TheCrimeDog

For sure - it also stands to reason that they just may not want Hamels on that deal 4 years from now. And yes, a lot of money is coming off the books but they will be looking for at least 2 outfielders, 1 infielder and a starter while simultaneously looking to upgrade both their bullpen and their bench. The Jays are a super 'top heavy' team - lots of all star talent but the drop off from their stars to their everyday guys is drastic. Combine that with a poor bullpen and a bad bench, as well as very little positional help in the minors anywhere, and their depth as a whole is very concerning. Any trades involving significant Jays assets for this season need to make them better in the upcoming seasons as well.

We definitely agree on this - the A's moved when the Jays should have moved. Whether it was Shark, or someone else, the Jays really should have bolstered their roster when they were on fire. They have waited so long at this point that they'll be really relying on that new player (if they make a move) rather then simply bolstering their line up the way Oakland did. As far as Hamels, you can't compare dealing for him with the A's dealing for Shark. Shark is making less than $5.5 million this season and, even with arbitration next season, will be unlikely to make even half of what Hamels is already signed to which is more than $20 mil per season through 2018. That contract, combined with the aquisition cost a Hamels trade would require, makes Cole a very unlikely option for any team, let alone the Jays. I agree with needing a top 3 starter however this team, outside of 3 or 4 batters, is very inconsistent and strikeout prone. I don't trust going into the playoffs with Francisco, Rasmus and some of the other K-machines playing everyday but that's just me.

The A's move for Shark made far more sense, regardless of what they gave up, mainly for 3 reasons: 1. They were the best team in the AL at the time (the strong get stronger) 2. They made the trade earlier in the season and have Shark for more starts this season 3. They also have Shark for next season at a very reasonable price - accordingly they can let him go to FA and take the compensation pic or trade him mid-summer to a contender for prospects As far as a starter, I would honestly look at Tommy Milone from Oakland. I know they want him as insurance but I'm sure they'd move him for the right price (which would be much less then your proposal for Lester). In addition, Milone would be under control for several more years at would looks to be a bargain price. I don't think their biggest need is pitching. Looking at this roster as is today, if they could upgrade any of 2B, 3B or CF I think they have to do it, especially if the player is someone who will be around next season. Looking at next season, it's very possible that Melky and Colby are gone and we still don't have a decent option at 2B. Any trade they make now, if it involves our top prospects, has to be as much about tomorrow as it does today. I agree the window is very small (especially considering their roster as it stands for next season). I want them to win right now too but, fact is, they may have to stand pat and hope this team plays the way it did in May going into August and September. Honestly, getting all of Lawrie, EE and Lind back (or any of them) will represent huge additions at this point in and of themselves.

On another note, why not take a run at Oakland and try to pry Tommy Milone away from them? He may be costly in terms of what Oakland wants in return, but he is young, completely affordable, controllable and has pitched very well in his career to date. Certainly he is a beneficiary of pitching in Oakland, but as a 3rd or 4th option for the Jays he would be a solid pick up considering everything else. Not sure what the cost would be.

Long time lurker, first time poster. I just couldn't hold my tongue on this one. Trading any of our top 5 prospects for Lester or any other impending free agent would be a terrible, short-sighted mistake. I'm shocked that anyone would fathom giving up 3 of our top prospects for what, 10 regular season starts and maybe a few post season starts? There is very little chance of keeping Lester beyond this season and, because he would be acquired via trade, there would be no draft pick compensation for him. I'm all for improvements but giving up that kind of ransom is high risk for low reward.