Rewarding aggression

The Blue Jays' coaches are rewarding their players for aggressive baserunning on double play balls and the team so far is buying in.

Upton sinks Blue Jays in series loss to Rays

Ricky Romero struggled with his command as the Blue Jays couldn't hold off the Rays in extras to lose another road series in Tampa Bay.

Juniors get chance to impress in Dominican

Players on the Canadian national junior team can learn from a wide variety of experiences during the club’s tour of the Dominican Republic.

Davidi on MLB: Looking out for Lawrie

Blue Jays manager John Farrell worries there is still some lingering tension between the men in black and his young third baseman.

Cooler heads must prevail

In the wake of several more clashes with umpires on Tuesday night, John Farrell wants his players to reel in their emotions.

Lawrie has another umpire run-in

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie had a pair of incidents with umpires on Tuesday night in a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Guerrero pumped to return to Canada

Vladimir Guerrero says he had other offers, but the chance to return to Canada was a major reason why he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jays make up ground on Rays

Yunel Escobar's tiebreaking solo shot and some fine pitching for the Blue Jays closed the gap between Toronto and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Lawrie happy to be back in lineup

Toronto's Brett Lawrie spoke to the media on Monday before returning from his 4-game suspension, describing his time off as 'annoying.'

Waiver news hits Lind by surprise

Adam Lind says he doesn't know if he has been placed on waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Substitution sparks great play from JPA

The decision a week and a half ago to pinch-hit for J.P. Arencibia in the ninth inning of a tied game appears to spark the young catcher.

Ricciardi has few regrets

Former Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi is quick to remind how his moves set the Blue Jays in motion.

Bautista finding his stroke

Jose Bautista homered for the second consecutive night as the new-look Blue Jays lineup powered past the Yankees for a series sweep.

Unlikely path for Gomes

Yan Gomes almost gave up on his dream but the Brazilian infielder overcame the odds en route to his path to the big leagues.

Blue Jays mash 4 homers to top Yankees

Kyle Drabek pitched 7 overpowering innings and the Blue Jays' defence played error-free as they crushed the Yankees 8-1 on Wednesday.

Lawrie making a case

Is Brett Lawrie intent on reducing his 4-game suspension, or are the Blue Jays simply using the appeal process to postpone it?

MLB suspends Lawrie 4 games

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie was suspended for 4 games on Wednesday after being ejected in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay.

Lawrie ejected in ugly loss to Rays

The Blue Jays' porous play in the field handed a victory to the Rays on Tuesday in a game that ended with Brett Lawrie getting ejected.

Lind searching for answers

Adam Lind could just be having some bad luck at the plate but he will have to find his form as the clock is ticking.

Jays falter in fifth

Brandon Morrow and the Jays defence faltered, giving up six runs in the fifth as the team lost to the Rays 7-1.

Why isn't Bautista hitting like Hamilton?

Getting quality pitches to hit consistently has been a season-long struggle for Jose Bautista, but not so for the searing Josh Hamilton.

Davidi: Hamilton setting up for pay day

The Cardinals were lucky Josh Hamilton wasn't healthy last season as the soon-to-be free agent continues to look unstoppable at the plate.

Lightning in a bottle

Though Vladimir Guerrero evokes images of an unstoppable bad-ball hitter who terrorized many pitchers, his future in Toronto is uncertain.

Guerrero signs with Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran free agent slugger Vladimir Guerrero to a minor-league contract on Thursday.

Closing time for Janssen

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Casey Janssen embraced his first save opportunity of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Wednesday.

Lind, Arencibia bounce back in win

Adam Lind and J.P. Arencibia both homered Wednesday afternoon to lift the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Jays have tough talks with Farrell

Blue Jays manager John Farrell was a busy man Wednesday, shaking up his bullpen and tending to bruised egos, including J.P. Arencibia's.

Cordero serves up another loss

Francisco Cordero surrendered a walkoff grand slam to Oakland's Brandon Inge that sent the Toronto Blue Jays to a third straight loss.

Top prospects hitting stride

Sportsnet's Shi Davidi catches up with Las Vegas 51s manager Marty Brown to discuss the progress of some of the Blue Jays top prospects.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Snider in no rush

Stuck at another pause in a career filled with stops and starts, Travis Snider is making sure to remain patient despite his latest setback.

Vizquel more than a veteran

Omar Vizquel's first start of the season at shortstop set the record for the oldest man to play the position in the major leagues.

Jays belted by Pujols, Angels

Drew Hutchison allowed four runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings -- including an Albert Pujols 2-run homer -- as the Jays fall to the Angels.

Jays cautious with Snider injury

Travis Snider's return from a right wrist injury remains on hold after experiencing discomfort at batting practice with triple-A Las Vegas.

Blue Jays' winning streak halted

The shutout streak came to early end for the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night in a loss to the struggling Los Angeles Angels.

New plate plan for Lind

Adam Lind had been taking a lot more than just his bat to the plate lately, so he decided to clear his mind while in the box on Friday.

Alvarez shuts out the Angels

Henderson Alvarez pitched his first major league shutout with a six-hitter as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels.

Jays not taking extra precautions

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't taking any extra precautions after the 'freak' accident sustained by Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.

Wells knows their pain

As no stranger himself to slow starts and protracted struggles, Vernon Wells says he can sympathize with Jose Bautista and Albert Pujols.

Morrow delivers a masterpiece

Blue Jays right-hander Brandon Morrow pitched his second career complete game, a three-hit shutout of the Los Angeles Angles Thursday night.

Blue Jays Farrell, Santos playing it safe

Blue Jays manager John Farrell is being cautious with Sergio Santos' return, making sure the closer's shoulder is completely healed.

Darvish shows his worth

Yu Darvish stunned the Blue Jays with seven dominant and overpowering innings while striking out nine in a 4-1 Texas victory on Monday.

Encarnacion fine after hit by pitch

"Maybe he tried to come inside and missed his spot. That's what I want to think," said Encarnacion after being hit by Steve Delabar Sunday.

Davidi on Jays: Darvish story remains untold

Yu Darvish's arrival will send many fans back to the darkest moments of winter discontent but it's a price the Blue Jays are willing to pay.

Alvarez claims first win of 2012

With the help of an improved breaking ball, Henderson Alvarez and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Seattle Mariners on Sunday afternoon.

Jays GM Anthopoulos not seeking trades

Alex Anthopoulos insists that claims he's actively pursuing a big bat and a starting pitcher on the trade market are greatly exaggerated.

Offence comes alive as Jays end slump

Brandon Morrow threw six shutout innings and Edwin Encarnacion belted a grand slam as the Jays beat the Mariners to break a four-game slump.

Blue Jays blow 3 leads, fall to Mariners in 10th

The Toronto Blue Jays blew three leads and had three errors, losing 9-5 to the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings on Friday night.

Great Oracle Arencibia predicts Round 2

Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia looks to improve his picking percentage in his Round 2 NHL playoff predictions.

No relief in sight

Bullpens are by nature unpredictable, and they often make the best laid plans blow up in smoke. Just ask the Boston Red Sox.

Davidi on Jays: Lind puts his foot down

Unhappy with the way things have been going this season, Adam Lind has abandoned his leg kick with some promising early returns.

Farrell going with Hutchison Saturday

Drew Hutchison will make his big-league debut Saturday against the Kansas City Royals after being named the fifth starter for the Blue Jays.

Blue Jays drop rubber match to Rays

Evan Longoria hit a home run and drove in four as the Rays defeated the Blue Jays 9-4 at an open Rogers Centre on Thursday evening.

Old problems plague Morrow

Toronto Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow was pounded for six runs on eight hits over six innings of a 12-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Down to Chavez or Hutchison

The choice is down to either Jesse Chavez or top prospect Drew Hutchison for the No. 5 spot in the Blue Jays starting rotation.

Bautista breaks out

Jose Bautista and Adam Lind gave the Blue Jays lineup a major boost Tuesday night as the Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the series opener.

Blue Jays yet to name Saturday's starter

A dark-horse candidate emerged on Tuesday when Blue Jays manager John Farrell touched on his options for a 5th starter Saturday in KC.

