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Matheny signs with Jays
TUE. DECEMBER 24
Backup catcher Mike Matheny, recently released by the Brewers, agreed to a one-year contract with the Jays. Matheny, 28, hit .238 with six home runs and 27 RBIs last season.
Clemens withdraws trade demand
TUE. DECEMBER 22
Roger Clemens announced Tuesday at a press conference that he has withdrawn his trade demand, and will return to the Toronto Blue Jays. The back-to-back Cy Young winner will report to Spring Training in February. Clemens also stated that he would still accept a trade if Toronto wanted to make one (now would GM Gord Ash want to do that?). The Rocket still has two years remaining on his four-year, $31 million deal he signed back in '96.
Clemens was named Jerk of the Month for December.
Hamilton agrees to 3-year deal
MON. DECEMBER 21
Newly acquired pitcher Joey Hamilton has signed a 3-year deal with the Jays worth $17 million. Hamilton will make $4.25 million next season, $5.25 million in 2000, and $7.5 million in 2001. Hamilton was 13-13 last season with a 4.40 ERA. He came to Toronto in a deal with the San Diego Padres for Woody Williams, Carlos Almanzar, and minor-leaguer Peter Tucci.
Risley re-signs
THU. DECEMBER 16
Relief pitcher Bill Risley has re-signed with the Jays, inking a one-year contract Thursday worth an undisclosed amount. Risley pitched in 44 games last season, and ended up with a 3-4 record and a 5.27 ERA.
Jays trade for Hamilton
MON. DECEMBER 14
Sunday evening, the Jays took assistant GM Dave Stewart's advice: Toronto traded pitchers Woody Williams and Carlos Almanzar, along with minor league outfielder Peter Tucci to the San Diego Padres for Joey Hamilton. Stewart had been Hamilton's pitching coach in San Diego, and felt that Hamilton would be able to contribute to the ballclub. Both GM Gord Ash and Stewart believe Hamilton will fit nicely in the front of the Jays' pitching staff for '99.
Canseco and Santiago leave Toronto
THU. DECEMBER 10
Jose Canseco, angry with the Jays for not offering enough loot, has signed with the AL East division rival Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Contract figures were not disclosed. Canseco lead the Jays in home runs last season with 46 round-trippers.
Meanwhile, catcher Benito Santiago inked a $2 million contract for the '99 season with the Chicago Cubs. Santiago was involved in a car accident in January, and missed almost all of this past season. In September, he hit .310 with the Jays in 15 games.
Jays sign Berroa to minors
SAT. DECEMBER 4
The Jays signed former Tigers outfielder Geronimo Berroa to a minor-league contract for a base salary of $500,000 next season, and invited him to spring training as a non-roster player. Berroa struggled last season in Detroit, with only one homer and 10 RBI in 52 games after being traded from Cleveland.
Rocket demands trade
THU. DECEMBER 3
Roger Clemens' agent told GM Gord Ash today that the Rocket wanted out of Toronto, due to the team's "lack of being competitive". The back to back Cy Young winner wants to pitch for a contender closer to his home in Texas. Cleveland, Houston, New York and Texas are the top contenders for Clemens; the Jays have said that a deal will be made within ten days.
Clemens received 2 Jerk Points for 11/29 - 12/4.
Jays staying in SkyDome
FRI. NOVEMBER 27
Good news! The Jays announced that they have agreed in principle on a new 10-year lease that will keep them at SkyDome through the year 2008. While financial terms of the lease were not disclosed, Blue Jays Chief Executive Officer Sam Pollock said the "new lease will help the Blue Jays in our quest for our financial stability and ensure our franchise's viability in Toronto."
Molitor returning to Toronto?
THU. NOVEMBER 26
Dave Stewart is trying to bring Paul Molitor back to Toronto as a possible DH replacement for Jose Canseco. The Jays have reportedly offered Molitor a 1-year deal, and then a spot in the team's front office after '99. Hopefully Molitor will return to Toronto, where he, along with Stewart, lead the Jays to their '93 World Series championship.
Johnson apologizes
MON. NOVEMBER 23
Jays manager Tim Johnson apologized Monday for falsely claiming he served in the U.S. military in Vietnam and was a high school All-American basketball player. "Any statements I made that led people to believe I served in Vietnam were wrong, and I am sorry for any inaccuracies or misrepresentations that I made," Johnson said.
Johnson was named Jerk of the Week for 11/22 - 11/28.
Rocket wins Cy #5
MON. NOVEMBER 16
Roger Clemens won his record fifth Cy Young award today, when he was voted as the unanimous winner as the best pitcher in the AL. The Rocket has now won back to back, and the Jays now have three Cy Youngs in three consecutive seasons (Pat Hentgen won in '96). Clemens has now won the award twice unanimously, the only other AL pitchers to get all first-place votes were Ron Guidry in 1978 and Denny McLain in 1968.
Clemens went 20-6 with a 2.56 ERA this season, en route to also winning the Pitching Triple Crown. He will receive a $250,000 bonus for winning the award, and hopefully, Gord Ash will figure out that the Rocket has to stay in Toronto for them to be close to the playoffs, or the World Series.
Canseco 'gone for sure'?
MON. NOVEMBER 16
Jose Canseco told the press today that he does not expect to be back in Toronto next season. Gord Ash has offered him $2.25 million a year plus $750,000 in incentives. C'mon! Jose put it perfectly himself - "He thinks he can find another DH to hit 46 homers and steal 29 bases for around $1.5 million..." Just like Clemens, if Canseco goes, the Jays' chances of getting to the playoffs are not improving.
Dave Stewart named assistant GM
TUE. NOVEMBER 3
Dave Stewart, who pitched for the Jays from 1993-94 (won ALCS MVP in '93), has accepted the job of assistant general manager with Toronto. Stewart was the San Diego Padres' pitching coach in 1998, and helped improve their staff dramatically. Stewart was offered a contract from Florida, but chose Toronto instead because of familiarity of the area.
Stewart to get interview
SAT. OCTOBER 31
The Blue Jays received permission to speak with Padres pitching coach Dave Stewart and plan to interview him for a front-office position next week, the club announced.
General manager Gord Ash is expected to contact Stewart on Monday or Tuesday to arrange an interview, according to Blue Jays spokesman Howard Starkman.
Stewart interviewed for front-office jobs with the Athletics and Marlins last week as he makes an attempt to secure a front-office position with a team for next season.
Jays leaving SkyDome?
SAT. OCTOBER 31
The owners of the Blue Jays, trying to get a better lease at the SkyDome, threatened to move back to Exhibition Stadium next season. The lease at SkyDome expires Nov. 30. Interbrew SA, the Dutch brewery that owns the team, also owns 49 percent of SkyDome shares, but wants a new deal with its other partners - Penfund, Controlled Media Communications and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce - before signing a new five-year lease.
Jays ink Grebeck
TUE. OCTOBER 27
The Jays have re-signed second basemen Craig Grebeck to a two year extension worth $1.35 million dollars. Grebeck hit .256 last season with 17 doubles and 27 RBIs in his first season with Toronto.
Jose says No Way!
MON. OCTOBER 26
You hit 46 home runs in a season to lead the team, you drive in over 100 runs, and you steal nearly 30 bases. Your team offers you $1.5 million for a contract. Jose Canseco must be feeling a bit shocked, because that's exactly what the Blue Jays did - they offered Canseco $1.5 million, and incentives that would total the contract up to $3.
"To be honest, I don't know what to think," Canseco said. "I was shocked." Jose, along with a group of other top players, had filed for free agency last Thursday.
Canseco tests market
FRI. OCTOBER 23
A few short hours after the World Series concluded, Jose Canseco, along with seven other top players, filed for free agency. Canseco had an outstanding '98 season with the Jays offensively, slamming 46 jacks and driving in 107. He missed the 30 home run-30 steal club by one steal. On the defensive side, Canseco wasn't that steady in the outfield, but good enough.
Among the others who filed for free agency: Mo Vaughn, Rafael Palmeiro, Bernie Williams and Roberto Alomar.
Fernandez signed, Santiago let go
THU. OCTOBER 22
Tony Fernandez's $4.5 million option for 1999 has been picked up by the Jays, thanks to the infielder's comeback year. Fernandez batted .321 (tied for eighth best in AL) while hitting 9 homers and driving in a career high 72 runs. Tony is the franchise leader in hits, with 1406, and he reached the 2000 hit plateau this July.
Catcher Benito Santiago, on the other hand, only played in 15 games this season due to a car accident in January. His $3.5 million option was declined by the Jays.
Canseco a silver slugger
THU. OCTOBER 22
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball named it's 1998 Silver Sluggers - voted on by the managers and coaches of the teams for the outstanding offensive player at each position in both leagues.
Jose Cansceo won his first, at the designated hitter position; he was the only Blue Jay to win a Silver Slugger award. Other winners included Ken Griffey, Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire.
Coaching staff for '99 finalized
TUE. OCTOBER 20
The Jays have finalized their coaching staff for the 1999 MLB season. Tim Johnson will return as manager after a very successful first season, and Mel Queen will also return. Sal Butera, last year's bullpen coach, will move to third base, as Marty Pevey fill's the pen and catching coach role. Jim Lett will return as bench coach, and so will batting instructor Gary Matthews. Newly named first base coach Lloyd Moseby rounds out the staff.
Moseby hired as coach
FRI. OCTOBER 16
Former Jays outfielder Lloyd Moseby has been hired as the Jays' new first base coach. Moseby will start coaching next season, replacing Jack Hubbard. Moseby is the franchise leader in games, at-bats, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Before this season he was also the all time club hits leader, but Tony Fernandez surpassed him in July.
Clemens wins Triple Crown
TUE. SEPTEMBER 30
Whether or not Roger Clemens will pick up his unprecedented fifth Cy Young award this season is still up in the air, but he has already become the second AL pitcher this century to lead the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts in consecutive years. Clemens finished the season with league highs 20 wins (tied with David Cone of Yankees and Rick Helling of Rangers), a 2.65 ERA, and 271 strikeouts.
