"Most who remember that far back believe the tradition of a State of the Franchise get-together for Jays' season-ticket holders began the first winter of former GM J.P. Ricciardi's tenure in 2002.

The annual event was staged for the 11th time on Monday at the Rogers Centre, hosted by president Paul Beeston, GM Alex Anthopoulos and manager John Farrell. Coincidentally, the master of ceremonies was Buck Martinez, the Jays' manager in 2002. The names change but the song remains the same: "Keep the faith. Competing in the division is at hand." Fans seem to buy into it.

Other than a few slightly edgy, pointed questions about the Jays missing out on three starting pitchers who landed elsewhere in trade for prospects, much of the anticipated fan angst was absent. The only hard news was that Beeston is considering the possibility of laying down grass at the Rogers Centre, Farrell gives himself a C grade for his performance as a rookie manager, free-agent Carlos Beltran likely blew off the Jays because of a preference for playing on grass and not being a DH, and that there will be a wider variety of souvenir shop Jays wear for women this year. Nice. "