According to the AP, the Blue Jays have released OF Reed Johnson. Shannon Stewart appears in line for the starting LF job for the Jays after signing a minor-league contract with the team.

Johnson, only played 79 games last year due to a herniated disc, but in 2006 batted .319 with a .390 OBP in 134 games.

Johnson has a .308 batting average with a .833 OPS lifetime against left handed pitching.

He’s a righty, something we really need and I’ve always liked him a lot. I really hope Omar takes a look, especially considering our need for righties. He’s a solid fielder, gritty player that will hit for decent average and get on base.

Buster Olney, on his ESPN blog, gives a list of 10 free agents who could be good value signings.

Tony Clark, Matt Clement, David Eckstein, Kenny Lofton, Mike Lamb, Reggie Sanders, Jeremy Affeldt, Kris Benson, Shannon Stewart, and David Wells are the players that Olney believes could be the best bang for any team’s buck.

Olney thinks Tony Clark could fit on the Mets as a bench player. He also points out that Clark has the third highest home run rate, behind Alex Rodriguez and, wait for it…Ramon Castro. Clark had a .563 slugging percentage in 32 at-bats last season.

The Mets have been reported to have some interest in David Eckstein,  whose batting average in each of his last three seasons is .294, .292 and .309.

Affeldt might be a good pick up for the Mets, who need to upgrade their bullpen. Right-handers hit .211 against him last season, left-handers .250.