Rosenthal: Blue Jays no longer interested in Rios, Indians' Cabrera an option
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The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly no longer interested in bringing back Texas Rangers outfielder Alex Rios, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Whatever interest #BlueJays had in Rios was fleeting, sources say. Jays monitoring market; #Indians’ Cabrera an option.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2014
It's unclear if Rosenthal's mentioning of Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is indicative of the Blue Jays' interest or simply speculation on his part.
If the Blue Jays are indeed kicking the tires on Cabrera, it would make sense given the lack of production Toronto is getting out of the second base position.
Blue Jays second basemen are hitting .241/.296/.364 and rank eighth in the American League with two wins above replacement. Manager John Gibbons has platooned Munenori Kawasaki, Steve Tolleson and Ryan Goins with modest success recently, but acquiring Cabrera would represent a major upgrade.
Whether Cabrera is willing to move to the other side of the bag remains unclear. Although he is a better defensive shortstop than Jose Reyes, it's unlikely the Blue Jays would shift their leadoff hitter to second.
Previous reports suggest the Indians are generating plenty of interest for the 28-year-old shortstop as the team considers if it will be a buyer or seller at the deadline.
Cabrera, a free agent at the end of the season, is hitting .247/.308/.392 with nine home runs.