Blue Jays Updates

By ROCKET SPORTS and ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK on November 11, 2013

TODAY – Blue Jays Sign Three

The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with RHP Michael Broadway, SS Jonathan Diaz and RHP Marcus Walden on 2014 minor league contracts, all with an invitation to attend Major League spring training.

Broadway split time between Harrisburg (AA) and Syracuse (AAA) in the Washington system, going 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA and six saves in 30 relief outings. The 6-5, 215 lb. right-hander was originally a 4^th round selection by Atlanta in 2005 and has recorded a 28-24 record with a 4.36 ERA over nine minor league seasons.

Diaz returns to the Blue Jays organization after spending 2013 in the Red Sox system. The 5-9, 165 lb. infielder spent the majority of the season with Pawtucket (AAA), however did make his Major League debut last season, appearing five games for the Red Sox, going 0-4 with two runs scored. Diaz was selected in the 12th round by the Blue Jays in 2006 and remained with the club through 2012 appearing in 708 games over those seven seasons.

Marcus Walden returns for a 7^th season as a Blue Jay, having been selected in the 9^th round by Toronto in 2007. The minor league free agent pitched for New Hampshire in 2012 (AA) posting a 6-14 record with a 3.71 ERA in 26 starts. The right-hander is 32-32 with a 3.65 ERA over his six minor league seasons.

OCT. 31ST – SEITZER IS NEW HITTING COACH

Kevin Seitzer named hitting coach and will join John Gibbons’ staff for the 2014 season.

Seitzer recently served as hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals from the 2009-12 seasons. The 2010 Royals posted a .274 average which was 2nd best in Major League Baseball, while the 2011 squad was 4th ranked at .275. The Springfield, Illinois native also served as hitting coach in Arizona for the first half of 2007. A 1987 All-Star and runner-up for Rookie of the Year to Mark McGwire, Seitzer played 12 seasons compiling a .295 average with 285 doubles, 74 home runs and 613 RBI for the Royals (1986-91), Brewers (1992, 1993-96), Athletics (1993) and Indians (1996-97). The former third basemen appeared in the postseason twice with the Indians in 1996 and 1997, including a World Series appearance in 1997.

Eddie Michels Photo

OCT 29TH – BLUE JAYS EXTEND AGREEMENT WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHER CATS

The Toronto Blue Jays have extended their player development contract with the New Hampshire Fishercats through the 2016 season.

“We are thrilled to extend our agreement with the Fisher Cats organization. Art Solomon (Fisher Cats owner) and Rick Brenner (Fisher Cats President) operate a first class organization which is reflected in the passionate fan base and quality facilities. Our players are fortunate to benefit from the professional atmosphere in Manchester.” – Charlie Wilson, Blue Jays Director of Minor League Operations.

The Fisher Cats are the longest running non-club owned affiliate in the organization, being a Blue Jays partner since the 2004 season. During their affiliation, the Fisher Cats have won two Eastern League Championships in 2004 and 2011.