TORONTO -- Well, I for one was a little surprised at just how active the Blue Jays were at this year's deadline. No, they didn't swing any deals in the end, but Toronto came close to acquiring Raul Ibanez and was in on talks about Jason Bay.

The Jays might've been able to obtain British Columbia's Bay, but Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said the price was simply too steep. It's believed that the Pirates wanted outfield prospect Travis Snider and starter Shaun Marcum, and that might have been just for starters.

Said Ricciardi: "It was pretty steep for us. At the end of the day, we may have been able to get the player, but it would've been at a very, very steep price and I don't know if that would've helped us going forward, as opposed to maybe setting us back a little more."

As for Ibanez, the Jays were ready to pull the trigger until the M's pulled the plug. Reports are that Toronto was gearing up to send to players from its active roster to Seattle, but the Mariners decided against the move with minutes to spare before the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

Said Ricciardi: "We had some really good talks with Seattle. I'd say they were pretty intense and pretty in depth. We thought, at one point, there was a possibility to get something done there. But, it just didn't come to fruition. We were ready to go forward. ... Both parties worked hard. At the end of the day, they probably weren't as comfortable making the trade as we were. That happens."

So, that's that. The Blue Jays are who they are and Ricciardi said he still thinks the club is still in it, even with four teams ahead of them in the division and five ahead of them in the Wild Card standings. Why else would the Jays be in buying mode and also holding on to starter A.J. Burnett? Toronto wants to see if it has a late-season run in there somewhere.

Ricciardi also addressed a couple other topics today. There was the "encouraging news" of Dustin McGowan's shoulder surgery. McGowan will need 8-9 months of recovery time, but can begin a throwing program in roughly four months. He should be ready for Spring Training, since he required no work on his rotator cuff.

As for Scott Rolen's recently revealed shoulder woes, Ricciardi said:

"We talked to the doctor again today. Our worries aren't that great. I think what happened with Scotty is, if you know him at all, he's not a go-easy guy. I think when he's working on something, it's an excess of swings, excess of batting practice. We just have to get him to back off a little bit and give his shoulder a chance to rest a little bit. I talked to the doctor who performed his surgery again today and, medically, nobody has any concerns about him long-term continuing to play. He just needs a couple of days here and there in the course of the middle of the summer. But, we're not worried at all. Like I've said, before we made the trade, we did all the background check we had to do on the surgery and we checked with all the rehab people. We had our doctors check. His shoulder is as strong as it can possibly be. It just gets a little fatigued from overwork."

As for the "controversy" of calling up Scott Richmond, taking Team Canada's ace away from the Olympic squad just days before they take off for Beijing:

"Obviously, the first thing we thought about is, 'We're not going to bring this kid up for one start and hurt his chances of playing on the Olympic team and putting the Olympic team in any kind of jeopardy.' We talked about that at length. We said, 'If this is going to be one start, then we wouldn't bring the kid up.' But, I also think that a lot's being made out of this. Every kid dreams of playing in the big leagues. I think if you went and asked all those Canadian Olympic kids last night, when they were on the field, if they wanted to switch uniforms with a big-league guy right there, as opposed to going to China, I think you'd have a consensus of saying they'd rather be a big-league player. I think that's an unfair shot at us, saying that we did something that was against the Canadian Olympic team. We have great respect for what they do and we have a great relationship with them. But, if we get a chance to bring a guy up to help our Major Legaue team, unfortunately, we're not going to let that get in the way of us making the decision. Listen, I was a part of the U.S. Olympic selection committee twice, so I know what gos into it. But, I also know that when a guy comes to the big leagues, nothing gets in the way of that and that's really what the situation was with Richmond."

So, there you have it. I'm not hitting the road to Texas, so expect a lack of blogging over the next few days unless there's news to discuss.

~JB

TORONTO -- I'm hunkered down here at the Bastian residence, monitoring news via various Web sites and making calls today to see what's up as the Trade Deadline nears. There have been a couple interesting developments as we've approached the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

ESPN is reporting that the Blue Jays have inquired about outfielders Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez. Toronto is 6.5 games out of the Wild Card, putting them in that spot between being out of it and really being in contention. So, if they could add another bat to what's been a dismal offense, they might just do it.

The only issue with Bay is what the Pirates might want in return. If Pittsburgh wants a three- or four-prospect package, including Travis Snider, my bet would be that the Jays balk. Now, Toronto might be willing to move Adam Lind while his stock is high, especially with Snider waiting in the wings -- just speculating here.

I don't really have a gut feeling about what Toronto will do with less than two hours to go before the deadline. Players such as David Eckstein, Gregg Zaun and John McDonald, or a few relievers, could be dealt, but they just might as easily stick around (at least for now -- there's always August).

We'll be talking to Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi later this evening to discuss what did or didn't happen on the trade front, and also to hopefully find out how Dustin McGowan's right shoulder surgery went. Stay tuned for more...

UPDATE -- 2:55: The Blue Jays interest in Pirates outfielder Jason Bay reportedly ended with precisely one phone call. Pittsburgh apparently asked for Toronto starter Shaun Marcum and top outfield prospect Travis Snider for starters, leading the Jays to move on.

UPDATE -- 3:15: Talks between the Jays and Mariners about Raul Ibanez are reportedly ongoing, though no other names involved in the deal have been made public. Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail is reporting that the Marlins have inquired about Matt Stairs. No word about catcher Gregg Zaun, who has been tied to Florida in previous reports.

UPDATE -- 3:53: Seven minutes to go and apparently the M's had second thoughts about parting with Ibanez. ESPN is reporting that it would've been a 2-for-1 swap with the Jays, involving all Major League players. Interesting. It's looking like the Jays will be standing pat after all. Stay tuned...

