Jays' Russell Martin emotional in Montreal homecoming

Video

Toronto catcher receives standing ovation, tearful as dad plays anthems

CBC Sports Posted: Apr 03, 2015 9:31 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 03, 2015 9:53 PM ET

One word can best describe Russell Martin's return to his hometown of Montreal: emotional.

Martin was in town with the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a two-game exhibition against the Cincinnati Reds at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, beginning with Friday night's 2-0 loss. 

It started with Martin's father — Russell Martin Sr. — performing both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems on the saxophone that drew tears from the Blue Jays catcher.

Martin then received a standing ovation from the near 50,000 fans in his first at-bat.

He also got another loud roar after he was taken out of the game by Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Martin signed a 82-million contract with the Blue Jays last November. But he's all for baseball returning to native Montreal.

"I don't know if it's possible but if so, it would be fantastic," he said. "The crowd that came last year and the one they're supposed to get this year shows that there are people who want to see baseball."

With files from The Canadian Press

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Blue Jays exhibition games draw huge crowds in Montreal

Josh Donaldson homered and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Saturday before a crowd of 50,231 at Olympic Stadium.

The Blue Jays earned a split of a two-game set with Cincinnati that drew a total of 96,545. The fans rallied, hoping to show Major League Baseball they want big league ball back after losing the Expos to Washington following the 2004 season.

"It's a really cool experience," Toronto starter Daniel Norris said. "And it's a good tuneup for what's to come."

Norris allowed one hit in three shutout innings on the final day of spring training.

Donaldson homered in the second off Anthony Desclafani.

Toronto scored four times in the fifth off relievers Kevin Gregg and Chris Carpenter. Jose Reyes, Edwin Encarnacion, Donaldson and Dioner Navarro each drove in a run.

The Blue Jays decided on their last 25-man roster spot before the game, opting to keep Liam Hendricks and go with an eight-man bullpen and sending infielder Ryan Goins to Triple-A.

The total attendance for the Reds-Blue Jays topped the 96,350 that saw Toronto and the New York Mets play a two-game exhibition series in Montreal last season.

"We really enjoyed it last year and I think everyone was looking forward to coming back," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "And the games are worthwhile because it's a lot like the season."

"Big crowds. You get out of that hot sun in Florida and play some night games. I thought it was a big success and we appreciated it all."

Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, who grew up in Montreal, was taken out of the game in the seventh inning — by his dad.

The crowd cheered when Russell Martin Sr., a musician who played the national anthem on a saxophone on Friday night, walked out to the mound to make the move.

"It was one of those moments," the Toronto catcher said. "Already the week has been fantastic."

"The big moment with the national anthem, and just being in Montreal. It's my dream coming to life, really. Then my dad shows up on the field. That was a pretty cool moment."

Another ovation came when Cincinnati's Chad Wallach, the 23-year-old-son of popular former Expos third baseman Tim Wallach, came up as a pinch hitter in the eighth.

"It just showed me how popular my dad was here," he said. "I know it was because of my dad but I really appreciated it."

"I know they're trying to get baseball back and it's probably a huge help to get big crowds out here. If it's like that most nights, I think it would be a great place to play."

Also getting cheers were ex-Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston and infielder Roberto Alomar and former Montreal Expos star Tony Perez during a pregame ceremony.

Expos star Tony Perez were honoured in a pre-game ceremony. ... Regina's Stu Sheruwater was home plate umpire.

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Jays' Russell Martin emotional in Montreal homecoming

Video

Toronto catcher receives standing ovation, tearful as dad plays anthems

CBC Sports Posted: Apr 03, 2015 9:31 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 03, 2015 9:53 PM ET

One word can best describe Russell Martin's return to his hometown of Montreal: emotional.

Martin was in town with the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a two-game exhibition against the Cincinnati Reds at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, beginning with Friday night's 2-0 loss. 

It started with Martin's father — Russell Martin Sr. — performing both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems on the saxophone that drew tears from the Blue Jays catcher.

Martin then received a standing ovation from the near 50,000 fans in his first at-bat.

He also got another loud roar after he was taken out of the game by Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Martin signed a 82-million contract with the Blue Jays last November. But he's all for baseball returning to native Montreal.

