Cuffman

DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Pittsburgh Pirates gave up on Jake Cuffman, but other teams didn't.

One day after being released by the Pirates, the right-handed pitcher and Butler graduate signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and is in their extended spring training.

Cuffman, who turned 24 March 3, was released by the Pirates on the final day of spring training April 4 after spending six minor league seasons in the organization.

"I had a great spring training in Bradenton," Cuffman said. "In seven innings, I only walked two. My arm felt good and I was throwing the ball great.

"I was a little shocked when they released me, but not completely. I suspected I wasn't part of their plans. When an organization puts new people in there, they bring in their own guys. ... Sometimes you're just not a piece of their puzzle."

Cuffman had planned to spend a couple of weeks at his wife's condo in Fort Myers, waiting to see if his agent could make a deal with another organization.

He didn't wait long.

"The Blue Jays called the next day and wanted to work me out," Cuffman said. "Their camp is in Dunedin, only 45 minutes from Bradenton, so I went over there and threw a bullpen session for them.

"They seemed to like me, but said they'd get back to me if they felt I'd fit into their system. I got back on the road and they called to offer me a contract a half-hour later," he added.

The Blue Jays assigned him to extended spring training so he could build arm strength. He never pitched more than 56 innings in a season in the Pirates system and worked only 18 in 2007.

Cuffman threw 53Z\c innings in 49 games with Class A Lynchburg last year.

"I have no idea what their plans are for me," Cuffman said. "I threw one inning in my first outing down here, two innings in my second, three innings in my third.

"I'll go wherever they want me to go. I just want to pitch and get some innings."

Cuffman said he had three solid outings against Toronto's Class AA team during spring training.

"That might have been why they called so quickly after I was released, but that's only a guess," Cuffman said.

Cuffman has yet to allow a hit in his extended spring training appearances.

The Blue Jays' high Class A team is located in Dunedin and plays in the Florida State League. Their Double-A affiliate is New Hampshire of the Eastern League.

Cuffman threw 201 innings in his six years in the Pirate organization, striking out 181, walking 157 and allowing 131 earned runs.

"Honestly, I'm relieved to get out of that situation," he said. "The past few years, I felt like my career was stuck in mud. I've had so many pitching coaches, three different minor league coordinators.

"I'm wearing a new jersey and have a fresh start."