December | November | October | September | August | July | June | May | April | March | February | January Delgado re-signs "We were able to work a deal out where I was happy, not so much with the money but with some of the clauses that are in the contract," Delgado said. "At the end of season we were talking about a long-term contract but I had a few concerns." The deal has an option clause that allows Delgado to demand a trade after the 2000 season, which would give the Jays until Spring Training to find a new suitor. If none is found, Delgado has the option to become a free agent or to stay with the club. Also included in the deal is a no-trade clause, something the Jays have never given any player before. Delgado, who would have become a free-agent after the 2000 season, gets a $3 million signing bonus, and will be paid $5.6 million next season, $12.65 million in 2001, and $14.75 million in 2002. Delgado's average annual salary of $12 million ties Yankees pitcher David Cone for the 10th-highest in baseball. Last season, Delgado hit .272 with career highs of 44 homers and 134 RBI. He's expected to bat in the cleanup position behind Raul Mondesi in 2000. Mondesi looks forward to playing with Jays Mondesi batted a career-low .253 last season, which he blamed on numerous distractions and his unhappiness with the Dodgers. However, he did set personal bests with 33 homers and 99 RBI - playing in a pitcher-friendly ballpark. "I think, if I don't have any problems and my mind is clear," Mondesi said, "I'm going to have a great year." Matheny released Hentgen sent to the Cardinals Green dealt to LA Offseason moves More roster news Joey Hamilton has come down with pain in his throwing shoulder, and will most likely miss the rest of the season. The team has only confirmed that he will miss one start, but things don't look too good. As for David Segui, he is slated to be back within the next 48 hours, and will probably be back in the starting lineup pretty soon. He has been out since August 8 when he was hit in the hand with a line drive. Roster update Also, starter Chris Carpenter had a "flare-up" in his right elbow and will miss at least one start, probably two. "We're going to skip one start, go day to day and see what happens," Carpenter said. "Hopefully it's something that will go away with minimum amount of rest." Segui on DL Record-setting night for Jays Jays trade for McRae Jays claim Goodwin off waivers Delgado hits three homers "I can't explain the feeling," said Delgado, who broke out of a 1-17 slump. "The first one was amazing, the second one had the adrenalin pumping, then the third one wins the game. That's very satisfying." With his amazing performance, Delgado tied a Jays record by hitting three longballs in a game, also accomplished seven other times, and became the first player to do it twice. Green's record streak ends "They played great defense against me, they pitched me well, but I'm just happy it happened on a day that we did win so I don't feel like I didn't contribute," Green said. During the streak, which broke John Olerud's former high of 23 games, the Jays went 21-7. Jays acquire David Segui Jays looking to deal Seattle's interested in Tom Davey, while the Rockies would want either Kelvim Escobar, Chris Carpenter, or Roy Halladay. The Dodgers are asking for Jose Cruz, Jr, Pat Hentgen, and Escobar for Karros, Devon White, and Carlos Perez, while the Cubs are looking for pitching. Jays represented at All-Star Game Green hits two in first HR derby Green and Fernandez named All-Star reserves Green, 26, will be making his first All-Star game after batting .326 with 24 home runs and 68 RBI. He is currently third in the AL in home runs and is seventh in RBI and leads the league in slugging percentage at .648 and extra-base hits with 48. Last season Green became the first player in Blue Jays history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. Fernandez, 37, who has flirted with a .400 batting average and currently leads the league at .382, will be making his fifth All-Star game, and his fourth with Toronto. He is also leading the league in on base percentage at .475 and doubles with 25 and is tied for fifth with 105 hits. Last season, Fernandez batted .321 and drove in a career high 72 runs. Jays win on Canada Day The Jays, wearing red caps with Canadian flags stitched into their jerseys to commemorate the national holiday, came back from being down 6-0, to win the game 8-6. SkyDome hosted a delighted crowd of 30,263, whom all watched the Jays win their fourth consecutive game. Fernandez named Co-Player of the Week Wells inks extension Wells, who is currently 8-5 this season, was acquired from the New York Yankees in the pre-season along with Homer Bush and Graeme Lloyd in return for Roger Clemens. Gonzalez out for season Gonzalez visited Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday to have the shoulder re-examined. He underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum. Tony Batista, who was recently acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, will most likely become the Jays' starting shortstop. Batista impressive in debut Fregosi returns to Philly Plesac traded for Batista, Frascatore Fletcher returns and homers twice Fletcher, hit in the right eye by a