Chatted some with Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi this morning and covered a few different topics. One being the July 31 trade deadline. While that's still two months down the road, Ricciardi did say that he'd "owe it to the players" to pursue help at the deadline if the club was still performing this well.

What would Ricciardi go after? He said he feels pitching hasn't been an issue up to this point, so he'd be more inclined to go after "another thumper" for the middle of the lineup. Obviously, it would depend on who is available and how much ownership would be willing to expand the payroll to bring somebody in.

Also asked him about recent commens from Andy MacPhail, the Orioles president of baseball operations. MacPhail was quoted as saying something to the effect of Baltimore wanting to avoid having what happened with Travis Snider with O's catching prospect Matt Wieters (Snider made the club on Opening Day, but was recently demoted due to struggles).

In hindsight, Ricciardi said there are no regrets about bringing Snider north with the Jays.

"No, we took the best team we wanted to in April and Travis had a great Spring Training and deserved to be on the team. This is part of his development. There's no predictor that every guy is going to come here and stay here."

So, how long will Snider be at Triple-A?

"It's all about development. It's all about him adjusting to some of the things he wasn't doing up here and getting regular at-bats. We weren't giving him regular at-bats. He wasn't playing against lefties -- it was more of a platoon situation. He's a young kid. He shouldn't be in that spot. He should play and that's what we want him to do."

More on both topics later on bluejays.com.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (29-23)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Jose Bautista, LF

Starter: LHP Ricky Romero (2-1)

Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter: @MLBastian

~JB

Casey Janssen rolled his eyes and laughed a little on Friday night. The reason? Someone brought up the fact that when he struck out Boston's Kevin Youkilis in the seventh inning, that was Janssen's first strikeout since returning to the Jays -- only took 12.1 innings.

"Geez. I didn't think I was ever  going to get one," Janssen said with a smile. "My game is pitch to contact. It was nice to get those at the end, but I still have to pitch my game."

For those of you who were following my in-game updates on Twitter, I mentioned that Janssen has been taking pitching to contact to new heights since coming back to the rotation. In his two outings, Janssen has thrown 186 pitches, including 117 for strikes. Among all those tosses, he's only created seven missed swings.

Along the way, Janssen has allowed 19 hits over 13 innings with two strikeouts and two walks.

I stopped over by Janssen's locker this morning to chat with him some about his style. He's never been a strikeout pitcher -- I first covered the righty when he was with Class A Lansing in 2005, when I was still at Michigan State. Pitching to contact is his game, but he admits he needs to improve on his missed swings.

"I'd definitely like to get better," Janssen said. "But, my game is more about missing barrels than missing bats."

Why the low amount of missed swings? Well, for one, Janssen doesn't boast a go-to "out pitch." It varies based on the type of hitter, and how he reached the point in the at-bat when a strikeout is an option.

"A lot of my game depends how I get there," Janssen said. "If I do something away, my out pitch might be an in pitch for that hitter, and vice versa. If I'm working in, maybe I can spin something down and away."

Janssen has five pitches: four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, curveball and slider. When he was in the bullpen (he served as the setup man in '07 and had 39 Ks in 72.2 IP), Janssen didn't use his change or curve as much. Now, he has a larger arsenal to work with and he's still working on regaining the type of command he'd like to have.

Janssen said that his cutter might be more of an out pitch against left-handed hitters, while he uses it more to create weak contact against righties. With a right-hander in the batter's box, Janssen might turn to the slider to get a strikeout, whereas it is used more for weak contact against lefties. He's also throwing more changeups to both lefties and righties.

Over his first two starts, Janssen said the main issue has he's been "hitting too much white". He hasn't commanded his pitches like he wants to, and he's fallen behind in counts as a result. When that happens, he can't expand the strike zone, meaning hitters will inevitably make more contact.

PHOTO OF THE NIGHT FROM FRIDAY:

Catcher Rod Barajas, after scoring from first base in the fifth

Said Barajas: "I didn't slide, I fell. That was my legs giving out on me. I had nothing left. If I had to run 10 more feet, the paramedics would've been out there giving me mouth to mouth. I hit the wall. Fortunately, it was enough to get me over the plate."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (28-23)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Jose Bautista, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Raul Chavez, C
9. Joe Inglett, LF

Starter: RHP Brian Tallet (2-3)

Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter: @MLBastian

~JB

Anyone expecting sweeping changes to the Blue Jays' roster or lineup card today are going to be disappointed. The bullpen -- the one that has allowed 21 runs over its last 10 innings of work -- remains the same. The lineup was still the go-to nine for manager Cito Gaston.

Gaston did admit this afternoon that he needs to give left-hander Jesse Carlson more of a break. Carlson, who leads American League relievers with 26 appearances and paces Jays relievers with 26 innings, has given up 10 runs over his last 9 1/3 innings.

This weekend, right-hander Scott Richmond is available out of the bullpen as well. Why skip Richmond's turn over, say, Brian Tallet (a converted reliever), Casey Janssen (coming back from a shoulder injury) or Ricky Romero (a young rookie)? Gaston said, in his opinion, Richmond is the "fifth starter." So, it'll be 12 days between starts for Richmond (4-2, 3.63).

There was a minor transaction for the Blue Birds today. The club voided the option on right-hander Robert Ray and placed him on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain. Other than that, Toronto opted not to push the panic button and blow up a bullpen that, well, has blown up on them lately.

As far as lefty Scott Downs, who suffered a mild hamstring strain on Wednesday, Gaston said the pitcher is available to pitch. That's good news for the Jays, who could ill-afford to be without their closer -- what with the struggles of former closer B.J. Ryan and Carlson and all.

Here's to avoiding loss No. 10. Jays haven't lost that many in a row since '94.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-23)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, DH
8. Lyle Overbay, 1B
9. Rod Barajas, C

Starter: RHP Casey Janssen (0-1)

Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter: @MLBastian

~JB

Before heading out to dinner last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary, Mrs. Bastian and I had the Blue Jays game on to see how the good doctor was faring in Baltimore. It was 8-3 in the seventh inning, so we turned off the tube and headed out the door.

Later in the evening, my wife -- knowing all too well how things have been going of late for your Birds -- jokingly asked, "Shouldn't you check to see if they won?"

We both laughed.

Caught the score online later and we were both stunned.

But, Jays fans, as bad as it has been -- and, boy, it has been BAD -- keep one thing in mind:

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BOSTON         27-20    --
NEW YORK     27-20    --
TORONTO     27-23   1.5
TAMPA BAY    23-26     5
BALTIMORE    21-26    6

With 112 games remaining, it could be a whole heckuva lot worse.

~JB

A major weak spot in the Blue Jays' lineup all season has been the heart of their order -- Alex Rios and Vernon Wells in the third and fourth spots. Manager Cito Gaston has kept them in those spots all year and even as their struggles persist deep into this month, he has no plans to alter the lineup.

