According to a report courtesy of Csn Bay Area via MLB Trade Rumors the San Francisco Giants have traded right handed power pitcher Merkin Valdez to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations.

Valdez was designated for assignment when the Giants signed veteran free agent slugger Aubrey Huff last week.

Valdez pitched in 48 games for San Francisco in 2009, posting a record of 2-1 with a 5.66 earned run avaerage. Valdez has been hampered by arm troubles, including Tommy John surgery in 2006, but before the surgery was ranked among the top 60 prospects in baseball.

Valdez has a fastball that is consistently in the mid 90’s accompanied by an above average changeup. His breaking stuff consists of a curveball and slider that need work.

Valdez is definitely a reliever and should fit into Toronto’s bullpen if he can stay healthy.

If Valdez can put it all together while remaining healthy and upgrade his breaking stuff he could be the set-up man of the future for the Blue Jays.