UPDATE -- 4:45: Blue Jays stand pat. Disgruntled Gregg Zaun stays put, as does A.J. Burnett. And it's sounding like Manny is going to be Manny under Joe Torre in L.A. Bay goes to Boston and the Pirates get four minor leaguers in the three-team blockbuster. Also, good news for Jays starter Dustin McGowan. He had successful surgery on his right shoulder, but did not need work on his rotator cuff. He can begin a throwing program in roughly four months. This is good news.

TORONTO -- Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen -- mired in an 0-for-17 slump at the plate -- was held out of the starting lineup on Wednesday. Days off might become more common for the third baseman as the season wears on.

Rolen admitted today that his left shoulder, which has been operated on three times previously, has been bothering him of late. He met with a physical therapist on Monday and saw a team doctor on Tuesday and they determined that his shoulder is fine strength-wise.

Rolen said the issue has been mechanically -- that the shoulder doesn't seem to be functioning the way it should be. It sounds more like a fatigue issue, but Rolen said another surgery isn't necessary. He is hoping rehab-type work, combined with more days off can help ease the discomfort.

Today's lineups:

TAMPA BAY (62-44) at TORONTO (54-53)
at 12:37 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Eric Hinske, DH
Dinor Navarro, C
Gabe Gross, RF
Jason Bartlett, SS

PITCHING: RHP Edwin Jackson (6-7, 4.22)

JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, 3B
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Matt Stairs, DH
Adam Lind, LF
Brad Wilkerson, RF
Gregg Zaun, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Scott Richmond (MLB debut)

TORONTO -- Upset over his diminished playing time this season, Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun told MLB.com on Tuesday that he would welcome a trade out of Toronto. The Marlins, who Zaun played for from 1996-98, were recently linked to the catcher in rumors.

"Trades are a part of baseball," Zaun said. "Things haven't worked out the way I planned them to this year here in Toronto. Getting an opportunity to play on a regular basis for a pennant contender, or going back to a place that I'm familiar with, it would probably be a good thing."

Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi confirmed that he's talked to the Marlins, as well as the Royals, about Zaun, but was quick to point out that there is little to no interest for the 37-year-old catcher.

"We're aware that Zaunie is unhappy," Ricciardi said. "We wish he wouldn't go through the media with it. We wish he would come to us, especially knowing we have a good relationship. Unfortunately, right now, there are no takers for him. If there are, we'll definitely oblige him.

"I think we've been a little bit more proactive than maybe Zaunie thinks," he continued. "Part of making a trade is someone has to want you. Right now, there's no one that has expressed an interest in him. That's where we're at."

Today's lineups:

TAMPA BAY (61-44) at TORONTO (54-52)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Cliff Floyd, DH
Dinor Navarro, C
Eric Hinske, RF
Jason Bartlett, SS

PITCHING: RHP Matt Garza (8-6, 3.83)

JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Brad Wilkerson, RF

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (12-7, 2.82)

TORONTO -- Whodathunk that a stubbed toe would lead to one of the more unlikely callups of the season for the Blue Jays? Word is that lefty Brian Tallet jammed his right pinky toe while walking through his apartment late at night a few evenings ago.

He stubbed the poor toe so bad that he suffered a non-displaced spiral fracture -- got that? Toronto manager Cito Gaston said he prefers to stick with the four lefties in the bullpen, so that meant John Parrish was pulled from the rotation and put in with the relievers.

Up for Wednesday's start is Canada's own Scott Richmond, who was all geared up for a trip to Beijing to pitch for Team Canada in the Olympics. Now, while the team gets introduced on Wednesday at Rogers Centre, Richmond will be introduced as Toronto's starting pitcher. Not bad for a guy who was pitching for Edmonton in the independent leagues a year ago.

It's a great story -- I mean, this guy went from working in a shipyard in North Vancouver to pitching for the Jays -- but is this really the best guy on the farm to fill in? On the year, the 28-year-old Richmond is 5-10 with a 4.29 ERA in 21 starts between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Syracuse.

At Syracuse, the 6-foot-5 righty went a tough-luck 0-2, but had a tidy 2.53 ERA in five starts, striking out 31 and issuing just six walks over 32 innings. Even Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said he'd never seen Richmond pitch. But, this is the "prospect" who is getting the call. Who know, maybe he'll turn out to be a late bloomer.

As for pitching prospects Brett Cecil and Ricky Romero, they've been promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. That's a quick climb for Cecil and, well, Romero should've been there already, seeing as he was the top pick by the Jays in 2005. In his last seven starts at Double-A, Romero was 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA.

In other news, Ricciardi once again declared that A.J. Burnett isn't going to be traded -- this time saying so definitely. He said he's received a lot of calls on a lot of players, just "kicking the tires," and he expects talks to heat up in the next few days as the deadline nears.

Today's lineups:

TAMPA BAY (61-43) at TORONTO (53-52)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Cliff Floyd, DH
Dinor Navarro, C
Eric Hinske, RF
Jason Bartlett, SS

PITCHING: RHP James Shields (9-6, 3.66)

JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Brad Wilkerson, RF

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (11-9, 4.73)

TORONTO -- Been out for a few days, taking a break from the beat and trying to get rid of this nasty cough that's been bugging me for the past week or so. Also had the opportunity to take Mrs. Bastian to see The Dark Knight, which was maybe even better upon second viewing.

I'm out for a couple days and Alex Rios figures out how to hit homers again, Dustin McGowan is done for the year and Aaron Hill has rejoined the club. Had a chance to catch up with Hill today. Basically, he said he wasn't doing anything in Florida he couldn't have been doing all this time with the team, so he decided it was best to head back to Toronto.