Encarnacion adjustments

Refining both his swing and approach at the plate, Edwin Encarnacion feels he can make significant contributions to the Blue Jays offence.

Romero stifles Red Sox for series win

Ricky Romero allowed one run over 8.1 innings as the Toronto Blue Jays downed the Boston Red Sox 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon.

Great Oracle Arencibia predicts Round 1

Nevermind Canadian Brett Lawrie; it's teammate J.P Arencibia who knows hockey and predicts Round 1 for sportsnet.ca.

No drawbacks for Drabek

Kyle Drabek threw 5.1 strong innings Tuesday night allowing just one run as the Toronto Blue Jays tied their series with the Boston Red Sox.

Davidi on Jays: Santos not alone in struggle

Sergio Santos may be having a rough start to the season but the Blue Jays reliever isn't the only closer struggling out of the gate.

Santos throws away home opener

The Toronto Blue Jays thrilled a crowd of 48,473 with great defence on Monday before succumbing to the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning.

Laffey back, but in new role

Aaron Laffey is back with the Blue Jays, giving John Farrell another option against the predominantly left-handed hitting Boston Red Sox.

Jays fall to Indians in Carreno's debut

Joel Carreno offered up a mixed bag during his first big-league start as the Toronto Blue Jays fell to the Cleveland Indians.

Youth movement in toronto

When Henderson Alvarez takes the mound Monday against Boston, he'll become the youngest pitcher to start a Toronto Blue Jays home opener.

Blue Jays win in extras again

Rajai Davis' 12th-inning two-run double led the Blue Jays to their second straight extra-innings rally against Cleveland on Saturday.

Blue Jays cautious with McGowan

The Toronto Blue Jays are taking more precautions with starter Dustin McGowan after he experienced some soreness in his shoulder.

Davidi on Blue Jays: More than just a game

For Blue Jays manager John Farrell and his family, the dawn of a new season gives something to look forward to after years of adversity.

Blue Jays rally in 9th, win in record 16

The Blue Jays made comeback victories a regular occurrence last year, but none of those wins had anything on their 2012 curtain-raiser.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Why not in 2012?

Yes there are questions that need to be asked with the Toronto Blue Jays, but for a change, 'Why not in 2012?' deserves to be among them.

Power outage sunk Cecil

The decision to turn away from Brett Cecil suggests when it comes to starting pitchers for the Blue Jays, soft-tossers need not apply.

Jays' Cecil plans to work on mechanics

After being demoted to double-A on Tuesday, Blue Jays lefty Brett Cecil plans to use the time in the minors to work on his mechanics.

Blue Jays ship Cecil down to double-A

The Toronto Blue Jays made a series of pitching moves on Tuesday, including shipping starter Brett Cecil all the way down to double-A.

Concern for Cecil

Brett Cecil closed out his spring with an outing that gives the Toronto Blue Jays plenty to think about, but for all the wrong reasons.

To serve and protect

Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar will be counted on to set the table and maximize the effectiveness of Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista.

Jays' Morrow rounds out arsenal of pitches

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow has improved in both the usage and quality of his secondary pitches this spring.

Davidi: Romero brimming with confidence

Ricky Romero is confident the Blue Jays have the right attitude and collection of talent to contend this season in the AL East.

Jays rotation up in air with McGowan on DL

Dustin McGowan will start the season on the disabled list Saturday, leaving the rest of the Jays' starting rotation up in the air.

Snider taking the high road

Travis Snider refuses to be bitter about his demotion to triple-A and is committed to rediscovering his swing and approach at the plate.

Laffey struggles as Blue Jays fall to Twins

With decision time looming for the Blue Jays, Aaron Laffey allowed four runs in five innings as the Blue Jays fell to the Minnesota Twins.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Gose steals the spotlight

By swiping four bags on Thursday including second, third and home in the eighth, Anthony Gose left players and manager John Farrell in awe.

Buyer's market for Snider

The Cardinals moved Colby Rasmus before his price could drop any further and the Blue Jays may be similarly motivated with Travis Snider.

Davidi: Target practice vital for Jays' catchers

In the Toronto Blue Jays organization, pitchers aren't the only people on the diamond held accountable when balls are left up in the zone.

Davidi: Canada faces tough WCB climb

The path Canada must now take in order to qualify for the 2013 World Baseball Classic is fraught with obstacles and some tough choices.

Pitching awareness

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow has taken to Twitter in his continuing efforts to engage his fellow diabetics.

Davidi: New draft rules change Jays' philosophy

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos says the new MLB draft rules will definitely change the way his team approaches the annual June event.

Canadian Magnuson a healthy, happy Blue Jay

Healthy and happy to be back with the Toronto Blue Jays, Canadian Trystan Magnuson is just waiting for his next crack at the majors.

Predicament for Baseball Canada

Canada may be unable to use their big-league players in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers as plans for the tournament remain unsettled.

Another brick in the road

Brett Cecil's solid inning of work in the Toronto Blue Jays Grapefruit League opener Saturday afternoon was no first step. Just ask him.

Dunedin today: Farrell finds his groove

Starting off on the right foot

Although the results offer little validity, there were some promising signs shown during the Blue Jays' intrasquad game on Friday.

Special reunion for Farrell

John Farrell got a visit from a longtime friend on Thursday and still relishes all he was able to learn from Terry Francona in Boston.

Spring Quote Mashup: March 1, 2010

Quotes from Jose Bautista on playoff expansion and John Farrell on his bullpen and his relationship with the visiting Terry Francona.

Davidi on Jays: Escobar, Johnson together again

Defensive chemistry matters, which is why the Blue Jays should feel optimistic about the bond between Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson.

Hechavarria getting reps at second

The Toronto Blue Jays are planning to give shortstop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria some work at second base during spring training.

Blue Jays react to extra 2012 wild card

Adam Lind, Brandon Morrow and J.P. Arencibia react to the news MLB will add an extra wil card team in time for the 2012 season.

New-look Thames ready to roll

Eric Thames isn't only sporting a new look this spring but he's revamped his game and is ready to earn his place in left field.

McGowan dazzles during live BP

John Farrell has been stingy with praise for his pitchers so far this spring, but Dustin McGowan changed all that after live BP Tuesday.

Jays' Litsch shut down with shoulder pain

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jesse Litsch has been shut down for the next 7 days after being diagnosed with inflammation in his shoulder.

Davidi: Bullpen sessions time well spent

Once nothing more than practice for pitchers and grunt work for catchers, bullpen sessions have recently evolved into something much more.

Jays Notebook: Cecil impresses in first session

John Farrell liked what he saw from Brett Cecil in his session Monday, and Carlos Villanueva returned to camp after a hand injury.

Bees make Oliver twist

According to legend, during a spring game in 2005, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Darren Oliver attracted bees with the coconut oil in his hair.

Anthopoulos praises Cecil's progress

Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos spoke to the media and addressed the battle for the LF position, Brett Cecil's future and more.

Anthopoulos: Blue Jays 'in a great place'

Alex Anthopoulos spoke highly of his Toronto Blue Jays team and brushed aside criticism he didn't do enough to strengthen the roster.

New look, new attitude

Smiling, at ease, and with a shaggy new mane pouring out from his cap, Colby Rasmus very much seems like a new man this spring.

Nothing to celebrate

Ryan Braun's overturned 50-game suspension raises uneasy questions for MLB, players and fans. Questions that demand immediate answers.

Beeston hints he's staying on with Jays

Paul Beeston is in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jays, but the team president says he has no plans to retire any time soon.

Blue Jays talk lineup plans

In today's Dunedin notebook, Kelly Johnson talks long-term in Toronto and John Farrell reveals batting order plans for Brett Lawrie.

Managing to impress

Omar Vizquel is already thinking about the next phase of his baseball career, but in the meantime he's been busy tutoring young Blue Jays.

Drabek's special delivery

Trying to put a disastrous 2011 behind him, Blue Jays prospect Kyle Drabek has arrived in camp with ears open and new look on the mound.

