TheBlueJaysBlog

TheStar.com - Sports - Litsch beats odds, Bosox

2007-07-18T07:57:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Litsch beats odds, Bosox: "Blue Jay rookie Jesse Litsch, who spent his previous three nights absorbing the electric atmosphere at Fenway, yesterday got to display what he'd picked up.

And, apparently, that was plenty.

Against almost all odds, the 22-year-old redhead helped beat 12-game winner Josh Beckett and the rest of the mighty Red Sox 2-1 for a split of the four-game set you'd have been pressed to bet a dollar on."

TheStar.com - Sports - A-Rod gets last laugh on Jays

2007-07-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - A-Rod gets last laugh on Jays: "In last night's first inning, there were perhaps 49 players in uniform hoping that Jays starter Josh Towers would plant a fastball between the shoulder blades of Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Just about half of those were Yankees."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays blow it in Bronx

2007-07-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays blow it in Bronx: "Judging by the funereal hush in the visitors' clubhouse after last night's 3-2 extra-inning loss, this one really hurt.

Toronto threw everything they had at the Yankees. Ace Roy Halladay returned to dominating form with a seven-inning, one-run outing; Frank Thomas and Aaron Hill delivered key eighth-inning hits that gave the Jays a slender 2-1 lead; reliever Scott Downs battled out of the bottom of the inning by ringing up Robinson Cano."

TheStar.com - Sports - A Bronx bummer for Jays

2007-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - A Bronx bummer for Jays: "While the pre-game focus was laying heavily on spontaneous screamer Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees were busy beating the Blue Jays with a light-hitting platoon player.

In a game full of homers – six in all – it was first baseman Andy Phillips' dinky sixth-inning single that won the game for New York in the first of four in the Bronx."

TheStar.com - Sports - It's not looking pretty for 'Plain Jane' Jays

2007-07-18T07:55:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - It's not looking pretty for 'Plain Jane' Jays: "Some of the subtle shortcomings that stand in the way of the Jays' ability to compete with the big boys came to the fore again last night in what must be considered a devastating 3-2, extra-inning loss at Yankee Stadium.

Despite the proximity in the standings of the two struggling teams, the Yankees are still the Yankees. They and their raucous crowds can intimidate young pitchers."

Blue Jays on A-Rod's "Ah!": No hard feelings - Newsday.com

2007-07-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays on A-Rod's "Ah!": No hard feelings - Newsday.com: "For Toronto shortstop John McDonald, the hard part was explaining to his friends from Yankees territory what really happened on the A-Rod Play.

'I grew up around here [in Connecticut]. A lot of my friends are Yankee fans and they wanted to see the Yankees win the ballgame,' said McDonald who, along with third baseman Howie Clark, A-Rod's 'victim,' chatted with reporters before Monday night's game about the May 30 incident in Toronto. 'They know me and they know I don't get upset too often, so I think they knew I had a reason. But it's all open to interpretation.'"

Overbay, Litsch help Jays earn Fenway split

2007-07-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Overbay, Litsch help Jays earn Fenway split: "Lyle Overbay had his best game since returning to the lineup and Jesse Litsch neutralized the Red Sox for much of the day as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated Boston 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The victory earned Toronto (45-46) a split of the four-game series at Fenway Park, though the Blue Jays still trail Boston (55-36) by 10 games in the American League East."

TheStar.com - Sports - Rios goes to All-Star Game in style

2007-07-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Rios goes to All-Star Game in style: "Judging by the pace of yesterday's Jays-Indians game, you'd think everyone involved had a plane to catch or something.

Toronto starter Josh Towers and his Cleveland counterpart Paul Byrd mowed through opposing batters with off-handed efficiency. Through eight innings, the pair had allowed only five hits total in well under two hours.

Neither had allowed any runs either. That raised the spectre of time-consuming extra innings only minutes before the beginning of the all-star break, the only summer vacation baseball players enjoy."

TheStar.com - Sports - Rios takes his bat to the Derby

2007-07-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Rios takes his bat to the Derby: "Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios is Derby-bound.

Rios and Albert Pujols have agreed to participate in tonight's all-star home run derby. They were the final two participants added to the field, Major League Baseball spokesman Pat Courtney said yesterday. The Derby will be held in San Francisco, site of tomorrow's all-star game."

TheStar.com - Sports - The future's looking bleak for J.P.'s Jays

2007-07-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - The future's looking bleak for J.P.'s Jays: "Three days off to lick the wounds for manager John Gibbons and the Jays. The timing of the break is good. While it's true the Jays have discovered some previously untapped resources in the first half of the American League schedule, like Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Casey Janssen and Jeremy Accardo, overall it must be considered a tremendously disappointing 86 games.

Despite trying to distribute his money like Pacman Jones at a strip club, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi placed just one all-star on the American League's 32-man roster, that being Alex Rios, one of the players still making under a million dollars."

TheStar.com - Sports - A mediocre midway point

2007-07-10T09:21:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - A mediocre midway point: "The Jays were adamant before the season began — second place was not good enough. Sitting at the midway mark, we understand what they mean. The 43-44 Jays still stand second in a sub-par AL East, but looking waaay up at the Red Sox. Here's a look at the storylines that have dominated the first half of Toronto's season."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays bid adieu to Zambrano

2007-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays bid adieu to Zambrano: "The Toronto Blue Jays gave veteran right-handed pitcher Victor Zambrano his unconditional release Monday.

Zambrano, 31, appeared in eight games – two being starts – for Toronto this season. He compiled an 0-2 record with a 10.97 ERA."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays' Rios goes down swinging in HR Derby

2007-07-10T09:20:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays' Rios goes down swinging in HR Derby: "Alex Rios, the lone Blue Jay all-star, was a reluctant, last-minute entry into last night's Home Run Derby and an even more surprising finalist. After leading the way into the championship round against the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero, narrowing the field of eight to just two, Rios ran out of gas, managing just two homers. Guerrero smashed his third homer for the win, with three outs left to go. Despite the loss, it was the best finish by a Blue Jay in the 23-year history of the made-for-television event."

