Jays' Finalize Deal with Zaun

The Toronto Blue Jays were left without a catcher late Monday afternoon when Rod Barajas informed the club he would not be flying to Toronto for a physical, changed agents, and rejected the deal.

General Manager J.P. Ricciardi then went back to Gregg Zaun who was expecting to finalize a deal with the New York Yankees on Monday afternoon to be their backup catcher. However, with Barajas out of the picture, and the Jays desperately needing a catcher, Zaun was in possession of the ball.

The two sides agreed to a two-year, $7.25 million contract. Zaun, who was looking for a three-year deal, worth $13 million, was also given an option year for the 2009 season worth $3.75 million assuming he reaches a given amount of plate appearances during the first two years of the contract.