DUNEDIN, Fla. -- EASTERN LEAGUE All-Star Anthony Gose stole 70 bases and was a major component of the 2011 Fisher Cats championship team. He played in the Arizona Fall League, then winter ball in Venezuela.

And he's still going full-speed in March.

In a big-league spring game against the Pirates, Gose scored from second base on a Travis Snider chop-grounder to pitcher Evan Meek. Say what? Tough to imagine, indeed, unless you've seen Gose turn on the jets in the minors.

You could watch baseball for another 50 years and not see someone score from second base on a grounder to the pitcher. Gose didn't have a head start by attempting to steal on the pitch, either. It was combination of Meek failing to pay close enough attention to the runner after recording the out himself.

“I'm here just trying to make something happen,” Gose said.

Fisher Cats manager Sal Fasano certainly wasn't surprised. Jacoby Ellsbury once scored from second base on a wild pitch — and this was just as good.

“That's how we teach ‘em. If they're sleeping, you make them pay,” said Fasano, before reflecting on the 2011 title following Monday workouts. “It was a great year in terms of development and winning and sending guys to the big leagues, which is really the most important thing. We also taught them how to become a unit and play together as a team. We had so many come-from-behind victories. That's a group of kids you might have together once in a generation.”

Gose, Travis d'Arnaud, Moises Sierra and Yan Gomes and others are enjoying a stint at big-league spring training. Sierra made an incredible catch against the right-field wall against the Pirates. Ex-Fisher Cats outfielders Snider drove in three runs. The Blue Jays won, 8-5, in the Sunday game at Bradenton. New Hampshire alumni also got their first look at the 2011 Eastern League championship ring, worn by Fisher Cats team photographer Kevin Littlefield, who showed off the ring during batting practice.

“(The ring) was awesome. I can't even describe it with words, when you see the symbol of all the hard work,” said d'Arnaud, who played against his older brother, Pirates infielder Chase.

d'Arnaud, the reigning Eastern League MVP, continues to polish his game and wait for an opportunity behind Toronto starting catcher J.P. Arencibia.

“Composure, confidence and being able to stay healthy. Those are the three things you need at this point,” said d'Arnaud, who underwent thumb surgery during the off-season. “Once I heard the doctor say there would be a 99-percent chance of a full recovery, I was fine.”

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FISHER JAYS NOTES: The biggest story to watch at Blue Jays camp is the ongoing battle between Snider and Eric Thames for the starting job in left field. Snider has the edge in the first week of March.

Three-year Fisher Cat Ricky Romero is scheduled to make his first spring start today against the Phillies in Dunedin. Ex-Fisher Cats Chad Jenkins and Luis Perez are also expected to pitch. Jesse Litsch is expected to miss about three months following shoulder surgery and subsequent complications from an infection.

Righty Alan Farina, returning from elbow ligament replacement surgery, reached a milestone on Monday by throwing his first bullpen session (20 pitches). Farina, a member of Toronto's 40-man roster, hopes to return by June or July. “I'm looking to come back even stronger,” he said.

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RADIO TEAM: Veteran broadcaster Bob Lipman will return for his ninth season with the Fisher Cats, leading a radio team that features Dick Lutsk, Charlie Sherman and newcomer Tom Gauthier for the 2012 season. All 142 Eastern League games can be heard on a six-station network, led by flagship WGIR 610 AM of Manchester. The defending champs can also be heard on WSMN 1590 AM of Nashua, WTSL 1400 AM/94.3 FM “The Pulse” of Hanover and WEEY 93.5 FM of Keene. Lipman will be calling his ninth consecutive season of Fisher Cats baseball.

Staff writer Kevin Gray covers pro baseball for the New Hampshire Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News. His email address is kgray@unionleader.com. Read his blog at graymatter11.com.