Tuesday, July 31, 2018

no. 106 2018: Toronto Blue Jays (48-57) @ Oakland A's (62-46)


Tuesday 31 July 2018
Tuesday, July 31, 10:05 PM ET , Oakland Coliseum
Sam Gaviglio  (RHP 2-3  4.65 ERA  69.2 IP  65 K  1.32 WHIP)
v. Trevor Cahill (RHP 2-2  3.43 ERA  63.0 IP  59 K 1.10 WHIP)

Game #105 Toronto Blue Jays (48-57) @ Oakland A's (62-46) - game recap

Oakland A's catcher Jonathan Lucroy was 1-2 with 3RBI and a run scored as the A's routed the Blue Jays 10-1

After surviving Chicago and the White Sox, the Blue Jays get to contend with the Oakland A's, who are in a battle with the Mariners and Astros for the AL West title and a wild card spot. Roberto Osuna was dealt to the Houston Astros today for another troublesome pitcher in Ken Giles, David Paulino and Hector Perez, all in the minors currently and all likely to get a look by the Blue Jays. Marco Estrada made his return from a glut injury and blister on his finger. Depending how he performs tonight, he could be dealt by tomorrow or later in the month after clearing waivers. Here is tonight's game recap.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Game #105 Blue Jays(48-56) @ Oakland Athletics (61-46)

Monday July 30, 2018 | 10:10 pm
Oakland Alameda Coliseum | Oakland, CA
Marco Estrada (4-7, 4.72 ERA) vs. Edwin Jackson (1-2, 3.86 ERA)

ten weekly random thoughts: week 17 July 23-29


It is one of the most anticipated weeks in the baseball season: the trade deadline. In just 30 hours or so, teams will only be able to trade players if both players pass through waivers. This week's random thought's post will focus on the trades we have seen this week and look at past trades the Blue Jays have made. Without further ado, here are ten random thoughts from week 17 of the MLB.

1. The big and expected trade for the Blue Jays took place when JA Happ was traded to the Yankees in exchange for infielder Brandon Drury and outfield prospect Billy McKinney, ranked #20 in the Yankees system. Happ had been having a decent season for the Blue Jays but looked like Cy Young in comparison to what the Blue Jays have been using. Happ had a 10-6 record with a 4.18ERA in 20 starts this season. With Happ gone, Marcus Stroman is the only pitcher left who was in the rotation at the start of the season (Estrada and Sanchez are both still on the DL; although Estrada is expected to start Monday and Jaime Garcia is now in the bullpen). It is interesting to note that McKinney has now been involved in 3 blockbuster trades in four years (he was part of the Cubs-A's trade in 2014 that sent Addison Reed to Chicago and in 2016, he and Gleyber Torres were dealt to the Yankees for closer Aroldis Chapman, who played an integral role in the Cubs breaking the curse to win their first world series.) There is injury concern with Brandon Drury with a stint on the disabled list for blurry vision and migraines. I think this trade fills needs for both teams. The Yankees are looking for a fifth starter with Sonny Gray struggling in the role this season and the Blue Jays need more depth in the infield, although things may get quite crowded if/when Josh Donaldson and/or Troy Tulowitzki return from injury. In his Blue Jays debut, Drury struck out pinch hitting. He started at third base Saturday and got his first hit as a Blue Jay and scored his first run as a Blue Jay. He looked good in the field too. JA Happ made his first start as a Yankee Sunday pitching 6 strong innings of 3-hit ball, allowing just one run and walking one.

2. Happ wasn't the only trade by the Blue Jays. Immediately following the game Wednesday, and finalized Thursday, reliever Seunghwan Oh was sent to the Colorado Rockies. Oh gives the Rockies a reliever who throws strikes and has saved games in the past. This season, the Rockies invested $106 million into relievers Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee. As a team, the Rockies have the highest ERA in the NL. They are hoping Oh can stabilize things in the back end and help the team get more games to the 9th for Wade Davis to save. In return, the Blue Jays got prospects Forest Wall and Chad Spanberger, who could become the Blue Jays next first baseman after Justin Smoak moves on. Oh pitched a scoreless inning of relief in his Rockies debut allowing a hit and a walk.

3. The Yankees also acquired former Orioles closer Zach Britton, who recently returned from an achilles injury. Britton adds a second lefty to a bullpen that includes flame thrower Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson, who was the successor closer on the Yankees after legend Mariano Rivera retired. The Yankees bullpen is on an historic pace and should be compared to some of the best bullpens in the history of baseball.

