Say the headline out loud if you don't get the pun!

Normally, Batter's Box would not devote an entire thread to the news of ESPN hiring a new senior baseball writer. Ah, but when that new guy's name is Keith Law (pictured, left) that becomes an entirely different matter indeed.

If you subscribe to Lee Sinins' ATM (Around the Majors) Report daily (multiple) e-mail newsletter, then you know this already. If you don't, you may not understand the enormity of it. But in yesterday's ATM Report, as recorded here in ATM's blog archive, Sinins announced, "I have decided to submit my resignation from the ATM reports, effective immediately."

I don't know Sinins, have never met him -- we have exchanged a very few baseball/Web-related e-mails -- but this occasion demands two things: (1) that as a subscriber I take a moment to express how disappointing -- while understandable, certainly -- this is; and (2) that as a baseball fan, we take a moment to say "Thanks, Lee."

Not all is lost, however ...

According to the incomparably accurate Newberg Report, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed RHP Spike Lundberg to a minor league contract.

You may remember Lundberg from his generous Ask Spike interview session here on Batter's Box, or even the astoundingly cleverly-named followup, Ask Spike II.

Regardless, we look forward to the Jays facing Spike when he starts Game 1 of the 2006 World Series. He's off to be with the (city of) angels now ...

Kirby Puckett passed away today after suffering a stroke yesterday. We remember Kirby the ballplayer with affection, emerging from nowhere to be a leader of the World Series champion Twin clubs of 1987 and 1991, and always with a smile on his face. Teammmates would rub his head for luck.

There will be no pretence of objectivity today. Orlando Hudson is my favourite current ballplayer, and I was disappointed to see him leave Toronto. His heart, his unique diction and his smile are all appealing, but it is his blend of artistry and toughness around the bag which most captivates me.

Treat this thread however you want ... roundup, speculation, whatever. But share your Rance Mulliniks memories, too, as the man turns 50 today!

Batter's Box Challenge: The best (as judged by, ahem, me) limerick or haiku birthday greeting/memory to or about Rance wins a No-Prize, courtesy of your favorite interactive magazine!

The second player drafted under the J.P. Ricciardi regime was the first to reach The Show. With all due respect to other prospects who have been drafted and moved up and moved on, Dave Bush is the first of “Ricciardi’s own” that this Jays fan is pained to see gone. In a move that signals the organisational shift from rebuilding mode to the future is now, Dave Bush was dealt along with Gabe Gross and Zach Jackson to the Brewers for Lyle Overbay on December 8.

In case you missed it yesterday in all the Burnett drama the Jays traded Chad Gaudin to the Oakland A's for a player to be named later.

Maple Ridge, British Columbia native (and former Expo great) Larry Walker has announced his retirement.

Share your memories of and thoughts about one of the greatest Canadian-born MLB players in the history of The Great Game.

From toronto.bluejays.mlb.com

The Toronto Blue Jays regret to announce the passing of former coach and team executive Al Widmar. Albert Joseph Widmar died on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a battle with colon cancer at the age of 80. Widmar first joined the Blue Jays organization on November 1, 1979 ... Read the full media release.

According to this press release, the Toronto Blue Jays have traded The Minister of Defense, John McDonald, to the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later.

When Greg Myers came back to the Jays after a decade wandering the majors, I concluded my welcome with the words "Greg Myers, it's great to have you back."

Let me begin this farewell by saying Crash, it's sad to see you go.

Roberto Alomar announced his retirement today.

When Howie Clark signed with the Blue Jays in Novenber of 2002, a reader named "Travis" posted in our thread welcoming Howie to the team.

Aquilino Lopez, who arrived to such fanfare in the spring of 2003 as a brilliant Rule 5 Draft selection, left the organization entirely without fanfare over the winter to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.