Blue Jays Sign Canseco To Add Punch To Lineup

Jose Canseco, who has a history of hitting long homers in the SkyDome, agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Canseco, 33, will get a base salary of about $750,000 and the chance to earn $2.25 million in performance bonuses. The injury-prone outfielder and designated hitter made $4,725,000 last season with Oakland, hitting 23 homers in 108 games. Canseco batted .235 with 74 RBIs.

“Jose is a presence,” said Toronto general manager Gord Ash. “He is someone that other clubs fear. He makes our lineup a whole lot better.”

The Blue Jays signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

The contract is worth $1.5 million, said Jim Bronner, Gonzalez’s agent.

The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins inched closer in their Chuck Knoblauch trade talks, and a deal could be finalized later this week.

Outfielder Ricky Ledee, one of the Yankees’ prized prospects, has been dropped from discussions, according to a report. Pitcher Ramiro Mendoza also has been dropped.

If a trade occurs, it appears New York would send pitchers Eric Milton and Luis de los Santos to the Twins along with some lesser prospects.