New Arizona General Manager Josh Byrnes exerted his power,
sending shortstop prospect Sergio Santos along with Glaus to Toronto. In
return, the D’Backs received second baseman Orlando Hudson, a Gold Glove winner,
and pitcher Miguel Batista, who will enter his second stint with the franchise.
Under his limited no-trade clause, Glaus had the opportunity
to block a trade to Toronto. However, in an Associated Press article on
the deal, Glaus explained why he agreed to join the Blue Jays. "With the moves
[the Jays] made, and things that they've been able to do, this team seems poised
to make a run," Glaus said.
Glaus was also hesitant about playing on the Toronto's
artificial turf, but his concerns were lifted after conferring with Toronto
outfielder Reed Johnson and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson, a
former teammate. "Once I got [the turf issue] alleviated in my mind and I looked
at the roster, the decision became fairly easy," Glaus told AP.
The departure of Glaus will allow Chad Tracy to return to
third base, where he played his rookie season. In addition, the D’Backs feel
that despite hitting .288 with 12 home runs and 68 RBIs in Triple-A
Tucson last season, Santos became dispensable, particularly due to the strong
performance of Stephen Drew.
Orlando Hudson hit .270 in his four seasons with Toronto,
including .271 last season, with 10 home runs and 63 RBIs. The acquisition of
Hudson will shift Craig Counsell from second base to shortstop.
Miguel Batista’s first stint with Arizona lasted from
2001-2003, during which he went 29-26 in 120 appearances, including 76 starts.
He played a significant role in the playoff staff of the 2001 world champion
D’Backs, going 11-8 with a 4.58 ERA, highlighted by pitching eight scoreless
innings in the World Series against the New York Yankees.
Although Batista was converted to a closer last season, GM
Byrnes confirmed that he will join the D’Backs starting rotation. "He pitched
well as a starter in Arizona and his first year in Toronto. He did well, and
that at this point is a greater area of need for our club," Byrnes told AP.
Batista and Hudson will have the opportunity to prove
themselves to the franchise when Arizona kicks off Spring Training March 2
against the world champion Chicago White Sox.