ST. PETERSBURG -- It's time to roll out this year's annual Bastian Postseason Awards. I'm hanging at my hotel here in Florida, getting ready to watch the White Sox and Twins play for the right to join me at Tropicana Field tomorrow. In the meantime, here are my picks:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

CY YOUNG AWARD

1. Roy Halladay, TOR: 20-11, 2.78 ERA, 9 CG, 246 IP, 206 K, 39 BB, 1.05 WHIP, .237 BAA
2. Cliff Lee, CLE: 22-3, 2.54 ERA, 223.1 IP, 170 K, 34 BB, 1.11 WHIP, .253 BAA
3. Francisco Rodriguez, LAA: 62 saves, 2.24 ERA, 77 K, 34 BB, 68.1 IP

Apologies to: Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS; Mike Mussina, NYY; Joakim Soria, KC; Mariano Rivera, NYY; Jon Lester, BOS.

COMMENT: No, I am not a homer. But, I will admit that it is a joy to watch Halladay pitch every five days. I give Doc the nod here based on a few things. One, I'm a sucker for innings and complete games. Second, Halladay received 4.72 runs or support to Lee's 6.13, and pitched in a far tougher division. Consider that in Halladay's 11 losses, he received just 23 runs to work with from his offense. Lee had a fantastic season, but if you look at everything but their records, Halladay should be the obvious pick -- at least to me. I've included K-Rod in the top three as an honorary pick for setting the all-time single-season saves record. I realize he arguably wasn't the best closer this season, but that record is too impressive to ignore.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

1. Dustin Pedroia, BOS: .326 AVG, 17 HR, 54 2B, 83 RBI, 213 H, 118 R, .869 OPS
2. Justin Morneau, MIN: .302 AVG, 23 HR, 47 2B, 129 RBI, .877 OPS
3. Kevin Youkilis, BOS: .312 AVG, 29 HR, 115 RBI, .958 OPS

Apologies to: Carlos Quentin, CWS; Miguel Cabrera, DET; Alex Rodriguez, NYY; Joe Mauer, MIN; Josh Hamilton, TEX; Milton Bradley, TEX.

COMMENT: Through August, Quentin seemed destined to take home the AL MVP -- that was until he broke his wrist by slapping his bat in frustration. With Quentin missing the final month, this race became wide open. My first reaction was to give it to Morneau, considering Minny wasn't expected to do anything this season and, without him, they wouldn't have. But, upon further review, I bought into the Pedroia hype. He plays a strong second base, helped out in the heart of Boston's order when David Ortiz was out, and put up some solid numbers for a little guy. One that I always look at is strikeouts to walks, and Pedroia fanned 52 times and drew 50 walks -- almost even. He also stole 20 bases and was caught just once. Oh, and he led the league in hits and runs scored. Good enough for me.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1. Evan Longoria, TB: .272 AVG, 27 HR, 31 2B, 85 RBI, .531 SLG, .874 OPS
2. Alexei Ramirez, CWS: .290 AVG, 21 HR, 77 RBI
3. Armando Galarraga, DET: 13-7, 3.73 ERA, 178.2 IP

Apologies to: Jose Arredondo, LAA; David Murphy, TEX; Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS; Mike Aviles, KC; Glen Perkins, MIN; Nick Blackburn, MIN; Jesse Carlson, TOR.

COMMENT: This is a no brainer. Longoria is practically the posterboy for Tampa Bay's turnaround this season. From worst team in baseball in '07, to AL East champs in '08, with Longoria unaware of what it was like to play for a losing team in St. Pete. His numbers would be solid over a full season, but he missed time due to injury, and put up those totals in 448 at-bats. It's similar to what Ryan Braun did last year for the Brewers en route to the NL's ROY honor. Behind Longoria, there is a wealth of talent in this rookie class, but Ramirez and Galarraga stand out. Ellsbury could just as easily be among the top three as well.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

1. Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay: 97-65
2. Terry Francona, Boston: 95-67
3. Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota, 88-74

COMMENT: Maddon should be a unanimous pick for this award. It's one thing to show improvement, but to climb out of the cellar and jump over all four AL East teams to claim the crown? And on a $44 million payroll? The Rays should have shed the "Devil" tag a lot sooner. As for Francona, he's done an admirable job with an injury-riddled roster all year long, and Garden hire took advantage of a surprisingly weak AL Central, putting the Twins within striking distance of the playoffs -- maybe even in the playoffs with a win tonight.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

CY YOUNG AWARD

1. Tim Lincecum, SF: 18-5, 2.62 ERA, 265 K, 227 IP, 1.17 WHIP, .221 BAA
2. Brandon Webb, ARI: 22-7, 3.30 ERA, 183 K, 65 BB, 3 CG, 1.20 WHIP
3. Ryan Dempster, CHC: 17-6, 2.96 ERA

Apologies to: Johan Santana, NYM; C.C. Sabathia, MIL; Brad Lidge, PHI.