"To me, you leave them where they are," Gaston said. "Moving them around is not going to help anything. Moving them around is only going to maybe break their confidence. It's a long season -- guys are going to be up and down at certain times. Right now, they're on the downside."

One thing you can say about Gaston is he's consistent. He's been saying the same thing all season and he's been staying true to his philosophy.

On this road trip, during which the Jays are now 0-5, Rios and Wells have combined to go 10-for-43 at the plate. Over the last two games in Atlanta, the pair has combined to go 0-for-16. Wells has no homers or RBIs since May 6, Rios has no homers since May 17 and no RBIs since the 18th.

In fact, take a look at how eerily similar Rios' and Wells' numbers have been this year.

On this trip:

Wells 5-for-21
Rios 5-for-22

Overall:

Wells: .257 (49-191)/.313/.403, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 77 TB, 11 2B, 16 BB, 46 games
Rios: .260 (50-192)/.316/.411, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 79 TB, 10 2B, 14 BB, 46 games

While there is no doubt Wells and Rios are scuffling, Gaston said he doesn't see who else could step into those spots int he lineup. Toronto doesn't have a legitimate cleanup hitter, Gaston likes Adam Lind in the five hole, and the manager would hate to move Wells' and Rios' speed down in the order.

"Who do you put up there?" Gaston said. "You're taking two guys that have some speed and can steal some bases and moving them down in the lineup -- that doesn't make a lot of sense. We're going to have ups and downs. We just have to ride it out and hope they come out of it today or tomorrow or some time soon."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-19)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Jose Bautista, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Raul Chavez, C
9. Scott Richmond, P

ATLANTA BRAVES (22-20)

1 Kelly Johnson, 2B
2. Casey Kotchman, 1B
3. Garret Anderson, LF
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Martin Prado, 3B
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
7. Diory Hernandez, SS
8. Jordan Schafer, CF
9. Jair Jurrjens, P

NOTE: I will not be making the trip to Baltimore. Catch you from the next homestand.

~JB

Following Friday night's 1-0 loss to the Braves -- a game in which Vernon Wells went 0-for-4 with a quartet of groundouts -- manager Cito Gaston noticed the center fielder poring over footage of his plate appearances.

"I admired Wells last night," Gaston said. "He was sitting there after the game and he looked at some tapes and stuff. He got on the bus and I said, 'Did you see anything?' He said he saw something and I saw just what he said and I was going to tell him that. Hopefully, he's going to get it today."

What did they both see?

"He's just a little late -- just a little late getting started," Gaston said. "It's not like he's not working and trying to get better."

Overall, Wells is hitting .262 with five homers and 21 RBIs in 45 games. Over his last 14 games, Wells is hitting just .228 with no homers, no RBIs and only two extra-base hits (doubles). He has gone hitless in seven of his last 11 games and doesn't have a home run or an RBI since May 6. In May, Wells is batting .239.

This coming from Toronto's cleanup hitter.

Gaston knows he could switch things up, especially with the offense in a team-wide slump right now. He admitted that options included moving Adam Lind to the third or fourth spot, and maybe even shifting Alex Rios lower in the lineup. Gaston has no plans to alter the lineup he's used all season, though.

"To move these guys around and out of their spots, that shows panic right there," Gaston said. "When you start moving people around, then everyone's going to panic."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-18)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Casey Janssen, P

ATLANTA BRAVES (21-20)

1 Kelly Johnson, 2B
2. Casey Kotchman, 1B
3. Garrett Anderson, LF
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Martin Prado, 3B
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
7. Diory Hernandez, SS
8. Jordan Schafer, CF
9. Derek Lowe, P

~JB

We have movement -- lots of it. You already heard about Travis Snider being optioned to Triple-A last night. Well, this afternoon, the Blue Jays announced that Robert Ray and Brett Cecil would be on the flight with him. Up from the Minors are utility man Joe Inglett and pitcher Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero.

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said the decision to call up Janssen and Romero now had more to do with them being ready to rejoin the club, rather than it being a reflection on anything Cecil and Ray did wrong. Cecil and Ray each had a rough outing after some strong ones, but the club feels they need more Minor League innings.

As for Inglett, he'll see time in the outfield and he can pitch in around the infield as a backup. He probably won't play much in this series, but the situation could change when the Jays return to the American League format. Gaston said Inglett and Lind could see time in left against righties, and Jose Bautista against lefties.

One thing Snider said took getting used to was not playing every day. The rookie said he has to learn how to carry his routine over after being out of the lineup for a few days. Asked on Friday if the way Snider was used might have played into the slump, Gaston had this remark:

"If you sit for a week at a time, I could see that," Gaston said. "I hear these guys talking about, 'Well, I haven't played in two days.' I don't buy that one. They can take that and shove it. That's crap."

I also spent some time chatting with Dustin McGowan today about his seemingly neverending rehab from his right shoulder surgery. He said he is going to be throwing from 120 feet tomorrow for the first time and he expects to be back on a mound some time next month. Asked if he felt he would be back before the end of the year, despite everything that's been said and written, McGowan said: "I think so. Well, I guess I should say I HOPE so." After all, ultimately, it won't be McGowan's decision.

Gaston added that right-hander Jesse Litsch threw off a mound for the first time today down at the Jays' complex in Florida. The Jays have said that Litsch could be back some time next month, though the team is in no hurry to bring him back right now. They want to make sure he is indeed fully recovered from his right forearm/elbow issue.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "No voodoo this time." -- Pitcher Brian Tallet to Inglett. Last year, it seemed like every time Inglett was sent down, someone got injured and he was called right back up. That led former manager John Gibbons to dub him Voodoo Joe. "That's right, he's back," Inglett said with a grin.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-17)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Roy Halladay, P

  ATLANTA BRAVES (20-20)

1. Yunel Escobar, SS
2. Casey Kotchman, 1B
3. Garret Anderson, LF
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Kelly Johnson, 2B
6. Martin Prado, 3B
7. Jeff Francoeur, RF
8. Jordan Schafer, CF
9. Kenshin Kawakami, P

~JB

Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay walked by me today in the clubhouse and as he headed into the training room, I jokingly asked, "Hey, Roy, how's your swing coming?"

He smiled and replied: "I'm not even working on it."

What? This from the all-time franchise leader in hits by a pitcher? OK, so he's tied for first in the club record books with only three hits. He also is tied for first all-time among Jays pitchers in RBIs, or, I guess that'd be RBI, since he only has one. Overall? Doc has hit .081 (3-for-37) with two runs (!) and 16 strikeouts.

Why do I bring this up? Because Halladay will be putting on a helmet and stepping into the batter's box tomorrow night, when the Jays open a three-game Interleague series with the Braves in Atlanta. It's that time of year for awkward swings from men who should just not be standing at the plate.

