What can be described as a blockbuster trade, the Toronto Blue Jays picked up Jose Reyes, left-hander Mark Buehrle and right-hander Josh Johnson from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Yunel Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria and Henderson Alvarez.  It's safe to say that GM Alex Anthopoulous pulled off another Hail Mary.

After a disappointing season and losing John Farrell, Anthopoulous had to make some noise to bring any hope to Blue Jays nation for next season.  Boy did he ever make some noise.  Adding Buehrle and Johnson adds much needed depth to a rotation that struggled through the season.  Even with all the injuries, they did not have enough depth at the position to keep up with the big boys of the American League East.  Now they have four very reliable starting pitchers going into the 2013 season.  Imagine a starting rotation of Brandon Morrow, Ricky Romero, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson.

Picking up Jose Reyes was something the Blue Jays needed to do.  They haven't had an all-round shortstop like Reyes since Tony Fernandez.  Reyes will bring you speed, hitting and fielding, IF he can stay healthy.  It is a bit of a gamble but you don't win championships without taking chances.  With Kelly Johnson likely out of Toronto, picking up Jose Reyes was a huge upgrade to the infield.

Optimism spread like wildfire after the trade.  Jose Bautista tweeted, "It's a good day to be a bluejay!"  Even I became optimistic after the trade.  Once John Farrell decided to sign with the Boston Red Sox, my hopes for the 2013 season faded.  Alex filled the big holes that have been plaguing the team since the departure of Roy Halladay.

Even with the increase in optimism, we know what could happen after a big offseason.  We still remember the promise of the playoffs when the Jays signed A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan back in 2005.  But what we did not have in 2005 was Alex Anthopoulous pulling the strings.  Let's just see who he hires as the manager and go from there but after today’s deal, the future has become as bright as a candle in a dark room.  Toronto needs a winner, with the Leafs and Raptors years away from making any noise, the Blue Jays just became Toronto's best hope for a championship season.  I wonder how John Farrell feels right now.