TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays made their final move of the off-season Wednesday by signing veteran infielder Kevin Millar to a minor-league contract with an invite to major-league camp.
  
The 37-year-old's addition caps an underwhelming winter in which general manager J.P. Ricciardi had his hands tied by budget cuts.

Millar -- along with Matt Clement, Mike Maroth and Michael Barrett, also signed to minor-league deals -- is one of the few notable players brought in. And despite the continuing availability of some big names on the free agent market, no other help is coming.

"I think that's it," said Ricciardi. "The possibility of doing something in spring training may present itself but right now I don't see us doing anything.

"The only thing we'd be able to do is via trade and we'll keep our eyes and ears open."

Millar, who batted .234 with 20 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, will give manager Cito Gaston some extra depth on the bench and another option if either Adam Lind or top prospect Travis Snider falters.

The Blue Jays want Snider to open the season as the left-fielder with Lind at DH. Under that scenario, Millar, a right-handed hitter, would be used against tough left-handers while spelling either Lind, Snider or Lyle Overbay at first base.

But his role could also be expanded if Snider doesn't break camp with the team or either he or Lind struggle.

"That's the plan, we'll see how spring training goes," said Ricciardi. "If Snider does well -- he doesn't have to come in here and play unbelievable but he's got to play well enough that we feel comfortable going with him -- he'll be in left and Lind with be the DH.

"Millar will DH against some left-handers and play some first base if it works out and he makes the team."

Regardless of how much he plays, Millar will bring some fun to the clubhouse. His outgoing personality should inject some life into the team and keep other players on their toes.

"I've always liked the way Kevin's played the game, I've always thought he's had a good attitude as far as approach and going about the game the right way," said Ricciardi. "But like all players, you find out more when you have him."

Millar has played parts of 11 seasons with Florida, Boston and Baltimore, posting a .277 career average with 163 home runs and 670 RBIs.