TORONTO — Another day, another Blue Jay headed to the Red Sox, as the exodus from Toronto to Boston continues. Ace, the Blue Jays’ mascot since 2000, will wear a Red Sox uniform next season, and dance atop the dugout at famed Fenway Park, joining what’s now a list of former Blue Jays personnel headed to its divisional rival: manager John Farrell, first-base coach Torey Lovullo (now Boston’s bench coach), and third-base coach Brian Butterfield, who’s agreed to the same position with Boston.

“Like Butter and Torey, my contract was up, too,” explained Ace. “In this economy, I can’t be sitting around waiting for the Blue Jays to call. I’ve got a kid to feed. I know the front office is busy, Alex [Anthopoulos] is looking for a new manager, but this was a business and professional decision, and one that made the most sense for me.”

Ace, the longest-serving member on the Toronto staff, spent 12 years with the Blue Jays, and is regarded as one of the best mascots in the game. According to our sources, he’s signed a three-year deal with the Red Sox, worth $3.5 million.

“I know how [John Farrell’s] ‘dream job’ comment went over, so I’m not going to go that route, because I very much enjoyed all my time in Toronto,” Ace said. “With the Blue Jays is where I cut my teeth; I’ll never forget Toronto. But if you ask any mascot, they’ll tell you they want to work in a full house, a sold-out ballpark. And Fenway Park? Man. This isn’t my ‘dream job,’ but Fenway Park might just be my ‘dream ballpark.’ And [Farrell] was a big part of this, encouraging me to join him down in Boston. I’d like to thank him, publicly. Without John, this probably doesn’t happen.”

Wally the Green Monster wasn’t available to comment on the Red Sox’s latest acquisition, but reports out of Boston suggest he’s open to platooning with Ace.

“It’s a long season,” Ace said, “and I’ve been assured that both Wally and I are going to see enough mascoting time over the course of the year. I’m not worried about it. I’m simply excited to join the Red Sox organization. Over the past two years, [Farrell’s] had nothing but good things to say about Boston, and the Red Sox front office. Seriously, he wouldn’t stop talking about it.”

As for the fact that Ace is a, well, Blue Jay, that doesn’t matter, and wasn’t even discussed.

“The Red Sox wanted and signed Ace, and I’m a Blue Jay,” said Ace, proudly. “And that’s not going to change. I’ll just be wearing a different uniform. It’s nothing personal, just business.”

Blue Jays supporters might tell you differently.

Image credit: Chris Roussakis/QMI Agency.