"I don't know if it's possible but if so, it would be fantastic," he said. "The crowd that came last year and the one they're supposed to get this year shows that there are people who want to see baseball."

With files from The Canadian Press

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More than 46,000 fans in Montreal watch Reds blank Blue Jays

It was a magic night at Olympic Stadium for Russell Martin and the Toronto Blue Jays, even if they didn't get the victory.

Skip Schumaker drove in two runs with a double in the eighth inning as the Cincinnati Reds downed the Blue Jays 2-0 in an exhibition game Friday night before a crowd of 46,314 that seemed only to have eyes for local favourite Martin.

An obviously keyed up Martin went 0 for 3 at the plate and was replaced at the start of the eighth inning by Dioner Navarro, but there were a handful of ovations for the nine-year major league veteren who grew up in Montreal.

"It's not many times you get recognized in your hometown like that," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "Why wouldn't he? He's probably the most celebrated local boy, and now he's playing with the Blue Jays.

"He'll have another good day (Saturday) and then we'll be off to start the real season and things will probably settle back to normal."

It is a second straight year that fans flooded into the Big O for pre-season Jays games, many for the party atmosphere, but also looking to convince Major League Baseball that Montreal is ready to get a team back after losing the Expos in 2004.

The teams meet again on Saturday afternoon.

While the game was mostly uneventful, it gave fans a chance to show their appreciation for Martin, who signed a five-year $82-million US deal with Toronto in the off-season.

Martin was leaking tears when his father, jazz musician Russell Martin Sr., played the national anthems on a saxophone. And he got a standing ovation as he went to bat in the first inning, only to strike out swinging.

"I definitely wanted to do well, but it ended up that way," said Martin. "I hoped to do something cool, but [Reds starter] Jason Marquis ended up doing something cooler."

It was no easier for Toronto native and Reds' star Joey Votto, who went 0 for 2 and was replaced after five innings.

Martin said some of his teammates were surprise at the crowd reaction, and even that he can speak French.

"It was fun. The fans were sick," he said.

The game was scoreless into the eighth when reliever Aaron Loup walked Ray Chang and Jim Riggleman got to first on an infield hit. Two hitters later, lefty-hitting Schumaker went opposite field with a smash that got through third baseman Munenori Kawasaki for a double.

Ryan Goins opened the ninth with a single for the Blue Jays, but closer Nate Adcock then struck out two and got Jon Berti to pop up for the save.

The games in Montreal don't count in the standings, but pitcher Mark Buehrle said the big crowd will be good experience for the Blue Jays' younger players heading into their regular-season opener Monday against the Yankees in New York.

"It's good to get out of spring training, to play under lights, play a night game," said Buehrle. "It doesn't count, but it means a little more.

"It gets your engine revved up a bit and gets you ready for the regular season. It's a totally different atmosphere. It's kind of like a playoff atmosphere."

Buehrle gave up no runs and three hits in four innings. Matt Boyd, Liam Hendricks, Todd Redmond and Brett Cecil had a scoreless inning each. Loup (1-1) took the loss.

Marquis ceded one hit in five scoreless innings. Burke Badenhop (1-1) got the win.

Marquis and outfielder Marlon Byrd are the only current Reds to have played against the Expos in Montreal.

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2015 Major League Baseball predictions

It's been five months since San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings in relief against Kansas City in Game 7 of the World Series to lead the Giants to their third title in five years after gaining entrance to the post-season as a wild card with 88 wins.

Which teams will reign supreme across the major leagues in 2015? Which clubs are poised to take the next step or falter this season?

It's all here as we project the six division winners along with three teams on the rise and two on the decline.

Division winners

AMERICAN LEAGUE

EAST: Boston — The Red Sox offence may be the most potent in baseball. They have a legitimate leadoff man in Mookie Betts, power from David Ortiz and Mike Napoli and a rookie of the year candidate in Rusney Castillo. Plus, newcomers Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are a threat at the plate. Starting pitching is solid but closer Koji Uehara is hurt to start the season.