Also due to pitch for the Jays in the series are Scott Richmond and Brian Tallet.

When was the last time Richmond had an at-bat?

"Oh, man. I don't know. It's been over 10 years," Richmond said. "I hit some yesterday out on the field -- did some slashing and some bunting. Hit one off the top of the wall actually -- good for my confidence."

Does Tallet remember the last time he hit in a game?

"Yeah. Pittsburgh -- 2003," he said, rolling his eyes.

Tallet went 0-for-2.

"I was praying those would be the last two I ever had," he said. "Oh, well."

Overall, Blue Jays pitchers have hit .100 (24-for-240) with one homer and five RBIs over the years. The lone blast came off the bat of Mark Hendrickson on June 21, 2003 in Montreal.

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston has stressed approach and aggresiveness for his hitters. How about for the pitchers?

"Don't get hurt," Gaston said with a laugh.

Count Gaston among those who don't like having American League pitchers hit in Interleague Play, too.

"I know Interleague is great -- all that stuff is good," he said. "But, it's certainly a disadvantage to American League teams. I don't care what they say, it's a disadvantage. Doc can take a swing and you could lose him for I don't know how long. Or, up there bunting, they don't bunt. They could get hit on their fingers with a pitch. They don't run bases. It's just altogether not good for American League teams."

That being the case, would Gaston tell his pitchers to just go stand up at the plate and stare at three strikes?

"We did that in Spring Training. Just don't swing the bat. Just let it go by," Gaston said.

Will he instruct the pitchers to do that in the regular season, though?

"We might. What's  the chances of them hitting it anyway? Slim, right?"

Ummm, yeah. Last year, Jays hurlers went 0-for-16 at the plate. Four other AL clubs had no hits from their moundsmen.

Gaston said the pitchers could bunt in certain situations, but it won't be a requirement.

"I'll tell them to be careful. If they want to take three, take three and sit down."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-16)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Jose Bautista, LF

Starter: RHP Bobby Ray (1-1)

BOSTON RED SOX (24-16)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Starter: LHP Jon Lester (2-4)

~JB

There was an interesting item in this morning's Boston Globe in relation to Toronto left-hander Brian Tallet. It explained why Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell sprinted from second base in the second inning, allowing him to score on a single from Jeff Bailey:

At the plate with two strikes, Bailey saw Lowell creeping off second as Brian Tallet stood on the mound. Watching video alone, Lowell had noticed that Tallet "no-looks" with runners who typically don't steal bases on second - he comes to set and pitches without checking the runner. Lowell saw his moment, and he bolted.

Tallet said he heard what was written in the Globe and the pitcher's response was this:

"That's not completely accurate," Tallet said. "If I make the pitch, it doesn't matter. If I make the pitch and get a fly ball or a grounder, then he has to retreat. But, if that was the case, it's easy to fix -- just look again."

The Sox got two runs in that inning and that wound up being enough with how well Tim Wakefield's knuckler was working. When Aaron Hill walked by us today, one Toronto scribe cracked: "I can't believe you can't hit that guy."

"I know, right?" Hill said, rolling his eyes. "I was talking to some of my friends about that. He's one of those guys that I wish my friends could step up to the plate and face -- like Mariano Rivera and his cutter. I wish they could step up there so they could see how that thing is tip-toeing to the plate."

And, as Hill said this, yes, he tip-toed away from us.

A nice moment from this afternoon: After breaking a bat, Travis Snider headed back to the dugout to retrieve a new strip of lumber. As fans yelled, "Snider!" and "Hey, Future!", he spotted a young fan in the first row. Snider tossed his bat to the kid, who couldn't stop smiling. Later, when Snider returned, the young boy yelled "Thank you!" and Snider went back over and autographed the bat. The boy's father tried to hold the bat for a second, but the kid wasn't about to let it go.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-15)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: LHP Brett Cecil (2-0)

BOSTON RED SOX (23-16)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Mike Lowell, 3B
7. Rocco Baldelli, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Starter: RHP Brad Penny (3-1)

~JB

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston doesn't buy into the philosophy used by Red Sox manager Terry Francona over the weekend. Boston slugger David Ortiz is in the midst of a terrible slump, one of the worst droughts of his career. Francona opted to sit Ortiz over the past three games in Seattle, providing more of a mental break than a benching.

Asked if he had ever sat a struggling player for a series, Gaston replied quickly: "Never. Nope. No, I haven't."

Gaston went on to say: "Thats' what some guys believe in. I don't really buy into that one. I don't know where it helps them. I havent quite figured out how it helps them. I don't buy into it. Then again, maybe it will. I don't know. Personally, I don't buy into that one."

This isn't to say Cito was bashing Tito. Entering Tuesday, Ortiz was hitting .208 with no homers and 15 RBIs. On the recent road trip, he went 1-for-14. Big Papi had gone 144 at-bats without a homer -- the second-longest slump of that kind in his career.

Cito's philosophy is this:

"You let him play his way out. Either you bench him or you play somebody else for a while. You know? You either let him go one way or the other. I don't think you put him on the bench for just say a day or two. But, that's his team over there. You're talking about what I believe and what he believes.

"I have enough trouble running my team," he added with a laugh.

Which brings us to Blue Jays rookie Travis Snider.

Snider was out of the lineup on Tuesday with knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, but will be back in on Wednesday against Boston's Brad Penny.

If Snider continues to struggle, there's a realistic chance he could be sent back to Triple-A during Interleague Play, when the Jays don't have a DH in NL parks and Adam Lind in left field. Just so happens Toronto heads to Atlanta this weekend.

"That could possibly be," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "Originally we didn't think so, but it might be a time to do it, get a little more flexibility."

Asked if Snider might benefit from playing every day in the Minors, Cito had this to say:

"You always think that. Who knows what's right? Whatever happens, we'll try to do the right thing with him. This kid's going to play up here. There's not too many guys on this team who haven't been sent up and down, so it could happen and it might not happen.

"I'll put him out there tomorrow against Penny and who knows, he might hit a couple home runs. That certainly would change everybody's mind -- for a while anyway."

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (27-14)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Kevin Millar, DH
9. Rod Barajas, C

Starter: LHP Brian Tallet (2-1)

BOSTON RED SOX (22-16)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Julio Lugo, SS
8. Jeff Bailey, 1B
9. George Kottaras

Starter: RHP Tim Wakefield (4-2)

~JB

Once in a while, something will happen on the field that just simply amazes everyone in the ballpark. One of those moments came this afternoon in the third inning, when White Sox third baseman Josh Fields drilled the first pitch from Jays starter Scott Richmond down the third-base line.