ricocheting baseball while he was in a batting cage on May 1 in Seattle, hit the first pitch he saw in the second inning for a home run. The 32-year-old catcher, who originally feared the injury could be career threatening, gave Toronto a 7-4 lead in the seventh with a two-run homer. "This will go down in my memory forever," Fletcher said. "I don't want to sound mushy but this was special to me." Gonzalez on DL, won't need surgery Hollins returns to lineup Fernandez sets record Brumfield claimed off waivers Struggling Person traded Delgado scores five runs Wells returns to Yankee Stadium "It was flattering. I don't know what to say," Wells said of the crowd. "I was all choked up. I hope they continue to cheer me every time I come back." Wells, who pitched a perfect game last year while helping the Yankees to their 24th World Series title, was traded in the offseason for Roger Clemens. In his return, Wells went six innings, allowing four runs and four walks while striking out three. Hamilton placed on DL To fill Hamilton's spot on the rotation, the Jays have recalled Nerio Rodriguez from Syracuse. Rodriguez has one win in two appearances with the SkyChiefs this season, and struggled in his brief stint with the Jays last season after being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles. Kelly signed; Grebeck on DL Bush on DL; Martin called up To replace Bush in the lineup, the Jays have called up Noberto Martin from Triple-A Syracuse. In his first game Sunday, Martin went 2-4 with a run scored, as the Jays beat the Orioles 9-5. Wells shows stuff in debut Wells, known for listening to heavy-metal music, blasted it on after the game - but that didn't bother the other players. As team captain Carlos Delgado put it, "Hey, if the guy goes out there and wins every time he pitches, it doesn't bother me. He's pretty relaxed, pretty easygoing. I mean, he likes his music, it's his day of glory in the week, let him have it." Hollins picked up; Fielder dropped In other news, the Jays have made former White Sox manager Terry Bevington, who had been managing the team's Triple-A affiliate Syracuse SkyChiefs, the new third-base coach, replacing Sal Butera. Butera will be re-assigned. Fregosi hired; Johnson fired Jays GM Gord Ash decided to fire Johnson because "[The Vietnam situation] wasn't going to fade into the background as quickly as I'd hoped." Johnson had made lies about going to Vietnam and being an All-American basketball player in high school. Many Jays complained about Johnson throughout the '98 season, including pitching coach Mel Queen, Carlos Delgado, Pat Hentgen, and now Oakland Athletic Ed Sprague. On the current situation with the 2-13 Jays, Fregosi calmly said, "We've got 18 games. We'll be ready by Opening Day." Cora retires Wells bothered by back spasms "Wells has some lower right back inflammation," Jays trainer Tommy Craig said. "We're treating him now, and he seems to be responding to the treatment and exercises. We don't anticipate it being a long and drawn out thing. We're just going to take it day to day right now, then ease him back up to the on-the-field stuff." Rocket launched to Yanks for Wells, two others The Jays are getting back, in return for the five-time Cy Young winner Clemens, two respectable pitchers, and an up and coming second baseman. David Wells is making his return to Toronto, as he had played for the Jays from '87 through '92. Last season, he went 18-4 with a 3.49 ERA for the Yankees, and pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins. Wells will probably become to ace of the pitching staff, and hopefully he'll be able to repeat his success in '99. Graeme Lloyd had a great '98, appearing in 50 games and posting a 1.67 ERA. He'll give the Jays another strong southpaw in the bullpen to go along with Dan Plesac. As for Homer Bush, he was mainly stuck behind Chuck Knoblauch in New York, but he did manage a .380 batting average in 45 games. Expect Bush to see action if Joey Cora is unable to play up to expectations. Overall, the Jays, in my opinion, have improved, because they're receiving two pitchers that almost add up to Clemens, and a young infielder, who given the time, will blossom into a great player... but maybe I'm only saying that because this is a Jays site. Stieb retires again Delgado remains a Jay By signing, Delgado avoided salary arbitration. Carlos had asked for $6.5 million, while the Jays offered $4.2 - they eventually met in between, and it's a good thing, too. I'm sure all Jays fans are looking forward to another great season from Delgado. Gonzalez inks extension Jays sign Cora and Greene Quantrill fined The Jays are proposing to rip up his existing contract and substituting it for a less-costly, performance-based pay package for '99. Quantrill was named Jerk of the Month for January. Quantrill admits to snowmobile accident "Whatever the implications may be, we just don't want to be dishonest about it," Quantrill said. "We don't feel good as people, so we said, 'Let's get this out in the open and deal with it.'" Quantrill will miss at least three months; he had surgery Tuesday to insert a stainless steel rod in his leg, and probably won't play much of the '99 season. Quantrill received 4 Jerk Points for 1/3 - 1/9. Don't see the navigation? Click here.