Dunedin Today: Playoff push

In his daily spring training notebook Shi Davidi reports MLB and the players' union are inching closer to expanding the playoffs for 2012.

Dunedin today: Spots available

John Farrell spent much of last spring training trying to change the culture in the Jays offence. This year the focus is on the rotation.

McGowan's new normal

Simply being one of the guys right now is a huge achievement for Toronto Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan.

Jays thinking big in Dunedin

With the season starting in just over six weeks, the Blue Jays are optimistic that they can be better contenders this year.

Jays kids are the present

With spring training just around the corner the hopes of the Toronto Blue Jays are once again resting on growth spurts from their kids.

Davidi on Jays: Jays' pen strength is numbers

The Blue Jays were hoping to add a starter this off-season, but by building a deeper bullpen they may have done the next best thing.

The ability to extend

By locking up Brandown Morrow to a three-year deal on Monday, the Blue Jays continued to spend their biggest dollars on in-house talent.

Report: Blue Jays add Cordero

The Toronto Blue Jays continued their bullpen makeover on Monday, reportedly signing free agent Francisco Cordero to a one-year deal.

Jays, Morrow nearing extension

The Toronto Blue Jays and Brandon Morrow appear set to avoid arbitration by closing in on a US$20-million, three-year contract extension.

And then there were two

The Toronto Blue Jays avoided salary arbitration with three players on Tuesday, while Brandon Morrow and Casey Janssen remain unsigned.

Davidi on Jays: How Toronto landed Hutchison

The Blue Jays made a shrewd investment with Drew Hutchison back in 2009, and on Saturday night in K.C. they hope to start cashing in.

Davidi on Morneau: Adapting to the process

Justin Morneau knows there are no shortcuts when recovering from a concussion and he's taking nothing for granted.

Jays forced out of unfriendly skies

Members of the Blue Jays winter tour received a scare Friday when mechanical issues forced their flight to make an abrupt landing.

Davidi on Jays: Looking to close the gap

If the Blue Jays want to develop into a contending team, they'll need Colby Rasmus and Brett Cecil to quickly reach their potential.

Last true ballot

The 2012 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee ballot is a debate club dream, and also the last before the steroid era arrives in Cooperstown.

New year, old reality

Jason Frasor had some fuzzy moments New Year's Day but it wasn't from a hangover; he was unaware that he was headed back to Toronto.

Jays beef up bullpen

The Toronto Blue Jays have finally dipped into free agency, nearing an agreement with Darren Oliver while signing Aaron Laffey on Friday.

Something to vent about

Toronto Blue Jays fans may have a reason to get worked up about something, but losing out on Yu Darvish to the Texas Rangers isn't it.

Jays strike out on Darvish

The Blue Jays' flirtation with Yu Darvish is an indication the team is willing to shop in the luxury aisles again, no matter the price.

To be continued...

The MLB winter meetings have come to an end but fans, including those in Toronto, can expect many more moves to come in the days ahead.

Out of bounds

The Blue Jays words and deeds so far this week indicate their preferred currency for acquiring talent will remain prospects and not cash.

The money pit

Alex Anthopoulos seemingly went out of his way to talk payroll restrictions Tuesday, perhaps changing the club's financial message.

Jays finally get their man

The Toronto Blue Jays added to their bullpen by acquiring right-handed pitcher Sergio Santos from the Chicago White Sox.

Davidi on Elliott: Canada's standard-setter

Canadian reporter Bob Elliott has won the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Davidi on Jays: Winter meetings update

Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos is meticulously at work at the winter meetings, but unafraid to pull the trigger on the right deal.

Davidi on Jays: Catching a fresh start

Jeff Mathis lands in Toronto and will look to provide insight for a mostly young and inexperienced bullpen.

Recipe for success

Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos is exploring all avenues to address the Jays' needs, so long as it's in the long-term interest of the team.

Bautista, Romero headline Blue Jays awards

Jose Bautista and Ricky Romero were named Blue Jays player and pitcher of the year for the second straight season by the BBWAA.

Jays lose key Latin staffer

The Blue Jays front office was raided again Wednesday as director of Latin American operations Marco Paddy was hired by the White Sox.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Toronto arbitration offers

The Toronto Blue Jays extended arbitration offers to Kelly Johnson, Frank Francisco, Jose Molina and Jon Rauch Wednesday night.

Davidi on MLB: New CBA could hurt Jays

With the new CBA in place, the Blue Jays could have to alter their talent acquisition strategies.

Convenient cover

With no clear-cut favourite amongst the hitters to choose from, American League MVP voters took the safe route by choosing Justin Verlander.

Davidi on MLB: MLB is expanding hope

Baseball's decision to include two more teams in the post-season is really an exercise in expanding hope to cities, including Toronto.

Davidi on GM meetings: International risk

There are a lot of factors to look at when dealing with international players and the Jays have their eye on a few.

Doors left open

With many options on the table for everyone, Alex Anthopoulos left Tuesday's meeting with little progress.

Ghosts are gone

In a supposedly haunted Pfister Hotel, GMs may have only been scared of past big-money deals until Papelbon's new contract.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Off-season of clarity

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has flexibility, both financially and in trade, to address team needs without having to force any moves.

One size doesn't fit all

There were no straight paths in Pete Walker's career, yet Blue Jays pitchers can expect a direct approach from their new bullpen coach.

More to Loewen move

A law degree may be helpful to fully understand the rules behind the Blue Jays' decision to outright Adam Loewen off the 40-man roster.

Davidi on LaCava: Committed to the cause

Blue Jays assistant general manager Tony LaCava will remain with the team after turning down an offer to become GM of the Baltimore Orioles.

High expectations for Encarnacion

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to dream on Edwin Encarnacion, hoping one of these days he'll find a way fulfil his potential.

Gateway to the best

The Cardinals overcame all the obstacles and capped off their improbable run with a championship.

One (more) for the ages

David Freese and the St.Louis Cardinals couldn't be put away in their epic comeback win in Game 6 of the Fall Classic.

Everybody likes Mike

The Cards finally found a way to slow down Rangers fan-favourite Mike Napoli: A rainout.

Davidi: Team Canada worth their weight

Team Canada's gold medal win over the United States at the Pan Am Games Tuesday was historic on a number of fronts.

Cards get wires crossed

Some phone follies and mixed signals hand control of the World Series to the Texas Rangers.

Year of the Napoli

Mike Napoli's two-run double in the eighth inning led the Rangers to a tension-filled 4-2 victory in Game 5 over the Cardinals.

Another Aaron for Bautista

For the second straight year Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista is the American League recipient of the Hank Aaron Award.

Davidi: Farrell focused on Blue Jays

Jose Bautista gives John Farrell’s stewardship of the Toronto Blue Jays his seal of approval and wants his manager to return in 2012.

Cutting the Cards

Derek Holland switched the channel from the Albert Pujols Game 3 Air Show as the Rangers knot Series with Cardinals.

The new Mr. October

Albert Pujols crushed three homers, drove in six runs and finished with five hits -- tying Series records with each accomplishment.

Davidi on MLB: Changing the perception

The St. Louis Cardinals have no regrets and know they made the right move to deal Colby Rasmus.

All the wrong reasons

Pujols' absence from the media after Game 2 became the hot button topic Friday but the Cardinals slugger claims he wasn’t asked to comment.

Late decision

While the Cards looked to take a commanding 2-0 lead, Young's sacrifice fly in the ninth knotted the Series.

All the right moves

The Cardinals are hoping history will repeat itself after taking the early lead in the World Series.

World Series notebook: Contrasting styles

The Cardinals and Rangers feature managers of distinctly different styles in Tony La Russa and Ron Washington.

Davidi on Cardinals: Season-altering trade

Tony La Russa believes his team wouldn't be where they are without the pieces acquired from Toronto.

Setting the stage

The Cards and Rangers are set to square off for all the marbles. What storylines should you keep an eye on?

Sportsnet magazine: Prince's Ransom

Prince Fielder is set to leave Milwaukee with a bang -- and a pot of gold awaits.

Davidi on MLB: LaCava exit would 'sting'

If the Baltimore Orioles or anyone else come calling for Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava, Alex Anthopoulos isn't going to stand in his way.