TheStar.com - Sports - Superstar in waiting

2007-07-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Superstar in waiting: "He reminds folks, sometimes, of Darryl Strawberry because of the same long, lean physique; the same almost frightening potential.

Others of Devon White, because of the same effortless glide in the outfield; those six-foot-long legs that gobble up basepaths.

Others of Eric Davis because he, too, took a few seasons to begin realizing his explosive combo of power and speed."

Blue Jays enter break on high

2007-07-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays enter break on high: "Their most maligned pitcher did the heavy hauling. Their long-absent left-fielder set the table in the ninth inning. And their only all-star took the final swing to send the Toronto Blue Jays happily into their mid-summer break.

Alex Rios will take his next cuts tonight in the Home Run Derby during all-star festivities in San Francisco. But Sunday, his RBI single in the ninth inning gave the Jays a 1-0 win over Cleveland.

'It's the perfect way to send him off to the All-Star Game,' said manager John Gibbons, referring to Rios, who received a call just before the game asking him to participate in the long-ball contest."

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports -- Blue Jays 8, Indians 6

2007-07-10T09:16:00.001-07:00

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports -- Blue Jays 8, Indians 6: "The Toronto Blue Jays got their old leadoff hitter back Friday night. Their new one kept right on rolling.

Reed Johnson returned from an absence of nearly three months and made a diving catch in the ninth inning, and Vernon Wells homered and drove in three runs to help the Blue Jays beat the Cleveland Indians 8-6 on Friday night."

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Columnists - Vance: Jays step up with Stairs

2007-07-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Columnists - Vance: Jays step up with Stairs: "Who knew that in order to get a step ahead of the competition the Toronto Blue Jays would need a guy named Stairs?

Matt Stairs, at 39-years old, was considered by many fans to be too far past his prime to help Canada's lone ball club. Admit it, at first blush when you heard Stairs was coming to the Jays you thought, 'OK, bring the Canuck here to end his career ... a symbolic gesture at best.' Like me you never dreamt that by the break he would be one of the key free -agent acquisitions by the Blue Jays."

SI.com - Blue Jays option Thigpen to Triple-A, make room for Overbay

2007-07-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

SI.com - Blue Jays option Thigpen to Triple-A, make room for Overbay: "The Toronto Blue Jays optioned catcher/infielder Curtis Thigpen to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, clearing a spot on the roster for first baseman Lyle Overbay, who is expected to rejoin the team following the All-Star break."

SI.com - Blue Jays release RHP Victor Zambrano

2007-07-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

SI.com - Blue Jays release RHP Victor Zambrano: "The Toronto Blue Jays released right-hander Victor Zambrano on Monday.

The 31-year-old Zambrano appeared in eight games with Toronto, including two starts, this season, going 0-2 with a 10.97 ERA.

Zambrano, who signed as a free agent on Jan. 30, underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time last season but pitched well enough in spring training to earn a spot on Toronto's opening day roster."

London Free Press - Other Sports - Patience pays for Jays, Rios

2007-07-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

London Free Press - Other Sports - Patience pays for Jays, Rios: "Looking ahead to the second half, Alex Rios sees his Toronto Blue Jays opening with a four-game series at Fenway Park.

'We have to win the series, or at least tie it,' said the lone Blue Jay in tonight's all-star game. A game below .500, Toronto trails the Boston Red Sox by 10 games."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays suffer power outage

2007-07-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays suffer power outage: "Jesse Litsch showed up for duty here last night.

The same couldn't be said of the Jays offence.

Litsch, the tough-minded 22-year-old called up from Syracuse to replace the injured A.J. Burnett, proved he's just that – tough minded – in holding down Oakland to a pair of runs over his seven innings pitched.

This took some doing on Litsch's part since the Jays committed a pair of errors that led to both runs."

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan gets nasty again in beating A's

2007-07-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan gets nasty again in beating A's: "Watching Dustin McGowan command his array of nasty pitches once again, it was probably hard for anyone in a Jays uniform not to ponder the future for a moment or two.

They may be thinking about next year's starting rotation – a foursome that appears set, right here and now, with Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Shaun Marcum and a dominating McGowan."

Jays’ Burnett avoids surgery

2007-07-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

Jays’ Burnett avoids surgery: "A.J. Burnett does not need surgery, the Toronto Blue Jays said on Monday, but questions remain about his wonky shoulder.

After the right-hander was examined by a prominent arm specialist, the Jays said Burnett is suffering from a “mild shoulder strain.” That is the same diagnosis their own medical staff made twice in the past three weeks."

San Jose Mercury News - Bad start dooms the A's in loss to Toronto

2007-07-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

San Jose Mercury News - Bad start dooms the A's in loss to Toronto: "Joe Kennedy took the mound Wednesday for the 200th appearance of his major league career, not that any big fuss was made to mark the occasion. Surely that's OK with Kennedy, who will want to forget this outing as quickly as possible.

The McAfee Coliseum crowd hardly had time to settle into its seats before the left-hander was making his hasty exit."

Blue Jays Drummer Brings Tha Noise - Sports Blog - The FanHouse

2007-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays Drummer Brings Tha Noise - Sports Blog - The FanHouse: "The Blue Jays may not have the arms to challenge the Red Sox in the AL East, but they do have the division's coolest one-man percussion section. Check this video of Rick Donaldson, AKA 'The Blue Jays Drummer', who's been a cap-and-jersey-clad fixture outside Jays games for more than a decade. "

Blue Jays trounce Oakland, 10-3

2007-07-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

Blue Jays trounce Oakland, 10-3: "Matt Stairs and Dustin McGowan did their best to make sure the Toronto Blue Jays would have a pleasant flight home from their longest road trip of the season.