COMMENT: Anyone wish the Blue Jays would've swung that trade for Lincecum now? The young right-hander threw down some wicked numbers for a weak San Francisco squad this season, and no disrespect to Webb and his 22 dubyas, but Lincecum was the top pitcher in the league. Timmy had a 3.15 K/BB ratio and logged a quality start (at least six innings and no more than three earned runs) 79 percent of the time.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

1. Albert Pujols, STL: .357 AVG, 37 HR, 44 2B, 116 RBI, 100 R, .653 SLG, 1.114 OPS
2. Ryan Howard, PHI: .251 AVG, 48 HR, 146 RBI, 105 R, .543 SLG
3. David Wright, NYM: .302 AVG, 33 HR, 42 2B, 124 RBI, 115 R, .924 OPS

Apologies to: Chipper Jones, ATL; Lance Berkman, HOU; Hanley Ramirez, FLA; Carlos Delgado, NYM; Ryan Ludwick, STL; Manny Ramirez, LAD.

COMMENT: Why on Earth would Pujols want to get that elbow surgery? If it ain't broke...you know? Prince Albert had (yawn) another season of .330/30/100 -- his fifth such showing in eight years. This year, he did so with a team that wasn't expected to do much. So they finished fourth, they could've been a lot worse off this season, and where would they have been without him? I don't always buy into the "MVPs shouldn't be on teams that don't make the playoffs" argument. The Cardinals were within striking distance most of the season in a year no one thought they'd do anything. That credit goes largely to Albert. There's a serious case to be made for Howard and Wright as well, and Jones should get some well-earned consideration, too.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1. Geovany Soto, CHC: .285 AVG, 23 HR, 86 RBI, .868 OPS
2. Joey Votto, CIN: .297 AVG, 24 HR, 84 RBI, .874 OPS
3. Jair Jurrjens, ATL: 13-10, 3.68 ERA, 139 K, 188.1 IP

Apologies to: Kosuke Fukudome, CHC; Johnny Cueto, CIN; Hiroki Kuroda, LAD.

COMMENT: There's certainly a case to be made for Toronto native Joey Votto, but what Soto has done behind the plate has been integral to the Cubs' success this year. Handing a rookie catcher a full-time job takes is a leap of faith in its own, but Soto came through in a big way. Offensively, he was strong all year. Behind the plate, Soto had a 3.80 catcher's ERA, which was the second-best mark among qualified NL regulars. Now, the Cubbies are in the playoffs for the second straight year -- a first since 1907-08 -- and vying for their first World Series title in a century. Oh, and Soto was nails for my league champion fantasy team. Just saying...

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

1. Lou Piniella, CHC: 97-64
2. Charlie Manuel, PHI: 92-70
3. Cecil Cooper, HOU: 86-75

COMMENT: As noted in the previous section, Cubs fans are enjoying a type of success they haven't witnessed in 100 years. Piniella deserves all the credit in the world for helping Chicago reach this point. The Cubs were the best team in the National League this year, making me wish I was still just a kid in Chi-town. Manuel and his Phils benefited from another Mets collapse and won the NL East for a second straight year, this time with 92 wins. It helps having a pair of MVPs in your lineup. As for Cooper, I'm including him for Houston's surprise act in the second half. They came out of nowhere and ended up right in the thick of the Wild Card race.

So, there you have it. Comments and arguments are always welcome. Who are your picks?

BALTIMORE -- So, this is it. The fat lady is warming up, while the Blue Jays get ready to play out Game No. 162 to complete this 2008 campaign. It's been an interesting season -- stellar pitching, subpar hitting, a managerial change and a fourth place finish for Toronto.

There were some silver linings: Doc Halladay doing what he does best, A.J. Burnett having a career year, B.J. Ryan coming back from Tommy John, the bullpen performing as baseball's best, the promotion of Travis Snider, the emergence of Joe Inglett and Jesse Carlson, the versatility of Marco Scutaro and the return of Cito Gaston.

There were some forgettable items: Aaron Hill being knocked out for the year with a concussion, Alex Rios struggling to clear the fence, Vernon Wells landing on the shelf twice due to freak injuries, Scott Rolen battling a shoulder injury -- again, the losses of Dustin McGowan until next year, the loss of Shaun Marcum until 2010, the canning of John Gibbons, and that mild war of words between J.P. Ricciardi and Adam Dunn.

Now comes the offseason: Jays trying to convince Burnett to stay, maybe going after a designated hitter or a shortstop, the possible resignation of president and CEO Paul Godfrey, and Toronto trying to avoid a bleak forecast for its rotation.

As for me, I'll be following the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the playoffs and then running the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12. I'll be blogging throughout the winter and will be back at it again in 2009. Coming this week, I'll dish out the 2008 Bastian Awards, providing my picks for the annual season-end awards.

And, one last time this year, here are:

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (85-76) at BALTIMORE (68-92)
at 1:35 p.m. ET at Camden Yards

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

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (12-9, 3.67)

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

PITCHING: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (10-11, 3.57)

BALTIMORE -- A source with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed on Saturday that the Blue Jays are preparing to offer pitcher A.J. Burnett two additional years at around $30 million on top of his current contract, which expires after 2010.

"I don't think a number has been put down yet," the source said. "That's probably as good a guess as anything, though. But, terms haven't really been discussed."

Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi has repeatedly noted that he hasn't been in contact with Burnett's representative, but the pitcher said Saturday that his agent, Darek Braunecker, met with Ricciardi recently in Toronto.

