TORONTO — All that is holding up the Scott Rolen-for-Troy Glaus trade is those pesky physicals, which are set for Monday. So, barring any lingering red flags in Rolen’s left shoulder or Glaus’ left foot, an official announcement should come on Monday or Tuesday.

It also appears as though this is a straight-up one-for-one swap with no additional money besides the contracts being exchanged. If that’s indeed the case, the Commissioner’s Office doesn’t need to put the ol’ stamp of approval on the deal to get it done.

So, Toronto and St. Louis exchanged risks. I don’t see this being a move that’s overwhelmingly good or bad for either club, but more of a win-win situation for the players. Glaus, while happy in Toronto, gets to move to a grass playing field in St. Louis. Rolen gets away from his escalating feud with Cards skipper Tony La Russa.

The money is about the same tied to each player, though Rolen has three years left to Glaus’ two. Word is that the Cards would only do the deal when Glaus agreed to kick in his 2009 player option. St. Louis gets a potentially powerful bat to slide behind Albert Pujols in the lineup and Toronto gets a slick glove and versatile bat to add to its lineup.

When healthy (man, I’m tired of writing that with this team), Rolen might be the best fielding third baseman in the game. He and second baseman Aaron Hill should help mask anything Toronto might’ve lost on defense by making the switch to David Eckstein from John McDonald.

Offensively, Rolen hasn’t launched as many homers as Glaus annually, but he’s performed better in virtually every other category:

Rolen, 32 — .283 AVG, .372 OBP, .507 SLG, 28 HR and 109 RBI per 162 games
Glaus, 31 — .254 AVG, .358 OBP, .500 SLG, 36 HR and 101 RBI per 162 games

I may have said it in my last post, but I, for one, am a fan of this trade. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Frank Thomas and Troy Glaus hit back-to-back in the lineup, solely because when both are on base it really limits what the Jays can do on the basepaths. Too many times last year, Toronto’s lack of speed made them a station-to-station offense.

As much as injuries took a toll on the lineup, this was a part of the problem, too. Rolen brings a little more speed to the group. I’m thinking a lineup consisting of Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Thomas, Lyle Overbay, Rolen and Hill in the Nos. 2-7 spots (maybe not necessarily in that order) should bode better for run production. Time will tell.

There’s always the outside chance that those medicals could derail this whole thing. Or, maybe the physicals will be fine, but the injuries might still be an issue during the year. Who knows? You saw how trying to hit with a bum left shoulder affected Wells last season.

TORONTO — The Jays and Cards are discussing a trade that would swap third basemen Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen. According to sources, the sides are close to a deal, pending physicals and some financial details.

I like this move for the Jays. Rolen is an upgrade on defense and can provide a solid bat. He’s coming off left shoulder surgery, but he had a strong year after a similar operation in ’05. This is the second surgery on the shoulder, and he’s expected to be OK for this season.

Glaus, meanwhile, is coming off left foot surgery and I think he’s a bigger risk playing on the turf in Toronto. He’s had leg issues ever since he came north and he didn’t look good in the field last year. I was surprised at how well he manned third in ’06, but he didn’t fare as well in ’07. Glaus also makes the media wait eons to get a few questions in, but that’s a whole other issue…

Money wise, Rolen is on the books for $12 million in each of the next three years. Glaus is slated to make $12.75 in ’08 and another $11.25 in ’09 through a player option. As part of the deal, St. Louis would probably have to send some cash Toronto’s way. Both players would also have to waive their no-trade clauses, which won’t be an issue in this case.