Davidi on MLB: Red Sox begin team detox

The public shaming of Red Sox players and management is an untidy piece of business, but perhaps necessary for Boston to move forward.

Davidi on NLCS: Fierce rivalry brewing

The intense dislike between Chris Carpenter and the Brewers comes to a head Wednesday night in St. Louis.

Davidi on MLB: Bros before foes in Game 5

Roy Halladay and Chris Carpenter met at spring training, each a strapping, highly touted right-hander in the Toronto Blue Jays system.

Davidi on MLB: Romero's leap of faith

Ricky Romero's ascencion to the majors can be traced back to a 2008 conversation with double-A catcher J.P. Arencibia.

Davidi: Brew Crew leads in playoff Can-con

Canadian baseball fans looking for a rooting interest in the MLB playoffs might want to join the Brew Crew.

A hint of what's to come

The Toronto Blue Jays opened the 2011 season with a healthy dose of roster filler and a hint of promise to come.

Alvarez shines again in defeat

Henderson Alvarez was two starts into his big-league career when he said something that both surprised John Farrell.

Turning the page

End of an era

Rays creep closer to Red Sox

No incentive as the season draws to a close hasn’t meant no effort from the Toronto Blue Jays, and that was exemplified by Jose Bautista’s crash into the right-field wall at Tropicana Field on Sunday afternoon.

Davidi: Carreno's future bright in T.O.

Joel Carreno's rise to the major leagues was perfect timing for a club in need of some relief.

The wait continues

While five ex-Jays are bound for the post-season, Farrell feels the current team is not far off.

Rays' misfortune

Rays miss an opportunity to capitalize in wild-card race as Jays play spoiler.

The trade route

The Blue Jays have a plan for this off-season, but it doesn't include chasing big-name free agents.

That's all folks

Davidi on Jays: Free agent future

Heavenly!

Ricky Romero delivered nine outstanding innings in his final home start of the season, but was forced to settle for a no-decision when the Toronto Blue Jays squandered an opportunity to win in the ninth before finally delivering in the 10th.

Davidi on MLB: Ex-Jays in playoff hunts

Vernon Wells is one of a number of ex-Blue Jays finding themselves in the middle of a playoff race.

Brilliant Morrow blanks Yankees

The raw ability suggests that outings like Sunday’s brilliant performance should be a matter of routine for Brandon Morrow, not the infrequent occurrence they’ve been this season for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Moneyball movie: Q&A with Mark Teahen

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Mark Teahen ran out to read "Moneyball" when the book first came out in 2003, and he is eager to see the movie now that it’s headed for theatres.

Davidi on Jays: Fisher Cats go out on top

The Eastern League championship seems only fitting for Sal Fasano and his New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Late blow

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for answers this month, particularly when it comes to the starting rotation's future composition, and Henderson Alvarez is intent on stating his case.

Molina magic

First Adam Lind gave Dustin McGowan a chance to earn his first win since June 22, 2008 with a three-run double in the fifth.

Kitchen nightmares

Brett Lawrie returned to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup Friday night, no worse for the wear from his memorable collision with Jason Varitek earlier this week.

Cream of the crop

Travis d'Arnaud, MVP of the double-A Eastern League, and triple-A Pacific Coast League batting champion David Cooper headline the Toronto Blue Jays' 2011 R. Howard Webster Award winners unveiled Friday.

Davidi on Jays: One cool Fisher Cat

Jays prospect Anthony Gose has plenty of substance to go with the style.

Davidi on Jays: Head of the class

Romero exorcizes Red Sox demons

No team has tormented Ricky Romero through his first three big-league seasons quite the way the Boston Red Sox have.

In search of answers

Brandon Morrow arrived at the ballpark Thursday, headed to the video room and watched every single pitch of his rough outing the previous night against the Boston Red Sox.

Loewen delivers in return to majors

Hours before making his second big-league debut, this time as a position player five years after first breaking through as a pitcher, Adam Loewen stood by the Toronto Blue Jays dugout trying to both process the moment, and encapsulate his journey.

Onward and upward

Michael McDade is working his way through the Jays system after working through a major personal los

What could be

The return of Dustin McGowan was the lone bright spot on an otherwise forgetful night in Toronto.

Davidi breaks down September callups

The Toronto Blue Jays are using their slate of September callups to give themselves some bullpen depth, reward prospects for strong minor-league seasons, and take a glimpse at what the players may be able to offer in 2012 and beyond.

Jays suffer Bronx beating

A lost weekend in New York behind them, the Toronto Blue Jays return home for a four-game engagement with the Boston Red Sox needing only to scan their intra-division record to understand the chasm between them and their rivals.

Game slips away from Jays, Romero

A pitch away from handing the bullpen a one-run lead after seven strong innings, it all slipped away from Ricky Romero and the Toronto Blue Jays in what seemed like an instant.

Jays can't solve Nova in loss to Yanks

Anthopoulos would have had mixed feelings on what he saw Friday night, as Brandon Morrow (9-10) reversed a run of poor pitching with six solid innings of three-run ball, only to watch it go to waste as his offence was handcuffed by Ivan Nova (15-4) before 47,240 at Yankee Stadium

Jays bats warm up to avoid sweep by Rays

The Blue Jays were certainly not passive against Wade Davis (8-8) and the rest of the Rays in avoiding a four-game sweep before a crowd of 19,725, being aggressive with strikes early in the count and showing some patience when pitchers tried to expand the zone.

Jays notebook: Sitting out the series

Don Wakamatsu will keep serving as acting manager of the Toronto Blue Jays through the club's upcoming road series in Baltimore while John Farrell continues to recover from pneumonia.

Davidi on Snider: Cautiously optimistic

Davidi on Jays: Low-risk, high-reward

Bautista ejected in loss to Rays

First Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista took a chunk out of the dugout wall with his bat, then he tore a strip off home plate umpire Bill Welke, and finally he sent some of his accoutrements out on the field in protest.

Farrell out sits out Friday

Ordered by doctors to take at least one day off, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell was resting at home Friday after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

Dream alive for Albers

Canadian Andrew Albers was clinging to his dream by a thread this past spring while looking for work after spending last season with the Quebec Capitales of the independent Canadian-American Association.

Jays claim Wise, Rasmus to go on DL

DeWayne Wise has joined the Toronto Blue Jays for a third time.

Jays prospect Snider likely done for season

A trying season is essentially over for Toronto Blue Jays outfield prospect Travis Snider, who was diagnosed with tendonitis in his right wrist Thursday and prescribed four-to-six weeks of rest.

Francis wins in Canadian debut

Pitching in Canada for the first time in his career, Jeff Francis continued to torment the Toronto Blue Jays.

Getting grounded

It’s been a rough few days for Johnson but he isn’t looking back.

Lawrie's solo homer lifts Jays over Royals

The statistics over the past four weeks for Ricky Romero are remarkable, but perhaps more important than the results has been the process for the Toronto Blue Jays left-hander.

Mastroianni to fill void in centre field

Coming off the field in the second inning, Darin Mastroianni heard Las Vegas 51s manager Marty Brown barking at him.

Morrow roughed up by Royals

Brandon Morrow looked set for a night on cruise control, with the entire 40-man roster of the Kansas City Royals coming into Tuesday night’s clash with the Toronto Blue Jays a collective 3-for-39 against the right-hander.

Five weeks' notice

The next five weeks could go a long way to determining who's at second base for Toronto in 2012.

Davidi on Jays: A fresh set of Lugnuts

A pair of Jays prospects were quick to impress in Vancouver but were also quick to exit .

Planting roots

The Toronto Blue Jays and the single-A Vancouver Canadians feel they've started something special.

Jays, M's exhibition in Vancouver?

The Vancouver Canadians have looked into the possibility of bringing the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners to Vancouver for an exhibition series but say a proper assessment of the idea must wait until the renovations at B.C. Place are completed next month.

Morrow shines in return to Seattle

The electric right-hander was as overpowering as he's been all season in his first outing at Safeco Field since the Dec. 23, 2009 trade that sent him to the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out a season-high 12 over six innings of one-run ball in a 5-1 victory.

