  The Blue Jays are close to re-signing shortstop John McDonald for another season in Toronto. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young) |
TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays are bringing back shortstop John McDonald, signing him Wednesday to a two-year deal worth $3 million.
The move gives the Blue Jays at least one shortstop for the big-league roster, as starter Marco Scutaro is also a free agent.
McDonald has become a fan favourite despite being mostly a backup during his 4 1/2 seasons in Toronto for his spectacular defensive play and all-out hustle.
Only his offensive limitations have kept him from starting. Last year, he hit .258 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 73 games.
His role for 2010 is unclear, as is what his signing means for Scutaro, although indications are the Blue Jays would rather get compensatory draft picks than re-sign him.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays made several new additions to their minor-league coaching staff.
Dan Rohn takes over as manager of triple-A Las Vegas, former Montreal Expo Luis Rivera is the new manager of double-A New Hampshire, Clayton McCullough will manage advanced-A Dunedin and former Blue Jays catcher Sal Fasano is the manager at low-A Lansing.
Former Blue Jays pitcher Pete Walker, Anthony Iapoce and Rich Miller join the organization as roving coaches, while Ralph Dickenson (hitting, New Hampshire), John Tamargo Jr. (hitting, Lansing) and Kenny Graham (hitting, Auburn) will work with specific teams.
Hap Hudson is the new athletic training and rehab co-ordinator, taking over from Mike Frostad, who was promoted to major league assistant trainer.