Stairs homered and drove in four runs, McGowan pitched seven scoreless innings and the Blue Jays wrapped up their 10-game trip with a 10-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

'It's nice on a getaway day when you jump to a big lead early and know that you'll have a pretty good flight home,' said Stairs, a native of Fredericton. 'Going 4-6 isn't too bad for a West Coast trip.' "

Blue Jays Batter Athletics 10-3 - Forbes.com

2007-07-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays Batter Athletics 10-3 - Forbes.com: "Matt Stairs homered and drove in four runs, Dustin McGowan pitched seven scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up a 10-game road trip with a 10-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

McGowan (5-4) got all the support he needed in the first inning when Stairs hit a two-run double and the Blue Jays took advantage of four walks to chase a wild Joe Kennedy (2-7) with four runs."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays power past Oakland

2007-07-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays power past Oakland: "When he strides to the plate to lead off a game for the Blue Jays, Vernon Wells more resembles the power hitter he has become over his career rather than the prototypical leadoff hitter.

Wells, though, continued to prove last night that he can easily adapt to the leadoff spot, and maybe learn to love it too.

Thanks to the power Wells provided out of that spot in the Jays batting order, Toronto snapped its four-game losing streak, flattening the Oakland A's 11-7 before 13,281 at McAfee Coliseum."

Blue Jays outslug A's on Wells' 2 HRs

2007-07-03T10:17:00.001-07:00

Blue Jays outslug A's on Wells' 2 HRs: "Wells homered twice to spark big innings that helped Josh Towers win consecutive decisions for the first time in nearly two years. The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak with a 11-7 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.

'They came in situations where I was able to get innings started,' Wells said. 'That's the biggest thing. We were able to score some runs. Hopefully we can continue to get better as an offense and be more consistent. That's something we haven't been able to do this year and I'm one of the big reasons why it's been that way.'"

globeandmail.com: Halladay's all-star snub more misery for Blue Jays

2007-07-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Halladay's all-star snub more misery for Blue Jays: "The Toronto Blue Jays found themselves yesterday morning with as many players going to Birmingham as they had going to the All-Star Game in San Francisco. Happy Freakin' Canada Day.

'Something's not right,' manager John Gibbons said, putting in simplest terms the reason that the team put A.J. Burnett on the 15-day disabled list before a 2-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Burnett, who lasted just four-plus innings and suffered a noticeable velocity drop in his previous start - his first off the DL - will be examined by doctor James Andrews today."

Jays' Rios stepping out of the shadows

2007-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Jays' Rios stepping out of the shadows: "Vernon Wells has been heralded as the Toronto Blue Jays' franchise player almost to the day the multi-talented center fielder first stepped on a professional baseball field a decade ago. This past winter, the former first-round draft pick got paid like a superstar when the team locked up Wells with an eyebrow-raising seven-year contract in December.

As it turns out, Wells may not even be the best player in his own outfield."

ABC News: M's Top Blue Jays for 8th Straight Win

2007-07-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

ABC News: M's Top Blue Jays for 8th Straight Win: "Jose Guillen had tears in his eyes, Raul Ibanez said the whole team was in shock and Ichiro Suzuki had no idea why his manager quit.

Mike Hargrove stunned his Seattle Mariners on Sunday, resigning just hours before they rallied past the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in his finale to extend their winning streak to eight games."

The Sports Network - Major League Baseball

2007-07-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Sports Network - Major League Baseball: "Joe Blanton aims to continue a month-long stretch of quality starts when the Oakland right-hander leads the Athletics into the second test of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at McAfee Coliseum.

Blanton went 3-1 with an impressive 1.58 earned run average in six starts during the month of June and yielded three or less runs in each of those outings. The right-hander also limited opposing hitters to a .200 batting average over that span and surrendered only one home run in 45 2/3 innings of work."

TheStar.com - Baseball - Thomas belts 500th home run

2007-06-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Baseball - Thomas belts 500th home run: "rank Thomas became the 21st member of the 500 home run club Thursday afternoon with a three-run, first-inning blast at the Metrodome.

It came on a 1-2 fastball from Minnesota right-hander Carlos Silva and gave the 39-year-old Thomas an even 50 career homers against the Twins – his all-time favourite target."

Blue Jays' Thomas Becomes 21st Major Leaguer With 500 Home Runs

2007-06-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays' Thomas Becomes 21st Major Leaguer With 500 Home Runs : "Frank Thomas of the Toronto Blue Jays hit his 500th career home run today, becoming the 21st player in Major League Baseball history to reach the milestone.

Thomas hit a three-run homer off Minnesota Twins pitcher Carlos Silva in the top of the first inning to give the Blue Jays a 4-0 lead.

The 39-year-old is hitting .241 with 13 home runs and 36 runs batted in during his first season with Toronto. He signed a two-year, $18 million contract in November."

TheStar.com - Sports - Shaky Towers hangs tough

2007-06-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Shaky Towers hangs tough: "Frank Thomas came this close to a big home run last night.

Gregg Zaun did the actual hitting, but it did come the pitch after Thomas' big full-count walk in the Blue Jays' turn-around sixth of a 5-4 win over the Twins.

Thomas had a second walk and single as well but homer No. 500 is still on hold, has been since he cranked ol' 499 in Toronto on Sunday, 10 at-bats previous."

Stepping up to the challenge

2007-06-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Stepping up to the challenge: "On the baseball diamond, Jon Talley always knew he was different. No matter what level Talley reached, he was better than his competition.

Now, for the first time in his baseball career, Talley is just like everyone else. He's a prospect, a question mark. He's no longer a standout, but one of dozens of players in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league system aching for a chance to prove they belong."

globeandmail.com: Accardo saves the day

2007-06-28T09:01:00.001-07:00

globeandmail.com: Accardo saves the day: "The lengthy scoreless streak put together by Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeremy Accardo is a distant memory. More important, so, too, it appears, is the way that streak ended.

Accardo recorded the final four outs of the Blue Jays' 5-4 win over the Minnesota Twins last night at the Metrodome, including a strikeout of Jason Bartlett with runners on first and second to end the eighth. Accardo set down the meat of the order in the ninth on just seven pitches, getting Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer and Torii Hunter to ground out."

globeandmail.com: Pitchers excel defensively

2007-06-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Pitchers excel defensively: "You know what they say: the best defence is a good pitching staff. Or something like that.

At any rate, the defensive soundness of Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen and Jeremy Accardo has quietly emerged as one of the team's strengths.