December '99
FRI. DECEMBER 10
The Jays have finally re-signed fan favorite first baseman Carlos Delgado, working out a deal that makes the slugger the highest-paid player in Toronto sports history. Delgado re-signed Friday to a three-year, $36 million deal, after he and the Jays were unable to come up with a five-year contract.November '99
WED. NOVEMBER 17
Raul Mondesi, ten days after being traded to the Jays for Shawn Green, was the center of a press conference Wednesday. "Devon (White) told me: 'Go to Toronto. It's a great city. You'll love it there,'" the new Jays right fielder said.
WED. NOVEMBER 17
With the catcher position pretty much filled up, the Jays released Mike Matheny today. Matheny, who signed with the team as a free agent last season, hit .215 with three homers and 17 RBI in 57 games.
THU. NOVEMBER 11
The Jays continued their salary unloading this afternoon, sending starting pitcher Pat Hentgen to St. Louis in a five-player deal. Hentgen, who won the Cy Young in 1996, was most likely shipped off for cost-cutting purposes. His salary for next season will be $6.6 million, and there's a $6 million club option for 2001. Going along with Hentgen is Paul Spoljaric, and in return, the Jays receive lefty reliever Lance Painter, catcher Alberto Castillo, and minor-league pitcher Matt DeWitt.
TUE. NOVEMBER 9
Last night, Shawn Green was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-player deal. Green, who turns 27 tomorrow, was shipped off along with minor league second baseman Jorge Nunez to Los Angeles for right fielder Raul Mondesi and pitcher Pedro Borbon. Green has signed a six-year, $84 million deal, whereas the Jays will pick up Mondesi's current contract for $44.5 million over the next four years. Mondesi set career highs last season with 33 homers and 99 RBI, and many believe his full potential has yet to be shown. On a side note, Green picked up his first Gold Glove award, being honored along with Ken Griffey, Jr and Bernie Williams in the AL outfield. For more on the trade, and in-depth analysis, check out The BJF E-Zine, issue 44.October '99
VARIOUS DATES
With a somewhat disappointing season behind them, the Jays have re-worked the coaching staff. Joining manager Jim Fregosi for the 2000 season will be Lee Elia, Bobby Knoop, and former manager Cito Gaston. Elia will serve as the bench coach, Knoop will coach first, and Gaston will be the batting coach. Gaston, who led the Jays to World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, is also the winningest manager in club history, compiling a record of 681-635 from '89 to '97.September '99
THU. SEPTEMBER 2
Pat Borders, the 1992 World Series MVP for the Jays, signed as a free agent on Tuesday after having been released by Cleveland, and went 1-3 as the designated hitter with a two-run homer in the Jays' 4-0 win over the Twins.August '99
TUE. AUGUST 31
Someone might have finally shut the ever revolving center field door for the Jays. Vernon Wells, who started the season in Single-A, was called up from Triple-A Syracuse and played in the Jays' 2-1 win over the Twins last night. He went 0-3 with two strikeouts, but he did display a great arm by throwing out Todd Walker trying to stretch a single into a double. To make room, the Jays put Geronimo Berroa on waivers.
TUE. AUGUST 10
To make room for newly acquired Brian McRae, the Jays have placed David Segui on the 15-day DL. Segui was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone, after being hit by a line drive off the bat of Mark McLemore. Segui was batting .297 with 10 homers and 42 RBI.
MON. AUGUST 9
The Jays reclaimed sole possession of the AL wildcard lead in grand fashion, connecting for a club-record 25 hits in a 19-4 walloping of the Texas Rangers. Homer Bush and Jacob Brumfield each had four hits, while Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green, Tony Batista, and Bush all went yard. Delgado's 13 career homers at The Ballpark in Arlington are the most ever by a visiting player, and the five homers in the series matched John Mayberry of Kansas City for the most by an opponent in a series. Everyone who played had at least one hit for the Jays, who surpassed their previous record of 24 set in a 24-10 victory over Baltimore on June 26, 1978.