4. The Red Sox acquired starter Nathan Eovaldi from the Tampa Bay Rays to bolster a starting rotation that includes Cy Young favorite Chris Sale and former Cy Young winners David Price and Rick Porcello. The Red Sox has starters Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez on the DL and Rick Porcello struggled in his first start coming off the DL. Boston is in a tight battle for first in the AL East with the mighty NY Yankees, who will be without starting catcher Gary Sanchez (groin) and Right fielder Aaron Judge (broken wrist) for a few weeks. Stay tuned because it will be a race to the finish line between these two juggernauts.

5. The Atlanta Braves might have made the riskiest deal thus far, re-acquiring former reliever Jonny Venters, who has had three and a half Tommy John surgeries. He's 33 years old and has missed five seasons with TJ surgeries. How much longer can his elbow hold up? The Braves are encouraged by his 3.86ERA in 22 appearances this season. He'll certainly require more rest than a normal reliever

6. Other names that have been dealt this week: RP Matt Andriesse Tampa Bay Rays --> Arizona Diamondbacks (LH batters hitting .174 against him); C Martin Maldanado LA Angels --> Houston Astros (with Brian McCann on the DL until at least September, the Astros hope Maldanado gives them some catching depth; is batting .223 with 5HR and 32RBI this season.) SP Joakim Soria Chicago White Sox --> Milwaukee Brewers (adds to an already strong bullpen. Soria has a 2.56ERA and 16 saves in 40 appearances this season The Brewers are mired in a tight race for the NL Central title with the Cubs); SP Cole Hamels Texas Rangers --> Chicago Cubs (after losing out on Happ, Eovaldi and Britton, the Cubs took the next best pitcher available in Hamels. The veteran lefty has struggled this season with a 5-9 record and 4.72ERA. He has pitched better on the road); SS Eduardo Escobar Minnesota Twins --> Arizona Diamondbacks (leads majors with 37 doubles and has 15HR and slugging% of .514); 2B Asdrubal Cabrera NY Mets --> Philadelphia Phillies (is batting .277 with 18HR and 58RBI; has .817OPS; will likely play 2B; the Phillies are mired in a tight race for the NL East title with Atlanta and Washington); RP Ryan Pressly Minnesota Twins --> Houston Astros (there may be concern about having the second-highest appearances in the AL (51); has 3.40 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 47 1/3IP); 3B Mike Moustakas KC Royals --> Milwaukee Brewers (will probably platoon with Travis Shaw at the hot corner. Moustakas, 29, is slashing .249/.309/.468 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs in his first 378 at-bats for Kansas City this season); RP Chasen Shreve and RP Giovanny Gallegos NY Yankees --> St. Louis Cardinals (the writing was on the wall for Shreve when the Yankees acquired Zach Britton. The 28-year-old Shreve had a 4.14 ERA in 39 appearances for the Yankees this season, with 46 strikeouts in 37 innings. The 26-year-old Gallegos had pitched in four big league games this season, with a 4.50 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 10 innings.); RP Brad Brach Baltimore Orioles --> Atlanta Braves (he had a 1-2 record and a 4.85 ERA with 38 strikeouts over 39 innings and 42 appearances out of the Orioles' bullpen in 2018)

7. Other Blue Jays that could be moved before Tuesday's deadline: John Axford, Curtis Granderson, Tyler Clippard, Roberto Osuna. Other players on teams other than the Blue Jays who could be moved before Tuesday's deadline: Chris Archer, J.T. Realmoto, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Jake Diekman, Matt Harvey.

8. Here is a list of every trade deadline deal made by the Blue Jays up to the 2015 season. It is broken down by GM. As you can see, like every team, the Blue Jays had their hits/misses with trades. Debate among yourselves which is the best deal and which is the worst. Which GM did the best and which GM did the worst.

9. The Blue Jays got bad news on the injury front Sunday as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. took an awkward tumble trying to avoid the tag for the 3rd out. He got his spikes caught in the turf and immediately grabbed his left knee as it buckled under him. Worst case scenario he tore knee ligaments ending his season. Best case scenario: tendon strain putting him out a couple of weeks. After the game, the Blue Jays announced ankle and knee contusions. It might sound like good news but Devon Travis basically had a couple of seasons wiped out with knee contusions.

10. Blue Jay of the week: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who has an 11-game multi-hit streak. Unfortunately, Gurriel Jr. could be out a few days/weeks/months with a knee injury.

