Vets make their pitch
March 5
Toronto Star: "Over the winter, the Jays gambled on veteran pitchers returning from injury. Yesterday, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7-4, the odds on that wager seemed to be tilting in their favour."
Thomson leads, Ohka falters in rotation race
March 5
Globe and Mail: "Go ahead. Try and tell John Thomson that it's really okay, that he has some kind of cushion and that his manager, pitching coach and general manager aren't keeping notes, mental or otherwise."
Solid pitching results are a pleasant surprise
March 5
Toronto Sun: "Pitching is, at once, the Blue Jays' biggest worry and their greatest strength. Confused? "
For Burnett, change is good
March 5
Globe and Mail: "Catcher Gregg Zaun hopes that A.J. Burnett's dalliance with a change-up is more than just a flirtation."
An appreciation of greatness
March 5
Toronto Sun: "When it comes to baseball minutiae, Troy Glaus has it. Now, that we've phoned a wise person who knew how to spell minutiae ... "
It's the pros versus Jo
March 5
Toronto Sun: "What they share is the knowledge that it is tough being the new guy, whether you are a veteran major-leaguer like John Thomson or a raw, star-struck, overmatched unknown like Jo Matumoto."
Big year, same old Lyle
March 5
Toronto Star: "He may be the nicest guy in the Blue Jays clubhouse but Lyle Overbay is living proof that nice guys don't always finish last."
Smith opens some eyes in camp
March 5
Globe and Mail: "Jason Smith's swing is uncomplicated, quick and to the point, and he is versatile enough to play several infield positions."
Fleet-Footed D-Rays constant threat
March 5
Toronto Star: "On display yesterday at the spring home of the Devil Rays, was the fastest, most dynamic outfield trio in the American League. By season's end, Tampa Bay's threesome of Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young might also rank as the AL's best and most productive."