The Twins won 96 games in 2006 behind the pitching of Johan Santana, Francisco Liriano and Joe Nathan and the batting of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Can they do it again?

There are many reasons to expect Florida to take a step back in 2007.

1. Teams that make a big leap forward usually regress the next season
2. Florida's 2006 season was driven by the stellar performance of several rookies, the sophomore slump is likely to play its part in 2007
3. Florida relied on four rookie starters who threw almost 600 major league innings between them, expect injuries in 2007
4. Florida rallied around a fresh charismatic manager, Joe Girardi.  Lightning might not strike twice with Fredi Gonzalez
5. Dan Uggla is the universal pick of "poolies" to underperform in 2007
6. Dontrelle Willis has pitched over 800 innings in the last four seasons, all before his 25th birthday

Bodog has published their February listing of odds for each club to win the 2007 World Series?  The Yankees, Tigers and Mets are most favoured, in that order. I like the A's at 20-1, and the Indians at 28-1.  Among the longshot choices,  the Snakes at 50-1 and the Rays at 200-1 would have some interest.  I am mystified that the Royals are only at 70-1.  Do Kansas City fans bet more than Phoenix fans?

Who would be the choice of Bauxites?  None of us bet, right?

Today on ESPN.com, the underrated Tim Kurkjian provides a story that headlines Barry Bonds, but which more interestingly examines the possibility of a number of hitting and pitching milestones that could be reached in 2007. At one point, he writes the following:

500 Home Run guys: There is a chance that five players will join the 500-Home Run Club this year, which would be a first. Frank Thomas is 13 away. Jim Thome is 28 away. Manny Ramirez is 30 away. Alex Rodriguez is 36 away. Gary Sheffield needs 45. This used to be an exclusive little club. Now it's up to 20. Soon, the 20 will become 25. In another 15 years, there are going to be 35. Get used to the growth.

It raises an interesting point ...

Well, in Blue Jays history anyway. And for those of you who expect the name "Josh Towers" to appear in this article.... I promise Satisfaction. And we will meet All-Stars and Cy Young winners as well as the Lost and Forgotten.

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?

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 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.

With Goose Gossage seeming to have increasing popularity as Hall of Fame candidate, I thought that a preview of my thinking about relievers for the Hall Watch series was in order.

Everyone all recovered from a night of New Year's revelry? Good -- then let's look to the (immediate) future and fill a thread with our predictions about the 2007 baseball season. (Hey,. every newspaper columnist in every paper in the free world is writing this story today. Why not us?)

Just a few minor "rules" ....

It's time for the annual question (see last year's version if you want "proof") ...

So what baseball-related gifts did people get?

Don't be shy -- Christmas "loot" is all about showing off, so  ... what'dja get???

Last minute holiday gifts for baseball fans are always a bit problematic.  It is the off-season after all.  How about a book?