Attack of the Canadian Floridians!

 

 You know...I just don't understand huge firesale deals. I get that teams want to get rid of a bunch of players, but most of the time, they still need a lot of them. Some of them are stupid and loony and only the stacked team benefits.

This is one of those deals. One of those infuriating, head-scratching deals.

Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson are all headed to the Blue Jays, along with John Buck and Emilio Bonifacio. I have no idea who the Marlins are getting a return, but hopefully they will supply the stretcher to rescue poor Mike Redmond. 

While this definitely aids Toronto, it also sort of aids Miami, and I'll break it down in more detail.

How it helps the Blue Jays:

• Gives them more star power to sell tickets. Especially with Reyes and Bonifacio, two fun players that work well together.
• Gives strength to the rotation. Johnson and Buehrle, while aging, are still strong arms, and will aid the rotation that desperately needs aid. And I mean that.
• Gives reinforcement to JP Arencibia, should be flame out like we all expect him to
• Builds a stronger infield, and helps the team grow a little bit.
• Ensures that Boston will end up in last (I really hope I don't end up calling this irony next year)
• Adds Reyes to a lineup of Encarnacion, Bautista, Rasmus and Lawrie. Ouch.

How it helps the Marlins:

• Rids them of some pesky contracts. Reyes especially.
• Replaces a bunch of aging players with youthful ones (hopefully)
• Puts more of a spotlight on Giancarlo Stanton, one of the best players in baseball.
• Ensures Philadelphia will not end up in last (I really hope I don't end up calling this irony also)

 So yeah, it could work either way. It's still a huge deal, it's still a bold move for both teams, and it's still very scary for fans of AL East teams.