LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida – A comment Mark DeRosa made in August as he reflected on what, by then, clearly was a failed 2013 Blue Jays season, is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore looking ahead to the prospects for next years squad. Cheap Air Max On Sale . "When Brandon Morrow went down, that killed us," said the now former Blue Jay, referring to the forearm injury Morrow suffered in late May that ended his season. With general manager Alex Anthopoulos uncomfortable, at least for the time being, with the market price for mid-range starting pitching and with no acquisition, either through free agency or via trade, apparently imminent, Morrows return to health is crucial to the Jays becoming the contender many thought they would be a year ago. Morrow is throwing in Arizona and early reports on his bullpen sessions and a simulated game are positive. But can Morrow give Toronto 180 or more innings? Hes done it only once in his career (2011) and even if he can is a Morrow, R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle front three enough for the Jays to contend in an American League East thats demise is annually predicted but never realized? Assuming Morrow, Dickey and Buehrle are the front three, is it the right approach for a club trying to contend now to count on one of Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Sean Nolin or Marcus Stroman to impress enough in spring training to crack the back end of the rotation for a spot alongside J.A. Happ? Anthopoulos has discussed the need for an improved rotation since the middle of last summer, when he began lamenting the combined ERA of the starting staff which would finish second-worst in baseball, ahead of only lowly Minnesota. The Twins, whether or not you agree with the moves, have been proactive, inking veteran National Leaguer Ricky Nolasco (four years/$49 million) and former Yankee Phil Hughes (three years/$24 million). "I think my position has been that as we sit here today the trade market seems more viable," said Anthopoulos. "Thats not to say that wont change a week from now or two weeks from now as the prices for free agents change." In fact, Anthopoulos says, in his most recent conversations hes noticing a shift downward in the price of some free agents. He acknowledges that the names of prospects Stroman and Aaron Sanchez come up in almost all the trade conversation he has but that hes not eager to move his upper level rotation depth. Free agent right-hander Matt Garza could become more appealing if his arm problems limit him to a shorter term contract. At the very least, hes worth exploring given his past success in the division as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays for three seasons, starting in 2008. Another option, through a modified form of free agency, is Masahiro Tanaka. It seems farfetched, however. Depending on how the posting process is settled for the Japanese phenom, the Jays could get involved. If, as expected, the bidding is capped at $20 million, Toronto could post the maximum. The problem is a number of other clubs, particularly the big market, high spending teams, could and likely would do the same which would create a situation where Tanaka could sign with the high bidder of his choosing. Hed be in prime position to leverage up his contract and select the city in which he wishes to pitch. Tanaka is only 25 and has two years left on his contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. He posted a record of 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA and 0.943 WHIP in 2013. That WHIP, incredible for a starting pitcher, isnt even his best. In 2011, Tanaka had a 0.875 WHIP. Hes known as a fastball/splitter specialist who, over his seven seasons in Japan, has struck out 4.5 hitters for every walk. Anthopoulos continues to pursue leads, knowing a rotation of Dickey, Morrow, Buehrle, Happ and (insert rookie here) wont inspire confidence in a fan base counting on a bounce back season. There remains plenty of work to do. Fortunately, there too remains plenty of time. THE FIVE-YEAR TERM LIMIT The Blue Jays are known for their policy on five-year contract limits. Anthopoulos suggests theres wiggle room if the circumstances are right. "I think weve said, six (years), will you bend a little bit and do something like that, I think we havent ruled it out," said Anthopoulos. "Our preference is certainly five. Weve never really had to deviate from that. Weve never looked seriously at doing that." There are few examples of extended long-term deals that have worked out. Albert Pujols seven-year, $100 million contract signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2005 season would be one but for each of those, there are more of the Carlos Beltran-Mets type of deals. Beltran had a stellar first four seasons in New York but was plagued by injury during the back half of the contract. Prince Fielder is another example, traded by the Tigers last month just two years into a nine-year, $214 million deal signed after the 2011 season. "I dont know that its that strict a policy but its certainly a strong guideline that maybe we would stretch a little bit and go to six," said Anthopoulos. "Now, you start getting beyond six, I dont see that occurring." JAYS ROUND OUT COACHING STAFF Tim Leiper, who served as a minor league consultant for the Blue Jays last season, is expected to be named the clubs new first base coach. A source close to Leiper confirmed the news to TSN.ca. Leiper replaces Dwayne Murphy, who retired at the end of the year. A native of Whittier, California, Leiper, 46, has an extensive coaching background in the minor leagues and with Baseball Canada. Anthopoulos familiarity with Leiper dates back more than a decade. Leiper managed the Ottawa Lynx, then the Triple-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos, in 2002. Anthopoulos was working in the Expos front office at the time. DAVIS SIGNS WITH TIGERS It was a foregone conclusion Rajai Davis wouldnt be returning to the Blue Jays. A free agent for the first time, Davis