The Toronto Blue Jays have signed their second shortstop in less than 24 hours, but it isnt Marco Scutaro.
The American League club announced Thursday morning it has come to terms with veteran Alex Gonzalez on a one-year contract worth $2.75-million (all currency U.S.) for the 2010 season with a club option for $2.5-million in 2011.
It would appear that the Jays , who also re-signed John McDonald to a two-year deal Wednesday, are preparing to play next season without Scutaro.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Wednesday night that talks between him and Scutaros agent had stalled. The rookie GM indicated that its likely now that if Scutaro comes back it will be on a one-year contract. Scutaro batted a career-high .282 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs in 144 games for Toronto last season.The Blue Jays will get compensatory picks if another club signs the 34-year-old infielder.
Gonzalez, 32, split last season between Cincinnati and Boston, batting .238 with eight home runs and 48 RBI. He started the season with the Reds before being dealt to the Red Sox on Aug. 14. Gonzalez provided Boston with a reliable everyday shortstop, hitting .284 with five home runs in 148 at-bats.
The Venezuela native has played 11 seasons in the majors with a career .247 batting average and 114 homers. The right-handed-hitting shortstop won a World Series championship with the 2004 Florida Marlins.
