Pitchers, catchers ready to report for Blue Jays

TORONTO Pitchers and catchers are set to report to the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., on Tuesday. Here are some storylines to watch as the pre-season unfolds.

ANOTHER RULE 5 SPARK?

The Blue Jays selected right-hander Glenn Sparkman from Kansas City at December’s Rule 5 draft with the hopes he could be a repeat of last year’s success story, Joe Biagini. As a Rule 5 pick, Sparkman must remain on the major league roster for the entire season or be offered back to the Royals at US$50,000 — half the cost they paid for him in the draft.

WBC BOUND

Toronto will lose two of its top starting pitchers and its star slugger for at least one week, and possibly two, as the fourth instalment of the World Baseball Classic kicks off in March. Marcus Stroman and J.A. Happ were named to the United States roster on Wednesday while Jose Bautista will play for the defending champion Dominican Republic.

Dalton Pompey was named to the Canadian team while right-handers Marco Estrada and Roberto Osuna are on Mexico’s roster as designated pitchers.

COACH HALLADAY?

This spring training could see the return of renowned ace Roy Halladay in a Blue Jays uniform. Halladay, who will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, told reporters recently that he wants to get involved in coaching with a major league team. The 39-year-old Denver native signed a one-day contract with Toronto to retire as a Blue Jay in Dec. 2013.

The Blue Jays have a history of giving their alumni roles within their organization. Roberto Alomar, Pat Hentgen, Carlos Delgado and Sal Butera, who also played for the Expos, are all involved with the team. Former Montreal outfielder Tim Raines, recently voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, is also with the organization as an outfield/baserunning coach.