Tough day for anthem singer, Blue Jays in Dunedin

On a day where Toronto pitchers were handing out hits like Halloween candy, a stingy Justin Germano stood out.

The journeyman right-hander threw two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four. The Houston Astros feasted on the rest of the Jays pitching, collecting 18 hits in a 10-1 Grapefruit League win Wednesday in Dunedin, Fla.

"He was really the only one that was sharp today," said manager John Gibbons. "Everybody else got hit around pretty good or they had trouble locating the ball or (were) behind everybody. That's two good ones in a row for him. But he can pitch, that's what he does."

Germano has done it for more than a few organizations, albeit with varying results. Prior to signing a minor-league contract with the Jays in November, the 30-year-old right-hander had stints with the Padres, Indians, Reds, Cubs, Red Sox and South Korea's Samsung Lions.

He struck out four in his two innings work Wednesday.

"I was able to throw strikes with all three pitches, got a few strikeouts and I felt it was a pretty good outing," said Germano.

His career major-league record is 10-30 with a 5.27 ERA in 93 appearances.

But Germano has a perfect game on his resume. Pitching for the Columbus Clippers, he blanked the Syracuse Chiefs 3-0 on July 26, 2011, in triple-A ball.

He was just happy to get the off-season call from Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos.

"Alex called me himself and told me about the opportunity that was here and it sounded too good to pass up," he said. "Obviously nobody knew they were going to do what they did and it's not the most ideal situation for me but I'm happy to be here and hope to be a part of this team because they're going to do something special this year."

There are a lot of pitchers competing for two spots in the Jays bullpen. Gibbons, who is looking for a reliever who can "eat some innings up," said Germano helped his cause Wednesday

"You never know. He's got some experience."

Jays slip

The Jays, who led the majors with a 24-7 spring record last year, slipped to 2-4. Houston improved to 3-2 on a sunny afternoon before 2,691 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

It was a sloppy performance by Toronto.

"It usually happens when you're getting beat around on the mound," said Gibbons, who also pointed to some good young talent in the Houston lineup.

Houston prospect George Springer homered twice and drove in five runs to trigger the Astro offence.

Toronto catcher J.P. Arencibia hit his first homer of the spring, drilling Wesley Wight's first pitch in the third over the centre-field fence to reduce Houston's lead to 4-1. Arencibia also threw out two Astros trying to steal third.

Springer, a 23-year-old centre-fielder ranked 37th on Baseball America's top 100 prospects list, hit a three-run shot in the fourth and a two-run blast in the fifth. He was hit by a pitch in the seventh.

The six-foot-three 200-pounder has not played above double-A ball other than in spring training.

Jays starter Brad Lincoln didn't survive the first inning, giving up three runs on four hits and a Melky Cabrera error. He gave way to Vancouver right-hander Trystan Magnuson, who promptly gave up another double before registering a strikeout to end a four-run Astros first inning.

Lincoln threw 24 pitches, 12 for strikes.

Germano restored some order on the Jays mound in the second and third innings.

But the Astros had their way with the next Jays pitcher, with Jeremy Jeffress giving up four straight hits — including Springer's three-run shot — and a wild pitch before his first out of the fourth.

Houston led 7-1 after four and increased the lead to 10-1 in the fifth on Fernando Martinez's RBI double and Springer's homer off Claudio Vargas.

Toronto's Alex Hinshaw pitched his way out of the seventh after a walk, hit batter and Mike McCoy error at shortstop loaded the bases. In the eighth, Tommy Hottovy escaped Astros on second and third.

Toronto loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth but was unable to profit.

Right-fielder Moises Sierra and catcher Josh Thole combined to get Houston's Trevor Crowe at the plate in the ninth as he tried to reach home from second on a Marc Krauss single.

Starter Alex White made his debut for Houston, giving up just one hit in two scoreless innings. He threw 25 pitches, 14 for strikes.

White went 2-9 with Colorado last season with a 5.51 ERA before being traded to Houston in December for reliever Wilton Lopez.

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Japan favoured to win World Baseball Classic

They'll play in the Far East and Far West and in the Caribbean, too. Wherever they are, Miguel Cabrera and R.A. Dickey and dozens of all-stars in the World Baseball Classic know the team to beat: two-time winner Japan.

The Japanese are hoping to defend their title in the third edition of baseball's global tournament, having topped Cuba in the inaugural Classic in 2006 and South Korea three years later.

To do it, Japan, with a roster that doesn't include a single player from Major League Baseball, will have to win two rounds at home and then the semifinals and final at San Francisco's AT&T Park.

In its way will be an American team led by Dickey, Ryan Braun and Joe Mauer, trying to make up for a couple of underwhelming WBC showings — and featuring Joe Torre's return to the top step of the dugout.

Team USA has plenty of motivation. The Americans didn't get out of the second round in 2006, then lost in the semifinals to Japan three years later.

"We'll probably be disappointed if we don't make it to San Francisco," said Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, slated to be the No. 2 starter in the U.S. rotation.

"First and foremost, we're focused on getting there."

Japan's pro teams are known for their rigorous spring training regimen, which typically begins a couple of weeks before the major-league clubs and feature all-day workouts with just a short break to eat.

"It's such a dedicated group of players," Torre said. "I go back to going over to Japan as a member of the Mets back in '74 and just noticing and, at that time, I didn't think necessarily that the Japanese could play at our level, maybe stature-wise.

"Even though their game was clean and disciplined, it just didn't look like they were as good as we were. That's certainly has changed."

'Fills my heart'

Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez will play alongside San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval and Triple Crown winner Cabrera for Venezuela. The World Series champion Giants have had to plan carefully this spring to get through the Cactus League with much of their roster headed to the WBC — Marco Scutaro on Venezuela, Angel Pagan and Andres Torres on Puerto Rico, Vogelsong and reliever Jeremy Affeldt on the U.S. team, closer Sergio Romo pitching for Mexico.

"It's my first time representing and I'm really looking forward to doing it," Pagan said. "The first two Classics, I couldn't do it because I was either trying to make a team or I was trying to be the everyday player.

"It fills my heart to go out there and play in front of my countrymen and in front of my family. I did it when I played in New York and Puerto Rico, but it's not the same when you're wearing the P.R. jersey."

And CarGo sure is confident in Venezuela's chances.

"I don't think we need practice — Venezuela doesn't need practice," he said. "Japan, they train together for a long time and get prepared for that.

"We don't really get prepared for that … put the uniform on, let's play."

'Represent your team'

In all, 45 major-league all-stars, including seven MVPs, were on the final WBC rosters.

Many MLB players are torn between playing for their country or playing for the club that signs their paycheque, especially those who might be on the bubble of making a major league roster or earning a starting job.

Gonzalez said the Venezuelans feel tremendous pressure to take part in the WBC, yet he understands why Seattle ace Felix Hernandez has passed after signing a $175 million US, seven-year contract earlier this month that made him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball.

"You have to represent your team," Gonzalez said. "You see all the news about King Felix not playing for Venezuela and the whole country changes, they get upset that you're not going to play for your country.

"They think it's all about the money, but you know what? We've been working since we were 16 years old and we came from Venezuela to represent — I think I made the right choice."

'Putting on your Sunday best'

The inaugural 2006 Classic featured a pool-play format, while 2009 was double-elimination — and this one will be a combination of both. The first round will be pool play, with the top two teams advancing. The second round is double-elimination, and the top two teams from each group will reach the semifinals.

The Americans will play their round-robin games at the Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field in Phoenix. The other first-round groups will play in: Fukuoka, Japan; Taichung, Taiwan; and, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"The guys who have played this before were excited to get back to it," Torre said. "I think it's still something to get a little used to.

"Let's admit it, you play the USA team, MLB, even though there are a number of MLB players obviously playing for other countries, it's like putting on your Sunday best, you know. We're excited because we have a chance to beat them at their own game, so to speak."

Semifinals will be played March 17-18, with the championship March 19 in the Giants' waterfront ballpark. That's where Sandoval cleared the fences three times in a Game 1 World Series win against the Tigers. The guy known as Kung Fu Panda hopes to find his groove again for his country. If he does, and his nation wins it all, Sandoval will be World Series, Venezuelan and WBC titles to his credit.

"I'm trying to get the Triple Crown," Sandoval said.

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Twins make Ricky Romero pay for hanging sinker

Spring training is like a laboratory for pitchers, and Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero spent his time on the mound Tuesday testing out his sinker.

Teammate Brandon Morrow, using the Internet for research, had pointed out that Romero had strayed from his sinker last year — he had thrown it just eight per cent of the time in 2012 against left-handers and 13 per cent against righties, compared to 26 and 21 per cent in 2011.

In all, he used the sinker 11 per cent compared to 22 per cent the previous year.

"Looking at those numbers, they're pretty crazy," said Romero, who has the printout in his locker to prove it.

'[I'm] just trying to get that pitch back and get it under control.'— Jays' Ricky Romero said of his sinker

He's not sure what happened, other than he stopped trusting the two-seamer pitch in what turned out to be a roller-coaster year.

On Tuesday, Romero estimated he threw the sinker 90 to 95 per cent of the time in his first outing of the spring, a 8-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins that dropped Toronto's Grapefruit League record to 2-3.

"[I'm] just trying to get that pitch back and get it under control," said Romero from Dunedin, Fla. "But it definitely felt good to be back out there."

Get the sinker back and Romero believes he will "get back to the guy that I was."

"Getting ground balls out and quick outs. It all came off that sinker … I know if it's down, it's going to be a ground ball more often than not," he added.

Long ball

He gave up two runs on two hits including a two-run homer by Joe Benson and threw 36 pitches, 17 for strikes.

Romero wasn't concerned with his velocity, the gun showed him in the high 80s Tuesday. He knows he has weeks left to ratchet that up.

Romero had off-season elbow surgery and injections to his knees after a 2012 campaign that saw him suffer a franchise-record 13 consecutive losses after starting the season 8-1.

Twins starter Mike Pelfrey also had a rough year. He made just three starts with the Mets in 2012 due to a swollen right elbow that ended his season in late April. He had Tommy John surgery on May 1.

On Tuesday, both starters exited with two outs in the second.

Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C., started at first base for Minnesota (2-2). He singled in the first, doubled home a run in the third and grounded out in the fifth before giving way.

Adam Lind and Andy LaRoche homered for the Jays who went up early and then saw the Twins pull ahead.

Toronto led on Rajai Davis's RBI single after Emilio Bonifacio doubled to open the bottom of the first. Lind then homered over right-centre to bring Davis home and make it 3-0.

Twins chase Romero

Benson, ranked the Twins' second-best prospect by Baseball America, cut into the lead with a two-run homer in the second on a 2-1 Romero pitch. That marked the end of Romero's afternoon.

"I left a sinker that stayed up and the guy hit out," said Romero.

Errors by Bonifacio and Maicer Izturis did not help the Toronto cause in the inning.

Morneau tied it at 3-3 with a right-field double in the third, driving home Joe Mauer who had singled with one out. The Canadian then came home on Trevor Plouffe's single, eluding Henry Blanco's tag at the plate.

Darin Mastroianni's RBI single extended the lead to 5-3 in the fourth. Aaron Hick's RBI single in the sixth drove in Brian Dozier for a 6-3 lead.

Eddie Rosario, a 21-year-old Twins prospect, hit a two-run shot off David Bush in the seventh to make it 8-3. LaRoche answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.

Toronto second baseman Eugenio Velez made a fine fielding play in the eighth, rising high to catch a bullet.

The game took place despite a morning deluge and a tornado watch in nearby Tampa and parts north until mid-afternoon.

Game-temperature was 20 C with lots of seats still available. Attendance was announced at 2,702.

The Jays host Houston on Wednesday with Brad Lincoln set to start against Alex White of the Astros.

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Birthday Bio: Matt Stairs

CBCSports.ca wants to wish a happy birthday to athletes and others involved in the sports world who left a lasting legacy on their games or are responsible for moments still talked about. Today, we say "Happy 45th" to Matt Stairs, a Canadian baseball player known for coming up big in the clutch.

CBCSports.ca wants to wish a happy birthday to athletes and others involved in the sports world who left a lasting legacy on their games or are responsible for moments still talked about.

Today, we say "Happy 45th" to Matt Stairs, a Canadian baseball player known for coming up big in the clutch.

The "journeyman" tag, while appropriate, doesn't do justice to Matt Stairs.

The former Major League Baseball player was born in Saint John, N.B., on Feb. 27, 1968, raised just outside of Fredericton, and then spent 19 seasons playing for 13 different MLB teams, and played in Japan.

So, yeah, you could say he's been around.

But how was he able to stick around so long? His given nickname of "Professional Hitter" had a lot to do with it.

Stairs toiled in the majors as a "hit man" of sorts, building a career .262 batting average, 265 home runs, and 899 RBIs, but his true value came from his innate ability to smack the long ball at clutch moments. The ever-valuable pinch hitter.

Which brings us to his crowning achievement -- Game 4 of the 2008 National League Championships Series. Stairs's Philadelphia Phillies (the ninth MLB team of his career) had just rallied to tie the game in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

And then, this:

After the game (a 7-5 win for the Phillies; they'd close out the Dodgers in Game 5 and go on to win the World Series against the Rays), Stairs called it the biggest home run of his career.

He also told the reporters gathered at the press conference that it made him feel closer to a team he had joined late in the season (his description is quite entertaining with its use of a curious phrase).

The hit also spawned a t-shirt, playing off a phrase usually reserved for life-threatening situations, but seemed apropos for what the man brought to his teams in their time of need:

Stairs retired in 2011, and still holds the record for most pinch-hit home runs in the majors, with 23. He was also inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame this past June.

Back to accessibility links

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R.A. Dickey satisfied with spring debut in Jays' loss

The brotherhood of knuckleballers held a rare get-together Monday afternoon with R.A. Dickey and Steven Wright facing off and Tim Wakefield looking on.

The unheralded Wright had the smoother start on a 27 C day before 4,824 fans at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium as a Boston Red Sox split-squad defeated the hometown Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 in Dunedin.

But despite taking the loss, Dickey was happy with his first outing of the spring.

"Today was just 'How does it feel out of your hand with your adrenalin going? Off the slope of the mound, in a game situation?'" he said. "And I was really pleased. I threw a lot of strikes. I bet I was 0-2 on 80 per cent of the hitters or 1-2 on 70 to 80 per cent of the hitters and that's always a good sign for me."

The game marked the return of former Jays manager John Farrell, who asked out after two seasons to take over the Red Sox. He was greeted by boos during player introductions.

The game was a rare matchup of knuckleballers, albeit at very different stages of their career.

Dickey, 38, is coming off a Cy Young Award last year with the New York Mets.

A decade younger, Wright played for one AA and two AAA teams last season. In six minor-league seasons, the right-hander is 38-33 with a 3.95 earned-run average but he has only been throwing the knuckleball for two years.

Minor leaguer shines

But the minor leaguer had the better day, giving up no runs on two hits and three strikeouts. He threw 40 pitches, 25 for strikes in earning the win.

"I thought he was great. Very impressive," Toronto manager John Gibbons said of Wright.

Dickey had a rougher start, giving up singles to three of the first four batters he faced. Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove one run in before a wild pitch brought Jackie Bradley Jr. home with one out. The inning could have been worse but Saltalamacchia was thrown out trying to take third on a fly ball.

Dickey, like Wright throwing in the 70s in terms of velocity, yielded another single in the second but was rescued by a double play. He threw 34 pitches, 24 for strikes with one walk.

"I was happy that I threw a large strike percentage today," he said. "All in all I felt real good.

"I just want to be able to continue my delivery and throw a lot of strikes," he added. "And today I was able to do that."

Dickey believes it was his first start against a fellow knuckleballer, although he has faced the retired Wakefield in relief. Wakefield is now a part-time TV analyst who has been helping Wright with his pitch.

The knuckleballers made the most of the day. Wright texted Dickey before the game and Dickey got to talk with Wakefield.

Johnson sharp

Dickey was followed by six-foot-seven newcomer Josh Johnson, who threw two scoreless innings and seemed to find his groove as his stint wore on. He threw 31 pitches, including 19 strikes, giving up one hit and hitting a batter while striking out two.

"The problem with me is I always get the adrenalin going maybe a little too much," Johnson said. "The second innings are always better for me. I've always had trouble the first inning and being able to calm down and relax and just getting too amped up. That's kind of what happened today. I've just got to learn from it."

The hit batsman came from a new pitch -- a comeback sinker.

"Very good. I've been impressed with him from Day 1," was Gibbons's assessment of Johnson.

Right-hander Allen Webster followed Wright and racked up four straight strikeouts in his two innings, at times hitting 97 miles per hour on the speed gun.

Melky Cabrera put Toronto (2-2) on the board in the third, with his second double of the game driving Jose Reyes home.

Boston made it 3-1 in the sixth before Edwin Encarnacion slugged his first homer of the pre-season in the sixth, cutting the lead to 3-2.

Boston (2-2) added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI single from Bradley.

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Jays to decide on catcher for R.A. Dickey after World Baseball Classic

The Toronto Blue Jays will decide who catches knuckleballer R.A. Dickey after the World Baseball Classic, says manager John Gibbons.

Incumbent J.P. Arencibia has insisted he wants to handle Dickey this season although the Jays have three catchers in camp — Henry Blanco, Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas — who have experience in working with Dickey.

Arencibia, who worked out with Dickey over the winter in their off-season home of Nashville, caught Dickey in his spring debut Monday.

Both are eventually headed to the U.S. team at the World Baseball Classic.

"When they come back, we've got to make a decision one way or another," Gibbons said Tuesday. "If he's the guy or we're going to go with one of the other guys.

"Because that individual, whoever it is, he's got to work him the rest of the way."

Gibbons said he thought Arencibia had done a good job Monday. A Baltimore run scored on a wild pitch but Gibbons said he didn't think anyone could have got to the ball.

"You don't want to let this linger," he said. "We've got to make a decision but we can't do it until they get back [from the WBC] anyway."

If it isn't Arencibia, he will see action with the other Jays' pitchers.

Dickey is slated to pitch April 2, opening day against Cleveland. Gibbons said whoever is selected to be his catcher will start that day too.

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Yankees' Curtis Granderson breaks arm vs. Blue Jays

New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson is expected to be out until May after breaking his right forearm.

The slugger was hit by a pitch from Toronto's J.A. Happ in the bottom of the first inning Sunday in Tampa, his first at-bat of spring training. The Yankees, who were beaten 2-0 by a Toronto Blue Jays' split-squad, first called it a bruise but X-rays revealed the break.

"Five pitches in we got a little setback," said Granderson, who was wearing a moulded brace. "Now we rest, recovery, get it back, and get ready to play whenever that day comes."

The team said Granderson could be out 10 weeks, which means he'll miss about a month of the regular season.

"Mentally, you understand this is part of it, but at the same time now there's not much I can do about it except do the best things I can to not make it worse," Granderson said. Keep myself ready to go."

It's a major blow for the Yankees, who are already without Alex Rodriguez until at least the All-Star break. The Yankees also lost Nick Swisher to free agency.

Granderson led New York with 43 homers last season. The Yankees hit 245 homers last year and had five players with at least 20. This year they could open the season with just two players, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano, who topped 20.

Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera, in the competition for the fourth outfielder spot, could see increased playing time.

Happ, coming back from foot surgery, went two scoreless innings, giving up three hits. Projected as the team's sixth starter, the left-hander had a 10-11 record with a 4.79 ERA in 24 starts and four relief appearances last season.

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 4 (ss)

Jose Bautista hit the scoreboard with a homer and reliever Sergio Santos looked impressive in his return from shoulder surgery as a Toronto Blue Jays split-squad lost 5-4 to the Baltimore Orioles in spring training play Sunday afternoon.

Another Toronto squad played to a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees in nearby Tampa, with manager John Gibbons looking on. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale led the Jays (2-1) in their home spring opener before 3,802 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on a cloudy 22 C day.

In Tampa, Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson broke his right forearm when he was hit in the first inning by Toronto starter J.A. Happ. The Yankees expect the slugger to be out for some 10 weeks.

At Dunedin, Santos came in the third inning for his first action since last April, when he was shut down after just six appearances as the Jays closer. He had shoulder surgery in July.