CENTRAL: Detroit — The Tigers are our pick to win the division for a fifth straight season. Yes, starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are gone and Justin Verlander is hurt (triceps) but a playoff-experienced roster that includes starters David Price and Anibal Sanchez along with Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes in the middle of the order should come through. Also, expect improved offence from 3B Nick Castellanos and OF J.D. Martinez.

WEST: Los Angeles Angels — L.A. won the division by 10 games last season, but expect a tighter race in 2015. The top of the order is the Angels' strength as leadoff man Kole Calhoun could lead the AL in runs hitting in front of sluggers Mike Trout (see below) and Albert Pujols. Injured Garrett Richards, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson anchor a deep starting staff while closer Huston Street is money when healthy, which he was in 2014 (59 1/3 innings, 41 saves).

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EAST: Washington — How scary good is the Nationals' starting pitching? Well, Tanner Roark, a 15-game winner in 2014, has been relegated to a bullpen role. That's because 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer was signed to a 7-year deal in the off-season. He struck out 252 over 220 innings last year with Detroit and joins Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg to form a lethal 1-2-3 punch. Back-end starters Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez aren't slouches, either.

CENTRAL: St. Louis — The Cardinals, who ranked 10th in the league last year in runs, added 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Jason Heyward (see below) to join veterans Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter in a strong lineup that also boasts Matt Adams and Kolten Wong. The starting rotation is a good mix of young (Carlos Martinez) and older (Adam Wainwight, John Lackey, Lance Lynn). St. Louis is the only team to appear in a league championship series in each of the last four years.

---

WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers — A Dodgers outfit that finished second in runs scored to Colorado last season traded for veteran leadoff man Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick in the off-season and should have rookie 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Joc Pederson in the lineup at the start of the season. Then there's the 1-2 pitching punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke while Kenley Jansen (foot) is sidelined until at least mid-April.

3 teams on the rise

Chicago White Sox: A team that has improved itself by 22 games the last two seasons could be a .500 club for the first time since 2012 after bolstering its lineup with Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera. Workhorse Jeff Samardzija joins a solid rotation with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, while rookie Carlos Rodon could be added for a second-half playoff push. Former Yankee David Robertson is the new closer.

Houston: They're no longer the laughingstock of Major League Baseball, not with the talents of Jose Altuve, George Springer, Evan Gattis and Chris Carter. The Astros could push 81 victories for the first time since 2008 (86) after winning 70 in 2014. Collin McHugh and Dallas Keuchel are legitimate starters and longtime Padres closer-in-waiting Luke Gregerson is the new stopper.

San Diego: It certainly wasn't a boring off-season for the Padres, whose first-year GM A.J. Preller added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Will Middlebrooks, among others, to a lineup that scored the fewest runs in the league in 2014. James Shields fronts a deep rotation that also includes Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy, all of whom have the ability to post 200 strikeouts. The Padres last played in the post-season in 2006.

---

2 teams on the decline

Atlanta: It could be a long season for the Braves, who won 79 games last season but are expected to have Jonny Gomes (six homers in 2014) or Chris Johnson (10) hit in the cleanup position. Proven major leaguers Jason Heyward (St. Louis), Justin Upton (San Diego) and Evan Gattis (Houston) are playing elsewhere so there's little to get excited about beyond starting pitchers Julio Teheran and Alex Wood along with closer Craig Kimbrel.

Tampa Bay: People thought the Rays would compete for a division title in 2014 and they didn't, finishing fourth in the AL East with 77 wins. It won't happen in 2015 either. Pitchers Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly are recovering from injuries and closer Jake McGee is working his way back from elbow surgery. And the batting order? Yikes. Evan Longoria is the lone legitimate power threat while newcomer Steven Souza could surprise in the homer and steal departments.

100-win squad?

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies were the last team to reach the milestone, but would you bet against the 2015 Washington Nationals, who boast outstanding pitching in Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg (see below), Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister? Drew Storen is an effective closer (11 saves in 14 chances in 65 games last season) and an offence with Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman scored the third-most runs in the National League in 2014.

The Nationals are one of eight teams without a 100-win season, a feat accomplished only 97 times in major league history. But on paper, they seem to have as good a chance as anyone to hit the century mark.