Lefty Grove of the Philadelphia Athletics did it in 1930 and 1931. Grover Alexander is the lone National Leaguer to accomplish that feat. He did it with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1915 and 1916. Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators won the Triple Crown four times but never in successive years. What a day for Halladay Person mugged One suspect was detained by a bouncer at the scene and taken to a hospital. The other four suspects, ages 21 to 26, were arrested when they visited their friend at the hospital. They were charged with robbery, police said. Person is alright now; he received a couple of stitches to his face and his wallet and money were recovered. Home run record Also, on a sidenote, Tony Fernandez was honored before the game for getting his 2,000th hit on July 13. He received a painting of himself, and the first 10,000 fans in attendance received replica cards of the artwork. Rocket wins 20th After starting the season 5-6, Clemens is unbeaten in 21 starts dating back to May 29. Clemens pitched eight innings, allowing seven hits and three walks. He struck out 14 in the first seven innings. Halladay makes debut Hentgen out for season Tendinitis sidelines Hentgen Manager Tim Johnson announced that veteran right-hander Dave Stieb will take Hentgen's place in the Blue Jay's rotation starting tonight when he will take the mound against the Indians. "I wanted a veteran who's been through the wars and could keep us there," Johnson told The Toronto Star. "He's the right guy." In a side story from yesterday, the Jays won the coin flip with the Red Sox for the right to host a one-game playoff Sept. 28 if the two teams tie for the AL wild-card berth. X-rays on Clemens negative Clemens was hurt Friday night in the third inning of the Jays' 5-4 win over the New York Yankees. Joe Girardi hit a hard comebacker that Clemens bare-handed to start a double play and Chuck Knoblauch's liner went off the Rocket's wrist. Clemens left after warming up at the beginning of the sixth. "I'm hoping it's just a nasty bruise," Clemens said after the game, his hand wrapped in ice packs. "My hand was just shaking uncontrollably before I came out." Risley suspended Stewart hit, then hits GW homer Irabu charged the plate (how often do you see that?) and a brawl started, with both benches and bullpens clearing. Bill Risley and manager Tim Johnson were ejected, as well as New York bench coach Don Zimmer (Joe Torre had already been ejected) and reserve infielder Homer Bush. No one was injured. Then, in the seventh, leading off against Irabu, Stewart found the perfect way to get revenge, as he hit an opposite field home run to give the Jays a 5-4 lead, one that would hold up. "It felt good," Stewart said. "That's the best way you can get revenge." Gonzalez sets K record Canseco ties Green Clemens wins 13th straight Clemens' streak of 33 innings without allowing a run, a personal best, was ended Saturday when the Red Sox scored two runs in the fifth inning. His longest such previous streak was 30 innings with the Red Sox in 1991. "I ain't worried about shutout streaks," Clemens told The Toronto Star. "I've been fortunate because I've made the pitches when I've had to." Green reaches 30-30 By the way, the win was the Jays' eighth consecutive, the first time they've done that dating back to April '94. Stewart puts on a show Besides tying a career high with four hits (in five at bats), the young outfielder also tied Lloyd Moseby for the club record for outfield putouts in a single game, with 10. Moseby did that back in '83 in a 10 inning game. Oh yeah, Stewart also stole his 43rd base of the season, leading the team. Clemens is AL Player of the Week For the week, the Rocket went 2-0, scattered five hits, three walks and struck out 25 in the 18 innings. Clemens didn't allow a single run! He pitched his third straight shutout on Sunday in Toronto's 6-0 victory over Minnesota, extending his winning streak to 12 games and his scoreless innings streak to 29. This is the second consecutive week that a Jay has won the Player of the Week honor, as Carlos Delgado did it last week. Clemens hurls third straight shutout Clemens now has a streak of 29 innings in which he has not allowed a single run (the Jays record is held by Dave Stieb, who went 31 innings without allowing a run in '88), and his Cy Young chances keep improving. If he keeps this up, he'll whip Pedro Martinez in the voting! Hentgen's streak ends "I've thrown through tiredness and fatigue in the past, but this is a little different because I'm feeling pain where I normally don't," Hentgen said. "And that sets off a little alarm in my head and in the organization." Hentgen will be able to pitch in his next scheduled start following this one. Clemens K's club record 18 Clemens didn't allow a single walk, and he had a perfect game until Larry Sutton singled in the fourth. He is now unbeaten in his last 16 starts. Even home plate umpire Dale Ford was impressed by Clemens' performance. "I've seen Clemens pitch well, but I've never seen him any better," Ford told the Toronto Sun. "The thing about Roger is that he throws as hard as he ever did. Roger was on his game ... I've seen a lot of power pitchers, but Roger's control is something." "This was Clemens' second straight 3-hitter, and he keeps on getting better... who knows, maybe he will win the Cy again. When asked about his chances, Clemens said, "I don't have any control over that, but we'll just have to wait and see." Delgado is Co-Player of the Week Delgado led the league with 10 RBI, 23 total bases, and an .852 slugging percentage. He finished third in on-base percentage (.469), and sixth in batting average (.370). In the seven games, Carlos went 10-23 at the plate and hit four homers. This was Delgado's second Player of the Week honor, as he also won it back on June 8. Clemens and Canseco want to stay "I talk to Roger all the time, and he told me he wants to win and that he likes it here," manager Tim Johnson told the Toronto Star. "And he likes being with me." Jose Canseco has stated that he wants to follow Clemens, so if Clemens is staying, he'd stay as well. "I'd like to stay in Toronto. If I keep playing every day and putting up the numbers, hopefully things will work out," Canseco said. Clemens hurls 3-hitter Jays hit seven homers In case you were wondering, no, this was not a club record for home runs in a nine inning game, that was also set in that September 14, '87 game against Baltimore. The most ironic part about this is that just the night before, the Jays had given up six home runs to the Oakland Athletics. Santiago begins rehab "My goal right now is to make it back to Toronto by September, maybe before," Santiago told the Toronto Sun. "I'm really happy that I'm not having any more problems with my body." Jays personnel in Florida say Santiago will start and catch three innings every other day and DH when he's not catching. Clemens' 15 K's not enough "Once the K's are mounting up, you don't really realize it because you're losing the ball game," Clemens said. "You're just trying to minimize your mistakes. I was battling to keep the game close." The 15 strikeouts tied Randy Johnson for the most in a single start in the AL this season. The most in the majors, of course, was by Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs who K'd 20 earlier in the season to tie Clemens' record for most punchouts in a single start. Delgado named team captain Oh yeah, this team captain's looking for about $4-5 million next year, but he says he does want to stay in Toronto. Delgado is hitting .301 with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs despite spending the first three weeks of the season on the disabled list recovering from off season shoulder surgery. Clemens helps girls get into baseball About 250 girls from across southern Ontario came to the SkyDome Tuesday for instruction in batting, baserunning and throwing. They received a rundown on rules and a lesson on the history of women in baseball. Canseco willing to follow Clemens "If they were to trade Clemens, that definitely would play a role in whether I came back here or not," Canseco said. "(Clemens) was one of the main reasons I came here in the first place," Canseco said. "The fact that he wasn't traded by the trading deadline indicates there's still a great possibility he will be here next year. Having Clemens on any ball club is going to give a team a chance to win, so we'll just have to wait and see." Gonzalez hit on hand, day-to-day "It was sore enough to take me out of the game," Gonzalez said. "It just got real tight on me. At first I thought I would be able to still throw, but when I tried to pick up a bat and swing I didn't have any strength in (my hand)." Gonzalez, who will have precautionary x-rays Monday, is listed as day-to-day. Plesac tired of whining from Jays Staff ace Roger Clemens, who questioned the direction of the franchise last week, wasn't spared from Plesac's comments. "It peeves me off," Plesac said. "Poor Roger. I respect him and I respect his desire to want to play for a winner. So do I. But in 13 years, I've never been in a post-season game. I know I'm near the end of my line. I know there was a lot of interest in me, but I can honestly say I never asked to be traded." Person declared successor to Myers "I looked him right in the eye and asked him straight out if he had the (guts) to close games," Johnson told The Toronto Sun. "He said, 'Yes, I do.' So that is what we are going to try." Since coming over from the Mets in a 1996 off-season deal for John Olerud, Person has bounced from the starting rotation to the bullpen, back to the rotation and back to the 'pen. Jays come to terms with No. 1 pick The 18-year-old Lopez, who was selected 18th overall, batted .521 with seven homers, 28 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 35 stolen bases in his senior season for Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Fla. He made just one error at shortstop. Lopez, a switch hitter, was named the best defensive high-school shortstop in America and the second best pro prospect in Florida by "Baseball America" magazine. He will report next week to St. Catharines of the Class-A New York-Penn League. Myers to the Padres Myers had not been performing up to par, as he had blown five saves, and as Jays fans know, when he gets the save, it's usually an adventure on the way. Loyd is 24 and he will be assigned to Class A Dunedin. The prospect was hitting .305 with four home runs and 35 RBI at Rancho Cucamonga in the California League. Escobar gets start Escobar, didn't disappoint, as he went seven strong innings while allowing only four hits and two runs. The right-hander struck out four, but ended up with the no decision as Texas rallied in the ninth off closer Randy Myers for the 4-3 victory. Delgado goes yard - thrice Delgado struck out his first two at bats, but then got hot, as he belted a two run shot into right off former Jays pitcher Todd Stottlemyre in the fifth. In the seventh, Delgado came up again, and went with an Eric Gunderson pitch for a home run to left. In the eighth, Delgado would pull off the hat trick, hammering a Danny Patterson pitch over the centerfield wall. All that and the Jays still lost the game, 11-9... Surprisingly, the National League has five players who have pulled off the three home run feat, three more than in the American. Cruzin' back On Saturday, Cruz got the start from manager Tim Johnson. He was put in the fifth spot, and he delivered. The outfielder