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TORONTO — Their medical due diligence done, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to welcome Scott Rolen as their new third baseman.
The 32-year-old Rolen, who is coming off shoulder surgery, passed his physical Monday in Florida and the Jays are expected to officially announce his acquisition from the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday in exchange for Troy Glaus.
Glaus, the Blue Jays' third baseman for the past two seasons, was examined on Monday by Cardinals' doctors and showed no ill effects from foot surgery he underwent in September.
Both players waived no-trade clauses in their contracts to get the deal done.
If he can remain healthy, the Blue Jays believe Rolen is a better all-round player than Glaus.
While Rolen does not have as much power as Glaus, he hits for a better average and, as a seven-time Gold Glove winner, is superior defensively.
However, health issues have plagued Rolen in recent years and he was feuding with St. Louis manager Tony LaRussa, the reason Rolen's representatives told the Cardinals that he was open for a trade if one could be worked out.
Rolen's 2007 season ended in September when he had surgery on his left shoulder. It was the third surgery Rolen has undergone in as many seasons.
In 112 games last season, Rolen batted .265 with eight home runs and 58 runs batted in.
Glaus, who struggled with both foot and back ailments last season, batted .262 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs.