Believing the Cubs hype?

There's a new ace pitcher in Jon Lester, new manager in Joe Maddon and a ballpark under renovations. It's a new era in Chicago, but will it translate into immediate success on the field? Remember, the team hasn't won more than 75 games since 2009 or the World Series since 1908, but is beloved in and out of the Windy City.

In fact, Las Vegas is listing the Cubs as 6-1 favourites to win the World Series (favourite Washington is 5-1). Maddon was a two-time AL manager of the year while leading Tampa Bay to a 781-729 mark in parts of 11 seasons. Can he get the most out of Chicago's collection of up-and-comers like Starling Castro, Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant? Maddon did help Tampa to the World Series in 2008. Perhaps 2015 is the Cubs' turn.

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Blue Jays sign pitcher Doubront

Lefthander recently released by Chicago Cubs

The Associated Press Posted: Apr 02, 2015 12:57 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 02, 2015 12:57 PM ET

Left-hander Felix Doubront and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league contract.

The 27-year-old was released by the Chicago Cubs last weekend. His deal with the Blue Jays was announced Thursday.

Doubront has a 28-23 record and a 4.78 ERA in five seasons with Boston and the Cubs, who obtained him from the Red Sox last July 30 for a player to be named that later was announced as minor league infielder Marco Hernandez. Doubront had an 11.57 ERA in four spring training appearances this year, allowing nine runs and 17 hits in seven innings.

He had a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $1,925,000 that was not guaranteed and receives $473,361, which is 45 days termination pay.

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2015 Major League Baseball predictions

It's been five months since San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings in relief against Kansas City in Game 7 of the World Series to lead the Giants to their third title in five years after gaining entrance to the post-season as a wild card with 88 wins.

Which teams will reign supreme across the major leagues in 2015? Which clubs are poised to take the next step or falter this season?

It's all here as we project the six division winners along with three teams on the rise and two on the decline.

Division winners

AMERICAN LEAGUE

EAST: Boston — The Red Sox offence may be the most potent in baseball. They have a legitimate leadoff man in Mookie Betts, power from David Ortiz and Mike Napoli and a rookie of the year candidate in Rusney Castillo. Plus, newcomers Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are a threat at the plate. Starting pitching is solid but closer Koji Uehara is hurt to start the season.

CENTRAL: Detroit — The Tigers are our pick to win the division for a fifth straight season. Yes, starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are gone and Justin Verlander is hurt (triceps) but a playoff-experienced roster that includes starters David Price and Anibal Sanchez along with Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes in the middle of the order should come through. Also, expect improved offence from 3B Nick Castellanos and OF J.D. Martinez.

WEST: Los Angeles Angels — L.A. won the division by 10 games last season, but expect a tighter race in 2015. The top of the order is the Angels' strength as leadoff man Kole Calhoun could lead the AL in runs hitting in front of sluggers Mike Trout (see below) and Albert Pujols. Injured Garrett Richards, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson anchor a deep starting staff while closer Huston Street is money when healthy, which he was in 2014 (59 1/3 innings, 41 saves).

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EAST: Washington — How scary good is the Nationals' starting pitching? Well, Tanner Roark, a 15-game winner in 2014, has been relegated to a bullpen role. That's because 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer was signed to a 7-year deal in the off-season. He struck out 252 over 220 innings last year with Detroit and joins Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg to form a lethal 1-2-3 punch. Back-end starters Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez aren't slouches, either.

CENTRAL: St. Louis — The Cardinals, who ranked 10th in the league last year in runs, added 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Jason Heyward (see below) to join veterans Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter in a strong lineup that also boasts Matt Adams and Kolten Wong. The starting rotation is a good mix of young (Carlos Martinez) and older (Adam Wainwight, John Lackey, Lance Lynn). St. Louis is the only team to appear in a league championship series in each of the last four years.

---

WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers — A Dodgers outfit that finished second in runs scored to Colorado last season traded for veteran leadoff man Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick in the off-season and should have rookie 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Joc Pederson in the lineup at the start of the season. Then there's the 1-2 pitching punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke while Kenley Jansen (foot) is sidelined until at least mid-April.

