Jays Sign SS Alex Gonzalez

Ken Rosenthal reported that Alex Gonzalez signed with the Jays last night, for 2.75 million in 2010 and a 2.5 million option for 2011team, ending speculation about John MacDonald being used as a starter.

Alex split time between the Reds and Red Sox last year and had the following stats:

391 AB, 107 hits, .272 AVG, 22 doubles, 55 RBI, 8 HRs, 2 SBs
He had a .316 OBP, .453 SLG, .769 OPS while with the Red Sox
He'll be 33 in February 2010, and has much more upside at a decent price than all other short stops on the market this season.

What does this signing mean?

1. The Jays will certainly still offer Marco Scutaro arbitration since he is a Type A FA and would give the Jays a high draft pick as a result. However, Marco is unlikely to take the arbitration from the Jays since it would leave his destination in their hands. He should easily find a new home, pehaps sooner now that Alex Gonzalez is off the market.

2. This also means that the Jays can attempt to land a SS prospect in the Halladay deal, instead of a SS that is MLB ready. A very important point in any Roy trade talks. Since the Jays can retain Alex at 2.5 million in 2011, it could also mean that no SS would be required at all and that the Jays would be comfortable waiting for Justin Jackson to develop.

3. The only remaining hole in the lineup remains Catcher now, so the Jays may decide to make that part of the priority in Halladay trade talks.

4. This also shows us that the Jays are not going to stand idly by, Thanksgiving or not, and wait for the market to set itself before grabbing the guys they want. They are being proactive - what a change!

5. The Aaron Hill and Alex Gonzalez or John MacDonald combo gives the Jays one of the, if not the best middle infield defence in all of MLB. Blue Jays SP, especially the youngsters, will love having that kind of support.

Nice move, although predictable, by the new GM. Let's hope it keeps up!