--The Blue Jays are one of several teams that have inquired about free agent RHP Daniel Cabrera, his agent said. Cabrera was non-tendered by the Orioles. In 2008, Cabrera was 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA. The Jays will be scouting Cabrera this winter when he pitches in the Dominican Republic.
--In an effort to fill the void created by the exit of C Gregg Zaun, the Jays have held talks with the agent for free agent C Michael Barrett. Barrett, 32, appeared in just 30 games in 2008 with the Padres, hitting .202. If signed, Barrett would serve as the backup to C Rod Barajas. --The Jays tendered contracts to all four of their arbitration-eligible players -- RHP Jason Frasor, RHP Brandon League, LHP Brian Tallet and INF Jose Bautista.
--SS Rafael Furcal, who at one time was on the Jays' radar, went on to sign back with the Dodgers. Along the way he knocked out the Jays' chance of upgrading at the shortstop position. If Furcal had signed with Oakland, who offered him the best deal, the Jays then would have gone after A's SS Bobby Crosby, whom general manager J.P. Ricciardi has coveted for some time.
--Ernie Whitt, the former bench coach of the Blue Jays who was fired along with manager John Gibbons on June 20, was selected by Baseball Canada as manager of Team Canada for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Whitt was the manager for Team Canada at the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. The March 5-23 World Baseball Classic will be played in several cities around the world, including Toronto. Canada opens play March 7 against the U.S. at Rogers Centre.
BY THE NUMBERS: 0 -- Major league appearances recently signed RHP Matt Clement has made the past two seasons.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I have three sons and a wife. I'm not going to chase the dream just because I was there before. I wouldn't have even talked to another team if I didn't think I could get back to the major leagues." -- RHP Matt Clement, after signing a minor league contract with the Blue Jays.