His condition isn't much improved, though slightly better, and Hill isn't ready to call it quits on his season. He did say that he'd expect the club to maybe say he's out for the year before he'd ever admit such a thing. Hill hasn't had a dizzy spell in about two weeks, but is still only taking part in light activities. Check out bluejays.com later for more.

Until then...

Today's lineups:

SEATTLE (39-64) at TORONTO (53-51)
at 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

MARINERS
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Jose Vidro, DH
Raul Ibanez, LF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Jose Lopez, 2B
Jeremy Reed, CF
Kenji Johjima, C
Bryan LaHair, 1B
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

PITCHING: LHP Jarrod Washburn (4-9, 4.75)

BLUE JAYS
David Eckstein, DH
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Adam Lind, LF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Kevin Mench, RF
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Shaun Marcum (5-4, 3.05)

BALTIMORE -- Well it's a beautiful day at Camden Yards, where the weather isn't nearly as hot as it has been for the past couple of days. Maybe the rain last night helped cool things down. We're about 15 minutes away from resuming last night's game as well.

When play starts, A.J. Burnett will be in line for a win and Scott Rolen will be in the batter's box with a 1-0 count, two outs and a runner on third base. The Jays are leading, 2-1, and Jays manager Cito Gaston said Jesse Carlson will likely pitch the home half of the sixth.

After the rain-shortened game last night, Burnett said Roy Halladay was kiddingly suggesting that he'd ask to start both games today: "Doc was even joking about. He said, 'Well maybe I can talk them into letting me throw the first one and then I'll ride my bike for a half hour and then start the second one.' I was like, 'Doc, I don't think so, buddy.'"

"Don't put it past him," Gaston said with a laugh.

BALTIMORE -- It's certainly interesting that the Phillies have a scout on hand here at Camden Yards on the day that A.J. Burnett takes the mound for the Jays. Coincidence? Maybe and, then again, maybe not.

Philadelphia already has acquired Joe Blanton for its rotation, so aiming for another starter might not be the goal at the moment. The Phils are in the market for some left-handed help in their bullpen and All-Star closer George Sherrill of the O's undoubtedly fits that mold. For the Jays, Jesse Carlson and Brian Tallet are also there.

In the meantime, the Phils also get another look at Burnett, though prior to his last start, Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi said he "didn't see A.J. going anywhere." I guess we'll know if that'll indeed be the case come July 31.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (49-51) at BALTIMORE (48-51)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, RF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (10-9, 4.84)

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Adam Jones, CF
Nick Markakis, RF
Aubrey Huff, DH
Melvin Mora, 3B
Luke Scott, LF
Kevin Millar, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Brandon Fahey, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (6-7, 3.60)

BALTIMORE -- Shaun Marcum is off the disabled list today, Brian Wolfe got sent down last night, aaaaaaand, that's about all that's going on here. So, tonight I bring you some stats to fill some space.

UNDER JOHN GIBBONS

35-39 record
.258 AVG/.336 OBP/.377 SLG
4.0 runs per game
.231 (155-67) runners in scoring position

UNDER CITO GASTON

13-12 record
.262/.331/.400
4.8 runs per game
.269 (61-227) runners in scoring position

"It might've got a little better since I've been here," Gaston said. "But, it hasn't been great, either."

Very true.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (48-51) at BALTIMORE (48-50)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at a still sweltering Camden Yards

BLUE JAYS
David Eckstein, DH
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, CF
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Kevin Mench, RF
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Shaun Marcum (5-4, 2.65)

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Adam Jones, CF
Nick Markakis, RF
Aubrey Huff, DH
Melvin Mora, 3B
Luke Scott, LF
Kevin Millar, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Juan Castro, SS

PITCHING: LHP Garrett Olson (6-5, 5.79)

BALTIMORE -- It is stinkin' hot here in Baltimore. It's about as hot temperature-wise as it was in Florida, but here you feel like you're just wearing the weather. The humidity is unbelievable and this outdoor pressbox is like a sauna.

While sitting and chatting with Jays skipper Cito Gaston today, Hall-of-Famer Jim Palmer was standing nearby. Someone asked Gaston if he'd ever had the unfortunate task of trying to hit against Palmer back in the day.

"I might've faced him in Spring Training, but he was in the American League all that time and I was in the National League," said Gaston, who then chuckled. "And that was a good thing. I know Gino has faced him..."

At that, Gaston called Jays hitting coach Gene Tenace over and pointed to Palmer: "How'd you do against that guy over there?"

"Terrible," said Tenace, shaking his head and walking away. "I helped him get to the Hall of Fame."

A strange observation from today: inside the Jays clubhouse was a bunch of balloons. The largest was in the shape of a turtle and it read: "Have a speedy recovery." A few of the others had messages like "You're awesome" and "Thinking of you." A note attached had a short poem and finished with the line "We still believe!"

No players had a clue who sent the mystery balloons.

Oh, actual news? Well, as the Toronto Sun reported today, Mel Queen is back in the Jays organization, working with Minor Leaguers. Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said, though, that contrary to the report, Queen was not brought back to "evaluate the farm system" and it was also false that Rob Ducey was on deck to be the next farm director.

Ricciardi said he helped bring Queen back to give the Jays former pitching coach a chance to work in the game again after being out for so many years. Ricciardi said that the 66-year-old Queen will help with "special projects," working individually with pitchers in the system. That's all there is to it, says the GM.