Santos hit 95 m.p.h. twice in retiring the Orioles (2-0) in order in the third, finishing off the inning with a nice stab fielding play on the mound.

"For my first inning and being Feb. 24, I'll take it," said Santos. "It's good. The ball was coming out free and easy."

And he wasn't hurting, as he did last season. Santos threw one slider and five fastballs, all for strikes.

Santos' performance is encouraging to a team still waiting on Casey Janssen, who is also making his way back from shoulder surgery. Janssen, who took over as closer last season in Santos' absence, hopes to be ready by Opening Day but is sticking to a slow and measured program.

Bautista showed he was back from wrist surgery when he homered off Troy Patton in the third, sending the ball into the protective mesh in front of the scoreboard and driving in Jose Reyes for a 3-2 lead.

He had come close in the first, slamming a ball to the warning track in right field.

"It feels good," Bautista said. "I took a couple of big hacks today in good hitters' count. It felt perfect. It feels good to connect [with] the ball after a while [of] not playing."

Santos enjoyed watching Bautista go long.

"We've got a lot of great pieces," he said. "I think if we stay healthy and play the way everybody's played in the past, then I like our chances."

Mark Buehrle started for the Jays, retiring the first four Orioles he faced. Then the bottom fell out and the veteran left-hander exited, after giving up a single, Steve Pearce's homer, single and single to the next four batters in the second, having thrown 35 pitches and 24 strikes.

Pearce split 2012 with the Astros, Orioles and Yankees in addition to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Bobby Korecky came in and cleaned up the mess.

"Obviously the second inning, I didn't locate [the ball] as well," said Buehrle, who seemed unfazed by what was essentially a short practice outing.

"Seems like I never pitch too good in spring training," he added. "My number aren't good."

The 33-year-old Buehrle came over to Toronto in the blockbuster trade with Miami in November. In 2012, the left-hander went 13-13 with a 3.74 earned-run average and 125 strikeouts in 202.1 innings.

It was the 12th straight season Buehrle had posted 10 wins, 30 starts and 200 innings pitched.

Toronto left-hander Aaron Loup followed Santos with a 1-2-3 inning. Jeremy Jeffress had two strikouts in his hitless one inning.

Despite the loss, the Jays pitchers did well with two walks and 10 strikeouts among them. Their Baltimore counterparts had five walks and five strikeouts.

Jair Jurrjens, a native of Curacao who represented the Netherlands at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, pitched the first two innings for the Orioles (2-0). The 27-year-old split last season with the Atlanta Braves and AAA Gwinnett Braves.

Veteran Mark DeRosa had put the Jays on the board in the second with an RBI single, bringing home J.P. Arencibia from second.

An RBI single by Pearce in the sixth tied it at 3-3 and Baltimore pulled ahead 5-3 in the eighth on a Jason Pridie RBI double and Yamaico Navarro RBI single off Tommy Hottovy, whose cause was not helped by a Ryan Goins error.

Kevin Ahrens closed the gap to 5-4 with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth.

Toronto came close in the ninth, with Adam Loewen on second and Mike Nickeas on first, but Baltimore right-hander Rob Delaney got Josh Thole for the final out and the save.

Mike Belfiore got the win with one inning of scoreless relief while Hottovy took the loss.

Toronto left 11 on base, compared to eight for Baltimore.

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Jose Bautista says John Farrell will get warm welcome from Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista says former manager John Farrell will get a warm welcome when he brings his Boston Red Sox for a spring training game on Monday.

"Why not?" the star outfielder said Sunday. "As a person I like him. As a manager I like him. He never did anything bad or wrong to me. You can't blame somebody for having a desire to get to a certain place in his career.

"At least he said it and made it obvious and made it known to everybody. And he had a chance to pursue his dream. I would rather him be there doing that than be with us and wanting to be there.

"Yeah, I'll go say hi to him, talk to him, see what he's doing, see how's he feeling. Normal chit-chat. And then I'm going to try to kick his ass."

Farrell asked to be released by Toronto after the 2012 season to manage in Boston, which he called his "dream job."

Eventually the Jays agreed on a compensation deal in October that saw infielder Mike Aviles come to Toronto and right-hander David Carpenter go to the Red Sox.

Farrell spent four seasons as Red Sox pitching coach from 2007 to 2010 before managing two years in Toronto.

The Red Sox visit will also see the return of third base coach Brian Butterfield, who left Toronto to join Farrell in Boston.

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will make his spring debut against a Boston split-squad Monday. Another Boston team will play at the Tampa Bay Rays.

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Jays rally behind grand slam in spring training opener

Lance Zawadzki paused when asked about the major league organizations he had been with.

Royals, Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals.

"I'm missing one," he said before remembering the Braves.

The 27-year-old infielder from San Antonio announced himself to Blue Jays fans Saturday with a pinch-hit grand slam in the sixth inning that snapped a 3-3 tie and helped Toronto to a 10-3 win over the Detroit Tigers in its Grapefruit League opener.

"It's just something special," Zawadzki, who has just 20 major league games under his belt, said of his first at-bat as a Jay. "It's something you wouldn't forget if it was real game or an intra-squad."

Fellow pinch-hitter Ryan Goins added a three-run shot in the seventh.

"I tell you he smoked it," Jays manager John Gibbons said of the Zawadzki blast. "Goins, he smoked his too. The wind always gushes out here, so that helps a little bit but those two balls were hit on screws."

Toronto starter Brandon Morrow, meanwhile, was caught in spring training limbo.

The Jays right-hander, withholding his prized slider until later in the pre-season, gave up a two-run homer to Detroit slugger Prince Fielder in his one inning of work.

"Part of you wants to go out and get in [the game], the other half is trying to stay back and stay under control," he said later.

Detroit (1-1) took the lead in the first when Fielder slammed a 3-2 fastball over the right-field fence with two out and Torii Hunter on base. Moises Sierra didn't even move in right field. He just turned and watched the ball fly over the fence.

"Obviously down and in for a strike to Prince Fielder is not a good pitch," said Morrow. "I wouldn't be throwing that during the season, but we're working on stuff."

A Victor Martinez single followed and pitching coach Pete Walker made his first visit to the mound of the season. Morrow struck out Andy Dirks to end the inning, giving up two runs on three hits.

Morrow, who likes a slow start to spring training, was only slated to go the one inning. He threw 23 pitches, 10 for strikes.

"First game of spring training, it's fine. We've got seven more weeks or whatever it is," he said. "Plenty of time."

Toronto has 33 more Grapefruit League games to go before the season opener at Rogers Centre on April 2 against the Cleveland Indians.

In the bottom of the seventh, Jeff Kobernus' drive to right-centre field almost turned into an inside-the-park grand slam as Toronto's Ryan Langerhans and Mike McCoy collided and went flying. But Langerhans managed to hold onto the ball.

McCoy headed to the clubhouse with a quad contusion after receiving attention on the field.

Zawadzki, who split 2012 with three AAA teams, jump-started the Toronto offence with his grand slam off Ryan Robowski. Goins then made Melvin Mercedes pay for a pair of walks one inning later

Zawadzki spent 20 games with San Diego in 2010 but never homered. He was drafted out of high school by the Montreal Expos in the 48th round of the 2003 first-year player draft and again by the Cardinals in the 15th round of the 2006 draft, but did not sign. He joined the Padres after they took him in the fourth round in 2007.

Zawadzki's entry to the Jays came via a friend of Gibbons that the player knows through his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes back in Texas. Zawadzki, then headed to the Royals camp, was introduced to Gibbons and the two have kept in touch the last two years.

He signed as a free agent in December, acknowledging that he had been slightly worried it had taken him so long to find a new baseball home.

Saturday's game was typical spring training fare. There were base-running gaffes and collisions in the outfield. But the 8,025 fans loved it, soaking in the atmosphere on a sunny 29-degree day at Joker Marchant Stadium where palm trees sway in the outfield.

And the dirtiest car in the parking lot got a free spruce-up, thanks to a local business.

The Tigers, their stylish 'D' painted behind home plate, are coming off a season that saw them lose to San Francisco in the World Series.

The retooled Jays are starting what they hope is a journey that will take them one better.

Emilio Bonifacio led off for Toronto and was followed by Maicer Izturis, Brett Lawrie, Adam Lind, J.P. Arencibia, Josh Thole, Sierra, Anthony Gose and Ricardo Nanita.

Morrow was followed on the mound by Brad Lincoln, Steve Delabar, Esmil Rogers, David Bush, Ramon Ortiz, Neil Wagner and Chad Beck.

"We were scattering it a little bit today," Gibbons said of his pitching. "We weren't real sharp."

Bush got the win, going two innings without yielding a hit. Robowski took the loss.

"Bushie will help us before it's all said and done," said Gibbons. "He's got an idea what he's doing."

The Tigers went with their everyday lineup in their spring home opener, a move made for the fans, according to manager Jim Leyland.

The Detroit lineup was Austin Jackson, Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Fielder, Martinez, Dirks, Jhonny Peralta, Alex Avila and Omar Infante.

Lawrie drove in two other Jays runs with a single and Lind hit a sacrifice fly to account for another. Cabrera added a solo homer for the Tigers.

The game marked the official return of Gibbons as Toronto manager. He went 305-305 from 2004-08.

And while only a spring training affair, it drew the attention of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"Good luck to the [at]BlueJays as they start spring training. Here's to watching some .baseball in Canada this October," he tweeted just prior to the opening pitch.

The visiting Tigers defeated Atlanta 2-1 Friday in their spring opener.

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Ex-Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's bloody sock sells for over $90K US

A bloody sock worn by Curt Schilling while pitching for the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals was sold for $92,613 US at a live auction on Saturday night at the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion.

Schilling had loaned his sock to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum but when his Rhode Island-based video game company "38 Studios" went bankrupt, he decided to sell the sock that was bloodied as he pitched on an injured ankle.

Bidding began at $25,000 several weeks ago. Texas-based Heritage Auctions anticipated it would get more than $100,000.

An anonymous bidder submitted the winning bid.

