Blue Jays finally decide on Wells

It popped up on the wires on Tuesday night that the Toronto Blue Jays have made a 7 year offer to their best player, Vernon Wells, for a reported $126 million U.S..

If true, and signed by Wells, it would be the richest contract in the near 30 year history of Canada's lone remaining baseball franchise. And G.M. J.P. Riccardi should be congratulated for it.

Last year at the winter meetings, Riccardi stole the show, signing pitchers A.J. Burnett, B.J. Ryan, as well as Bengie Molina and Troy Glaus. The result was an improved team in all facets, and a second place finish in baseball's toughest division.

There was some criticism out there that Riccardi didn't do enough this year, but I disagree. The pitching options were extremely thin, and let's be honest, Ted Lilly's 15 wins (a career high) are not worth $10 million a year, especially for a 3rd starter. Riccardi stumbled a bit with the Gregg Zaun signing, but did wrap up the catcher for a fair amount. Of course, let's not forget the Frank Thomas signing, which does bring in a huge bat into a position, DH, that lacked it in 2006.

But the signing of Wells, or at least the offer, symbolizes a change in culture in Toronto that began with the increased payroll offered by Jays ownership. And Riccardi has responded in kind. Now it's time to deliver.

John Gibbons has all the tools in place now to bring, at the very least, a playoff spot to Canada's baseball fans. Two excellent starting pitchers, with a very good young one behind them; one of the premier closers in the A.L.; and strength in offence from top to bottom. If Wells re-commits to 7 more years in T.O., the expectations will increase even more. And Riccardi has put all the pieces in place to do that.

As a aside, is there some rule in Rogers Communications (the owners of the team) that a certain number of personnel must use initials for their names? J.P., A.J., B.J.? Just something I noticed.