Should the Jays Trade Jose?

Don't hurt me. I beg of you.

The proposition seems preposterous. It may very well be preposterous; why move one of the best outfielders in the game on a bargain contract? Here's my response... why not?

Because he's locked up for nickels and dimes, that's all the more reason to trade Jose Bautista. Look at it from a contending team's perspective - who wouldn't want one of the game's biggest power threats with great instincts and a cannon of an arm in the outfield for only $14 million/year until 2015, with an option for 2016.

The Jays could get a huge haul for Joey Bats. Like... a HUGE haul... and as great a player as he is, do the Jays really need him?

Outfielder Kevin Pillar is banging on the door, posting a ridiculous .349 BA at AAA, while Anthony Gose and Moises Sierra still can't be counted out.

Further, offense isn't the problem. The Blue Jays are 8th in the Majors in runs scored - ahead of the A's, Braves, Reds, Rangers, Yankees, and Dodgers.

Would the Blue Jays offense take that huge a hit without Jose Bautista?

Take a look at MY hypothetical lineup:

1. RF Kevin Pillar
2. LF Melky Cabrera
3. SS Jose Reyes
4. 1B Edwin Encarnacion
5. DH Adam Lind
6. CF Colby Rasmus
7. 2B Maicer Izturis
8. C  JP Arencibia
9. 3B Brett Lawrie

Not too shabby.

It may be bold to assume that Kevin Pillar could so soon handle the vigor of being an everyday lead off man. But if that assumption is even close to reality, the Jays offense would be fine. That lineup is still very capable.

What the Blue Jays really need is starting pitching.

The Jays should know first hand that offense isn't needed if you pitch well. They've been slaughtered by the Rays over the course of the past six years.

So why not move Jose Bautista? Just imagine what you could get.

Jose Bautista is great. Young controllable talent is also great though.

Should Jose be moved? Leave a comment...