Ricciardi and Gaston also noted that lefty John Parrish will get at least one more turn in the rotation. Ricciardi went on to say that Parrish would be evaluated after his next outing and added that the club wants to get David Purcey up for an extended look at some point this season.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (48-50) at BALTIMORE (47-50)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at a sweltering Camden Yards

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, RF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
David Eckstein, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (8-6, 4.16)

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Adam Jones, CF
Nick Markakis, RF
Aubrey Huff, DH
Melvin Mora, 3B
Luke Scott, LF
Kevin Millar, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Brandon Fahey, SS

PITCHING: RHP Radhames Liz (3-2, 7.57)

ST. PETERSBURG -- Am I alone in thinking it's time to slide Adam Lind up the batting order? Blue Jays skip Cito Gaston moved Lind up to the seventh hole again on Sunday, but I think it'd make sense to promot the youngster to the second spot.

Since being called up upon Gaston's arrival, all Lind has done is hit .338 (22-for-65) with four homers and 17 RBIs in 19 games. Shoot, he's hit as many long balls as Alex Rios in about a fifth of the at-bats. The way things are going, Lind may lead the whole stinkin' team in homers when it's all said and done.

"I want to see how he handles that sort of thing," Gaston said about moving Lind higher in the order. "I think he can handle it. It's not the first time. Who knows? This kid might end up being a four-place hitter. Let's just take it a little bit at a time."

On another note, Gaston wouldn't go as far as saying Gregg Zaun was now the "backup" behind the plate, but the manager said he believes Rod Barajas has earned the right to have more playing time. Funny enough, they each had an 0-for-13 slump entering Sunday's game against the Rays.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (47-50) at TAMPA BAY (57-39)
at 1:40 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field

JAYS
Joe Inglett, RF
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Gregg Zaun, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: LHP John Parrish (1-0, 2.77)

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Evan Longoria, DH
Carlos Pena, 1B
Willy Aybar, 3B
Shawn Riggans, C
Jonny Gomes, RF
Ben Zobrist, SS

PITCHING: RHP Edwin Jackson (5-6, 3.93)

ST. PETERSBURG -- It's '90s night here at The Trop and following the game, the Rays are having a concert featuring none other than MC Hammer. The Hammer, wearing a No. 44 Rays jersey, just threw out the ceremonial first pitch and he took BP prior to the game.

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston was excited enough to be a part of Hammer Time that the skipper had his picture taken with the star rapper, turned preacher, and once, yes, batboy. Hammer was a batboy for the A's from 1972-1980 and was around when Jays first-base coach Dwayne Murphy and hitting coach Gene Tenace were with the Oakland organization. Apparently, Reggie Jackson has taken credit for nicknaming the young Stanley Burrell "The Hammer" because he looked like Aaron.

"I'm a fan," Gaston said. "I think Gino knew him when he was a kid. He was in the clubhouse all the time in Oakland. That name Hammer comes from a good friend of mine -- Hank Aaron. I just walked out here today and I got to meet him out here. It was a good day for me."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (47-49) at TAMPA BAY (56-39)
at 6:10 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field

JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Brad Wilkerson, RF
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (11-6, 2.71)

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
Carl Crawford, LF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Eric Hinske, RF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Cliff Floyd, DH
B.J. Upton, CF
Dioner Navarro, C
Ben Zobrist, SS

PITCHING: RHP Matt Garza (7-5, 3.96)

ST. PETERSBURG -- I thought coming to St. Pete would allow us a chance to catch up with second baseman Aaron Hill, who has been residing in Florida these days while he tries to come back from his nasty concussion.

Unfortunately for us scribes, Hill was a no-show at the workout on Thursday and wasn't with the team prior to Friday's game. We did chat with Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who has resorted to shrugs when asked about Hill's status.

Ricciardi said nobody's told him to start worrying that Hill may be entering Corey Koskie territory here. But we did ask Ricciardi if it's starting to approach a point where the Blue Jays believe Hill could possibly be done for the year.

"I think that's how we're looking now," Ricciardi said. "I don't think he is done for the year -- unless someone tells us he is -- but we're preparing for a worst-base scenario."

Needless to say, the Jays aren't sounding very confident about Hill's chances to make a swift return from the post-concussion symptoms he's had since colliding with David Eckstein in late May. Hopefully, Hill can make a full return.

IN OTHER NEWS: Shaun Marcum is now the tentative starter for Tuesday in Baltimore. On Thursday, Marcum spun four perfect innings with six strikeouts for Class A Dunedin. If all goes according to plan, he'll be activated from the DL to make the start ... Righty Dustin McGowan (right shoulder) will be re-evaluated by Dr. Timothy Kremchek in two weeks. ... In relation to trade rumors about A.J. Burnett, Ricciardi said, "I don't see A.J. going anywhere."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (47-48) at TAMPA BAY (55-39)
at 7:10 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field

JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Brad Wilkerson, RF
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (10-9, 4.96)

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
Carl Crawford, LF
B.J. Upton, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
Cliff Floyd, DH
Dioner Navarro, C
Eric Hinske, RF
Ben Zobrist, SS

PITCHING: RHP James Shields (7-6, 3.83)

WHAT A KNIGHT: Thanks to Mark Zwolinksi of the Star for gutting it out to go see the midnight showing of The Dark Knight with me last night. Man, that was a spec-freakin-tacular film. Heath Ledger was amazing and the movie was strong. I didn't get to bed until 4 a.m., but it was worth the lack of sleep. Go see it. I know I'm seeing it at least once more.

TORONTO -- Anyone catch that Home Run Derby last night? Congrats to the Canadian Justin Morneau on taking the crown, but no one will remember that aspect. Everyone will remember the show that Josh Hamilton put on, putting some last-minute dents in Yankee Stadium before it closes its doors for good.

