Jays Roundup - A Man Walks Down the Street

Monday, July 12 2004 @ 09:26 AM EDT

It's a street in a strange world.
Maybe it's the Third World.
Maybe it's his first time around.
He doesn't speak the language,
He holds no currency.
He is a foreign man,

We get out the brooms for the Mariners, and then we turn around and give it to the Angels! Normally it would be an disappointing weekend for denizens of the Box, but the thrill of meeting Messrs. Bradford, Wilner, and Ricciardi can make up for all sorts of on-the-field sins. If you haven't already, check out the book signing recap.

1. When you give the Angels 4 or 5 outs an inning, you're not often going to win. The Jays didn't, falling 5-2 to the Halos. Details of defensive deformity can be discovered in: Spencer Fordin's "Blue Jays swept away by Angels", Doug Miller's "Angels close first half with sweep", Larry Millson's "Anaheim deals three of a kind", Allan Ryan's "Blue Jays head into all-star break with a whimper", and CP's "Angels sweep Jays".

2. Fordin Notes on the optimism of Miguel Batista as well as some good news on the injury front. Specifically:
   
   
   Catalanotto is closer to a return than Wells, who may need a couple more weeks. Tosca estimated that Catalanotto would be back sometime during the next road trip. Wells, meanwhile, will test his injured calf on Thursday in Texas. He's progressing faster than expected, and his next workout will be at full tilt.
   
   The return of the pair would settle the rest of the batting order. Catalanotto and Wells often bat second and third, respectively, setting the table for Carlos Delgado.
   
   Mike Rutsey of the Sun has more information on the injuries to both Wells and Delgado in "Pause for the cause".
   
   Question to the Bauxites: Who hits leadoff when Cat and Wells come back?

3. I'm sure this will get a lot of play in our excellent Minor League Report today, but I thought I'd mention it here as well: Hill unassuming Futures Game MVP". It shouldn't come as a complete surprise to anyone who has followed the Jays minor league system; this kid can play. Aaron Hill was a last minute addition to the roster, making this MVP award even more special.

4. While Ted Lilly is excited about the All-Star game, right now Eric Hinske could do without it, according to Mike Rutsey's "Hinske hates the vacation".

5. According to Bob Elliott, "Twins covet Jays' Batista". I'm quite certain the Twins would like Batista, but they (or the Sun's headline writer) should keep in mind Exodus 20:17. Besides, I'd much rather have a Honda Insight. Those things are unbelievably cool.

6. In "Ricciardi can't escape numbers game", Richard Griffin suggests that J.P. has done a worse job with the Jays than 3 other candidates the Jays were considering for the GM job who have gone on to GM for other teams.

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