Friday Notes: Jake Elmore, Russell Martin Conspiracy

Mostly minor league stuff today.

The Blue Jays signed utility infielder Jake Elmore to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training yesterday afternoon, as the Blue Jays announced. Elmore, carrying a .218/.371/.244 slash line over the course of 59 games with the Brewers in 2016, is a defensive specialist, playing every position, including pitcher, at the major league level. Predominantly, Elmore plays shortstop and outfield. He’s 29 years old.

Toronto officially announced the deals for J.P. Howell and Joe Smith last night, designating both Chad Girodo and A.J. Jimenez for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Girodo made his major league debut in 2016, pitching 10.1 innings with a FIP of 6.82. Jimenez, on the other hand, has yet to play in the majors, with nine years of minor league experience. He’s expected to fill the third line of catching relief behind both Russell Martin and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

As we learned on Wednesday night, Russell Martin won’t play in the World Baseball Classic. On Instagram, Martin appeared to be a bit mysterious, for lack of a better word. On one post, he commented, “If you want the true story, just give me call. A nice twist to the tale!” On the official @bluejays WBC post, Martin commented, “Where is my picture?????”

Jon Morosi, on Wednesday, reported that Martin would not be on the Team Canada roster due to a contract insurance issue. Could there be something more to the story? Conspiracy!