Gustavo Chacin pitched a gem and the offence and bullpen both came through late in the game to spoil Labour Day in Baltimore. Hopefully, the Jays can use this win to propel themselves out of the late-season doldrums.

A Batter's Box Challenge

Here is the task before you. In a single sentence, write the most shocking thing about the 2005 baseball season so far; the only rule is that it must be true.

I'm going to set the bar pretty high to start off: "Aaron Small is 6-0, 2.42 and already tied for third on the Yankees in victories this season."

React to that statement or come up with one of your own. Who's next?

Baltimore and Toronto, two teams struggling as they wind down their 2005 seasons, meet for the last time all year as they battle for third-place in the AL East. Toronto is struggling with the bats, scoring two runs combined in their last two games against the hapless Devil Rays and Seth McClung and Scott Kazmir. Baltimore turned in a good performance against Boston on Friday and promptly lost the next two. It won’t be easy for Toronto as they face three of the tougher pitchers on the Orioles staff, but Toronto also sends out Gustavo Chacin, who is looking to solidify a Rookie of the Year campaign, and Ted Lilly, who looks to have a good few starts after returning from injury and set up his 2006 season well. Dustin McGowan is the scheduled starter Thursday, but with Lilly’s return that could change.

This week's Scout features 2003’s streakiest hitter, two pitchers who really struggle against lefties and a reliever who was hurling in the Independent Leagues in 2003. Mike D. will return next series.

On to the Advance Scout!

It was a big day for John-Ford Griffin, culminating with the news he will be recalled by the Jays after today's game. Earlier Griffin hit his 30th home run and with it, moved over 100 RBI's for the season. Dunedin and Auburn prepared for the playoffs while everyone else is playing out the schedule. Ryan Patterson and Chip Cannon continued their fine seasons.

Another one of those days.

The Jays are shutout by the Devil Rays and slip to two games below .500.

In honor of Labo(u)r Day in North America, here's a real "workmanlike" Hall of Names team and an invitation to make it better; I admit this one is slapped together with the three actual "Workmans" (and one Works) in big league history plus various Farmers, Carpenters, Millers and Smiths and a few other obvious hey-that-name-is-a-job folks.

And before anyone suggests it, no, we aren't making this an "All-Traded" team, as that would get unwieldy fast.

It'd be nice to have each name used only once -- although we're not close to doing that right now -- and to introduce all kinds of other artisans and occupations into the lineup ... just keep it to last/family names, okay?

So please welcome ...

What, you were expecting "H is for Halladay, Henke and Hillenbrand"? Sorry, Blue Jays fans, but not a single player on the 25-man All-H roster (which I suppose will be tagged "The Preparation H") spent his career primarily or even notably as a Blue Jay.

No, there's no room on this team made up entirely of players whose last/family name begins with the letter "H" for Roy Halladay or Pat Hentgen, Aaron or Glenallen Hill, Shea Hillenbrand or Orlando Hudson (or Eric Hinske for that matter) ...

Bah, Humbug! Another loss as the bats can't do anything against Kazmir, Borowski and Baez.

Nobody rides for free
Nobody gets it like they want it to be
Nobody hands you any guarantee

The minor league season is winding down. There have been pleasures and disappointments. One thing is sure; when the season is over, I will miss it. The farm affiliates went 4-1.

I'm sure you all know by now that the Jays lost 3-2 to the Stinky Devil Fish because of a blown save by Miguel Batista.

Just one more strike...

But NOOOOOO!!

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have to stand naked

Inspired by Dave Till's August 2005 Report Card for the Blue Jays' major-league players, I put together something similar for the five minor-league franchises still playing as of this date (Pulaski's season has ended). Here's one observer's take on the good and the not-quite-so-good for the Blue Jays' five top farm teams.

Here is the latest in what may seem like a never-ending series of monthly report cards for the Blue Jays. Enjoy (or, at least, tolerate).