went 3-5 with two doubles and a home run, as if saying, "I'm back". This time, Jays fans hope Cruz can keep his success up, and if he does, things are looking good. Sprague dealed away to A's Mets sign Phillips Phillips was traded for minor leaguer right-hander Leoncio Estrella, but don't worry, Phillips fans, he says he would like to come back to Toronto next year... Guzman dealt to the O's Yesterday, the Jays traded Mike Stanley to Boston. Today, Guzman, who knew he was going to be traded, was dealt for O's starter Nerio Rodriguez and a minor league outfielder, Shannon Carter, who is a second cousin of former Jay Joe Carter, now with the San Francisco Giants. Guzman says he's a goner "I still think I'm gone," Guzman told the Star before posting his sixth victory of the season. Stanley traded back to BoSox Stanley, who was traded from the Red Sox to the Jays last summer, is going back to Boston for two AAA right-handed pitching prospects by the names of Peter Munro and Jay Yennaco. Dodgers interested in Guzman Boston is also one of the teams interested in Guzman, along with the St. Louis Cardinals. Canseco sets mark Hentgen lets it out Sure, it's a nice thing to do for Clemens, but what about Pat? Considering what Hentgen has done for the organization throughout his career, he was understandably upset by this, saying "If I'm not good enough to start here, then I do want to get traded." Hentgen also stated, "I wanted to make sure I heard from the manager. When I found out they were thinking of skipping me, it wasn't a good feeling. I've played hurt for these guys the past six years and haven't missed a start. Where does that rank me? For me, the manager should manage and the players should play. If you look up the stats over the past six years, I suspect I would be in the top five in both wins and ERA. My record here is 91-60. If that's not good enough for them, then they should deal me." Hentgen got the start, his 178th consecutive, today against Boston, and if not for poor defense yet again, the outcome would've been much better than the 6-3 loss. Canseco matches Perez, Cepada with 379th HR "I don't know anything about the record, I just know it was a big win for us," said Canseco. "Hopefully, I've got a lot more years in front of me and a lot more home runs and maybe I can surpass the other power hitters." As for the 'big win', the Jays held on to defeat the Red Sox 10-6 after jumping out 10-0. Vaughn shows interest in Toronto "Toronto is definitely my No. 1 choice," Vaughn told The Sun. Vaughn has many close ties in Toronto, including Roger Clemens, Mike Stanley, and Jose Canseco, all former teammates of Vaughn's in Boston. Vaughn would also like to play for manager Tim Johnson again. So, there you have it. Vaughn is reportedly looking for four or five year deal worth at least $10 million a season. It might seem like a hefty price, but if the Jays are able to sign the slugger, they'll improve dramatically in the standings. Delgado makes history with 467-foot bomb Delgado reached the 500 level in right field with the estimated 467-foot blast, the first ball to travel that far to right. "It's just another home run," the first basemen said. "It was awesome and I enjoyed it but it still only counts as one home run. From a personal point of view, it was satisfying because Pettitte over the years has thrown very, very well against me." Phillips called up Phillips, batting in the leadoff spot for the Blue Jays, was 0-for1 with two walks in Toronto's 9-6 win over New York. He even showed his famous temper, as he had to be restrained by teammates between the eighth and ninth innings after being hit squarely in the back by Yankees reliever Mike Buddie. Jays sell Kelly With the SkyChiefs in 80 games, Kelly had a .280 batting average with 17 homers, 37 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. Carpenter K's career high Carpenter pitched very well, throwing eight innings and allowing only four hits and two runs, both coming in the first inning. Stieb looks good despite loss "He had good movement and changed speeds well," said one NL scout who watched from behind home plate. "He looks like he can still pitch and was better than the first guy (Pat Hentgen)." "He was fun to watch," Roger Clemens said. "I figured he'd be revved up, I only wish the outcome had been better." Fernandez gets 2000th hit The other Dominicans to get 2,000 hits were Julio Franco (2,177), Felipe Alou (2,101) and Cesar Cedeno (2,087). After the game, Fernandez was presented with the ball by trainer Tommy Craig. "It has meant a lot of perseverance more than anything," Fernandez told The Toronto Globe and Mail. "There have been some negative things said, negative opinions. You should never let negative opinions stop you from reaching your goals." Jays represented Clemens had the tough task of facing the National League's three of the most dangerous hitters, in Tony Gwynn, Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds - with the bases loaded. Before the NL Murderer's Row, though, Clemens walked Larry Walker, gave up a single to Walt Weiss, and hit Craig Biggio with a pitch. That set up the situation with only one out and three tough hitters coming up. Gwynn was the first (and only) to strike, as he singled to drive in Walker and Weiss. But then, Clemens regained his cool, and struck out McGwire swinging, then got Bonds to fly out to left field. All in all, the Jays were well represented by the four time Cy Young award winner, Roger Clemens. Clemens gets 3000th career K Clemens needed five strikeouts against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to reach the milestone, and he got them quickly. He struck out Quinton McCracken and Wade Boggs in the first inning and then got Mike Difelice, Miguel Cairo and Randy Winn in the third. "It was a special day," Clemens said. "When people call me a power pitcher, I really enjoy the second part of that because I think I'm a pitcher as well as a guy that can challenge you at times." Winn took the first two strikes and then, with the fans standing, swung and missed at strike three as Clemens pumped his fist. His teammates came over to congratulate him and catcher Darrin Fletcher gave him the ball as he walked off the field. Clemens, whose four boy's names begin with the letter K, pointed to his wife, Debra, as he entered the dugout. He then came back on the field and tipped his hat to the fans. "The ball will go to the house and my four boys will probably fight over it," Clemens said. Clemens became the second fastest starter to reach the 3000 K milestone, he needed only 434 starts. The fastest was Nolan Ryan, who reached the plateau in 379 games. Carpenter throws shutout Carpenter pitched a four-hitter and was helped out by Carlos Delgado, who had two homers and five RBI as the Jays handed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays their fifth straight loss with a 8-0 win Saturday. Carpenter, who allowed seven runs in 2 1-3 innings in his last start Saturday against Atlanta, walked two and struck out three in his second shutout of his career. "The Atlanta game was an embarrassing day. But Pat Hentgen told me after the game that everybody has them, he said it probably won't be your last one, and he told me the bottom line was that I had to concentrate on my next start," the 23-year-old right-hander said. "I tried not to dwell on it. I started focusing on what I needed to correct from that day and that's what I did." Stieb to get a start? His performance may very well have earned him a start after the All-Star break. "I was impressed by him," manager Tim Johnson said. "He had a good breaking ball, kept the hitters off-balance. It was still tight and quick and he was making some good hitters look bad. He may have lost some velocity but he was spotting it well. I'm not afraid to use him in situations that are a lot tighter." Clemens named All-Star reserve Clemens was the only Blue Jay to make the team, but also worthy of making the midseason classic was Carlos Delgado, but the first base position is just full of marquee players like Mo Vaughn, Frank Thomas, Rafael Palmeiro, etc. Phillips inks minor-league deal with Jays The 39-year-old Phillips was signed to a minor-league contract and will report to the Syracuse SkyChiefs of the Triple-A International League. On Canada Day, Jays put on a show En route to defeating the New York Mets, 15-10, every Blue Jay who stepped up to the plate got a hit, with the exception of Mark Delasandro, who hit a sac fly. Alex Gonzalez hit a huge 3-run homer off of Mel Rojas in the 8th to get a big inning started, as the Jays went on to score 8 more runs in that inning alone! Toronto, which won for the eighth time in 10 games, scored its most runs since July 13, 1996, when it beat Milwaukee 15-7. The eight-run inning tied the club record set at Minnesota in a 14-8 win on May 28, 1986. This will definitely be a Canada Day to remember, a Canada Day when the Jays scored 8 runs in the 8th inning to beat the NY Mets. Canseco moves up One of those homers was number 375 in Jose Canseco's career, as he passed Rocky Colavito into 41st place on the career home run list. Now with already 24 homers and 21 stolen bases, Canseco is headed for 40-40. Wouldn't it be a shame if he doesn't make the all-star team? Two Jays advance on career lists Jose Canseco's 23rd home run of the season was the 374th of his career, tying him with Rocky Colavito for No. 41 on the career list, and Randy Myers' save, which gave him 22 on the year, tied Rollie Fingers for fifth place on the career saves list with 341. Williams hurls first career shutout Williams pitched 9 innings allowing only 1 walk while striking out 3. The complete game was only the third of the season by a Jays starter, the other two coming from Roger Clemens and Juan Guzman. Guzman gets 1000th K Guzman didn't know that it was number 1000, so he kept on pitching with the ball, and luckily, the next batter up, Mark Grudzielanek, grounded out. If he had popped it into foul territory, Juan may never have that ball back. After the groundout, the ball was rolled back into the dugout, and now Guzman can say, "I got my 1000th career strikeout and a groundout with the same ball!" Canseco earning his dues Canseco definitely deserved the bonus; he has already become only the sixth Jay to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases, and he could become the first ever Jay to reach the 30-30 mark. Welcome back, Stieb Stieb will always be known for throwing the first - and only yet - Blue Jays no-hitter; he accomplished that on September 6, '90 against the Cleveland Indians. After his back forced him to retire from the Majors in '93, Stieb was determined to come back. After much hard work, the winningest pitcher in Toronto history, had his contract purchased by the Blue Jays on Wednesday from their Syracuse Triple-A affiliate. Although he looked pretty good in his relief outing last night, Stieb said he'd rather go back to being a starter. "I definitely prefer to start. My arm has responded well to that routine," he said. "It's only been three months and I knew it wasn't going to happen overnight. But I never had any thoughts of abandoning it because I'd gone too far at that point." So long, Hanson The Blue Jays had 10 days to trade or waive Hanson, who was collecting more than $3.5 million this year. Any team that signs Hanson would be responsible for just a fraction of his salary, with the remainder being assumed by the Blue Jays. Hanson began the season on the disabled list before losing a spot in