Jays Interested in Ohka

[Dr.Funk]

Boston Globe (scroll down): "Former Sox righty Tomo Ohka might decide this weekend whether to pitch for Washington, Pittsburgh, or Toronto. Ohka, like any pitcher, would fare better in the National League, but Washington and Pittsburgh might struggle to give him run support while Toronto will score a lot."

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal..._cards/?page=5

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/mlb/blue-jays/rumors.html

[brewersfan19]

Well speaking from experience here. hahaha.. Ohka when healthy and has his stuff working for him, he can be a good pitcher!!! When he is off, he is really BAD!!!!!

[Halladay_is_God]

Can't we just have Daivd Bush back?

[brewersfan19]

No, or David Bush either!!!! hahahahaha..... just messing with you on your spelling of David, (your version Daivd).

[Halladay_is_God]

no worries

[Dr.Funk]

I haven't heard any numbers yet, but this could be another low risk, high reward situations.

[Dr.Funk]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "With Brian Lawrence out of the picture, the Pirates have escalated efforts to sign free-agent starter Tomo Ohka. And they should know soon if there will be a payoff. They had been one of three finalists for Ohka's services entering the weekend -- the Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays were the others -- but the field grew to four yesterday with the addition of a mystery team."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07022/755854-63.stm

[Dr.Funk]

Washington Post (scroll down): "The agent for right-hander Tomo Ohka said his client will likely decide on which team to sign with today or tomorrow. Jim Masteralexis declined to comment on Ohka's likely destination, sources said it was unlikely to be Washington. Ohka, who pitched for the Nationals in 2005, is most likely headed to Toronto. ."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2201415_2.html

[Dr.Funk]

From Rotoword:

The Blue Jays and Tomo Ohka have reportedly come to terms on a one-year deal.

Ohka declined two-year proposals from the Pirates and Nationals in the hopes that there'd be a bigger market for his services next year. We're not thrilled with his chances of posting a sub-5.00 ERA in the AL, but he still should be a better choice for the Toronto rotation than Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen or Josh Towers. His addition means that John Thomson will now have more of a battle on his hands as he attempts to secure the fifth spot.

[missionhockey21]

I am curious to hear the figures on Ohka. I remember hearing some reports that he was demanding a pretty sizeable return for a 3 or 4 year contract (for a guy with obvious injury risk/decline), so I guess a one year deal is pretty win win here. It's a risk just for this season if he bombs, and if he didn't want more than one year he (and his agent) must be confident in his health so on the flipside the Jays could get a pretty solid year from him. His results in Boston were never spectacular but that's probably because he hadn't refined his stuff at that point, but despite the stronger opposition he'll be pitching to, he should have at least have some unfamilarity for a bit with newer hitters.

[SLAM]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6400990

it is believed that Ohka will receive between $750,000 and $1 million.

[SLAM]

Halladay
Burnett
Chacin
Towers
Ohka/Thompson/Marcum

Looking good.

[Dr.Funk]

Towers will be lucky to be with the team at the end of spring. He will need to be spectacular because there are probably 4 pitchers ahead of him for the final roation spots.

[SLAM]

I read somewhere that JP said Josh Towers will be on the starting rotation next year. I'll try to find the source.

I still believe in Towers, I think he'll rebound back to success.

[brewersfan19]

Here is my interpretation of this signing-- Jays have a stud pitching staff or they lead the league in injuried pitchers. For the Jays sake, I hope it is option #1. They are close to being a legit team on paper at least!!!