Ohka, Jays Agree On Contract

In an attempt to compete with the high-rolling American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays have been looking to add some depth to their rotation after failing to sign free agent starters Ted Lilly, who went to the Chicago Cubs, and Gil Meche, who is now a member of the Kansas City Royals, this off season.

Right-hander Tomo Ohka and the Blue Jays reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with some performance bonus consideration that could bring the deal to as much as $3 million, pending a physical. That is a rather large pay-cut, considering he made $4.53 million last season in Milwaukee.

Ohka, 30 years old, went 4-5 with a 4.85 ERA in 18 starts with the Brew Crew last year, missing over two months after suffering a partial tear of his right rotator cuff and a strained right hamstring.

Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett lead the Jays' starting five, so Ohka must compete with John Thomson, Casey Janssen and Shaun Marcum for a spot in the rotation. Ohka is 48-58 with 4.04 ERA in 174 career games, including 162 starts.

[Canada]