Upon hearing that, Ricciardi altered his story.

"We talked, but it wasn't about money or anything like that," he said.

If the contract extension being offered is indeed four-years, $54 million through 2012, including the $24 million Burnett is owed over the next two seasons under his current deal, it will fall short of what the right-hander could command on the open market.

Another source indicated that Burnett could potentially fetch between $15-20 million annually over a long-term deal as a free agent. Burnett said he still hasn't decided whether or not he's going to opt out of his contract to test his value.

"I haven't decided that. I don't know," Burnett said. "It depends on what these guys offer and on what me and my family think and then we'll make that decision after that. But I'm not 100 percent going to opt out."

Toronto's best shot at signing Burnett is in October, before other teams can start talking to him.

"That's the only way," a source said. "If he declares the opt out, chances decrease tremendously."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (85-75) at BALTIMORE (67-92)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards

BLUE JAYS
MaJoe Inglett, 2B
Jose Bautista, 3B
Adam Lind, DH
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Brad Wilkerson, CF
Kevin Mench, LF
Travis Snider, RF
Gregg Zaun, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: LHP John Parrish (1-0, 4.10)

ORIOLES
Jay Payton, RF
Luis Montanez, LF
Melvin Mora, DH
Oscar Salazar, 3B
Adam Jones, CF
Ramon Hernandez, C
Kevin Millar, 1B
Alex Cintron, SS
Brandon Fahey, 2B

PITCHING: RHP Brian Bass (3-4, 5.08)

BALTIMORE -- Prior to tonight's game here against the O's at Camden Yards, Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston was asked what his wishlist would be for this offseason, if he had the luxury of an unlimited payroll.

Wish Numero Uno was for the Blue Jays to find a way to retain pitcher A.J. Burnett, who will likely opt out of his contract at the end of the year. Gaston then said Toronto would benefit from maybe adding some more power to the lineup. When pressed, Cito offered up some names.

"There's a few of them out there," Gaston said. "Giambi is out there. I think the kid down in Texas, Bradley is out there. The guys that have a little pop. I don't know who else. There's a few more out there, I'm pretty sure, but those names come to mind."

Jason Giambi of the Yankees, who has ties to Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi from their days in Oakland, will likely have his $22 million club option for 2009 declined by New York. Milton Bradley, who is having a great season for the Rangers, is due to become a free agent as well.

When told of Cito's comments, Ricciardi shook his head and laughed.

"Our manager shoudn't be talking about players that are playing for other teams," he said with a chuckle. "We'll see. We'll see what the market bears. We'll see what we can do. Our first priority will be to try to get A.J. to see if we can keep him here.

"I think things will build off that. If we get him, then we can do other things. If we can't, then we'll try other things."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (84-75) at BALTIMORE (67-91)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Jose Bautista, 1B
Alex Rios, CF
Vernon Wells, DH
Adam Lind, LF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Travis Snider, RF
Curtis Thigpen, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Scott Richmond (0-3, 5.14)

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Nick Markakis, RF
Melvin Mora, DH
Aubrey Huff, 3B
Oscar Salazar, 1B
Adam Jones, CF
Luke Scott, LF
Omir Santos, C
Brandon Fahey, SS

PITCHING: LHP Chris Waters (3-4, 5.06)

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension for manager Cito Gaston on Thursday afternoon, keeping him at the helm through the 2010 season. Toronto did not disclose the financial terms of Gaston's new deal.

After an 11-year absence from the manager's seat, the 64-year-old Gaston was named the Blue Jays' manager on June 20, after the club dismissed John Gibbons. Through 84 games since Gaston's arrivale, Toronto has posted a 48-36 record and pulled within striking distance of the American League Wild Card in early September.

Prior to joining Toronto this season, Gaston last managed the Blue Jays from 1989-97, guiding the team to consecutive World Series titles in 1992-93. Gaston, who is the first two-time manager in franchise history, owns a career managerial record of 749-685 in his time with the Blue Jays.

Toronto hasn't announced its coaching staff for 2009, though Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said an announcement could come this weekend. Gaston has indicated that he'd like each of the Jays' coaches to return, and those who decide to stay with the club will likely receive two-year contracts as well.

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (87-71) at TORONTO (83-75)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Brett Gardner, CF
Robinson Cano. 2B
Bobby Abreu, DH
Xavier Nady, RF
Jason Giambi, 1B
Wilson Betemit, 3B
Cody Ransom, SS
Melky Cabrera, LF
Francisco Cervelli, C

PITCHING: RHP Carl Pavano (4-1, 4.99)

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

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (19-11, 2.81)

TORONTO -- Could this be A.J. Burnett's final start in a Blue Jays uniform? That seems to be a very realistic possibility. Burnett could come back on short rest and potentially go for win No. 20 on the season's final day, but he's already said he won't do that.

Why would he? Burnett is on the verge of cashing in big time as a free agent, if he opts out of his contract, and winning 20 won't fetch him much more dough that he would get otherwise. So why risk a possible injury in your final start?

Aaron Hill took some time to speak with reporters today and Toronto's second baseman is feeling good. He has an appointment with a neurologist in the area on Thursday, and he said he full expects to be cleared to begin his normal offseason routine. So, good news.

