Blue Jays Turning Attention to Marlins' Jose Reyes, Looking to Move Escobar?

The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to both Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson of late, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the team may have it's sights set on yet another Miami Marlin.

Namely, Jose Reyes.

On the morning of July 25, Sherman tweeted the following:

"

"Will say this #Bluejays loved Reyes but wouldn't do more 5 yrs Well, it's 5-yr pact after '12 & Tor currently trying to move Yunel Escobar"

"

That the team is looking to get rid of struggling shortstop Yunel Escobar comes as no surprise; the Blue Jay has reportedly been on the block for over a week. But targeting Reyes, who would bring with him a big, fat contract, is more startling.

The Jays' rumored interest in Hanley Ramirez became irrelevant when the third baseman was shipped to the Dodgers, though it is assumed they maintain interest in pitcher Josh Johnson. 

While the price for Johnson is thought to be significant, the cost of pulling Reyes out of Miami is unknown, though, in spite of his contract, five years of control over a star player at a premium position would not likely come at a bargain.

It is also unknown whether Reyes is actually on the block. The Marlins look to be readying for a fire sale, but the newly-acquired Reyes has not received a whole lot of attention in the rumor mills to this point.

As the deadline nears, the Jays are looking to be one of the most intriguing teams to follow in 2012. It is highly doubtful that this is the last big name linked to the between before the month is out.