Follow me on twitter @tpoole00 and check out my other blog @ proudbcer.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Game #104 Toronto Blue Jays (48-56) @ Chicago White Sox (37-68) - game recap

Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead double as the Blue Jays knocked off the White Sox 7-4

After blowing a 4 run lead, the Blue Jays turn to Ryan Borucki to get the pitching back on track. This could be the final game in a Blue Jays uniform for a few Blue Jays (Curtis Granderson, Yangervis Solarte, John Axford and maybe Roberto Osuna). If the Blue Jays have a late lead today, who will they trust to pitch the 9th today? Jaime Garcia and Ryan Tepera combined to blow yesterday's game and Tyler Clippard has blown 6 saves himself. Let's hope the Blue jays put up 100 runs today. Here is today's game recap.

104: Bad Birds @ Smelly Socks

Sunday July 29, 2018 | 2:10 pm
Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL
Ryan Borucki (0-2, 2.79 ERA) vs. Carlos Rondon (3-3, 3.38 ERA)

Game #103 Toronto Blue Jays (47-56) @ Chicago White Sox (37-67) - game recap

White Sox outfielder Leury Garcia broke the game open with a bases-clearing three-run triple as the White Sox came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-5

Another bullpen day! Tonight was supposed to be JA Happ's start but he was traded to the Yankees on Thursday.  Instead the Blue Jays started righty John Axford, making his first career start. Newcomer Brandon Drury also got his first start in a Blue Jays uniform, after striking out while pinch hitting yesterday. With the trade deadline looming in 2 days, it could be the last game for Axford and Curtis Granderson. Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

103: Oiseaux Bleu @ Smelly Socks

Saturday July 28, 2018 | 7:10 pm
Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL
John Axford (4-1, 5.42 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. Lucas Giolito (7-8, 6.09 ERA, 1.51 WHIP)

Game #102 Toronto Blue Jays (47-55) @ Chicago White Sox (36-67) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw 6.2 strong innings as the Blue Jays doubled up on the White Sox 10-5

With the expected trade of JA Happ to the Yankees, Marcus Stroman becomes the new unofficial staff ace, at least until Aaron Sanchez and Marco Estrada return from injury. When Stroman is on, he pitches like a true ace, but he can get hit hard too, which ballooned his ERA to  over 8.00 at one point. He has been pitching better since coming off the DL. Newcomers Oliver Drake (claimed off waivers) and Brandon Drury (part of JA Happ trade) were both in uniform tonight. Here is today's game recap.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Game #102 Blue Jays (46-55) @ White Sox (36-66)

Friday, July 27, 2018 | 8:10 pm
Guaranteed Rate Field | Chicago, IL
Marcus Stroman (3-7, 5.42 ERA) vs. Reynaldo Lopez (4-8, 4.13 ERA)

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Game #101 Minnesota Twins (47-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-55) - game recap

Twins catcher Mitch Garver was 4-6 with 5RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Twins doubled up on the Blue Jays 12-6

It is get away day for the Blue Jays and JA Happ. The Blue Jays embark on a 10 game road trip to Chicago, Oakland and Seattle, my first MLB game! Will JA Happ be on the flight to Chicago or will he be on a different flight with his new team? Sources say that a deal is close to trade Happ. Once Happ is traded, the Blue Jays will have a decision to make on who will replace Happ in the rotation, likely either a bullpen day or re-inserting Jaime Garcia in the rotation or calling up a minor leaguer like Reid-Foley. The make of the rotation will also largely depend on the health of Aaron Sanchez
and Marco Estrada. Regardless, the Blue Jays were looking to snap a 2 game losing streak and avoid being swept by the Minnesota Twins. Here is today's game recap.

101: Twinkies @ Adult Jays

Game starts soon and I am at work! I did not see anyone with a thread started so...here it is?

