I've been listening to Tom Cheek on the radio as long as I can remember. He's an integral part of my childhood and teenage memories. When someone says "baseball", I think of Tom Cheek. I have to get that out of the way off the top before someone accuses me of being a homer -- when it comes to Tom Cheek, hell yes, I am a homer.

Spring Training has started down in Florida and Arizona, and now seems like a good time to introduce you to those who will be making their debut in 2005.

Batter's Box version 3 is very different from its previous incarnation. Most noticeable is that, in order to post comments, you need an account. In this thread, I hope to answer any questions you might have about how to use this new Box.

Upgrades Ensure Continued High Quality Content

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2005

TORONTO -- You know how some big league ballplayers will kick the chalk line around to re-draw the batter's box to better fit what they want as they step to the plate? Well, it's time for Batter's Box, formerly "Batter's Box Baseball Blog," to kick the technical chalk a little bit, expand its virtual space and continue to grow into its All-Star potential.

It's official: the Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Shea Hillenbrand from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Adam Peterson. Hillenbrand presumably becomes the Blue Jays' full-time DH, spelling Eric Hinske at 1B now and again. And except for a few million dollars that may or may not be spent in the next several weeks, that's your 2004-05 Blue Jays' off-season.

In unsurprising news Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg were elected to the Hall of Fame today.

Bob Elliott reports in today's Toronto Sun that Blue Jay opening day hero Doug Ault passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2004. We offer our condolences to his family.

Batter's Box favourite Aaron "Named for Hank" Reynolds and his wife Vanessa were blessed with a baby boy early this morning. Further details will be forthcoming; the new parents have more important things to do right now.

I know I speak for all of us here at Batter's Box when I wish the entire Named for Hank family health and happiness for years to come.

Correction by Joe: Theodore was born late on the 23rd, not early on the 24th. An extra-early Christmas present!

ESPN has reported that the Jays have signed two of their major league players to contracts:

Justin Speier will receive $1.9 million in 2005 and $2.25 million in 2006. He made $1.6 million last season.

John McDonald will receive $400,000 in 2005. Last season with the Indians he made $324,400.

Peter Gammons of ESPN has reported that Mark Mulder has been sent to the Cardinals in exchange for pitchers Danny Haren and Kiko Calero, and catching prospect Daric Barton. (BBRRS: Treacle) So over the last two days the A's have:

Lost
----
SP Mark Mulder
SP Tim Hudson

Gained
----
SP Danny Haren
SP Dan Meyer
RP Kiko Calero
RP Juan Cruz
OF Charles Thomas
C Daric Barton (minors)