3 teams on the rise

Chicago White Sox: A team that has improved itself by 22 games the last two seasons could be a .500 club for the first time since 2012 after bolstering its lineup with Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera. Workhorse Jeff Samardzija joins a solid rotation with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, while rookie Carlos Rodon could be added for a second-half playoff push. Former Yankee David Robertson is the new closer.

Houston: They're no longer the laughingstock of Major League Baseball, not with the talents of Jose Altuve, George Springer, Evan Gattis and Chris Carter. The Astros could push 81 victories for the first time since 2008 (86) after winning 70 in 2014. Collin McHugh and Dallas Keuchel are legitimate starters and longtime Padres closer-in-waiting Luke Gregerson is the new stopper.

San Diego: It certainly wasn't a boring off-season for the Padres, whose first-year GM A.J. Preller added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Will Middlebrooks, among others, to a lineup that scored the fewest runs in the league in 2014. James Shields fronts a deep rotation that also includes Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy, all of whom have the ability to post 200 strikeouts. The Padres last played in the post-season in 2006.

---

2 teams on the decline

Atlanta: It could be a long season for the Braves, who won 79 games last season but are expected to have Jonny Gomes (six homers in 2014) or Chris Johnson (10) hit in the cleanup position. Proven major leaguers Jason Heyward (St. Louis), Justin Upton (San Diego) and Evan Gattis (Houston) are playing elsewhere so there's little to get excited about beyond starting pitchers Julio Teheran and Alex Wood along with closer Craig Kimbrel.

Tampa Bay: People thought the Rays would compete for a division title in 2014 and they didn't, finishing fourth in the AL East with 77 wins. It won't happen in 2015 either. Pitchers Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly are recovering from injuries and closer Jake McGee is working his way back from elbow surgery. And the batting order? Yikes. Evan Longoria is the lone legitimate power threat while newcomer Steven Souza could surprise in the homer and steal departments.

100-win squad?

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies were the last team to reach the milestone, but would you bet against the 2015 Washington Nationals, who boast outstanding pitching in Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg (see below), Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister? Drew Storen is an effective closer (11 saves in 14 chances in 65 games last season) and an offence with Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman scored the third-most runs in the National League in 2014.

The Nationals are one of eight teams without a 100-win season, a feat accomplished only 97 times in major league history. But on paper, they seem to have as good a chance as anyone to hit the century mark.

Believing the Cubs hype?

There's a new ace pitcher in Jon Lester, new manager in Joe Maddon and a ballpark under renovations. It's a new era in Chicago, but will it translate into immediate success on the field? Remember, the team hasn't won more than 75 games since 2009 or the World Series since 1908, but is beloved in and out of the Windy City.

In fact, Las Vegas is listing the Cubs as 6-1 favourites to win the World Series (favourite Washington is 5-1). Maddon was a two-time AL manager of the year while leading Tampa Bay to a 781-729 mark in parts of 11 seasons. Can he get the most out of Chicago's collection of up-and-comers like Starling Castro, Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant? Maddon did help Tampa to the World Series in 2008. Perhaps 2015 is the Cubs' turn.

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Tigers' Verlander lands on DL for 1st time

New

Detroit starter dealing with triceps injury

The Associated Press Posted: Apr 02, 2015 11:34 AM ET Last Updated: Apr 02, 2015 11:34 AM ET

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.

The Tigers said Thursday the 32-year-old right-hander won't be on the active roster for Monday's opener against Minnesota because of tightness in his right triceps. He was scratched from his Thursday start and no timetable has been announced for when he will pitch again. Verlander has been throwing lightly in an attempt to work out the tightness.

Detroit will make his DL stint retroactive, making it possible the six-time All-Star could start the sixth game of the season, on April 12 at Cleveland.

Verlander is 28-24 is two seasons since starting a $180-million US, seven-year contract, slowed by core muscle surgery before the 2014 season. Winner of the 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, Verlander was 124-65 before the deal.

Detroit said reliever Bruce Rondon also will start the season on the DL because of tendinitis in his right shoulder.

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2015 Toronto Blue Jays: Team on the rise?

