Blue Jays Lose Canzler, Take a Spritz of Benacka
Sep 11, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Russ Canzler (4) makes an error allowing Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (not pictured) to be safe at first base during the second inning at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsIn a couple of minor moves, the Toronto Blue Jays have both added to their roster and also lost some depth.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays tried to sneak infielder Russ Canzler back through waivers, just one week after claiming him from the Cleveland Indians through the same system. Well, the Indians were not about to let that happen, reclaiming Canzler with the hopes that Canzler may become a low-cost candidate to claim their designated hitter role.
However, as Mike Wilner is quick to point out, the Indians have two roster spots that they will have to open up for the newly signed Brett Myers and Nick Swisher, meaning that the Jays and Indians may yet continue to play the shell game that is the waiver wire.
In another unrelated move, and one in which I was admittedly slow report on, the Blue Jays purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Mike Benacka from the Laredo Lemurs of the American Association.
The 30-year-old has never pitched at the major league level, but has put up some fairly impressive numbers in the minors and in the independent leagues. In 315.1 innings pitched, Benacka owns a 3.00 ERA with an eye-popping 12.3 K/9 ratio. Of course, that is tempered by his 5.7 BB/9 ratio, so you can see why he is still kicking around in the minor leagues. Still, the Blue Jays apparently saw enough to give him a shot in the minors.