the rotation. The right-hander went 0-3 with a 6.24 ERA in 11 games, allowing a whopping 73 hits, including 10 homers, in 49 innings. Canseco marches on Carter honored by Blue Jays Before Sunday night's game against Baltimore, the Blue Jays honored the man who hit the most famous home run in team history. It was Carter's bottom-of-the-ninth, three-run homer off Mitch Williams that beat Philadelphia 8-6 in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series and brought the Blue Jays their second straight championship. The Jumbotron at SkyDome showed a three-minute video presentation that was capped by the homer. Then former teammates Pat Hentgen and Ed Sprague presented Carter with a framed jersey. He was also presented with a painting depicting the historic home run. "It's great to be honored when you're still playing. It's something I've very proud of," said Carter an hour before the presentation. Cruz shipped to minors Cruz, 24, hit .248 with 26 homers and 68 RBI in 104 games last season for Seattle and Toronto and finished second in the AL Rookie of the year voting. But the outfielder played himself into a part-time role this year, hitting just .214 with three homers and 14 RBI. "We need to get him going. Instead of spot playing, he's going to play every day. He needs to get going and he's young and it's good for him," Blue Jays manager Tim Johnson said. Hanson designated for assignment "There was really no choice other than to let me go," Hanson said. "The organization is classy enough to see that." Toronto recalled the contract of right-hander Luis Andujar from Triple-A Syracuse, and he joined the team before Wednesday's game against the Florida Marlins. Hanson's final appearance for the Blue Jays was Monday against Florida. He entered the game in the 17th inning and retired only one batter before taking the loss. Delgado named Player of the Week Delgado also ranked second in the league with four home runs and a 1.037 slugging percentage, while tying for second with nine RBI. He hit .407 (11-for17) with seven runs scored, three doubles and a .467 on-base percentage. The converted catcher is batting .325 in 46 games this year with eight homers and 33 RBI. He is in the top 10 with 19 doubles and is currently on a 19-game hitting streak, which is tied for the longest in the AL this season. Keep it up, Carlos! Longest interleague game ever You see, Carlos Delgado had just extended his career high hitting streak to 18 games with a double down the left field line, and Felipe Crespo seemed to easily round third and cross the plate, but Hallion ruled that Crespo missed third base! On the replay, Crespo appeared to catch the side of the base, therefore it was the wrong call. The run was taken away from the Jays, and in the bottom of the 17th Todd Dunwoody scored on a Todd Zeile hit down the left field line. The Marlins jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, but Toronto tied it in the eighth with three runs of their own, and it took Florida almost a whole extra game to come up with the winning run. At the beginning of the ballgame 17,414 fans were in the stands, in the end, only around 3,000 were left. Jays welcome back Person Draft selection, roster update Lopez, 18, batted .521 this season for Lake Brantley High School. The switch-hitter collected 38 hits in 73 at-bats, including seven home runs and 28 RBI. The 6-1, 175 lbs. shortstop also stole 35 bases. On June 1, catcher Darrin Fletcher was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left hamstring... the Jays called up replacement catcher Mark Delasandro from AAA Syracuse to fill the spot. Delasandro did a great job in his first game, an 11-3 loss to the Red Sox. He went 3-4 at the plate with 2 RBI. Who's arriving, who's going? Also, there was word on 5/27 that former Jay Roberto Alomar's agent announced to a Toronto newspaper that his client, who has been an unhappy member with the Orioles, "would like nothing better" than to renew his career as a Blue Jay. On 5/28, Mo Vaughn also made public his interest in playing for the Jays, saying that if he doesn't re-sign with the BoSox, he would like to play in Toronto next season. "What he said was if he didn't re-sign with the Red Sox, his first choice would be Toronto," said Jose Canseco, a former teammate of Vaughn's. Blue Jays manager Tim Johnson and Vaughn are friends from when Johnson was a Red Sox coach. This winter, Vaughn said: "All my friends in baseball are in Toronto -- Mike Stanley, Tim Johnson, Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco." Well, amongst all this trade rumor hoopla, the Jays did actually sign a player - a basketball player. Mark Hendrickson, who played for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA earlier this year, signed a baseball contract with the Blue Jays. Pitching staff pitching well This afternoon, Woody Williams threw 7 shutout innings against the Cleveland Indians. Williams has been the most consistent starter this season for the Jays. Yesterday, Roger Clemens returned to form, hurling 8 innings allowing only 2 runs while striking out 9. Clemens along with Dan Plesac and Paul Quantrill combined on a 3-hitter in that game. Also, Pat Hentgen appears to be doing well again, and Juan Guzman won his last start, so things are definitely going up! Jays to honor Carter, Gaston The club also will honor former manager Cito Gaston at some time, but he has asked the Jays to delay scheduling such a night until next season, GM Gord Ash said Thursday. "Cito's preference is that we do it later," Ash said. "He is very appreciative of the gesture." Canseco bashin', Cruz comin' "I'd like to do 40-40, but that would be a tough task," said Canseco, who was the first player to accomplish the feat with the A's in 1988. "I think the 40 bags would be easier than the 40 homers." Jose Cruz appears to be coming along, as he hit a home run in yesterday's win over the Devil Rays. It was his first extra base hit since opening day! Stieb suffers another setback Stieb, pitching for Triple-A Syracuse, was rocked in a 61 loss to Richmond during the first game of a doubleheader. In five innings of work, he allowed six runs, three earned, on six hits. He walked four and struck out three. Stieb's Triple-A record fell to 1-4. Nearly perfect - again! In the Jays' 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Williams had a perfect game through 6 2/3, and a no-hitter through 7. Myers pitched the 9th for the save, but did allow a hit which made it a 2-hitter. The two teams combined for only 6 hits. Clemens shelled; Jays ill "I'm worried about my family but that didn't (affect) the way I threw Monday," Clemens said. "I wish I could have held us closer. I did the same work at home that I normally do between starts. I have the full facilities there, so everything was fine from that aspect. Actually, I felt really good out there." Also, Jose Cruz Jr will have tests this week to determine what triggered a severe allergic reaction that sent him to hospital last week. "You can't run tests while he's on medication," team physician Dr. Ron Taylor said. "Hopefully this will give us a better idea of the cause (of the attack)." Cecil returning? Big Daddy currently plays for the Angels, and might be a welcome return in Toronto, since Mike Stanley has been struggling a bit this season. Cruz catches allergic reaction About 45 minutes before Tuesday's game against Oakland, the 24-year-old was scratched from the lineup when he had trouble breathing and his eyes swelled up. After examining him, team doctors, realizing the severity of the situation, gave Cruz an adrenaline shot. Canseco pasts DiMaggio Road trip luck "The way we are getting runners over now and getting runners in when we have to get them in is what impressed me," Johnson said. "We're doing the little things now that we talked about in spring training that would help us win ball games." And oh yeah, Jose Cruz, Jr. is still struggling... he is only 5 for his last 40 at bats. How long will it take him to break out of it? Hentgen gets 800th K Hentgen threw 6 shutout innings, as the Jays won the game, 4-1. Roster update On 5/6, the Jays activated releiver Kelvim Escobar from the 15-day disabled list and optioned pitcher Carlos Almanzar to Syracuse of the International League. Escobar got his first win of the season that night after pitching 1 1/3 innings of perfect relief. Also, catcher Benito Santiago paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham Tuesday, 5/5. Santiago, who is on the 60-day disabled list as a result of injuries suffered in a January car accident, still has some healing to do before he can begin his baseball rehab. Santiago has been improving, but word is he is still 6 to 8 weeks from starting any baseball activity. Cruz booed, still on the bench General manager Gord Ash says that things can only get better. "(Cruz) is a guy that has a chance to be a bona-fide all-star player but he's not a finished product yet," Ash told the Toronto Sun. "With a young player, you normally don't see consistent performance." Stieb looking strong Clemens and Quantrill combine on 1-hitter Stieb pitches strong outing "Made one mistake and I didn't think that would be enough to lose the game," Stieb said of the pitch that Rochester's Willis Ontanez deposited into the left field bullpen in the fourth inning. Stieb, trying to come back after six years of retirement, threw only 78 pitches, 53 for strikes, in throwing a complete game. He allowed three hits and one walk and struck out three. Bring Cruz off the bench! Cruz has only played once since Carlos Delgado returned to the lineup four games ago. I guess we'll just have to see what happens... Escobar almost 100% "It felt pretty good," Escobar said. "I didn't have any pain, so that's a big plus. I threw for 10 minutes at about 75 percent. I feel very strong." Escobar said the elbow has not been quite right since March 1997, when he underwent surgery to have particles removed from the elbow. "Hopefully I'll throw again Tuesday at about 80 percent," he said. Jays welcome back Delgado The 25-year-old was cleared to begin his rehab assignment last Thursday after an examination by Dr. Tony Miniaci. Delgado began at Class A Dunedin of the Florida State League before moving on to Triple-A Syracuse. The Blue Jays also placed infielder Craig Grebeck on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 20, with a muscle strain. Rookie pitcher Steve Sinclair was recalled from Syracuse and Tom Evans was optioned to the Sky Chiefs. Stieb comeback? Not so fast Stieb, attempting to make it back to the major leagues after five years in retirement, was tagged with a 10-4 loss Thursday in an exhibition start for the Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs. The defeat came against the team he once starred for, the Blue Jays. Fernandez forgiven "I think Tony is just trying too hard," Johnson said. "He wants to win ball games and he's trying to do too much. But Tony is a good player and he is going to get out of his funk. "I believe in Tony. As long as a player is giving 100%, then I have nothing to say." Person injured in car accident Stiff elbow shouldn't stop Hentgen's streak Hentgen (2-1) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings before he experienced the same elbow soreness that forced him to miss his last start during spring training. The right-hander has made 160 consecutive starts, a streak which began on Oct. 6, 1991, against Minnesota. He's scheduled to start against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, and no