--Paul Beeston, the Jays' interim president and CEO, said he had compiled a list of 35 to 40 candidates to take over his role. He'll spend the next few weeks cutting that list down before holding interviews, and he hopes to hire a replacement before spring training.
--The Jays announced their spring training reporting dates. Pitchers and catchers have to report Feb. 14 with physicals the next day and the first official workout on Feb. 16. The rest of the players must report Feb. 20 with their physicals and first workout day being Feb. 21. The Jays' first spring training game is scheduled for Feb. 25, at Dunedin, Fla., against the Yankees. --RHP Roy Halladay was named Blue Jays' pitcher of the year for a club-record sixth time in voting by the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Halladay has won the honor six of the past seven seasons to surpass Dave Stieb's high of five career wins. CF Vernon Wells was named the player of the year for a fourth time. LHP Jesse Carlson was a unanimous pick as rookie of the year, while outfielder Adam Lind picked up the most improved player honor.
--Interim president and CEO Paul Beeston reported that although season-ticket sales to this point were "consistent" with last year, corporate sponsorship was down.
--RHP Dustin McGowan, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, reports he expects to get medical clearance to begin his throwing program within a week or two. The Jays don't expect McGowan to be able to return to the rotation until mid-May in a best-case scenario.
BY THE NUMBERS: $70 million -- The amount of money the Jays have committed to 11 players for 2009.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Everybody is being affected by it, and we've got to take a very, very hard look at the responsibility we have as an organization in regards to this. It will definitely affect everybody, and we know it will affect us, so we have to deal with it accordingly." -- General manager J.P. Ricciardi, on the effect of the slumping economy on the Blue Jays.
