ESPN has reported that the Jays have signed two of their major league players to contracts:

Justin Speier will receive $1.9 million in 2005 and $2.25 million in 2006. He made $1.6 million last season.

John McDonald will receive $400,000 in 2005. Last season with the Indians he made $324,400.

Peter Gammons of ESPN has reported that Mark Mulder has been sent to the Cardinals in exchange for pitchers Danny Haren and Kiko Calero, and catching prospect Daric Barton. (BBRRS: Treacle) So over the last two days the A's have:

Lost
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SP Mark Mulder
SP Tim Hudson

Gained
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SP Danny Haren
SP Dan Meyer
RP Kiko Calero
RP Juan Cruz
OF Charles Thomas
C Daric Barton (minors)

With great sadness, we report that we've just learned that Bobby Mattick, the symbol and soul of the Blue Jays franchise, passed away last night at the age of 89.

For those who might not fully appreciate the role Bobby has played in the Blue Jays' franchise, consider these quotes:

"He means what the Blue Jays stand for since 1976." - Paul Godfrey
"I don't know where this organization would be without him." - Paul Beeston

Bobby, who filled virtually every important position on this ballclub from the day he joined it as an expansion team, spent 71 of his 89 years in baseball as a player, scout, manager and executive. The Jays have named their top minor-league awards and their spring-training facility in his honour. Gabe Paul once called him the finest judge of free agent talent ever. The list of players he recruited, signed and developed includes Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, Vida Pinson, Rusty Staub, Don Baylor, Tommy Harper, Bobby Grich and Dave Stieb.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bobby's family, friends and colleagues throughout baseball and especially with the Blue Jays, and our appreciation for all he has done for our favourite team. Please share your memories and appreciation of Bobby Mattick in this thread.

Spencer Fordin of MLB.com has reported that the Jays have signed Scott Downs to a minor league deal. Expos fans will remember Downs as the guy they got from the Cubs in the Rondell White trade.

Downs will likely be a candidate for the #5 spot in the rotation.

Espn.com reports that Tom (Nasty) Mastny was sent to Cleveland to complete the trade for John McDonald.

It's a minor trade- a 23 year old pitcher who has just completed a successful year in the Sally League for a good glove, no hit shortstop. Digging a little deeper though, the trade seems to suggest to me that the Moneyball label does not always belong on these Jays, and sometimes could equally well be placed on the Indians.

Good friend of the Box Spencer Fordin has reported that Tom Cheek was one of three broadcasters added to the 10-person Frick Award ballot, along with Dave Niehaus and Ron Santo. Make sure to check out the article!

According to a report on ESPN.com the Jays have sent Kevin Cash to the Devil Rays in exchange for 21 year old pitcher Chad Gaudin.

Jeff Kent signed a 2 year $17 million contract with the Dodgers.

Two questions to ponder:

1. will Kent displace Cora at second, or will he be moved to third base to take over from Beltre?
2. how does this affect his Hall of Fame chances?

For reference, here's my recent Hall watch piece on Kent, Alomar and Biggio.

Aside from the Carlos Delgado situation (which is still being tracked and discussed in this thread), there was a lot of movement just before midnight on December 7, as teams signed some players, offered arbitration to others, and non-tendered a whole lot more. This thread is for reports and discussions of all three types of transactions and their implications for the teams involved.

Here are a few to get us started:

MLB.com's Spencer Fordin has reported that the Jays have made a couple of moves to solidify next year's infield. They are as follows:

1. "[A] trade that brought John McDonald from Cleveland, netting a utilityman for the price of a player to be named later."
   
   
2. "Frank Menechino agreed to a one-year deal worth $650,000, with an option for 2006, which means the Jays bring him back without going to arbitration."