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.

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.

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?

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

Imagine for a moment that you're Carlos Delgado. You're back from -- what? Yes. Yes, that's right, you are young, handsome, powerful, wealthy and remarkably popular. Okay, stop it now, you're not paying attention. You're back from a lengthy stint on the disabled list, you're raring to go, and who's the guy on the mound facing you? Jamie Moyer, the most infuriating soft-tossing left-hander since Frank Tanana. But while you may think that would be annoying, Carlos is probably wearing his trademark smile right now. Because lifetime against Moyer, he's batting .447 (21-for-47) with six home runs, five doubles and 11 RBIs. It'll be very, very good to see the big slugger back in the lineup tonight.

With nine weeks remaining in the BBFL regular season, absolutely nothing has been decided, but it's nice to have a little more breathing room at the top.

Security throw through the wall
Future dreams we have to realize
A thousand sceptic hands
Won't keep us from the things we plan
Unless we're clinging to the things we prize

Back in late March, 79 of us predicted the World Series champs, pennant winners, division winners, award recipients, and every team's place in the standings. With the season half-gone, it's time to see who's wearing the wizard's cap and who's wearing the fool's cap.

This is the June edition of my minor league starting pitchers review. Who is hot, who is cold? Who is getting by on smoke and mirrors?

Both aces won their respective games, and now a 1:30 start to decide the Cup. Toronto would seem to have the edge, with Ted Lilly facing Canadian rookie Shawn Hill. The Jays lead 3-2 going into the finale.