According to a source, the Blue Jays are close to signing LHP Darren Oliver. Oliver is a modified type-b free agent, meaning the Rangers will net a pick in the 2012 draft, but the Jays will not lose one. The pick is currently the 51st pick in the draft, but will likely move, once more free agents come off the market.
Oliver is 41 years old, but had his best season of his career last year while playing for the Rangers. He had an ERA of 2.29, with a WHIP of 1.14. Oliver only pitched 51 innings last season, and will likely not pitch more than that out of the bullpen for John Farrell and the Jays.Shi Davidi, of Rogers Sportsnet said that because of New Years,the deal will not be finalized until sometime next week.If this deal does happen, I like it a lot because his numbers are very strong, and Oliver, adds a ton of experience to the bullpen. Oliver has made the playoffs 6 straight years, inlcuding back to back world series appearances in 2010 and 2011 with the Rangers. AA has fulfilled yet another goal on his off-season check list, and has quickly made the Blue Jays bullpen into one of the best in the AL, from one of the worst in the MLB last year. This is how I believe the bullpen will look come April.
Sergio Santos
Casey Janssen
Darren Oliver
Joel Carreno
Carlos Villanueva
Luis Perez
Jesse Litsch
Make sure to check out @Bluejaysplus on twitter for instant updates. Happy New Year!
Updates
5:15 PM: The deal is done, 1 year, with a club option for 2013, Pending a Physical.
December 31st: 7:00 PM: Earlier today the Blue Jays signed LHP Aaron Laffey to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. I expect him to compete with Luiz Perez and Chad Beck for the final Blue Jays Bullpen roster.
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