We're sneaking up on the halfway point of the 2016 season and of course well aware of what's happening with the local squadron and their rivals. But what about the rest of the league?

The Dodgers are in town for a 3 game set. Jays have bad luck getting the 2 best starters the Dodgers have going this weekend in Kershaw & Maeda (both over 200 for ERA+) while missing the 2 weakest Wood & Kazmir both with ERA+'s under 80.

The old thread is getting a bit long in the tooth now, so lets start with a clean slate.

It was time.

It's spring training. Michael Saunders hit two home runs and Darwin Barney drove in five runs in a game, which is really fantastic!

Except....

... you know.

When the trees gain colour as they sway in the breeze
When slivers of grass poke out from a trodden cold mud

There's really not a whole lot happening...

Things are quiet in Blue Jay land, not that that stops us from yakking non-stop. Very minor Jays news...

Here I come to save the day! Or at least, your scrolling fingers...

Hopefully the party is just getting started.

The 25 man is now almost set.  8 man pen and Travis at 2B with Pompey & Pillar in the outfield.  Drew Hutchison opening day starter.

9 games in Florida left plus 2 in Montreal vs the Reds.  So what do we know at this point? 

The draft order and budgets are now set with Shields signing out in San Diego.  It doesn't look good for the Jays and might explain why they are planning to blow the budget on international free agents.

It's January, it's probably cold out, let's talk some baseball...

Athletics Acquire Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar, meanwhile the Rays Sign Juan Francisco.  Phew, one less team to worry about in the AL East...hopefully.