Jose Bautista went 1 for 2 in what may be his final game as a Blue Jay
Another season is in the books. While the season certainly didn't go according to plan, there is reason for Jays fans to have hope. Here is a recap of the final game of the season.
Game highlights:
- Blue Jays starter Brett Anderson pitching line: 5IP 3H 0R 0BB 3K
- Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery pitching line: 5.1IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K
- Jose Bautista had almost the perfect final game for the Blue Jays. He lined a single off the wall in his first AB and drove in the first Jays run on a sac fly that scored
- Ryan Goins drove in the winning run on a dribbler up the third base line that plated Rob Refsnyder
- Roberto Osuna pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 39th save of the season. His fastball topped 97MPH which was great to see.
- Jays starter Brett Anderson looked good. He retired 10 straight between allowing a lead-off single to start the game to Aaron Hicks and a 1 out single to Tyler Wade, who came in as a defensive replacement for Starlin Castro in the second inning. Anderson went five innings to end his campaign on a positive note
- Jose Bautista played what is likely his final game in a Blue Jays uniform. In his 9 seasons as a Blue Jay Joey Bats has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays lineup hitting 288 regular season HR, driving in 766 runs and drawing 803 walks. Bautista hit arguably the biggest and most controversial hit in Blue Jays history. I'm talking about the bat flip vs the Texas Rangers that led to Roughned Odor punching Bautista after he took a hard slide at Odor the following season. Jose Bautista thank you for your great career in a Blue Jays uniform
- The future looks bright. Several Jays prospects have made appearances September and earlier (due to injuries and as September call-ups). Here's a brief look at some Jays to watch in spring training next year who played this September for the Jays:
- C Raffy Lopez. When Miguel Montero went down with a groin strain, Lopez was called up from AAA. Regular backup Luke Maille was unavailable due to knee surgery He struggled throwing out base runners. However, Lopez did a good job calling the game and receiving pitches. Lopez has 12 hits (including 4 HR) over 63 AB. Look for him to start in AAA next season.
- OF Teoscar Hernandez. A September call-up, Hernandez has played himself into being a serious contender to replace Bautista. Hernandez was an everyday player at the top of the line-up in September. While he went 0-4 with 3 strikeouts today heading into today's game, he had a .274 batting average with 23 hits, including 8 HR. Hernandez was solid defensively as well. He'll get a serious look in training camp and has a strong chance to at the very least be a 4th outfielder.
- IF Richard Urena. Another September call-up, Urena became the everyday SS when Troy Tulowitzki was lost for the season with a bad ankle sprain. Urena struggled at the plate finishing the season with a .203 batting average 14H (1HR) 26K and 5BB. Given the depth the Jays have when healthy, Urena will start in AAA
- Other prospects who I'm excited to see in the jays lineup in the coming years are Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Kacy Clemens. The latter I got to see live on August 11 as I live in Vancouver