TORONTO — I only posted BP’s Top 11 Blue Jays prospects on the last post, but here’s the entire analysis by the publication. Enjoy and happy debating:

January 8, 2008
Future Shock
Blue Jays Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Travis Snider, OF
Four-Star Prospects
None
Three-Star Prospects
2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
3. Brett Cecil, LHP
4. John Tolisano, 2B
5. J.P. Arencibia, C
6. Justin Jackson, SS
7. Ricky Romero, LHP
8. Yohermyn Cavez, OF
Two-Star Prospects
9. Robinzon Diaz, C
10. David Purcey, LHP
11. Trystan Magnuson, RHP

Just Missing: Ryan Patterson, OF; Curtis Thigpen, C; Tracey Thorpe, RHP

1. Travis Snider, OF
DOB: 2/2/88
Height/Weight: 5-11/245
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, Jackson HS (WA)
2007 Stats: .313/.377/.525 at Low-A (118 G)

Year In Review: The former first-round pick built on his impressive debut by leading the Midwest League in slugging, RBI, and extra-base hits.
The Good: Snider is one of the top hitting prospects in baseball. He has a very patient approach, plus power to all fields, and hits lefties and righties with equal effectiveness–projecting for legitimate MVP-level numbers down the road. He’s a hard worker with great makeup who has survived personal adversity and appreciates where he is.
The Bad: Snider is absolutely massive, and will need to watch his conditioning in order to say in a corner, and his speed is a little below average. He could use more aggressiveness at the plate, as he currently works himself into poor hitter’s counts while letting not perfect–yet perfectly hittable–pitches go by.
Fun Fact: Snider didn’t steal a base after April 28^th, getting caught nine consecutive times thereafter.
Perfect World Projection: A number-three hitter on a championship-level team, and a perennial All-Star.
Timetable: Snider had an outstanding showing in the Arizona Fall League, proving that he’s already capable of producing against upper-level pitchers. He’ll begin 2008 in the Florida State League, and could be on the verge of a Jay Bruce-like breakout campaign.

2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
DOB: 4/26/89
Height/Weight: 6-1/190
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Memorial HS (TX)
2007 Stats: .230/.321/.339 at Rookie-Level (48 G)

Year In Review: The powerful switch-hitter moved up draft charts all spring, to the point of becoming the top-rated prep player in Texas, but his pro debut was disappointing.
The Good: Ahrens’ quick, fluid swing from both sides of the plate and plus power has already generated some Chipper Jones comparisons. Moved from shortstop to third base shortly after signing, his skill set played much better at the hot corner, as he showed good instincts and an above-average arm.
The Bad: The Blue Jays attribute Ahrens’ initial struggles as an adjustment to both professional baseball and a new position; they have no long-term concerns. He’s compactly built and not especially quick. He struggled at times against right-handers, against whom he was prone to chasing pitches.
Fun Fact: As a sophomore, Ahrens’ teammate on the left side of the Memorial High School infield was Koby Clemens, son of Roger and current Astros farmhand.
Perfect World Projection: An all-star-level third baseman.
Timetable: Ahrens will be the offensive centerpiece of a Low-A Lansing team that promises to easily be the most interesting team put together there since Toronto took over the affiliation.

3. Brett Cecil, LHP
DOB: 7/2/86
Height/Weight: 6-3/220
Bats/Throws: R/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, University of Maryland
2007 Stats: 1.27 ERA at Short-season (49.2-36-11-56)

Year In Review: Maryland’s closer made a successful transition to starting as a pro, limiting New York-Penn League hitters to a .197 average.
The Good: Cecil is a big, strongly-built left-hander with a good command of a solid three-pitch mix. His low-90s fastball can get cranked up to 94 mph at times, but it’s more effective at a slightly lower velocity, which is more of a splitter that batters continuously pound into the ground. His hard slider is his best pitch, and his changeup rates at least as average. He has advanced pitchability and knows how to set up hitters and mix his offerings effectively.
The Bad: Cecil has rarely started in the past, so there will be questions about his stamina until he proves he can handle a big inning count. While he’s solid across the board, he lacks any one knockout pitch.
Fun Fact: Cecil played his high school ball at Maryland’s famed DeMatha High, which is more famous for its national reputation in basketball, having graduated enough NBA players to fill an entire roster.
Perfect World Projection: A middle-rotation lefty.
Timetable: Cecil has the stuff and polish to move quickly, but his inning count will be closely monitored in his first full year as a starter. He’ll begin the year in the Florida State league with the goal of getting him to Double-A by season’s end.