"It's a one of a kind item, so it's really tough to gauge what kind of interest you're going to get," Chris Ivy, director of Sports Auctions for Heritage Auctions said. "Sometimes you catch lightning in a bottle where a piece will take off like the Buckner ball. This particular time, it's the first time we sold a sock with blood on it so it's very hard to gauge what kind of final number it's going to end up."

Schilling helped end Boston's 86-year championship drought — the "Curse of the Bambino" — by pitching on an ankle that had been sutured more than once through the post-season. Pitching with a damaged tendon resulted in bleeding through the sock. Still, Schilling allowed only a run in six innings.

The right-hander made $114 million over an 18-year career with Baltimore, Houston, Philadelphia, Arizona and Boston but defaulted on loan payments to the state of Rhode Island.

Schilling's company was lured away from Massachusetts to Providence after Rhode Island's economic development agency in 2010 approved a $75 million loan guarantee. The company ran out of money less than two years later and filed for bankruptcy. Rhode Island is facing a tab of approximately $100 million related to the deal, including interest, and the agency is suing Schilling and others, saying it was misled.

Even with the large sale price, Rhode Island is not getting the proceeds from the sale. Schilling listed the sock as bank collateral in a filing in Massachusetts after investing roughly $50 million in the company and losing all his baseball earnings.

Red Sox memorabilia

The sock up for sale was actually the second of two. The more famous one was stained when Schilling pitched through an ankle injury during Game 6 of the 2004 AL championship series against the New York Yankees; that sock is said to have been discarded at Yankee Stadium.

Schilling's sock was the second notable piece of Red Sox memorabilia to be auctioned off in the last year. The ball that went through Bill Buckner's legs in Game Six of the 1986 World Series was projected to sell for $100,000 but fetched $418,000.

The other marquee part of the auction was several 1980 Winter Olympic items from Mike Eruzione, who scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. Hockey team to the "Miracle on Ice" against Russia 33 years ago Friday. The team won the gold medal by beating Finland.

He was selling nearly everything except for his actual gold medal.

Besides the No. 21 jersey Eruzione wore when he scored the game-winning goal in the comeback victory over the Soviet Union, he sold his stick, the jersey from the "Miracle on Ice" game, his hockey pants, his hockey gloves and the sweatsuit worn at the gold medal ceremony.

The items were sitting in Eruzione's hockey bag for most of the last 33 years, but his stick went for $262,900 while his jerseys went for $657,250 and $286,800 respectively.

"It was fun, obviously I don't know what's going to happen in something like this," Eruzione said. "It's exciting and I'm happy that a few people enjoy it and display it properly."

Ivy said that Eruzione was interested in selling his memorabilia after seeing the jersey that Paul Henderson wore for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against Russia sell for over $1.2 million dollars last year.

Eruzione said that proceeds will be used to help his family and his charitable endeavours.

Other noteworthy New York Yankee and Red Sox items, included a $1,150 signing bonus endorsed by a 17-year-old Mickey Mantle that sold for $286,800 and two checks related to the purchase of Babe Ruth, which went for $95,600.

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2013 is make or break season for Blue Jays' Adam Lind

It's one Blue Jays off-season move that received Adam Lind's blessing.

In between blockbuster trades that brought pitchers R.A. Dickey and Josh Johnson as well as all-star shortstop Jose Reyes and others to Toronto, AAA hitting coach Chad Mottola was promoted to fill the same role with the big club.

Lind was hitting .227 last July 25 when he was told to work on his approach at the plate in the minor leagues and spent a month in Las Vegas with Mottola getting his head straight and his game back on track.

How will Blue Jays 1st baseman Adam Lind perform this season?

Lind returned to the Blue Jays and hit .301 over his final 35 games with three homers, 18 runs batted in and .341 on-base percentage. He managed only two homers over 103 at-bats in September and October but had earned the opportunity to keep his starting job at 2013 spring training.

"I have coached him, we've done everything," said Mottola, who played with Lind in Toronto in 2006. "I know his personality and how to get him in the right position mentally to hit. Where he's been at in the past [when problems arose] has been mental."

Recently, Lind suggested that mixed messages from former manager John Farrell and one-time hitting coach Dwayne Murphy contributed to some of his struggles in 2012. Farrell preached patience at the plate while Murphy, now the Jays first base coach, preferred a more aggressive approach.

Toss in questions of Lind's fitness level that surfaced last season and it's enough for the Justin Morneau-to-Toronto trade rumours to heat up in the spring, but more on that later.

The time for excuses is running out for Lind, whom manager John Gibbons has said would play the bulk of games at first base against right- and left-handed pitching, despite the player's .220 batting average and .264 on-base percentage against left-handers.

Lind is slated to hit fifth in a stacked batting order that will include Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Brett Lawrie and newcomers Melky Cabrera and Reyes. His future in Toronto also could hinge on his ability to stay healthy, something he has failed to do consistently in the past.

A long-term injury would probably force Anthopoulos to make a move for a power bat prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline if the team is in playoff contention.

Morneau, the Minnesota Twins' first baseman from New Westminster, B.C., is also in the final year of his contract. He told FOXSports.com this week that he would prefer to remain in Minneapolis, where the team is in a rebuilding mode, but mentioned Toronto as a preferred destination if he was to move on.

Morneau missed most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with concussion symptoms, a wrist injury and other ailments, but the early word from spring training is that he looks strong and healthy.

"If you win [in Toronto] you have the whole country behind you," Morneau, the 2006 American League MVP, told FOXSports.com. "I grew up in Vancouver, and I was a Blue Jays fan. It's nationwide. … It would be cool, but like I said: I would rather win here [in Minnesota]."

And Lind would rather stay healthy and keep his job but there are no guarantees this season.

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Nationals' Gio Gonzalez says drug tests came back negative

Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez says tests for performance-enhancing drugs he was given by Major League Baseball have come back negative.

Gonzalez and other players were listed in a Miami New Times report as receiving performance-enhancing drugs in purported records of a now-closed anti-aging clinic.

Gonzalez said in a brief statement Friday that the players' association informed him that blood and urine tests he was given two days after last month's report came back clean.

He says he expected the negative results and reiterated he has never taken any performance-enhancing drugs.

The Nationals' lefthander didn't take any questions beyond his statement, citing MLB's ongoing investigation into Biogenesis of America LLC.

ESPN reported Tuesday that Gonzalez was the only client named so far who had not received PEDs.

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Henry Blanco bidding to be Blue Jays' backup catcher

Henry Blanco remembers the first time he tried to catch a knuckleball. It was back in 1997 and a young Blanco was working with Tom Candiotti in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen.

"The first knuckleball that he threw just hit me right on my mask," the Venezuelan catcher recalled.

Now a weathered 41, with tattoos that would do a mixed martial arts fighter proud, Blanco is bidding to back up Blue Jays incumbent J.P. Arencibia and perhaps use his experience to handle R.A. Dickey's knuckleball.

Blanco caught Dickey for seven games with the Mets in 2010.

"You get used to it, but it's still hard," said Blanco, who has been with nine teams since those Dodgers days. "Sometimes you don't know where that thing's going to go."

Because of that, Toronto brought in two other catchers — Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas — who also have experience catching the 38-year-old Dickey.

As a result, on a team that has few roster questions left to resolve, the role of backup catcher is getting plenty of attention these days.

Does Dickey gets his own personal catcher? Or does Arencibia get his wish to handle last year's National League Cy Young Award-winner?

Arencibia has added to the drama by insisting that he can catch Dickey, pointing to their winter workouts together in their off-season home of Nashville.

"I'm comfortable and I'm ready to be able to do it in a game," he said earlier in camp.

When Dickey took the practice mound for the first time here, Arencibia practically bowled over the other catchers to get to handle Dickey. And he made a point of telling watching reporters afterwards how well it went.

It's clear he does not want to be in the dugout when Dickey starts opening day — April 2 against Cleveland.

Arencibia told reporters that general manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager John Gibbons have told him "from Day 1 ... I'm going to have the opportunity to catch him."

Definition of laid-back

Gibbons has been the very definition of laid-back at spring training, perhaps not surprising given the nature of the stacked roster he has inherited upon his return to the club.

But ongoing questions about the catching logistics seem to be forming a burr under the former catcher's saddle.

His ever-present smile slipped a bit when asked Thursday whether he was worried that Arencibia's desire to catch Dickey might become an issue.

"I'm sure he does [want to catch Dickey] and he may. But he's not making out the lineup. We're going to put the best team out there, what works and what we think is going to work," Gibbons said. "If it's not J.P., I don't think he'll have one bit of problem with that, I'd be surprised if he did."

Thole caught Dickey 66 times over the last three seasons with the Mets. Nickeas combined with Dickey 12 times in 2010 and 2011 while Blanco handled him seven times in 2010.

Blanco is seen as the favourite to be Arencibia's backup.

"We'll just look at it and see what's the best fit," Gibbons said to another catching question. "If one of those other guys is better off catching [Dickey], that's the way we'll go. If he [Arencibia] proves that hey, we want him, the other guy will get the backup role and catch one of the other guys possibly. That will all play out. We haven't played a game yet."

Arencibia will catch Dickey in his spring debut Monday. The two will also work together with the U.S. team at the World Baseball Classic.

Thole will start as catcher for Brandon Morrow in the Grapefruit League opener Saturday against Detroit, with Arencibia playing designated hitter — to give him some extra at-bats ahead of the WBC, according to Gibbons.

Arencibia will catch Mark Buehrle in a split-squad game Sunday, while Blanco handles J.A. Happ in the other outing that day.

The bottom line for Gibbons is that no catcher can play 162 games. The manager sees 125-130 as a heavy load for Arencibia.

If Dickey had a personal catcher, Arencibia would sit out every fifth game — some 32.

"It almost lines up just right," Gibbons said of the numbers, before adding "Not that we're going to do that."

The players involved in the catching web are all saying the right things.

Dickey says Arencibia's enthusiasm to catch him is "a window into J.P. as a human."

Blanco, whose locker stall is next to Arencibia's, says he has no idea of the manager's plans but he's there to support Arencibia.

'No. 1 guy'

"I know J.P.'s working really hard with him [Dickey] and hopefully he'll get the rhythm. He's the No 1 guy and hopefully he'll be able to catch him."

For his part, Thole says all is good among Toronto's brotherhood of catchers.