Seeing Hamilton rip baseballs off the billboards beyond the right-field bleachers and peppering the third deck with 500-foot bombs was a blast -- 28 in the first round? Are you kidding me? And none were cheapos either. That was a joy to watch, even if I was in my living room in Toronto and not at The Stadium.

Mrs. Bastian is working tonight, so I'm planning on taking a break for the health kick I'm on by ordering a pizza and watching the All-Star Game. I will say that I believe BoSox manager Terry Francona made the wrong choice for the American League starter, going with Cliff Lee over Roy Halladay. But I digress...

As promised, I'm going to roll out my midseason award winners. Here we go:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Josh Hamilton, Texas

COMMENT: Call me a sucker for a great storyline. There's certainly a case to be made for Kinsler (.419 with runners in scoring position), or even Texas teammate Milton Bradley, but Hamilton's 21 homers and 95 RBIs before the break seem too hard to ignore. To return from the depths that Hamilton has is amazing, and what he's doing on a baseball field is simply icing on the cake.

APOLOGIES TO: Ian Kinsler (TEX), Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Jermaine Dye (CWS)

CY YOUNG AWARD: Roy Halladay, Toronto

COMMENT: Logging nearly 150 innings and spinning seven complete games and two shutouts before the break is ridiculous these days, when six innings and three earned runs are considered to be a "quality" start. Doc's ERA is only a touch above Lee's and, for not being much of a strikeout pitcher, Halladay nearly leads the league. Throw in just 21 walks and I just can't see why he isn't starting the All-Star Game.

APOLOGIES TO: Cliff Lee (CLE), Joe Saunders (LAA), Justin Duchscherer (OAK)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay

COMMENT: Longoria didn't make the Rays' roster out of Spring Training, but since being summoned from a brief stay in the Minors, he's emerged as the elite rookie in this year's class. Longoria, with his 16 homers and 53 RBIs at the break, is the face of Tampa Bay's unbelievable first half. It says something when Tampa Bay signed him to an extension before he barely had his feet wet in the bigs.

APOLOGIES TO: Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS), Nick Blackburn (MIN), David Murphy (TEX)

MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay

COMMENT: So they ended the first half with a seven-game skid? Did you think the Rays were going to go all season without a losing streak? Finishing second in the AL East to the reigning World Series champ Red Sox is accomplishment enough for a Rays squad that resided in the cellar a year ago. The question is whether Maddon can leads his troops to an unlikely October appearance.

APOLOGIES TO: Ron Gardenhire, Ozzie Guillen, Mike Scioscia

NATIONAL LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Lance Berkman, Houston

COMMENT: This was by far the most difficult pick for me. There's a strong case to be made for Utley's season for first-place Philly, Jones' quest for a .400 average and for what Pujols is still doing for a St. Louis team that was left for dead in the preseason polls. Shoot, I hate to even leave Hanley Ramirez off the list. But, strictly poring over the statistics, I can't go against Berkman (.347/.443/.653, 22 HR, 30 2B, 73 RBIs, 56 BB vs. 61 K, 15 SB, 79 R).

APOLOGIES TO: Chase Utley (PHI), Chipper Jones (ATL), Albert Pujols (STL)

CY YOUNG AWARD: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco

COMMENT: I know, how good would that Alex Rios for Lincecum trade look right now for the Jays? Well, really, who knows with how Toronto's staff hasn't received much run support? Then again, Lincecum has gone 11-2 with a 2.57 ERA and 135 strikeouts against 47 walks for a Giants club that has actually scored fewer runs than the Blue Jays this season. That, to me, makes Lincecum the first-half Cy over the others.

APOLOGIES TO: Brandon Webb (ARI), Edinson Volquez (CIN), Ben Sheets (MIL)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Geovany Soto, Chicago

COMMENT: Besides absolutely raking for my fantasy team -- the South Side Spartans -- Soto has been stellar (16 HR, 56 RBIs, .891 OPS) for the Cubbies. Growing up in Chicago, catcher always seemed to a trouble spot for the North Siders (Todd Hundley anyone?). It doesn't appear to be that way anymore with Soto, who has been instrumental in the Cubs' quest to shed that 100-years-with-no-World-Series label. And I'll always pick a "true" rookie like Soto over someone like Fukudome.

APOLOGIES TO: Kosuke Fukudome (CHC), Jair Jurrjens (ATL), Joey Votto (CIN)

MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Tony LaRussa, St. Louis

COMMENT: When it's all said and done, this honor might fall to Yost, whose Brewers could have a huge second half with C.C. Sabathia and Sheets heading their rotation. For now, the story of the NL Central has been the Cardinals -- not the Cubs. Even I had the Cards finishing fifth in the division. It'll be interesting to see who wins the three-team race between the Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals down the stretch. As good as the Cubs have been, this could go down to the wire.

APOLOGIES TO: Lou Piniella (CHC), Fredi Gonzalez (FLA), Ned Yost (MIL)

(For what it's worth, my preseason picks for these awards also included Halladay, Maddon and Soto for their respective accolades. Of course, I did pick Toronto, Cleveland and Seattle to each finish second in their respective divisions, too.)

TORONTO -- I'm on short rest because my fat dog is taking to demanding food in the middle of the night. Down on the mound at Rogers Centre, A.J. Burnett is pitching on short rest because, well, it's better than going with an all bullpen outing for the Blue Jays I suppose.

Some rotation matters to attend to. As Jays skip Cito Gaston stated after last night's game, if Roy Halladay pitches in the All-Star Game, which he likely will, Burnett is probably going to start that first game on the road against the Rays on Friday.

