Having dipped into the pre-Christmas sales, Blue Jays super shopper J.P. Ricciardi has all but completed his Yultide list.
The day after the Jays signed free agent shortstop David Eckstein to a one-year, $4.5-million US deal, they announced they had re-signed free agent catcher Sal Fasano to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Fasano is the potential backup to incumbent Gregg Zaun as Ricciardi said he is "still looking" at beefing up the catching role.
One player he has interest in is former Florida Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo, who was non-tendered by the National League club.
Olivo, 29, earned $2 million in 2007 when he hit .237 but the right-handed hitter also has some pop as he slugged 16 homers and drove in 60 runs. He also threw out baserunners at a 33% clip and lord knows the Jays need all the help they can get in that department.
"Sal gives us some security at that position and the pitchers like him but we're still going to try to address that area," Ricciardi said. "But at least we have the comfort of having Sal."
As for Eckstein, Ricciardi said he "fell into our lap" after he was not offered a contract by the Cardinals.
"He's a very good offensive player, tough to strike out and you can hit-and-run with him," Ricciardi said. "He's a leadoff guy, something we didn't have (on a full-time basis with Reed Johnson and Matt Stairs platooning in left field).
"He's a great energy guy, a good clubhouse guy and he'll help length our lineup out."
Eckstein feels the Jays are a good fit at this point in his career.
"I think it's a great opportunity to come here," Eckstein said. "They have a great ball club intact and I think they have a great chance to win."
Ricciardi said that against left-handers the Jays would have Eckstein lead off with Johnson batting second. Against left-handers, he said, they may have left-handed hitting Lyle Overbay batting second.
Doesn't manager John Gibbons get a vote?
As for shortstop John McDonald, Ricciardi said he'd get his playing time.
"It's conceivable that with ground ball pitchers, John gets the nod," Ricciardi said.
That means that when their ace Roy Halladay is on the mound, look for McDonald to be at short.
We've heard of a pitcher having a personal catcher, but now Halladay could have his personal shortstop.
