The state of next year's rotation remains a hot topic for those who follow the Blue Jays.
That A.J. Burnett will test free agency (and, in the process, price himself out of Toronto) is not news. That Shaun Marcum won't be available next season certainly is.
The situation, in my opinion, is not nearly as dire as some seem to think.
Take Burnett, for instance. The Jays have $24 million budgeted for the next two years in the unlikely event he decides not to opt out of his contract. Once he does, that money becomes available. It could go a long way to convincing a free agent to sign with Toronto. And there may be several -- like Derek Lowe, Ryan Dempster, Kyle Lohse, Oliver Perez, or even Mike Mussina -- who might bite.
And if there's money to spend, why stop at one? A little less coin might get you Paul Byrd.
So if Burnett's space is filled through free agency, Marcum's spot is taken over by someone in-house. That man could be Casey Janssen. A repaired labrum in his right shoulder might delay his availability, but the Jays could back-fill with a pitcher like Scott Richmond.
Janssen showed signs of becoming a reliable starter in his rookie season, and then moved to the bullpen exclusively in 2007. Perhaps Marcum's injury is enough to convince the Jays to try him as a starter again.
Of course, there's always the possibility of a trade. Reportedly, the Jays' came close to landing Tim Lincecum last fall. Who says they can't get creative again? Heck, the Rays sent Delmon Young to Minnesota for Matt Garza and he became a vital component in Tampa Bay's incredible season.
I say the Jays have options. What do you say? Let me know below.
