Welcome to game 2 of the John Gibbons era. The lineup Gibby produced yesterday was eminently sensible; let's hope that continues.

I don't know if it makes a shade of difference, but I find it comforting that Gibbons was a member of the 1986 NY Mets - one of the most beautifully constructed offensive teams in National League history. They had on-base guys like Dykstra and Backman, a great overall hitter in Keith Hernandez and a super slugger in Darryl Strawberry. The supporting cast of Mookie, Gary (the Kid) Carter, Ray Knight, Kevin Mitchell and Tim Teufel gave them enormous depth and pinch-hitting possibilities Not to mention guys like George Foster, Danny Heep, Lee Mazzilli and Howard Johnson. The only offensive liability was shortstop Rafael Santana.

The Indians have an impressive bunch of hitters, don't they? They've scored 44 runs in their last six games, winning 5 of 6 and pushing themselves ahead of the White Sox for second place in the AL Central, 5 games behind the Twins. They almost blew an 8-0 lead against the Pale Hose last night (winning 13-11). It's a good thing they scored those 4 insurance runs in the 9th.

The Tribe have dismantled and rebuilt in surprisingly short order, competing for the postseason at least a year before most though possible. Cleveland won three of four against the rapidly declining White Sox, and the Indians now stand alone in second place for the first time in 2004 with a season-best record of 58-55. Last week, Cleveland split a four-game series with Toronto.

On to the Advance Scout!

SABR, the Society for American Baseball Research, is 33 years old today.

When minor leaguers get the "call" up to the major leagues it can be a very emotional time. The "call" is the realization of a lifetime dream; their parents, friends and teammates are all delighted; and it is a thrill to walk into the clubhouse for the first time. But it is also a frightening time, the player might question their abilities, wonder if they really belong here, and wonder what will happen if they make a mistake or get off to a slow start. Are they here to stay, or will they be back to the minor leagues in short order? Alexis Rios appears to be here to stay, Adam Peterson went back down. I had a chance to talk with Adam when I was in Buffalo last week.

Part 9: Win totals - Mercenaries 7, Blue Jays 1

David Laurila of RedSoxNation.net recently sat down with Portland (now New Hampshire) slugger John Hattig. Originally signed by the Red Sox in 1998, the 24-year-old Hattig was acquired by Toronto in a trade last month for Terry Adams and has an on-base percentage over .400 in the Eastern League this season, with 15 home runs. A switch-hitting third baseman, he is trying to become the first native of Guam to play in the big leagues. Shortly before the trade, David caught up with John at Hadlock Field in Portland and talked about his dream of some day wearing a major league uniform... a dream that now will be happening in shades of blue rather than shades of red.

Thanks so much to David and to RedSoxNation.net for allowing Batter's Box to print this interview, to let our readers get a little closer to Toronto's new prospect.

Just a pointer for everyone to our interview last year with new Jays manager John Gibbons.

If anyone has any advice for Gibby, feel free to talk about it here. I have a feeling that most of you do... :)

I'm on my way, I'm making it
I've got to make it Show, yeah

Hello to John Gibbons, farewell to Carlos Tosca, turn the page on another chapter in Blue Jays history. The airwaves were filled with analysis and accusations after the firing of Carlos Tosca yesterday afternoon. So break out your reading glasses; there’s a lot of links to digest today:

Sunday, August 15 is the deadline for that big deal that will push you over the top, get you into the playoffs or escape relegation.

It was a relatively uneventful week in the standings with no really lopsided scores; good news for those of us who like our positions. My Toronto Walrus beat Garces_not_on_roids 8-4 to remain 9.5 games in front, as second-place AGF defeated the Moscow Rats by the same margin. There were no changes among the next four clubs, all of whom won by 7-5 or 6-5 scores. Baird Brain and the SABR Magicians each moved up a notch.

Please share your *good* memories of Carlos Tosca with us in this thread.

Note : Please stay on-colour and at least moderately respectful of a man I like and admire. Anyone who wants to go all H. L. Mencken on Tosca is encouraged to do it elsewhere.

Please share your memories of Josh Phelps with us in this thread.

Earlier today we have heard from John Hattig who the Blue Jays acquired for Terry Adams. Now it is time to hear from the newest Blue Jay, Eric Crozier, who the Blue Jays acquired for Josh Phelps. Ed Gonser has once again provided speedy access to our minor league players. Last week Ed brought us the initial reaction to the trade. Now he has chatted with Eric Crozier, upon his arrival in Syracuse.

Thanks Ed.

While everyone was obsessing over the big boys, the junior teams must have been distracted too. Only Pulaski won, and that in extra innings. Francisco Rosario had another disappointing start.

In today's Game Thread, Spicol poses the opinion-question, "Esteban is the Spanish equivalent of Steve, which, Steve McQueen and Steve Austin aside, really isn't that cool. Or is it, and I've been Miles Davis all these years without knowing it?"

Well, let's see. What does our All-Steve Team look like?

Part 8: Win totals - Mercenaries 6, Blue Jays 1