2012 MLB Free Agency: 6 Names for the Blue Jays To Chase To Contend in 2012

We have all written about the Blue Jays multiple times this offseason. We all have our list of players who they need to add in order to be victorious.

In this piece, I will outline a couple names that haven’t been addressed or are somewhat under the radar.

There aren't too many FAs that the Jays could really use, so this list isn't very long.

I won’t mention Prince, Prince Albert or Prince Votto. Nor Darvish, as I’ve done that here or C.J.

Here are a list of players that the Jays could grab that would be under the radar in order to help them contend this upcoming season.

What the Jays Need

So before I start listing the players, we should talk about (once again) where the Jays can improve.

-          Bullpen

-         Power hitter

-         Possible 2B

-         Possible 1B

-         Possible LF

Adam Dunn

I have mentioned that the Jays should inquire about Dunn here. Take away last season, and Dunn has been a 40 HR, 100 RBI machine. Although he isn’t a FA as he was last season, I still think the Jays should possibly chase this guy. He has been attacked for having a lack of desire to play and a bad attitude but so did other recent Jays acquisitions.

The Jays could really cash in and make the White Sox pay most of his deal and he could be the DH for the upstart Jays.

Jason Kubel

I have always been a fan of Kubel since he came up with the Twins. He has always been that lefty bat that has been lost behind Morneau and Mauer for the Twins.

If he played a full 150-plus games for the Jays, either as a LF or DH, I am certain he could hit 28-plus HR and with 95-plus RBIs with a solid average and OBP.

His contract won’t be too huge but no matter, I am sure he would have value and bang per buck if given the chance.

Rich Harden

A Canadian, Harden has always shown flashes of brilliance. He had an up and down 2011 but with a stronger arm and no setbacks in his injuries, he could be in for a solid 2012 campaign. Couple that with another Canadian playing for Canada’s team…

Jeff Francis

Like Harden, Francis is a Canadian. He won’t attract a big salary but could be a solid innings eater for the Blue Jays. Not necessarily my No. 1 pick for the Blue Jays to chase, but if they feel they want another bona fide major league arm in the rotation then Francis could be the guy.

Brandon Webb

A former Cy Young winner, Webb’s career has been seriously derailed by injuries. He is a high-risk, high-reward pitcher, but man if he came back and won the comeback player of the year, it would be tough to not see the Jays in the playoffs. Is it worth it?

I say so.

George Sherrill

I have never understood how this David Wells-looking character is as productive as he has been. When he was the closer for the Orioles he pitched very well. I think he could be a great addition to the Jays bullpen both as a potential closer or dynamic lefty and he won’t fetch a high price.

The Studs I Promised Not To Talk About

As we have all discussed, Heath Bell, Broxton, C.J Wilson, Fielder, Pujols, K-Rod, Madson would all be great additions for the Blue Jays.

Of all of these guys I would propose, in order: Bell, K-Rod, Madson, Fielder, Pujols, Broxton, Wilson.

The rationale behind this order factors in: Cost, Return, Character.

Thoughts?