--RHP Matt Clement has looked sharp in his first three outings this spring. Clement, who has battled with shoulder problems, has not pitched in the major leagues since 2006 and is in the Blue Jays camp on a minor league deal. Over his three starts, Clement has allowed three runs on three hits, walked five and struck out four. He remains in the mix for one of the open spots in the rotation. "I feel I'm getting stronger and stronger each time out," he said.

--The news regarding RHP Dustin McGowan, who has been shut down temporarily in his recovery from last year's shoulder operation, gets gloomier by the day. While pitching coach Brad Arnsberg tried to downplay the fact that McGowan felt some stiffness and soreness in his shoulder, manager Cito Gaston said that McGowan is now "on the backburner. He could be back in June, July, maybe not 'til next year," Gaston said. McGowan does not know when he can resume his throwing program.

--General manager J.P. Ricciardi was quick to shoot down the rumors that he might be working on a deal to acquire SS Bobby Crosby from Oakland now that the A's have signed SS Orlando Cabrera. "We have no interest there," Ricciardi said. "We have a better shortstop now in Marco Scutaro."

BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- Returning left-handers the Blue Jays will have in their seven-man bullpen in 2009 -- closer B.J. Ryan plus Scott Downs, Jesse Carlson and Brian Tallet.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm going to go out on a limb and predict we'll have more than one guy hit 20 home runs." -- CF Vernon Wells, talking about the fact he was the only Blue Jay to reach the 20-home run plateau last season. Wells needed two home runs in the Blue Jays' final regular-season game to hit 20 last season.