Rios, Johnson, Downs Sign New Contracts

TORONTO -- The streak is intact. The Blue Jays agreed to terms on contracts with Alex Rios, Reed Johnson and Scott Downs on Friday, marking the 10th consecutive offseason that Toronto avoided going to arbitration with a player.

Rios is scheduled to make $2.535 million, Johnson will be paid $3.075 million and Downs will make $1.025 million in 2007. The last time that the Jays went to arbitration with a player was in 1997, when the club's figure was selected for pitcher Bill Risley.

Rios and Johnson are both coming off career years with Toronto. Rios was selected to his first American League All-Star team in '06, and the right fielder finished the season with a .302 average, 17 home runs and 82 RBIs -- all career highs. Rios' totals might have been even more impressive had he not been sidelined for a month with a staph infection in his left leg.

"He's a special player with special talent," Toronto center fielder Vernon Wells said about Rios earlier this week. "As long as he stays healthy and keeps his head in the right direction -- we'll do a good job of making sure that happens -- he's got all the potential in the world. It'll be fun watching him."

Johnson led Toronto with a .319 batting average, and he emerged as the everyday left fielder after spending most of his time as part of a platoon with Frank Catalanotto, who signed with the Texas Rangers this offseason. Johnson also led all AL leadoff hitters with a .390 on-base percentage.

Both Rios' and Johnson's names popped up in trade rumors during Toronto's search for rotation help. The Jays were able to acquire additional arms without dealing away any of their players, which was something Wells was glad to see happen.

"[Rios and Johnson] are going to be at the top of our lineup most likely and be the catalyst for this lineup," Wells said. "We needed those guys, and I'm very thankful we were able to keep them in the fold."

Rios, who is eligible for arbitration for the first time as a "Super Two" player, was seeking $3.1 million. The Jays originally offered him $2 million, and his new contract represents more than a $2 million raise over his '06 salary.

Johnson, 30, submitted a request for a $3.6 million salary, but the Jays originally offered him $2.5 million. Johnson's new deal is a $1.65 million pay raise over the $1.425 million he made in '06.

Last season, Downs set career highs in wins (six) and games (59) and he posted a 2.77 ERA in relief. The 30-year-old left-hander also served as an occasional spot starter for Toronto. Downs will likely remain in the bullpen this season, but the Jays probably wouldn't rule out using him as a starter, if necessary.

Downs, who finished 6-2 with a 4.09 ERA in '06, was seeking $1.2 million, and Toronto initially offered him a $925,000 contract. His new deal is a $320,000 raise over his 2006 salary.