Matsui demands no-trade clause to Toronto

Hideki Matsui has a limited no-trade clause preventing trades to SEA, BALT, MIN, TOR, CLE, KC. This is incredibly sad news, even the Japanese Players don't want to come to Toronto.  Out of these teams, Toronto had the only winning record and was competitive for the entire year. I guess winning 85 Games isn't enough to warrant respect from free agents.  I think this is a major reason why Anthopoulos didn't trade players away at the deadline.  Knowing they were going to be leaving, he felt a potential fire sale would have more damage to the organization.  A winning atmosphere is a very important part of the growth of any organization, especially one as young as this.

Shaun Marcum was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers

The Blue Jays continue to partner with the Milwaukee Brewers and while the Boston Red Sox have landed AGon, the Jays landed Canadian Brett Lawrie.  Lawrie if you haven't heard is the next Great Canadian player.  His minor league numbers are amazing and he has the ability to play multiple positions.  After moving Edwin Encarnacion, it is expected that Lawrie will be the Power hitting third baseman the Jays need. Marcum who was overcoming Tommy John surgery appears to be at the peak of his career.  This is another great move by the Jays to acquire more elite players who can take them to the next level.
 Lawrie is currently at double A and may be a couple years away from the big club.  In his second year of pro-ball, Lawrie hit .285 and had good power numbers for a player with just 1 year of wood bat experience. He has been playing 2nd base but projects as more of a 3rd baseman.

Blue Jays Acquired RHP Carlos Villanueva from Milwaukee Brewers

Great pick up - as the Jays have obtained Carlos Villanueva has plus stuff and had more strikeouts than innings pitched in 2010.  With the Jays not offering arbitration to several members of their bullpen, Villanueva will serve in middle relief with Shawn Camp and Jason Frasor.  With Kevin Gregg and Brian Tallett going to free agentcy, Carlos will be a welcome addition with plus stuff.