Barajas "unlikely" to return to Jays

Now that the Blue Jays have addressed their need at shortstop, the top priority -- other than settling that whole Roy Halladay situation -- is figuring out who will be behind the plate in 2010.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos indicated that it is looking doubtful that free agent catcher Rod Barajas will be back. Toronto still plans on offering him arbitration.

"My understanding is that there's significant interest in him and it seems as though he's got a very good opportunity to get a multi-year deal," Anthopoulos said. "So, it's probably unlikely that we'll be able to see him back here."

Barajas is a Type B free agent, so the Jays will receive one compensatory pick if Barajas declines the one-year arbitration offer and signs with a new team. The Jays are also planning on offering free-agent shortstop Marco Scutaro (Type A) arbitration, but he likely has a multi-year contract coming his way as well.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Jays have interest in free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba and we're preparing to make an offer. Early this offseason, the Jays were reportedly in talks with the Diamondbacks about catcher Chris Snyder -- discussions that quickly stalled.

--Jordan Bastian