Bengie Molina - C - Angels

 

 

The Blue Jays are close to signing Bengie Molina to a one-year, $5 million contract with a $7.5 million option for 2007.

Molina's defense is slipping and last year's offensive performance was most likely a fluke, so he's not going to be too much of an upgrade over Gregg Zaun. His signing could result in Guillermo Quiroz being traded this spring. Jason Phillips also won't have any real chance of making the team. Feb. 6 - 1:33 pm et

Source: FOXSports.com

I like Guillermo Quiroz if only he could stay healthy.

Another good move by the Blue Jays.

I don't understand how the Blue Jays have so much to spend considering their fans pay them in Canadian money. And we all know how worthless Canadian money is. :mischief

It's official:

 

Blue Jays, Molina reach agreement on one-year deal

Associated Press

 

 

TORONTO -- Gold Glove catcher Bengie Molina and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed Monday to a $5 million, one-year contract.

 

Molina will receive a $1.5 million signing bonus and a $3 million salary this year under the agreement, and the deal contains a $7.5 million mutual option for 2007 with a $500,000 buyout.

 

Molina spent his first eight years with the Los Angeles Angels and hit a career-best .295 last season with 15 home runs and 69 RBI. He won Gold Glove Awards in 2002 and 2003.

 

The New York Mets spoke with Molina in November and offered an $18 million, three-year contract. New York then had the chance to acquire Paul Lo Duca from the Florida Marlins and withdrew the offer to Molina before negotiations really began.

 

Toronto expects to be a contender in the AL East after having an extremely active offseason. Among the players with major-league experience who the Blue Jays added: right-hander A.J. Burnett, closer B.J. Ryan, third baseman Troy Glaus, first baseman Lyle Overbay, infielder John McDonald, catcher Jason Phillips, left-hander Brian Tallet and right-hander Ben Weber.

 

Phillips and Weber were signed to minor-league contracts.

 

Great signing, great bargain.

 

I think it's officially a 3 team race for the division.