News
Jays not shocked by Rios move
Toronto (54-57) at New York (69-43), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com
08/11/09 12:19 AM ET
NEW YORK -- Jose Bautista had talked to Alex Rios about the possibility of being traded by the Blue Jays. After all, the rumors and reports had been out for a few days that the White Sox were awarded a waiver claim on the right fielder.It could have meant nothing, but Bautista felt something might have been in the works. Sure enough, Rios was sent to Chicago on Monday as a cost-cutting measure by Toronto, and Bautista was asked to step in as the starting right fielder at the last minute.
"The fact that it leaked kind of gave us a head's up," Bautista said. "After they had put the claim in and it was in the papers, it's one of those things where you're like, '50-50. Maybe he'll go, but maybe he won't go.' So, it wasn't a complete surprise."
On Tuesday, the Blue Jays will announce a subsequent move to replace Rios on the active roster. It seems likely that Toronto will promote first baseman Randy Ruiz, who was not in the lineup for Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday night. Another option would be top prospect Travis Snider, though it is more likely that he is summoned later this month or after rosters expand in September.
As for parting ways with Rios, the explanation offered by general manager J.P. Ricciardi was that the organization wanted to create more financial flexibility. Rios is owed just shy of $61 million through 2014, and has a club option for $13.5 million for '15. In a down economy, the Jays could use that money to address multiple needs.
Inside the clubhouse, Rios' former teammates were not happy to see him go.
"I was disappointed," Jays catcher Rod Barajas said. "Alex has been a great teammate. He's a guy who's loved by everybody in this clubhouse and a good friend. It's tough to see a good friend go. He was emotional. I don't think this is what he wanted, but this is a business. Sometimes decisions are made, and it's not exactly what the team wants, or the players want, but you have to move on."
That last sentiment was echoed by Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill, who signed his extension on the same day as Rios received his seven-year pact in April 2008. At the time, Hill and Rios were billed as the future of the franchise beyond the current core of players who have contracts expiring soon.
Like Bautista, Hill said the fact that it was reported that the Sox claimed Rios made the news less of a shock.
"Obviously, it was public that they claimed him and everything," Hill said. "So we knew there was a chance that it could happen. I know everybody loves Alex and everybody wishes the best for him -- except when he's playing us. He's a great guy with a lot of talent, and hopefully he does his thing with Chicago.
"You've still got to play ball. You move on. In a positive sense, whatever he's signed for, they can go out and see if they can get some free agents or whatever it may be that they're doing, or saving money. The bottom line is, you've still got to go out and play. We're here to win and we're here to play ball."
Manager Cito Gaston said he told Rios to keep his head up after learning the news.
"I told him, 'It's not like somebody doesn't want you.' The other team wants him," Gaston said. "I hope he goes over there and has a great career. I hope he goes over and plays well for them. I told him to get to them as soon as he can, because he's going to a team that has a chance to be in the playoffs."
Pitching matchup
TOR: RHP Scott Richmond (6-6, 3.97 ERA)
Richmond is 3-3 with a 4.04 ERA in eight games on the road this season.
Chamberlain has gone 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA in 12 starts at home this year. Bird feed
Hill launched a solo home run in the third inning on Monday night, giving him a team-high 27 dingers this season. It marks the most homers in a season by a Blue Jays player since Frank Thomas launched 27 in 2007. Hill has homered in each of his past three road games. ... Right-hander Shawn Camp turned in 2 2/3 shutout innings on Monday. In 14 multi-inning appearances this season, Camp has fashioned a 2.06 ERA. ... In six outings against the Yankees this season, right-hander Brandon League has not allowed a run (five innings, seven strikeouts, four hits). ... The Jays have won three in a row on the road for the first time since June 16-18. Toronto has won three games in a row overall for the first time since June 21-24. ... Gaston was ejected in the middle of the third inning on Monday for arguing balls and strikes. It was his first ejection of the season. ... In 114 games with Triple-A this year, Ruiz has hit .320 with 25 home runs and 106 RBIs. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• SNET On radio
• FAN 590 Up next
• Wednesday: Blue Jays (Ricky Romero, 10-5, 3.66) at Yankees (A.J. Burnett, 10-5, 3.67), 1:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Off-day
• Friday: Blue Jays (Roy Halladay, 12-5, 2.73) at Rays (James Shields, 7-8, 3.79), 7:38 p.m. ET
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
