TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SIGN VETERAN
CATCHER BENGIE MOLINA

Toronto – The Toronto Blue Jays have signed catcher Bengie Molina to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million, with an option for 2007 worth $7.5 million.

Bengie Molina, 31, hit .295 last year for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with 15 home runs and 69 RBIs in 119 games. The right-handed-hitting catcher posted an on-base percentage of .336 with 27 walks and 41 strikeouts. The 5-foot-11, 225 pound native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, hit .393 (48-for-122) against left-handed pitching last season to lead all American League batters.

Molina has spent his entire career in the Angels organization after signing as a free agent on May 23, 1993. Along with two Rawlings American League Gold Glove Awards in 2002 and 2003, Molina has a career batting average of .273 with 108 doubles, 65 home runs and 362 RBIs. Molina has appeared in 29 career postseason games posting a .316 (10-for-35) batting average with four doubles, a triple, three home runs and 12 RBIs.

Major League Baseball – 6 February 2006