That'd mean Doc would follow in the second tilt and either Jesse Litsch or John Parrish will take the ball in game three, with the other in the opener on the road against Baltimore on July 21st (right now, Parrish's stock might be a little higher than young Jesse's). As for the 22nd? That was deemed a possibility for Shaun Marcum.

Gaston said today that's probably not going to be the case. Marcum -- rehabbing his tender right elbow down in Florida -- will likely be included in the following turn of Toronto's rotation. That means perhaps he'll take the ball on a limited pitch count (60-65) in the July 27th game at home against Seattle.

With Marcum a possible no-go on the 22nd against the O's, that means the Jays will need a spot starter. This week, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said he'd prefer not to call David Purcey up again for that type of outing. If Purcey is up, Ricciardi wants it to be for a while so the Jays can take look at what they have there.

So that fifth starter slot is up in the air for the time being for your Toronto Blue Jays. Bill Murphy? Kane Davis? Davis Romero? Brian Tallet out of the bullpen? Some of you might sound the Brett Cecil (Double-A) horns, but I don't see any way he comes up for a spot start, which would start the clock on him unnecessarily early.

My midseason awards picks will come this week. Stay tuned...

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (50-44) at TORONTO (46-48)
at 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Wilson Betemit, 1B
Brett Gardner, LF

PITCHING: LHP Andy Pettitte (10-6, 3.93)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, CF
David Eckstein, DH
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Kevin Mench, RF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (9-8, 5.23)

TORONTO -- Not a whole heckuva lot going on around here this morning. There were tons of little items yesterday and a bunch of nothin' going today. Although, we can offer a warm welcome to Alessandra, Alex Rios' baby daughter born last night in Puerto Rico.

With Rios still away and Vernon Wells on the DL with his left hammy issue, Blue Jays mananger Cito Gaston stuck with Adam Lind in left, Brad Wilkerson in center and Mighty Joe Inglett in right field for today's tilt against the Yankees.

Come Sunday, A.J. Burnett will take the mound on short rest for the Jays. He'll be pitching on three days' rest -- something he said he's never done before in his career. Well, Burnett is partly correct. He has pitched on three days' rest before, just not under these circumstances.

Earlier this season, Burnett started on three days' rest on April 20 after making a rare relief appearance the outing before. In 2004, Burnett came back on three days' rest after having his previous start shortened to 30 pitches due to rain. So, this is the first time Burnett is making two legit starts in a row on such short notice (he logged 112 pitches on Wednesday).

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (49-44) at TORONTO (46-47)
at 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, 1B
Jorge Posada, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Chad Moeller, C
Brett Gardner, LF

PITCHING: RHP Darrell Rasner (4-7, 4.94)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, RF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Matt Stairs, DH
Brad Wilkerson, CF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, LF
Gregg Zaun, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (8-5, 4.01)

TORONTO -- There's a bunch of little items to go over, so I'm going to attack this bullet style. Ready or not, here we go:

• Alex Rios is in Puerto Rico, where his fiancee was due to give birth to their first child on Friday, and he's expected to miss the entire Yankees series
• A.J. Burnett is now scheduled to start on Sunday instead of left-hander Brian Tallet. Burnett will be pitching on three days' rest
• Vernon Wells is still with the team, but will head home to Texas over the break to begin rehab. He'll rejoin with the club for the series in St. Pete against the Rays and can move his rehab to the club's facility in Dunedin, Fla.
• Aaron Hill still has no timetable for a return from the disabled list, but he at least has some good news going for him. Hill has started fielding grounders and hitting off a tee -- his first baseball activity since being shut down in mid June
• Shaun Marcum started throwing off a mound earlier this week and is on pace to come off the DL shortly after the break, perhaps as soon as July 21 or 22, which we already knew.
• Jeremy Accardo is down to throw in a modified mound session on Saturday, meaning it's a lighter work load -- maybe 30 pitches or so -- and he may be throwing off the front of the mound to lessen the stress on his arm
• Rotation out of the All-Star break looks like Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Jesse Litsch, John Parrish and perhaps Shaun Marcum (if he's ready). Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi doesn't want to call up David Purcey if it's just for one start: "I just don't want to spot start him. ... He's deserving of more than one start. He's had a great year in Triple-A, so to run him up for one start, if we bring him up, I think I'd like to have him for more than one start."
• Could that play into the Burnett trade rumors? Well, Ricciardi said there's no talks going on, despite some published reports stating otherwise, but the GM also said that Dustin McGowan's injury doesn't affect the team possibly dealing Burnett: "I dont think McGowan affects anything. If we're going to do anything, we're going to do what helps out club. We've got Purcey, who can come up and pitch, but we have absolutely nothing going in the way of a trade. We're not looking to trade anybody right now and we have no conversations going with anybody in that regard."

So, there you go...

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (49-43) at TORONTO (45-47)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Brett Gardner, LF
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Wilson Betemit, 1B
Melky Cabrera, CF

PITCHING: RHP Joba Chamberlain (2-2, 2.45)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, RF
David Eckstein, SS
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Matt Stairs, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Scott Rolen, 3B
Brad Wilkerson, CF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (10-6, 2.88)

TORONTO -- Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news? Well, I guess it's up to me, so I'll get the bad out of the way: Vernon Wells is expected to miss four to six weeks with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.

That's not good. So Wells is back on the DL and sidelined until some time in August. No word on who the Jays are going to be calling up, but scanning the Minor League report here, Matt Watson seems a likely candidate. Wayne Lydon and Buck Coats are also options. Travis Snider could be a darkhorse, but I doubt Toronto would want to start the clock on him so soon.

