Shannon Stewart Signs With Blue Jays

TODAY: Fun fact/correction, courtesy of Susan Slusser.  Turns out the A’s will not be receiving a compensation pick for Stewart, since he signed a minor league deal.  It also seems a long shot that they get one for Mike Piazza, as he could retire, settle for a minor league deal, or head to Japan.

2-24-08: According to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail, Shannon Stewart has signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. It seems that Stewart’s agent switch helped facilitate the contract, as the Jays made an offer earlier in the winter.  My guess is that this is around a million bucks, and you really can’t complain about that.  Stewart is a fine defender in left and a solid fourth outfielder.  Stewart was originally drafted by the Jays 19th overall in ’92.  That draft also had Derek Jeter, Jason Kendall, and Johnny Damon in the first round.

By the way, the A’s are set to receive the 39th or 46th overall pick as compensation for Stewart, depending on what Mike Piazza does.

Meanwhile, Adam Lind joins the class of expendable young outfielders with MLB experience.  Lind, 24, didn’t hit much last year but projects at .267/.324/.443 according to PECOTA.  That’s a notch below other available guys like Matt Murton and Gabe Gross.