On March 31, 1998, Doug Waechter was a fan watching from the upper deck as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays played their very first game. The pitcher (and quarterback) for a local St. Petersburg high school was drafted by the Rays the next year. Now, at 22, he's the first hometown boy to suit up for the team. Our peerless Advance Scout has the details of Doug's amazing complete-game shutout in his first career start. The feel-good story continues.

A combined 8-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 23 appearances for AA Orlando and AAA Durham, Waechter will eventually come back down to earth, but for now, the adrenaline will be flowing, and another large contingent of family and friends will be on hand. Chances are, this is a very big deal in the local media, so there might be a larger, noiser crowd than usual in the Trop. Maybe they'll drown out the loudmouth who heckles Eric Hinske.


One of several Jays who misled the coaches and trainers about an injury this season, Cory Lidle pitched with a strained groin for weeks before going on the DL. He had some bad luck in a 4-inning stint against the A's in his return, then beat Cleveland on the road. Last week, he tossed six solid innings against the Yankees, but didn't get a decision. He's allowed just five hits and two runs in each of those last two starts; the impending free agent needs to impress another club with a strong September, because he won't be coming back to Toronto.