The good news? It doesn't look like Dustin McGowan will need surgery on his sore right shoulder. He has a tear in hsi rotator cuff, but the MRI revealed no new damage when compared to an MRI McGowan had on his shoulder near the end of last season. It's normal wear and tear, so his shoulder may just have some inflammation right now.

Just to be safe, Dr. Timothy "I performed Tommy John surgery on B.J. Ryan" Kremcheck is going to take a gander at McGowan's MRI results on Monday, with an appointment with the pitcher to follow probably some time next week. McGowan is out at least a month and maybe longer. Don't expect him back on a mound until mid to late August.

For now, Brian Tallet will make a spot start on Sunday. Following the All-Star break, David Purcey may get the call to fill in for McGowan. Shaun Marcum will be due to return shortly after the break as well, so that will help. If A.J. Burnett isn't dealt, that's a rotation of Roy Halladay, Burnett, Jesse Litsch, Marcum and Parrish/Purcey in the second half.

There's still plenty of talk about Burnett being dealt before the trade deadline, though. The Jays have reportedly sent assistent GM Tony Lacava out to scout Phillies Minor Leagues in anticipation of Philadelphia coming calling on Burnett's availability. The two sides have engaged in talks yet, but Toronto is getting ready to listen for sure.

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE (44-45) at TORONTO (44-47)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Nick Markakis, RF
Kevin Millar, DH
Aubrey Huff, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Melvin Mora, 3B
Jay Payton, LF
Adam Jones, CF
Brandon Fahey, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (5-7, 3.61)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
David Eckstein, SS
Alex Rios, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Scott Rolen, 3B
Brad Wilkerson, RF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: LHP John Parrish (1-0, 1.50)

ANAHEIM -- On a relaxing Sunday afternoon here at Angel Stadium, a whole mess of Blue Jays were lounging around the clubhouse, watching the All-Star rosters being announced. Roy Halladay was over at his locker, just back from a run, getting ready to go hit the weightroom.

Needless to say, Doc was busy working when it was revealed that he was named to his fifth American League All-Star team. Halladay is the lone Blue Jays representative this season -- a year after Alex Rios was the only Toronto player at the Midsummer Classic. Doc's selection is well-deserved -- he's been a machine this year.

Nothing else really going on. Gregg Zaun caught wind of the fact that I have been running a lot and asked me if I got my run in today. Yep, 12 miles this morning. He told me he ran cross country way back in the day. Someone nearby in the clubhouse laughed and asked why, "Because my mom wouldn't sign the permission slip for football."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (42-46) at LOS ANGELES (52-35)
at 3:35 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Gregg Zaun, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (8-4, 3.69)

ANGELS
Chone Figgins, 3B
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Vladimir Guerrero, DH
Torii Hunter, CF
Garret Anderson, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Juan Rivera, RF
Jeff Mathis, C
Erick Aybar, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jon Garland (7-5, 3.99)

ANAHEIM -- Casey Janssen and Jeremy Accardo have a double date with Dr. Lewis Yocum here tonight. Janssen's hoping to get the go-ahead to begin throwing for the first time since season-ending surgery on his right shoulder in March. Accardo wants some peace of mind about his right forearm strain so he can breathe easier in bullpen sessions.

Janssen said today that he doesn't see why he wouldn't be cleared, considering how well his workouts have been going. Talked to pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, who caught Accardo in a long-toss session on Friday and said he doesn't think Accardo will need Tommy John surgery -- the worst-case scenario.

In a perfect world, which this is not, Janssen will be cleared and on pace to fight for a job with the Jays next spring. Accardo will be told there's no ligament damage in his arm and he'll continue his program with the goal of getting back in the bullpen within the next few weeks. We'll know more later...

As for the ol' lineup, Jays skip Cito Gaston did some tweaking today, moving Mighty Joe Inglett into the leadoff spot and giving Brad Wilkerson the nod in left (Adam Lind is the DH). If the new top of the lineup produces some tonight, Gaston said maybe he'll stick with Inglett in the No. 1 hole for a while.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (41-46) at LOS ANGELES (52-34)
at 9:05 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Brad Wilkerson, LF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Gregg Zaun, C
Adam Lind, DH

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (9-6, 2.90)

ANGELS
Chone Figgins, 3B
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Maicer Izturis, SS
Vladimir Guerrero, RF
Torii Hunter, CF
Garret Anderson, DH
Gary Matthews Jr., LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Mike Napoli, C

PITCHING: RHP John Lackey (6-1, 1.44)

ANAHEIM -- No bank robberies to report on today. But, on my flight down from Seattle, I did spy some of those California wild fires that are an annual summer occurance here. It was a bit, well, wild to see the smoke rising from the hills as my plane headed toward SoCal.

Happy Fourth of July to my fellow Americans. It's a lovely day here, too, bright and sunny with one little puff of what can hardly be considered a substantial cloud in the sky. Great night for some fireworks -- too bad I'll probably be in the clubhouse for the display. Maybe I'll make it back to the pressbox for the grand finale.

Baseball? Well, Jeremy Accardo is in town with the Jays and scheduled to meet with Dr. Lewis Yocum -- an arm specialist who doubles as an Angels team doctor -- about his forearm injury. Accardo said he's throwing off a mound and he only feels a twinge in his arm when he drops his arm slot. He's hoping the visit with the doc is for peace of mind more than anything.

Casey Janssen is also with the team here, but it's status quo for the injured righty. Yocum was the doctor who performed shoulder surgery on Janssen back in March. Nothing much else going on with the Jays -- unless you consider trade rumors to be something much.