4. John Tolisano, 2B
DOB: 10/7/88
Height/Weight: 5-11/180
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted: 2^nd round, 2007, Estero HS (FL)
2007 Stats: .246/.336/.437 at Rookie-Level (49 G)

Year In Review: After a below-expectations senior year, the switch-hitting infielder struggled to make contact in his pro debut, but nonetheless led the Gulf Coast League in home runs.
The Good: Tolisano’s swing path provides natural loft with backspin from both sides, and he already has a knack for recognizing which pitches he can drive. He has a patient approach, a tick above-average speed, and good overall athleticism.
The Bad: Tolisano often sells out the rest of his offensive game for power, becoming pull-happy at times and flailing at breaking balls at others. He hasn’t gotten good reviews for his range, glove work, or instincts, and many think he’ll need to move to the outfield soon.
Fun Fact: In the eighth inning of GCL games, Tolisano was 1-for-19.
Perfect World Projection: A 30+ home-run producer at a position still to be determined.
Timetable: Tolisano will be another part of the very talented squad at Lansing, where his defense will be watched with as much scrutiny as his power bat.

5. J.P. Arencibia, C
DOB: 1/5/86
Height/Weight: 6-1/210
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, University of Tennessee
2007 Stats: .254/.309/.377 at Short-season (63 G)

Year In Review: Seen as a top ten pick going into the season, the top college catcher struggled both offensively and defensively in his junior year due to a lower back injury, and his struggles continued in his pro debut.
The Good: Arencibia has well above-average raw power, especially for a catcher. He also has above-average athleticism for the position and an outstanding arm, while earning high marks for his game-calling skills and field leadership.
The Bad: Arencibia is prone to striking out due to a power-only swing that has plenty of exploitable holes. Scouts are mixed on his ability to stay behind the plate, but Arencibia wants to be a catcher, and has dedicated himself to improving his receiving skills and quickening his release. He needs to tighten his approach and wait for his pitch, instead of being too aggressive early in the count.
Fun Fact: When appearing in the Auburn lineup as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter, Arencibia was 3-for-25 with 12 strikeouts.
Perfect World Projection: An everyday big-league catcher, with some moderate star potential.
Timetable: Arencibia will likely skip Low-A and head to the Florida State League. It shouldn’t take long for him to move to the top of Toronto’s catching corps.

6. Justin Jackson, SS
DOB: 12/11/88
Height/Weight: 6-2/175
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Roberson HS (NC)
2007 Stats: .187/.274/.241 at Short-season (42 G)

Year In Review: Another player who dropped because of disappointing draft-year production, Jackson looked lost at times in his pro debut, but scouts are still high on his athleticism and potential.
The Good: Jackson is an excellent defensive shortstop for a teenager, with quick reads, plenty of range, and a strong arm. He shows good patience at the plate, and many feel his long arms and lanky frame should project for power down the road. He’s an above-average runner who should steal 20+ bases annually.
The Bad: Jackson’s hitting needs significant work. His swing is a bit stiff and mechanical, and he’s unable to make adjustments once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. He struggles mightily against left-handers, often looking to draw a walk to avoid even swinging the bat. Defensively, the worst thing you can say about him is that he’s prone to errors while trying to make spectacular plays on balls that most shortstops couldn’t even get to.
Fun Fact: During his first two years at Roberson, the best player on the team was Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin.
Perfect World Projection: Jackson’s ceiling is higher than many of the high school middle infielders drafted ahead of him, but his lack of ‘now’ skills also makes him a far greater risk.
Timetable: The Blue Jays would like to see Jackson ready to join his other 2007 draft brethren at Lansing, but that will require an impressive spring training.