Hill was asked if he'd be willing to potentially move to shortstop next season, if the Blue Jays asked as much from him. Hill said he'd prefer to stay at second base, and said most of his teammates have told him they'd prefer him there as well. Hill said it'd take his teammates telling him a move to short was best for the team for him to move.

Also, manager Cito Gaston said last week that he believed his contract extension might be announced before the end of this homestand. Well, that's tomorrow, so we'll see if his prediction holds up. Cito didn't sound entirely confident that it'd be settled as early as Thursday when the topic came up today:

"I dont know. I'm going to probably be back for a day or so next week. If it doesn't happen tomorrow, who knows? Hopefully, before the week's up."

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (86-71) at TORONTO (83-74)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Brett Gardner, CF
Robinson Cano. 2B
Bobby Abreu, RF
Xavier Nady, LF
Jason Giambi, DH
Wilson Betemit, 3B
Cody Ransom, SS
Juan Miranda, 1B
Chad Moeller, C

PITCHING: RHP Phil Hughes (0-4, 7.96)

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

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (18-9, 4.18)

TORONTO -- Riding the elevator up to the press level here at Rogers Centre, I was standing beside Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi and the friendly elevator operator. He turned to J.P., points to Mike Mussina's name on the lineup sheet that was taped to the wall and said, "I don't like this guy."

He isn't alone. It's no secret that Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston isn't a fan of Mussina, and that's putting it lightly. Earlier this season, when asked about Mussina -- tonight's starter for the Yankees -- Gaston said, "Mike Mussina can kiss my [posterior], and you can tell him I said that,"

Today, when told that Mussina might never win 20 games in a season if Toronto won tonight's game, Gaston smiled and said, "Man, I wish I was playing." There were laughs all around as Cito left the dugout. Gaston's dislike of Mussina dates back to the 1993 All-Star Game in Baltimore, when the manager didn't use the pitcher in his home city.

In the ninth inning, Mussina began to warm up in the bullpen -- without the go-ahead from Gaston -- and he later claimed that he was simply throwing a side session in preparation for his next start. That was his story, but it was thought by some to be Mussina's way of trying to force his way into the game. Gaston instead used Toronto's Duane Ward to finish off the AL's win.

Good times.

As for today's Blue Jays? Casey Janssen is in town and is throwing from a distance of roughly 105 feet. He'll work his way up to 120 feet and then on to a mound over the next month before shutting it down for a month or so.

Gaston said that the rotation for the upcoming series in Baltimore will be Scott Richmond, John Parrish and Jesse Litsch. David Purcey has been shut down for the season in light of the volume of innings he's thrown between Triple-A and Toronto.

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK (85-71) at TORONTO (83-73)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

YANKEES
Brett Gardner, CF
Johnny Damon, LF
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, 1B
Xavier Nady, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Cody Ransom, SS
Jose Molina, C

PITCHING: RHP Mike Mussina (18-9, 3.57)

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

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (12-8, 3.72)

TORONTO -- Back after a day of fighting a nasty cold, but feeling better today. Pretty relaxed morning over here at the Rogers Centre, where the Jays lounged around playing cards and listening to the Bloodhound Gang. Awesome.

While hanging out in the clubhouse, Shaun Marcum strolled by and said he's down to go under the knife on Sept. 30. Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery in Birmingham, Ala. In a best-case scenario, Marcum could be throwing again by June or so and maybe even pitching a few innings for the Jays by next September.

Also, young Travis Snider -- he of the .333 average and .549 slugging since being promoted to Toronto -- will not be taking part in the Arizona Fall League this October. Snider was originally down to play in the AFL, but that was before the Blue Jays decided to call him up for the season's final month.

Today's lineups:

BOSTON (90-64) at TORONTO (83-72)
at 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Jason Bay, LF
Mark Kotsay, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Sean Casey, 1B
Jason Varitek, C

PITCHING: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (17-2, 2.93)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
Marco Scutaro, SS
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Adam Lind, DH
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Travis Snider, LF
Curtis Thigpen, C

PITCHING: RHP Scott Richmond (0-2, 5.06)

TORONTO -- In case the news hasn't reached you yet, Blue Jays starter Shaun Marcum is done for the season -- next season, that is. Marcum needs Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and won't be able to pitch for Toronto until 2010. Bad news in Bird Land.

So, if A.J. Burnett opts out of his contract -- the most likely scenario -- Toronto's projected rotation for Opening Day 2009 includes Roy Halladay, Jesse Litsch, David Purcey, aaaaand....Casey Janssen? Brett Cecil? Ricky Romero? Scott Richmond? Behind the top three, it's all up in the air.

But, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi the sudden loss of Marcum doesn't figure to impact any of his offseason plans. So, while he's said Toronto might offer another year or two on Burnett's contract in an effort to sway him to stay, Ricciardi said he won't be pushing any panic buttons due to the rotation's cloudy forecast.

"We're not going to do something out of panic," Ricciardi said. "I don't feel like we have to do anything. I feel like we've got young pitchers here who we're pretty much convinced that they can come here and pitch. We'll go with those guys."

