The recent induction into the Hall of Fame of Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter, and the rising vote totals for Goose Gossage, have me thinking about standards for greatness in a closer.

Time to get a new all-everything, what-is-there-to-talk-about? thread started up. There is apparently no huge breaking news in the world of the 90-foot baselines right now ... What, are you psyched about Trot Nixon heading to Cleveland? Cliff Floyd possibly landing in Wrigley? Chase Utley getting a gazillion dollars from the Phillies? Have a comment on the loss of one of the sport's good guys, Vern Ruhle?

What's going on out there?

Slick-fielding shortstop Ray Olmedo was claimed by the Jays from Cincinnati. To make room on the 40 man roster, Ryan Roberts was designated for assignment.

Commenting in the Sammy Sosa poll, Bauxite ayjackson explained his "other" vote as follows:

"With a year out of baseball, he was likely able to follow a rigorous program of PEDs - like we've never seen before.  He was probably employed as a guinea pig by the world's PED leaders.  He will have almost "bionic" eyesight and romp to All-star and HOF numbers.  However, these numbers will be taken with a grain of salt by the increasingly skeptical baseball fan and writer and no awards will await him at the end of his comeback."

Which got me to thinking.  It's Friday afternoon, and we are deep in the off-season, so what better time for a Box tradition- the collaborative outrageous story.  Bionic eyesight, guinea pig.  Houston, I think we have a start.  I'll carry on with it.

The Jays signed catcher Sal Fasano to a minor league deal.

The Jays have not yet come to agreement with their three remaining arbitration eligible players: Alex Rios, Reed Johnson and Scott Downs. Today they exchanged offers.

It's time once again for a Batter's Box Trivia Challenge; let's start with an easy one for GTO baseball fans ...

Only once in the last 50 years has a pitcher picked off at least three runners in the same game -- and he got four, though he took the loss, in extra innings, to a terrible Oakland team in 1977. Name this young lefty, who was in the midst of what would turn out to be his only double-digit wins campaign.

As always, the Bauxite who posts the correct answer first asks the next question. "Correctness" of the answer can be confirmed by any member of the Batter's Box roster or by any Bauxite who includes a link to a corroborating page ...

Fire away!

No, it's not just about Adam Lind ... today on ESPN.com, the always-excellent Alan Schwarz, a friend of Batter's Box, takes a look around the majors at five rookies who may make a major impact in 2007. That's five (Young, Gordon, Garza, Tulowitzki and Lincecum, FYI) other than Daisuke Matsuzaka, of course -- and there's also a sidebar about the fading promise of Joel Guzman.

So to put the question before you, Bauxites ... forget about "Rookie of the Year" predictions for the moment. What rookies, both in Toronto and elsewhere, will make the biggest impact on MLB in the upcoming season?

When a player proves he belongs in the big leagues at age 19, as Griffey Jr. did, the odds are pretty good of a Cooperstown ending to the story. Can one be a disappointing Hall of Famer, I wonder?

Jeff Blair reports that the Jays and Lyle Overbay have agreed on a 4 year, $24 million contract.

The 2007 roster is beginning to take shape, but its final construction is likely to depend on what actually happens in Florida this spring. Which isn't something we saw last year...

Dan Szymborski has posted the 2007 ZIPS projections for Toronto.  The projections, both for the pitchers and the hitters look quite favourable.  Can you guess which hitter has the best projection?

John Thomson (and his good buddy at the Sun, John Thompson) wasn't the only one to sign recently.

Mulder re-signs with the Cards and the SS Loogy signs with the Mets. Apparently Schoeneweis isn't worried about Paul LoDuca.

John Thomson was signed by the Jays today. Thomson had rough seasons in 2005 and 2006 due to a blister and shoulder problems respectively.  It is generally a good idea to have around extra veteran starting pitching, but anything Thomson delivers will be a bonus in light of his health issues.

Thanks to TA for the tip.

Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken were elected to the Hall of Fame, each with over 95% of the vote.  Goose Gossage fell narrowly short with 70%, while Mark McGwire garnered under 25%.

Gwynn and Ripken were pretty obvious selections. The vote next year should be very interesting when Tim Raines is added to the ballot.