7. Ricky Romero, LHP
DOB: 11/6/84
Height/Weight: 6-1/200
Bats/Throws: R/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2005, Cal State Fullerton
2007 Stats: 3.86 ERA at High A (4.2-4-1-2); 4.89 ERA at Double-A (88.1-98-51-80)

Year In Review: The sixth overall pick in 2005 continued his disappointing career with a poor showing at Double-A and shoulder soreness that limited him to less than 100 innings.
The Good: Romero’s changeup and curve both rate as above-average pitches, and he sets them up well with a 89-91 mph fastball that he locates well. His makeup and competitive desire are both off the charts, and have remained so despite his struggles so far as a pro.
The Bad: Romero’s control went south last year, as he’s had consistent trouble throwing his secondary offerings for strikes, often leaving him with a fastball that isn’t enough when he’s consistently behind in the count. His consistency from start-to-start and even inning-to-inning can be maddening at times, and there’s no real known reason for it.
Fun Fact: Romero has an 8.13 ERA in eight home starts, but a 2.83 mark on the road with more than a strikeout per inning.
Perfect World Projection: A solid No. 4 or 5 starter.
Timetable: The Blue Jays will continue Romero’s ascension up the ladder with an Opening Day assignment at Triple-A. He’ll have to pitch well to earn a look.

8. Yohermyn Chavez, OF
DOB: 1/26/89
Height/Weight: 6-3/200
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: NDFA, 2005, Venezuela
2007 Stats: .301/.389/.494 at Rookie-level (50 G)

Year In Review: The big Venezuelan outfielder rebounded from subpar debut to lead GCL team loaded with higher-profile 2007 draftees in several offensive categories.
The Good: Chavez is a huge, hulking presence at the plate with tremendous raw power who can put on a show in batting practice and gave signs of bringing that power into game situations after going homerless in 2006. He has good plate discipline, decent range, and an average arm.
The Bad: Chavez’ bat will need to carry him to the big leagues, as his other tools are no more than average, and he’ll likely lose speed as his body matures. He’s still prone to striking out and seems to have problems reading pitches from left-handers.
Fun Fact: In six GCL night games, Chavez went 13-for-22 (.591) with 21 total bases.
Perfect World Projection: A classic power-hitting corner outfielder.
Timetable: While Chavez doesn’t get the press of the deep and talented 2007 draft class, don’t be surprised if he ends up with the best numbers at Lansing.

9. Robinzon Diaz, C
DOB: 9/19/83
Height/Weight: 5-11/220
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: NDFA, 2000, Dominican Republic
2007 Stats: .316/.344/.409 at Double-A (74 G); .338/.358/.431 at Triple-A (19 G)

Year In Review: The slow-developing catcher finally made it to the upper levels of the system and just kept on hitting… for average at least.
The Good: Diaz is a contact machine with solid bat speed and outstanding barrel control: he just hits anything that’s thrown to him. He’s more athletic that your average catcher, and a decent defender with a plus arm.
The Bad: Whatever the opposite of a Three True Outcomes player is, Diaz is just that; in 366 at-bats last year, he had four home runs, 12 walks, and 22 strikeouts. He has little power and projects for no additional pop down the road. His career so far has been filled with minor injuries, and many wonder if, with his smallish frame, he can handle the rigors of a full season.
Fun Fact: In four games against Rochester, Diaz went 7-for-14 with his only Triple-A homer.
Perfect World Projection: A solid backup catcher or starter for a second-division team.
Timetable: While Diaz’ progression through the minors has been a slow one, he’s finally on the verge of making the majors and will begin the year at Triple-A.