It was an incredibly well-struck grounder that was destined for the left-field corner. The only problem for Fields was that Scott Rolen -- one of the top third baseman this game has seen -- was positioned perfectly. Well, positioned perfectly enough to deliver a play that stunned just about everyone inside Rogers Centre.

Rolen dove to his right and snared the grounder with an unbelievable lunging grab. With little time to spare, the Jays third baseman shifted swiftly to his knees and fired the ball across the diamond to first baseman Kevin Millar. The throw beat Fields in plenty of time, while Rolen watched from the ground.

"Unreal. He's unreal over there," Richmond said. "He's made a few great plays like that when I've been starting. Fields -- I played with him at Oklahoma State -- he tattooed that fastball in and, Scotty, I just quickly did a quick look and all I saw was him sprawled out down the line. He's got that arm to go with it."

Even Fields acknowledged the incredible effort, not that Richmond noticed that.

"I was too busy looking at Scotty like, 'Wow,'" Richmond marvelled. "It was just a great play."

The fans inside the stadium, after being hushed in awe foe a few seconds, began cheering loudly and the crowd moved to its feet. Rolen, the old-school player that he is, stood stone-faced and moved back into position for the next batter. He wasn't about to let the reaction inside the Dome break his concentration.

"A standing O from the crowd -- that doesn't happen too often for just a single play in the game," Richmond said. "He's unbelievable and it's a pleasure having him out there. ... His defense, as you guys know, is second to none. As a young staff, if somebody hits the ball to the hot corner, we know he's over there and he's doing his best to help us out, too."

Jays manager Cito Gaston routinely refers to Rolen as the best third baseman he's ever seen. Bench coach Brian Butterfield, who oversees the D, says the same. So did former Jays manager John Gibbons. I never saw Brooks Robinson man third, but I can say it is a pleasure to watch Rolen work in the field on a daily basis.

Catch you all in Boston tomorrow.

~JB

It hurts a little when Marco Scutaro swings. It hurts when he throws. It hurts when he bends down to glove a ground ball. That'll happen when you take a baseball off the sternum while sliding into third base. Ouch.

Despite all the soreness, Scutaro gave a thumbs up to the Jays' staff after running through pregame drills on Monday morning. There is no doubt he's sore, but not so much so that he can't still man short and serve as the leadoff hitter for today's finale against the ChiSox.

Scutaro was drilled in the chest by a throw from Chicago catcher Corky Miller during the fifth inning of Sunday's 8-2 win. Scutaro stole third and the ball struck him right as he met up with the bag. Scutaro rolled around in pain, called timeout and eventually left the game. He underwent X-rays at a local hospital, but they came back negative.

That was great news for the Jays. They can ill-afford to lose their sparkplug. Scutaro has been arguably the best leadoff man in the game up to this point and his defense has been nothing short of spectacular. Not bad for a guy who entered this season labeled as a career utility man.

You could make a case that Marco Scutaro has been Toronto's MVP through the season's first six weeks (then again, that Aaron Hill fellow hasn't done too bad for himself either).

While chatting with manager Cito Gaston this morning, the conversation turned to rookie left fielder Travis Snider for a bit.

After looking like he was coming out of his slump -- .389 (7-for-18) average over five games from May 5-12 -- young Travis has one hit in his last eight trips to the plate, with six of his seven outs being strikeouts (three on Sunday). Snider has just one RBI in his last 10 games and no homers since hitting those two mammoth shots on April 13 in Minny. Overall, Snider is now hitting .240 with three homers and 12 RBIs.

"We might have picked up something last night," said Gaston, referring to watching Snider's swing. "We're going to work with him today when he gets in [the batting cage]. ... I've already talked to him about it a little bit. Geno and I have talked to him a little bit, so we'll see how it goes with him."

"It's just a mechanical thing that we see that might help him."

Gaston was then asked if it was fair for some people to jump to the conclusion that a young hitter like Snider might benefit from working his woes out at Triple-A.

"It can happen, if you're not having success," Gaston said. "He's struggling and I'm pretty sure it's bothering him. But, hey, this kid, whether he's here the whole year -- which I hope he is, because if he is, that means he's going to be doing some damage -- or if he's not, he's going to play here. He's going to be a big part of this club."

Gaston had said recently that he has decreased the amount of in-game chats he's had with Snider. Today, Gaston said he will discuss approach with Snider, but he tends to avoid talking about swing mechanics with the rookie during a game.

"Some guys can handle that and some guys can't," Gaston said. "He comes to me a little bit -- we talk a little bit. It's about situations, it's not about mechanics. I don't believe in talking about mechanics during a game anyway. Although, there are some guys you can talk mechanics to and they'll make an adjustment."

BARRETT WATCH: Courtesy of the FAN590's Mike Wilner, catcher Michael Barrett said that the Blue Jays discovered that he suffered two broken ribs on his right side when he fell on the weighted bat sleeve in April. Barrett said it will be another two weeks before he is allowed to resume any kind of activities.

Today's lineups:

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (15-21)

1. Scott Podsednik, CF
2. Jayson Nix, LF
3. Jermaine Dye, RF
4. Jim Thome, DH
5. Paul Konerko, 1B
6. A.J. Pierzynski, C
7. Alexei Ramirez, SS
8. Chris Getz, 2B
9. Josh Fields, 3B

Starter: LHP Clayton Richard (0-0)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (26-14)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Raul Chavez, C
9. Jose Bautista, DH

Starter: RHP Scott Richmond (4-2)

With it being photo day today for the fans, and no batting practice scheduled for the Blue Jays, it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere in the clubhouse. Well, except maybe for catcher Rod Barajas, who was being held down and pummeled by Aaron Hill and Vernon Wells. Boys will be boys.

Outside of the clubhouse, in the tunnel underneath the stands, Marco Scutaro and Alex Rios were testing out Rios' new toy -- a 3-foot long high-powered remote control sportscar. Rios, who has quite the collection of remote-powered helicopters as well, said the car can get up to 40-45 mph.

Today, Rios just had to warm up the engine. No driving it just yet. So, the car sat idling behind a tarp in the tunnel between the clubhouse and the dugout. Scutaro and Rios revved the engine a few times, but we didn't get to see the car in action. I suggested Rios put his bobblehead in the driver's seat.

Today's lineups:

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (15-20)

1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Chris Getz, 2B
3. Jermaine Dye, RF
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Alexei Ramirez, SS
7. Josh Fields, 3B
8. Corky Miller, C
9. Brent Lillibridge, CF

Starter: RHP Gavin Floyd (2-3)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (25-14)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Roy Halladay (7-1)

Another element to the Blue Jays' sudden influx of starting piching is that the club has some potential trading chips. If Toronto is still contending deeper into the season, the organization now has some arms that have performed well on the big league stage that could possibly be used to add in other areas.

