Report: Blue Jays GM personally scouts Jonathan Papelbon

The Toronto Blue Jays may still be in the market for a closer.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos attended Friday's clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees at Bright House Field, and personally watched closer Jonathan Papelbon pitch a scoreless inning from the scouts' section at the ballpark, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.

"Huh, interesting," Papelbon replied when told of the Blue Jays GM's presence after the game.

Papelbon expressed interest in being traded to Toronto in February, suggesting he would waive his partial no-trade clause to get out of Philadelphia. Any potential trade, of course, would have to be orchestrated by Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr., who has been reluctant to move his team into full-rebuild mode prior to Opening Day.

Acquiring Papelbon, and his $13 million salary, could be challenging for the cash-strapped Blue Jays after an expensive offseason. The righty also has a $13 million vesting option built into his contract if he finishes 55 games this season.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has already declared Brett Cecil as the team's closer, but the left-hander has battled shoulder discomfort this spring. Papelbon, who owns 325 career saves, would certainly provide the Blue Jays with some much-needed depth out of the bullpen.

Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and second baseman Chase Utley are also on the trade block.