"Everybody's got everybody's back. At the end of the day, that's what's important. Whatever happens, happens."

Nickeas says he has no idea what the future holds but clearly isn't stressing about it.

"I'm looking forward to just going out there and kind of showing a new organization what I'm capable of and seeing where that lands me."

All three agree the knuckleball is a handful.

"The knuckleball, it's like it's bouncing in mid-air," Nickeas said. "It's like one of those balls that take funny hops on you. It's just not hitting the ground, it's just doing it in the air. It gets very challenging at times. You really try to relax until the last second then make a snatch at it."

Added Blanco: "It's a crazy thing."

Experience helps, says the 26-year-old Thole.

"That's my opinion about it. I'm not saying it gets any easier but I can tell you that you get a little more confident."

But the 30-year-old Nickeas says experience doesn't mean you know where it's going to go.

"You'd think that, but the stadium comes into play, the wind, the weather, all that comes into play. So really when he goes out and throws the knuckleball, it's like he's throwing a new one every time. And how he's feeling that day. It can be rising, it can be predominantly going to the right, to the left. With two strikes he tends to throw the really good one that's just hard and just pretty gross."

According to ESPN, Dickey's knuckleball averages 78.4 m.p.h. with two strikes, and 76.5 m.p.h. in all other counts.

Both speeds are significantly higher than other knuckleballers.

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Reds' Joey Votto named to Canada's WBC roster

Canada will have to wait a little longer to see if its best hitter will compete at the World Baseball Classic.

Joey Votto was included on the team's final 28-man roster released Thursday, but he won't make a decision to join the team until Canada's opening game against Italy on March 8.

Canada had left a roster spot open for Votto when the provisional roster was released in January, as the Cincinnati Reds first baseman continues to recover from surgery to his left knee last season.

The Reds have shown some reluctance to allow Votto to compete, and have already decided to keep ace pitcher Johnny Cueto from joining the Dominican Republic team.

Votto missed 48 games last season, marring what was turning out to be another spectacular year for the three-time all-star. He had a .336 batting average with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 111 games after signing a 10-year contract extension worth $225 million US. His 94 walks also led the National League.

The 29-year-old, who was named the NL MVP in 2010, is a career .316 hitter since his major-league debut in 2007. Votto was Canada's best hitter at the WBC in 2009, with five hits in nine at-bats and one homer in two games.

Canada opens training camp March 4 in Goodyear, Ariz., before playing Milwaukee and Cincinnati in a pair of exhibition games March 5-6.

After playing Italy in Pool D, Canada moves to Chase Field in Phoenix to face Mexico on March 9 and finish the first round against the Americans on March 10.

Several major leaguers on Canadian roster

Canada returns to the tournament with several major leaguers who competed at the last WBC. Pittsburgh catcher Russell Martin (Chelsea, Que.) — who has said he wants to try shortstop for Canada — is back, as well as Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau (New Westminster, B.C.), Chicago White Sox reliever Jesse Crain (Toronto), Philadelphia reliever Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.), Pirates reliever Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) and Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie (Langley, B.C.), who never had an at-bat in 2009.

Two major leaguers making their debut for Canada are Seattle Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders (Victoria) and Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.).

Saunders secured his spot in the Mariners' lineup by stealing 21 bases, scoring 71 runs and hitting .247, a big improvement from hitting .149 in just 58 games during 2011.

Axford is Canada's best new addition and gives the team a dangerous closer should they need him. Axford set the Brewers' franchise record with an NL-leading 46 saves in 2011, but struggled through the first part of last season and briefly lost his job. Axford rebounded in September with a strong month and finished the season with 35 saves.

There are also 10 players returning from Canada's Pan American Games team that surprised the United States 2-1 in the gold-medal final. Key among them will be Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.), who pitched in the final and will likely be one of Canada's starters at the WBC. First baseman Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, B.C.) is making his WBC debut after driving in the winning runs against the U.S in 2011.

Another notable inclusion is Jameson Taillon, a 21-year-old pitching prospect making his debut for Canada. Taillon is the highest drafted Canadian in MLB history after being chosen second overall by Pittsburgh, behind Nationals star Bryce Harper, in 2010. MLB ranks Taillon 15th among the top 100 prospects.

Scott Richmond, a former Blue Jays pitcher and national team veteran, will miss the WBC after injuring his knee during spring training with South Korea's Lotte Giants. Also absent are Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster, Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis and Seattle outfielder Jason Bay, who all declined invitations.

Canada has yet to make it out of the first round of the WBC after tournaments in 2006 and '09. At the last tournament, Canada lost to the U.S. before being upset by Italy at Toronto's Rogers Centre.

Miguel Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval with Venezuela

Despite missing some of its best pitchers, Venezuela is heading into the World Baseball Classic with a big-hitting roster that features Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval.

Luis Sojo will manage the Venezuelan team. Coach Carlos Miguel Oropeza says the toughest challenge was picking which players would represent the country.

Venezuela plays the Dominican Republic in its WBC opener on March 7. Puerto Rico and Spain also are in the group that will compete in San Juan.

Venezuelan aces Felix Hernandez and Johan Santana are not on the roster. Carlos Zambrano will be the team's No. 1 pitcher.

Marco Scutaro, Elvis Andrus and Omar Infante will be in everyday lineup.

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Blue Jays hire former pitcher Paul Quantrill as consultant

Paul Quantrill is back with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The former right-hander was named as a consultant to the organization Tuesday. The 44-year-old native of London, Ont., spent six of his 14 major-league seasons with Toronto (1996-'01).

Quantrill, who played for seven major-league teams in total, was an all-star in 2001 and led the American League in appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The following year he made a club-record 86 appearances with the New York Yankees.

Quantrill was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June 2010. He joins former manager Cito Gaston and former outfielder George Bell as consultants while former infielder Roberto Alomar is a special assistant to the organization.

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Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis battle for 2nd base on Blue Jays

Emilio Bonifacio could provide the best chance to score runs. Maicer Izturis might be the best option to prevent them.

Both players are switch-hitters and both want to be Toronto's starting second baseman.

They each might get their wish.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he might have to decide day by day which one is in the lineup.

"One guy might not win the job," Gibbons said. "I mean, they're both going to be on the team.

"It's probably going to come down to a feel thing. What does your gut tell you?

"And when it comes right down to it, we might not come out and say, 'Hey, this is our guy.' Maybe they'll split it and we'll just base it on matchups or what we need on a given night."

Said Izturis: "I've been in this situation in Anaheim. We both have to do our jobs and we will see where [Gibbons] puts the both of us to see what it looks like.

"We'll see what the manager likes."

'Up for grabs'

Bonifacio, primarily an outfielder last season with Miami, brings more offence. Injuries limited him to 64 games last year but he still stole 30 bases. He swiped a career-high 40 in 2011 when he batted .296.

Izturis is better defensively and can play shortstop and third base. He hit .256 for the Angels last year, but his career fielding average at second base is .990 to Bonifacio's .960.

With his speed, Bonifacio could also be used as a pinch-runner, a pinch-hitter or even a designated hitter in place of Adam Lind, who has fared poorly against left-handed pitching with a career .220 batting average to Bonifacio's .290.

Neither was with the Blue Jays last season, when Kelly Johnson played second base before signing with Tampa Bay.

"We'll see who makes us stronger there, but right now it's up for grabs," Gibbons said. "It's going to be something we want to play out."

'No guarantees'

The 32-year-old Izturis agreed in November to sign a three-year, $10 million US contract with Toronto after eight years with the Angels.

The 27-year-old Bonifacio was part of a 12-player trade with the Marlins on Nov. 19.

The key figures were pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson and shortstop Jose Reyes. Bonifacio's one-year contract is worth $2.6 million US.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Izturis isn't assured the starting job, despite the multiyear deal.

"We signed him to compete for second base," Anthopoulos said. "There were no guarantees beyond that.

"I'm very big on being clear [and] never over-promising anything."

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Blue Jays hire former pitcher Paul Quantrill as consultant

Paul Quantrill is back with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The former right-hander was named as a consultant to the organization Tuesday. The 44-year-old native of London, Ont., spent six of his 14 major-league seasons with Toronto (1996-'01).

Quantrill, who played for seven major-league teams in total, was an all-star in 2001 and led the American League in appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The following year he made a club-record 86 appearances with the New York Yankees.

Quantrill was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June 2010. He joins former manager Cito Gaston and former outfielder George Bell as consultants while former infielder Roberto Alomar is a special assistant to the organization.

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Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis battle for 2nd base on Blue Jays

Emilio Bonifacio could provide the best chance to score runs. Maicer Izturis might be the best option to prevent them.

Both players are switch-hitters and both want to be Toronto's starting second baseman.

They each might get their wish.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he might have to decide day by day which one is in the lineup.

"One guy might not win the job," Gibbons said. "I mean, they're both going to be on the team.

"It's probably going to come down to a feel thing. What does your gut tell you?

"And when it comes right down to it, we might not come out and say, 'Hey, this is our guy.' Maybe they'll split it and we'll just base it on matchups or what we need on a given night."

Said Izturis: "I've been in this situation in Anaheim. We both have to do our jobs and we will see where [Gibbons] puts the both of us to see what it looks like.

"We'll see what the manager likes."

'Up for grabs'

Bonifacio, primarily an outfielder last season with Miami, brings more offence. Injuries limited him to 64 games last year but he still stole 30 bases. He swiped a career-high 40 in 2011 when he batted .296.

Izturis is better defensively and can play shortstop and third base. He hit .256 for the Angels last year, but his career fielding average at second base is .990 to Bonifacio's .960.

With his speed, Bonifacio could also be used as a pinch-runner, a pinch-hitter or even a designated hitter in place of Adam Lind, who has fared poorly against left-handed pitching with a career .220 batting average to Bonifacio's .290.

Neither was with the Blue Jays last season, when Kelly Johnson played second base before signing with Tampa Bay.

"We'll see who makes us stronger there, but right now it's up for grabs," Gibbons said. "It's going to be something we want to play out."

'No guarantees'

The 32-year-old Izturis agreed in November to sign a three-year, $10 million US contract with Toronto after eight years with the Angels.

The 27-year-old Bonifacio was part of a 12-player trade with the Marlins on Nov. 19.