Consider that behind ace Roy Halladay, the 2010 rotation is projected to also include Jesse Litsch, Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum and one of Casey Janssen, Brett Cecil, David Purcey, Ricky Romero, Scott Richmond and Brad Mills. Now, Robert Ray (today's starter) is in the picture and GM J.P. Ricciardi constantly mentions prospect Marc Rzepcynski. And, those are just the leading candidates.

With only four spots open, that's a lot of arms to have in the mix.

"Some of these guys, if you don't keep them, you can use them if you need somebody during the season," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "If you don't have enough room for them, maybe you trade them and get somebody you want. They're always good to have. There's a lot of need for pitchers these days.

"You have some people you can do it with now."

Yet another piece to this complicated rotation puzzle to keep in mind.

Today's lineups:

*CHICAGO WHITE SOX (15-19)

1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Chris Getz, 2B
3. Jermaine Dye, RF
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Alexei Ramirez, SS
7. A.J. Pierzynski, C
8. Josh Fields, 3B
9. Brent Lillibridge, CF

Starter: RHP Bartolo Colon (2-3)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (24-14)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Jose Bautista, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Raul Chavez, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Robert Ray (0-1)

*Carlos Quentin was a late scratch from Chicago's lineup with a sore left heel

~JB

So, if you remember a while back, back when the Blue Jays promoted youngsters Brett Cecil and Robert Ray to the rotation, general manager J.P. Ricciardi went on about how they probably weren't ready for the big league stage, and how they were being thrown into the fire strictly out of necessity.

Well, Ricciardi and the Jays reserve the right to change their collective minds.

Now, Ricciardi wasn't wrong in his assessment -- Cecil and Ray were indeed called up before anticipated due to injuries. On Friday, sitting in the home dugout, once again asked about the progress of recovering starters Ricky Romero, Casey Janssen and Jesse Litsch, Ricciardi altered his tune slightly.

"Right now, we don't have a spot for them," said Ricciardi, referring to Romero, Janssen and Litsch. "That could change real quick."

As for Cecil, Ray, Scott Richmond and converted reliever Brian Tallet, Ricciardi said: "They haven't done anything to lose their spots."

So, Janssen will apparently continue to pitch at Double-A, Romero has been activated from the 15-day DL and assigned to Triple-A (said Ricciardi), and Litsch is on pace to maybe rejoin the Jays by "the middle of June," according to the GM. As for those currently in the rotation, Ricciardi said he'd want to see a few bad outings in a row to pull the plug on any of them.

"We're making this up as we go," said Ricciardi, half joking.

With the team in first place, and the rotation holding its own, there is a method to the madness in a way. Why mess with something that is working for the time being? Then again, there's the old argument that players don't lose their jobs just because they landed on the DL, especially players who were performing great (Romero) or have a history of success (Janssen, Litsch).

"We're breaking tradition," Ricciardi said with a laugh.

Hey, and remember, this could all change tomorrow.

OTHER ITEMS: LHP B.J. Ryan was back in the clubhouse and he said all the right things about losing his job as the closer. "I walked in there to Cito and said, 'Cito, I'll be down there, I'll pitch whenever you want me to pitch.'" ... Jays manager Cito Gaston isn't a fan of the squeeze bunt. "I don't know if I've ever squeezed," he said. The question came up because of a situation in the seventh against the Yankes last night. With runners on the corners and one out, game tied 2-2, John McDonald struck out. Under John Gibbons, a squeeze play might have been put into effect. "I wanted Mac to go up there and I wanted him to drive in that run -- it didn't happen. I know that most of the time he'd be looking back, but last night it was, 'Go do it.' It didn't happen, but the inning before he got a big hit for us." Cito didn't rule out trying the play before the season was over: "Maybe I will one of these days -- I might fool everybody."

Today's lineups:

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (15-18)

1. Jayson Nix, 3B
2. Chris Getz, 2B
3. Carlos Quentin, LF
4. Jermaine Dye, RF
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Paul Konerko, 1B
7. A.J. Pierzynski, C
8. Alexei Ramirez, SS
9. Scott Podsednik, CF

Starter: LHP John Danks (2-2)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (23-14)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Jose Bautista, LF

Starter: LHP Brett Cecil (1-0)

~JB

If you've been outside Rogers Centre lately, you might have seen the gigantic poster of Bills QB Trent Edwards on the south side of the building -- covering the windows where an image of former Jays catcher Gregg Zaun used to be. It's a bit odd to see a Buffalo player up there alongside the Jays, but it's all in the name of promoting the NFL games to be played here.

This afternoon, Edwards and wide receiver Lee Evans were at the ballpark -- this time sporting their own Blue Jays uniforms -- for some early batting practice. While the footballers were dressing in Toronto's clubhouse, Adam Lind and Rod Barajas tossed a football around the room.

"I haven't put a baseball uniform on in a loooong time," Edwards said, laughing as he headed out to the field. "Vernon told me to go with the high socks."

I didn't catch all of their BP session, but apparently Edwards hit a pair of home runs. Evans? Well, I saw a few ground balls and some hits to the outfield. The FAN590's Mike Wilner said Evans defended himself, saying, "My game is speed." Upon hearing that, Jays managaer Cito Gaston chuckled.

"No, his game is football," Gaston replied.

As for the baseball here today, Gaston went with an all right-handed lineup against Yanks lefty C.C. Sabathia. Aaron Hill, who fouled a pitch off his left shin yesterday, was in as the DH as a precaution and John McDonald got his first start of the season, but at second base -- not at shortstop.

Talked to GM J.P. Ricciardi for a bit about some of the returning arms (specifically, B.J. Ryan, Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero). Ricciardi didn't want to reveal any return dates. Ryan? "Soon," Ricciardi said. Casey? "Soon," was the answer again. Romero? "Not as soon," Ricciardi said to some laughs.

Ryan (DL'd with a left trapezius injury) threw in a simulated game yesterday because Dunedin's game was rained out. He will likely be back in the next few days. Ricciardi said Janssen (coming back from a right shoulder issue) is scheduled to pitch for Double-A New Hampshire on Sunday. Romero (DL'd with a right oblique strain) is down to pitch Monday with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK YANKEES (16-17)

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixiera, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Brett Gardner, CF
9. Francisco Cervelli, C

Starter: LHP C.C. Sabathia (2-3)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (23-13)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, DH
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Jose Bautista, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. John McDonald, 2B

Starter: LHP Brian Tallet (2-1)

~JB

For the past few years, Scott Downs has cited superstition when asked to do formal interviews with us scribes. He'd chat outside of that type of setting, always friendly, but said that talking to reporters was bad luck.

