The Toronto Blue Jays recently cut expensive and currently-crappy-but-formerly-awesome left-handed reliever BJ Ryan. And apparently the Cubs are planning to give him a look.
The 33-year-old Ryan will have to clear waivers, and once that happens, the Cubs likely will explore the possibility of signing him.
Insiders say any team that ends up with the former closer probably will want him to start out at Triple-A. The Blue Jays are on the hook for the approximately $15 million Ryan is owed through next season. The Cubs, or any team that picks up Ryan, will have to pay him only a prorated share of the major-league minimum salary this year and the minimum for 2010. Daily Herald.
Although the Cubs could use another lefty in the pen, there are two issues here:
1.) Whom does he displace in the pen? Samardzija? All that will happen is the Cubs will continue to carry 12 pitchers instead of 11. Me no likey.
2.) Teams typically do not cut guys whom they owe so much money and who were previously very successful unless there is something very wrong with the player.