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TORONTO -- Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Thursday that hes confident hell have financial flexibility should he need it later in the season. Anthopoulos, who held a media availability before his team opened a four-game series against Kansas City, was asked about an online report by columnist Peter Gammons that quoted him saying the team is "pretty much maxed out" in terms of payroll. "Were at our number to start the year," Anthopoulos explained to reporters. "Thats fair so I dont think it varies from anything else weve ever said." The Blue Jays, who have a payroll of about US$135 million, dont have a locked-in salary ceiling. If a situation presented itself, it appears there would be room to heighten it if needed. Toronto has been one of the surprises of the American League this season, rising to the top of the East division and taking a nine-game winning streak into Thursdays game. Talk of potential upgrades and loading up for a post-season run is already underway in the playoff-starved city even though the season is barely one-third old. Anthopoulos said while its still quite early, he does not expect to be hamstrung when it comes to finances. "I have every confidence that if we have a need come the trade deadline, which is obviously late July, I have every confidence that well have the resources to do that," Anthopoulos said. "I dont have any doubts about that at all." The teams purse strings were in the news last April when reports surfaced that some Toronto players discussed deferring portions of their salary to help land Ervin Santana. The free agent pitcher ended up signing with Atlanta for the same one-year US$14-million deal offered by the Jays. But Anthopoulos stressed that if something came up in the next month or two, he feels the team could take on salary if required. "We may need to be creative, we may need to do some things," he said. "But weve been able to add payroll when needed." One potential upgrade area is the starting rotation, which has improved significantly this season despite Brandon Morrow going on the 60-day disabled list and a variety of pitchers handling the No. 5 spot. Anthopoulos gave credit to his starters and said their performance will be key going forward. "I know the offence has been great, were hitting home runs and all that, its fun to watch," he said. "But we will go as far as the rotation will bring us, there is no doubt about that." The Blue Jays could get an in-house upgrade if Morrow is able to return to form. "Well have more of a report by the end of June," Anthopoulos said. "Hes going to be back around the all-star break and by late June, he should be going out on a rehab assignment. So I think it could actually time well." For now, Anthopoulos is focusing on preparations for next weeks draft. He expects GMs to pick up trade discussions once the selection process is complete. "Were not having any active talks at all," Anthopoulos said. "Were really immersed in the draft right now. But I do expect once that draft is over and we get to the Monday after the draft, I think thats when everyone is going to start making the calls again." The teams play over the next month will determine the GMs next move. But again, Anthopoulos doesnt believe money will be an issue. "I think if were in a good position at the beginning of July, well know the landscape a little bit more with what our needs are," he said. "I have every confidence in the world that I can have that conversation with (president) Paul (Beeston), and Paul has that conversation with ownership. "But one, we need to be playing well at that time and were still very far away from that (date)." Evan Engram Jersey . Duhamel, from Lively, Ont., and Radford, from Balmertown, Ont., were second with 77.01 points, just behind Olympic bronze medallists Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany. The four-time world champs lead at 79. Phil Simms Giants Jersey . -- Jacksonville Jaguars rookie receiver Marqise Lee has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth more than $5 million. http://www.giantsonlineteamshop.com/odel...ey-cheap.html.J. - Trying to learn and absorb the new West Coast offence being installed by new offensive co-ordinator Ben McAdoo, the New York Giants wrapped their final organized team activity Thursday before a three-day mini-camp next week. Eli Manning Giants Jersey . Snedekers best result so far this year is a tie for eighth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. He sits 113th in FedEx Cup standings and has dropped to 31st in world rankings — not the results expected from a player ranked fourth in the world only two years ago. Dexter Lawrence Jersey .C. -- Colin Kaepernick raced into the end zone, then pretended to rip open his shirt with both hands imitating Cam Newtons Superman touchdown celebration.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Its still early, but cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are both enjoying their new starts with the New England Patriots. "Last year it was a tough year when I played in Tampa Bay," said Revis, who signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Patriots, with a $20 million team option for a second year. "It was tough, coming off the ACL and everything, so it was a long year, for me, personally just trying to recover. "Now, Im ready to go and Im just trying to sit here and absorb everything in, just trying to enjoy my time and get ready for the season," Revis added Friday, the third day of the Patriots organized team activities. Browner didnt have a long year in Seattle — not in terms of games played, anyway. He was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in December for what was termed multiple violations of the leagues drug policy. That caused him to miss the Seahawks late regular season and playoff games and their run to winning the Super Bowl. He gets a ring and even visited the White House with the team. Now, hell sit out the first four games under the remaining suspension as he starts a three-year, $12.35 million contract with his new team. "Its fun to be back out here," Browner said. "My situation last year was unfortunate. Im happy to be out here." Revis is in New England to anchor what previously had been a maligned defensive backfield. The secondary was clearly better last year when Aqib Talib was on the field. Now, Talib is in Denver, and Revis is the top guy on his third team in three years; he also was with the Jets before being traded to Tampa Bay. Quarterback Tom Brady has said hes already tired of throwing the ball in Revis direction. "Its always a defensive annd offensive competition going and I think both sides, what were really trying to do is just get better at the end of the day," Revis said.dddddddddddd "Its good to have the same jersey on as Tom and everybody else on this team. "For offence and defence, its competition, but at the same time were all just trying to get better." And so far, both players like what they see from their new surroundings. "Its totally different," Revis said. "Theres things that you didnt expect how this organization is run from top to bottom. Youve got to take your hat off to Mr. (Robert) Kraft for how this organization operates. Theyre a winning organization and Im happy those guys gave me an opportunity to come in here and be a part of it." Browner agreed, saying his new situation is "very exciting. Im on a great team. Im fortunate to be here with these guys. I look forward to playing." Asked repeatedly about his suspension, Browner said, "Thats in the past, man. I dont care what nobody thinks. Thats in the past; Im looking forward to playing for the Patriots." But he did get to go to Washington with the rest of the champion Seahawks. "It was a good experience, a great experience," he said, "to go meet the president, look around the White House a little bit." NOTES: Quarterback Johnny Garoppolo and tight end Asa Watson, both recently drafted by the Patriots, were among the missing at the OTAs. Both were attending the NFLPAs Rookie Premiere symposium. . First-round draft pick Dominique Easley, recovering from knee surgery, also was among the missing. . Kraft was on hand for some of Fridays workout. . Tight end Rob Gronkowski, also recovering from knee surgery, was among those limited in the workout. ' ' '