Blue Jays Avoid Arbitration With Alex Rios

As expected, the Jays have signed Alex Rios to a 1-year deal roughly halfway between the two numbers they exchanged (slightly in favour of the club). I’m sure season’s ticket holders will ask about the likelihood of a long-term deal at tonights “State of the Franchise”, and I’m even more sure J.P. will dodge and weave and not really say anything.

To commemorate this signing, here’s a video of Rios smashing his biggest blast of 2007 (thanks to HitTracker), a 445-foot second deck shot off Daniel Cabrera. Don’t forget he was on pace to easily crack 30 HR at the all-star break the last two years (I’m talking to you, Giants fans!). This contract includes a $15,000 clause if Alex makes the all-star team. Jays fans should take up a collection and offer to double that if he promises to stay away from the Home Run Derby this time.