Scott Maine Becomes Blue Jays Latest Waiver Claim

July 31, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Scott Maine (57) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIREAlex Anthopoulos has been a busy man since Toronto was eliminated in September. He has not let the inability to sign free agents stand in his way of trying to improve the team for 2013.

Well, he has not let it inhibit his ability to improve the new Triple-A club in Buffalo at least.

On Wednesday, Anthopoulos made yet another waiver claim, this time picking up left-hander Scott Maine off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. The 27-year-old Maine has appeared in 50 games, all in relief, over the course of three seasons with the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. During that time, he has posted a 2-3 record with a 5.59 ERA and 48 strike-outs in 46.2 innings pitched.

His minor-league track record is bit more encouraging, with Maine having a career mark of 19-15 with a 3.26 ERA and a strike-out rate of 10.1 K/9. All 201 of his minor league appearances have come in relief.

To make room for Maine on the roster, the Blue Jays designated RHP David Herndon and OF Scott Cousins, both of whom were awarded on waiver claims earlier this offseason. Both are expected to clear waivers and become organizational depth at Triple-A.

In addition to adding Maine, the Blue Jays also reinstated RHP Kyle Drabek, LHP J.A. Happ, RHP Drew Hutchison, RHP Dustin McGowan, LHP Luis Perez and RHP Sergio Santos, in accordance with MLB rules.

However, the real excitement starts at this weekend, when clubs are allowed to start signing free agents from other clubs. However, don’t expect Anthopoulos to pull the trigger any time soon. Most clubs only lay the groundwork in the opening days of free agency and signings do not begin in earnest until the Winter Meetings, which start on December 3rd.