The key figures were pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson and shortstop Jose Reyes. Bonifacio's one-year contract is worth $2.6 million US.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Izturis isn't assured the starting job, despite the multiyear deal.

"We signed him to compete for second base," Anthopoulos said. "There were no guarantees beyond that.

"I'm very big on being clear [and] never over-promising anything."

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Blue Jays reliever Darren Oliver ready for 20th season

Enter the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training clubhouse, turn right and you'll find Darren Oliver. It's a good place to start if you want to learn about the team or baseball itself.

At age 42, the relief pitcher is gearing up for his 20th major-league season.

"He's been around for so long. He's seen it all, he's done it all," said Toronto closer Casey Janssen. "He's been an unbelievable sounding board for questions. I mean nobody has it figured out. He's still learning every day as well but he's been through a heck of a lot more than we have.

"Whether it's on the field or off the field, he's been there, done that," added fellow reliever Sergio Santos.

No wonder when Oliver agreed in mid-January to come back for a second season with Toronto, the 29-year-old Santos and 31-year-old Janssen started texting each other.

"We were just so excited, knowing that we have such a big piece in our bullpen coming back," said Santos.

Oliver is entering his second year with the Blue Jays after previous stints with Texas (three times), St. Louis, Boston, Colorado, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels.

Solid 2012

In 2012, the veteran left-hander went 3-4 with a 2.06 earned-run average, 52 strikeouts and 14 walks over 56.2 innings while setting up Janssen, who took over the closer's role after Santos was injured early on.

After the Jays exercised a US$3-million option for 2013, Oliver took his time mulling over his future. His agent reportedly asked for a renegotiated contract although Oliver distanced himself from that stance.

Oliver has no regrets about coming back, although he admits spring training gets old after 20 years. The season itself can also be a grind mentally.

But asked if it still beats working for a living, he doesn't miss a beat.

"Absolutely ... . There could be a lot of other worse things I could be doing for a living so I'm definitely not complaining," he said.

One factor in his decision to return was Toronto's remake of its roster.

"Winning. It's always about winning," said Oliver. "No question about that."

Set-up man

Oliver, the son of former major league infielder Bob Oliver, says he expects his role with the Jays to remain the same. "Setting up my boy, Casey."

His family — he's married with two kids — calls Texas home but will join him in the summer in Toronto once school is out.

He likes Toronto, calling it a clean city with a lot of good restaurants, and he prefers the summer in the Ontario capital over the searing heat of Texas.

Oliver says it's also easy to blend in in Toronto and live a normal life.

"Nobody really pays attention," he said. "Maybe every now and then but for the most part not really.

"Just throw a hat on and just walk around town and go get some lunch, grab a movie or something. It's not really that bad."

Oliver says good health, good teams and good coaches have helped keep him in the game so long. He's also paid attention, studying opposition batters.

"There's really no magic explanation why I've stayed around so long," he said.

But Oliver does say he knows his body and understands his mechanics.

"He repeats his delivery very well," Janssen said. "He has a good feel for not only his game but also the hitters he's facing. And he knows his strengths and pitches to his strengths."

"It's just a natural ability to throw the baseball where he wants to," added 28-year-old Toronto starter Brandon Morrow. "That's what's got him this far.

"You watch him work and he's not trying to overpower anybody. He's just trying to hit his spot, keep the ball on the ground. He's figured out that works and what works for him."

Jays manager John Gibbons — starting his second stint at the Toronto helm — is at a loss for an explanation for Oliver's longevity, other than the pitcher keeps delivering.

"He's got a simple delivery, great mechanics, that kind of thing," Gibbons said. "And his role, he's thriving in that role.

"Guys like that, they're rare. It's hard to figure out what it is."

Asked what he will expect when he sends Oliver out, the 50-year-old Gibbons paused and said "Get the hitter out."

"I mean he's done it his whole career, and just from watching in BP [batting practice] and throwing on the side there's still a lot in there. He's one of the most reliable guys in baseball. And we're glad we have him back. That would have been a big hole without him, no doubt."

Oliver, who will turn 43 in October, says he has no plans past this season, at least at this stage.

"Right now I'd say no," he said when asked if he will pitch in 2014. "But things change just like they did last year."

In 716 career games, including 229 starts, he has a 115-94 record with a 4.53 ERA.

As for further down the line, Oliver says he could well stay in baseball although he insists there is "probably a very good chance I won't be a coach when I'm done playing."

"They've got to be at the field so early, and being away from my family again like that wouldn't be fair to them. Maybe when my kids graduate from high school."

But he has not shortage of contacts or experience.

"I'm sure there'll be probably something for me to do in somebody's organization, maybe front office or something like that," he said.

Oliver's kids are 10 and 12.

"They'll be teenagers pretty soon, one of them," he said. "Hey, how about that? Teenagers and [I'm] still playing baseball. Crazy."

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Vote: Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

The Toronto Blue Jays have taken care of the "Who's on First" question entering spring training, with Adam Lind expected to play the bulk of games there against right- and left-handed pitching.

To borrow the "What's on second" line from the famous Abbott and Costello comedy act of 1940, the battle between Maicer Izturis and Emilio Bonafacio is a guessing game as Blue Jays position players begin reporting to spring training Saturday.

At the team's recent "state of the franchise" event at Rogers Centre, general manager Alex Anthopoulos shot down reports that he had promised Izturis the starting job when the free agent signed a three-year contract worth $10 million US in November with a $3-million team option for 2016.

Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

"We signed him to compete for second base," said Anthopoulos of the 32-year-old Izturis. "There were no guarantees beyond that. I'm very big on being clear, never overpromising anything."

The younger Bonafacio was part of a 12-player trade with Miami on Nov. 19 and viewed by Anthopoulos as someone who could play all three outfield positions, as well as second base, third and shortstop.

Citing the potential for injuries, Anthopoulos believes there will be plenty of at-bats for both players in the 2013 season.

"Someone's going to get hurt," the GM said. "The fact these guys can play multiple positions … it allows to not need as deep a bench."

Many consider Izturis the favourite to start the season at second over Bonafacio because of his superior range in the field and ability to turn the double play.

At the plate, many baseball observers believe the 27-year-old Bonafacio has greater upside. The switch-hitter's approach with the bat differs from Izturis in that he strikes out 20 per cent of the time compared to 10.7 per cent for the right-handed hitting Izturis, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

While Bonafacio possesses more speed (30 steals to 17 in 2012), Izturis holds a slight edge in the power department, with a three home-run edge when comparing their most productive offensive campaigns.

There is also talk the Blue Jays might be better served using Bonafacio as a utility man and pinch-runner. Being a switch-hitter, it would allow manager John Gibbons to substitute him on days when the left-handed hitting Lind is the team's designated hitter or for centre-fielder Colby Rasmus, who also hits left-handed.

Please vote in our poll and use the comment section below to explain why you believe Izturis or Bonafacio should be the Jays' starting second baseman for the April 2 season opener against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

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R.A. Dickey's knuckleball sharp against Blue Jays batters

Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey likes feedback and he got plenty of it from the batting cage Sunday as Toronto hitters faced live pitching for the first time this spring.

There were sighs, laughs, gasps and some wild swings as last year's National League Cy Young Award winner worked his magic on a chilly, windy 10-degree day during a live batting practice session.

"After you throw a good one, it does some funny things so you get some good reactions," said the 38-year-old Dickey.

Spring training has just started, but the former New York Mets ace is already bedfuddling batters.

"I think most of the hitters will tell you, they were in there and halfway through their swing I think they were laughing," said pitching coach Pete Walker. "Because they just realized they had no chance today.

"They're just getting into the swing of things themselves as hitters, but he's got tremendous stuff. That ball moves so much and late and he can pound the strike zone with his knuckleball."

Pitchers ahead

The Jays divided their pitchers across several fields at the club's training complex Sunday in what promised to be a one-sided exercise. At this stage of the pre-season, the pitchers have the edge as batters are only beginning to work on their timing.

"It didn't matter who you faced today, it was going to be tough," said first baseman/designated hitter Adam Lind.

But those unlucky enough to find themselves on Dickey's field — like Lind — were definitely behind the eight-ball.

Cy Young Award-winner. Knuckleballer. All that was missing was a pitchfork and cloven hooves.

A pair of bodies stationed in the outfield to retrieve balls essentially remained glued to the spot during Dickey's 40-pitch session.

Dickey had Brett Lawrie talking to himself at the plate as he tried to make sense of the knuckleball, not to mention Dickey's other pitches.

After working him over repeatedly with his 75 miles-per-hour knuckleball, Dickey threw a fastball past the Canadian.

"If a guy has tracked 10 or 11 knuckleballs in a row and then you throw a fastball in there, it's a whole different animal," Dickey said. "It looks a lot harder than it really is so you can kind of play with the optical illusion from time to time."

The good news for Blue Jays fans is that there is more to come.

"The knuckleball that you guys might have seen today will not be the knuckleball I carry into the season with me," said Dickey, already named as Toronto's opening day starter. "It will be, hopefully, a little but more consistent than it was today. It certainly will probably be moving a little bit more as the days heat up, the humidity gets going a little bit and my arm gets a little bit stronger.

"All those things will come into play. But that's the natural progression of things. Today I felt good and I'm happy to take that and run with it."

Dickey reinvented himself seven years ago by embracing the knuckleball. As he explains, he subtracts spin from the baseball — conventional pitchers try to add to it.

It makes for a pitch that takes a strange, unpredictable journey to the plate.

"That's part of the beauty of the pitch," Dickey said of the knuckleball. "If I don't know where it's going, the hitter for sure doesn't."

But Dickey does have a feel for the ball going into the strike zone.

"But where in the strike zone? How low, how high, which direction? That's up to the ball and the way the seams rotate and the wind resistance and all the physics that I know nothing of," he admitted.

Dickey can change speeds with it and, "from time to time," can control the height of the delivery.

One of those facing him Sunday was infielder Mark DeRosa, whom Dickey noted was a teammate of his with the Texas Rangers in 2006 when he gave up six home runs — tying a major league record — in three innings.

"R.A. is one of a kind," said DeRosa. "He's a great guy and a great pitcher."

Their friendship didn't stop Dickey from running the gamut of his arsenal.

