He makes a pretty lineup card, too

The day after Giants catcher Buster Posey was freight-trained by Scott Cousins at home plate, ending Posey's season, Fisher Cats manager Sal Fasano was discussing the incident inside his office. Big Sal got up from his desk and demonstrated how Posey was in proper position right until the last moment. It was a glimpse of catching expertise, making me realize how much Blue Jays catchers Travis d'Arnaud and Yan Gomes were going to learn during the 2011 season. Now it's A.J. Jimenez's turn to work with Fasano, who'll return for the 2012 season to defend the Eastern League title. Before Bobby Valentine was named manager of the Red Sox, I half-jokingly told Fasano via text he should apply for the job. "No, not interested yet. Still have a lot to learn. Besides, I really like the Blue Jays and their players. I would really like to move up there together," he replied.

The 2011 Eastern League postseason was full of celebration for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, led by manager Sal Fasano (center).

The mustached wonder, who hates the word "swag," has managed two seasons and posted a 147-134 record in the minors. "You just learn so much from him on a day-to-day basis about the game. He's so knowledgeable that you try to be around him as much as you can," RHP Drew Hutchison said. "He's very honest with you and genuinely cares about each player." Sal also pens a helluva lineup card: