Another series, another red-hot opponent for the Jays.

The White Sox come to town, and I think even their most ardent supporters would admit that they're fortunate to be sporting a league-best 21-7 record; they've benefited from a soft schedule, an incredible 12-3 record in one-run games and consistently superb pitching from up and down the staff despite rather modest run support. It can't last, can it?

That said, even the most bitter detractors of the Pale Hose would have to admit that this is a team capable of playing .500 ball the rest of the way; if they do so, they'll finish 88-74 and certainly in the hunt for supremacy in the milquetoast AL Central. Like it or not, the South Siders will be a factor in 2005.

This week's Scout features a slumping slugger, a startling starter and an innings-eater extraordinaire. After a poor series at the plate in Baltimore, the Fighting Jays will have to scratch and claw against a pitching staff that keeps the ball down and uses its defence. Might we see another 1-0, late-inning situation?

On to the Advance Scout!

Continuing our Photo of the Day extravaganza, here's one of my favourite players, Frank Catalanotto, from April 9th:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2005

TORONTO -- In its continuing effort to provide the best possible tools to the best of Canada's baseball fans, Batter's Box Interactive Magazine is introducing a new "Game Chat" option beginning with the Monday, May 9 game at Kansas City.

"It's a decision we've come to after months of discussion," said Batter's Box Senior Editor Jordan Furlong. "The Batter's Box roster sees this as an opportunity to expand our usefulness in two critical ways."

The Syracuse Skychiefs entered 2005 with expectations of at least a winning record, and perhaps a division title. April ended with the team's record at 10-11 and expectations have been replaced by inconsistency as the best way to describe the first month of the season. May has not started much better for the Chiefs but they have won two in a row.

It's an express version of the minor league update tonight. The farm affiliates went 3-1, with the help of three fine starting pitching performances.

So the Blue Jays don't have a game tonight. Looking for your baseball fix?

Try some Syracuse SkyChiefs baseball, in this, the first Batter's Box Minor League Game of the Week. Syracuse's Scott Downs, last year's Pacific Coast League Pitcher Of The Year as a member of the Edmonton Trappers, faces off against ex-White Sock James Baldwin of the Ottawa Lynx at 6:00.

Something a little different to go with today's Picture of the Day: a whole bunch of words!

But first, the picture:

Time to once again check in on the college players the Blue Jays may select with their first pick in the June draft.

The Blue Jays are now 16-10 in games for which I’m not writing the Game Report. My 0-3 record as post-game scribe might get me dropped from the rotation.

The Lugnuts scored nine in central Michigan, Sarasota was SOL in the FSL, pitching continues to dominate in Double-A and thanks to Ryan Glynn and Jason Arnold, there was no trouble in Triple-A.

Will someone get Chicago and Cleveland a copy of the script please ?

It's an unusual 3:05 start today, which is nominally getaway day for the Jays even though they have an off day tomorrow. Halladay (4-1, 3.40) takes on Erik Bedard (2-1, 2.84) who had a terrific outing in his last start versus Toronto.

Something about Justin Speier's stance makes me think of Ninjas. Add the black jersey and the picture is complete:

Josh Towers' K/BB ratio may be the talk of the town, but Shaun Marcum and Casey Janssen aren't far behind. It was a 2-2 night on the farm.

Orlando Hudson and Photo of the Day mojo recipient Russ Adams had two hits each, and Miguel Batista earned a fine save, but tonight belonged to Josh Towers.