MON. AUGUST 9
In yet another move to try to bolster the centerfield position, the Jays acquired veteran Brian McRae from the Rockies for a player to be named later. McRae had just been acquired by Colorado from the New York Mets ten days earlier, and has hit a combined .224 this season with nine homers, 14 doubles, and 37 RBI. The Jays will most likely ship a Single or Double-A player to the Rockies in return.
FRI. AUGUST 6
To help their run in the AL wildcard race, the Jays added some outfield depth and a lefthanded bat to their bench by claiming Curtis Goodwin off waivers from the Cubs. Goodwin only hit .242 in 89 games with Chicago, but has good speed. To make room, the Jays optioned slumping Jose Cruz, Jr down to Triple-A Syracuse.
FRI. AUGUST 6
Last season, on August 4, Carlos Delgado hit three homers against the Rangers at The Ballpark in Arlington in an 11-9 loss. This time around, on August 6, Delgado went yard thrice again in Texas. Delgado's third homer, which came off rookie and Canadian native Jeff Zimmerman, won the game, 5-4, for starter Chris Carpenter and the Jays. Amazingly enough, Carpenter also started Delgado's three-run homer game last season.
SUN. AUGUST 1
Shawn Green's club-record 28-game hitting streak, the best in the AL this season, came to an end in Sunday's 8-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. Despite hitting the ball hard in four of his five plate appearances, Green couldn't get a hit. He did, however, hit a sac-fly that helped the Jays win the game.July '99
WED. JULY 27
In a deal that will definitely benefit the Jays, Toronto traded young relievers Tom Davey and Steve Sinclair to the Seattle Mariners for first baseman David Segui. Segui will bolster the Jays offense, currently batting .293 with nine homers and 39 RBI, and is also one of the better defensive first basemen in the game. He is expected to play first while Carlos Delgado will be put into the designated hitter role, as the Jays look to make the playoffs for the first time since '93.
WED. JULY 27
Without much time left until the July 31 trade deadline, the Jays are looking for a hitter that would help them in their playoff run. The latest rumors have the Jays looking at David Segui of the Mariners, Vinny Castilla of the Rockies, Eric Karros of the Dodgers, Glenallen Hill of the Cubs.
TUE. JULY 13
Maybe they didn't exactly shine, but Shawn Green and Tony Fernandez did contribute. Green went 1-1 with an infield single, and made a couple key holds to prevent runs from scoring with his rocket arm. Fernandez was 0-2 but did start turn a double play. Not a great ASG, but not a bad one either. The AL All-Stars beat the NL All-Stars, 4-1.
MON. JULY 12
Overshadowed by Ken Griffey, Jr's winning performance and Mark McGwire's record 13 homer round, Shawn Green did pretty well for a first-timer to the Home Run Derby. Green hit two longballs out of Fenway Park, one out to right and another into center. Not shabby at all considering that Green hit the same number Larry Walker, Nomar Garciaparra, and BJ Surhoff had, and one more than John Jaha and major league HR-leader Sammy Sosa. Green and fellow Jay teammate Tony Fernandez will represent Toronto at the All-Star Game Tuesday night in Boston.
THU. JULY 7
All-Star Manager Joe Torre and AL President Gene Budig selected Jays OF Shawn Green and 3B Tony Fernandez to the 1999 All-Star team to be played in Boston on July 13. In my opinion, both Green and Fernandez should have been starters, but I guess making the team is just as good.
THU. JULY 1
On Canada Day, the Jays took on the Baltimore Orioles. In the two previous seasons, the Jays and Expos were paired up, but this time around, they had already played - in early June.June '99
MON. JUNE 21
Jays' third baseman Tony Fernandez earned the American League player of the week award for the week of June 14-20, along with Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez. Fernandez had 10 hits including two doubles and a home run in 19 plate appearances. He slugged .789 in six games and had a .571 on base percentage. Fernandez, who currently leads the majors with a .411 average, scored twice with 15 total bases.
SUN. JUNE 20
David Wells has agreed to a contract extension with the team, which would keep him in Toronto until 2002. The Jays picked up the option on Wells' $4.5 million deal for next season, and the extension also includes an $8.5 million base for 2001 and a club option for $9 million in 2002.
