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?

Okay, it's official: the 2007 Toronto Blue Jays cannot lose. Why, you ask?

My new secret weapon:

Ted Lilly apparently will not be pitching for the Blue Jays next season, narrowing his decision to the Cubs and Yankees.

Jason Schmidt cashes in today - 3 years, $47 million.


UPDATE (9:45 pm): Lilly to the Cubs is official now.  Four years, $40 million.

The old thread has enough miles on it, so here's a new one.

those gentle voices I hear
explain it all with a sigh

Here's a new thread for discussing all the moves that are unfolding at the Winter Meetings.

The results are in.  Blue Jay fans considered John McDonald and Vernon Wells as the best defenders on the club.  Aaron Hill did very well on my ballot, but I probably sneaked in some consideration of his superior pivot on the double play into the "instincts" and "release" departments.  Surprises?