Eckstein signs with Toronto, 1yr $4.5M
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:28 am
TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays' first big acquisition of the winter is going straight to the top of their lineup.
The team and free-agent shortstop David Eckstein agreed on a US$4.5-million, one-year contract, a source close to the talks said Thursday. An official announcement, pending a physical, could some as early as Friday.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was already envisioning how the five-foot-six, 170-pound sparkplug would fit into his lineup, projecting him into the leadoff spot he's occupied throughout his seven big-league seasons.
"That's been his role and he's always been successful at it," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told The Canadian Press. "He's a tough out and he really battles. He just seems to find a way to get something done."
Eckstein spent the past three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, earning MVP honours as they won the World Series in 2006. He batted .364 with four RBIs in that five-game victory over Detroit to earn the honour.
The 32-year-old started his career with the Los Angeles Angels and won the World Series with them in 2002.
"He's anchored that position (shortstop) for two World Series teams," said Gibbons. "He's a guy that has had to prove himself over and over and you can never have too many of those guys."
The move relegates incumbent John McDonald, who signed a US$3.8-million, two-year extension in September, to a backup role. McDonald can be like a magician with his glove but Eckstein offers a lot more at the plate.
Eckstein batted a career-high .309 for the Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. He has a career on-base percentage of .351 and has struck out just 305 times in 3,772 at-bats.
The team and free-agent shortstop David Eckstein agreed on a US$4.5-million, one-year contract, a source close to the talks said Thursday. An official announcement, pending a physical, could some as early as Friday.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was already envisioning how the five-foot-six, 170-pound sparkplug would fit into his lineup, projecting him into the leadoff spot he's occupied throughout his seven big-league seasons.
"That's been his role and he's always been successful at it," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told The Canadian Press. "He's a tough out and he really battles. He just seems to find a way to get something done."
Eckstein spent the past three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, earning MVP honours as they won the World Series in 2006. He batted .364 with four RBIs in that five-game victory over Detroit to earn the honour.
The 32-year-old started his career with the Los Angeles Angels and won the World Series with them in 2002.
"He's anchored that position (shortstop) for two World Series teams," said Gibbons. "He's a guy that has had to prove himself over and over and you can never have too many of those guys."
The move relegates incumbent John McDonald, who signed a US$3.8-million, two-year extension in September, to a backup role. McDonald can be like a magician with his glove but Eckstein offers a lot more at the plate.
Eckstein batted a career-high .309 for the Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. He has a career on-base percentage of .351 and has struck out just 305 times in 3,772 at-bats.
My dad was furious. FWIW, he contacted their alleged customer service and told them they might want to take a lesson from the Blues on how to reward loyalty (my parents have been STHs for going on 20 years now). Winning once every 2 decades is not the goal here, fellas.