10. David Purcey, LHP
DOB: 4/22/82
Height/Weight: 6-5/235
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2004, University of Oklahoma
2007 Stats: 5.37 ERA at Double-A (62-67-16-55)

Year In Review: One of the best power arms in the system, Purcey struggled at Double-A and didn’t pitch after June following surgery to remove some cysts from his arm.
The Good: Few left-handers around can match Purcey’s combination of size and velocity. He’s a big-bodied power pitcher whose fastball sits in the low 90s, and he can dial it up to 95 on occasion. He flashes a plus slider and also mixes in a change. Prior to 2007’s unique injury situation, he had been a durable arm who carried his stuff late into games.
The Bad: Purcey’s secondary stuff remains inconsistent, as does his command, as he’s struggled with mechanical troubles throughout his career. Because of his limited arsenal, many ultimately project him as a reliever.
Fun Fact: In his 62 Double-A innings, Purcey faced only one bases-loaded situation all year, in which he gave up a sacrifice fly.
Perfect World Projection: Depending on his future role, either mid-rotation starter or left-handed set-up man.
Timetable: Purcey was at his best in the Arizona Fall League, allowing just 13 hits in 22 innings while striking out 25. The Jays hope he can build on that momentum in 2008 at Triple-A.

11. Trystan Magnuson, RHP
DOB: 6/6/85
Height/Weight: 6-7/210
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, University of Louisville
2007 Stats: 1.77 ERA at NCAA (61-43-11-59)

Year In Review: An intriguing senior signee, Magnuson dominated while closing at Louisville, but wasn’t able to pitch after signing due to minor elbow issues.
The Good: Very tall and very skinny, Magnuson lives off a 91-94 mph fastball that he locates extremely well. He gets a good downward plane on the pitch because of his height, and also features a solid slider. He gets some deception from funky mechanics, but his arm action is clean.
The Bad: Drafted as a college senior, Magnuson turns 23 in June and has yet to throw a pitch as a profession, so he’ll need to move quickly. He very much is what he is, and doesn’t offer much in the way of projection.
Fun Fact: Magnuson’s great uncle was Keith Magnuson, who played eleven years with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
Perfect World Projection: A late-innings reliever, but probably a little to short (stuff-wise, not in stature) to close.
Timetable: Magnuson needs to move quickly because of his age, but he has the skills to do so. He’ll likely begin his career in the Florida State League.

The Sleeper: Like Magnuson, 2007 fifth-round pick Marc Rzepczynski was a budget-minded college senior signing with an impressive sinker/slider combination; he could evolve into a solid lefty reliever.

The Big Picture: Rankings Combined With Non-Rookies Under 25 (As Of Opening Day 2008)

1. Travis Snider, OF
2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
3. Brett Cecil, LHP
4. Adam Lind, of
5. John Tolisano, 2B
6. Jesse Litsch, rhp
7. J.P. Arencibia, C
8. Justin Jackson, SS
9. Ricky Romero, LHP
10. Yohermyn Cavez, of

What to do with Adam Lind? He still has plenty of believers in his bat, but he has plenty of non-believers as well, and the Blue Jays aren’t exactly bending over backwards to give him another chance. Litsch is equally difficult to evaluate, as once you get beyond the surprisingly good ERA, you find a strike-thrower who can get groundballs but also has a strikeout rate that makes it hard to be optimistic about his future success.

With only one elite prospect in the organization, the Blue Jays have far less depth than most organizations, with most of their hopes pinned on Snider’s bat. The 2007 draft class includes a number of intriguing talents, but the Blue Jays will need a high success ratio from them into order to move up the overall talent rankings.

TORONTO — That’s right, I’m back! But there’s hardly much going on in the way of Blue Jays news that really warrants a new post. Still, better to update this thing so you all aren’t staring at the same entry for weeks.

Happy New Year to everyone. The Misses and I had a marvelous Christmas break back home in Chi-town, where we made sure to check all the to-eat joints off our list. Downed some real Chicago pizza, ate some killer Mexican food, made a stop by my favorite Thai place downtown, made a Portillos run, the wife hunted down a mighty South Side Italian beef sandwich, and on the drive back to TO, we even returned to Roxy’s, our old favorite burger joint in St. Joseph, Michigan.

