In honor of Labo(u)r Day in North America, here's a real "workmanlike" Hall of Names team and an invitation to make it better; I admit this one is slapped together with the three actual "Workmans" (and one Works) in big league history plus various Farmers, Carpenters, Millers and Smiths and a few other obvious hey-that-name-is-a-job folks.

And before anyone suggests it, no, we aren't making this an "All-Traded" team, as that would get unwieldy fast.

It'd be nice to have each name used only once -- although we're not close to doing that right now -- and to introduce all kinds of other artisans and occupations into the lineup ... just keep it to last/family names, okay?

So please welcome ...

What, you were expecting "H is for Halladay, Henke and Hillenbrand"? Sorry, Blue Jays fans, but not a single player on the 25-man All-H roster (which I suppose will be tagged "The Preparation H") spent his career primarily or even notably as a Blue Jay.

No, there's no room on this team made up entirely of players whose last/family name begins with the letter "H" for Roy Halladay or Pat Hentgen, Aaron or Glenallen Hill, Shea Hillenbrand or Orlando Hudson (or Eric Hinske for that matter) ...

Bah, Humbug! Another loss as the bats can't do anything against Kazmir, Borowski and Baez.

Nobody rides for free
Nobody gets it like they want it to be
Nobody hands you any guarantee

The minor league season is winding down. There have been pleasures and disappointments. One thing is sure; when the season is over, I will miss it. The farm affiliates went 4-1.

I'm sure you all know by now that the Jays lost 3-2 to the Stinky Devil Fish because of a blown save by Miguel Batista.

Just one more strike...

But NOOOOOO!!

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have to stand naked

Inspired by Dave Till's August 2005 Report Card for the Blue Jays' major-league players, I put together something similar for the five minor-league franchises still playing as of this date (Pulaski's season has ended). Here's one observer's take on the good and the not-quite-so-good for the Blue Jays' five top farm teams.

Here is the latest in what may seem like a never-ending series of monthly report cards for the Blue Jays. Enjoy (or, at least, tolerate).

Had 'em all the way...

The Blue Jays match their 2004 win total and get back to .500.

And if I had told you in April that Scott Downs would strike out more hitters in a game than any other Toronto pitcher, you'd have beaten me senseless.

After blowing sizeable leads on three consecutive evenings, Tampa Bay tries to do what it does best: Annoy the Jays and their fans.

Toronto's had a slightly easier time playing the D-Rays this season as opposed to other recent years, but the post-break series in which Tampa snagged three of four was crippling to the Blue Jays. T-Bay has actually been a very competitive club over the second half of the season, as they've been swinging hot bats and getting serviceable pitching. This should be an interesting series, with all three Jays hurlers throwing the ball quite well of late.

This week's Scout features a couple of old friends, a couple of new faces and a player who is the best in baseball history at his position -- seriously! -- according to at least one statistic. Stay tuned on Monday as Thomas clears the Ayers in a pinch-hit Orioles Advance Scout. And read on for another Trivia Challenge!

On to the Advance Scout!

Sorry about the delay -- photo of the day fell victim to a power outage at the Hank Homestead.

Here's Eric Hinske, keeping Julio Lugo honest at first base:

The future's uncertain
and the end is always near

Auburn swept a doubleheader to almost guarantee a playoff spot. Dunedin also won to keep them on place for the playoffs. New Hampshire lost to all but seal their tickets out of town for Tuesday, Syracuse, and Jason Arnold, lost late while Lansing won. Robert Ray was unable to reprise his no-hitter and had to settle for five shutout innings. Cory Patton hit a pair of homers and Davis Romero won again