Blue Jays Sign Henry Blanco, DFA Hottovy

41 year old Catcher Henry Blanco was signed by the Blue Jays today to a non-guaranteed $750,000 Major League contract for the 2013 season.

In a 15 year major league career through 2012, Blanco has played in 921 games, with 596 hits in 2,627 at bats for a .227 career batting average along with 69 HR’s, 284 RBI’s and an OBP of .291. His .994 career fielding % ranks 15th all-time among major league catchers. Although a light-hitter, Blanco has had an extended career due to the value of his excellent defensive abilities.

Blanco, hit just .188/.224/.281 with one HR, 7 RBI and a .581 OPS in 21 games with Arizona in 2012.

Blanco also caught Blue Jays Ace pitcher R.A. Dickey in 2010 when they were teammates with the New York Mets. This can be considered an insurance move, as Toronto is prepared to enter the 2013 season with J.P. Arencibia and Josh Thole as their catchers. Thole is Dickey’s guy.

In order to make room for Blanco on the roster, Toronto designated LHP Tommy Hottovy after acquiring him yesterday off waivers from KC.

Erik
I am a Canadian Soldier: The Army and the Toronto Blue Jays are my main interests in life. Under my combat shirt I bleed Blue Jays BLUE!