one is betting he won't. "Pat Hentgen knows his arm as well as I know my wife," Toronto manager Tim Johnson said. "He says it's a little stiff, but that he's not going to miss his next start." Stieb's comeback chances very good Clemens returns, picks up win Clemens (2-1) had removed himself after throwing just seven pitches in an April 7 start because of a strained groin muscle. The right-hander was forced to skip a start in Texas before being cleared to face the White Sox. Evans recalled, Escobar goes on DL To make room for Evans, reliever Kelvim Escobar was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Thursday, with right elbow inflammation. The right-hander is 0-1 with an 18.00 ERA in six appearances, spanning six innings. Delgado begins rehab in Florida Delgado could be back soon "Oh yeah, I'm really pumped," Delgado said Wednesday. "I finally get to go on the field." Delgado will be examined today by Dr. Tony Miniaci and if he gets a clean bill of health as expected, he will fly to Dunedin to begin the playing part of his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery. Delgado will play with Dunedin until next Thursday when he will fly to Syracuse to play against the Jays in an exhibition game. If everything is OK, he will join the Jays. Guzman flashes dominating stuff "I'm a lot better. I'm close to 100 percent now," said Guzman, who held Kansas City to four hits while striking out six and walking just one in the Blue Jays' 5-1 victory. "What's satisfying to me is my shoulder is fine and I know everything else is OK, too. I can put it together." Stieb picks up victory in Dunedin Hanson earns spot in rotation "I'll talk about (the rotation) with (pitching coach) Mel (Queen) but I thought he did a h*ll of a job," manager Tim Johnson said. "Right now all indications are that he'd be there." Carpenter, meanwhile, has had two starts and is 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA. In his most recent outing, he failed to get the win despite being handed a 5-0 lead. Will Jays make room for Hanson? "I didn't look at it as if I was trying to make a point," Hanson said. "In my history I just get the ball every fifth day come h*ll or high water just like it's been for (Roger Clemens), Pat (Hentgen) and Guzzy (Juan Guzman). I don't want it to seem like it's competition. That's just going to add pressure to guys who haven't been here a long time (such as Chris Carpenter). It's difficult for them to pitch in that type of situation." With Clemens expected to be ready Friday to return from a groin strain, there is no spot for Hanson in the rotation, and he does not want to go to the bullpen as a long reliever. So, there's no spot unless the Jays dump someone else. Hanson turns in strong effort Clemens was forced to miss his scheduled start with a strained groin. Clemens hopes to make his next start later this week. Hanson was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, after experiencing soreness in his pitching shoulder during spring training, where he allowed 13 runs and 23 hits in 19 innings. Canseco feasting on former team Clemens to miss scheduled start The four-time Cy Young winner removed himself from Tuesday's start at Minnesota after only seven pitches. Clemens (1-1) hurt himself while warming up in the bullpen. Toronto activated right-hander Erik Hanson off the disabled list to make Sunday's start. Green ties record Green, with the home run, tied a Blue Jays club record. To watch the home run, head over to Video. Clemens still bothered by 'mild' injury "He says it just feels more fatigued, like he pitched a lot of innings," manager Tim Johnson said before Wednesday's game against the Twins. "It doesn't feel like he pulled it or anything like that." Clemens leaves with strained groin The four-time Cy Young winner left after just seven pitches because of a strained right groin, and the Twins took advantage of his absence to rout the Toronto Blue Jays 121 Tuesday. Stewart returns to leadoff spot "Yeah, it's kind of exciting," Stewart said of his second game. "So far it has been pretty frustrating. I don't feel close to being 100 percent yet but a lot of guys play at less than 100 percent. But I think it's time to go out and play." Jays confident bats will heat up "I don't think we're even near the same team we were last year," veteran Juan Samuel told the Toronto Sun. "It's still very early in the season, but I know this team is going to hit. We have guys in the middle of this lineup who have been in this type of situation before. It's just a matter of remaining patient." Shawn Green, in his fourth season with the Jays, says the presence of veterans like Mike Stanley, Darrin Fletcher and Jose Canseco is one reason this year's team is confident it won't repeat last year's failures. "They've all been on winners," Green said. "They didn't experience all that stuff we went through last year. ... I know for a fact that no one on the team is panicking." Stewart strains hamstring Stewart, the Blue Jays left fielder, hurt his leg while running to first on a fly ball in the first inning. Blue Jays officials described the strain as mild and said Stewart would be re-evaluated later. Stewart, who hit .286 with Toronto last season after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse, was one of the baseball's best hitters during spring training. He hit .364 with a .482 on-base percentage, and stole 12 bases. Hanson goes on 15-day DL The team also announced that second baseman Pat Kelly refused a minor-league assignment and opted for free agency, and that infielder Tom Evans had been optioned to Class AAA Syracuse. Hanson opened the 1997 season on the disabled list with right tricep fatigue. He made two starts in April but was bothered by stiffness in the right shoulder. Hanson underwent arthroscopic surgery in May to repair some fraying of the rotator cuff and did not return until mid-September. Limited to just three appearances, Hanson had a 7.80 ERA over 15 innings. Perez waived by Jays Perez lost out to 37-year-old Juan Samuel and switch-hitter Felipe Crespo, who can play both infield and outfield. Last year, Perez hit .192 in 37 games and in 1996, he hit .327 in 86 games. Stieb continues comeback Plantier refuses assignment, released Plantier was only 4-for-31 with 10 strikeouts during spring training. The Blue Jays optioned three other players to Syracuse - catcher Julio Mosquera, shortstop Tomas Perez and pitcher Carlos Almanzar. Santiago placed on 60-day DL The second-year Blue Jay was to platoon with newcomer Darrin Fletcher. The 32-year old Santiago batted just .243 with 13 homers and 42 RBI last season after hitting a career-high 30 homers with Philadelphia in 1996. Jays trim roster Blue Jays catching up Brown spent the majority of the 1997 campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City, hitting .241 with 19 homers and 50 RBI in 116 games. He appeared in four games with Texas, going 2-for-5 with a solo homer. Brown also saw action in three games with the Rangers in 1996. Crabtree went 3-3 with two saves and a 7.08 ERA in 37 relief appearances last season, his third in Toronto. The 28-year-old, who also pitched at Triple-A Syracuse, struck out 26 and walked 17 in 40 2/3 innings. Stieb trying comeback Stieb, who had been working with the younger pitchers this spring, started training Wednesday at the Blue Jays' minor-league camp. "He thinks he can still pitch in the majors, so he'll be working out with our minor leaguers and possibly pitch in a minor-league spring game," Blue Jays spokesman Howard Starkman said. Sprague feeling close to 100 percent Sprague, who had his shoulder scoped in the offseason, played two games this week and hit the ball well. One of the few veterans on the Jays seems to have turned the corner and should be ready to go when the season starts. "My arm is not completely 100 percent, but it's at the point where I know I can play every day," Sprague said. Guzman leaves after 10 pitches "My body aches. I think I'm catching a cold or something," Guzman said. "When I was throwing in batting practice, I told (pitching coach) Mel Queen I wasn't feeling good. I told him I'd go out and if I didn't feel any better I'd come out." Jays round up lineup Four Jays signed Blue Jays team up with Headline Sports The Toronto Flagship station of the network is 1050 CHUM. For a complete listing or Headline Sports radio affiliates,
click here. Green inks 2-year deal Green, who made $500,000 last season, gets a $400,000 signing bonus, $1,275,000 this season and $2,825,000 in 1999. Jays sign Canseco Canseco, 33, spent the 1997 season with the Oakland Athletics where in 108 games he hit .235 with 23 home runs and 74 RBI. The 6-4, 240 lb. right-hand hitting outfielder had 19 doubles and stole eight bases. The 13 year veteran is a career .269 hitter with 351 home runs and 1,107 RBI in 1,449 games. Canseco was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1986 with the Oakland Athletics. In 1988, the native of Havana, Cuba, was the AL MVP after batting .307 with 42 home runs, 124 RBI and 40 stolen bases. Toronto will be his fourth Major League team after stops in Oakland (1985-1992, 1997), Texas (1992- 1993) and Boston (1995- 1996). Canseco is a career .255(37-145) hitter at SkyDome with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. Jays sign Gonzalez Gonzalez, 24, hit .239 last season with 23 doubles, 12 home runs and 35 RBI. The right-hand hitting shortstop from Miami, FL led AL shortstops with a .986 fielding percentage. Gonzalez, 6-0, 190 lbs, is a career .235 hitter with 36 home runs and 142 RBI in 399 games. Jays agree to terms with 9 players The Jays now have 15 players on the 40-man roster remaining to be signed for 1998 including Shawn Green and Alex Gonzalez who are the only two arbitration eligible players remaining. The other unsigned players are RHP's Chris Carpenter, Tim Crabtree, Kelvim Escobar, Robert Person and Ken Robinson, catcher Julio Mosquera, infielders Felipe Crespo, Tom Evans, Ryan Freel and Tomas Perez, and outfielders Jose Cruz, Robert Perez and Luis Saturria. Blue Jays & Carlos Delgado Agree on Contract Delgado, 25, hit .262 with 30 home runs and 91 RBI in the 1997 season for Toronto. The 6-3, 225lb. left-handed hitter has a career average of .253 in 373 games with 67 home runs and 218 RBI. The Aguadilla, PR native is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery which was performed on Monday, January 19, 1998 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Delgado is not expected to return to action with Toronto until June 1. Also of note, 2B Carlos Garcia has been signed by the Cleveland Indians. Delgado to have surgery The recovery time from the operation will not be estimated until after the surgery has been performed. Blue Jays agree to terms with Williams Williams, 31, was 9-14 last season for Toronto with a 4.35 ERA in 31 starts. The 6-0, 190lbs., right-hander set career highs in starts, wins, innings pitched (194.2) and strikeouts (124). Williams has spent his entire career in the Blue Jays organization after his 28th round selection in the 1988 June Draft. In five Major League seasons the Alvin, TX resident has compiled an 1815 record with a 4.21 ERA in 134 games, 44 starts. The Jays have also signed outfielder Jacob Brumfield and infielder Jeff Patzke to minor league contracts with invitations to attend spring training with the Major League team. Also, the Jays have acquired, from the St. Louis Cardinals, via Major League Rule V draft, OF Luis Saturria. Don't see the navigation? Click here.
