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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Posing for the Expos

Montreal Expos fans fill an outfield section in Toronto during a game between Tampa Bay and the Blue Jays. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

A crew of Montreal Expos fans, willing to do just about anything to get their team back, has driven to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays play Tampa Bay.

Organizers say about 1,000 Expos supporters, hoping to attract the attention of baseball’s movers and shakers, packed into the bleachers at the Rogers Centre Saturday for the Blue Jays’ game against the Rays.

The group wore the traditional red, white and baby blue of the former Expos, who relocated in 2004 and became the Washington Nationals, and held up signs promoting their cause.

“Our goal is to celebrate the history of the Expos and show that there is still a viable market for it,” said Matthew Ross, who runs the website Expos Nation and helped set up the trip.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Twitter, “I hope that the efforts of Expos Nation will one day be rewarded with a team in Montreal.”

Toronto to honor former slugger

Carlos Delgado said he’s “completely honored and flattered” that the Toronto Blue Jays are adding him to their Level of Excellence.

The Puerto Rican slugger, who hit 473 home runs in his 17-year career, will become the 10th person to have his name added to the facade inside Rogers Centre, in a ceremony before today’s game against Tampa Bay.

Delgado played parts of 12 seasons with the Blue Jays. He remains Toronto’s franchise leader in more than 10 offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, doubles, runs and intentional walks.

Clearing the bases

Boston activated shortstop Stephen Drew (strained right hamstring) from the disabled list and optioned third baseman Brock Holt to Triple-A Pawtucket. … Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester is having his next start pushed back two days, and Ryan Dempster is taking his place on the mound today against the Yankees. … The New York Yankees added outfielder Zoilo Almonte to the 15-day D.L. because of a sprained left ankle. The Yankees also designated shortstop Alberto Gonzalez for assignment. … Atlanta starter Paul Maholm was forced out in the fourth inning of his start against the White Sox because of a sprained left wrist. … Washington left-hander Ross Detwiler will miss at least two more starts as he deals with a lower back strain. … Colorado placed right-hander Rafael Betancourt on the D.L. after the closer had his appendix removed Friday night. … St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday (strained hamstring) was placed on the 15-day D.L., retroactive to July 12.