BLUE JAYS SIGN
LEFT-HANDED PITCHER
SCOTT DOWNS

TORONTO – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have signed free agent LHP SCOTT DOWNS to a minor league contract with an invitation to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.

DOWNS split the 2004 season between the Montreal Expos and their Class AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League, the Edmonton Trappers. He pitched to a 3-6 record with a 5.14 ERA (36 ER, 63.0 IP) in 12 starts with Montreal. That pushed his career record in the Major Leagues to 7-10 with a 5.41 ERA in 32 starts.

DOWNS posted a 10-6 record with a 3.52 ERA in 22 starts with Edmonton. He was selected as the 2004 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year and the left-handed starter for the 2004 Topps/Minor League Baseball Triple A All-Star Team.

The 28-year-old native and resident of Lexington, Kentucky (6-2, 190) spent parts of four seasons with the Expos (2000, 2001, 2003 & 2004) after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a July 31, 2000 trade for OF Rondell White. He was the Cubs' third round selection in the 1997 draft from of the University of Kentucky.

Special to Canadian Baseball News – 16 December 2004