Music: {allcanada} Jays swing a deal

Saturday, November 26, 2011

{allcanada} Jays swing a deal

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The Toronto Blue Jays acquired second baseman Luis Valbuena from the Cleveland Indians for cash Saturday night, giving themselves some middle infield depth and another option for their bench.

The move by no means ends GM Alex Anthopoulos's search for a second baseman, one of the club's most gaping holes.

But Valbuena provides some protection for a thin spot in the organization and he'll be given a chance to compete with Mike McCoy for a utility role.

The 25-year-old Valbuena appeared in 17 games with Cleveland during the 2011 season, posting a line of .209/.227/.279 with one home run and one RBI.

In July, the Indians optioned Valbuena to triple-A Columbus of the International League to make room for the promotion of rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis.

On Nov. 18 he was designated for assignment and removed from the team's 40-man roster.

In 133 games last season with Columbus, the native of Zulia Venezuela posted a line of .302./.372/.476 with 17 home runs and 75 RBI.

Valbuena can also play shortstop, third base and the outfield.

With the move, the Blue Jays now have 40 players on their 40-man roster, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters earlier in November to expect more additions and subtractions to the list as the off-season progresses.