TORONTO - Home run king Jose Bautista was among the nine Toronto Blue Jays to file for salary arbitration ahead of Friday's deadline.

Joining him were starters Brandon Morrow and Jesse Litsch, shortstop Yunel Escobar, outfielder Rajai Davis and relievers Jason Frasor, Shawn Camp, Casey Janssen and Carlos Villanueva.

Frasor passed up free agency in order to accept arbitration.

The Blue Jays and their players will exchange salary arbitration figures Tuesday, and last year general manager Alex Anthopoulos said once the team reached that point, he would cut off all talks and go to a hearing.

He said earlier this off-season he planned to maintain the same policy this year, feeling the deadline helped push the sides toward a deal.

The Blue Jays haven't gone to a hearing with a player since reliever Bill Risley in 1997.

The most interesting case this year will be that of Bautista, who led the majors and set a club record with 54 home runs in 2010.

Bautista earned US$2.4 million last year but industry speculation expects his salary to rise into the $6-$10 million range.

He'll be eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, and the sides are expected to examine the possibility of a longer-term deal.

Other big names among the 119 players who filed for salary arbitration Friday was Prince Fielder, AL MVP Josh Hamilton and Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon.

All expect to get large raises, either in settlements or in cases that go to hearings next month.

Fielder made $11.25 million with the Milwaukee Brewers last year, when he hit .261 with 32 homers and 114 RBIs. He is eligible for free agency after next season.

Papelbon, who also can become a free agent after the season, made $9.35 million last year. He was 5-7 with a 3.90 ERA -- two runs higher than in 2009 -- striking out 76 in 67 innings.

Hamilton, not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season, batted a major league-best .359 with 32 homers and 100 RBIs last year, continuing his resurgence following cocaine and alcohol addition. He missed much of the last month of the regular season because of broken ribs.

With files from The Associated Press