The sun has been shining over the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training facility for the better part of four weeks, their pre-season performance has been encouraging and the manager believes it's a more talented group than recent years.

So, that must mean the longest current playoff drought in baseball at 21 years will end in September, right? Well, they must still play the games.

With Toronto's April 6 season opener at Yankee Stadium in New York approaching, we offer a look at a Blue Jays outfit that will try to improve upon last season's 83-79 record and third-place finish in the American League East.

Young starters

Pitchers Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez will open the season in the starting rotation after fellow youngster Marcus Stroman was lost for the season in early March after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

Norris, who turns 22 on April 25, has had an outstanding spring coming off arthroscopic surgery last October on his left (throwing) elbow, posting a 2.41 earned-run average in his first five starts with four walks against 21 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Norris has only 6 2/3 innings on his major league regular-season resume but he fanned Boston slugger David Ortiz for his first strikeout (see below) and appears ready to make an impact in 2015.

Early in spring training, the 22-year-old Sanchez appeared destined for the-then vacant closer's job, but the Stroman injury thrust him in the mix for a starting role. The right-handed fireballer has looked sharp in exhibition play, limiting the opposition to a .217 batting average and issuing only four walks over 18 1/3 innings covering five starts through March 29. In a late-season audition with the Jays last September, Sanchez flashed a 1.09 ERA, albeit in 33 innings, allowing just 14 hits.

Cecil the stopper

Brett Cecil seems to have put an inflamed shoulder from earlier this spring in the past, appearing in minor league games and blanking the opposition in his first two spring training innings as he will take over the closer's role to start the season after Casey Janssen signed with Washington as a free agent in the off-season. Cecil possesses a borderline unhittable curve that allowed him to post a 2.70 ERA in 53 1/3 innings in mostly a set-up role last season.

Managers tend to have a righty bias with stoppers – only six lefties have notched 20 saves the last five years – but the 28-year-old Cecil is fit for the role. In each of the past two seasons, he is one of only four lefties to work 50-plus innings and boast a least a 50 per cent groundball rate and 25 per cent strikeout rate. Cecil converted five of seven save chances in 2014.

Bullpen overhaul

Toronto ranked 25th among 30 teams in bullpen ERA last season at 4.09, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a different look in 2015. Closer Cecil is a lock, as is Aaron Loup as the left-handed setup guy, and likely Todd Redmond as the long man. Former Milwaukee hurler Marco Estrada, who could spot start, pitch in long relief or the seventh inning, will break camp with the Jays. Others in the mix include lefty Colt Hynes and righty Liam Hendriks along with 20-year-olds Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna.

Castro and Osuna, at camp as non-roster invitees, have emerged. It wouldn't be far-fetched to see Castro, who has reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun this spring, get save chances this season. Osuna, who had Tommy John surgery a little more than a year ago, could be the first Mexican pitcher on the Toronto roster since Esteban Loaiza in 2002.

Canadian content

The Blue Jays will open the season with three Canadians on the roster after third baseman Brett Lawrie (Langley, B.C.) was dealt to Oakland over the winter in the Josh Donaldson trade: catcher Russell Martin (Montreal) and outfielders Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) and Michael Saunders (Victoria). Martin will become the 21st Canadian to play for the Blue Jays after Pompey appeared in 17 games last September. At 386 games, pitcher Paul Quantrill of Port Hope, Ont., holds the record for most games played as a Blue Jay by a Canadian.

Other new faces

Pompey and second baseman Devon Travis could make it six rookies on the roster with Norris, Sanchez, Castro and Osuna. Then there's waiver claim Justin Smoak, formerly of the Seattle Mariners, and Donaldson. Smoak started slowly this spring but has swung the bat better since March 20 and could be used in a part-time role as a first baseman/designated hitter. Donaldson takes over from Lawrie at third and is coming off a second consecutive 158-game season in which he hit 29 home runs and 98 RBIs after 24/93 totals the previous campaign.