Marcum and Accardo were both shortstops in college. Janssen played some first base, in addition to pitching."

SportingNews.com - MLB - Blue Jays activate Burnett; demote Taubenheim

2007-06-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

SportingNews.com - MLB - Blue Jays activate Burnett; demote Taubenheim: "The Toronto Blue Jays activated A.J. Burnett from the 15-day disabled list after Wednesday's game and returned Ty Taubenheim to Triple-A Syracuse.

Burnett, who is scheduled to start Thursday, came out of a game against the San Francisco Giants on June 12 in the bottom of the fifth inning with a sore shoulder. In 14 starts, he is 5-6 with a 4.00 ERA. He has pitched two complete games."

Zaun Adjusts and Blue Jays Beat Twins - Forbes.com

2007-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Zaun Adjusts and Blue Jays Beat Twins - Forbes.com: "A pair of small adjustments paid big dividends for the Toronto Blue Jays. Gregg Zaun hit a two-run homer and Toronto overcame four errors to beat the Twins 5-4 Wednesday night, the Blue Jays' fifth win in six games.

After Boof Bonser (5-4) walked Frank Thomas in the sixth inning, Zaun homered over the right-field baggie for a 4-3 lead, completing Toronto's comeback from an early 3-0 deficit."

Blue Jays trimmed by Twins in 12 innings

2007-06-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays trimmed by Twins in 12 innings: "A bloop single proved to be Toronto's undoing in Tuesday's baseball marathon at Minneapolis.

Pinch-hitter Jeff Cirillo singled in the winning run with the bases loaded in the 12th inning as the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in front of 27,000 fans at the Metrodome."

Towers looks to power Blue Jays

2007-06-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Towers looks to power Blue Jays: "Time may be running out for Josh Towers.

The struggling right-hander will try to show he belongs in the Blue Jays rotation when he takes the mound Wednesday night against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome (8:10 p.m. ET)."

TheStar.com - Sports - Ugly end to marathon

2007-06-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Ugly end to marathon: "The Blue Jays' season-high four-game winning streak came to an end in one of the cruellest of ways last night.

In a game, as they say, of inches, pinch-hitter Jeff Cirillo's bases-loaded, two-out bloop-single plopped down just in front of a charging, diving Vernon Wells to give the Twins a 2-1 decision in 12 innings."

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - Bloop blows game for Blue Jays

2007-06-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - Bloop blows game for Blue Jays: "Pinch-hitter Jeff Cirillo's bases-loaded bloop single in the 12th inning lifted the Minnesota Twins to a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays last night.

With the count 1-2, Cirillo hit a flare to shallow centre field off lefty Brian Tallet (2-2). Vernon Wells and shortstop John McDonald both dived for the ball, but it landed just in front of Wells and allowed Michael Cuddyer to score from first base.

Cirillo snapped an 0-for-8 skid with Minnesota's seventh walkoff hit of the season."

McGowan, Blue Jays scale Rockies - MLB Coverage - BostonHerald.com

2007-06-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

McGowan, Blue Jays scale Rockies - MLB Coverage - BostonHerald.com: "Dustin McGowan’s bid for the second no-hitter in Blue Jays history ended when Jeff Baker singled leading off the ninth inning, and the Jays beat the Colorado Rockies, 5-0, to complete a three-game sweep in Toronto.
Frank Thomas hit his 499th career homer and Vernon Wells added a three-run drive for the Blue Jays (37-37), who got back to .500 for the first time since they were 13-13 on May 1. "

globeandmail.com: Mighty blast from Stairs in eighth lifts Jays

2007-06-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Mighty blast from Stairs in eighth lifts Jays: "He looks around and sees Lyle Overbay getting more and more involved in daily preparation and hears reports that in one week, Reed Johnson will be playing games in the minor leagues. It looks good to Roy Halladay - better, probably, than he expected.

But as he stood in front of his locker last night, the winning pitcher in a game that pushed the Toronto Blue Jays over .500 for the first time since April 30 and also gave them their first four-game winning streak this year, Halladay, 9-2, took special satisfaction from a game that was anything but special."

Blue Jays' Marcum looks for results

2007-06-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays' Marcum looks for results: "Shawn Marcum gets the ball Tuesday in Minnesota as the Toronto Blue Jays go for their fifth consecutive win.

Marcum (4-2, 3.38 earned-run average) has not been tagged with a loss in eight starts since moving from the bullpen in mid-May."

The Sports Network - Major League Baseball

2007-06-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Sports Network - Major League Baseball: "Roy Halladay tries to win his fifth straight decision this evening when the Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game series with the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

Halladay has been sensational since returning from appendectomy surgery, winning four of his five starts while pitching to a 3.58 earned run average in that time. Halladay's latest win came on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he allowed a run and six hits in eight innings to improve to 8-2, while lowering his ERA to 4.08."

Stairs' Tiebreaking Homer Lifts Toronto

2007-06-26T11:19:00.002-07:00

Stairs' Tiebreaking Homer Lifts Toronto: "Matt Stairs hit Toronto's third homer of the game in the eighth inning, a two-run shot that broke a tie and sent the Blue Jays to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night.

Roy Halladay won his fifth straight decision and the Blue Jays got consecutive homers from Vernon Wells and Alex Rios in extending their winning streak to a season-high four games."

Stairs' Tiebreaking Homer Lifts Toronto - Forbes.com

2007-06-26T11:19:00.001-07:00

Stairs' Tiebreaking Homer Lifts Toronto - Forbes.com: "Matt Stairs hit Toronto's third homer of the game in the eighth inning, a two-run shot that broke a tie and sent the Blue Jays to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night.

Roy Halladay won his fifth straight decision and the Blue Jays got consecutive homers from Vernon Wells and Alex Rios in extending their winning streak to a season-high four games."

MLB: Toronto 8, Minnesota 5

2007-06-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

MLB: Toronto 8, Minnesota 5: "Matt Stairs hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning Monday as the Toronto Blue Jays posted an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Vernon Wells and Alex Rios each had three hits, and hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning for Toronto, which won its fourth straight.