"I was just having some fun out there. Slowing them down and speeding them up. It's early. That's the first live pitching those guys have seen so that's not very fair," Dickey said with a giggle.

The batters' reactions did not go unnoticed by Dickey

"I am trying to get my work in out there and it is business," he explained. "And part of that business is if I see those guys talking or shaking their heads or saying something to the catcher, I know that it's probably moving pretty good.

"That's good feedback for me. Because I don't always know what it's doing closer to the plate. I know how it feels when it leaves my hand."

Toronto manager John Gibbons, while saying live batting practice doesn't mean much, acknowledged that Dickey's knuckleball was impressive.

"It's nasty," he said. "I can see why guys have trouble hitting it."

Added Walker: "To say he's ahead of schedule would be an understatement."

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Blue Jays' Melky Cabrera co-operates with steroid probe

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera said in a statement released Friday that he is co-operating with Major League Baseball and federal authorities on an investigation into a now-closed Florida anti-aging centre linked to banned drugs.

The former San Francisco Giants star served a 50-game suspension last season for a positive testosterone test.

The Miami New Times recently released documents that purportedly linked Cabrera and several other players to purchases of banned drugs from the Florida clinic.

In a statement Friday, Cabrera said he has served his punishment and worked hard to get ready for the 2013 season.

And while he will co-operate with authorities "the best I can," he says his legal counsel has told him not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations.

Cabrera, who was at camp Friday, said he will speak no more about his 2012 season.

"Last season ended for me when I admitted taking a banned substance and accepted and served my punishment of a 50-game suspension. Since that day, my goals have been to serve my punishment and to put that mistake behind me and to work hard to be the best baseball player I can be. At the end of last season, when it became clear that I would win the batting title despite my positive test, I asked the Players Association and MLB to make sure a more deserving player won, and I am very happy that my former teammate Buster Posey won that award instead of me.

I also accepted the Giants' decision not to bring me back for the playoffs after I served my punishment. Instead, I continued to work hard so I could be ready for the 2013 season. I hoped and expected that I would be allowed to put my mistake behind me and to start this season fresh.

I am aware that in the past weeks, there have been news articles written about so-called patient files from a Miami clinic and the MLB and others are investigating those allegations. I have told MLB I will cooperate in their investigation the best I can, just as my legal counsel has told federal investigators. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations. This statement will be the last comment I will make on the events of the 2012 season. I have put my mistakes behind me, have learned my lesson and have served my punishment. I am here to play the best baseball I can to help the Toronto Blue Jays win a world championship."

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Vote: Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

The Toronto Blue Jays have taken care of the "Who's on First" question entering spring training, with Adam Lind expected to play the bulk of games there against right- and left-handed pitching.

To borrow the "What's on second" line from the famous Abbott and Costello comedy act of 1940, the battle between Maicer Izturis and Emilio Bonafacio is a guessing game as Blue Jays position players begin reporting to spring training Saturday.

At the team's recent "state of the franchise" event at Rogers Centre, general manager Alex Anthopoulos shot down reports that he had promised Izturis the starting job when the free agent signed a three-year contract worth $10 million US in November with a $3-million team option for 2016.

Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

"We signed him to compete for second base," said Anthopoulos of the 32-year-old Izturis. "There were no guarantees beyond that. I'm very big on being clear, never overpromising anything."

The younger Bonafacio was part of a 12-player trade with Miami on Nov. 19 and viewed by Anthopoulos as someone who could play all three outfield positions, as well as second base, third and shortstop.

Citing the potential for injuries, Anthopoulos believes there will be plenty of at-bats for both players in the 2013 season.

"Someone's going to get hurt," the GM said. "The fact these guys can play multiple positions … it allows to not need as deep a bench."

Many consider Izturis the favourite to start the season at second over Bonafacio because of his superior range in the field and ability to turn the double play.

At the plate, many baseball observers believe the 27-year-old Bonafacio has greater upside. The switch-hitter's approach with the bat differs from Izturis in that he strikes out 20 per cent of the time compared to 10.7 per cent for the right-handed hitting Izturis, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

While Bonafacio possesses more speed (30 steals to 17 in 2012), Izturis holds a slight edge in the power department, with a three home-run edge when comparing their most productive offensive campaigns.

There is also talk the Blue Jays might be better served using Bonafacio as a utility man and pinch-runner. Being a switch-hitter, it would allow manager John Gibbons to substitute him on days when the left-handed hitting Lind is the team's designated hitter or for centre-fielder Colby Rasmus, who also hits left-handed.

Please vote in our poll and use the comment section below to explain why you believe Izturis or Bonafacio should be the Jays' starting second baseman for the April 2 season opener against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

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Blue Jays' Melky Cabrera co-operates with steroid probe

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera said in a statement released Friday that he is co-operating with Major League Baseball and federal authorities on an investigation into a now-closed Florida anti-aging centre linked to banned drugs.

The former San Francisco Giants star served a 50-game suspension last season for a positive testosterone test.

The Miami New Times recently released documents that purportedly linked Cabrera and several other players to purchases of banned drugs from the Florida clinic.

In a statement Friday, Cabrera said he has served his punishment and worked hard to get ready for the 2013 season.

And while he will co-operate with authorities "the best I can," he says his legal counsel has told him not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations.

Cabrera, who was at camp Friday, said he will speak no more about his 2012 season.

"Last season ended for me when I admitted taking a banned substance and accepted and served my punishment of a 50-game suspension. Since that day, my goals have been to serve my punishment and to put that mistake behind me and to work hard to be the best baseball player I can be. At the end of last season, when it became clear that I would win the batting title despite my positive test, I asked the Players Association and MLB to make sure a more deserving player won, and I am very happy that my former teammate Buster Posey won that award instead of me.

I also accepted the Giants' decision not to bring me back for the playoffs after I served my punishment. Instead, I continued to work hard so I could be ready for the 2013 season. I hoped and expected that I would be allowed to put my mistake behind me and to start this season fresh.

I am aware that in the past weeks, there have been news articles written about so-called patient files from a Miami clinic and the MLB and others are investigating those allegations. I have told MLB I will cooperate in their investigation the best I can, just as my legal counsel has told federal investigators. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations. This statement will be the last comment I will make on the events of the 2012 season. I have put my mistakes behind me, have learned my lesson and have served my punishment. I am here to play the best baseball I can to help the Toronto Blue Jays win a world championship."

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Vote: Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

The Toronto Blue Jays have taken care of the "Who's on First" question entering spring training, with Adam Lind expected to play the bulk of games there against right- and left-handed pitching.

To borrow the "What's on second" line from the famous Abbott and Costello comedy act of 1940, the battle between Maicer Izturis and Emilio Bonafacio is a guessing game as Blue Jays position players begin reporting to spring training Saturday.

At the team's recent "state of the franchise" event at Rogers Centre, general manager Alex Anthopoulos shot down reports that he had promised Izturis the starting job when the free agent signed a three-year contract worth $10 million US in November with a $3-million team option for 2016.

Who should be the Blue Jays' starting 2nd baseman?

"We signed him to compete for second base," said Anthopoulos of the 32-year-old Izturis. "There were no guarantees beyond that. I'm very big on being clear, never overpromising anything."

The younger Bonafacio was part of a 12-player trade with Miami on Nov. 19 and viewed by Anthopoulos as someone who could play all three outfield positions, as well as second base, third and shortstop.

Citing the potential for injuries, Anthopoulos believes there will be plenty of at-bats for both players in the 2013 season.

"Someone's going to get hurt," the GM said. "The fact these guys can play multiple positions … it allows to not need as deep a bench."

Many consider Izturis the favourite to start the season at second over Bonafacio because of his superior range in the field and ability to turn the double play.

At the plate, many baseball observers believe the 27-year-old Bonafacio has greater upside. The switch-hitter's approach with the bat differs from Izturis in that he strikes out 20 per cent of the time compared to 10.7 per cent for the right-handed hitting Izturis, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

While Bonafacio possesses more speed (30 steals to 17 in 2012), Izturis holds a slight edge in the power department, with a three home-run edge when comparing their most productive offensive campaigns.

There is also talk the Blue Jays might be better served using Bonafacio as a utility man and pinch-runner. Being a switch-hitter, it would allow manager John Gibbons to substitute him on days when the left-handed hitting Lind is the team's designated hitter or for centre-fielder Colby Rasmus, who also hits left-handed.

Please vote in our poll and use the comment section below to explain why you believe Izturis or Bonafacio should be the Jays' starting second baseman for the April 2 season opener against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

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Jays' Dustin McGowan says he will survive latest injury setback

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dustin McGowan says his latest injury setback "is not a big deal, but it's still a pain in the butt to go through it."

McGowan, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, is waiting for some soreness in his neck to heal.

"I didn't play catch today," he said Thursday. "It's kind of a 'wait and see tomorrow' kind of thing.

"See how I feel tomorrow. If I need another day, I'll take another day."

Manager John Gibbons said Wednesday that McGowan's shoulder was "barking a little bit."

McGowan had been tossing the ball from distance and says he might have pushed it a little bit.

"After that I came in a little sore," he said.

McGowan has been throwing on flat ground since mid-December.

The 30-year-old pitcher missed all of last season with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and shoulder surgery. He has only appeared in five major league games since the 2008 season, sidelined by shoulder and knee surgeries.

"It aggravates me a lot," McGowan said of his injury woes. "I go home and think about it sometimes. It's just best to let it go but it's hard to do that when you've been through it so much."

McGowan, 20-24 with a 4.80 earned-run average in 80 career games, says he won't give up.

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Blue Jays' Melky Cabrera co-operates with steroid probe

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera said in a statement released Friday that he is co-operating with Major League Baseball and federal authorities on an investigation into a now-closed Florida anti-aging centre linked to banned drugs.

The former San Francisco Giants star served a 50-game suspension last season for a positive testosterone test.

The Miami New Times recently released documents that purportedly linked Cabrera and several other players to purchases of banned drugs from the Florida clinic.

In a statement Friday, Cabrera said he has served his punishment and worked hard to get ready for the 2013 season.

And while he will co-operate with authorities "the best I can," he says his legal counsel has told him not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations.