Marcum, meanwhile, fought back tears as he delivered the news of his upcoming surgery to reporters this afternoon. Toronto hasn't heard back from Dr. James Andrews just yet, and there's no schedule date as of now for the operation, but the procedure is coming and it'll take Marcum out of the picture for all of next season.

"You've got to deal with it," Marcum said. "It's part of the game -- injuries happen. I've just got to move forward and try to get healthy as soon as possible and be back here to help this club in 2010."

Today's lineups:

BOSTON (89-63-83) at TORONTO (82-71)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Sean Casey, 1B
Jason Bay, LF
Mark Kotsay, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Jason Varitek, C

PITCHING: RHP Paul Byrd (11-12, 4.53)

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

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (18-10, 4.19)

TORONTO -- There is still no news about the status of Jays starter Shaun Marcum, but the extent of the lack of update seemed almost cryptic. Basically, Marcum underwent an MRI on his right arm, but the Jays won't say what the results are just yet.

Instead, Toronto is getting a second opinion from arm specialist Dr. James Andrews and plans on announcing the extent of Marcum's injury on Friday. Marcum, meanwhile, said his forearm is still tender, though there's no more numbness in his hand.

"Right now, we're still looking at results and we'll probably know a little bit more tomorrow," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "They still want to look at it a little more before I can say anything to you guys. They want to make sure what they're seeing is what they're seeing."

If what they're seeing requires surgery, that would immediately put Marcum in doubt to break camp with the Jays at the start of 2009. So, behind Roy Halladay, you're talking about a mix of Jesse Litsch, Casey Janssen, David Purcey, Ricky Romero, Brett Cecil and maybe Scott Richmond for starting jobs.

"It just means one of the other kids has to step up and go in that role," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "Hopefully, it won't come to that, but I guess you've got to prepare for the worst-case scenario."

There's the chance that the Jays would consider Scott Downs or Brian Wolfe as starters. Dustin McGowan could be out until May. A.J. Burnett could opt out and become a free agent. In the latter department, Ricciardi did not that the Jays are willing to explore adding a year or two on Burnett's contract to maybe convince him to stick around.

"We'd love to have him stay," Ricciardi said. "But if someone wants to blow him out of the water, that won't be us. We would think about that, adding some years, but we're not going to get in a bidding war. There's got to be an interest on his part to stay, too."

As for catcher Rod Barajas, he has a Grade 2 tear of his left hamstring and could be done for the season. Downs is still day to day with a right ankle injury. Me? I'm injury free -- over a nasty bout of tendinitis -- and counting down the days to the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12. Last thing I need is hamstring or ankle issues. Arm problems I can deal with...

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE (67-83) at TORONTO (81-71)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Alex Cintron, SS
Nick Markakis, RF
Aubrey Huff, 3B
Kevin Millar, 1B
Luke Scott, LF
Oscar Salazar, DH
Jay Payton, CF
Omir Santos, C

PITCHING: LHP Garrett Olson (9-8, 6.84)

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, SS
Jose Bautista, 2B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Adam Lind, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Curtis Thigpen, C
Travis Snider, LF

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (11-8, 3.75)

TORONTO -- Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston today confirmed that he expects to sit down with general manager J.P. Ricciardi this week to hammer out the details of Gaston's contract going forward. Gaston said he believes an announcement regarding his and the coaching staff's status going forward could come during this homestand.

"I think J.P. and I are going to talk some time this week, hopefully," Gaston said. "We're going to try to get together and, hopefully, it'll happen this week. I don't know if it's going to be today, tomorrow or whatever. I'm pretty sure it'll be before we go on the road anyway."

Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Godfrey wouldn't confirm whether or not the forthcoming announcement signaled that Ricciardi would be back as the GM in 2009. Godfrey did offer some criticism about Ricciardi's declaration in early August that Gaston was going to be back in the manager's seat next year.

"As I said at the beginning, everybody is going to be evaluated at the end," Godfrey said. "J.P. is the one who announced that Cito would be coming back. That should have been done at the end of the season, but that's something that I concur with. So I guess there's nothing more I can say about that one."

Some injury updates: Shaun Marcum is having an MRI on his right arm on Thursday and is unlikely to make his next start; Scott Downs (right foot) is still day to day and unlikely to pitch again, if you ask me; and Rod Barajas is still day to day with tight left hamstring and also undergoing an MRI on Thursday.

The Blue Jays also plan on picking up Barajas' $2.5 million club option for 2009. That being the case, this could be the end of the line for catcher Gregg Zaun in Toronto. The Jays will still likely want a veteran backup to Barajas next year, so there's always the possibility, while remote, that Zaun returns.

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE (67-82) at TORONTO (80-71)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

ORIOLES
Brian Roberts, 2B
Nick Markakis, RF
Melvin Mora, 3B
Aubrey Huff, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Adam Jones, CF
Oscar Salazar, DH
Lou Montanez, LF
Juan Castro, SS

PITCHING: RHP Brian Bass (3-4, 4.84)

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

PITCHING: LHP David Purcey (3-6, 5.10)

TORONTO -- Yeah, went to see the new Coens Bro's flick, Burn After Reading, last night and it was pretty funny. It doesn't come near The Big Lebowski in being the best Coens' comedy out there (hard to top the greatest comedy of all time), but it definitely had its moments. Brad Pitt's character had me laughing pretty hard and I thought the ending was fantastic.

