AJ a Blue Jay

AJ Burnett has signed a 5 year/$55 million deal with the Blue Jays. He was considered the biggest free agent on the market this offseason, and his signing gives the Jays 2 of the top free agents this season. Of course, being an avid Jays fan, I nearly soiled myself after the first signing, but after today's news was official, I can't explain how happy I am.

Most people are bashing both moves. Both players are considered unproven gambles and overpayed. Ryan only had last season to display his abilities as a closer, and Burnett's career record is below .500. Sure, who can predict how they'll perform this year, but they both have potential to be worthy of raises (but not the amounts they were given). I think most people are basing this on the past and stats. Ryan will be 30 at the end of the month and Burnett 29 in January, so they are both in their respective primes, which should be a positive note.

To me, I am ignoring the numbers and ESPN. The Jays needed to make these signings. They had 3 guys on their list going into the offseason and signed 2 of them. That's pretty good, especially when there are at least a dozen teams after each of those guys. What matters is they finally got big names to go north. Yes, they threw an ungodly amount of money at these guys, but since when did money become an issue in sports? The Yankees threw $200+ million on A-rod, and the Sox $160 million on Manny, but the Jays spend $55 to get a player they want and everyone thinks they are ruining the market. I think everyone should shut the hell up about whether it's a bad signing for the Jays. Wait until the season progresses to make your judgements. Would people be as harsh had he signed with the Cardinals or Nationals? I am not so sure.

It's been a while since they were able to sign the likes of a Dave Winfield or Roger Clemens, and these signings make a statement to the league. Of course, these guys are not even in the same tier as those other two. They don't have the money that the big markets have, but they have a little more than before, and if they play their cards right thru trades, they'll be greatly improved in 06. I know there are a lot of people tired of the Red Sox and Yankees, so hopefully these moves are a sign of some changes in the near future in the AL East.

Go Jays!