July 2007 - Toronto Blue Jays Wiretap

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free agent C Sal Fasano to a minor league contract, with an invite to major league spring training. Fasano, 36, appeared in 16 games with the Blue Jays last season, The 6'2", 246 lb. catcher posted a .178 average with one homerun and four RBI. The Minooka, Illinois resident has appeared in 412 career games, batting .219 with 47 home runs and 134 RBI since his debut with the Kansas City Royals in 1996.

Shortstop David Eckstein agreed to terms with the Blue Jays on a one-year, $4.5 million contract on Thursday. Eckstein had a career-high .309 batting average for the Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Eckstein, who was the MVP of the Cardinals' World Series triumph in 2006, is expected bat leadoff for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have been mostly quiet this off-season, waiting for the right player to become available at a reasonable price. That player finally has emerged -- free-agent shortstop David Eckstein. The Jays are on the verge of signing Eckstein, according to a major-league source. Terms of the contract were not immediately known. Eckstein, a two-time World Series champion, likely will become the team's everyday shortstop, returning John McDonald to a backup role.

The Blue Jays on Wednesday declined to tender a contract to Josh Towers for the 2008 season, making the righthander a free agent. The 30-year-old Towers appeared in 25 games for the Blue Jays last season, making 15 starts and posting a 5-10 record with a 5.38 ERA.

Ryan Houston could get to wear his name on the front and back of his jersey next season. The Astros on Wednesday claimed Houston off waivers from the Blue Jays. If the righthander is to make an appearance in a Houston jersey, he will first have to crack the Astros' 25-man roster.

The Blue Jays on Friday traded pitcher Justin James to the Reds, completing the deal that saw them acquire infielder-outfielder Buck Coats on Wednesday. James, 26, split the 2007 season with Class AA New Hampshire of the Eastern League and Class AAA Syracuse of the International League. The 6-3 righthander posted a combined record of 3-5 record with a 3.89 ERA in 43 games.

The Blue Jays are willing to trade outfielder Alex Rios in a deal for a premium starting pitcher and have talked to the Giants about Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. The Giants are reluctant to move either pitcher but would consider a hitter such as Rios, who is three years away from free agency. If the Jays traded Rios, they likely would go with Adam Lind in left field and a platoon of Reed Johnson and Matt Stairs in right. Some Jays' officials believe that Lind would bat .270 with 20-25 home runs if he were given 500 at-bats.

The Blue Jays continue to talk with the Orioles about left-hander Erik Bedard. Toronto probably has the young pitching to anchor a deal.