THU. JUNE 17
Alex Gonzalez had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Thursday. Gonzalez, who was the Jays' regular shortstop before getting injured, ends his season playing only 38 games, batting .292 with 13 doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI.
WED. JUNE 16
Tony Batista got off to a great start with the Jays, as he homered and drove in four runs in his Toronto debut on Tuesday. The Jays also banged out a season-high 18 hits en route to a 13-2 romp of the Angels. Batista was acquired in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks along with pitcher John Frascatore for Dan Plesac on Saturday.
MON. JUNE 14
As if Jays manager Jim Fregosi had enough problems trying to help his team avert a three-game sweep in his old stomping grounds in Philadelphia, he also got into a scuffle at a local hotel bar that left him with a cut on his face and the beginnings of a black eye.
SAT. JUNE 12
Struggling reliever Dan Plesac has been dealt by the Jays to the Arizona Diamondbacks in return for infielder Tony Batista and right-handed relief pitcher John Frascatore. Batista will most likely become the regular second baseman for the Jays once Alex Gonzalez returns from his shoulder injury.
WED. JUNE 2
Darrin Fletcher had a memorable return from the disabled list, as he hit two home runs in his first game back from an eye injury to help the Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 9-7 Wednesday night.May '99
MON. MAY 24
Shortstop Alex Gonzalez is on the disabled list, and was diagnosed with an internal impingement in his sore right shoulder on Monday. The good news is, with the prognosis, he won't need surgery and will undergo a rehabilitation program. Joey Hamilton was activated from the disabled list to take Gonzalez's place on the roster.
FRI. MAY 21
In the Jays' 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox Friday, designated hitter Dave Hollins returned to the lineup off the DL for the first time since injuring his left hand on April 17. Hollins, batted exclusively from the right side of the plate in the game, and said he will no longer switch hit because of the hand injury.
WED. MAY 12
Tony Fernandez set a Jays club record by reaching base in 11 straight times to the plate. He singled and walked in his first two trips Tuesday against the Royals to top the old mark of 10 set by Rance Mulliniks in 1984 and matched by Paul Molitor in 1995. "It's an amazing story, really," manager Jim Fregosi told The Toronto Star. "I'm just seeing what he does on a daily basis. He's a better hitter now than he was 10, 12 years ago and he's probably in better shape. He amazes me."
SAT. MAY 8
Jacob Brumfield has been claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers by the Jays. Brumfield, who was with the team from 1996-97, will most likely be used as an outfielder or DH when needed. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Jays have moved Paul Quantrill from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.
WED. MAY 5
The Jays have acquried left-hander Paul Spoljaric from the Philadelphia Phillies for struggling reliever Robert Person. Spoljaric is not doing too well either, having an 0-3 record with a 21.13 ERA in four appearances. Person is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in 11 games. Spoljaric had been with the Jays before being dealt to Seattle in 1997 as part of the Jose Cruz, Jr trade. He was then shipped to Philadelphia, and now, he's back in Toronto.
TUE. MAY 4
Carlos Delgado set a Jays club record by scoring five runs in the team's 16-10 pounding of the Seattle Mariners Monday. Delgado hit two home runs, and also drove in five. The club's 16 runs was their highest run total since a 16-2 pounding of - yup, you guessed it - Seattle at the Kingdome on August 19 last season.April '99
FRI. APRIL 23
David Wells made a less than perfect return to Yankee Stadium, as New York ended the Jays eight-game winning streak with a 6-4 victory. Wells, greeted with a standing ovation, was handed his first loss of 1999. Wells went six innings, allowing four runs and four walks while striking out three.
FRI. APRIL 16
Starting pitcher Joey Hamilton has been placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury. Hamilton, who came to Toronto in a trade with San Diego encouraged by pitching coach Dave Stewart, has had a difficult time adapting to the American League. After his first two starts, Hamilton is 0-2 with a 19.29 ERA.
THU. APRIL 15
The Jays signed free agent Pat Kelly today, and placed Craig Grebeck on the 15-day disabled list. Kelly had been with the club last season, but he was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals. After a pretty productive pre-season, batting .327 with two home runs and 10 RBI, Kelly was released by the Cardinals. Grebeck, meanwhile, will be out with a sore right foot. The question now is, what will the Jays do when Homer Bush and Grebeck return off the DL? There will be four second basemen - Bush, Grebeck, Kelly, and Noberto Martin.