Toronto's Roy Halladay (9-2) allowed five runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts over seven innings. "

AHN | Stairs Breaks Tie With 2-Run Homer As Toronto Beats Minnesota 8-5, Halladay Wins 9th | June 26, 2007

2007-06-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

AHN | Stairs Breaks Tie With 2-Run Homer As Toronto Beats Minnesota 8-5, Halladay Wins 9th | June 26, 2007: "The Big Hurt stayed put at 499 home runs, as Frank Thomas deferred to a trio of teammates to inflict some damage on the Twins Monday night.

Vernon Wells, Alex Rios and Matt Stairs all homered, the latter delivering a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the eighth which proved to be the game-winner in Toronto's 8-5 win at the Metrodome."

Postbulletin.com: Twins fall to Blue Jays - Tue, Jun 26, 2007

2007-06-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Postbulletin.com: Twins fall to Blue Jays - Tue, Jun 26, 2007: "Twins manager Ron Gardenhire paced back and forth behind his desk as he talked with a handful of reporters Monday night.

'I'm still kind of flabbergasted by the whole event,' he said.

Gardenhire wasn't flabbergasted because his team found ways to score runs off Toronto ace Roy Halladay but still lost to the Blue Jays, 8-5, at the Metrodome."

Blue Jays battle Twins aiming to extend season-high win streak - Major League Baseball

2007-06-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays battle Twins aiming to extend season-high win streak - Major League Baseball: "The Toronto Blue Jays try to extend their season-high winning streak to five games this evening when they continue their four-game series with the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

In the series opener on Monday, Matt Stairs' two-run homer in the eighth put the Blue Jays on top, and Toronto held on for an 8-5 win. Vernon Wells and Alex Rios each had three hits, and hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning for the Blue Jays, who have won five of six."

TheStar.com - Sports - Stairs blast carries Jays past Minnesota

2007-06-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Stairs blast carries Jays past Minnesota: "Don't know where we'd be without him,' said Blue Jay general manager J.P. Ricciardi last night, his boys suddenly on a season-high four-game roll.

He was talking about the veteran Matt Stairs, whose 12th homer of the season snapped a 5-5 tie in the eighth and got the Jays an 8-5 verdict over the Minnesota Twins.

But Ricciardi could well have been referring to Roy Halladay, too."

globeandmail.com: Clayton cools his jets while waiting to be starter

2007-06-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

globeandmail.com: Clayton cools his jets while waiting to be starter: "Royce Clayton won't be a distraction, despite obviously falling out of favour.

Instead, he shrugs and says simply, 'I've taken situations into my own hands before.' And the 37-year-old Toronto Blue Jays shortstop added, 'I have the mental strength and the capacity to do it again.'

There were signs yesterday that the Blue Jays' 2007 season may have finally reached some kind of equilibrium, heading into a 10-game trip."

CityNews: Blue Jays Take Down Twins

2007-06-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

CityNews: Blue Jays Take Down Twins: "A big blast from a big bat meant a big road win for the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night.

Sure, the Blue Birds had been scorching hot in front of Rogers Centre faithful lately and just completed a homestand with a sweep of the Colorado Rockies, but even ace Roy Hallady needed a little help from the offence to get past the Minnesota Twins in their first of 10 straight on the road."

Blue Jays RHP McGowan shows signs of tremendous talent

2007-06-26T06:21:00.001-07:00

Blue Jays RHP McGowan shows signs of tremendous talent: "Frank Thomas has been trying to tell anyone who would listen about the talent that Dustin McGowan has.

That task should be a little easier now.

On Sunday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays righthander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before surrendering a base hit to Jeff Baker of the Colorado Rockies.

He stuck around to complete the first shutout and complete game of his young career, and confirm what the Big Hurt has believed all along."

ABC News: Blue Jays Take Stairs to Beat Twins

2007-06-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

ABC News: Blue Jays Take Stairs to Beat Twins: "Matt Stairs looked every bit his 39 years old when he slumped into a chair with an ice pack on one leg and the grimace that most 15-year veterans have after a game. 'Gotta sit down guys,' he told a group of reporters standing at his locker. 'I'm a little tired.' On the field, however, he's hitting as though he's 10 years younger.

Stairs hit Toronto's third homer of the game in the eighth inning, a two-run shot that broke a tie and sent the Blue Jays to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night."

Blue Jays roll into Minnesota

2007-06-25T11:45:00.001-07:00

Blue Jays roll into Minnesota: "Roy Halladay has his work cut out for himself.

A day after teammate Dustin McGowan carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning of a 5-0 win over the Colorado Rockies, Halladay will be on the mound when the Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game road series against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night."

The Sports Network - Major League Baseball

2007-06-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

newsobserver.com | Toronto Blue Jays (37-37) at Minnesota Twins (38-35), 8:10 p.m.

2007-06-25T09:19:00.001-07:00

newsobserver.com | Toronto Blue Jays (37-37) at Minnesota Twins (38-35), 8:10 p.m.: "Roy Halladay tries to win his fifth straight decision this evening when the Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game series with the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

Halladay has been sensational since returning from appendectomy surgery, winning four of his five starts while pitching to a 3.58 earned run average in that time. Halladay's latest win came on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he allowed a run and six hits in eight innings to improve to 8-2, while lowering his ERA to 4.08.

The right-hander is a perfect 5-0 against the Twins with a 2.20 ERA in nine games, seven of which have been starts."

No-Hit Bid Lost In Ninth, but Blue Jays Win | theledger.com

2007-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

No-Hit Bid Lost In Ninth, but Blue Jays Win | theledger.com: "Dustin McGowan's bid for the second no-hitter in Blue Jays history ended when Jeff Baker singled leading off the ninth inning, and Toronto beat the Colorado Rockies, 5-0, Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

McGowan lost his chance at the majors' third no-hitter this season when Baker lined an 0-1 pitch up the middle for a base hit. The Rogers Centre crowd then saluted McGowan with a standing ovation."

