Blue Jays finalize deal with Japanese lefty

The Toronto Blue Jays are gambling on Ken Takahashi's 39-year-old arm, one day after avoiding salary arbitration with left-handed relief pitcher Brian Tallet and claiming T.J. Beam off waivers from Pittsburgh.

Takahashi, the first player Toronto has brought over from Japan, signed off on a minor league contract Friday. The deal also includes an invitation to spring training later this month.

After spending his entire 14-year career in Japan, Takahashi will be afforded the chance to compete for the fifth starter's job with the Blue Jays.

Takahashi posted an 8-5 record and 3.50 earned-run average in 21 games for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp last season.

Overall, he's 66-87 with a 4.23 ERA in 433 games, 160 starts of them starts.