Santana would be welcomed by Dickey

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The reports that the Blue Jays were interested in signing free agent starting pitcher Ervin Santana certainly sat well with pitcher R.A. Dickey.

"Any time you add a potential piece that's got the pedigree of Ervin Santana, then you're adding a valuable piece," Dickey said.

The Orioles are also in the running for Santana, having reportedly offered one year and $14 million. No matter the price, he would be a valuable addition to a Blue Jays rotation in which J.A. Happ's back has been bothering him and Brandon Morrow is still bouncing back from season-ending forearm surgery last spring.

"So there are a couple of question marks," Dickey said. "So to have the depth that Ervin provides us with would be an incredible benefit for our team. I think everybody would welcome him with open arms."

Santana, who's won at least 16 games three times in his career, was 9-10 with a 3.24 ERA in 32 starts for the Royals last year, throwing 211 innings.