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan's gem a crowd-pleaser

2007-06-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan's gem a crowd-pleaser: "It was reaffirmation for baseball purists of all that can be good at the Rogers Centre in a 5-0 Jays win over the Rockies, yesterday afternoon.

Fans cheered at the right times. Dogs yelped at the wrong times. The Jays defenders were timely and flawless and Rockies hitters were like toddlers with a Sudoku in trying to solve 25-year-old Dustin McGowan, who flirted with a no-hitter into the nervy ninth before a leadoff single."

McGowan's No-Hitter Broken Up in 9th

2007-06-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

McGowan's No-Hitter Broken Up in 9th: "Dustin McGowan was looking for a no-hitter and a milestone for Frank Thomas, all in the same game. McGowan's bid for the second no-hitter in Blue Jays history ended when Jeff Baker singled leading off the ninth inning, and Toronto beat the Colorado Rockies 5-0 Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

Frank Thomas hit his 499th career homer and Vernon Wells added a three-run drive for the Blue Jays (37-37), who got back to .500 for the first time since they were 13-13 on May 1.

'That would have been priceless, 500 and a no-no,' McGowan said."

Jays' McGowan hurls one-hitter | Daily News | 06/25/2007

2007-06-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Jays' McGowan hurls one-hitter | Daily News | 06/25/2007: "Dustin McGowan was looking for a no-hitter and a milestone for Frank Thomas, all in the same game.

McGowan's bid for the second no-hitter in Blue Jays history ended when Jeff Baker singled leading off the ninth inning, and Toronto beat the host Colorado Rockies, 5-0, yesterday to complete a three-game sweep.

Frank Thomas hit his 499th career homer and Vernon Wells added a three-run drive for the Blue Jays (37-37), who got back to .500 for the first time since they were 13-13 on May 1."

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Blue Jays may listen to offers for Glaus

2007-06-25T06:49:00.001-07:00

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Blue Jays may listen to offers for Glaus: "The Jays are now willing to listen on Glaus, one rival general manager says, a notable development for the Padres, Dodgers and Angels.

Glaus, 30, has a full no-trade clause, but it stands to reason that he would be open to returning to his native southern California.

The Padres, Dodgers and Angels each would benefit from the addition of a power-hitting third baseman. Each also build a trade package around a highly regarded prospect at third."

No-Hit Bid Lost In Ninth, but Blue Jays Win | theledger.com

2007-06-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Thomas, Stairs lift Jays over Rockies

2007-06-25T06:08:00.001-07:00

Thomas, Stairs lift Jays over Rockies: "One was an off-season bargain, the other, not so much. But Matt Stairs and Frank Thomas both looked like wise acquisitions on Saturday.

Each man smacked four hits — including a first-inning home run — to lift the Toronto Blue Jays over the Colorado Rockies 11-6 at the sun-drenched Rogers Centre."

McGowan's near no-hitter sinks Rockies

2007-06-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

McGowan's near no-hitter sinks Rockies: "Dustin McGowan barely missed becoming the second Blue Jays pitcher to throw a no-hitter as Toronto blanked the Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Sunday.

The 25-year-old right-hander had the sun-drenched Rogers Centre crowd on the edge of their seats until No. 8 hitter Jeff Baker led off the ninth with a solid single up the middle to break up the no-hit bid."

TheStar.com - Sports - Stairs has another big day

2007-06-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Stairs has another big day: "Matt Stairs collected four hits yesterday for the Blue Jays, but like the quintessential Canadian athlete, he didn't want to talk about himself.

Frank Thomas also had four hits, one of which was a home run that put him within two of joining baseball's magical 500 home run club, so he couldn't avoid talking about himself.

That's the kind of day it was for the Jays' two most senior players. The 39-year-olds accounted for eight of the Jays' 17 hits against the Colorado Rockies, and were naturally the headline grabbers coming out of an 11-6 win at the Rogers Centre."

TheStar.com - Sports - Blue Jays owe Taubenheim another shot

2007-06-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Blue Jays owe Taubenheim another shot: "The lasting impression of Jays right-hander Ty Taubenheim's '07 debut is that it was workable and workmanlike and his team endured for an 11-6 win. The lasting impression of Taubenheim's rookie campaign a year ago is that he was used and abused, but also endured, returning to the majors yesterday after an 11-month absence.

'It felt great being out there,' Taubenheim admitted of an up-and-down five-inning, five-run performance with no decision. 'It's an awesome experience being able to come up here and do some sort of contributing.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays steal a win in goofy 10th inning

2007-06-25T05:45:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays steal a win in goofy 10th inning: "The Blue Jays tried out a new leadoff hitter last night and, for that matter, a new guy in the three hole as well.

Not bad in that each had a solo homer.

In the very end, though, it was the little guy at the bottom of the order who triggered one of the team's more improbable finishes of the season.

The Jays beat the Colorado Rockies 9-8 in 10 innings on John McDonald's, bases-loaded, looping single into left."

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays hammer Rockies 11-6

2007-06-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Jays hammer Rockies 11-6: "The sluggish Toronto Blue Jays offence finally is starting to make a significant impact.

For the second straight game, the bats led the team to victory in a high-scoring contest as the Jays (36-37) beat the Colorado Rockies 11-6 before a crowd of 32,482 fans Saturday at the Rogers Centre.

Frank Thomas, who was 4-for-4 with four RBIs and his 498th career home run, and Fredericton's Matt Stairs, who tied a career-high with four hits, stood out in a season-high 17-hit Jays attack. The Jays' third fourth and fifth hitters – Stairs, Troy Glaus and Frank Thomas – went a combined 10-for-13 with six RBIs."

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan justifies faith expressed by top slugger

2007-06-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - McGowan justifies faith expressed by top slugger: "'Fastball.'

That one word was how Dustin McGowan described the only hit he gave up yesterday.

'I was glad, yeah,' McGowan added, referring to the ninth-inning, 96 m.p.h. fastball that Colorado's Jeff Baker drove cleanly up the middle to break off his tantalizing no-hit bid at the Rogers Centre. 'You hate bloopers.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Several Jays hope to garner all-star nod

2007-06-22T07:09:00.003-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Several Jays hope to garner all-star nod: "The fantasy surrounding the Blue Jays and the All-Star Game is that at least four of them are deserving of a berth in the annual midsummer classic.