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Game #100 Minnesota Twins (46-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-54) - game recap

Eduardo Escobar hit a huge 3-run home run as the Twins shut out the Blue Jays 5-0

After a tough 8-3 loss last night where the bullpen was beat up to the tune of 8 runs on 13 hits and a pair of walks, the Blue Jays turned to rookie Ryan Borucki who has looked good in his initial 4 starts of his career facing 3 of the best lineups in the MLB in the NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. Tonight, he faced a slightly inferior lineup in comparisons to the three juggernauts listed above. Could he pitch deep into the game and save the bullpen? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #100 - Twins @ Jays

Tuesday 24 July 2018
5:07PM EDT / Skydome
 Jose Berrios RHP 9-7 3.68 ERA
v. Ryan Borucki  LHP 0-1 3.52 ERA

TJ's (Better Late Than Never) 1st Half All-Stars and Awards for the National League


Back again. Same stuff, other league. Once again with the All-Stars, not gonna go with all the layers of BS that have built up over the years with how the rosters are selected for the real life All-Star Game. This includes the at least one player per team rule (or as I like to call it, the participation medal rule). Just going to select 20 position players (at least two at each position [at least six outfielders], but no more than four at a single position [no more than nine outfielders]), 7 starting pitchers, and 5 relief pitchers to give me a 32-man roster. As was the case with the AL All-Stars, there are two teams that were not represented on the NL side of things, so I will indicate who I would've put on had I been beholden to this silly rule, and who I would've had to remove to get them on. Ok, let's get this show on the road, shall we?

Monday, July 23, 2018

Game #99 Minnesota Twins (45-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-53) - game recap

Logan Morrison was 2-5 with 3 RBI and a run scored as the Twins routed the Blue Jays 8-3

After a successful 3 game sweep of the inept Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays were facing a slightly more formidable opponent in the Minnesota Twins. Like most of the AL, the Twins are playing for next year. The Twins came into today's game with a 44-53 record, well back of the second wild card spot. THe Blue Jays starting rotation is very unsettled this week with Marco Estrada and Aaron Sanchez still rehabing injuries and JA Happ trade uncertainty. Tonight Luis Santos got the start and Ryan Borucki will go tomorrow followed by Sam Gaviglio Wednesday, Marcus Stroman Friday and maybe JA Happ Saturday. Here is today's game recap.

Game #99 - Twinkies @ Jays

Monday 23 July 2018
5:07PM EDT / Skydome
 Their Dominican Guy (LHP Losing record, 4 something ERA)
v. Our Dominican Guy (RHP Losing record, 4 something ERA)

ten weekly random thoughts: week 16 July 16-22


Heading into play Friday, the Blue Jays sat 4th in the AL East, 7 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays and 16 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles. The AL is so unique this year with Boston, the Yankees and last year's World Series Champs Houston Astros all on pace for 100+ win seasons. On the flip side, Baltimore, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City are all on pace to lose 100+ games. There aren't really going to be many battles for playoff spots in the AL this year as the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros and Indians are all virtual locks (the Yankees and Red Sox will battle it out for the AL East division title and the Mariners, Astros and A's look like they will be battling for the AL West title and second wild card spot). Here are 10 random thoughts from week 16 of the MLB.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Game #98 Baltimore Orioles (28-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (46-52) - game recap

Yangervis Solarte hit a go-ahead 2-run HR in the bottom of the 8th as the Blue Jays edged the Orioles 5-4 to complete their second consecutive sweep of the struggling Orioles team

Well, here we are with what could be JA Happ's last start in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform. Happ had his career year in 2016 when he had a record of 20-4 with a 3.18ERA. He finished 6th in Cy Young voting that season. This year, Happ has easily been the Blue Jays most consistent starter, giving the team a chance to win every 5 days. Happ will be missed in the Blue Jays rotation. Here is today's game recap.

Game #98 - Shit Birds @ Jays


Sunday 22 July 2018
1:07PM EDT / Skydome
 Andrew Cashner (RHP 2-9 4.56ERA 81K 1.52WHIP)
v. J.A. Happ (LHP 10-6 4.29ERA 121K 1.19WHIP)

Here's a half-assed game thread without lineups because I have to be at the theatre for 11:30. Thanks to Dabbles for stepping in and helping out yesterday. I know he's tied up today.

All I can say is thank God for the shitbirds. Go Jays!

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Game #97 Baltimore Orioles (28-71) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-52) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw seven strong innings as the Blue Jays defeated the Orioles 4-1

JA Happ is still a Blue Jay. Will he start tomorrow? Before that game happens, the Blue jays had a game today and Marcus Stroman was on the mound looking to bounce back from a not so good start last Sunday against Boston. Josh Donaldson is slowly progressing from the calf injury but has not anticipated return date. Last night's game was a bit wild. The Blue Jays had a 7-2 lead after seven innings but the Orioles came back with a pair in the 8th and 3 off Tyler Clippard in the 9th. The Blue Jays walked it off in the 10th. Thanks to Sam Gaviglio's strong 7.2 inning performance, the Blue Jays have a rested bullpen for this weekend. Randal Grichuk is in center field with the absence of Kevin Pillar. Could the Blue Jays extend the winning streak to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game #97 - Shit Birds @ Jay Birds


