Blue Jays sign Ramon Santiago to minor league deal

UPDATE: The Jays' deal with Belisario has fallen through, according to a report from Sportsnet's Mike Wilner. Belisario remains a free agent, and could end up signing with the Red Sox or Rays in the next few days, based on their previous interest

ORIGINAL: The Blue Jays have added two veterans on minor-league contracts today, with right-hander Ronald Belisario and infielder Ramon Santiago agreeing to join the team in spring training. The Belisario news was reported by Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com and Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, while Sportsnet's Shi Davidi first reported on Santiago.

Belisario, 32, also drew interest from the Red Sox, Nationals and Rays before deciding to join the Jays to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training. The 32-year old was non-tendered by the White Sox in December after posting a 5.56 ERA in 66.1 games out of the team's bullpen last season, and will compete to replace Casey Janssen and Dustin McGowan on a Blue Jays' team that has been actively searching for bullpen help all winter.

Santiago, 35, spent last year with the Reds after eight straight years with the Tigers. The veteran appeared in only 75 games for Cincinnati, hitting .246/.343/.324 while appearing at second base, shortstop, third base and left field as a backup. He will serve as an option at second base for the Jays, who currently have Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Shawn Tolleson and Munenori Kawasaki as options at the position.