Orange County Register

Let the shopping begin, already.

Full-bore free agency is a week old, and so far it’s been just that … a bore. Everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to make the first big move.

Alex Gonzalez (Associated Press)

The Chicago White Sox signed some spare parts in shortstop Omar Vizquel and oufielder/DH Andruw Jones.

At least in Canada, where they celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, they’re not afraid to make the first move.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez, 32, to a one-year, $2.75 million deal. He reunites on the left side of the Jays infield with his former Cincinnati Reds teammate,  third baseman Edwin Encarnacion. And, Gonzalez’s signing ensures the Marco Scutaro era is over in Toronto.

This is the Alex Gonzalez who spent most of his career with the Florida Marlins, and finished last season with the Red Sox, his second stint with Boston. It is not the Alex Gonzalez who played shortstop for the Blue Jays from 1994-2001, and was last seen with the Pirates in 2006.

Gonzalez hit .284 in his 48 games with Boston, and .238 overall. But, at least he’s a starter, and that’s a start to free agency.

Maybe MLB executives will begin hauling in perceived bargains on Black Friday. It’s a good excuse to stay out of the store madness, too.

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