shortstop Troy Tulowtizki was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal sent Jays' shortstop Jose Reyes packing for Colorado, while also shipping out highly touted pitching prospect Miguel Castro and two other minor league players in exchange for the All-Star shortstop.
With Tulowitzki now in the American League East, Toronto's potent lineup has grown even stronger, as Tulowtizki brings power and average to a lineup with the most collected runs in all of baseball (528).
Tulowitzki requested a trade to a contending ball club, and although Toronto was a surprising candidate, the 30-year old shortstop's wish was granted, as the Blue Jays now prove to be solely committed on reaching the postseason for the first time since their title run in 1993.
Here is what the Tulowitzki deal means to the New York Yankees.
Toronto Has Drawn First Blood
Whether it was decided last week or only yesterday evening that Toronto would make a run for Tulowitzki, Jays' General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has forced the Yankees' hand, despite Toronto being seven games out of first place in the division standings. Toronto has suffered the longest postseason drought in all of baseball, as 1993 was the last time that the Rogers Centre hosted October baseball. Toronto has failed to contend for a division crown for nearly twenty-two consecutive seasons, but with this blockbuster deal, the pressure now lies on the shoulders of Yankees' General Manager Brian Cashman. It has never been in the Yankees nature to abstain from making a deal at the trade deadline, but with a new superstar competing in the divisional race, Cashman will have to up the ante with trade proposals. New York is in dire need of a starting pitcher, and while analysts have suggested that a low-tier pitcher such as Mike Leake or Mat Latos could be the solution, the Yankees are now in attack position, and the All-Star arms of Cole Hamels and David Price may not be a fantasy in the Bronx after all. This move would strictly be in retaliation to Toronto's, and Cashman is fully aware that the team north of the border currently has a slight edge in the final two months of season play. New York's strategy needs a few alterations in order to keep their somewhat 'comfortable' division lead in tact.
Toronto Isn't Finished Yet
As of now, the Blue Jays arguably have the most dangerous lineup in the American League, and although Toronto's offense has been lethal, their pitching has been a polar opposite. Blue Jays starters have a combined ERA of 4.38, which ties with Cleveland for 7th-highest in the League. Veterans Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey have managed to stay healthy, but Toronto has been deprived of an ace on the staff. Since the middle of May, it was evident that in order for the Blue Jays to contend, a starting pitcher was a necessity. An arm has not been added yet, but do not believe Toronto has made their last call. Prior to yesterday's trade, the Blue Jays' team salary was nearly $116 million, but with the acquisition of Tulowitzki, nearly $85 million has been added on, leaving Toronto currently with the 3rd highest salary in baseball. This could possibly force the Jays to trade away one of their top caliber bats, such as Edwin Encarnacion, who is due $10 million at the end of the season. The catch with Encarnacion is that his contract is up after this year, but with a $10 million club option, Toronto may look to trade him away now, in order to find an affordable pitcher who could also create some cap room. Expect at least one more deal to include Toronto's name by Friday afternoon.
Tulo Can't Be Content
Unfortunately for Tulowitzki, his contract does not include a no-trade clause, which ultimately could have decided whether he would have accepted a deal to Toronto in the first place. Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich admitted to the media that he was not going to negotiate with a team that Tulowitzki did not initially approve, but with a handful of contending teams in need or a shortstop and bat, Tulowitzki was beyond shocked by his new destination. Colorado's Coors Field was home to Tulowitzki for ten seasons, and with Denver's high altitude and thin air, Tulowitzki's offensive statistics have been inflated at home. Tulowitzki is a .321 lifetime hitter in Colorado, but with a career road average of .276, the shortstop's production dips drastically. With Toronto's Rogers Centre as Tulowitzki's new home, there lies a portion of good news, and also bad news. Tulowitzki is a .327 lifetime hitter in dome ballparks, but with a measly three career games played on artificial turf, Tulowitzki may struggle to stay healthy on the defensive end. His long history of injures precedes him, as Tulowitzki's last three seasons have included season-ending left hip and groin surgeries. The elements of Rogers Centre could become his kryptonite, but only time will tell if Tulowitzki is fully capable of taking on the role as the Blue Jays' every day shortstop.
PHOTO BY
RYAN MCKEE/ GETTY IMAGES
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