Jays notebook: Mills to start Sunday

Toronto Blue Jays have decided to stay the course with their starting rotation for now, meaning Brad Mills will make his next scheduled start Sunday in Oakland.

Jays explode offensively in win over M's

Called in for duty after starter Brad Mills squandered an early six-run lead, the left-hander threw four innings of one-run ball, while Shawn Camp wrapped things up with two frames in a 13-7 victory over Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Davidi on Beede: Product of a broken system

Tyler Beede took a substantial risk with a potential change coming to the draft slotting system.

Rauch has appendectomy, placed on DL

The Toronto Blue Jays placed Jon Rauch on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after the right-handed reliever underwent an appendectomy in Seattle.

Jays cough up late lead to M's

Another bad night for the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen in Seattle cost rookie Henderson Alvarez his first big-league win.

Blue Jays strikeout with Beede

The Toronto Blue Jays failed to reach an agreement with first-round pick Tyler Beede ahead of Monday’s midnight ET draft signing deadline, but did nail down second-rounder Daniel Norris for a reported US$2 million.

Jays thumped by A's

The Toronto Blue Jays came down from highs of the Brett Lawrie Show on Wednesday night with a resounding thud Thursday afternoon.

Lawrie lifts Jays with 1st career grand slam

The 21-year-old third baseman put a charge into both the Toronto Blue Jays dugout and the crowd of 19,541 at Rogers Centre with his blast in the sixth, the decisive blow in an 8-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.

Bautista points finger at White Sox

Jose Bautista revealed Wednesday that he did indeed have a verbal confrontation over sign stealing with a member of the Chicago White Sox bullpen last season.

Harden spoils Lawrie's party

Just as expected, Tuesday’s contest between the Toronto Blue Jays and visiting Oakland Athletics featured a dominant performance by a Canadian boy returning to star on home soil.

Age of superiority

Brett Lawrie and Henderson Alvarez are with the Jays because they're not your typical 21-year-olds.

Jays set to call up Alvarez

Henderson Alvarez is the next top prospect set for a look from the Toronto Blue Jays. The hard-throwing right-hander, just 21 years old, will this week be called up from double-A New Hampshire to fill the big-league club’s vacancy in the starting rotation.

Davidi on Jays: Drabek making progress?

Despite poor numbers, Jays prospect Kyle Drabek appears to be making progress in triple-A.

Lawrie caps off big weekend

So maybe all the Toronto Blue Jays needed to cure their day-time woes was Brett Lawrie.

Farrell gives struggling Thames time off

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Eric Thames was out of the starting lineup Sunday, the chance for a breather after a difficult week with the bat.

Jays melt down in loss to Orioles

Instead, a night of slogging through soupy air and a soggy field ended in disappointment for the Blue Jays, 6-2 losers to the Orioles.

Jays notebook: Puzzling pattern

The wide disparity in how the Toronto Blue Jays play in the day and at night continues to leave manager John Farrell puzzled.<

Lawrie debuts with two hits, RBI

Unsurprisingly, Lawrie had an eventful big-league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays in a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

Lawrie to hit out of No. 9 spot

Brett Lawrie was approaching his big-league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays with both excitement and a sense of calm.

Get ready, here he comes

Brett Lawrie has been called up by the Jays but can he meet the lofty expectations?

Davidi: Fasano building players, not homes

Instead of constructing homes, Sal Fasano is busy building up some of the Jays top prospects.

Davidi on MLB: Deadline recap

With the trade deadline in our rearview, let’s look at who lost and who prevailed.

Jays retire Alomar's No. 12 in ceremony

Roberto Alomar’s plaque is up at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and now his No. 12 is up in the Rogers Centre rafters.

Taking shape

Alex Anthopoulos' next move may tell us how close he thinks his Jays are to contending.

Catching a new rep

Jays excited to add Rasmus to nucleus

A nameplate with the No. 28 for Colby Rasmus is already up in the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse, and manager John Farrell is already making plans for his new centre-fielder.

Frasor leaves with bittersweet feeling

Checking his cell phone Wednesday morning, Jason Frasor noticed that he had missed a call from Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

Gambling on Rasmus

As far as rolls of the dice go, this one doesn’t seem like an especially big gamble.

Davidi on MLB: Deadline risk for reward

No matter the name, no matter the price, trade deadline dealing is always risky business.

Jays of a feather

Davidi on Jays: McGuire making progress

The Toronto Blue Jays' first-round pick in 2010 joined the Fisher Cats on Monday, wearing No. 34, and will make his debut Wednesday in the nightcap of a doubleheader with the New Britain Rock Cats.

Building a nest

There is an enormity to the moment that is striking.

Canadian presence at Hall

The 2011 Hall of Fame class has a special connection to the Blue Jays, and the country of Canada.

A Hall call for Van Horne

"El Presidente … El Perfecto!" That's how Dave Van Horne encapsulated the moment when Chris Gwynn's drive to centre field settled into Marquis Grissom's glove for the final out of Dennis Martinez's perfect game on July 28, 1991.

Gillick's HoF career has defied the odds

The job description for a baseball general manager is not one designed for longevity. The demands are 24/7, the pace frenetic, the expectations cumbersome. Every owner wants a championship yesterday, with a minimum outlay of cash, and as few bodies on staff as possible.

Robbie's road to greatness

The thought that his son might be an exceptionally gifted athlete first crossed Sandy Alomar's mind when Roberto was just 18-months old.

Hot at the corner

After a rough start at the plate and in the field, Edwin Encarnacion is living up to expectations.

Lucky number

Jays to retire Alomar's No. 12

The Toronto Blue Jays are retiring Roberto Alomar's No. 12.

Davidi on MLB: Dealing in the dark art

When it comes to stealing signs, the American League East may be baseball's ultimate dojo.

Bats step up with Bautista out

Faced with the likelihood of at least a weekend without Jose Bautista, the Toronto Blue Jays took the field Friday night and did just fine without their star slugger.

Yanks' Martin thinks Jays stole signs in win

New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin thinks he knows why his pitchers were hit so hard in Thursday's 16-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Their signs were being stolen.

Jays top Yankees; Lose Bautista

Coming out of the all-star break the Toronto Blue Jays have a long list of questions they'd like to answer in the final two and a half months of the season, and all of a sudden Jose Bautista's health is among them. The major-league home run leader left Thursday night's 16-7 thumping of the New York Yankees in the fourth inning after sliding into third base and twisting his right ankle.

Bautista twists ankle, listed day-to-day

Major league home run leader Jose Bautista left Thursday night's game against the New York Yankees with a twisted right ankle. He is listed as day-to-day.

Davidi on baseball: A Tribe of chiefs

The 1988 Indians were woeful but an impressive list of managers emerged from that forgettable team.

Davidi on Prospects: Jays' cupboards stocked

The double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats are currently home to several Toronto Blue Jays prospects that are each considered a big part of the club’s future.

Fielder's homer leads NL over AL

While Bautista provided the hustle in his five innings of work, going 1-for-2 with a single, it was Prince Fielder who provided the pop with a three-run blast to centre off loser C.J. Wilson in the fourth that effectively decided things.

Davidi column: Changes coming to MLB

When the ink is dry on its new CBA, Major League Baseball might have a drastically different look.

Cano upstages Bautista in derby

Snubbed a year ago, Jose Bautista entered the Home Run Derby as the oddsmaker’s favourite to win it all and a common player’s pick to emerge victorious Monday night.

Davidi on MLB: Romero relishing new status

Despite a rash of no-shows, the all-star game still means plenty to Romero, Votto and Bautista.

Lawrie cleared to resume hitting

It sounds like Brett Lawrie is closer to a return to action. The much hyped Toronto Blue Jays prospect posted a pair of messages via Twitter on Monday morning indicating he had gained medical clearance to resume hitting in cages.

Plenty to ponder

Jays can further assess what they have in Alvarez, and what they might have had in Paxton.

No relief in sight

There are no easy answers or quick fixes for Blue Jays manager John Farrell in the ninth inning.

Foul call

Romero thumped as Red Sox down Jays

As they approach the tail-end of a grueling 20-game stretch against some of the best teams baseball has to offer, the Toronto Blue Jays are firmly in grind mode.

Being held accountable

John Farrell believes umpires should have to answer for their calls on the field the way players and coaches must respond for their actions.

Jays rally falls short; BoSox hold on for win

Toronto Blue Jays players and coaches were left shaking their heads in the clubhouse, a mix of anger and frustration hanging in the air.

Player restoration project

The art of recalibrating a player who’s had some success in the big-leagues with a trip to the minors is a delicate one, and the Toronto Blue Jays are seeing some optimistic early returns for two of their most important player restoration projects.

Olympic-sized hurdles

Baseball wants back in for the 2020 Summer Games, but gaining re-entry won't be so simple.

Reversal of misfortune

Thumped by the Red Sox for a career-high nine runs and 10 hits when he last faced them June 11, Brandon Morrow rebounded with a much better performance in Monday’s 9-7 victory by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Show stopper

Still just a pup at 23, Travis Snider has already endured several stops and starts to his career.

Bautista accepts Ortiz' HR derby invite

David Ortiz wasn't happy when Jose Bautista wasn't chosen to take part in the Home Run Derby last year.

Time to move on

Saturday's game not only honoured Roy Halladay, it passed the torch to Jose Bautista.

Jays tossed in emotional Doc return

Saturday afternoon’s 5-3 win by the Philadelphia Phillies over the Toronto Blue Jays was as memorable for manager John Farrell wrestling reliever Jon Rauch away from Marquez as it was for Roy Halladay’s return engagement.

The long goodbye

Roy Halladay's return to Toronto is as much of a "goodbye" as it is a "welcome back."

Canada Day spoiler alert

Victory at hand, a near full-house at fever pitch, it all fell apart in a heartbeat for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jays' defence leaves Cecil out to dry

A soft popper bound for Jose Bautista’s glove until a hard-charging Corey Patterson forced the third baseman to back away fell in to start the sixth inning and set the stage for a three-run explosion that sullied Brett Cecil’s return to the majors and led to a 6-2 Pittsburgh Pirates victory.

Jays find spark, but fall short to Pirates

What they didn't get was the situational execution they needed when the game was at its tipping point, ending up with a 7-6 interleague loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates rather than the heartening comeback victory that was nearly at hand.<

Jays recall Cecil from Vegas

Brett Cecil’s rehab is complete. On Tuesday the Toronto Blue Jays recalled the left-hander from triple-A Las Vegas and optioned right-hander Zach Stewart to double-A New Hampshire.

Jays moving Bautista to third base

After nearly three months of uninspired improvising with faulty stopgaps, the Toronto Blue Jays are shifting Jose Bautista to third base to hold the fort until top prospect Brett Lawrie can fully heal from a broken left hand.

Seven-year itch

Braves complete sweep

The Toronto Blue Jays had the "The Hangover" on in the visitor's clubhouse Wednesday morning, and the dazed and confused state of the main characters in the film is something they can certainly relate to right now.

Bautista backs Romero

Jose Bautista agrees with Ricky Romero's controversial comments from earlier this week, and does not believe his teammate needed to address the rest of the Toronto Blue Jays to clarify them.

Stewart shaky in Jays loss to Braves

Making his second big-league start after an impressive debut, a shaky Zach Stewart immediately gave back a first-inning lead and didn't make it out of the fourth in a 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Truth in numbers

Ricky Romero may have caused a splash with his comments but he wasn’t far off base.

Hudson does it all against Jays

Ricky Romero restarted the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation Monday night after perhaps its most effective turn of the season, and despite once again setting the bar high for the staff's next time through, he left the game with a big dose of insult added to injury.

Drabek told to forget about cutter

In a bid to help Kyle Drabek make better use of his fastball, the Toronto Blue Jays have told the young right-hander to stop throwing his cutter at triple-A Las Vegas.

Votto and Patterson bros before foes

Advice is easy to come by in the big-leagues, and many people are readily willing to offer some up

Change in perception

After the Jays took a risk in acquiring Escobar, the shortstop continues to pay dividends.

No justice for Villanueva

One mistake was all it took to hand Carlos Villanueva his first loss in nearly two years.

Jays sign Escobar to two-year extension

The Toronto Blue Jays took another step in the right direction by locking up shortstop Yunel Escobar to a two-year, $10 million extension.

Jays notebook: Getting into the groove

Frank Francisco appears to have found a groove on the mound again with a string of good outings for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Morrow bounces back as Jays shutout Reds

All too often during his previous five starts, Brandon Morrow would be left shaking his head, unsure why his usually strong stuff hadn’t translated into better results.

Jays notebook: Starting to get antsy

Top Blue Jays prospect Brett Lawrie is becoming antsy waiting for his broken left hand to heal.

Reyes solid in victory over Reds

Hitting coach Dwayne Murphy pulled Adam Lind aside when the Toronto Blue Jays were in Texas back in April, and the two had a good talk.

Walking clinic

Joey Votto and Jose Bautista know what to expect this weekend: few good pitches to hit.

Romero steps up again for Jays

Ricky Romero is very much the glue holding together a Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation that’s endured some tumultuous times, and struggled to consistently pitch deep into games this season.

Jays continue to beat up on O's

A series with the Baltimore Orioles is usually good for curing whatever ails the Toronto Blue Jays, almost like a miracle tonic that quickly makes everything right again.

Jays send 'lost' Drabek to triple-A

The Toronto Blue Jays have sent struggling starting pitcher Kyle Drabek down to triple-A Las Vegas, the team announced on Tuesday.<

Notebook: Realignment on the table

The rumoured realignment of Major League Baseball into two, 15-team leagues, perhaps with no divisions, first reported by ESPN.com’s Buster Olney over the weekend is an idea that could quickly pick up steam, according to two sources familiar with the current labour talks.

Hard knocks

John Gibbons says his time in Toronto will make him a better big league manager next time around.

Red Sox dismantle Drabek

The Toronto Blue Jays are prepared to live with Kyle Drabek’s growing pains this season.

Davidi on McCoy: Right man for the job

Mike McCoy deserves a lot of credit for the type of teammate he’s been this season for Toronto.

Red Sox smack around Blue Jays

The Boston Red Sox are starting to become every bit the juggernaut everyone expected them to be, and right now they’re just simply playing at a level above the Toronto Blue Jays.

BoSox put Jays bats to sleep

The Toronto Blue Jays reported for work Friday having returned home comfortably a night earlier at around 10:15 p.m., with plenty of time for a good night’s sleep.

Davidi on Jays: Jose’s power drought

Jose Bautista isn’t worried and believes he has the answers to his current slump.

Jays split series with Royals

Ricky Romero certainly gave the Blue Jays' starting staff a boost on that front with eight quality innings on a sweltering Thursday afternoon, but his one bad frame was too much for the offence to overcome in a 3-2 loss to the Royals.

Jays take risk for reward

Jays' crop of drafted talent shows some tough signs for the club.

Lind's grand slam lifts Jays

Adam Lind hit a grand slam and Jayson Nix added a three-run homer to power the Toronto Blue Jays to a 9-8 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Lawrie has fractured hand, out 2-3 weeks

Brett Lawrie's ascension to the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays has been pushed back indefinitely after a small non-displaced fracture was discovered in his left hand.

Jays even series with Royals

An unhappy looking Kyle Drabek was about to walk off the mound after getting pulled in the sixth inning when manager John Farrell physically stopped him, and gave him what appeared to be a spirited pep talk.

Blue Jays turn left on Day 2

As long as it’s in place, the Blue Jays are intent on trying to milk it for all they can, as are the drafted players.

Jays' bullpen lets another one get away

A Kansas City Royals club giving up runs in bunches looked to be ideal fodder for a Toronto Blue Jays team that’s been smacking the ball around a fair bit of late.

Jays gamble on top pick Beede

The Toronto Blue Jays set the stage for a challenging negotiation with their first-round pick by selecting high-school right-hander Tyler Beede 21st overall in the baseball draft Monday night.