Oh, the Blue Jays?

Well, they're here today and still without setup man Scott Downs and catcher Rod Barajas. Toronto skip Cito Gaston said Downs had an X-ray on his ailing right ankle, but no word yet on results. Barajas, meanwhile, is still nursing a sore left hamstring. I'd say Barajas is more likely to make a return than Downs.

Jose Bautista starts at second base today for the first time since 2006, when he played a whole three games at the position. Cito said that he wants to use Bautista and Travis Snider more often down the stretch to see more of them with next season in mind. Also, it's possible that Scott Richmond could get a start in the last series in Baltimore.

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE (66-82) at TORONTO (80-70)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

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

PITCHING: LHP Chris Waters (2-3, 5.73)

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, SS
Jose Bautista, 2B
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Adam Lind, DH
Gregg Zaun, C
Travis Snider, LF

PITCHING: RHP Shaun Marcum (9-6, 3.38)

BOSTON -- As promised, Blue Jays setup man Scott Downs took some time out on Sunday morning to talk with reporters about last night's mishap in the eighth inning. As Toronto fans will recall in horror, Downs stumbled running off the mound, allowing the go-ahead run to score in an eventual 7-5 loss in Boston.

Coming off the mound, in an attempt to corral a slow roller off the bat of Jacoby Ellsbury, Downs aggravated the right ankle injury he suffered in mid August. Now, he's day-to-day and at risk of being shut down for the season. If the Jays are eliminated mathematically soon, manager Cito Gaston said the club would lean toward shutting Downs down.

"It was when I broke," Downs said. "I think it was my second step -- I don't remember. When I went to break and put pressure on it, it just gave out again. I caught it before it turned, but it's just something that's kind of been there and we're trying to get through it the best we can."

Also day-to-day is Toronto catcher Rod Barajas, who tweaked a left hamstring issue that first came up in Chicago earlier on the road trip. Barajas said he's still a little sore, but he's hoping the two days off will do him good.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (80-69) at BOSTON (87-61)
at 1:35 p.m. ET at Fenway Park

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Jose Bautista, DH
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Kevin Mench, LF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Gregg Zaun, C
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (18-10, 2.77)

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Mike Lowell, 3B
Jason Bay, LF
Jason Varitek, C
Alex Cora, SS
Coco Crisp, CF

PITCHING: LHP Jon Lester (14-5, 3.23)

BOSTON -- Blue Jays catcher Rod Barajas is sitting out for Game 2 of this double dip in Beantown, thanks to a sore left hamstring. There's a chance that Barajas will also be sidelined for tomorrow's Fenway finale against the Red Sox.

So, that means Gregg "Grand Slam" Zaun is in the starting lineup tonight and will likely be behind the plate to catch Doc Halladay manana. Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said Barajas has been bothered by the tight hammy lately, and he aggravated the injury when running from first to third during the sixth in Game 1.

"I'm day to day," Barajas said between games. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow."

Also of note, my Michigan State Spartans were victorious today. So the competition was a tad on the weaker side -- big deal. Next week it's on to Notre Dame, and Zaunie -- a big Irish fan -- was already talking some smack this morning.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO (80-68) at BOSTON (86-61)
at 7:05 p.m. ET at Fenway Park

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

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (11-8, 3.70)

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Mark Kotsay, RF
Jason Bay, LF
Jed Lowrie, 3B
Alex Cora, SS
Kevin Cash, C

PITCHING: RHP Bartolo Colin (4-2, 4.09)

BOSTON -- Headed over to The Southpaw today, one of the Blue Jays' fan blogs I frequent to keep the ol' finger on the pulse of the fan base (or something), and there was an item noting a report that Toronto's team ERA is the best in the American League since 1985

Decided to see if there was any truth to that, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not even the Blue Jays' best since '85. With the aid of Toronto's fine PR staff, we looked up the best staff ERA's in the league since the Jays came into existence in 1977.

The best of the lot is the 1981 Yankees, who had a 2.90 team ERA in the strike-shortened season. The second-best is the 1989 A's group that had a 3.09 ERA. The Jays' current 3.54 team ERA, if it holds up, would rank 23rd overall in the Americal League, dating back to '77.

The current staff would be the third-best showing since the Jays became a franchise. In 1985, Toronto had a 3.31 team ERA -- ranked eighth since 1977. The 1991 Toronto squad had a 3.50 team ERA -- good enough for 20th overall over that span.

BOSTON -- Running behind here. Funny how that always seems to happen when A: I've been off for a few days (I guess I need time to get back into game shape) and B: There's a rain delay.

You would think rain delays would make life easier on us scribes -- maybe we'd be able to bring you the news sooner with all the "down" time. Turns out, it tends to make for a more relaxed atmosphere and makes our time down on the field before the game drag beyond when it normally would.

But, no excuses. I'll get back to the normal routine from here on out.

Prior to the game, it was cloudy, but not raining. When Jays manager Cito Gaston came out around 4:45 to meet with the media, he had this to say:

"I don't think we're going to get a chance to hit. I think about 5:00 or so it should start raining and it's going to be off and on all night."

