Axford inks minor-league deal with Jays
The Ax Man cometh. Canadian right-hander John Axford, once the top reliever in the National League, signed a minorleague deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday that includes an invitation to big-league camp in Dunedin, starting next week.
The deal was first reported by MLB insider Ken Rosenthal.
A native of Port Dover, Ont., Axford pitched 21 innings for the Oakland A’s last season with a 6.43 ERA with 21 strikeouts before being released on Aug. 1. He signed a two-year, US$10-million contract with the A’s in December of 2015 and in the 2016 season appeared in 68 games, earning three saves in 10 chances. He had a 3.97 ERA.
Drafted by Seattle and Cincin-nati, Axford signed with the Mil-waukee Brewers in March of 2008 and has enjoyed a nine-year career in the big leagues, posting a 3.71 ERA in 493 games, with 144 saves.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays third base-man Josh Donaldson says he hasn't asked for a contract extension be-yond next season, but reiterated he'd like to remain in Toronto.
The 2015 American League MVP, set to become a free agent after the upcoming season, took to Twitter Thursday to chastise a report from Jon Heyman suggesting Donald-son may be asking for too much money. Heyman, in a column pub- lished Thursday on Fanragsports.com, said Donaldson "is believed to be seeking a monster payday, according to friends.
"And while he may not hit his goal (some think he maybe shoot-ing too high), he benefits from Bal-timore Orioles' Manny Machado's move to shortstop since he'd be-come the top third base option if Machado stays at shortstop as a free agent."
Donaldson replied to Heyman with a two-part tweet.
"I respect what you do for a living, but you don't know my friends. Nor do my friends know what I want, because there is still information to be gathered. I haven't asked for any-thing. What I have said is I would like to stay,” Donaldson wrote.
Donaldson and the Blue Jays avoided arbitration last month by agreeing on a US$23-million, one-year contact — the largest one-year deal for an arbitrationeligible player.
The contract gives Donaldson a $6-million raise while also making the three-time all-star the highest paid player on the Jays’ roster.