He blossomed in Toronto, hitting a combined 31 homers and driving in 100 runs to become
                          manager Jim Fregosi's pick as the team MVP.

                          Timing is everything. In his first year of eligibility for salary arbitration, and after drawing
                          $375,000 last year, Batista has accepted a four-year, $16-million deal calling for a
                          $1.6-million bonus and $1-million salary this season.

                          The only question is what position he will play. As it stands, he'll switch to third base at least
                          for one season. Incumbent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who was injured in May (torn labrum)
                          and replaced a month later by Batista, is eligible for free agency after the 2000 season. The
                          Jays may trade Gonzalez this spring after he shows his surgically-repaired shoulder is ready
                          for daily duty.

                          Meantime, Batista is getting accustomed to third base in the Dominican League, playing for
                          Santiago, and Fregosi says the team is prepared to go with an infield of Carlos Delgado,
                          Homer Bush, Gonzalez and Batista. Wouldn't bet on it, though. . . .

                          Batista's contract reflects the organization's commitment to the Cleveland Indians' strategy of
                          locking up younger players before arbitration or free agency puts them out of financial reach.
                          The Jays are also talking long-term with second baseman Bush and pitcher Roy Halladay,
                          some nine months after pitcher Chris Carpenter and outfielder Shannon Stewart signed
                          multi-year contracts. Delgado agreed to a three-year contract this winter as well, one year
                          before he would be eligible for free agency.