Articles on Barrett and Maroth

While it has been a relatively quiet off-season for the cost-cutting Toronto Blue Jays, they have signed a few former quality big leaguers to minor league deals and in so doing, hope to fighting lightning in a bottle.  These deals come with little risk and have the potential to offer medium reward in the event that the 'reclaimation project' can find his former self.  Jay beat reporter Jordan Bastian has written great articles on two of the Jays reclaimation projects, catcher Michael Barrett and pitcher Mike Maroth.  Both players are looking to revive their careers in Toronto after struggling with injuries and poor play over the past two seasons.

The signing of Barrett has the greatest likelihood of paying dividends for the Jays.  From 2004-06, the catcher averaged 16 home runs and nearly 60 RBIs each season with Chicago.  While he'll have to compete for the backup job behind Rod Barajas, he should have the inside track to winning the job.  The minor league deal also includes an option for 2010 (a rarity for a reclaimation deal), so the Jays definately see something in Barrett.  As a catcher, even if he can hit .250 with 10 HR it's not a bad deal, as long as he can mentor the picthers, which shouldn't be a problem.  "One of the reputations that I have," Barrett said, "...is I've been around a lot of young pitchers. I have that going for me -- I'm good at helping pitchers develop. ... I'm definitely excited about [Toronto's] young arms. When I look at the young arms there, I think about some of the success that Tampa Bay has had with some of their young pitchers.  I think that's very realistic with the guys that I've seen pitch for Toronto. And, when you look at them on paper, you realize that there are a lot of great things that can happen this year." 

Maroth will be competing for one of the two open spots in Toronto's rotation and faces some stiff competition, including Scott Richmond,  Casey Janssen, youngsters Brad Mills, Ricky Romero, Davis Romero and Brett Cecil, and fellow reclaimation project Matt Clement.  It will definately be an uphill battle for the southpaw, but like most minor league deals, it can't hurt.  Worst case, Maroth will be assigned to Las Vegas (AAA) and will provide some depth in the Jays organization. 

At this point, I would say that Richmond has the inside track on the 4th spot and that Clement and Janssen have the inside track on winning the last starting job.  The youngsters all need a full season in triple A, though giving them a long look in Spring Training won't hurt.  It might be an uphill battle for Maroth, but having him in the mix during the spring will give the Jays the opportunity to see what he can offer to the club.