Cabrera, who was at camp Friday, said he will speak no more about his 2012 season.

"Last season ended for me when I admitted taking a banned substance and accepted and served my punishment of a 50-game suspension. Since that day, my goals have been to serve my punishment and to put that mistake behind me and to work hard to be the best baseball player I can be. At the end of last season, when it became clear that I would win the batting title despite my positive test, I asked the Players Association and MLB to make sure a more deserving player won, and I am very happy that my former teammate Buster Posey won that award instead of me.

I also accepted the Giants' decision not to bring me back for the playoffs after I served my punishment. Instead, I continued to work hard so I could be ready for the 2013 season. I hoped and expected that I would be allowed to put my mistake behind me and to start this season fresh.

I am aware that in the past weeks, there have been news articles written about so-called patient files from a Miami clinic and the MLB and others are investigating those allegations. I have told MLB I will cooperate in their investigation the best I can, just as my legal counsel has told federal investigators. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations. This statement will be the last comment I will make on the events of the 2012 season. I have put my mistakes behind me, have learned my lesson and have served my punishment. I am here to play the best baseball I can to help the Toronto Blue Jays win a world championship."

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Vote: Who should be the Blue Jays' closer?

It's hard to imagine the Toronto Blue Jays having many on-field concerns, given general manager Alex Anthopoulos's off-season shopping spree that netted manager John Gibbons three proven major league pitchers, a four-time all-star shortstop and the 2012 All-Star Game MVP.

But Casey Janssen, last season's closer, threw up a red flag Tuesday on a Toronto sports radio station by saying he hasn't returned to full health following minor shoulder surgery in November.

The right-hander attempted to soothe any worried fans listening to The Fan 590 by revealing he "would be shocked if I wasn't ready to go," for the Jays' season opener April 2 against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

Who should open the season as Blue Jays closer?

As for Sergio Santos, Toronto's stopper to open the 2012 campaign and Gibbons's Plan B should Janssen not be ready to close games in three weeks, he expects to be 100 per cent when the team breaks camp in Dunedin, Fla.

"I threw a bullpen [session on Feb. 7] and [my arm] was at about 90 per cent and it felt great," said Santos, who missed the final five months of last season with soreness in the labrum of his shoulder.

But with two pitchers coming off surgical procedures, some doubt has been cast over the most anticipated Blue Jays spring training since the team won back-to-back World Series in 1992 and '93.

However, there seems to be little doubt in the eyes of Gibbons, who reiterated on Tuesday that Janssen is his ninth-inning man to start the season.

"Casey's a little behind but there's nothing to worry about," Gibbons told reporters. "We're just going to take it slow. He's our guy."

The case for Janssen

The 31-year-old Janssen flourished in the role after taking over from an injured Santos last April, posting a career-best 22 saves in 25 chances along with a 2.54 earned-run average in 63 2/3 innings pitched.

"Sergio missed the whole [2012 season], and that's big in this case," said Gibbons, who returns for a second stint as Toronto's manager. "It's always good to have more than one guy to do those jobs. He's only been [closing games] for a couple of years."

Actually, not even that long, skip.

Santos, 29, entered the closing discussion in 2011 while a member of the Chicago White Sox. He showed he could handle the job with 30 saves and a 3.55 ERA while striking out 92 batters in 63 1/3 innings.

His shoulder issues might be traced to the latter part of that season when the hard-throwing righty gave up nine earned runs in 8 2/3 innings during the season's final month.

Santos's ineffectiveness carried into the 2012 campaign after Anthopoulos acquired him in a Dec. 6, 2011 trade for emerging minor league pitcher Nestor Molina. He blew his first two save chances and surrendered five earned runs in as many innings last April.

The converted shortstop tried to avoid surgery with rest, eventually giving way to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the end of July.

The case for Santos

When healthy, Santos has shown the ability to throw a 97-mile-per-hour fastball, complemented by a nasty slider. He said time away from the game has him more determined this spring.

"I'm coming out with a lot to prove," he said. "I challenge myself to prove those critics wrong and to prove I'm only going to get better. Since November and into December I've pretty much been back to a normal throwing schedule."

Unlike Santos, Janssen is not the fireballer type. He's your classic non-closer who attacks hitters aggressively.

Five years ago, Janssen had surgery to repair a torn labrum that cost him the entire 2008 season.

Like Santos, the native of Orange, Calif., will try his best to get into game shape over the next seven weeks.

"I'm definitely going to use every bit of the spring to get to that one hundred per cent level," Janssen said.

It would certainly make the spring outlook in Toronto a lot brighter.

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Blue Jays' Mark Buehrle will miss family, dogs when season starts

Mark Buehrle just wishes you could meet his dog Slater.

"He's awesome with our kids. He's awesome when we have parties over at the house," the Blue Jays pitcher explained Wednesday. "Kids run right in, 'Where's Slater, where's Slater?' Every kid wants to go right to him.

"He's an awesome dog. That's what's a shame. Just the way he looks is why we get separated. He's probably the best dog we have."

Buehrle, 33, is making the most of spring training because wife Jamie, children Braden and Brooklyn, and Slater plus three other dogs are with him.

But when the season starts, Buehrle will be moving to Toronto solo.

That's because of Ontario's pit bull ban. The Buehrle family got round a similar ban in Miami by living in an adjoining county when he played for the Marlins.

"At the beginning it was [tough]. Just realizing the family wasn't going to be able to be there ... But we're trying to bring awareness to the breed ban. Some families aren't as fortunate as we are, to be able to maintain two houses."

Buehrle, whose four-year contact is worth $58 million US, stressed he will see his family during the season.

"I don't want to make it a big story all year. I mean it does suck, the family's not going to be there. But guys go through it, guys deal with it. We're going to deal with it, we're going to make it work. I'll see my dogs whenever I can."

His family will split time between Miami and their off-season home in St. Louis.

The Buehrles have four dogs: Slater and three vizslas. His wife got Slater from an animal rescue shelter a day before he was slated to be put down.

"People who don't own dogs are not going to understand," he said. "You're leaving your family behind, your kids over a dog. But we're responsible pet owners."

He said Marlins teammate Juan Pierre was "terrified of dogs" but was won over by Buehrle's pets.

"I know people are scared of them and are freaked out but it's not really the dogs, it's mostly the owners," Buehrle said of pit bulls. "If you're going to tie your dog up out back and treat it bad, then it's going to act bad back to you."

Manager John Gibbons was sympathetic.

"They'll survive, but it won't be easy. But we sure are glad to have him. He's going to be a big pitcher for us."

Josh Johnson, who came over in the blockbuster trade from Miami with Buehrle, joked he might open up a bedroom for his fellow pitcher.

"That's terrible, but it's part of the game. He's got to find a way to get through it."

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Jose Bautista says revamped Blue Jays in for special season

While some Blue Jays have yet to report for spring training, the team's swagger has arrived early.

One by one, players who are here have expressed excitement at what lies ahead given Toronto's off-season trading and spending spree. And slugger Jose Bautista drew his personal line in the sand Tuesday by saying the playoffs and World Series are in the team's reach.

"It's an exciting season. Everybody's seen the moves," said Bautista. "All the bodies are here now. It's all on us now to perform.

"We love that challenge and we have a confident, good group of players together. I think we're going to go out and have a lot of fun and hopefully we remain healthy. If all that happens, the season should take care of itself. We should be in the playoffs and hopefully the World Series."

'We love that challenge and we have a confident, good group of players together. I think we're going to go out and have a lot of fun and hopefully we remain healthy. If all that happens, the season should take care of itself. We should be in the playoffs and hopefully the World Series.'—Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista

That hasn't happened since the Jays repeated as champions in 1993. The team went 73-89 last season to finish fourth in the American League East.

Bautista's optimism seems unbounded.

The Jays 40-man roster? "I don't see a weak link."

The 25-man roster? "It's as solid as you can be around the league."

Experience? "We do have guys with high skill sets that have proven year after year that they're great players."

Chemistry? "If everybody just individually does what they need to do, it will come together on its own."

Significant off-season acquisitions

The acquisitions of R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Maicer Izturis and Emilio Bonifacio have fuelled the expectations.

Plus players like Bautista, Brett Lawrie, Ricky Romero, Casey Janssen and Sergio Santos are healthy again or nearing full health.

"Just like you guys build expectations, so do we," Bautista told reporters. "The sky's the limit for us because I know how many good players we have.

"I've been on other teams where I've felt like we've had a chance to go to the playoffs and contend and we haven't for whatever reason. And this is by far the best team that I've played on. I just don't see where it can go bad for us.

"So because of those reasons, I think we should and we could be in the playoffs and the World Series."

Bautista said when he signed his five-year, $64-million US contract extension in early 2011, he took GM Alex Anthopoulos at his word he was going to build a contender.

Bautista, who missed the end of last season due to wrist surgery, said Anthopoulos has done just that.

For his part, Janssen says the blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins that netted Reyes, Buerhle, Johnson, Bonifacio and the since-traded catcher John Buck "changed our team into a legitimate contender overnight."

Other players have talked of the team's roster strength on paper. And manager John Gibbons, back for his second stint at the Jays' helm, reminds listeners that the team still has to win games.

Tuesday marked the reporting date for pitchers and catchers, although some players regardless of position were already in camp. The rest of the roster will be here by the end of the week.

"[I'm] still meeting guys but I know just talking to a few of the buddies, we couldn't wait to get here," said Janssen. "And can't wait to get started and see this thing out."

Janssen to start season as closer

Earlier Tuesday, Gibbons repeated that Janssen will open the season as the team's closer. He took over that role last season when Santos went down with a shoulder problem.

Janssen also had shoulder repair work in the off-season.

"Casey's a little bit behind but it's nothing to worry about," said Gibbons. "We're just going to take him slow. He's been around the game a while now. As long as he's ready by opening day, that's all we're worried about. But we're going to be cautious with him."

While Gibbons pointed to Janssen as closer, he added: "It's always good having more than one guy that can do those jobs because you're going to need them both."

While the talk is big at training camp, there is clearly much work to do.

Asked about several of his players, Gibbons has confessed having seen little of them other than in TV highlights. And introductions continue at camp as more newcomers arrive.

But for Bautista and many fans, a special season awaits.

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