The reality is that only one – possibly two – will get the nod.

When baseball's finest gather in San Francisco in early July, it's expected the lone Jay representative will be Roy Halladay.

There is an outside chance third baseman Troy Glaus will also be present. But variables like player voting for the non-starters, and managerial influence (i.e., managers bringing their own players aboard) will deny the Jays and dozens of other players a chance at the game."

TheStar.com - Sports - Barfield stepping up to the plate for CBC

2007-06-22T07:09:00.002-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Barfield stepping up to the plate for CBC: "A chance visit to a radio broadcast booth at Yankee Stadium may have helped launch a new career for Jesse Barfield.

The former Blue Jays right fielder, a member of what was hailed in the 1980s as baseball's best outfield, was in New York to watch son Josh play for the Cleveland Indians last April.

'They asked me to come up to the radio booth for a couple of innings, so I did,' Barfield said yesterday. 'They liked what they heard and saw so they sent me a tape and I sent it here. And here I am.'"

TheStar.com - Sports - Dodgers feast on Jay bullpen

2007-06-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Dodgers feast on Jay bullpen: "Nobody had to remind Casey Janssen yesterday was the longest day of the year.

The Blue Jay reliever pitched last night's eighth. Six batters' worth of it, anyway. All six – five hits and an intentional walk – came around to score as the Los Angeles Dodgers' sudden six-spot carried the visitors to an 8-4 victory.

'It was long, it was short, however you want to put it,' said Janssen, who left to a chorus of boos that seemed so unfair."

Marcum hopes he's here to stay with Toronto Blue Jays - KCCommunityNews.com

2007-06-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Marcum hopes he's here to stay with Toronto Blue Jays - KCCommunityNews.com: "Before Shaun Marcum climbed onto the mound in the sixth inning of a game May 13, he looked around the Rogers Centre in Toronto and eventually realized there were a whole bunch of zeros on the scoreboard.

Marcum made his first start of the season for the Toronto Blue Jays that day, and he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the game � the first time he could remember carrying such a feat that deep into a baseball game since his playing days at Excelsior Springs High School."

John Thomson sent packing by Blue Jays

2007-06-22T07:08:00.002-07:00

John Thomson sent packing by Blue Jays: "The Toronto Blue Jays shuffled their pitching staff Wednesday by releasing starter John Thomson, demoting Lee Gronkiewicz and recalling fellow rookie reliever Brian Wolfe.

Thomson, 33, was pencilled in as a potential fifth starter but he didn't throw a single pitch for the Blue Jays, spending the season on the disabled list with shoulder problems after signing Jan. 9 for $500,000 US."

CityNews: Dodgers Explode In Eighth To Topple Jays

2007-06-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

CityNews: Dodgers Explode In Eighth To Topple Jays: "Reliever Casey Janssen gave up six runs in a brutal eighth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers doubled up the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 Thursday night in interleague action at Rogers Centre.

Janssen failed to record a single out during the brutal stint on the mound. "

Martin, Dodgers use decisive eighth to down Blue Jays

2007-06-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Martin, Dodgers use decisive eighth to down Blue Jays

: "Russell Martin and the Los Angeles Dodgers waited until late in the game to take advantage of one of the American League's toughest relievers.

Martin smacked a go-ahead, two-run double to cap a six-run eighth inning for the Dodgers, who rallied for an 8-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the rubber contest of their three-game series on Thursday.

It was a rare heated game between the clubs, which traded blowout wins in the first two games of this interleague matchup. Los Angeles won, 10-1, in the series opener, while Toronto recorded a 12-1 drubbing in the middle game."

The Rapid City Journal

2007-06-22T07:07:00.001-07:00

The Rapid City Journal: "Russell Martin wrapped up a memorable trip to Toronto by driving home the go-ahead run. The Canadian-born catcher hit a bases-loaded double in the eighth inning, sparking a six-run rally, Jeff Kent added a two-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 on Thursday night."

Rockies - Jays Preview

2007-06-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Rockies - Jays Preview: "The Colorado Rockies are the hottest team in the majors, thanks partly to their play against the AL East.

After an impressive sweep of the New York Yankees in Colorado, the Rockies begin a 10-game road trip Friday night with a matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Colorado (38-34) completed the sweep of New York Thursday, winning 4-3 to improve to 9-3 against AL East teams."

Rios builds on first All-Star trip for Blue Jays - Examiner.com

2007-06-22T07:05:00.003-07:00

Rios builds on first All-Star trip for Blue Jays - Examiner.com: "Although Toronto — mainly due to a slew of pitching injuries — has regressed in disappointing fashion from last year’s second-place finish in the American League East, there has been one Blue Jay in particular who has not let this season’s adversity affect him — fourth-year pro Alex Rios.

Playing in the underexposed baseball market of Toronto, Rios has flown under the radar in right field, despite showing improvement in each season. After a slow start to 2007, the 26-year-old Alabama native appears to finally be coming into his own as one of the premier young talents in the league."

Dodgers rally past Blue Jays

2007-06-22T07:05:00.002-07:00

Dodgers rally past Blue Jays: "The Los Angeles Dodgers used a six-run eighth inning to cruise past the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 Thursday night at the Rogers Centre.

Second baseman Jeff Kent led the way with a home run and catcher Russell Martin added two RBIs as the Dodgers took the rubber match of the three-game interleague series from the Jays."

Russell-mania is a big hit - Los Angeles Times

2007-06-22T07:05:00.001-07:00

Russell-mania is a big hit - Los Angeles Times: "The busload of 40 friends and family members who had made the five-hour trek from Montreal didn't get much face time with Russell Martin the last couple of days.

There was some postgame chitchat, a few autographs and that was about it.

'It's the season, so I'm not on vacation right now,' the Dodgers' catcher said. 'That's what I told them.'"

