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 have reached a preliminary agreement with Eckstein on a 1-year, $4.5 million contract, according to a major-league source.

 

Eckstein, a two-time World Series champion, likely will become the team's everyday shortstop, returning John McDonald to a backup role.

 

The Jays signed McDonald to a two-year, $3.8 million contract in September, but considered his deal affordable even if they used him as a reserve.

 

Eckstein, who turns 32 on Jan. 20, struggled to find the right fit in free agency, and the squeeze became tighter after the Cardinals declined to offer him arbitration.

 

The White Sox and Tigers acquired shortstops through trades early in the off-season. The Mets signed Luis Castillo to play second base after a brief flirtation with Eckstein. The Rockies, too, considered Eckstein at second, but the Jays offered a better opportunity.

 

Eckstein, a seven-year veteran, batted a career-high .309 for the Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

 

His career on-base percentage is .351.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7558686

And, the Blue Jays heart grew three sizes that day.

Perfect signing. Exactly the guy you need in your clubhouse. I don't know, but how does a player like him become a Journey man?

I was about to sarcastically say something about the clubhouse and his presence, but thenewzo34520817 beat me to it.

Perfect signing. Exactly the guy you need in your clubhouse. I don't know, but how does a player like him become a Journey man?

 

Because he is old and untalented. No arm and no range. He has no OBP ability besides getting a hit, if he goes into any prolonged slump he is essentially worthless because he doesnt get on base effectively any other way. No power. No speed.

He looks Canadian.

And, the Blue Jays heart grew three sizes that day.

 

lol

how does a player like him become a Journey man?

 

He's just a small town girl livin in a lonely world

Shortstops who can barely reach 1B on the fly make me horny.