Sayonara Peter

Longtime Blue Jays pitcher Pete Walker's rights have been sold to the Yokohama BayStars in Japan. Not many expected Walker to be a Blue Jay this year, as he was invited to camp without a contract after an injury filled season in 2003. On the upside for Pete, he will now get to start games - in Japan.

The Jays claimed Pete Walker from the New York Mets in 2002, who tried to sneak him through waivers. Once the Jays got their hands on the versatile hurler, he took full advantage of the opportunity. Despite arriving in May, Walker became one of Toronto's most consistent starters, finishing the season ranked second in wins (10), and third in both starts (20) and innings pitched (139 1/3).

The next season injuries robbed him of the chance to capitalize on that momentum. Walker spent a significant amount of time on the disabled list in 2003 and, as he noted, seemed to be on the outside looking in this season. Walker will be missed, but the move frees up financial room to sign draft picks, and will allow Pete a regular place to pitch.