Now, if this was Downs' only "superstition" it might have been a bit much. But he does have some other odd things he does. Racing Brian Tallet from the outfield to the clubhouse -- we're talking a dead sprint -- after each BP. Placing his Red Bull can in the same spot in the dugout before every game, moving a "No Reporters Beyond This Point" sign down the third-base line every day. The list goes on.

Today, Downs agreed to be interviewed after news came out yesterday that he'd remain the closer after B.J. Ryan returned from the disabled list. Downs did throw us off right from the get go, though. When approached, he said "Ahhh, only if it's NOT about closing." Ummm, we proceeded with caution and turns out he was just kidding.

"In my eyes, he's still our closer," Downs said of Ryan. "I'm just filling in until he's ready to go."

As for finally being trusted with such an important job after a career that has seen him go from a starter, to a long reliever/spot starter, to one of the game's top setup men, Downs said:

"It just goes with hard work and timing. It's really timing. I don't consider myself a closer. I dont think I ever will. I never would've looked at myself as a setup guy, either. I'm just kind of a guy that's going to go out there and pitch when asked to pitch -- that's what I'm here to do and what I love to do."

Ryan is scheduled to throw again tonight with Class A Dunedin and could be back before Monday. Ricky Romero is scheduled to start tonight for Double-A New Hampshire and could be back soon, though there is no timetable yet. Casey Janssen logged six innings last night in his fourth Minor League start, and no timetable for him, either. I wouldn't be surprised if he's back during the White Sox series, but no one has said that will be the case. He could very well have one more Minors outing to complete.

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK YANKEES (15-17)

1. Johnny Damon, DH
2. Nick Swisher, RF
3. Mark Teixiera, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Melky Cabrera, LF
7. Brett Gardner, CF
8. Ramiro Pena, SS
9. Francisco Cervelli, C

Starter: LHP Andy Pettitte (2-1)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (23-12)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Jose Bautista LF

Starter: RHP Scott Richmond (4-1)

~JB

There is obvious hype coming into tonight's game. Not only is it the first matchup of the season between the Blue Jays and the Yankees, but the baseball gods thought it'd be great to have it be Doc Halladay against A.J. Burnett right out of the gates.

After three years as the No. 2 behind Halladay, Burnett opted out of his deal with Toronto and signed a 5-year, $82.5 million deal with the Bronx Bombers over the winter. That left Halladay and a rotation filled with question marks. Manager Cito Gaston downplayed the "importance" of tonight's contest.

"I think they're all big games," Gaston said. "I think if you win one in May, you don't have to win one in September. I take from Day 1 as being all big games. You play them and play each day and play as hard as you can to win them. All games are big games for me. The only difference is who's pitching tonight."

Fair enough.

As for some news today, Gaston and GM J.P. Ricciardi both said that B.J. Ryan will not be Toronto's closer when he returns from the 15-day disabled list, and he could "conceivably" be activated before the end of this homestand, according to Ricciardi. Downs will remain the closer. Ryan's role is uncertain.

"Ultimately, I thinnk B.J. will get back to being a closer at some point," Ricciardi said. "But right now Downs has got the role and it's tough to argue with the club playing so well. That's the thing that you respect about B.J. is he's a team guy and he understands that."

Casey Janssen is starting for Double-A New Hampshire tonight and Ricky Romero will follow suit tomorrow. Both are set to rejoin the rotation some time in the near future. As for Jesse Litsch (right elbow), Ricciardi said that it's now looking like he won't be back until June: We might as well take our time and get him right."

It helps that pitchers Scott Richmond, Brett Cecil and Brian Tallet have pitched so well with all the other arms out. That also says something about a staff that was riddled with question marks after Burnett's departure. Burnett is 2-0 with a 5.26. Toronto's four rookie arms (Richmond, Cecil, Romero and Robert Ray) have combined to go 7-2 with a 2.85 ERA this year.

Today's lineups:

NEW YORK YANKEES (15-16)

1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixiera, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Melky Cabrera, RF
8. Kevin Cash, C
9. Ramiro Pena, SS

Starter: RHP A.J. Burnett (2-0)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (22-12)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Roy Halladay (6-1)

~JB

Slow news day in the baseball world today, huh. I woke up with my blackberry buzzing and flashing, alerting me a hundred different ways that Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez was being suspended 50 games for testing positive for one of MLB's banned substances.

Sheesh.

Before today's game here at Angel Stadium, a few of us scribes chatted for a while with veteran Kevin Millar, who was a teammate of Ramirez's in Boston. Millar said he was stunned to learn that Manny's name became the latest to be thrown into the performance-enhancing drugs discussion.

"I was definitely shocked," Millar said. "I think all of Los Angeles is pretty much in shock right now. I feel bad for the fans, man. That's who I feel bad for, the people who had tickets to come see him play tonight or tomorrow. It's kind of a bummer."

"The guy is the best pure hitter we've ever seen -- period," he added later. "He's just got the sweetest right-handed swing, I think, of our generation. Maybe the best the game's ever seen from the right side."

According to a statement from Ramirez, he went to a doctor and was prescribed something for personal reasons, and he didn't know the substance he received was banned. Reports indicate that the substance was identified as the female fertility drug human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG.

Millar doesn't see how there could be any excuses for what happened.

"Listen, the bottom line is it's not rocket science," Millar said. "We're responsible for everything we take -- period. It's not about the ban. If there's something that you're taking, you ask the question. If you test positive, you're responsible for it -- that's the bottom line.

"As Major League players, we know there's a testing policy and if I want to go tomorrow to go to GNC and get something, I'm going to make sure it's OK. I think that's the normal thing. I think we've all got to be accountable for our own actions at some point."

Millar then retrieved a plastic container from his locker that had seven days worth of pills inside.

"I take vitamins every day," said Millar, opening the case and pouring some pills into his hand. "If one of these things tests positive, that's my fault. That's not the company's fault."

BLUE SKIES: While chatting with Aaron Hill on the field this afternoon, Scott Rolen walked over to us and pointed to the sky. "We're going to try to get that moved before BP starts, OK?" Rolen said. He was pointing to the lone, sorry excuse for a cloud that was floating above the ballpark here in sunny Anaheim. That Rolen, always the joker.

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (20-10)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Robert Ray (0-0)

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (12-14)

1. Chone Figgins, 3B
2. Maicer Izturis, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Torii Hunter, CF
5. Kendry Morales, 1B
6. Mike Napoli, DH
7. Juan Rivera, LF
8. Howie Kendrick, 2B
9. Jeff Mathis, C

Starter: RHP Jered Weaver (2-1)

~JB

Walking into the main gates here at Angel Stadium, it's impossible to miss the memorial that fans have created for late pitcher Nick Adenhart, who died after a tragic car accident earlier this season. The picture I snapped with my phone doesn't do it justice. Many of the hats that circle the memorial have notes written by fans -- really touching.

