Blue Jays fans seem remarkably optimistic about a team that lost more than 90 games last season and then lost its best player to free agency. But a payroll injection, a couple of off-season acquisitions and a new focus on baserunning and defence are prompting some people to think the Jays will resemble a whole new team on the field.

The field that the Jays are actually occupying, however, and the corporate and marketing structure that supports it, are going to be downright unrecognizable in 2005 -- for the better.

Since the Jays are opening the season on the road, it seems like a perfect opportunity to take over a bar and watch baseball on TV. And so, the first Beer Club of the 2005 baseball season is upon us!

On this most gloomy of Sundays in Toronto, some good news is always welcome. And that there is a Canadian angle to both stories is a bonus.

The final cuts have been made and the roster for your Opening Day 2005 Blue Jays is set. The big decisions for the last day were: Greg Myers is the second catcher; Kerry Ligtenberg is cut; and Justin Miller will be sent to AAA if he clears waivers.

Dave Bidini, author of Baseballissimo wanted me to pass this along to you. Baseballissimo is easily the best baseball-related book I read all of last year, so I encourage you to go out and get a copy if you haven't already.

Batter's Box reader Max Parkinson gave us the heads on a deal that sends Aaron Wideman to the Jays in exchange for the Nationals being allowed to send former Jay and Rule 5 draftpick Ty Godwin to the minor leagues. This trade has been confirmed by TSN.ca.

Gil Hodges and Ron Santo were the leading vote-getters in yesterday's Veterans' Committee election, but fell 10% shy of the 75% required for admission.

The Globe & Mail reports this morning that Jamie Campbell has been named the voice of the Blue Jays for Rogers Sportsnet.

Campbell told the G&M, "Because I am a hard-core baseball fan, I know how a lot of baseball fans are going to react to this announcement. Baseball fans are an interesting bunch. And, for the hard core, this might not be a popular choice."

Hey Jamie, here at Batter's Box, we're the people you're referring to. And you had us at "I am a hard-core baseball fan."

Congratulations, and welcome aboard!

Editor's Note: Campbell has tentatively agreed to an interview with Batter's Box. Details will be announced as they become available. Questions for Jamie? Ask'em here and we'll pass them along.

Blue Jay President and CEO Paul Godfrey will be the keynote speaker at the 2005 SABR Convention in Toronto August 4-7. Non-members of SABR are welcome to attend.

I've been listening to Tom Cheek on the radio as long as I can remember. He's an integral part of my childhood and teenage memories. When someone says "baseball", I think of Tom Cheek. I have to get that out of the way off the top before someone accuses me of being a homer -- when it comes to Tom Cheek, hell yes, I am a homer.