I hate to be contrary... ah, who am I kidding? I love to be contrary! But I have to say it - I'm really looking forward to watching Jeff Mathis play.  There are things I'm keen to know...

Breaking news, just before the baseball meetings next week in Dallas. The Jays have traded Brad Mills to the Angels for Jeff Mathis according to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter.

According to The Baseball Page, Jayson Stark has tweetified that the Miami Marlins have agreed to a three-year $27 million deal with "proven closer" Heath Bell, pending the requisite physical, which he is expected to take Friday.

At this time, this item has not yet appeared on any of the "major' sports news sites yet ... see it? Share a link!

BlueJays.com reports catcher J.P. Arencibia and third baseman Brett Lawrie have been named to the 2011 Topps All-Star Rookie Team.

J.P. Arencibia and Brett Lawrie have extra reason to celebrate after being named to the 2011 Topps All-Star Rookie Team.  The two celebrate Arencibia's walk-off single against Orioles closer Kevin Gregg in a 5-4 victory at the Dome September 10.

The 2012 Hall of Fame ballot has been released. There are 14 players returning from last year's ballot and 13 new faces. A player needs 75% of the votes to gain admission, and the voters are allowed to vote YES to as many as ten.

Today's POTD looks at a series finale between the Blue Jays and Orioles at the Dome September 11.

After reaching on an error at first, Mike McCoy slides into third base on an Eric Thames single to center in the first inning.  Orioles third baseman Chris Davis awaits a late throw.

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired 25 year-old infielder Luis Valbuena from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations according to BlueJays.com.

Luis Valbuena manning second base for the Cleveland Indians against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Energy Field August 2, 2009. 

With Jamey Carroll signing with Minnesota, Mark Ellis signing with the Dodgers, Aaron Hill returning to Arizona and the Jays looking increasingly likely to let Kelly Johnson go elsewhere and gain picks in return, the options at second base are shrinking. Some of the biggest names still left in free agency include Orlando Cabrera, Aaron Miles, Ramon Santiago and Nick Punto. With that list of less inspiring names, the suggestion has been the Jays will try to acquire a second baseman through trade with Brandon Phillips being a rumoured target. However, there may be one option at second base that we aren’t discussing.

Sportsnet's Shi Davidi says the Toronto Blue Jays have offered arbitration to four of the five players eligible to receive it.

Blue Jays arbitration-eligibles Kelly Johnson, Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch, Jose Molina and Shawn Camp are joined by a curious mascot.

It's a pretty good crowd for the Blue Jays.
And the manager gives me a smile.
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
To forget about the Leafs for awhile.;D

As pointed out by Bauxite PeteMoss in this thread, the Blue Jays have re-claimed catcher Brian Jeroloman on waivers.  That comes after he was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates five days ago.  The Pirates designated Jeroloman for assignment after they signed free agent infielder Clint Barmes.

Brian Jeroloman signs an autograph for a fan in New Hampshire in 2009.

The new CBA is out via MLB while Ryan Braun wins the NL MVP (332/397/597 in LF) over Matt Kemp (324/399/586 in CF, HR & RBI titles, 3rd in Avg).

Edit: Kelly Johnson to be modified type A - Jays get pick before team that signs him (if the Jays don't).

Today's POTD empties out the bag of Jays and Yankees photos for 2011.

Brandon Morrow working his mojo at the Dome to the tune of eight shutout innings and his 10th victory of the season.

The Texas Rangers, according to multiple local (North Texas) reports, has signed veteran closer Joe Nathan to a two-year deal, $7 million deal with an option for a third year.

Per friend of Batter's Box Jamey Newberg, "As long as Nathan is healthy, Neftali Feliz is your newest Texas Rangers starting pitcher."

Nathan had been rumored to both the Tigers and Twins, but ESPN DFW has the story here.

As Thomas pointed out in an earlier thread, Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death today in The Netherlands.  The Associated Press reports Halman's brother has been arrested.  Greg Halman was 24.

Greg Halman was rated the Mariners top prospect by Baseball America in 2009.