Saturday July 21, 2018 | 1:07 pm
SKYDOME | The Six
Alex Cobb vs. Marcus Stroman

Friday, July 20, 2018

Game #96 Baltimore Orioles (28-70) @ Toronto Blue Jays (44-52) - game recap


Aledmys Diaz hit a walk-off single as the Blue Jays defeated the Orioles 8-7 in extra innings

Blue Jays baseball is back! After a successful all-star game where JA Happ notched his first career save, the Blue Jays get back to work and begin the final stretch of the season. This series will be missing a big bat as Manny Machado was traded to the LA Dodgers Wednesday for a series of prospects. Closer Zach Britton could also be traded at any time. Happ is slated to make what will likely be his final start in a Blue Jays uniform on Sunday. The Blue Jays also began life without Kevin Pillar who will be out up to 6 weeks with an SC joint injury. Could the Pillar-less Blue Jays prevail over the Machado-less Orioles. Here is today's game recap.

Game #96: Shit Birds @ Blue Birds



Friday July 20, 2018 | 7:07 pm
SKYDOME | The Six
Dylan Bundy (6-9, 4.35, 1.31) vs. Sammy G (2-3, 4.58, 1.32)

TJ's (Better Late Than Never) 1st Half All-Stars and Awards for the American League


Heyo my fellow JITHers. Hope everyone's doing well as we leave behind a rough first half and look ahead to a transitional second half in Blue Jayland. A little late, but I'm back with my look at the 1st half in the American League. The thing about the timing of this post is that I wanted to allow the first half to end and then look at the numbers and make my picks. I prefer that to grabbing the numbers early, and having a player go on a hellacious tear before the break and seeing it not get reflected in said picks. The National League version of this will fly either next Monday or Tuesday morning depending on when/if Tina wants to do her ten weekly random thoughts post. Let me know Tina, and I'll work around whatever you want to do.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Gratitude post


We haven't done one of these in a very long time and I think we're due. This quiet spell seems like a good time.

I'm grateful for everyone who has offered me food, shelter, or both over the last few months. For those who have given me tickets (thanks Warren!). For those who have given me amusement. (Let's just say I've been having some interesting text conversations.) For all the people out there who have let me know that they care and are looking out for me. And for the man who has come back into my life and truly sees me and is happy to just bask in my light.

I'm grateful for Wolf, Tina, Lunchbox and Dabbles who have been keeping this site going while I've been closing the door on the old and starting to set up the new. And I'm grateful for all of you who read, even if you don't comment (although today would be a great day to break from lurking!)

What are you grateful for?

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Fourth annual pop-schlock vid-off


Here it is again, the traditional day after the All-Star game vid off. You can read about the history of this event here. Once again, you can try to top each other with cheesy vids. Bonus marks if you can connect them in some way.

Since we've been talking about Hall and Oates recently and since they have a whole whack of cheesy vids, I'm starting us off with this classic take on a Mike Oldfield song.

Have fun and remember to click next to your name and select Hide Media if the thread gets slow. That way you'll only load the vid you want to watch at any one time.


Tuesday, July 17, 2018

2018 All Star Game

All-Star-Game-2018-MLB-Getty-FTR-070818



Here it is, your favourite exhibition game. It's been surprisingly difficult to find a graphical representation of the lineup. So I'm not bothering. You can go here.

Read all about the replacements.

Monday, July 16, 2018

2018 Home Run Derby


Ya'll bitch but you'll watch it anyway. Here ya go!

ten weekly random thoughts: week 15 July 9-15


Well, we made it to the all-star break and the Blue Jays have a record of 43-52, a few games better than their record of 41-47 last year, but the season started a few days earlier and the all-star game is a few days later so the Blue Jays are exactly where they were last year. If anybody could use the all-star break it is the exhausted Blue Jays bullpen. Toronto starters have not consistently been pitching past the 5th inning, which has led to overuse of some arms. Ryan Tepera strained his elbow because of being used too many times. Other bullpen arms are been less effective lately. The all-star break is coming at the perfect time as several injured players are getting close to returning. Here are ten random thoughts from week 15 of the MLB.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (43-52) @ Boston Red Sox (68-30) - game recap

Red Sox 2B Brock Holt had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI as the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays 5-2

