Jays swap Brandons with Mariners
December 22nd, 2009 | by jays1992 |
The Jays are in the news again today, having made a second significant trade in their busy off-season.
They have dealt underachieving relief pitcher Brandon League to Seattle, along with an unconfirmed minor league prospect, in order to add Brandon Morrow, whom Toronto would like to see in their starting rotation when the Jays break camp next year.
On the surface, this looks like a great move by the Jays as Morrow has a blazing fastball in his arsenal and, despite some arm troubles has progressed steadily to the point where he is a possible front of the rotation guy down the road.
Critics will say this is a trade of underachievers because League, for his part, also has the live arm and blistering fastball.
Both pitchers have been unable to harness their control and have issues with walking more batters than you would like.
The change of scenery may put League in the mix for the closer role in Seattle as David Aardsma came from nowhere to grab that role last year. League’s presence will push the incumbent to prove that wasn’t a fluke.
Before making this trade, Morrow was projected as the Mariner’s third starter and the Jays would be thrilled if he can fill that slot for them. They are looking for inning eaters and would like to trot Morrow out there every firth day next year. It is worth noting that he may be a candidate for the back of the Jays’ pen too. He has a history as a versatile pitcher who has been moved around in the Mariners pitching staff.
Tags: blue jays, brandon league, Brandon Morrow, Seattle Mariners