Big eighth inning carries Dodgers over Blue Jays - Major League Baseball

2007-06-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Big eighth inning carries Dodgers over Blue Jays - Major League Baseball: "Russell Martin stroked the go-ahead two-run double to spark a six-run eighth inning, as the Los Angeles Dodgers downed the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-4, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Rogers Centre.

Jeff Kent hit a two-run homer for the Dodgers, who have won six of their last nine games. Tony Abreu finished 2-for-4 with an RBI in the win. Rudy Seanez (4-1) earned the win after getting two outs in the seventh."

Thomas, Blue Jays slam Dodgers

2007-06-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thomas, Blue Jays slam Dodgers: "The Los Angeles Dodgers scored 10 runs for ace pitcher Brad Penny on Tuesday, so the Toronto Blue Jays responded with 12 runs for Roy Halladay on Wednesday.

Frank Thomas hit a grand slam and Gregg Zaun came within a triple of the cycle as the hometown Blue Jays hammered the Dodgers 12-1 in front of 24,413 fans at the Rogers Centre."

TheStar.com - Sports - Big Hurt crushes L.A.

2007-06-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

TheStar.com - Sports - Big Hurt crushes L.A.: "The sound of thousands of fans raining boos down on him can make a professional baseball player feel a lot of things.

Frank Thomas, and for that matter the rest of the Toronto Blue Jays, absorbed the wrath of their fans in a 10-1 loss Tuesday night, leaving them sombre and embarrassed.

Mostly, though, it filled them with resolve to bounce back with a statement-type game to convince the boo-birds the team has some character.

Thanks to a Thomas grand slam, yet another pitching gem from Roy Halladay and an overall booming offence, the point was made."

Jays pay Dodgers back

2007-06-21T05:37:00.001-07:00

Jays pay Dodgers back: "Frank Thomas' first season with the Toronto Blue Jays has been a disappointment. However, opinions could be changing very quickly.

Thomas hit a grand slam to cap off an eight-run second inning and Roy Halladay tossed eight strong innings as the Blue Jays cruised past the Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-1, last night.

Signed to two-year deal worth $18 million U.S. in the offseason to beef up the Toronto offence, Thomas has followed a 39-homer, 117-RBI campaign with a largely unremarkable nine-homer, 25-RBI year in 2007."

Thomas hits 497th homer as Blue Jays win

2007-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thomas hits 497th homer as Blue Jays win: "Frank Thomas was in no mood to hear any more boos. There was no danger of that after his grand slam - and 497th career homer - in Toronto's 12-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.

The night before, the designated hitter was jeered by Toronto fans after popping out in his final at-bat in a 10-1 defeat to Los Angeles.

'(Tuesday) was rock bottom,' Thomas said. 'To get booed by the home crowd like that, I took that personally. That really hurt. It's one of those things where I wanted to bring an attitude into the game today. It worked out well for me.'"

The Bellingham Herald / Sports / Blue Jays recall Lynden’s Taubenheim

2007-06-21T05:36:00.001-07:00

The Bellingham Herald / Sports / Blue Jays recall Lynden’s Taubenheim: "The Toronto Blue Jays recalled Taubenheim from Class AAA Syracuse on Tuesday when it put pitcher A.J. Burnett on the disabled list.

“He’s excited,” said Jim Taubenheim, Ty’s father, who spoke with his son on Tuesday afternoon. “He’s packing his things right now, getting ready to go to Toronto. He loves to play baseball.”

Taubenheim, a 2001 Lynden graduate, will start against Colorado on Saturday at Toronto. In 11 starts with Syracuse this season, the 24-year-old has a 3-5 record with a 5.63 ERA."

Thomas, Blue Jays respond with rout

2007-06-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thomas, Blue Jays respond with rout: "Frank Thomas was still hearing the boos from the night before when he reported for work yesterday.

He had gone 0-for-4 in the Blue Jays 10-1 loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday. When he popped out in his final at-bat, the crowd hooted him off the field.

Less than 24 hours later, they were on their feet and cheering after Thomas walloped a dramatic grand-slam homer in the Jays 12-1 retaliation against the visitors from the west coast."

Out with the old Jays hurlers, in with the new

2007-06-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Out with the old Jays hurlers, in with the new: "I'm not sure if J.P. Ricciardi is a practising Catholic, but if he is I'll bet he believes a little bit less in resurrection these days.

The Blue Jays GM's experiment with the starting rotation has now officially, utterly failed.

On Wednesday the Jays released John Thompson Wednesday, the right-hander the club signed as a free agent for $500 K back in January. This comes just two days after the Jays parted ways with Tomo Ohka.That just leaves Victor Zambrano, who is currently on the disabled list. "

John Thomson sent packing by Blue Jays

2007-06-21T05:34:00.001-07:00

London Free Press - Other Sports - Blue Jays turn tables

2007-06-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

London Free Press - Other Sports - Blue Jays turn tables: "The Toronto Blue Jays scored big time last night, ironically enough on Speed Dating Night at the Rogers Centre.

Led by designated hitter Frank Thomas, who belted his 10th career grand slam and 497th career homer in an eight-run second inning, the Jays hammered the Los Angeles Dodgers 12-1."

USATODAY.com - Baseball - L.A. Dodgers vs. Toronto

2007-06-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

USATODAY.com - Baseball - L.A. Dodgers vs. Toronto: "Winning an interleague game on the road isn't a cause for celebration. Forgive the Los Angeles Dodgers if they don't feel that way.

The Dodgers look to win back-to-back interleague road games for the first time in nearly three years when they continue a three-game series Wednesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Brad Penny became the second nine-game winner in the NL and Russell Martin homered in his first major league game in his native Canada, leading the Dodgers to a 10-1 victory in Tuesday's series opener.

Luis Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with four RBIs for Los Angeles (40-30), which scored a season high 10 runs for the fifth time this year."

Jays look to rebound behind Halladay

2007-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jays look to rebound behind Halladay: "Even without his bat, Roy Halladay is just what the doctor ordered for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The ace right-hander will try to build on his recent success against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and help his team rebound from a lopsided defeat, as he takes the mound Wednesday in interleague play in Toronto."