Here we are, last game before a much needed all-star break (I will be taking a brief hiatus this week after I finish off this recap and the weekly random thoughts post before continuing with the recaps Friday). If there is any team that needs to hit the reset button at the all-star break it is the Blue Jays. This week, they have been sloppy in the field, which indicates to me that they are tired. A few of the players are banged up (Kevin Pillar who exited the game last night after injuring his SC joint on a diving catch, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, who was conked in the head on a dangerous play at first base yesterday, Teoscar Hernandez has been playing through soreness in his heel and the catchers, who have taken some nasty shots from deflected balls lately). The Blue Jays were looking to finish off the unofficial first half on a positive note. They've actually done pretty well this series. The Red Sox were held to a run and 7 hits over the first 8 innings and three of those hits belonged to Mookie Betts. The Red Sox were forced to comeback in the 9th and win it in the 10th off a pitcher who was the last choice for the Blue Jays on a days when their bullpen was depleted. On Friday, the Blue Jays put on an offensive show that would make Red Sox batters smile scoring 13 runs on 14 hits to outslug the Bosox. Lots of positives to take from this series and into the second half. Here is today's game recap.

#95 Zombirds @ Smelly Feet



Sunday July 15, 2018 | 1:05 pm
Fenway Park | Boston, MA
Marcus Stroman (2-3, 5.90, 1.52) vs. Brian Johnson (1-2, 4.23, 1.48)

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (43-51) @ Boston Red Sox (67-30) - game recap

Xander Bogaerts hit a walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning as the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 6-2

After an offensive breakout last night, the Blue Jays were looking to hand the Red Sox their first multi-game losing streak since June 19-20. Here's some food for thought, since losing 3 in a row April 21-24, the Red Sox have lost 2 in a row just seven times and had a record of 48-24. Their high-octane offense has been on fire most of the year, their starting pitchers are consistently throwing 6 or more innings, which keeps their bullpen fresh. Could the Blue Jays beat the Red Sox 2 games in a row? Here is today's game recap.

#94 - Toronto Zombirds (43-50) at Boston Smelly Socks (66-30)



Saturday, July 14, 2018 | 1:10 pm
Fenway Park | Boston, MA
Sam Gaviglio (2-3, 4.70, 1.30) vs. Eduardo Rodriguez(11-3, 3.62, 1.25)

Friday, July 13, 2018

Game #93 Toronto Blue Jays (43-50) @ Boston Red Sox (66-30) - game recap

Kevin Pillar was 4-5 with 4 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Blue Jays pounded the Red Sox to snap their 10-game winning streak

The Blue Jays came into this one looking to snap a pair of streaks; their personal 2 game losing streak and Boston's 10 game winning streak. For the first time in 2 weeks (since just prior to Steve Pearce being traded) the Blue Jays had a .300 hitter in their lineup (Dwight Smith Jr.). On the mound, they had rookie sensation Ryan Borucki, who threw three solid games facing the league's best teams in the Houston Astros and the NY Yankees. Could the Blue Jays create some magic and get back to winning? Here is tonight's game recap.

#93 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-50) at Boston Red Sox (66-29)



Friday, July 13, 2018 | 7:10 pm
Fenway Park | Boston, MA
Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.25, 1.25) vs. Rick Porcello (11-3, 3.58, 1.17)

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Game #92 Toronto Blue Jays (42-50) @ Boston Red Sox (66-29) - game recap

Mookie Betts took JA Happ deep for a grand slam and later added an RBI single as the Red ox defeated the Blue Jays 6-4

The Blue Jays faced their 10th meeting against their division rivals Boston Red Sox. They had won two games in nine tries heading into tonight. Boston had the best record in baseball heading into tonight's game and if the playoffs started today the Red Sox would be looking at home field advantage right through the world series. The Blue Jays will also be facing former teammate Steve Pearce, who was traded to the Bosox June 28th. JA Happ was making his final start before heading to Washington to represent the Blue Jays in the all-star game. Here is tonight's game recap.

#92 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-49) at Boston Red Sux (65-29)



Thursday, July 12, 2018 | 7:10 pm
Fenway Park | Boston, MA
J.A. Happ (10-5, 4.44, 1.18) vs. David Price (9-6, 4.44, 1.27)


PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays roll into Fenway Park for a four-game shellacking against the first-place Red Sox.  The Jays are a mere 21.5 games behind Boston, but hey, at least we're not nearly 40 games out like the Orioles!