Shi's Notebook: CanCon in the MLB draft

The pressure to perform and the constant scrutiny inherent to a player's performance during draft year effects young prospects in different ways.

MLB Amateur Draft Primer

To fully understand how much value the Toronto Blue Jays place on early picks in Monday’s MLB amateur draft, one only needs to look at the unique and complex way they came into possession of the 57th pick this year.

Losing Roenicke gives Lawrie potential spot

The Toronto Blue Jays lost minor-league reliever Josh Roenicke on waivers to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, potentially opening up a spot on their 40-man roster for highly touted prospect Brett Lawrie in the near future.

Feeling the love

If the past few weeks have proven anything it's this: Jose Bautista has arrived in America.

Classic dilemma

MLB's plans to expand the World Baseball Classic have put Canada in a tough spot.

Farrell on Lawrie: We 'dodged a bullet'

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell said Wednesday the team "dodged a bullet" regarding Brett Lawrie's hand injury.

Jays notebook: Strong month for McGowan

A strong month of progress by Dustin McGowan has the Toronto Blue Jays wondering if their oft-injured right-hander can make it back to the big-leagues as a starter after all.

Lawrie escapes serious injury

Brett Lawrie escaped serious injury after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday night but it was unclear how the bruise on his left hand will affect looming plans for his arrival in the big-leagues.

Jays notebook: A different position for Hill

Aaron Hill's first position of responsibility with the Major League Baseball Players' Association in 2008, when the release of Reed Johnson during spring training created the need for an alternative player-union representative on the Toronto Blue Jays.

Reyes puts an end to winless skid

Goats are not commonly sought, or easy to find in Toronto.

Depleted Jays rally to beat White Sox

The Blue Jays (25-26) scratched out just enough offence against Mark Buehrle to end a three-game losing streak before a crowd of 16,668, capitalizing on a wild but effective start from Kyle Drabek and some crafty relief work by Casey Janssen (2-0), Shawn Camp and Jon Rauch, who handled the ninth for his sixth save.

Davidi on MLB: Rule change unlikely

After the Posey injury, many former and current players are still against the idea of a rule change.

Farrell to split closer's duties

The Toronto Blue Jays will use matchups, availability and the hot hand to choose between Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel as closer for the foreseeable future, a new approach manager John Farrell discussed with his relievers on Thursday.

Late defensive miscue costs Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have been dropping games of late because of their inconsistent offence and some spotty pitching.

Davidi: Jays interest in Reyes no shock

The "exploratory contact" reportedly made in the spring by the Toronto Blue Jays with the New York Mets about Jose Reyes and other players fits with general manager Alex Anthopoulos’s modus operandi, but does not mean a trade between the teams is imminent.

Reyes matches MLB record in loss

Jo-Jo Reyes never really gave himself a chance to prevent his streak of winless starts from reaching 28 and matching Matt Keough's record, burying his team early in a 7-3 beatdown from the New York Yankees on Wednesday afternoon.

Litsch continues to feel pain in shoulder

The timeline for Jesse Litsch's return to the Toronto Blue Jays rotation has been pushed back indefinitely as the right-hander continues to experience pain in his right shoulder.

Jays bullpen gives up late lead to Yankees

Concern over who’s batting fourth behind Jose Bautista gave way to worry about how to close out games for the Toronto Blue Jays, as for the second time in five outings the bullpen frittered away a late lead.

Source: Canada must qualify for 2013 WBC

Canada will have to play its way into the 2013 World Baseball Classic through a qualifier tentatively set for the fall of 2012, sportsnet.ca has learned.

Jays take Yankees series opener

The pressing search for a stopgap cleanup hitter to protect Jose Bautista and provide some production in the heart of the lineup during Adam Lind’s absence landed Yunel Escobar in the four-hole for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

Davidi on MLB: Wallace finds a home

Following a whirlwind minor league career, Brett Wallace appears to have found a home in the majors.

Jays lose series to lowly Astros

Kyle Drabek is still very much in the early stages of finding himself as a big-league pitcher.

Jays blow lead for unlucky Reyes

Victory seemed to be in hand, Jo-Jo Reyes’ curse nearly a thing of the past and the good times on the verge of continuing on for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Davidi on MLB: Coming soon: Brett Lawrie

A simple question put to John Farrell hinted Brett Lawrie's time may be sooner than later.

Litsch placed on 15-day DL

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jesse Litsch was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday due to an impingement in his right shoulder.

Jo-Jo channels Ricky Vaughn

Jo-Jo Reyes has never pitched in the California Penal League but he’ll be sporting the same look as its most famous graduate when he takes the mound Friday night against the Houston Astros.

Once upon a time

Interleague play seemed like a great idea at the time, but its critics now outnumber its supporters.

Emotional win for Blue Jays

J.P. Arencibia, with the tie-breaking two-run shot in the seventh inning, and Juan Rivera did just that Thursday night, rewarding a brilliant Ricky Romero with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jays notebook: No Lind means more Edwin

Adam Lind’s back injury will keep him out at least another 10 days and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell says Edwin Encarnacion and Juan Rivera will share the duties at first base until he returns from his longer than projected absence.

Mind over batter

If Eric Thames can control his racing thoughts, the newest Blue Jay might be here for a while.

Jays boot chance to extend streak

The Toronto Blue Jays tally on the scoreboard read five errors, and one could easily and fairly argue that total should have been on Edwin Encarnacion’s tab alone.

Davidi on MLB: Bautista's road to history

The awe-inspiring numbers posted by Jose Bautista so far this season become even more staggering when put into historical context. Through the first 40 Toronto Blue Jays games of 2011, the reigning home run champion has gone deep 16 times, exactly where Barry Bonds was in 2001 and where Mark McGwire was in 1998.

Davidi on Jays: Arencibia on track

Jays show total package

As heartening as a two-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox was for the Toronto Blue Jays, the more important thing for them was the manner in which they did it.

Risky business

John Farrell wasn’t going to take any chances with one of the franchise’s most prized assets.

Davis steals victory for Jays

Rajai Davis’s speed is a tremendous weapon, but it’s only effective if he can get on base.

Opportunity for Cecil

The unexplained drop in velocity experienced by young starters Brett Cecil and Phil Hughes this season offers both mystery and opportunity

Easier said than done

The book is out on Blue Jays hitters, but Toronto players don't seem interested in reading it.

Farrell shows quick hook with Morrow

The team can’t stay healthy, the thinned-out offence is in a deep funk, and now a key starter leaves the mound in a huff after a quick pull.

Jays lose despite returning players

A day after getting no-hit by Justin Verlander, the latest makeshift arrangement couldn’t get it done against Brad Penny and the Detroit Tigers either, mounting few threats during a 5-2 loss on Mother’s Day.

Verlander dazzled…most people

As impressive as Verlander’s performance was, Juan Rivera doesn’t seem too thrilled.

Litsch finds his groove

Back at the Rogers Centre after their second 10-game road trip of the young season, the Toronto Blue Jays began tucking into their surplus of home games with an efficient dissection of the Detroit Tigers.

Jays eager to have Hill, Bautista back

Jose Bautista and Aaron Hill remain on target for a return to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup Sunday, giving manager John Farrell hope of fielding a full-strength club for the first time in week.

Student athlete

Davidi's MLB Notebook: One tough Tosoni

Minnesota Twins outfielder Rene Tosoni came to spring training with the modest goal of getting his career back on track after surgery last year to repair a slight labrum tear and frayed rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

Like a bad movie

The death of Osama bin Laden has stirred up a lot of emotions for ex-Blue Jay Paul Quantrill.

Yankees top Jays

It’s a thin line between success and failure for Jesse Litsch right now, and a small handful of bad pitches left him on the wrong side of the ledger Sunday afternoon.

Learning on the job

Manager John Farrell is loving his new job, and feels his knowledge of the game is growing.

Drabek roughed up in the Bronx

The steady upwards development path Kyle Drabek has been on so far this season took its first real dip Saturday afternoon, with the shortest outing of his very young career.

Bautista's power, patience leads Jays

Jose Bautista took baseball’s grandest stage Friday night and put on his latest display of power and patience, and for good measure threw in some speed and smarts on the basepaths, too.

