Santos to the Jays

[love_that_reefer]

Per MLBTR

The Blue Jays acquired reliever Sergio Santos from the White Sox for righty prospect Nestor Molina, announced the team.

In Santos, 28, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos found his closer on the trade market. The converted infielder posted a 3.55 ERA, 13.1 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, 0.85 HR/9, and 43% groundball rate in 63 1/3 innings for the White Sox this year, saving 30 games in 36 tries. He was formerly a shortstop in Toronto's minor league system from 2006-08. It was surprising to see Santos dealt, as there had been no rumors and he signed a three-year, $8.25MM deal with the Sox in September. The contract includes three club options, so the Blue Jays have cost certainty on Santos potentially through 2017.

Molina, 22, posted a 2.21 ERA, 10.2 K/9, 1.1 BB/9, and 0.6 HR/9 in 130 1/3 innings across High and Double-A this year. Molina is a converted infielder himself, and appears close to MLB-ready. Though Molina was not among the Blue Jays' top 30 prospects in Baseball America's handbook before the season, his stock presumably rose with his excellent 2011. Plus, the Blue Jays have one of baseball's best farm systems.

The trade seems to signal an impending rebuilding effort for the White Sox. Santos himself was affordable, but perhaps GM Kenny Williams preferred a future rotation candidate in Molina. A lot is riding on Molina after this surprising one-for-one swap. Anthopoulos and Williams matched up once before, on the July deal that sent Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart to Chicago for Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen.

Fantastic trade for the Jays. They get a good, affordable closer without giving up a top prospect. Santos has done well in his first two seasons as a reliever and should continue to get better. In a market where closers get ridiculous amounts of money, the Jays got a steal on this one.

I expect Danks and Floyd to be the next ones traded. Quentin is likely a goner too.

[Kingdom]

Molina sounds like a better prospect than you think.

[zodious]

Oh dear lord! Another name that Molina???

[love_that_reefer]

Molina sounds like a better prospect than you think.

Than I think?

[Trendy Bastard]

The Blue Jay fans from another forum I post at is crucifying AA for sending Molina for Santos.

[love_that_reefer]

Yeah a lot of fans liked Molina and rightfully so. He has great numbers so far through AA but the Jays have an abundance of pitching. I just now read that John Sickels has Molina as the Jays #2 prospect which changes my view a bit. Also, look at who will most likely be replacing Santos for the White Sox. Addison Reed Minor League Statistics & History - Baseball-Reference.com

[DirtyKash]

Pitching prospects are hit-or-miss, like Kyle Drabek. Good deal, Santos proved last year that he could close.

[Foster]

Keith Law liked the deal, so how can I say I don't like the deal.

Molina is a "good" prospect, B+ level in the minds of some people. The "problem" with him is that they don't know if he'll be a starter, or a reliever. If he turns out as a reliever, we'll than I'll consider this a big win for the Jays. If he gets into the major leagues as a starter, than I'll consider it less of a success for the Jays.

The prize for FA "closers" these days makes a trade like this easy to understand. If your not willing to spend big money, than a trade like this makes perfect sence.

[love_that_reefer]

Keith Law liked the deal, so how can I say I don't like the deal.

Easily