Jays give Maicer Izturis a three-year, $9M contract

Maicer Izturis is the Blue Jays new second baseman!

Unless they find a better one.

Toronto signed the former Los Angeles Angels infielder for a 3 year 9 Million Dollar contract Thursday.

Izturis, 32 has spent the last 8 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, filling in as a utility infielder. He can play second base, third base and shortstop, but as of now he fits a void at second base for Toronto, who would prefer to start Short Stop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria at Triple-A Buffalo next season, the Jays new Minor League home.

Izturis last season, hit .256 in 319 Plate Appearances w/17 Stolen Bases & a .320 OBP, not earth shattering.

Should Hechavarria win a promotion (in my opinion, his bat is not ready), and assuming the Jays hold on to current shortstop Yunel Escobar (whom is in the doghouse following his eye black incident), Izturis could become a capable backup at three infield spots. Long-term, the Jays say Hechavarria will play shortstop.