Davidi on Jays: Cooper putting wheels in motion

Jays ship Snider to farm

The Toronto Blue Jays are giving prospect David Cooper a chance to extend his offensive surge in the majors after deciding that Travis Snider needs a trip to the minors to sort out his struggles at the plate.

Jays' Notebook: Molina and Jo-Jo part ways

The return of Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation means Jose Molina will no longer be the personal catcher for Jo-Jo Reyes.

Davidi on MLB: Wild ideas for playoffs

While everybody is in favour of expanding the MLB playoffs, there's less agreement on how to do it.

Morrow dominant, but drops return

The electric stuff is back, although the endurance and efficiency of pitches aren’t quite there just yet.

Dominoes will fall with Hill

The Toronto Blue Jays continued with their roster improvisation Saturday by placing Jayson Nix on the disabled list, recalling fellow utilityman Mike McCoy from triple-A Las Vegas, and saying a decision on second baseman Aaron Hill’s status is coming by Sunday morning.

Jays will wait before placing Hill on DL

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill remains day-to-day with a strain in the lower part of his right hamstring, and it sounds like his healing progresses will help determine who takes Brett Cecil’s spot in the starting rotation.

A flair for the dramatic

Close, tension-filled games have been the norm for the Toronto Blue Jays so far this season. The late-inning comeback is apparently a new addition to their repertoire.

Cecil optioned to Las Vegas

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned left-handed pitcher Brett Cecil to triple-A Las Vegas and selected the contract of infielder Chris Woodward on Thursday.

Long balls gone AWOL

Jays Notebook: Jays move E-5 to DH

The Toronto Blue Jays have been primarily using Edwin Encarnacion at designated hitter and Jayson Nix at third base while picking spots for Juan Rivera of late, and it’s an alignment they’re planning to roll with for now.

Cecil struggles again as Jays fall to Yanks

There are going to be times when the Toronto Blue Jays look very much like a work in progress, and Wednesday night was a reminder of that.

Martin puts a (painted) finger on success

The crossing up of signals between pitcher and catcher is often a pretty unpleasant piece of business.

Jays notes: Litsch never had a chance

The Toronto Blue Jays extended Jo-Jo Reyes' stay in the rotation by demoting the red-headed right-hander to triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, and activating reliever Frank Francisco from the disabled list.

Jays pull out unlikely win

On the verge of falling deeper into their funk, the Toronto Blue Jays instead rallied their way to a steadying and inspiring victory.

Jays trade Purcey, acquire Farquhar, Pino

Alex Anthopolous continues to improve the depth of the Blue Jays' farm system, as the team made two moves Tuesday morning.

Twist of fate

As Marty Brown grooms future Jays in Las Vegas, he knows all too well how lucky he is.

Pesky's Pole controversy

Taking a look at the controversial right-field corner at Fenway Park and what changes can be made.

Jo-Jo heads in reverse

Jo-Jo Reyes’ progress on the mound took a hard reverse Saturday afternoon, with an ugly outing that left his offence in a hole against a tough pitcher and his bullpen with plenty of heavy lifting to do.

Farrell remains focused in return to Boston

Making his return to Fenway Park, where he spent the past four seasons as the Boston Red Sox's pitching coach, the new Toronto Blue Jays manager admitted that he may feel the occasional twinge of nostalgia, be struck by a fond memory, or two this weekend.

Jays win wild Fenway opener

Games at Fenway Park are rarely simple and straightforward, and that was certainly true for the Toronto Blue Jays in their first visit this season to the venerable baseball cathedral.

Preparing for the future

Harden times

Blinded by the light

A weekend in Anaheim in which they repeatedly showed their mettle yielded little in the way of tangible results for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jays call up Richmond, send down McCoy

The Toronto Blue Jays, still recovering from a marathon 14-inning game, moved to boost their depleted bullpen by recalling Scott Richmond from triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Jays fall in 14th in wild game vs. Angels

Brett Cecil's first start of the season left him looking for answers, and all his second outing of the year did was add to his pile of questions. And really, his issues were merely the appetizer on a wild night of high drama in Anaheim.

Jays notebook: Farrell's way or hard way

A window into Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell's approach to discipline for on-field transgressions was opened through his handling of Juan Rivera's non-slide on a double play grounder.

Escobar could return Sunday

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar could return to the lineup as early as Sunday after passing his first round of exertion tests without issue Friday.

Jays rally past Angels

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar could return to the lineup as early as Sunday after passing his first round of exertion tests without issue Friday.

Mix of emotions

Wells had a great run with the Jays but he's embracing his role in Anaheim.

Jays let one slip away

Taken as a whole, it’s not a bad start to the new season for the Toronto Blue Jays, even if they quite literally let one slip through their fingers Thursday afternoon.

Escobar diagnosed with concussion

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar was diagnosed with a mild concussion Thursday and is listed as day to day after a collision a night earlier forced him out of a 5-3 win over Oakland with dizziness.

Davidi on Jays: Early stages for Montreal

Escobar bails out shaky Reyes

Jo-Jo Reyes’ impressive spring training didn’t immediately translate into regular-season success. Far from it, actually.

Having to make do

The Toronto Blue Jays will have to make do without Jose Bautista until the weekend while the star slugger tends to an undisclosed family matter.

Notebook: Lind's first impression

The new season in the single-A Midwest League begins this week, and when it does, Mike Redmond will be making his debut as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays’ affiliate in Lansing, Michigan.

Two out of three ain't bad

Mixed results for Brett Cecil on Sunday forced the Toronto Blue Jays to settle for a series win instead of a three-game sweep to start the new season.

Trust me

Jays bench coach Don Wakamatsu is taking a novel approach with his pet project, J.P. Arencibia.

Drabek shines in 2011 debut

It was the first of what the Toronto Blue Jays believe will be many victories for young Kyle Drabek, a flash both of his enticing potential and his growth over the off-season.

Jays crush Twins in home opener

One game is no measure of any significance, but boy did all the pieces come together nicely for the Toronto Blue Jays on opening night.

Davidi on Opening Day: A new beginning

Jays decline team options on Hill contract

Aaron Hill's long-term future with the Toronto Blue Jays is less clear after the team declined a trio of contract options Friday that would have locked him up through the 2014 season.

The scenic route

As the season is about to begin, the Jays are a team in transition with a long road to discover.

MLB Preview: Canadians to watch in 2011

But as Major League Baseball enters the final season of its current CBA, there is none of the posturing, mistrust and rancour currently gripping the other three sports.

Davidi on MLB: Staying ahead of the curve

Top 10 storylines

But as Major League Baseball enters the final season of its current CBA, there is none of the posturing, mistrust and rancour currently gripping the other three sports.

Jays move Bautista to right field

Jose Bautista is returning to right field, Edwin Encarnacion is moving back to third base and Juan Rivera is moving into the DH spot in a surprising, late spring shake-up of the Toronto Blue Jays’ defence.

Top 10 Players to Watch

Pujols is already rich, but is he on the verge of becoming A-Rod rich?

Morrow to start season on DL

The inflammation in Brandon Morrow’s forearm is pushing the race for the final two spots in the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation into extra innings.

Jays officially sellout opening night

When the Toronto Blue Jays kick off the 2011 season April 1 against the Minnesota Twins, it will be before a full house.

Hill makes spring debut in loss

Good news of varying degrees came on three different fronts for the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday.

Davidi: Big decisions loom for Blue Jays

As spring training winds down, some big decisions still loom for the Blue Jays' brass.

Davidi on Blue Jays: Shouldering the pain

Arms like Thor

The Extra 2%

Eight years later a new book offers a window into the thinking the Moneyball generation has spawned.

Cecil cites new grip as reason for breakout

According to plan

Morgan known to mash

In a program that often showcases the men playing amongst boys, Gareth Morgan is making an impression as a boy playing amongst men.

Davidi on MLB: Generation next

The Blue Jays and Baseball Canada are going back to the future in search of new Canadian talent.

Mound of pressure

Secret of Morrow success