Outfielder Melky Cabrera agrees on two year $16 million deal with Toronto Blue Jays – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, former San Francisco Giants’ outfielder Melky Cabrera has officially signed on a two year $16 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Blue Jays’ General Manager Alex Anthopoulos means business in the American League East Division this year. It seems he wants to build a batting line-up that will be capable of scoring runs against the best pitching rotations.
Anthopoulos’ team had a forgettable last season as they finished fourth on the AL East standings table with a poor 73- 89 record. The GM has also finalised a 12 player mega deal between the Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins.
The move will let the Blue Jays acquire shortstop Jose Reyes, pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle with Josh Buck and Emilio Bonifacio from Miami for seven players. MLB approved the deal on Monday afternoon.
"It is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established major leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major
League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion," MLB commissioner Bud Selig said it a statement. "It is, of course, up to the clubs involved to make the case to their respective fans that this transaction
makes sense and enhances the competitive position of each, now or in the future."
Cabrera was having an MVP season for the Giants before he faced a drug suspension. Eventually, he missed 50 games for the Giants plus the playoffs. However, the question most Blue Jays’ fans have in their minds right now is which Melky Cabrera they are getting?
A below average hitter and a poor outfielder? Or did steroids help him push his bat faster through the strike zone?
Of course, there are some risks attached to this deal between the Blue Jays and Cabrera. However, if the outfielder, who hit .346/.390/.516 in 501 plate appearances last season, can give similar results in the next season, the Blue Jays will have an excellent
chance to win the AL East.
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