Russ Adams talked with Batters Box last week when Syracuse were in Buffalo.

On tough days at work, many of us look out the window and dream of being a ballplayer, leaving the worries and the stress behind. Demanding bosses, unclear assignments and changing roles and responsibilities send us to daydreaming about the better way, on the field.

But the next time you think about the big time, consider Jason Kershner.

We sat and laughed.
We sat and laughed and
Waved it into the air!
And we did it just like that.

Okay, I'm just kidding ... no need to start yet another political ruckus here at Da Box. David Bush makes his Toronto premiere tonight, the first of what project to be many quality starts at the Skydome. After an excellent debut against the Expos in sweltering San Juan, Bush meets another team having trouble scoring runs -- but one whose members, especially Bret Boone, are starting to break out. Ryan Franklin takes the mound for the Mariners, as the Blue Jays go for an all-too-rare home sweep.

Thanks very much to long-time Bauxite and first-time poster James Strapp for sending us this article, inspired by Mick's "All My Exes Played for Texas?" piece. James is even willing to share the spreadsheet (a 3.5 MB zip file) he used for this self-described "quick analysis", which to a relative Excel novice, looks like a lot of work. Enjoy.

Only 2 farm teams went the regulation 9 innings in an unusual Wednesday night of action.

Sure, the Texas Rangers have a team-record five All-Stars (Alfonso Soriano, Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Kenny Rogers and Francisco Cordero) heading down the highway to Houston next week, but did you realize that another five ex-Rangers (Esteban Loiaza, Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez, Danny Kolb and Sammy Sosa) are also headed to the midsummer classic?

Which brings us to this Very Special Afterschool Edition of Baseball's Hall of Names ... what team can boast (or, more appropriately, bemoan) of the best possible roster of players who formerly wore the uniform? The bet here is the Rangers -- wait'll you see the roster -- but speak up in defense of any other team, please.

Just one rule: the players in question must have actually played at least one game with the team.

Like all great streaks, it had to end sometime. After retiring the first 42 straight batters of his AA career, Jamie Vermilyea’s perfect streak was ended last night with a leadoff single in the second inning. No need to worry though, he’s still working on a consecutive scoreless innings streak (18), consecutive innings without a walk (18), consecutive saves streak (2), consecutive wins in starts streak… how many more can Da Box think of?

Oh yeah, the Jays minor league affiliates won a few more games last night.

In honour of the upcoming All-Star Game in Houston (next Tuesday) Batter's Box is putting on a Pick The All-Star MVP Contest. You could win your choice of an array of fabulous prizes if you manage to pick the MVP.

When we walk into silence
When we shadow the sun
When we surrender to violence

Game Two of the Mariners-Blue Jays sees hot-tempered Josh Towers take the mound for Toronto against rookie Australian hurler Travis Blackley. Australia is a great country, and has really given the world so much. Their world-class All-Blacks rugby squad, of course. And the tremendous scenery and locations for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. And of course, great entertainers like Russell Crowe and Lucy Lawless. Let's hear it for Australia! I feel like flying to Wellington right now....

Another week, another homestand...but what's that I hear? Could it be the triumphant return of the O-Drum?

It's Barajas, Braden (Looper) and Belliard -- in that order -- at the top of the mid-season Andujar rankings, sponsored by Batter's Box. In a non-binding vote by 16 members of The Roster, Jeff Suppan and former Jay Jose Cruz Jr. also cracked the top five.

Our first look at the 2004 Andujar rankings back on May 1 showed Marlon Anderson with a healthy lead on the field ... but in true Andujar "youneverknow" fashion, the erstwhile St. Louis infielder found his way onto just one of the 16 ballots cast at midseason.

In fact, just one player -- Rod Barajas -- made it onto all 16 ballots, but six players were on at least 10, while 23 players were named at least once each. So it's still a wide-open field and of course ... youneverknow.

I thought I could say what I wanted to say
For a second that thought became a sword in my hand
I could slay any problem that would stand in my way

4 for 5 with a rainout for the Blue Jay farm, a night featuring 4 great pitching performances and 8 home runs.