As was the case when I blogged about Adenhart the day we learned that he passed, it's hard to find anything else worthwhile to write about on here. Not much going on with the Jays today. Bryan Bullington and Brian Burres were outrighted to Triple-A, clearing two spots on the 40-man roster. Catcher Michael Barrett played catch from 40 feet for a few minutes, but is still a long way off from returning from the disabled list.

I did chat with rookie Robert Ray for a bit today, since he is making his second big league start tomorrow. He is happy the first one is out of the way, because the ol' nerves definitely got to him for his Major League debut. I also asked him what his reaction was to GM J.P. Ricciardi bluntly saying Ray and Brett Cecil weren't ready for the big leagues.

"Honestly, I just want to take care of my job," Ray said. "I just want to go out and give us a chance to win and focus more on that. You know, maybe he's right. Maybe we weren't quite ready, or it wasn't the perfect time to bring us up. The fact is we're here now and we have to do what we can to help the team."

With that, here are...

Today's lineups:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (19-10)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Roy Halladay (5-1)

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (12-13)

1. Chone Figgins, 3B
2. Maicer Izturis, DH
3. Bobby Abreu, LF
4. Torii Hunter, CF
5. Kendry Morales, 1B
6. Mike Napoli, C
7. Gary Matthews Jr., RF
8. Howie Kendrick, 2B
9. Erick Aybar, SS

Starter: RHP Anthony Ortega (0-1)

~JB

Glancing at the American League's offensive charts, it's not hard to find the Blue Jays -- they're right there near the top in most team categories. There is one area where Toronto is lacking, though. No big surprise: Jays rank 12th in the league in stolen bases.

Through 27 games, the Birds nabbed 12 bags and were only caught once. A great success rate, but not a whole heckuva lot of tries. Only Oakland and Kansas City -- with 11 each -- had fewer in the league. Toronto's leader? Vernon Wells with three.

So what gives?

"I might have to ask you how many they stole this time last year," said Jays manager Cito Gaston, when asked about the low robbery rate. "I think you better check that one. They might not have that many last year -- I don't know."

Actually, turns out that the Go Go Jays had 22 (10 CS) through 27 games last season under former manager John Gibbons. Alex Rios, who ended with 32 swipes in '08, led the way with six and was followed by Marco Scutaro (three), John McDonald (two), Aaron Hill (two), Joe Inglett (two), David Eckstein (two), Gregg Zaun (two!), Scott Rolen (one), Buck Coats (remember him? one) and Wells (one).

One Jays scribe asked if the low stolen bases total so far this season could be a result of the strong offense. Why take risks when the group is hitting so well and producing so many runs?

"It's not about that. It's about opportunities and chances that you take," Gaston replied. "Sometimes, we run according to who's on that mound -- how fast they're unloading. You see us try to steal third sometimes, because some guys get where they get a little lackadaisical paying attention to guys on second."

Despite the early numbers, Gaston said he is definitely a fan of stealing bases,

"Absolutely," he said. "The running game creates a lot of trouble for people. If you can run, you can cause a lot of problems. Instead of hitting doubles, you can run into a double or run into a triple. If you have speed, it's great."

UPDATES: LHP Ricky Romero (strained right oblique) postponed his schedule bullpen session until Tuesday. The change came because Romero has been pushed back to pitch one day after RHP Casey Janssen (right shoulder). Janssen's next start for Class A Dunedin is slated for Wednesday and Romero's first rehab start for Dunedin will be Thursday. ... RHP Jesse Litsch (right elbow tightness) is on a tad slower schedule than Romero/Janssen, who could be back after two-three more Minors starts, but is only about a week behind, according to GM J.P. Ricciardi. Litsch is on a throwing program in Florida, but there is no target date for his first rehab start yet. ... LHP B.J. Ryan (left trapezius tightness) threw in the bullpen on Monday and will head to Florida to begin a rehab stint with Class A Dunedin on Wednesday. There is no timetable for Ryan's return, but the plan is for him to progress up the Minor League system. ... RHP Shaun Marcum (Tommy John on right elbow at end of last season) has been throwing in bullpen sessions and Ricciardi said the pitcher "might" be able to begin pitching in Minor League games some time in June. He is WAY ahead of schedule. ... RHP Dustin McGowan (right shoulder) is currently playing catch, but it's still unlikely he is back this season.

GOING TO CALI: I will not be covering Tuesday's game, missing out on the big league debut for Jays lefty Brett Cecil. I'll be traveling to the West Coast for Toronto's two-game set with the Angels. So the blog will be dormant until Wednesday. I won't be making the trek to Oakland. Instead, will be spending a couple extra days in Anaheim to visit some family.

Today's lineups:

CLEVELAND INDIANS (9-16)

1. Grady Sizemore, CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
5. Mark DeRosa, 3B
6. Jhonny Peralta, SS
7. Ryan Garko, 1B
8. Matt LaPorta, LF
9. Ben Francisco, DH

Starter: RHP Fausto Carmona (1-3)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (18-9)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, DH

Starter: LHP Brian Tallet (1-1)

~JB

For the first time this season, Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston pulled one of his regulars off the field and pinch-hit for him based on the situation. It happened in the eighth inning on Saturday, with an Orioles lefty on the mound and Lyle Overbay at the plate with bases loaded and two outs.

Overbay was mired in a 1-for-20 funk at the plate, while Millar was batting more than .300 with one grand slam already this season. So, going against his typical trend, Gaston sent Millar to the plate and called Overbay back to the dugout. Millar flew out to end the inning.

"He's struggling right now," Gaston said of Overbay. "I haven't done that all year, but I just felt like he's struggling and Millar, I don't think he's struggling, so I thought we'd give it a shot. It didn't work out for us, but if Millar is struggling and we get in that situation, and Overbay is swinging the bat really well, then I'll pinch-hit for him, too.

"There's very few people that you will pinch hit for on this team."

It marked only the third time that Gaston used a pinch-hitter this season -- the second-fewest in the Majors, trailing only the Indians (twice). The only other times Gaston pinch-hit for someone came during a blowout (John McDonald on April 25 and Travis Snider on April 15).

What the latest situation did show, as Gaston has said all along, is that he is willing to change things every now and then, even though he feels very strongly about certain philosophies.

Along those same lines, Gaston is very hesitant to change his lineup. That's why someone like the struggling Alex Rios remains in the No. 3 hole game in and game out. Gaston has no plans on pulling Rios out of that spot right now, either.

"In order for us to win, he will have to hit and he certainly has to be a part of this team," Gaston said. "So why knock him down by moving him and taking away some of his confidence? So, you know what? I might get criticized for not moving him, but we'll see what happens in the end."

