Pitching? News is good
February 28
Toronto Star: "Pitchers Victor Zambrano and John Thomson, two of the Jays' off-season gambles, faced batters for the first time yesterday."
Zambrano a speedy healer
February 28
Toronto Sun: "Victor Zambrano, the former Mets and Devil Rays pitcher, continues to impress the Blue Jays as he battles back from reconstructive elbow surgery last May."
Zambrano pitching his way into lineup
February 28
Globe and Mail: "It was suggested to Victor Zambrano early in spring training that the Toronto Blue Jays might want him to pitch in a couple of games at their minor-league complex in March."
Learning by example
February 28
Toronto Sun: "Whatever the case, Blue Jays pitchers Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett have formed a professional bond that only can make Burnett a better, more prepared pitcher in a division that demands focus from the first day of the season until the last."
Rios isn't concerned about ailing shoulder
February 28
Globe and Mail: "Alex Rios, the all-star outfielder with the Toronto Blue Jays, said Tuesday morning that he has no concerns whatsoever about his ailing right shoulder."
Rangers aren't short on pitching
February 28
Dallas Morning News (registration required): " A handful of teams with hopes of contending – Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and the Los Angeles Dodgers – could use an extra bullpen arm. The Rangers could have a handful... And although Daniels said he has no plans to trade Otsuka, he could perhaps bring the highest return if the Rangers feel they need to plug a significant hole on their roster before opening day."
Rios set to power up
February 27
Toronto Star: "Having managed the feat last year, Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios showed some more pop yesterday in the team's first intrasquad game. He hit two balls sharply in the infield – one impressively snagged by shortstop Sergio Santos, the other finding a hole for a single."