In a further conspiracy by MLB to lower the potential return on a trade to the Yankees and further weaken the Blue Jays, trade bait J.A. Happ takes the ball against an offensive juggernaut again.  On the other side of the field, former Blue Jay hired gun David Price will attempt to further alienate the Red Sox faithful and force his way out of town.  Both are coming off two not-so-great starts; who will be the one to out-stink the other and come out on top?

Happ gets to pitch to a red-hot J.D. Martinez, who is contending for the Triple Crown with a .330/.393/.649 line with 28 HR and 79 RBI.  Martinez leads the majors in the latter two categories and is third in batting average.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Game #91 Toronto Blue Jays (42-49) @ Atlanta Braves (51-40) - game recap

Ozzie Albies was 2-4 with 4RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Braves beat the Blue Jays 9-5

The Blue Jays were looking to sweep the mini two game series tonight and win the season series over Alex Antropolous and George Poullis's Atlanta Braves. The series featured a match-up of teams largely going in opposite directions. The Blue Jays are well back of the second wild card sport and will be looking to trade assets in the coming weeks. Atlanta is in the midst of a tight race for the NL East division title. Tonight might have been Gaviglio's last game in the rotation with Jaime Garcia and Aaron Sanchez both nearing a return to health. The play of Ryan Borucki has earned him another start if either or both Sanchez/Garcia need more time to rehab. Here is today's game recap.

#91 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-48) at Atlanta Braves (50-40)



Wednesday, July 11, 2018 | 7:35 pm
SunTrust Park | Cumberland, Georgia
Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.81, 1.23) vs. Mike Foltynewicz (6-5, 2.37, 1.11)


PREAMBLE:

After yesterday's 6-2 win, the Blue Jays seek to complete a two-game sweep and win the season series against the Braves.

The Jays will go up against a first-time All-Star, Mike Foltynewicz, and they will counter with Sam Gaviglio.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Game #90 Toronto Blue Jays (42-48) @ Atlanta Braves (50-40) - game recap

Marcus Stroman pitched 7 strong innings in his 100th career start as the Blue Jays defeated the Braves 6-2

The Blue Jays began the final week before the all-star game in Atlanta tonight. The two teams split the 2 games in Toronto. Tonight featured a matchup of 2 struggling starting pitchers, although Stroman has looked better since coming off the DL. Speaking of Stroman, his last start here, he hit a home run. Could he repeat the feat? Did the Blue Jays offence give him any support? Here is tonight's game recap.

#90 - Toronto Blue Jays (41-48) at Atlanta Braves (50-39)

Not "The Ted"

Tuesday, July 10, 2018 | 7:35 pm
SunTrust Park | Cumberland, Georgia
Marcus Stroman (1-6, 6.50, 1.57) vs. Julio Teheran (6-6, 4.47, 1.24)


PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays roll into Atlanta for a quick two-game interleague series against the NL East-leading Braves.

In March, tonight's pitching matchup would have looked like a dandy with Stroman going up against Teheran.  Now?  Mehh.  Both are having a tough season so far.  Last year, these two faced off and Stroman smoked a dinger off Teheran en route to a 9-0 Jays win.  One of our own posters has predicted another HR for Stroman tonight.

Monday, July 9, 2018

ten weekly random thoughts: week 14 July 2-8


What an emotional week it was this week as Jose Bautista made his return to the Roger's Center after he and the Blue Jays parted ways this summer. Bautista would be the Blue Jays best hitter if he was on the team, which says a lot about how the offence has struggled this year. If things stay the way they are, the Blue Jays will finish the year without a batter hitting .300 for the second straight season. Devon Travis was the last Blue Jay to finish the season batting .300, back in 2016. It is likely the team will get worse in the coming weeks as the best players on the team are traded away to contending teams looking to add the final piece that will lead them to glory. Here are ten random thoughts from the 14th week of the MLB.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Game #89 New York Yankees (58-29) @ Toronto Blue Jays (41-48) - game recap

Blue Jays rookie Ryan Borucki threw seven strong innings in a losing effort as the Yankees edged the Blue Jays 2-1

Here we are the rubber match of this series. The Blue Jays were looking to win their first series vs. the Yankees this season. In the three previous series, the teams split the first four games to open the regular season, The Yankees won 3 of 4 in New York in Mid-April, and the Yankees swept the 2 game series here in Toronto almost two months later. It has been clear that talent wise, the juggernaut Yankees are far superior to the sub-par Blue Jays team. Could the Blue Jays prevail today? Here is today's game recap.