Well, what do ya know? As Cito went on with the interview, and the clock ticked beyond 5, it started to rain and then rain harder and harder and then the tarp came out. This game didn't get going until 7:46 p.m. (a very lengthy rendition of the Star Spangled Banner added on a minute or two) and it's now in the third with a steady rain still falling.

But, as Cito also said:

"I don't think any of us would like to see back-to-back doubleheaders."

Therein lies the issue. This game probably wouldn't be played tonight in the current conditions, but for the fact that Toronto and Boston engage in a double dip tomorrow. A rainout tonight would've likely meant another double on Sunday. They'll do all they can to get five in tonight to make this official.

No big news from pregame. Rios is swinging a hot bat. Cito doesn't see why Snider can't make the Opening Day squad next year. And Ryan and Downs could use a day off or two, but Cito plans on sticking with his best guys while the club is still on this run, so those two will continue to see their innings, if needed.

Now, for your belated "pregame" lineups:

TORONTO -- Believe it or not, I will not be making the trek back home to Chicago to see the Blue Jays go for nine (or more?) in a row against the White Sox this week. I'll be meeting up with the team in Boston for the weekend set against the Red Sox.

So, I won't be in Chi-town for the ticker tape parade after the Bears' complete thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts. Man, where was that when we needed it in the Super Bowl? All this does is raise my low expectations for my favorite football team. But, I guess Chicago should get some respect after this Week 1 upset.

You know who is getting some respect around baseball? Your Toronto Blue Jays. Eight wins in a row: the club's longest streak since 1999. Sweeps over the Twins and Rays: teams in the hunt for the playoffs. The pitching staff: best in baseball. Other teams: taking notice.

TORONTO -- With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 13th on Saturday night, Gregg Zaun strolled to the plate with the game on the line and the joke up here in the pressbox was that the catcher should pull a Babe Ruth and call his shot.

After all, he had done it before.

Then, as if to mock our joking, Zaun crushed the first pitch he saw from Rays closer Troy Percival and sent it over the right-field fence for a walk-off grand slam. After the game, Zaun was in a great mood, joking with reporters. One of us scribes chimed in: "Did we see you call your shot?"

"No, no, no," Zaun said laughing. "Don't get anything stirred up over there. Troy throws awfully hard. I don't want to wear one in the earflap."

TORONTO -- At the season's midpoint, the Blue Jays were a half-game out of last place in the American League East and seemed to have little hope of doing much in the second half. Each year, us MLB.com scribes are charged with the task of making a "fearless" forecast for the second half, for our annual midterm report.

Yours truly went with this: "Fearless second-half prediction: In an increasingly tough AL East, the Blue Jays will make a push in the second half to finish in third place. Considering how the first half went, that'd be a solid placing for Toronto."

The standings back then:

BOSTON        57-40 (--)
TAMPA BAY  55-39 (.5)
NEW YORK   50-45 (6)
TORONTO     47-48 (9)
BALTIMORE  46-48 (9.5)

And the standings today:

TAMPA BAY  85-54 (--)
BOSTON       83-57 (2.5)
NEW YORK   75-66 (11)
TORONTO     74-66 (11.5)
BALTIMORE  63-77 (22.5)

Jays have won six in a row -- the club's longest streak since 2004 -- and the Yankees are slipping. Toronto might just snag its practically-annual third-place position after all. That series against the Yankees from Sept. 23-25 is gonna be HUGE! Mark your calendars.

Today's lineups:

TAMPA BAY (85-54) at TORONTO (74-66)
at 1:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Cliff Floyd, DH
Willy Aybar, 3B
Eric Hinske, LF
Dioner Navarro, C
Gabe Gross, RF
Ben Zobrist, SS

PITCHING: RHP James Shields (12-8, 3.66)

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

PITCHING: RHP Shaun Marcum (8-6, 3.60)

TORONTO -- Let's try something here. Everyone is pretty much assuming -- myself included -- that Cleveland's Cliff Lee has the American League Cy Young Award wrapped up. Roy Halladay undoubtedly deserves to be in the discussion, though.

So, let's remove their records, because we all know wins and losses aren't always indicative of how well a pitcher has performed (we all should know that by now, anyway), and take a look at their respective seasons in the ol' Player A and Player B format.

PLAYER A:

2.32 ERA, 194 1/3 innings, 177 H, 50 ER, 27 BB, 149 K, 78 Quality Start percentage, 5.52 K/BB, 6.90 K/9, 14.7 pitches per inning, 266 grounders, 1.05 WHIP, .244 opponents' batting average, four complete games, two shutouts

PLAYER B:

2.69 ERA, 211 innings, 186 H, 63 ER, 34 BB, 178 K, 68 Quality Start percentage, 5.24 K/BB, 7.59 K/9, 14.5 pitches per inning, 321 grounders, 1.04 WHIP, .235 opponents' batting average, eight complete games, two shutouts

So, who's your pick? It's pretty close, isn't it? Well, Player A is Lee, who has a 20-2 record with 5.97 runs of support per start. Player B is Halladay, who is 17-9 going into tonight with 4.73 runs of support per start. Maybe Lee shouldn't be a shoo-in...

Just saying.

