Updated: Dec 6, 2005, 1:29 PM

Vote: Is Toronto playoff bound in '06?


	Will A.J. Burnett team with Roy Halladay to form the best 1-2 punch in the AL?

It seems like forever since the Blue Jays last made the playoffs. And Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi is out to change that right away. It's been 12 years since Joe Carter's blast off Mitch Williams sent the Blue Jays to their second consecutive World Series title, and more patience isn't something Ricciardi is interested in exercising.

Last week, he signed hard-throwing lefty B.J. Ryan to a five-year, $47 million deal - the largest for a relief pitcher in baseball history. Now Ricciardi's made an even bigger splash, at least financially, by inking A.J. Burnett to a five-year, $55 million contract.

Is that too much money for pitchers with 42 career saves and 49 career wins, respectively? Did the Blue Jays neglect their glaring offensive needs? Or is there still more work to do before they're done? At which position does Toronto need the biggest upgrade via trade?

You must be signed in to post a comment

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

ESPN

Vote: Is Toronto playoff bound in '06?

1) What do the acquisitions of B.J. Ryan and A.J. Burnett do for the Blue Jays?

2) Which team do you think will win the American League East in 2006?

3) Which team has the best starting pitching duo in the American League?

4) What should the Blue Jays do with last season's closer, Miguel Batista?

5) Which of the following rumored trade targets is most likely to land in Toronto, considering what the Blue Jays would have to give up?

6) Which of the following concerns you most about the signings of Ryan and Burnett?

7) How will Burnett fare with Toronto in 2006, compared to his 2005 in Florida (12-12, 3.44 ERA)?

8) How will Ryan fare with Toronto in 2006, compared to his 2005 in Baltimore (36 saves, 2.43 ERA)?

9) Which player will prove to be the better value?

10) At which position do the Blue Jays need to upgrade the most (2005 starters in parentheses)?

11) Do you approve of the job J.P. Ricciardi is doing as the Blue Jays' general manager?

You must be signed in to post a comment

SportsNation on Facebook

THIS WEEK'S CHATS

ESPN

Vote: Is Toronto playoff bound in '06?

1) What do the acquisitions of B.J. Ryan and A.J. Burnett do for the Blue Jays?

2) Which team do you think will win the American League East in 2006?

3) Which team has the best starting pitching duo in the American League?

4) What should the Blue Jays do with last season's closer, Miguel Batista?

5) Which of the following rumored trade targets is most likely to land in Toronto, considering what the Blue Jays would have to give up?

6) Which of the following concerns you most about the signings of Ryan and Burnett?

7) How will Burnett fare with Toronto in 2006, compared to his 2005 in Florida (12-12, 3.44 ERA)?

8) How will Ryan fare with Toronto in 2006, compared to his 2005 in Baltimore (36 saves, 2.43 ERA)?

9) Which player will prove to be the better value?

10) At which position do the Blue Jays need to upgrade the most (2005 starters in parentheses)?

11) Do you approve of the job J.P. Ricciardi is doing as the Blue Jays' general manager?

You must be signed in to post a comment

Need an account?

Already have an account?

SportsNation on Facebook

THIS WEEK'S CHATS