SUN. SEPTEMBER 27
Rookie Roy Halladay almost put a flawless finish on the Jays' season. Halladay, pitching just his second major-league game, came within one out of a no-hitter Sunday, losing his bid when pinch-hitter Bobby Higginson homered in the Jays' 2-1 victory over the Tigers. Alex Gonzalez and Shawn Green provided the offense for the Jays, both hitting solo home runs. Halladay had a perfect game until the fifth when second basemen Felipe Crespo mishandled a sharp grounder hit by Tony Clark.
FRI. SEPTEMBER 25
Jays reliever Robert Person sustained cuts to his face when he was robbed of his wallet by five suspects Friday morning outside a Toronto bar, police said. Police say Person's wallet contained nearly $2000 US and several hundred Canadian dollars.
WED. SEPTEMBER 23
No, not Mark McGwire. Not Sammy Sosa, either. Tonight, in the Jays' 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, Shannon Stewart hit a home run. Stewart's homer came in the second inning, with two outs and Craig Grebeck on first base, off Juan Guzman. What's so special about this home run, you ask? Well, it set a new Jays franchise record for most team HRs in a season. It was homer number 216, surpassing the 215 mark set back in '87. Oh yeah, Stewart also stole his 50th base of the season.
TUES. SEPTEMBER 22
Roger Clemens won his 20th game of the season, improving his record to 20-6. This is the fifth time in his career that he has reached the 20 win plateau in a season. The Rocket struck out 15, and has now won 15 consecutive decisions. The 36-year-old has the longest winning streak in the majors since Gaylord Perry won 15 in a row in 1974 for Cleveland.
SUN. SEPTEMBER 20
Highly touted 21-year old pitcher Roy Halladay made his Major League debut today, and fared pretty well. Although he did not get a decision in the Jays' 7-5, 12-inning win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, he did go five strong innings, allowing three runs (only two earned) and eight hits while K'ing five.
SAT. SEPTEMBER 19
Jays right-hander Pat Hentgen had his injured pitching shoulder examined Friday night by Dr. James Andrews, who agreed with an earlier diagnosis of tendinitis. The 1996 Cy Young Award will not pitch again this season. No surgery will be required. Either Dave Stieb or Roy Halladay will take his spot in the rotation through the end of the season.
TUE. SEPTEMBER 15
Pitcher Pat Hentgen has tendinitis in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Hentgen, the 1996 AL Cy Young Award winner, might be able to return if the Jays advance to the playoffs.
SUN. SEPTEMBER 14
X-rays on the right hand of Roger Clemens were negative, and Toronto said he will make his next scheduled start on Wednesday.
SUN. SEPTEMBER 14
Jays pitcher Bill Risley was suspended two games for his actions in a near-brawl the team had with the Yankees last Friday night. Darryl Strawberry, who threw a punch in the direction of Risley, was suspended three games. Both suspensions are scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Risley has not said if he'll appeal the suspension or not.
SAT. SEPTEMBER 12
After getting intentionally plunked by Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu in the fifth inning, Shannon Stewart was obviously upset. The beaning was in retalliation to what the Yankees thought was an intentional hitting of Scott Brosius in the fourth by Roger Clemens.
THU. SEPT. 10
Yesterday night's 6-3 13-inning loss to the Indians was a game the Jays would like to forget, as it snapped Toronto's 11 game winning streak. Alex Gonzalez would like to put the game behind him as well, as he tied a major league record for strikeouts in an extra inning game by getting punched out six times. The last player to strike out six times in an extra inning game was Sam Horn of the '91 Baltimore Orioles.
TUE. SEPT. 8
With his fourth home run (number 41) in as many games, Jose Canseco tied Shawn Green's club record for most consecutive games with a homer. Jose hit his 40th home run of the year on Saturday, the third time he has reached the plateau in his career. The homer went into the left field fifth deck 500 level at SkyDome, making Canseco the first player to hit the ball there twice. Mark McGwire and Joe Carter each did it once. Canseco is the third Blue Jay to reach the 40-homer level, joining Jesse Barfield and George Bell.
SUN. SEPT. 6
Roger Clemens picked up his 18th win of the season Saturday and has now won 13 straight games leaving him one shy of his personal best set back in 1986. He has not lost since a 7-3 setback to the Indians on May 29.
SAT. SEPTEMBER 5
Shawn Green hit his 30th homer of the season last night in the Jays' 12-1 rout of the Red Sox, becoming the first Blue Jay ever to reach the 30 homer-30 steal mark in a season. Shawn had stolen two bases in the game before to get to 31 in the steals category. Green's homer came in the eighth off Carlos Reyes with no one on and one out. Shawn also had a pretty good night all around, going 4-4 and making a nifty over the shoulder catch at the warning track in the seventh.
FRI. SEPTEMBER 4
Yesterday night it was the Shannon Stewart show, as the Jays' outfielder, playing left, lead the team to their seventh straight victory, a 4-3, 11 inning win over the Boston Red Sox. Stewart hit the game winning single, his fourth base-knock of the night, in the 11th off of relief pitcher Dario Veras, scoring Tony Fernandez from second.
MON. SEPTEMBER 1
Was there ever any doubt? Roger Clemens picked up the AL Player of the Week award for the period ending yesterday.August '98
MON. AUGUST 31
Roger Clemens is definitely the best pitcher in baseball right now, as the Rocket hurled a 2-hitter to lead the Jays to a 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins Sunday. He hasn't lost since May 29 - 17 starts - and became just the fourth pitcher this decade with three straight shutouts, joining Randy Johnson, David Cone and Bobby Witt, who all did it in 1994. Clemens' 12 wins in that span is the longest W streak in the majors this season.
SAT. AUGUST 29
Hey, it had to happen sometime! Pat Hentgen's consecutive pitching start streak of 138 starts will end this afternoon, as the '96 Cy Young winner will have to sit out with tendinitis in his right shoulder. This is the first time he will miss a start since his third scheduled appearance in '93.
WED. AUGUST 26
Roger Clemens continues to make a strong bid for his fifth Cy Young, and second in as many years, as yesterday he won his 11th straight decision. The Rocket struck out a Jays club record 18 batters, including Terry Pendleton in the fifth for his 200th of the season, leading Toronto to a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals.
TUE. AUGUST 25
Yesterday, Jays first basemen Carlos Delgado was named the AL Player of the Week of August 17-23 along with Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez.
MON. AUGUST 24
Both Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco want to stay with the Jays, and that's a good thing, the way both of them are playing right now.
FRI. AUGUST 21
Roger Clemens was just on yesterday night, as he fired a 3-hit shutout (42nd of career) against the Seattle Mariners, leading the Jays to a 7-0 win. The win was the Rocket's 10th straight, and he hasn't lost a start since May 29th against the Indians. Clemens struck out six and walked two. He had a no-hitter broken up in the fifth by a David Segui infield single. The Rocket keeps on going, and going, and going...
THU. AUGUST 20
Yesterday night, the Jays hammered the Mariners 16-2 and hit a major league season high seven homers in a single game! Carlos Delgado and Shawn Green each hit two out, while Jose Cruz, Jr, Felipe Crespo, and Darrin Fletcher all hit one. The Jays also bashed out 21 hits, a season high, and matched their record for extra base hits with 12, set on September 14, '87 against the Baltimore Orioles.
MON. AUGUST 17
Catcher Benito Santiago, on the disabled list since March 18 from injuries suffered in an off-season car accident, has started a 20-day rehabilitation assignment with the Class A Dunedin Blue Jays.
SAT. AUGUST 15
Once again, Roger Clemens comes up with a brilliant performance: eight innings, two runs, and a season high 15 K's. Usually, that's more than enough for the win. Today, though, it wasn't, as the Jays ended up losing to the Anaheim Angels in 11 innings.
FRI. AUGUST 14
Carlos Delgado was named the Jays' team captain yesterday by manager Tim Johnson, and any Jays fan knows why. The two grand slams, the three-homer game, but most importantly, the charisma. Yeah - when Carlos speaks in the clubhouse, everyone listens. And yesterday, when he dove head-first (if that's possible) into the stands to try to make a catch on a foul ball, he once again showed why he was chosen as the leader of the ballclub.
WED. AUG. 12
Roger Clemens is helping Major League Baseball's efforts to use Canada as the testing ground for girls-only clinics aimed at expanding the sport's female fan base outside the United States.
TUE. AUG. 11
ose Canseco must really like Roger Clemens. The slugger says he'd probably leave Toronto if the Jays trade Clemens in the offseason.
MON. AUG. 10
Shortstop Alex Gonzalez was lifted in the fifth inning of Sunday's victory over Oakland after being hit on the right hand by a Mike Oquist pitch.
SUN. AUG. 9
Reliever Dan Plesac has had it with teammates who continue to complain about the Jays firesale of late, and says the atmosphere in the clubhouse is counter-productive.
SAT. AUG. 8
The Blue Jays' first choice to replace the departed Randy Myers is former outfielder Robert Person, who will spend the next two weeks at Triple-A Syracuse taking a crash course in becoming a closer, Jays manager Tim Johnson announced.
FRI. AUGUST 7
The Blue Jays agreed to terms Thursday with shortstop Felipe Lopez, their first-round pick in the June draft.
FRI. AUGUST 7
The Jays continued their rapid dismantling program yesterday when they let the San Diego Padres grab closer Randy Myers off waivers for minor league catcher Brian Loyd and a player to be named later.
THU. AUGUST 6
With Juan Guzman now starting for the O's, Tim Johnson had to fill the starting role and put in young flame thrower Kelvim Escobar, a reliever who had just been recalled from Syracuse, for his first major league start against the Texas Rangers last night.