When we weren’t fattening ourselves up — and taking some time off from our marathon training, in my case — we did have a great time seeing family and escaping with a serious stash of presents. I hauled off a pile of DVDs (the final four seasons of King of Queens, Dexter Season 1, the Bourne Ultimatum, Live Free or Die Hard, Rescue Dawn, the Deer Hunter, among others) and Kelly drove off in a brand new car! No more TTC unless we say so!

We’ve been back in Toronto for a while now, but I’ve been a little busy. Earlier this week I beat Super Mario Galaxy on Wii and promptly called my 8-year-old nephew to gloat (Hey, I let him beat me at air hockey last week, so lay off). The Jays certainly haven’t been keeping me busy. OK, there have been some minor pitching additions to bolster the depth department and Reed Johnson was re-signed, but nothing that’s been earth shattering.

While there isn’t much going on in the baseball world — well, minus the whole Roger Clemens vs. Brian McNamee saga, which is making for quite the soap opera these days. Let me rephrase…while there isn’t much going on in TORONTO’S baseball world, I can bring news from the movie realm. OK, it isn’t news, but advice: those of you out there who haven’t seen No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood, do so.

I just returned from seeing TWBB tonight and I walked away utterly satisfied. Many won’t like the ending, but I found it particularly fitting, considering the maddening nature of the film. Daniel Day-Lewis was amazing as always and the flick reminded me of Citizin Kane at points. It was so good that I now want to see No Country again to see which I believe is better suited for a Best Picture nod. Hopefully, the writer’s strike doesn’t stop the Oscars from going on as planned.

On another note, thanks to the fellows at the Drunk Jays Fans blog for their kind words about my blog. The Drunks gave me this review:

"Jordan Bastian, who covers the Jays for MLB.com, probably files more stories during the season than the TMZ correspondent assigned to Britney Spears. Somehow, he still finds the time to write an informative blog.

Don’t expect too many carnal anecdotes about Aaron Hill’s bachelor party (they all drank $90 bottles of Shiraz while listening to him play Layla), but do expect some excellent coverage that other mainstream media members would overlook."

The Misses and I especially liked the TMZ line. Also, I particularly enjoyed the response DJF got from Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail. Anyway, on that note, I’m going to move from the kitchen table to the couch and chill out some before hitting the sack. Any of you out there starting to count down the days to Spring Training like I am? My lodging and flights are booked. It ain’t coming quick enough.

Ah, one final note. Baseball Prospectus put out their Top 11 Prospects list for the Jays. They are as follows:

Five-Star Prospects
1. Travis Snider, OF
Four-Star Prospects
None
Three-Star Prospects
2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
3. Brett Cecil, LHP
4. John Tolisano, 2B
5. J.P. Arencibia, C
6. Justin Jackson, SS
7. Ricky Romero, LHP
8. Yohermyn Cavez, OF
Two-Star Prospects
9. Robinzon Diaz, C
10. David Purcey, LHP
11. Trystan Magnuson, RHP

Just Missing: Ryan Patterson, OF; Curtis Thigpen, C; Tracey Thorpe, RHP

Stay tuned for more…

TORONTO — If you were thinking that Jays manager John Gibbons had a clear idea of how Toronto’s lineup is going to skake out, well, think again.

I talked to Gibby last night, and after chatting for a few minutes about Christmas, Texas and George Bush, we got down to talking baseball. Basically, Gibby knows this much: Davis Eckstein will be the leadoff man and Frank Thomas and Troy Glaus will probably bat fourth and fifth, respectively. Beyond that? There’s a whole lot to figure out before Opening Day.

For the second spot in the lineup, Gibby mentioned Lyle Overbay, Reed Johnson, Aaron Hill, Alex Rios and Vernon Wells. Obviously, Gibbons wants to see how Overbay, Johnson and Wells all rebound from injury, too. Overbay and Johnson could spend time there against RHP and LHP, respectively, and it doesn’t look like Hill’s chance as a No. 2 hitter will come this year.

