--In Friday's game, the Jays stole a season-high three bases, including successful steals of third by Vernon Wells and Alex Rios. Going into Friday's game, the Jays ranked 12th in the American League in stolen bases with six.
--A year ago, manager John Gibbons would have a different line almost every game in a search to get his bats going. This season, manager Cito Gaston has gone with a set lineup and doesn't shuffle it around when he switches players when facing a left-handed starter. Lyle Overbay, for example, plays first and bats seventh against right-handers. When a left-hander starts, he simply inserts Kevin Millar into the seventh spot and leaves his other players alone. "I haven't thought about tinkering with it," Gaston said of his lineup. "Why mess with something when it's working? Just leave it alone." --One of LHP Scott Downs' biggest fans is his fellow reliever, LHP B.J. Ryan. "Words can't describe what he brings to this team, and to our bullpen and our whole pitching staff," Ryan said. "He answers the bell every day. He never says no. He pitches an inning, two innings at a time. (Those are) the guys you have to have on your team, guys who go out there and battle and grind, and I don't think he gets the credit he deserves."
BY THE NUMBERS: 10 -- Walks LHP David Purcey issued in his last two starts through April 19.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think they pull for each other. You see them in the dugout, when one does something good, the other one is there. It's not too often you get to play with somebody you came through the minor leagues with. I think it's all a plus." -- Manager Cito Gaston on the bond between DH Adam Lind and rookie LF Travis Snider.
