[ThePundit]

Shortstop David Eckstein agreed to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $4.5 million contract on Thursday.

Eckstein had a career-high .309 batting average for the St. Louis Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

Eckstein, who was the MVP of the Cardinals' World Series triumph in 2006, is expected bat leadoff for the Blue Jays.

"That's been his role and he's always been successful at it," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told The Canadian Press. "He's a tough out and he really battles. He just seems to find a way to get something done."

Eckstein, who batted .364 with four RBIs in the five-game series win over the Tigers, also won a World Series with the Angels in 2002.

"He's anchored that position for two World Series teams," Gibbons said. "He's a guy that has had to prove himself over and over and you can never have too many of those guys."

The move likely means that incumbent John McDonald, who signed a $3.8 million, two-year contract in September, will be relegated to a backup role.

Blue Jays, Eckstein agree to terms on 1-year, $4.5 million contract - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

So what does everybody think about this?

[Lefty Noob]

I like Eckstein, but you just signed McDonald to a nearly $2 million per year deal to sit on the bench. That's not smart.

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I like Eckstein, but you just signed McDonald to a nearly $2 million per year deal to sit on the bench. That's not smart.

I think it is a very bad move,Jays already have one of the premier lead off hitters in Reed Johnson.
As for SS, John Mcdonald who just was inked to a 3.8 2 year deal is a far better player than Eck.John and Eck are both weak hitters when used every day but McDonald is a defensive wizard who is easily one of the best Defensive SS in all of baseball.