The Toronto Blue Jays off-season revamp of the 2010 bullpen continued today as the team added another talented free-agent arm to the mix for the team’s vacant closer job.

The Jays have signed veteran right-hander Jon Rauch to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. The contract also includes a club option for the 2012 season worth $3.75 million with a $250,000 buyout.

The 32-year old reliever stands an imposing 6’11 on the mound weighing 290lbs and is a hard-throwing tattoo covered beast of a human specimen, which certainly adds to his intimidating role in closer situations.

In 2010 Rauch pitched exclusively for the Minnesota Twins, beginning the year as the closer replacement for the injured Joe Nathan. He saved 21 games for the Twins before Matt Capps took over the role in the second half after coming over via trade. To go along with the 21 saves the Morehead State University graduate added a record of 3-1 with an earned run average of 3.12 while striking out 46 and walking 14 in 57.2 innings of work.

The former third round draft selection of the 1999 entry draft has a career record of 34-27 with an ERA of 3.71 and 47 saves in 468.2 innings of work spanning eight Major League seasons played with the Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks & Twins.

Jon Rauch is another gifted arm added to Toronto's closer battle this coming Spring.

The addition of Rauch will add competition for the team’s vacant closer role as well as shore up the backend of the Jays bullpen. Recently signed veteran Octavio Dotel and 2010 bullpen returnee Jason Frasor all stand a chance to leave Spring Training as the team’s closer, but all three will certainly play a crucial role for Toronto in late game situations.

The Jays also came to an agreement on a new contract with off-season addition Carlos Villanueva yesterday as the two parties avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal worth $1.415 million and also avoided arbitration today with 2010 bullpen member Casey Janssen as they agreed upon a one year contract worth $1.095 million.

With Villanueva and Janssen locked up to new deals the team still has seven players eligible for arbitration, those players being outfielders Jose Bautista & Rajai Davis, shortstop Yunel Escobar and pitchers Jason Frasor, Brandon Morrow, Jesse Litsch & Shawn Camp.

The Jays have avoided going to arbitration with players since 1997, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos only has until tomorrow at 1:00pm EST to finalize deals with the remaining players, otherwise arbitration cases are to be followed.