Miguel

Batista

The Blue Jays figure it would be cheaper to bring in a No. 3 starter in the offseason than a proven closer like Trevor Hoffman, Troy Percival, Armando Benitez or Ugueth Urbina. Their 2005 rotation currently sets up with Roy Halladay, Ted Lilly, Dave Bush and Josh Towers, with $2-3 million earmarked for a free agent starter. Prospects Gustavo Chacin and Jamie Vermilyea could be up by the second half of the season.

The Jays’ available money will then be used on a reliever and a bat. It’s unlikely they’d acquire another closer, so Justin Speier would enter spring training as the favorite for saves, with Jason Frasor not far behind. Brandon League would be a sleeper candidate.

Another strong performance by Batista could help his chances of becoming Arizona’s fifth starter.

Batista, currently serving a 10-game suspension, will start for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

The Diamondbacks say that in between starts, they might consider using Batista as a closer while Matt Mantei and Mike Koplove are both on the DL. ''That’s always a possibility with him, whether he tells us or not,’' manager Bob Brenly said. ''He’s very versatile and resilient in that respect. Given the fact we’re down a few key pieces, that’s definitely something we’d look at.’'

Andrew Good would be the first option, although manager Bob Brenly has not ruled out activating Byung-Hyun Kim, who is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Tucson tonight.

It appears that the Diamondbacks are only offering Batista a one-year deal, and that might not change unless Curt Schilling is traded. Batista should be able to get a two-year contract with an option for 2006 from some team.

The Mets and Rangers are among the teams interested in Batista, whose asking price is too expensive for Arizona. If they can’t sign a solid starter for $2.5 million or less, the Diamondbacks will consider moving Oscar Villarreal to the rotation.

The Tigers seem serious about making a run at 60 wins in 2004. According to the Detroit News, they’re also going after Miguel Tejada, Rich Aurilia and Rondell White. Also, they still have a two-year offer to Fernando Vina on the table.

Batista still figures to spend a portion of the season in the rotation. He’s a fine $1 pick in NL-only leagues.