Toronto let Colby Rasmus walk as a free agent (he laters signed with Houston) and traded Anthony Gose to Detroit because it envisioned Pompey playing in centre-field each game. The 22-year-old hit .317 across three minor league levels last season and was promoted to the big leagues in September. He has shone at the plate in 18 games this spring with a .327 average and .364 on-base percentage through March 29. The switch-hitting Pompey can be a big asset in steals after recording 43 steals in 50 attempts in the minors last season and is considered an above average fielder who covers a lot of ground (see below).

Rookie 2nd sacker?

A groin injury to Maicer Izturis and a strong spring at the plate opened the door for Devon Travis to start the season at second base. Acquired from Detroit in November for outfielder Anthony Gose, the 24-year-old Travis hit .352 in his first 54 at-bats this spring and appears to have beat out defensive stalwart Ryan Goins for the job. Travis hit .298 with 10 homers for double-A Erie last season and was named the Tigers' minor league player of the year in 2013.

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Drew Hutchison to start Blue Jays' opener vs. Yankees

A strong spring training has vaulted Drew Hutchison to the top of the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation as he'll start the season opener April 6 at Yankee Stadium against New York.

The 24-year-old has won three of four games (three starts) in the pre-season and sports a 1.80 earned-run average while striking out 11 in 15 innings.

Starting Hutchison in the opener would put him on track to face Baltimore in his second start, a team he dominated last season to the tune of a 2.54 ERA. The right-hander was also the lone American League starter to beat the Orioles three times (3-1).

Hutchison won 11 games in 2014, his first full season after elbow ligament replacement (Tommy John) surgery. In 32 starts, he logged 184 2/3 innings with a 4.48 ERA.

Hutchison wasn't as effective against the Yankees last season as he was versus Baltimore. New York lit him up for five home runs in 31 1/3 innings as Hutchison went 2-4 in six starts with an ugly 5.17 ERA. He fanned 37 but also walked 17.

As a team, Toronto was 3-7 at Yankee Stadium, a slight improvement from the Jays' 0-10 showing in 2013.

Toronto unveiled its 25-man roster Tuesday, with rookie second baseman Devon Travis and former Seattle first baseman Justin Smoak cracking the lineup. Smoak, who hit just .202 in 80 games last season for the Mariners with seven home runs and 30 runs batted in, was claimed on waivers on Oct. 28 and later signed for one year and $1 million US after Toronto declined his $3.65 million option on Nov. 1.

Travis, 24, hit .352 in his first 54 at-bats this spring after being acquired in November for centre-fielder Anthony Gose. Travis won the job over Ryan Goins, the injured Maicer Izturis and utility man Steve Tolleson.

Dalton Pompey, who hails from Mississauga, Ont., will head north with the Blue Jays, having beat out Kevin Pillar for the starting job in centre-field.

The 22-year-old Pompey hit .317 across three minor league levels last season and was promoted to the big leagues in September. He has shone at the plate in 18 games this spring with a .327 average and .364 on-base percentage through March 29. The switch-hitting Pompey can be a big asset in steals after recording 43 steals in 50 attempts in the minors last season.

His mother, Valerie, took to Twitter to express her excitement.

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The versatile Tolleson, 31, returns for a second season with Toronto after appearing at 55 games at second base, twice at shortstop, 43 at third and seven in the outfield.

He hit .253 in 108 contests last year with three homers and 16 RBIs. Tolleson has matched the home run total in 31 spring at-bats while driving in six in 16 games with a .258 average.

Josh Thole, who was R.A. Dickey's personal catcher with the New York Mets and the past two seasons in Toronto, was assigned to triple-A, leaving Russell Martin with the duties of catching Dickey's knuckleball. Dioner Navarro, who asked for a trade prior to spring training, will see games behind the plate and as designated hitter.

Danny Valencia will be the backup at third base and play at first against left-handed pitchers.

One player who won't travel with the Blue Jays to New York is outfielder Dayan Viciedo.

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Coming off a 21-homer season with the Chicago White Sox, he was signed to a minor league deal March 1 when projected starting left-fielder Michael Saunders went down with a knee injury that required surgery on his meniscus.

Viciedo, a five-foot-11, 240-pound Cuban, batted .231 with 58 RBIs for the White Sox in 2014. He had 122 strikeouts and 32 walks in 523 at-bats.

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