Rolen returns

6:38 p.m. - Good vibes are contagious in the Jays clubhouse right now.

Today, there was general merriment when Scott Rolen walked in at about 3:30. He'd just come back from a check-up with the surgeon who operated on his crumpled finger, Dr. Thomas Graham.

I ran into Rolen in the tunnel underneath Camden Yards (after going the long way round when I was locked out of the Jays clubhouse. MacLeod, is there no depth you won't sink to?). I knew things were going okay when he immediately stuck out his hand to shake - that is, the hand with the broken finger.

Then I asked him what he was reading. "Still (Upton Sinclair's) The Jungle," he said. Good to know he's not wiling away his days in Florida on the couch.

Later, Rolen told us that he's ahead of schedule on his baseball activities. He's already throwing. He put on a uniform and took batting practice with the team a few minutes ago. But he's not fielding. And he's still on his original rehab schedule. So don't expect to see him until early May. More on this in tomorrow's paper.

But hey, as Aaron Hill cheekily said when he greeted Rolen, "We don't need you, bro. We just swept."

I should add that it is frickin' freezin' here in Baltimore. These people have the worst of both worlds - ice box in spring, steam bath in summer. If you ever again feel like complaining about Toronto weather, visit Baltimore in April or August. That'll learn you.

Cathal Kelly

Comments

[Debbie]

Welcome back Scott Rolen!!!! I can't wait to see you play again. Good luck this season from a Phillies fan who thinks you're the best. Stay healthy.

[Brian Seddon]

Your "That'l learn you" is incorrect grammar, it should be "That will teach you".

[Kevin]

Just for the record, Brian Seddon's comment also features incorrect grammar. The comma should be a period followed by a new sentence. Booya. Great blog Cathal.

Blogger's note: I won't mention that Kevin was the best man at my wedding. Well, not true actually. But when I have a rededication ceremony, Kevin will be in attendance.

[Jason]

Releasing Frank Thomas was a good move. The Jays cannot wait until June for Thomas to get going. Plus this should open up a spot for Adam Lind to come in and provide another left handed bat in the lineup with solid defence (better than Shannon Stewart or Matt Stairs). The bigger question is why aren't the Jays going after Barry Bonds. He would be the perfect one year rental DH.