Reports are that the Jays are searching for a shortstop, using A.J. Burnett as bait. Manager Cito Gaston has been cycling Marco Scutaro, David Eckstein and John McDonald in and out at short. The Jays could certainly benefit from a shortstop with some more offense who could play every day. One report out of Baltimore also indicated that the Orioles are also interested in Eckstein.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (41-45) at LOS ANGELES (51-34)
at 9:05 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, SS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 4.74)

ANGELS
Chone Figgins, 3B
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Maicer Izturis, SS
Vladimir Guerrero, RF
Torii Hunter, CF
Garret Anderson, DH
Gary Matthews Jr., LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Jeff Mathis, C

PITCHING: RHP Jered Weaver (7-8, 4.30)

SEATTLE -- There are a bunch of behemoth softball dudes on the field right now taking huge hacks here at Safeco Field. And boy are they making this park look small. Matt Stairs would certainly not look out of place in this Home Run Derby.

There's been some monster shots off the windows of a restaurant on the second deck in right and one that nearly bounced off the Safeco Field sign that towers over the upper deck in left -- right up by the tracks for the retractable roof. Wild stuff.

Speaking of tracks, Jays skip Cito Gaston was weaving some tales of his days playing ball back in the 1970s. He brought up a time when he played for a team in Leone, Mexico and travelled to a stadium where train tracks literally ran through the ballpark. Twice a game, time had to be called while a train passed through the outfield.

On a side note, farewell to the Seattle Supersonics. Being a big NBA fan, I think it's a travesty that there won't be a team in this town. At least the city was able to retain the team name and history in the deal. Hopefully it won't be too, too long before the Sonics are back. Watching Michael Jordan and the Bulls beat Seattle in the 1996 Finals, when MJ won it on Father's Day after losing his dad, is one of my favorite sports memories.

Back to baseball...

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (41-44) at SEATTLE (32-51)
at 10:10 p.m. ET at lovely Safeco Field

BLUE JAYS
David Eckstein, SS
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Matt Stairs, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Adam Lind, LF

PITCHING: RHP Dustin McGowan (6-6, 4.26)

MARINERS
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Miguel Cairo, 2B
Raul Ibanez, LF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Jeremy Reed, CF
Richie Sexson, 1B
Jeff Clement, DH
Kenji Johjima, C
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

PITCHING: LHP Jarrod Washburn (3-7, 4.30)

TORONTO -- Happy Canada Day everyone. The Mariners were kind enough to have a nice little pregame ceremony to honor this holiday, complete with a flyover by four NORAD jets, including a pair from the U.S. and a pair from Canada.

Also on the field were military from both nations. On the Canadian side, one of the RCMP officers was a woman named Martha Cormier, who happens to be Matt Stairs' sister. She's stationed at the RCMP's Kelowna detachment.

Hey, if you're not going to be in Toronto for Canada, this is the place to be. People flood down from Vancouver to see the Jays and actually make this place pretty pro Blue Jays. Honestly, this crowd of Jays fanatics seems louder than the fans who frequent Rogers Centre.

"Happy Canada Day," Jays skip Cito Gaston said. "It certainly helps that we have some fans here. Hopefully, they'll be cheering us on like they did last night. If you can't spend it at home, this is a great place to spend it."

Did I paraphrase Cito's quote or what? But, it's true. On Monday night, there were chants for Cito, a fine rendition of the Mar-co Scu-ta-ro chants, and at one point, there were loud cries of Hall-a-day! Hall-a-day! And believe me, the raucous Toronto fans didn't go unnoticed.

"It's kind of a weird thing, especially on the road," Halladay said. "Obviously, being close to Canada here [will bring out the fans], but it's a different feeling to go into a road city and be able to hear fans from your own town."

As for my day today, I enjoyed a nice five-mile run along Puget Sound this morning and as I was heading back into downtown with my earphones in and Arcade Fire blasting from my ipod, I noticed that there were a handful of helicopters overhead, which seemed odd. As I got closer to the street my hotel was on, there were cop cars and ambulances blocking my path.

Turns out that some bozo tried to rob a bank in West Seattle and the chase with the cops ended near my hotel. Last year, I had that huge gas pipe explosion near my hotel in New York. This year I get close to a big shootout in Seattle. While standing by and watching the happenings, I spotted a man wearing a Michigan State hat.

We got to chatting and it turns out that he knows some people in the Tigers organization and he works in the ticket office at MSU. We talked some baseball and he even invited to buy me a coffee so we could talk ball some more, but I was itching to get out of my workout clothes. So it was nice to me you, Richard. I'll take a raincheck on the coffee.

Also, asked David Eckstein today about a recent report that said he'd been fielding grounders at second base. He said no one told him to work out at second and he never fielded grounders, just turned some double plays. With he and John McDonald and Marco Scutaro splitting time at short, he just rotated over there on his own one day to help out during practice.

"It was funny," Eckstein said with a laugh. "My wife even called me and said, 'I read that you were fielding grounders at second base?' I wasn't. I did turn a couple double plays, but no one asked me to go over there. I did play second base until I got to the big leagues."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (41-43) at SEATTLE (31-51)
at 10:10 p.m. ET at lovely Safeco Field

BLUE JAYS
David Eckstein, DH
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Gregg Zaun, C
Adam Lind, LF
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (8-4, 3.82)

MARINERS
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Jose Lopez, 2B
Raul Ibanez, LF
Jose Vidro, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Jeremy Reed, CF
Richie Sexson, 1B
Jeff Clement, C
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

PITCHING: LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (2-1, 2.66)