As for Rios and Wells, one will be the third hitter. Gibbons doesnt want to put either guy behind Thomas and Glaus because that would limit Wells’ and Rios’ speed. I floated the idead of them being the Nos. 3-4 hitters, but Gibby said they’d more likely fall into the two-three holes in some order if he were to slot them back-to-back.

Matt Stairs will be platooning in left field, so that throws another left-handed bat in the mix from time to time. My bet is he’d hit sixth or seventh when he’s in the order, depending if Gibbons decides to break up Thomas and Glaus. Johnson could also be the ninth hitter when he’s in. The problem with Toronto’s lineup is they have too many parts that can occupy the Nos. 3-6 spots, and a lack of lefties.

For now, here’s what I gathered one of the possible lineups could look like:

1. David Eckstein, SS
2. Alex Rios, RF
3. Vernon Wells, CF
4. Frank Thomas, DH
5. Troy Glaus, 3B
6. Lyle Overbay, 1B
7. Aaron Hill, 2B
8. Gregg Zaun, C
9. Reed Johnson, LF

But that appears to be a vs. LHP lineup, considering Stairs would be in against right-handed hitters. So another possible lineup could be this:

1. Eckstein, SS
2. Rios, RF
3. Wells, CF
4. Thomas, DH
5. Overbay, 1B
6. Glaus, 3B
7. Stairs, LF
8. Hill, 2B
9. Zaun, C

Again, this is all guesswork on my part. Gibbons didn’t have an answer for anything after Eckstein. I’m sure you Jays fans have an opinion on this. So, what do you think the lineup should look like? Sound off in the comment field.

I’m heading home to Chicago for Christmas tomorrow and will be out of Toronto until after the New Year. I’ll probably blog if something comes up while I’m away, but mostly I’ll be away from my computer, either visiting family or playing my new Nintendo Wii. Yeah, I bought one before all of Toronto sold out.

Merry Christmahannakwanzakah to everyone and a Happy Festivus to the restivus!

TORONTO — Sal Fasano is back. Well, the Jays signed him to a Minor League contract and gave him an invite to Spring Training at least.

It’s the same contract he received with Toronto last season and it means the Jays aren’t done looking for a backup catcher. On a conference call today, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said that the club may look at some free agents or for a catcher via trade. No kidding.

But, Ricciardi did note that Miguel Olivo, who was recently non-tendered by the Marlins, was indeed on the Jays’ radar. Olivo isn’t great defensively, but he has a solid arm and can hit lefties — the criteria Toronto’s looking for in the catcher who will back up Gregg Zaun.

The Jays also officially announced the David Eckstein signing. He will hit leadoff and start over John McDonald at short — sorry Johnny Mac fans. Eckstein is declining defensively, though, so there’s a chance JMac could win the job again during the year, similar to last year when the Jays brought in Royce Clayton.

TORONTO — Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun issued this response in a club-released statement in the wake of the allegations made against him in the Mitchell Report:

“I am stunned by the allegations set forth in Senator Mitchell’s report. I emphatically deny these allegations but am not prepared to comment further at this time.”

TORONTO — I spoke with Vernon Wells earlier tonight about the Mitchell Report and he had this to say in regards to players being named, including Toronto’s Gregg Zaun and Troy Glaus:

"I’m in no place to judge what anybody else has done. They’re grown men and they make their own decisions. When you do things that are illegal, people are going to find out about it. Obviously, those guys have to deal with the repercussions of what happens after this report is out.

"People have probably done a lot worse things than doing steroids," he added. "I’m not going to view them any differently. [Zaun and Glaus] are both my teammates and we’re all playing for one common goal, to win. Whatever choices they made in the past, that’s on them."

Wells also talked some about his offseason rehab. I may write something up on that later. He’s scheduled to start swinging a bat at about 50-percent strength next week and expects to be ready to go this spring. So, good news on that front.