inked a two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. According to reports, the deal is for $10 million. Davis spent three seasons with the Blue Jays, compiling a slash line of .252/.299/.369 in 345 games. He stole 125 bases in a Toronto uniform. The Blue Jays will look to go younger and cheaper to fill Davis roster spot. Anthony Gose, a less refined base stealer at this point in his career, figures to be the prime candidate to replace Davis. Moises Sierra, whos out of options and has been playing some first base in Dominican League winter ball, will receive consideration. Kevin Pillar is another option, although less likely given his offensive struggles as a late-season call-up. Air Max Online Cheap . Watch the announcement live on TSN.ca at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt. This years honourees will be recognized at the 2014 Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic, scheduled for June 23-24 in Vancouver. Cheap Nike Air Max Wholesale . The Tiger-Cats announced on Friday the linebacker has signed a new contract with the team through the 2016 season. http://www.cheapairmaxshop.com/ .com) - Former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya is joining the Major League Baseball Players Association staff as a senior advisor to executive director Tony Clark.KENT, Wash. -- Alexander Delnov scored twice, including the winner, as the Seattle Thunderbirds edged the visiting Spokane Chiefs 4-3 in overtime Saturday in Western Hockey League action. Delnov scored 2:14 into extra time for Seattle, which halted Spokanes four-game win streak. Roberts Lipsbergs had two goals and two assists for the Thunderbirds (25-14-5) while Ryan Gropp and Shea Theodore each tacked on two assists. Connor Chartier led the Chiefs (26-13-3) offensively with a pair of goals and Mike Aviani and scored the other. Seattles Danny Mumaugh made 22 saves for the win as Eric Williams turned away 29-of-33 shots for Spokane. The Thunderbirds went 2 for 8 on the power play while the Chiefs scored once on four chances with the man advantage. --- REBELS 3 BRONCOS 0 SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. -- Patrik Bartosak stopped 34 shots as Red Deer blanked the Broncos. Haydn Fleury had a goal and an assist for the Rebels (22-20-2) and Aspen Sterzer and Presten Kopeck scored the others. The defensive pairing of Brett Lernout and Brycen Martin were caught on the ice for all three goals against for Swift Current (23-16-6). Eetu Laurikainen made 35 saves for the Broncos. --- PATS 6 BLADES 2 SASKATOON -- Dryden Hunt had a pair of goals as Regina handed the Blades their fourth loss in a row. Morgan Klimchuk and Chandler Stephenson each had a goal and two assists for the Pats (23-17-5), who led 5-0 after the first period, while Dyson Stevenson and Jesse Zgraggen had a goal apiece. Cameron Hebig and Connor Sanvido scored for Saskatoon (12-31-4). Daniel Wapple made 28 saves for Regina. Alex Moodie started in net for the Blades but was pulled after allowing three goals on six shots. Troy Trombley turned away 26-of-29 shots in 52 minutes of relief. --- WHEAT KINGS 5 RAIDERS 2 BRANDON -- John Quenneville scored twice and set up one more as the Wheat Kings downed Prince Albert. Jesse Gabriel had a goal and an assist for Brandon (23-17-4) while Rihards Bukarts and Eric Roy each scored once. Josh Morrissey and Carson Perreaux scored for the Raiders (22-19-2) and Sawyer Lange assisted on both goals. Jordan Papirny made 23 saves for the Wheat Kings as Cole Cheveldave kicked out 37-of-42 shots for Prince Albert. --- OIL KINGS 8 HURRICANES 0 LETHBRIDGE, Alta. -- Edgars Kulda had two goals and two assists and TTyler Santos made 23 saves as Edmonton crushed the Hurricanes for its sixth straight victory. Cheap Air Max Shop. Riley Keiser also scored twice for the Oil Kings (29-12-1) and Blake Orban had a goal and two assists. Reid Petryk, Mads Eller and Brett Pollock also scored for Edmonton. Defenceman Macoy Erkamps was a team-worst minus-7 for Lethbridge (9-32-5). Jarred Schamerhorn and Jonny Hogue combined to stop 33-of-41 shots for the Hurricanes. --- ROCKETS 5 TIGERS 4 MEDICINE HAT, Alta. -- Rourke Chartier had two goals as Kelowna slipped past the Tigers. Mitchell Wheaton, Nick Merkley and Kris Schmidl also scored for the Rockets (35-5-2) while Damon Severson and Ryan Olsen chipped in with two assists apiece. Curtis Valk scored once and set up two more for Medicine Hat (24-15-3) and Blake Penner, Anthony Ast and Trevor Cox had the others. Jackson Whistle made 36 saves for Kelowna as Marek Langhamer stopped 35 shots for the Tigers. --- COUGARS 4 BLAZERS 3 (SO) KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Troy Bourke and Jordan Tkatch both scored in the shootout as Prince George edged the Blazers. Todd Fiddler scored twice in regulation for the Cougars (17-23-6) and Brad Morrison scored once. Tyson Ness, Matt Revel and Jesse Shynkaruk supplied the scoring for Kamloops (10-29-5), which dropped its fifth straight contest. Adam Beukeboom made 18 saves for Prince George. Bolton Pouliot stopped 33-of-36 shots for the Blazers. --- AMERICANS 3 SILVERTIPS 2 (OT) KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Philip Tot scored with just 31 seconds remaining in overtime as Tri-City downed Everett. Eric Comrie turned away 35 of 37 for the Americans (20-20-4) while Brian Williams and Braden Purtill also scored. Patrick Bajkov and Ivan Nikolishin had a goal apiece for the Silvertips (24-13-7). Austin Lotz made 29 saves for Everett, earning the games second star for his effort. --- WINTERHAWKS 2 ROYALS 1 VICTORIA -- Oliver Bjorkstrand scored the eventual with five minutes remaining in regulation as Portland beat the Royals. Brendan Leipsic had a goal and an assist for the Winterhawks (27-12-5), but failed to score on a penalty shot in the first period that would have put his club ahead 2-0. Jordan Fransoo scored for Victoria (29-15-2). Brendan Burke made 23 saves for Portland while Coleman Vollrath turned aside 33-of-35 shots for the Royals. 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