:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10800573/164382130.0.jpg)
Today the Blue Jays open their season against a Cleveland squad that has become significantly more interesting with the additions of Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher. Reading these links won't make R.A Dickey's first pitch come any sooner, but it might just pass a few minutes of the work day and that's more or less the most you can ask for.
BLUE JAYS LINKS
White Sox Acquire Lars Anderson: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
Would have loved to be able to get a big return like a "player to be named later" here but sometimes you just have to settle for cash considerations. I wonder how much it was.... not that it matters, because it REALLY doesn't matter. I'm just a curious guy.
Analysts weigh in with predictions for Blue Jays - Sportsnet.ca
The predictions are in, and many MLB experts are anticipating big things from the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays after a busy off-season. I'm sure the positive predictions have been cherry-picked to an extent but it is true that the Jays are getting a lot of mainstream media love.
I am very curious to see the fan base's reaction if things don't go as planned in 2013.
Rebuilding the Toronto Blue Jays and the art of taking risks | MLB | Sports | National Post
A look at the long road to this point for the Jays and Alex Anthopoulos in particular.
Lawrie remains in Florida, but injury deemed short-term | bluejays.com: News
Brett Lawrie remains in Florida while going through rehab for a strained left oblique muscle. The Blue Jays' third baseman resumed throwing on Monday morning and the hope is that he'll be able to appear in a Minor League game by the weekend.
Blue Jays Notebook: Gibbons declares team ready - Sportsnet.ca
John Gibbons and R.A. Dickey are ready for the season opener and while Brett Lawrie isn't in Toronto yet, he's progressing from his rib cage injury.
AL EAST LINKS
Duquette provides the money quote, "So the idea is to win over 90 every year and keep your team in a position where they can compete for the playoffs every year." Very insightful Dan....
Create Your Own Batting Order - DRaysBay
A quick look at how the Rays batting order is shaking out. Not remotely scary after Longoria...
David Ortiz could play next week - Over the Monster
Ortiz hasn't picked up a bat in a game situation since last August, but that could change as soon as next week if his heel is up to it
Considering what seats at Yankee Stadium cost you'd think people would stick around on principle.
THE REST OF THE BASEBALL UNIVERSE LINKS
THT's soothsayers foretell this year's standings and award winners. Special shout out to Bruce Markusen for picking Kansas City to win the AL Central, that takes cahones.
Globe baseball writers make their predictions for the 2013 season - The Globe and Mail
Jeff Blair, Tom Maloney and Rob MacLeod on which teams and players will dominate the diamond
A.J. Burnett is having a rough day - SBNation.com
This headline is always going to be enough to get me to read. I guess I can let go of my bitterness now that Burnett is a Pirate, but it's hard...
Five stupidly specific predictions for 2013 - Baseball Nation
Anyone can predict division winners, but it takes a real fool to get into the minutia of prognostication. I am a fan of specificity and can really get behind numbers 2,3 and 4 on this list.
Assorted Quick Thoughts on Opening Day No. 2 | FanGraphs Baseball
Some early observations from around baseball. Ultimately, when Jeff Sullivan writes something you are likely to find it here.
Elvis Andrus, Texas Ranger | FanGraphs Baseball
A thorough take on a very intriguing, not to mention hefty, contract extension for Elvis Andrus worth $120 million over eight years.
NON-BASEBALL LINK OF THE DAY
BBC News - Cat Video Festival returns to US
A second US festival dedicated to celebrating internet videos of cats will be held in Minnesota after more than 10,000 people flocked to the first event last year. Yet another reason to spend your summers in the great state of Minnesota