Francisco Cordero: Toronto Blue Jays Ink Closer to One-Year Deal

According to mlb.com, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed closer Francisco Cordero to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.

This announcement comes as some surprise, as GM Alex Anthopolous announced about a week ago that he believed the Jays were done adding pieces to the puzzle this offseason.

Cordero, 36, pitched 69 innings last season with the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed some success in the batter's box known as Great American Ball Park. With a 2.45 ERA, 37 saves and a 50 percent ground-ball rate, Cordero's arrival to the American League's version of Great American Ball Park only makes sense.

Cordero joins a revamped Jays bullpen as they eye for a greater success rate than last year. Sergio Santos will push Cordero for the closing duties, as Jason Frasor, Darren Oliver, Casey Janssen, Carlos Villanueva, Luis Perez and Jesse Litsch all likely figure into the Jays bullpen as well.

According to The Dallas Morning News on Tuesday morning, Toronto was showing significant interest in acquiring Texas Rangers reliever Koji Uehara, but with this signing, it likely means the end of those rumors. However you never know; the Jays may have had to give up a quality 'pen arm such as Casey Janssen to acquire Uehara.

The Blue Jays head into the 2012 season with a completely new look to their bullpen. Hopefully they will improve upon their 25-plus blown saves so maybe, just maybe, they can push for a playoff spot this season.