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (9-15)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Adam Jones, CF
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Aubrey Huff, 1B
5. Melvin Mora, 3B
6. Luke Scott, DH
7. Chad Moeller, C
8. Felix Pie, LF
9. Cesar Izturis, SS

Starter: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (2-1)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (17-9)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Scott Richmond (3-0)

~JB

One storyline that hasn't received a whole lot of attention this week has been the return of catcher Gregg Zaun, who spent the past five seasons with the Blue Jays. Last night, Zaun received a mixed reception from the crowd, but there were plenty of boos.

Zaun noticed.

"Thats pretty flattering, too," Zaun said. "It's been a long time since I was booed that vehemently. It's been weird. It's been kind of surreal."

It was also a bit strange for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay to have to face Zaun, especially considering the veteran catcher knows the right-hander's repertoire inside and out. Two pitches into their first meeting on Friday night, Zaun drilled an 0-1 offering into center field for a two-out double in the second.

One writer jokingly asked if Halladay grooved a pitch to Zaun for old time's sake.

"No, but I thought about hitting him in the ribs," Doc quipped.

Halladay did say facing Zaun presented a unique challenge.

"He's a smart guy," Halladay said. "There's a little bit of cat and mouse, because you know he's got a good idea of what you do and you're always trying to stay one step ahead of him. The whole time he was here, he was an intelligent hitter, and he's always had good at-bats, quality at-bats.

"It's never fun facing guys like that."

Halladay got Zaun to ground out to short in the fourth inning and he struck him out in the seventh.

"He gave it to me the next two at-bats for sure," Zaun said.

UPDATES: LHP Ricky Romero (sidelined with a right oblique strain) threw 40-45 pitches in a bullpen session on Saturday morning and felt good, according to manager Cito Gaston. Toronto's skip said Romero will throw another 'pen on Monday and will likely be sent out on a Minor League rehab after that. ... Gaston rested 3B Scott Rolen on Saturday and gave the nod to Jose Bautista. While it won't be this way every time, Gaston said he will probably give Rolen the day off on day games after night games throughout the season. It's a way to hopefully guard against the right shoulder injury that has bothered Rolen late in the year in recent seasons. ... Gaston said RHP Robert Ray is able to throw 100 pitches, even though his latest Minor League start was only 4 1/3 innings. "I hope that gets us through eight," Cito said with a smile.

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (9-14)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Adam Jones, CF
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Aubrey Huff, 1B
5. Melvin Mora, 3B
6. Luke Scott, DH
7. Lou Montanez, LF
8. Gregg Zaun, C
9. Cesar Izturis, SS

Starter: RHP Brad Bergesen (1-0)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (16-9)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Jose Bautista, 3B
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Raul Chavez, C
9. Travis Snider, LF

Starter: RHP Robert Ray (MLB debut)

LOOKALIKE:

Blue Jays righty Robert Ray

Former Blue Jays righty A.J. Burnett

Just saying...

~JB

The other day Mrs. Bastian wanted to stop in the Blue Jays gift shop here in Rogers Centre and I chuckled when I noticed that there was still a large image of A.J. Burnett on one of the windows of the stadium. It was just distorted enough, though, that it could easily also be a picture of pitcher Robert Ray, who looks like he could be A.J's kid brother.

Ray will start for the Jays on Saturday for his Major League debut, and lefty prospect Brett Cecil will follow suit on Tuesday. This gives the Jays 3 rookies (Scott Richmond as well) and one converted reliever (Brian Tallet) in the rotation behind ace Roy Halladay. Ray and Cecil are likely temporary fill-ins.

Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi didn't sugarcoat the situation this afternoon. When asked what he liked about Ray, Ricciardi hesitated and offered this dose of reality:

"Well, he's healthy," Ricciardi said. "He's healthy and it's his turn to throw. We like him. He's one of our guys that we think is going to be here eventually, but he may be here too soon."

The same goes for Cecil, who has had poor results through one month with Triple-A Las Vegas and said he has been working on finding a consistent arm slot. So far, he has struggled in that regard and the result has been a slider that has been more horizontal and a fastball that runs flat.

Ricciardi said the hope is that the Blue Jays can stay afloat with this rotation through May 11, the team's next off-day. Then, between May 12-20, Toronto hopes to have both Ricky Romero (right oblique) and Casey Janssen (right shoulder) back in the mix. Shortly thereafter, Jesse Litsch (right forearm/elbow) may be back and Brian Tallet will likely be back in the 'pen.

According to Ricciardi, Ray, Cecil and Tallet might each have two more starts before the club reasses its starting staff.

"In all fairness to these guys, they shouldn't be here right now," Ricciardi said. "We're kind of forcing them based on circumstances. We like these guys -- they're going to be a part of what we do here -- but circumstances have put us in this spot. So, for a 10-day period, we'll just see if we can hold the fort down."

Some other updates: Romero is scheduled to throw in a bullpen session on Saturday. He might throw another on either Monday or Tuesday, or he might begin a rehab assignment. ... Litsch played catch on Friday and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. ... Closer B.J. Ryan (left trapezius) will travel to the Jays' complex in Florida after this homestand and he'll be put on a throwing program. He isn't throwing right now. ... Beyond Ray and Cecil, the Jays also promoted reliever Brian Wolfe. Ricciardi and manager Cito Gaston said they chose Wolfe over righty Jeremy Accardo because Wolfe is more able to jump in as a long reliever. Accardo has been working one-inning outings for the most part. ... Sent to Triple-A were David Purcey, Brian Burres and Bryan Bullington.

Today's lineups:

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (9-13)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Adam Jones, CF
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Aubrey Huff, 1B
5. Melvin Mora, 3B
6. Luke Scott, LF
7. Ty Wigginton, DH
8. Gregg Zaun, C
9. Cesar Izturis, SS

Starter: LHP Mark Hendrickson (1-3)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (15-9)

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Adam Lind, DH
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Jose Bautista, LF

Starter: RHP Roy Halladay (4-1)

~JB

It seemed like only a matter of time until this move was made, considering David Purcey's persistent struggled through the first month. Purcey has been shipped out to Triple-A Las Vegas and the Blue Jays have summoned lefty Brett Cecil.

Other pitching moves: Up from Vegas are Robert Ray and Brian Wolfe, down to Vegas are Brian Burres and Bryan Bullington. Burres was unspectacular in two starts for the Jays and Bullington, well, six walks in six innings isn't going to cut it.

With Purcey and Burres gone, the Jays need starters for Saturday and for Tuesday, May 5. Cecil's last outing was this past Tuesday, so he will make his debut on Tuesday. Ray has been working as a starter and last pitched on Sunday, so he will make his big league debut tomorrow.

Ricky Romero is also eligible to come of the 15-day disabled list on May 5, so we'll see. Jays will likely give him a little extra time to come back from the strained right oblique that's been ailing him. More details after I get to the ballpark this afternoon.

So, stay tuned...

~JB