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I don't get this move at all. Totally lets the Jays off the hook.

Not like Rios is producing is it? .264 14HR ...nope

If you figure it out BL, let me know. I would have bought the plane ticket if I had been Toronto.

Is there PTBNL that the Jays have to include too?

I don't think so BL. It seems to be a straight waiver claim.

I like this move a bit. Rios can immediately slide back into his natural position in center field, wheres hes an above average fielder.

Also, at 28 years old, I dont think the last 4 months are a better judge of his ability than his 2006-2008 seasons. Conventional wisdom would dictate that he will put up better numbers in the future than he has so far in 2009 due to his sustained recent success, talent and age. A clean start on a more competitive team couldn't hurt.

Finally and maybe most importantly, The Sox dont have anyone in their organization talented enough to play center field for them everyday. Even as he is right now, Rios is better than Wise, Anderson and company. If/When he returns to form, he will be a pretty big upgrade. Its a huge gamble, but Rios has the kind of talent that could make it well worth it.

Of course, theres also the chance that 2009 version of Rios is here to stay and this turns out to be a epic fail.

Ian

The problem to me is that Rios' numbers have declined every year since 2006. When you throw in the $60 million they have to pay him, I don't like the risk.

I was going to explain my point further, but Erik Manning already did a great job over on FanGraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/white-sox-stea-rios

Interesting take on it. I think ultimately the way to measure this move may turn out to be what the White Sox can and cannot do because of it payroll-wise.