TWiB takes a look at Chone Figgins, an interesting story in the Seattle bullpen and a new but familiar face in the Mets rotation.

Lee Sinins sends out a weekly e-mail that shows information on runs created above average for each hitter (RCAA), and runs saved above average for each pitcher (RSAA). These numbers are calculated using Bill James runs created formulas. Lee also distributes a daily report showing results, transactions and standings. These reports are reproduced at the Hardball Times. With this information we can look at the RCAA and RSAA for each Blue Jay. I had saved the final 2003 numbers so I decided to compare 2003 to a pro-rated full-season 2004. Lee's weekly report included the numbers up to last Saturday, so I multiplied the Saturday numbers by 1.8 (162/90 games).

Who will the Jays trade? Who will they trade with? Here's your chance to win fame and fortune by predicting what will happen over the next couple of weeks.

The abbreviated four-day "week" resulted in some lopsided scores and significant movement in the standings. Baird Brain (pounded 11-1 by the Horse Field Hammers to drop from third all the way to ninth in the standings) and Billie's Bashers (stomped 12-0 by the Gashouse Gorillas to fall from seventh to eleventh spot) were hardest hit, as the minimum 25 IP rule added insult to injury. When the innings requirement isn't met, I understand the automatic loss in the rate stat categories, but how can Yahoo justify wiping out a counting stat like saves?

Two other contenders were trounced; an 11-1 loss to the Austin Senators knocked the Moscow Rats from fourth down to tenth. Second-place AGF lost 9-3 to the Red Mosquitos, while my Toronto Walrus squeaked out a 6-5 decision over the Chatsworth Halos, extending our lead to 7.5 games. Mebion Glyndwr, by virtue of a 7-5 decision over the Eastern Shore Birds, moves into third, with seven teams now bunched within six games from fourth to tenth.

Three wins and two losses cap a rare losing week for the Jays farm teams. Brian Patrick failed to get a star despite having two hits and pitching a scoreless inning.

The Jays again face a finesse pitcher, but a young one in the form of Kirk Saarloos. A resounding victory today would help erase the bitter pill they had to swallow last night. It was going so well before the fateful 8th inning - the Jays were dominating in every aspect of play. That's an encouraging sign (at least to a lifelong optimist like me).

A few days ago, the team that will go to Athens in the hopes of winning a medal for Canada was announced.

As expected the Syracuse Skychiefs will lose 3 regulars to the Canadian team, and will likely lose a fourth to the Australian side. A few notable absentees: Shawn Hill, pitching with the Expos and Maxim St. Pierre of the Tigers organisation. Justin Morneau is up with the Twins now, but his presence on the roster indicates that the Twins may accomodate and send him down in time. Possibly the most intriguing player to make the team is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball - Jeff Francis.

It's been raining in the park but meantime
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie double four time
You feel all right when you hear that music ring

Simply put, the Jays will have to find strength in adversity. After following their rousing sweep of Seattle with consecutive empty series against the Angels and Rangers, Toronto finishes its whirlwind tour of the AL West with a two-game mini-set in the East Bay, starting tonight. Unfortunately, the Jays picked a tough time in the schedule to drop six straight; their next two series are in the toughest ballparks in baseball to steal wins -- Network Associates Coliseum and Yankee Stadium.

The Jays did, however, catch a small break: Tim Hudson is unable to pitch tonight, so Kirk Saarloos will spot-start. Read about Kirk in this week's Scout, which also includes a Canadian finding his groove, a rather public feud between a rising rookie and a combustible veteran, and an aging utilityman who always seems to give the Jays fits. Remember, tomorrow's ballgame is a 3:35 (EDT) matinee.

On to the Advance Scout!

Bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in
Throw your trolls out the door

Another night, another disappointing ball game, as the Season From Hell^TM reaches a new nadir. Watching the Jays go 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position wasn't much fun for us, so you can imagine how frustrating it is for them. The problem isn't apathy — Delgado and Phelps, in particular, appear to be trying too hard at the plate. Hudson's in an offensive funk, and Wells, understandably, isn't in his best groove yet. Getting all those runners to second and third was a positive, but the lack of subsequent timely hitting made it hard to appreciate a decent start by Lilly and some fine defensive plays by Hudson, Hinske, Woodward and Zaun.

A key homer in Auburn and a couple of fine pitching performances were the bright lights on an otherwise dim 2-4 evening for the farm affiliates. You know it's a bad day, when you look at a Syracuse newspaper and the headline reads "Banks hit in two counties" and you immediately wonder what the organization is doing with Josh.

I thought the effort put forth last night was good - some bad breaks prevented the Jays from making the game close. The ball Hinske smoked to the opposite field might have brought the Jays to within a run with a good chance to tie the game. Ted Lilly almost had Teixera struck out on a check swing, only to leave a fastball up later in the at-bat. Ricardo Rodriguez threw quality pitches whenever the Jays threatened.

Miguel Batista battles Kenny Rogers.

It was a tough night for Jay starting pitchers from the top of the system to Pulaski. The farm affiliates went 2-4, with double digit run-scoring from Dunedin and Charleston the keys to the victories.

Teach your children well
Their father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's the one you'll know by

Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you

Today's song isn't supposed to be difficult to guess. It is, by request and with our deepest condolences, dedicated to Jeff, Hannah and Landen Geauvreau, in memory of Yvonne, their beloved wife and mom.

The less said about last night's game, the better.

An 8:05 PM ET start tonight.