trade.

For a catcher, I wouldn't mind seeing Zaun back but I read that the Jays are thinking about Rod Barajas (sorry if misspelled). Zaun would probably be better because I think he will be cheaper.

I hope nobody wants to take a big chance on Eric Gagne coming off those injuries paving the way for the Jays to pick him up to be a set-up guy for BJ Ryan, how sweet would that be if he stays healthy? One can always hope!

It's already starting to look like a very different team. Both Speier and "The Cat" are gone. Is Zaun next? I'm ambivalent about Lily but compared with what's out there in the pitching market, it might be wise to hang on to him. With Wells, Thomas, Glaus, Overbay, Rios and Hill the Jays will score a lot of runs--but pitching wins when it counts.