TORONTO -- Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston has signed a four-year consulting contract with the team that will begin when his managerial deal expires at the end of the 2010 season.

The Blue Jays announced the deal Friday. Gaston is expected to advise the team in all areas, including spring training, minor league operations and scouting.

The 65-year-old Gaston and his staff drew criticism from Toronto players in the final weekend of the season for the way they were being treated.

Also, pitching coach Brad Arnsberg is leaving the Blue Jays to take the same job with the Houston Astros. He will be replaced by former bullpen coach Bruce Walton. Hitting coach Gene Tenace is retiring. Former first base coach Dwayne Murphy will assume Tenace's role.