Last night something was going on, maybe the solar eclipse had something to do with it; but Toronto was the hot spot for sure. It’s not everyday the city of Toronto makes headlines on American Television stations, but last night was one of them. Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal started to break the news on twitter last night as the trade developed.

#BlueJays and #Marlins are in midst of EPIC trade right now, sources say. And I mean EPIC.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 13, 2012

Buerhle headed to #BlueJays along with Josh Johnson, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 13, 2012

Yunel Escobar and Hechavarria part of package going from #BlueJays to #Marlins. Monster deal.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 13, 2012

Jose Reyes could - repeat, could - be part of this. Two shortstops - Escobar, Hechavarria - going from #BlueJays to #Marlins.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 13, 2012

Alex Anthopoulos had a lot of pressure on him after the expectations last season was that the Toronto Blue Jays were turning this ship around. Unfortunately they fell to having one of their worst records in recent years and were hit by a rash of injuries during the year. With a few bright spots the reality was that Alex Anthopoulos had to make a move this off season and clearly got the permission from Rogers to spend the money to put together a winner NOW! The trade is expected to be approved by the MLB but the deal will inject a few past all-stars into the lineup including right-handed pitcher Josh Johnson, left-handed pitcher Mark Buehrle, shortstop Jose Reyes, catcher John Buck and second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. The Toronto Blue Jays will send a variety of prospects including Adeiny Hechavarria, pitcher Henderson Alvarez, catcher Jeff Mathis, minor league outfielder Jake Marisnick along with minor league pitchers Justin Nicolino and Anthony DeSclafan. Also included in the deal is shortstop Yunel Escobar who was caught up in a ton of controversy earlier in the year after he was suspended for a racial slur he had put under his eye.

It was only a matter of time before we say Yunel Escobar traded from the team, but I will give Alex Anthopoulos some credit because I never thought he would be able to replace Escobar with one of my favourite players and All Stars Jose Reyes. The trade is not only pleasing in star power coming back, but what I believe most fans would agree the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t get ripped off either. If you are a real baseball fan you will know that the Blue Jays gave up a ton of future potential in this deal. There is no guarantee that potential will pan out, but the facts are just like Roy Halladay, Jose Bautista will not sit around forever and waste away his prime. The Blue Jays have a window of opportunity that they can potentially make something special happen and I am glad that the organization put a quality supporting cast around the team.

The deal give the Blue Jays an upgrade at shortstop with Jose Reyes and some more speed in the lead off spot. This will hopefully result in giving Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnation more RBI’s and the Jays more runs. Jose Reyes is a serious base stealing threat and when on base he will provide a very good distraction to the pitchers worrying about him stealing second. I think this is a huge addition to the Blue Jays infield while moving a part of the organization that had a black mark on it. The other major issue with the Blue Jays was adding some solid pitching staff in Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle who was 13-13 last season but I expect him to perform a lot better with some offense to support him. The smaller pieces of the deal for the Blue Jays are catcher John Buck who provides another solid catcher behind the plate and switch hitter / utility infielder Emilio Bonifacio.

I will say one thing, don’t get over excited because the fact still remains the Toronto Blue Jays still play in one of the hardest divisions in baseball, but their team just got a lot better! Check out some of the reaction on twitter:

Sources: @marlins and @bluejays on verge of blockbuster deal involving Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, & Mark Buehrle heading to Toronto.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 13, 2012

Big trade take weight off @rickyro24 shoulders. Watch Connected at 10pm 4 coverage of Blue Jays BLOCKBUSTER trade with Marlins. #SNJaysTrade

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) November 14, 2012

If this deal goes through, the Blue Jays and Yankees games will be interesting. Gardner + Reyes in same game = possible dizziness.

— Delia Enriquez (@dfiregirl4) November 14, 2012

Today is the happiest day I've ever been as a Toronto Blue Jays fan. I do believe Alvarez will turn out super strong, but Buerhle, Johnson..

— Adam Moszynski (@MostDope_ski) November 14, 2012

Apparently Boston Red Sox made a push for Reyes and Johnson, but Jays blew Marlins away. #eatitfarrell #dontchawishyourteamwashotlikeours

— Tim Macdonell (@timmacdonell) November 14, 2012

This appears to be about to be the biggest trade #Bluejays have ever made. The splash all y'all wanted last week. Instant contenders.

— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness590) November 13, 2012

Blue Jays potential 1-4 (Reyes, Lawrie, Bautista, Edwin) all under team control untilat least 2016... Big impact on AL East

— Jeremy Lundblad (@JLundbladESPN) November 13, 2012