WED. AUGUST 5
Carlos Delgado homered last night against the Texas Rangers - not once, not twice, but thrice! The Jays star first basemen joined Lee Stevens, ironically, from the Rangers, as the only two AL players who have hit three home runs in a single game this season.
SUN. AUGUST 2
Jose Cruz, Jr. was called up on Friday and got two at bats. He struck out both times.
SAT. AUGUST 1
The Jays pulled their final deal late yesterday evening when they sent third basemen Ed Sprague, one of the few players left from their World Series championship team, to the Oakland Athletics for minor-league pitcher Scott Rivette.
SAT. AUGUST 1
Yesterday, during the Jays' 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins, outfielder Tony Phillips was dealt to the New York Mets after playing just 12 games with Toronto.July '98
FRI. JULY 31
Are the Jays surrendering? It might appear that way, as they traded starting pitcher Juan Guzman to their wildcard opponent Baltimore Orioles today in their second trade in two days.
FRI. JULY 31
Right-hander Juan Guzman may have known something before going out and shutting down the Rangers on Thursday night. According to the Toronto Sun, Guzman met with manager Tim Johnson, general manager Gord Ash and pitching coach Mel Queen prior to the game.
THU. JULY 30
Today, the Red Sox brought Mike Stanley back to Boston, as they pulled off a deal with the Jays.
TUE. JULY 28
According to The Toronto Sun, Dodgers interim general manager Tommy Lasorda is interested in Blue Jays right-hander Juan Guzman and is offering second baseman Eric Young.
SUN. JULY 26
In Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Jose Canseco hit a home run in the eighth inning, giving him 380 in his career, passing Orlando Cepeda and Tony Perez for the most ever by a player born outside the United States. Canseco was born in Cuba.
SUN. JULY 26
Pat Hentgen was frustrated. To add to the fact that he had been struggling slighty in his last few starts, GM Gord Ash and Manager Tim Johnson were talking about skipping Hentgen's start today against the Red Sox so Roger Clemens could pitch.
SAT. JULY 25
Jose Canseco hit the Coke Box in Fenway with his 379th career home run last night to tie Tony Perez and Orlando Cepada for 36th on the all-time list. He also tied the former Latin players for the most homers hit by a player born outside the United States.
FRI. JULY 24
Mo Vaughn wants to play in Toronto. According to The Toronto Sun, the Boston first basemen made it clear before the Red Sox-Blue Jays game Thursday night he prefers Toronto over Boston.
MON. JULY 20
Carlos Delgado reached some uncharted territory on Sunday during the Jays' 9-3 victory over the New York Yankees, when he hit a mammoth home run off of starter Andy Pettitte into the right field upper deck.
FRI. JULY 17
Tony Phillips, who pleaded guilty to a cocaine possession charge last year, is back in the big leagues as the struggling Toronto Blue Jays promoted him from the minors Friday.
FRI. JULY 17
Former major leaguer Pat Kelly, who had been playing with the Jays Triple-A affiliate Syracuse, was sold to the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday for an undisclosed amount.
THU. JULY 16
Chris Carpenter sure had the Chicago White Sox numbered tonight in Toronto's 51 victory, as the Jays' starter struck out a career high 10 batters, twice a victim being the red-hot Albert Belle.
THU. JULY 16
Dave Stieb's fastball was clocked at 87 to 90 mph on the radar gun Wednesday in the Jays' 51 loss to Chicago. He threw 105 pitches, 60 for strikes.
MON. JULY 13
When Tony Fernandez singled to left in the sixth inning of tonight's 5-0 loss to the Orioles, it was significant for two reasons. It was the first hit of the game for the Blue Jays. And it was career hit No. 2,000 for Fernandez, who became the fourth player from the Dominican Republic to reach that plateau.
WED. JULY 8
Yesterday night at the 69th All Star Game in Coors Field, Roger Clemens, the only Blue Jay selected to play, represented Toronto well.
MON. JULY 6
Roger Clemens joined an exclusive baseball club Sunday, becoming the 11th player in major league history to record 3,000 strikeouts in the Jays' 2-1 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
SAT. JULY 4
On Independence Day in the US, Chris Carpenter took Pat Hentgen's advice to heart.
FRI. JULY 3
Veteran Dave Stieb pitched three perfect innings Thursday night against the Mets in his first appearance at SkyDome since July 29, 1992.
WED. JULY 1
Pitcher Roger Clemens was named to the American League All-Star team by manager Mike Hargrove on Wednesday.
WED. JULY 1
The Blue Jays on Wednesday took a chance on Tony Phillips, the veteran infielder-outfielder who was not re-signed by the Angels following a troubled 1997 season.
WED. JULY 1
It was Canada Day, and the Jays wore their special Canada Day uniforms (vests with the word "Canada" on the back and red T-shirts underneath) and red caps to commemorate the holiday, and turned in a special game for the 37,252 fans in attendance.
WED. JULY 1
In last night's 6-3 win over the Mets, the Blue Jays hit four home runs to help out Roger Clemens to his 9th victory of the season.June '98
SAT. JUNE 27
Last night's win over the Braves wasn't only a game in which the Jays won for the 6th night in a row, it was a game of a couple of advancements on all time lists.
FRI. JUNE 26
Last night, Woody Williams bounced back from a terrible last outing against the Baltimore Orioles, as he pitched his first career shutout last night, a five hit gem in the Jays' 1-0 win over the Montreal Expos.
MON. JUNE 22
Congratulations to pitcher Juan Guzman, as he got his 1000th career strikeout tonight when he K'd Rondell White swinging in the 4th inning of the Jays' 141 romp of the Expos.
MON. JUNE 22
Jose Canseco sure must've been happy about one thing during the Jays' series against the Baltimore Orioles... On Sunday, Canseco surpassed 300 plate appearances, earning himself a $100,000 bonus. With the payraise, the left fielder will now earn at least $975,000 this season.
THU. JUNE 19
Dave Stieb, at age 40, made his MLB comeback last night, as he threw a scoreless 9th inning in the Jays 13-6 romp of the Orioles.
TUE. JUNE 16
Pitcher Erik Hanson, who was designated for assignment last Wednesday, was given his outright release by the Blue Jays Tuesday.
MON. JUNE 15
Jose Canseco continues to prove that he is a threat to once again join the 40-40 club that he founded. With a homer and a stolen base on Sunday, he is practically halfway there, with 20 homers and 19 steals. The homer was the 371st of Canseco's career, moving him past Gil Hodges into 42nd place on the all-time list.
MON. JUNE 15
Joe Carter played in 1,039 games for the Toronto Blue Jays, but he'll be forever remembered for one swing.
SUN. JUNE 14
Jose Cruz, Jr., struggling in his first full season with the Blue Jays, was sent down to the minors Saturday.
THU. JUNE 11
Pitcher Erik Hanson's disappointing three-year stint with the Jays ended Wednesday, and the struggling right-hander was relieved.
TUE. JUNE 9
Well, you knew Carlos Delgado was going to heat up sometime soon, and he sure has! The first basemen, who led the league with 28 total bases in seven games, was named American League Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday.
TUE. JUNE 9
The Blue Jays lost the longest interleague game ever yesterday night (or this morning, whenever it ended) to the Florida Marlins (who entered the game with an 11-game losing streak) in the 17th innings. Sad. Even worse when you find out that the home plate umpire Tom Hallion made the wrong call which prevented the Jays from taking the lead in the top of the 17th inning!
SUN. JUNE 7
The Jays recalled pitcher Robert Person from Syracuse of the International League and designated pitcher Ben VanRyn for assignment. The Jays then purchased the contract of pitcher David Morgan from Class A Dunedin of the Florida State League, placed him on the 40-man roster and optioned him back to Dunedin.
WED. JUNE 3
Yesterday in the 1998 First-Year Player's Draft, the Jays selected Felipe Lopez from Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, FL with their first round selection, 8th overall.May '98
VARIOUS DATES
Trade rumors have been, and are still in the air this week (5/25-5/28)... Despite Jose Cruz, Jr.'s slump, the Jays have said that they will hold on to him. Chances are someone like Erik Hanson, Juan Guzman, or Chris Carpenter will get traded to teams like the Phillies, Cardinals, or Astros for someone like Derek Bell, who's a former Jay himself.
SUN. MAY 24
The Jays pitching staff is finally doing what every Jays fan hoped it would do at the beginning of the season: win, win, win.
FRI. MAY 22
The Jays will hold a ceremony honoring Joe Carter before the game against Baltimore on June 14 at SkyDome.
FRI. MAY 22
Jose Canseco is quickly approaching his goals for this season of homering 30 times and stealing 30 bases. Canseco has 16 HRs and 12 SB already, and he's on pace for a 40-40 season.
THU. MAY 21
If Dave Stieb is going to make it back onto the Jays roster, he's gotta show some better stuff.
TUE. MAY 19
Woody Williams and Randy Myers combined on what seems to be the millionth Jays near-perfect-game this season. First you had Clemens and Quantrill, then Hentgen and Quantrill, and now this!
TUE. MAY 19
Roger Clemens' wife Debbie is being treated for kidney stone problems in Houston, and that is likely why Clemens got shelled on Monday by the Mariners. The Rocket also has his mind on his mother, Bess, who has been fighting a battle with emphysema.
FRI. MAY 15
Cecil Fielder, a former Blue Jay from 1985-88, hinted on Thursday that he might want to return to Toronto.
THU. MAY 14
Jays outfielder Jose Cruz Jr was taken to a hospital Tuesday night after suffering a severe allergic reaction that was a "potentially life-threatening situation."
WED. MAY 13
Jose Canseco's home run in Tuesday's game was not only the game winning home run, but was also his 362nd of his career, moving him past Joe DiMaggio for 43rd on the all time career home run list.
