Throughout the entire 2008 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto media, and Jays fans all wondered whether AJ Burnett would opt out of the remaining 2 years of his contract, walking away from a guaranteed $24 million (all funds US) to test free agency. Speculation was he would given the market for pitchers, the signing rate, and one of the best seasons of his career. Many criticized Toronto General Manager, JP Ricciardi, for not trying to trade AJ at the deadline. Others laid into JP for not trying hard enough to re-sign AJ to an extension.

Truth be told, JP didn't need to trade AJ. He had also tried to re-sign Burnett. But in the back of the minds of Blue Jay brass sat a plan: wait for the free agent period and offer AJ Burnett arbitration, which they did before Monday's midnight deadline.

By offering arbitration, the Jays ensure AJ Burnett does not walk out of Toronto, and Canada, without getting something in return. If AJ rejects arbitration, and he will unless he's suffered an unreported, severe head injury over the off season, the Jays will receive a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds of the 2009 entry draft and either a first or second round pick based on where he signs. If AJ accepts arbitration, again, highly unlikely, he will be awarded a one year contract to stay north of the border.

The Jays would still be wise to pursue a contract with AJ however since pitching has been their strength the past few seasons, and 2009 looks weak. Both Dustin McGowan and Shawn Marcum will start the season on the DL with McGowan missing the entire year due to Tommy John surgery. Marcum is due back in May. If AJ leaves, the Toronto rotation consists of: Roy Halladay, Jesse Litsch .... and then your guess is as good as mine.

Possible names include David Purcey who filled in well last year, Casey Janssen who will return after missing all of 08, Scott Richmond, or prospect Brett Cecil. Hardly intimidating or stellar.

It goes without saying, the Jays need pitching help in 2009. The names above simply won't be able to hang with the rest of the dominant American League East. The most logical choice is to pay AJ Burnett whatever it takes to return to the nest next year. If not Burnett, the Jays will be getting much needed draft picks, but even those won't help. JP will need to convince another free agent. Otherwise it will be yet another long year in Toronto.