Coming off an 81-81 season and with money to spend, the Toronto Blue Jays “will not rule out” making a strong push for David Ortiz, a major-league source said today. In fact, Ortiz could conceivably be a good fit north of the border.
Ortiz would be a lefty-hitting, middle-of-the-order complement to fellow slugger Jose Bautista, for whom he has come to have great respect over the past few seasons. He also has familiarity with Blue Jays manager John Farrell, the former Red Sox pitching coach whose input is valued greatly by general manager Alex Anthopoulos. And Ortiz typically has been productive at Rogers Centre, where he has launched 29 career homers, more than any ballpark except Fenway. This season, he batted .328 with five homers, all in Toronto, against the Jays.
Farrell or no Farrell I don't see it. Only way I really see this as a possibility is if Ortiz gets pissed/insulted that the Sox will only offer 1 or 2 years and emotions cause him to refuse to stay with Boston. This would have to be coupled with the Yankees refusing to enter the Papi sweepstakes. So basically the Jays would only get Ortiz if he decided to sign in Toronto for less.