TUE. MAY 12
The Jays went 6-4 on their recent West Coast trip, and Tim Johnson was very pleased, especially with the performances of Pat Hentgen and Juan Guzman. The bats are starting to come alive for the Jays as well, so hopefully they can continue their success.
SAT. MAY 9
Congratulations to Jays pitcher Pat Hentgen, as on Saturday he struck out Ken Griffey, Jr. of the Seattle Mariners in the 1st inning for his 800th career K.
VARIOUS DATES
On May 8, the Jays traded minor league pitcher Dane Johnson to the Brewers for future considerations. Johnson was 1-0 with 3.18 ERA at Triple-A Syracuse.
MON. MAY 4
Jose Cruz has been struggling, hearing boos, and sitting on the bench at the same time. Cruz comes in to tonight's game against the A's with a .208 BA and only 1 home run.
MON. MAY 4
Dave Stieb struck out eight in eight innings, allowing five hits in his first Triple-A win of the season as the Syracuse SkyChiefs beat the Pawtucket Red Sox 51 Sunday in the International League.
SAT. MAY 2
Roger Clemens showed the Oakland A's why he has won 4 Cy Youngs, as he took a no-hitter into the 7th before Ben Grieve hit a single. Clemens struck out 7 while allowing 2 walks, and Quantrill finished it off with 2 innings of perfect relief.April '98
WED. APRIL 29
Dave Stieb's comeback took another step forward Tuesday night even though the 40-year-old former Jays right-hander was charged with Syracuse's 1-0 loss to Rochester.
TUE. APRIL 28
If you were wondering why Jose Cruz hasn't played that much in the past week or so, you're not alone!
MON. APRIL 27
Jays flamethrower Kelvim Escobar threw off the mound for the first time since being placed on the disabled list April 16 with inflammation in his right elbow.
FRI. APRIL 24
Carlos Delgad was activated from his minor-league rehabilitation assignment on Thursday. Delgado underwent arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 19 to repair torn cartilage in his right shoulder. He suffered the injury while diving for a ball in winter league play two weeks earlier.
FRI. APRIL 24
Dave Stieb always seemed to pitch in tough luck in his prime, so what's a little setback on the road back?
WED. APRIL 22
Second baseman Tony Fernandez committed the error that essentially cost the Jays Monday night's game against the Yankees. But manager Tim Johnson says all is forgiven.
SUN. APRIL 19
Blue Jays minor league pitcher Robert Person was involved in a car accident Saturday in Syracuse, N.Y., and suffered a small fracture of the fifth cervical vertabrae. BlueJayFan.com wishes Person a quick and healthy recovery.
SUN. APRIL 19
Pat Hentgen isn't about to let a sore right elbow stop his starting streak. Hentgen, who has never missed a scheduled start in his seven-year career, rebounded from one of his worst starts Saturday as the Blue Jays defeated the White Sox 9-4.
SUN. APRIL 19
Dave Stieb, trying to make a comeback at age 40 for the Blue Jays, won for the second time in a week in the Florida State League, pitching Dunedin over Brevard County 6-4 Saturday.
SAT. APRIL 18
Roger Clemens looked sharp in his first start in 10 days, pitching 6 2/3 innings Friday night to lead the Blue Jays to a 6-1 win over the White Sox.
SAT. APRIL 18
Toronto recalled third baseman Tom Evans from Triple-A Syracuse today. Evans, 23, hit .318 with three home runs and 12 RBI in six games with the SkyChiefs.
SAT. APRIL 18
Carlos Delgado, still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, began a rehabilitation assignment Friday at Class Dunedin of the Florida State League.
THU. APRIL 16
Carlos Delgado is one doctor's OK from playing again.
WED. APRIL 15
This was not the Juan Guzman who hadn't won since last May, who gave up 10 runs to Minnesota in his previous start. This was the Juan Guzman who won 32 games between 1992-94 and was one of the most effective right-handers in the league.
TUE. APRIL 14
Dave Stieb, trying to make a comeback at age 40, won for the first time in five years when the Dunedin Blue Jays beat the Sarasota Red Sox 5-3 Monday night in the Florida State League.
TUE. APRIL 14
Erik Hanson will remain in the rotation on the strength of his outing Sunday against the Rangers, meaning rookie Chris Carpenter will be shuffled back to the bullpen. Hanson allowed just one earned run and seven hits - all singles - in his no-decision effort.
MON. APRIL 13
Erik Hanson made his first start since April 22 -- going 7 1/3 strong innings Sunday -- and now must wait to find out if he'll be part of the Blue Jays rotation. Hanson knows the situation -- six starters can't fit into five roles.
SUN. APRIL 12
Oft-injured right-hander Erik Hanson was activated off the disabled list and turned in a strong performance in place of Roger Clemens, allowing one run over 7 1/3 innings, but the Jays couldn't make it stand up in a 3-1 loss to the Rangers.
SUN. APRIL 12
Jose Canseco continues to torment his former team. All five of his home runs this season have come against the Rangers, including a three-run shot in a five-run first inning in Saturday's 9-8 triumph at Texas.
SAT. APRIL 11
Roger Clemens will miss Sunday's scheduled start for the Blue Jays against Texas because of recurring problems with a strained right groin.
WED. APRIL 9
Shawn Green hit his 4th home run in as many games tonight, as he hammered a Brad Radke pitch over the fence. It was one of only two runs the Jays managed off the Twins starter, as Minnesota did eventually win, 13-2.
THU. APRIL 9
Roger Clemens woke up Wednesday morning feeling like he had pitched a long outing, a positive sign for the Blue Jays after their star strained a groin muscle Tuesday.
WED. APRIL 8
Right from the start, Roger Clemens had a feeling something was wrong.
WED. APRIL 8
Shannon Stewart returned to the top of the Blue Jays lineup for the first time since he suffered a mild strain of his left hamstring in the first at-bat of the season opener.
TUE. APRIL 7
The Blue Jays have the same 2-3 record of a year ago. They've also experienced the same problem of losing one-run games. And the bats? Well, they've been as quiet as ever. Still, this group of Jays refuse to believe its are in for another punchless season at the plate despite a .205 team average.
THU. APRIL 2
The Blue Jays sustained their first injury less than three innings into the 1998 season when leadoff man Shannon Stewart strained his left hamstring Wednesday night against Minnesota.March '98
TUE. MARCH 31
The Blue Jays placed right-handed pitcher Erik Hanson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, with soreness in his right shoulder.
SAT. MARCH 28
The Blue Jays have placed outfielder Robert Perez on waivers.
SAT. MARCH 21
Dave Stieb, trying to make a comeback at age 40, pitched two innings and allowed two unearned runs Saturday in a Triple-A exhibition game for the Jays.
THU. MARCH 19
Outfielder Phil Plantier, a non-roster player, was released by the Blue Jays on Thursday, after refusing an assignment to Syracuse.
WED. MARCH 18
Blue Jays catcher Benito Santiago, who has not played this spring after being involved in a one-car accident in early-January, was placed on the 60-day disabled list Wednesday due to a right knee injury sustained during the crash.
MON. MARCH 16
The Jays' roster is down to 37 after the team rid itself of six players. Pitchers Gary Glover and Tom Davey were optioned to Knoxville, while outfielder Anthony Sanders was sent to Syracuse. Pitchers Dane Johnson and Roy Halladay and catcher Alex Delgado were sent to the minor-league camp for reassignment.
SAT. MARCH 14
Looking for a backup to starting catcher Darrin Fletcher, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired 24-year-old Kevin Brown from the Texas Rangers for reliever Tim Crabtree.
FRI. MARCH 13
Dave Stieb, who hasn't pitched in the major leagues in nearly five years, is making a comeback at age 40 with his original team, the Blue Jays.
THU. MARCH 12
Ed Sprague is tired of his slow rehab from shoulder surgery and equally tired of listening to teammates and coaches constantly ask him how that same shoulder feels. If two games this week are any indication, Sprague may have overcome both problems.
TUE. MARCH 10
Juan Guzman put a scare into the Blue Jays' organization on Monday after the pitcher left a game against the Red Sox following just 10 pitches. Luckily, his removal was as a precaution against flu-like symptoms and not related to the shoulder trouble that required surgery last season.
FRI. MARCH 6
The Jays now have everyone on their 40-man roster signed, today agreeing to terms with INF Tomas Perez, OF Jose Cruz and RHP's Chris Carpenter & Robert Person.
WED. MARCH 4
The Jays have agreed to terms on one year deals with C Julio Mosquera, OF Robert Perez and RHP's Tim Crabtree & Kelvim Escobar.February '98
WED. FEBRUARY 18
The Jays have entered into a three-year deal with Headline Sports Radio Network for Blue Jays Radio Broadcast rights. Headline Sports will carry all Blue Jays regular season and post-season games. Nine Spring Training games will also be broadcast, starting with the Saturday February 28th game against the Phillies.
FRI. FEBRUARY 6
Outfielder Shawn Green and the Blue Jays agreed Friday to a $4.5 million, two-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.
WED. FEBRUARY 4
The Jays have signed free agent outfielder Jose Canseco to a one year contract.
WED. FEBRUARY 4
The Jays and Alex Gonzalez have agreed on a one-year contract for the 1998 season, thus avoiding arbitration.January '98
WED. JANUARY 21
The Jays have agreed to terms on one year contracts for the 1998 season with nine of the players on their 40 man roster; RHP's Tomas Davey, Gary Glover and Joe Young, LHP Steve Sinclair, infielders Ryan Jones, Mike Peeples and Kevin Witt and outfielders Anthony Sanders and Shannon Stewart.
TUE. JANUARY 20
The Jays have agreed to terms with 1B Carlos Delgado on a one year deal for the 1998 season.
FRI. JANUARY 16
Jays first baseman Carlos Delgado will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Monday, January 19, 1998. The surgery will be performed by Blue Jay team physician, Dr. Tony Miniaci at Toronto Western Hospital.
FRI. JANUARY 16
The Jays have agreed to terms on a one year contract with RHP Woody Williams and have avoided salary arbitration.