TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays made their final move of the off-season Wednesday by signing veteran infielder Kevin Millar to a minor-league contract with an invite to major-league camp.
The 37-year-old's addition caps an underwhelming winter in which general manager J.P. Ricciardi had his hands tied by budget cuts.
Millar - along with Matt Clement, Mike Maroth and Michael Barrett, also signed to minor-league deals - is one of the few notable players brought in. And despite the continuing availability of some big names on the free agent market, no other help is coming.
"I think that's it," said Ricciardi. "The possibility of doing something in spring training may present itself but right now I don't see us doing anything.
"The only thing we'd be able to do is via trade and we'll keep our eyes and ears open."
Millar, who batted .234 with 20 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, will give manager Cito Gaston some extra depth on the bench and another option if either Adam Lind or top prospect Travis Snider falters.
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Well JP is saying that this is probably the last move of the off season. This has probably the least promising off season in recent years. In the past these types of washed up player signings by JP usually haven't worked out and I doubt most of this year's will lead to any big surprises.
I know JP doesn't have much money to spend but if he's going to give in already, then why not start trading away guys for prospects or picks at this stage? It almost feels like JP just pulled his pants down, and bent over for the rest of the AL east to let them have their way.
