Jays Sign Melky Cabrera

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to have found themselves a left-fielder.

On Friday the team signed free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera to a two-year, $16 million contract.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.com and later confirmed by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi and Mike Wilner.

The 28-year-old switch hitter was suspended for 50-games this past August after testing positive for synthetic testosterone. Cabrera has served his suspension and is eligible to play on Opening Day 2013.

In 113 games for the eventual World Series champion San Francisco Giants in 2012, Cabrera batted .346/.390/.516/.906 with 11 home runs. He also took home MVP honours at this summer's all-star game in Kansas City.

In September, he disqualified himself from the NL batting title when Major League Baseball and the players' association agreed to a one-season-only change in the rule governing the individual batting, slugging and on-base percentage champions.

As a result, Buster Posey won the NL batting title with a .336 average.

SPORTSNET.CA

This has been a f*cking fantastic off-season for the Jays. Cancel the hockey season and let's get baseball going.

[GaryRobertsFan]

So excited for the season to start. Can't help but to think that AA isn't finished wheeling and dealing. Most likely a catcher will be dealt. Hope to see Lyon and Frasor back; although I have a feeling Lyon will bounce.

Cabrera is a solid player and solidifies left field while allowing Gose and Sierra to further develop in AAA. Yeah I know his numbers were inflated last year due to PED's, but he's still likely good to hit .275 with about 10 homers or so. Add to that, he's a switch hitter which is a great asset to have in the lineup.

[shaud19]

If Melkly can shake off the steroids stigma like Braun the Jays will be powerful. Cabrera and Colon both former Yankees getting deals after serving suspension is sorta surprising to me. I would be hesitant to sign a player who coming back from 50 game suspesion.