two more MLB signings

The Toronto Blue Jays resolved their issues in the middle infield Thursday inking SS Royce Clayton for next season. Speed and defense makes Clayton a shortstop pitchers love to have behind them. He has occasional pop in his bat. Impatience at the plate has led to Clayton striking out way too often. Age has robbed him of some of his base-stealing quickness. He should bat in the 7-9 spots. Clayton will take pressure off Aaron Hill and allow him to assume a position likely more suited to Hill at this point in his career (2b).

The Milwaukee Brewers also dipped into the free agency pool inking SS Craig Counsell. He's a strong infielder with good range but most of all, he has the heart of a lion between the lines, running the bases with a rare combination of aggression and smarts and possessing a firm grasp of the fundamentals. Counsell hits with minimal power and sometimes has trouble getting around on 90-mph-plus fastballs. He is constantly trying to pull the ball and has not conditioned himself to go the opposite way with his limited strength. Counsell will provide strong leadership for the younger players in the Brewers organization.