Looks like Zaun and Glaus are  declining comment for now. Jays president and CEO Paul Godfrey has a conference call in a few minutes. Stay tuned for more…

Direct from the report…

"Gregg Zaun is a catcher who has played with seven teams in Major League Baseball since 1995, the Baltimore Orioles (parts of 2 seasons), Florida Marlins (parts of3 seasons), Texas Rangers (1 season), Kansas City Royals (2 seasons), Houston Astros (parts of2 seasons), Colorado Rockies (part of 1 season) and, most recently, the Toronto Blue Jays(4 seasons).

[Former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk] Radomski believed that Jason Grimsley referred Zaun to him when they bothplayed for the Royals in 2001. Someone else (Radomski could not remember who) called and ordered steroids for Zaun. Although Radomski never spoke to Zaun about the transaction,Radomski received a check from Zaun for the steroids. Radomski produced that check, a copyof which is included in the Appendix and is shown below.

Radomski confirmed the payment was for Deca-Durabolin and Winstrol. He also stated that hesent the drugs to Zaun at the Kansas City Royals clubhouse. The address for the Royals ballparkwas found in Radomski’s address book.

Radomski’s statement that he sold steroids to Zaun is not the only allegation of
use by Zaun. As discussed earlier in this report, in September 2002 Luis Perez, a bullpen catcherfor the Montreal Expos, was arrested for possession of a pound of marijuana. In January 2003,he was interviewed by investigators from the Commissioner’s Office. Perez told those investigators that he had personally supplied anabolic steroids to Zaun and seven other majorleague ball players Tony Muser, Kansas City’s former manager, recounted an incident in which Zaundenied steroid use.

According to Muser, while he was managing the Royals he once discussed
the dangers of performance enhancing substance use with Zaun while the two were sitting on the bench before a game. Specifically, Muser told Zaun the story of how Don Rowe, a pitchingcoach for Muser in the minor leagues, had used steroids and developed serious health problemsas a consequence. Muser explained to Zaun that he was not accusing him of steroid use, andZaun denied any such use.

In order to provide Zaun with information about these allegations and to give himan opportunity to respond, I asked him to meet with me; he declined."

Continuing…

"Days before its article about [Jay] Gibbons, Sports Illustrated reported that the name of Toronto Blue Jays infielder Troy Glaus also had been in Signature Pharmacy customerrecords. According to the article, between September 2003 and May 2004, Glaus reportedly purchased nandrolone and testosterone from the pharmacy through the New Hope Health Center, a California anti-aging clinic, using prescriptions written by Dr. Ramon Scruggs, a California physician who was suspended from practice as of March 2007 for issuing prescriptions over the internet. The drugs were shipped to Glaus at his home in California. Glaus declined to comment on these allegations. Glaus reportedly met with officials from the Commissioner’s Office in September 2007. On December 6, 2007, the Commissioner’s Office announced that there was insufficient evidence of a violation of the joint program in effect at the time of the conduct in
question to warrant discipline of Glaus."

TORONTO — The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with shortstop David Eckstein on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.

Eckstein, who took home Wolrd Series MVP honors for the Cardinals in 2006, will likely move into the Blue Jays’ starting shortstop role, which was filled by veteran John McDonald. Toronto signed McDonald to a two-year, $3.8 million in September, and the club gave no hint that they were looking for a new shortstop this winter.

With Eckstein in the fold, McDonald — better known for his defensive gems than his bat — would probably return to a reserve role. The 31-year-old Eckstein would also be a candidate to move into the leadoff spot for the Blue Jays, who cycled through various players in that spot last year.

Last season, Eckstein posted a .309 average with three home runs, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases for St. Louis, which signed him to a three-year deal worth $10.25 million prior to the 2005 campaign. Eckstein, who is a two-time World Series champion, owns a career on-base percentage of .351.