Adam Lind given contract extension

The Toronto Blue Jays have locked up one of their core young players today in what can best be described as a fantastic contract for the organization. Adam Lind has signed an extension that will pay him $18 million over the course of four years.

For an excellent hitter that is still entering his prime at 26 years of age, G.M. Alex Anthopolous locked up an integral piece for the organization at a very reasonable price tag. Lind had his coming out party last season, hitting .305, blasting 35 home runs, 46 doubles and 114 RBI's which was enough to earn him the American League Silver Slugger Award. He also picked up the Edgar Martinez Award given to the best designated hitter in the league.

Just another savvy move by the Jays rookie General Manager. As I've said before, Anthopoulos has already made more smart moves in six months on the job than J.P. Ricciardi did in eight seasons with the team.

Jays announce pitching staff

There were not a lot of huge surprises when the Blue Jays announced their pitching staff for the upcoming season. When Marc Rzepczynski injured his finger in his last start, putting him on the shelf for potentially six weeks, that induced a trickle down effect for the entire staff.

Rotation:
Shaun Marcum
Brian Tallet
Ricky Romero
Brandon Morrow
Dana Eveland

Analysis:
I'd expect Tallet to eventually be moved down in the starting rotation, but the team, for now, is relying on his veteran savvy with the added benefit of perhaps trying to increase his trade value. Eveland had a fantastic spring and clearly deserved a shot on the team. Presumably Morrow's health is a non issue, at least for now.

Bullpen:
Scott Downs
Kevin Gregg
Jason Frasor
Casey Janssen
Jeremy Accardo
Merkin Valdez
Shawn Camp

Analysis:
Noticeably absent is Jesse Carlson, who had a poor '09 campaign while battling injuries. He didn't pitch in many games in the spring, so he's been optioned to AAA to give himself some more innings. With his absence, there is only one lefty in the bullpen to start the year, that being Downs. Valdez is the unknown quantity that Alex Anthopoulos acquired from the Giants in the offseason, so he's going to see if he can stick in the big leagues. Josh Roenicke, acquired in the Scott Rolen deal, will have to earn his stripes down in the minors hoping to get recalled.

I am deeply saddened, however, that one Blue Jays great has not been a part of the organization for a couple of years.