SUN. APRIL 11
Homer Bush must've said, "D'oh!" when he found out he had been placed on the 15-day disabled list, after sustaining a tear in his right index finger. Bush injured his finger while sliding into second against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, trying to stretch a single into a double. The injury will keep Bush's finger immobilized for two weeks, and could keep him out of the lineup for up to a month.
WED. APRIL 7
David Wells showed that the Jays did get back something in return for Roger Clemens, as he won his regular season debut. Wells went six innings, striking out seven, leading the Jays to a 9-3 win, their first of the season, over the Twins. Wells shutout the Twins for five innings before giving up three runs in the sixth. "I was happy with the way David threw the ball," manager Jim Fregosi commented. "He was in command through five innings and tired a bit in the sixth."March '99
WED. MARCH 31
A day after Dave Hollins was acquired by the Jays from the Anaheim Angels for shortstop Tomas Perez, the team dropped Cecil Fielder, cutting short the slugger's comeback bid. Fielder had signed a minor-league deal with the Jays last month in hope of returning to major-league action. As Cecil stated, "Life goes on."
WED. MARCH 17
On Wednesday, the Jays hired Jim Fregosi to take over the manager position from Tim Johnson. Fregosi lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series in 1993, when they, of course, lost to the Jays. Fregosi signed a two-year deal and made it to Jays' camp for the team's spring training game versus the - guess who - Phillies.
THU. MARCH 11
Partially because he had committed four errors in six games, and partially because he looked across the dugout and saw Homer Bush. That's probably why Jays infielder Joey Cora decided to retire Thursday. Cora was acquired in the offseason from the Cleveland Indians, and has retired without playing a single regular season game with the Jays.
WED. MARCH 3
Newly acquired pitcher David Wells was bothered by back spasms Tuesday and sat out practice in a treatment room. Wells felt discomfort Saturday after finishing his pitching warm-up. The good news is that it does not appear to be a long-term problem.February '99
THU. FEBRUARY 18
The Rocket has been cleared for liftoff. In a trade that was reported by The BJF E-Zine Wednesday, the Jays traded Roger Clemens to the New York Yankees for David Wells, Graeme Lloyd, and Homer Bush this morning.
WED. FEBRUARY 17
Pitcher Dave Stieb, one of the best to ever pitch for the Jays, announced his retirement today. This is the second time that Stieb has retired; he had retired once before in '93 before deciding to come back in '98. This past season Stieb pitched in 19 games, going 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA and two saves. Stieb is still the only pitcher in Jays history to throw a no-hitter. He accomplished that feat on September 2, 1990 against the Cleveland Indians.
SAT. FEBRUARY 13
Jays captain Carlos Delgado has signed a one-year extension for $5,025,000. Delgado, who mainly played at first base, was perhaps the Jays best player last season, with a .292 batting average, 38 home runs, and 115 RBI, along with 43 doubles - and he missed April due to shoulder injury.
TUE. FEBRUARY 2
Fan favorite Alex Gonzalez avoided arbitration today by signing a $5.3 million, two-year extension with the Jays. Gonzalez has yet to perform to his highest capabilities, but many do think that will happen soon. In '98, Gonzalez batted .239 with 13 homers and 51 RBI, but he remained very solid at shortstop.January '99
WED. JANUARY 20
The Jays toughened their lineup today, as they signed second baseman Joey Cora from the Cleveland Indians and Willie Greene from the Baltimore Orioles to one-year deals. Cora was signed to a $500,000 deal, while financial terms for Greene's deal were not disclosed. Both Cora and Greene played below expectations last season, but they both are good players. Cora was an all-star in '97 and is still one of the game's best bunters. Greene, only 27, can play a ton of different positions, and keep in mind that he did hit 26 home runs and drove in 91 runs for the Cincinnati Reds in '97.
WED. JANUARY 13
Paul Quantrill was fined $60 today by the Ontario Provincial Police for not reporting a snowmobiling accident. Quantrill broke his right leg, and originally stated it was a tobogganing accident, before admitting the truth this past Saturday.
SAT. JANUARY 9
Reliever Paul Quantrill broke his right leg on Friday in a snowmobile accident near his Port Hope, Ontario home. Quantrill originally told the press it was a toboggan accident, but then decided to tell the truth. Snowmobiling is excluded from a baseball player's contract, GM Gord Ash confirmed. So is tobogganing.