Today's lineups:

TAMPA BAY (85-53) at TORONTO (73-66)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

RAYS
Akinori Iwamura, 2B
B.J. Upton, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Cliff Floyd, DH
Willy Aybar, 3B
Eric Hinske, LF
Dioner Navarro, C
Gabe Gross, RF
Jason Bartlett, SS

PITCHING: RHP Andy Sonnanstine (13-6, 2.69)

BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, 2B
John McDonald, SS
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Adam Lind, DH
Rod Barajas, C
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Travis Snider, LF

PITCHING: RHP Roy Halladay (17-9, 2.69)

TORONTO -- One play that kind of got lost among the pile of twists and turns in Wednesday night's 5-4 extra-inning victory over the Twins was an absolute gem of a grab by Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen.

In a 4-4 deadlock, with two outs in the top of the 10th inning and a runner on third base for Minnesota, Alexi Casilla smoked a pitch down the third-base line. Rolen glided to his right and made a swift back-handed stab at the ball as he dropped to his knees.

Rolen recovered quickly, rising to one knee -- just high enough to provide enough leverage to fire the baseball across the diamond to first baseman Lyle Overbay. If Casilla was safe, a run scores and the Twins grab a 5-4 lead. But Rolen -- as he's done so often this year -- made a rocket of a throw that retired the runner in time.

"Like I've said, Rolen is the best third baseman I've ever been around," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "Rolen continues to amaze me with the plays that he makes, and the accurate throws that he makes after he catches the ball from his knees."

Shortstop John McDonald was hustling over to back Rolen up on the play, so he didn't have the greatest view of the catch -- not that Johnny Mac needed to see it. Once he figured Rolen had it in his glove, the shortstop knew it was inning over.

"As soon as [the umpire] called it fair I knew Scotty was going to make the play," McDonald said. "He's the best third baseman in the game, so you kind of start jogging off the field once he gets the ball in his glove."

Today's lineups:

MINNESOTA (77-62) at TORONTO (72-66)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

TWINS
Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Mike Redmond, C
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, SS

PITCHING: RHP Kevin Slowey (11-8, 3.70)

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

PITCHING: RHP Jesse Litsch (9-8, 4.01)

JUST FOR FUN: Since Gaston took over as Toronto's manager on June 20, the club has been one of the best in the American League. Here are the the AL East standings since Gaston's arrival:

TAMPA BAY: 41-24 (--)
TORONTO: 37-27 (3.5)
BOSTON: 36-28 (4.5)
NEW YORK: 35-31 (6.5)
BALTIMORE: 25-42 (17)

Overall, the Jays have the fourth-best mark in the league since Gaston came on board, trailing only the Angels (43-24), Rays (43-29) and Twins (40-26). Soooo, if the season started on June 20 and ended on Wednesday, the Jays would be hanging a Wild Card championship banner in the Rogers Centre rafters. Ah, well...

TORONTO -- Anyone notice the errorless streak the Blue Jays have been on lately?

Entering tonight, Toronto has gone a frachise-record 13 consecutive games without making an error -- a span of 116 innings. It's the longest such run in the Majors this season and the longest since the Red Sox went 17 straight games without an error from June 11-30, 2006.

Toronto also ranks first in the American League and second in the game with a .987 fielding percentage. The Jays have made just 16 errors in 41 games since the All-Star break, representing the fewest in the league. On the year, the Jays have 65 errors -- also the fewest in the AL.

The Jays certainly have the pitching and defense thing down.

Today's lineups:

MINNESOTA (77-61) at TORONTO (71-66)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

TWINS
Denard Span, RF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, LF
Brian Buscher, DH
Nick Punto, SS
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Carlos Gomez, CF

PITCHING: RHP Nick Blackburn (9-8, 3.75)

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

PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett (16-10, 4.48)

TORONTO -- The Rogers Centre has its own little TiVo in the tunnel behind the first-base dugout now. Just around the corner from the visitors' clubhouse, there is an area blocked off by a black curtain -- this is where the instant replay area is at the ballpark.

Behind the curtain, there is a locked security box and inside there is a telephone with a direct line to the MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York, as well as a nice little HD television. There's also a box of tissues to keep the TV crystal clear. Or, maybe they're there in case an ump needs to wipe away any tears of embarrassment after blowing a call.

So, if there is a disputed homer, the crew chief on hand will head to this little black booth, where he will call NYC to consult a video technician, along with a former umpire of an umpire supervisor. Ultimately, the crew chief at the stadium has the final say on the home run decision.

Also, your September callups: Shaun Marcum, Scott Richmond, Brian Wolfe, Brad Wilkerson, Kevin Mench and Curtis Thigpen. Marcum, who admitted he was so stunned the demotion that he almost considered just going home, will be slotted back into the rotation on Saturday.

Today's lineups:

MINNESOTA (77-60) at TORONTO (70-66)
at 7:07 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre

TWINS
Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Randy Ruiz, DH
Delmon Young, LF
Brian Buscher, 3B
Nick Punto, SS

PITCHING: LHP Glen Perkins (12-3, 3.96)

BLUE JAYS
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Jose Bautista, DH
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Rod Barajas, C
Adam Lind, LF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
John McDonald, SS

PITCHING: LHP David Purcey (2-5, 5.53)