Phils still interested in Rios
March 9
PhillyBurbs.com: "Although the Jays say they prefer to keep Rios, word is the Phillies are willing to deal center fielder Aaron Rowand and/or expendable starter Jon Lieber in a multi-player deal. A Jays insider says the team has little interest in Lieber, even though it would like to upgrade two of its starting spots. Meantime, a Padres source said the rumored deal that would ship Rowand to San Diego for veteran reliever Scott Linebrink once had legs but now is dead."
Doc dabbling in mind games
March 9
Toronto Sun: "Roy Halladay would never take to the mound without his Nike glove. And he would not make a road trip, enter the Rogers Centre clubhouse or visit spring training without three things: - One of his dog-eared copies of the soft cover book, The Mental ABC's of Pitching, by HarveyDorfman. "
Thomas makes debut in a Toronto uniform
March 9
Globe and Mail: "Frank Thomas made his much-anticipated debut in the Blue Jays' uniform. Reed Johnson started in left field and Alex Rios, restricted to designated hitter because of a shoulder problem, played a graceful centre field, even though he was not required to make a throw."
Jays bring 'A' team to 'B' game
March 9
Toronto Star: "First off, new DH Frank Thomas made his unofficial debut. Starting pitcher A.J. Burnett unveiled his curveball for the first time this spring. Reed Johnson (sore back) and Alex Rios (sore shoulders) returned to the outfield."
'A' lineup for 'B' game
March 9
Toronto Sun: "In front of maybe 20 scouts, a handful of press and a couple dozen fans who were there by accident, the Blue Jays broke out their everyday lineup -- minus Vernon Wells -- yesterday morning against the Phillies in one of those informal pick-up 'B games' unique to spring training."
Ohka regains his footing
March 9
Toronto Star: "As hard as it is to believe, the presence of Japanese starter Tomo Ohka on the mound for the Jays yesterday afternoon did not seem to excite the Asian media quite as much as when the other No.18 pitches, the much-hyped Red Sox rookie, Daisuke Matsuzaka."
Ohka not okay this time out
March 9
Toronto Sun: "It was a different Tomo Ohka that took to the mound yesterday. In his spring training debut March 3 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the right-hander, who is expected to be part of the Blue Jays starting rotation, gave up four runs on five hits in two innings. "
Burnett satisfied with start
March 9
Toronto Sun: "It wasn't a thing of beauty, but then it didn't have to be. The best part of where A.J. Burnett's head is at, is that he understands that truth better than at any time in his career."
Adams on short end
March 9
Toronto Sun: "A year ago Russ Adams was part of an elaborate spring training joke. In a get-even plot hatched by Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett, Adams and Aaron Hill were made to play the leading roles in a mock wedding ceremony that was complete with a cake, reception and formal attire. "