In mid-December, Toronto signed 3B-L Corey Koskie to a three-year, $17M contract that includes a $500,000 buyout on a $6.5M option for 2008. In addition to a $3M signing bonus, the contract sets salaries of $2.5M in 2005, $5.25M in 2006, and $5.75M in 2007.

Koskie possesses solid plate discipline, substantial power, and useful speed. Additionally, the move from the Metrodome to the SkyDome combined with the drop in his G-F should translate into an increase in Koskie's power numbers. Consequently, while I harbor significant concerns regarding the 31-year-old's ability to remain healthy, his upside likely warrants this investment on the part of the Blue Jays. With Koskie taking over at third, 3B-L Eric Hinske will move to first base.

In early December, the Blue Jays re-signed IF-R Frank Menechino to a one-year, $650,000 contract that includes a $50,000 buyout on a $775,000 option for 2006. By making 340 plate appearances, Menechino can guarantee the option. The 33-year-old possesses excellent plate discipline and modest power skills, though he sports a substantial platoon split in which he performs admirably against southpaws and struggles when facing right-handers.

Menechino and IF-R John McDonald will serve as Toronto's utility infielders. In conjunction with re-signing Menechino, the Blue Jays acquired John McDonald from Cleveland for a player to be named later. The Indians received Thomas Mastny from Toronto to complete the deal in mid-December.