I was visiting Montreal sometime in 1995. It was clear that an exodus was underway but my relative Peter was not worried. "We have Guerrero", he told me. I knew about Guerrero then, ran well, a cannon for an arm, good range in right, burgeoning power, and a superior ability to make contact. And 20 years old. Probably as good a prospect overall as Manny Ramirez and Frank Thomas were about 5 years earlier. It turned out that Guerrero was not enough to save the 'Spos, but he has been a joy to watch. With luck, he'll be on the playing field for another decade.

On Sunday, Justin Speier came out to the mound from the bullpen, stopped at its edge and wrote something in the dirt.  I hadn't seen him do it before, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't done it before:

Here are a few random thoughts about various Jays- and baseball-related things.

Lansing had the day off, three teams wish they weren't shut out, and I wish my Internet connection was faster. I should have driven to Syracuse to get the scores; it would have saved time.

Today, I am 40. Last year at this time, I "celebrated" my Jeck Benny birthday Hall of Names style with a look at both an All-July 20 team and an All-Mick(ey) team.

This year, let's focus on the number. No, I'm not (quite) having a midlife freakout, and thanks to guys like Darrell Evans, Ty Cobb, Rickey Henderson, Warren Spahn and Roger Clemens, this day instead is all about celebrating the greatest Age-40 Seasons (for both hitters and pitchers) in the history of the Great Game. Yes, it's time to meet ...

Lyle Overbay does that Michael Jordan tongue thing when he's deep in concentration, as he is in today's photograph:

According to the Toronto Star the Jays have designated Shea Hillenbrand for assignment after an incident earlier in the day.

A key misdecision helps the Jays snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Dave LaRoche is the pitching coach for the New Hamsphire Fisher Cats.  LaRoche pitched in 647 major league games over 14 seasons, mostly in relief.  Younger fans will know LaRoche through his sons, Braves first baseman Andy LaRoche, and Dodgers prospect Adam LaRoche.  Dave shared his thoughts on some of the New Hampshire pitchers with Batters Box ten days ago in New Hampshire.

The lone minor league win last night was a dramatic one as David Smith hit a walk off home run as the affiliates went 1-4-1 on the night.

Great plays in the field; a hot bat; a good attitude despite being relegated to the role of a bench player.  What else can Eric Hinske possibly do to silence the boos at Rogers Centre?

Maybe this photo of the day will help him:

We've had a lot of debate here over who the Blue Jays should install as their shortstop the rest of the way... it's time to vote.

Jays cruise past Rangers.

Here's some Photo of the Day lovin' for the Jays' new everyday shortstop, John McDonald.  Who can tell me what his entrance music is?