#89 - New York Crybabies (57-29) at Toronto Blue Jays (41-47)



Sunday, July 8, 2018 | 1:07 pm
Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON
Domingo German (2-4, 5.37, 1.27) vs. Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.77, 1.23


PREAMBLE:

This was the one that was supposed to be aired in prime-time, right?  Before the Yankees whined endlessly about the schedule requiring a night game before flying off to LOL-land for a doubleheader?  Yup.  Crush 'em, Jays.  Make them use up their entire bullpen.

The Yankees won yesterday's game by an 8-5 score, meaning today is the rubber match of the three-game series.  Ryan Borucki goes onto the hill for the Blue Jays to attempt to bring about a series win while going up against Domingo German. 

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Game #88 New York Yankees (57-29) @ Toronto Blue Jays (41-47) - game recap

Yankees veteran outfielder Brett Gardner was 2-5 at the plate with 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-5

Today's game was a battle of the aces. Luis Severino has been terrific this year with a sparkling 13-2 record and major league-leading 1.98ERA. The hard-throwing righty has been nearly unhittable this season. Meanwhile, JA Happ has been the Blue Jays best starting pitcher by a large margin, but he struggled his last start and command of his inside fastball has been an issue lately. Which of these aces prevailed today? Here is today's game recap.

#88 - New York Villains (56-29) at Toronto Blue Jays (41-46)

Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 4:07 pm
Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON
Luis Severino (13-2, 1.98, 0.95) vs. J.A. Happ (10-4, 4.03, 1.11)


PREAMBLE:

This game has easily the best pitching matchup of the three-game series, pitting current Yankee Luis Severino against future Yankee J.A. Happ.

The Blue Jays won the opener of the series 6-2 with a three-run shot by Justin Smoak emphatically capping a bat-around 2nd inning.

Will Happ display the form that will want to make the Yankees open up their entire farm system for him, or will they leave town unimpressed with his performance?  *weighs which outcome is more desirable for the Jays*

Game #87 New York Yankees (56-29) @ Toronto Blue Jays (41-46) - game recap


Justin Smoak hit a three run HR as the Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 6-2

After an emotional 2 game split with the NY Mets, the Blue Jays had to put aside their emotions from Joey Bats return to Toronto and focus on the next task; defeating the Bronx bombers. The two teams have faced each other 10 times with NY winning 7 of the games. Tomorrow will be an important game for JA Happ, who potentially faces his teammates as the Yankees supposedly are front runners to trade for the Blue Jays ace. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Tonight's pitching match-up featured a pair of starters who may or may not be in their respective team's rotations much longer. Sam Gaviglio could be making his second to last start as both Aaron Sanchez and Jaime Garcia could be ready to return shortly after the all-star break. Sonny Gray has been inconsistent in the rotation and could see his spot taken by a trade acquisition (Happ). Which starter prevailed tonight? Here is today's game recap.

Friday, July 6, 2018

#87 - New York Villains (56-28) at Toronto Blue Jays (40-46)



Friday, July 6, 2018 | 7:07 pm
Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON
Sonny Gray (5-6, 5.44, 1.51) vs. Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.96, 1.20)


PREAMBLE:

One New York team (the Yankees) comes into town just as another New York team (the Mets) leaves.  I hope each of the Mets farted into their assigned cubicle to leave a welcoming bon mot for the Yankees players.

It's a battle of the SGs as Sonny Gray faces Sam Gaviglio to kick off a three-game series at the Rogers Centre. 

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Game #86 New York Mets (34-49) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-46) - game recap

Jose Bautista salutes the crowd Tuesday. He played what might have been his final game in Toronto Wednesday. The Mets doubled up on the Blue Jays 6-3 Wednesday.

The Blue Jays received some somewhat promising news today with an MRI finding only a mild strain of the glute muscle for starter Marco Estrada, who left his start yesterday after facing just 4 batters. With two starters, Aaron Sanchez and Jaime Garcia, already on the DL, the Blue Jays can ill afford to lose a third starting pitcher. Tonight, Marcus Stroman was making his third start since coming off the DL himself. Tonight's game also potentially marked the last time Jose Bautista played baseball in Toronto. Here is tonight's game recap.

#86 - New York Mets (33-49) at Toronto Blue Jays (40-45)



Wednesday, July 4, 2018 | 7:07 pm
Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON
Corey Oswalt (0-1, 9.82, 1.36) vs. Marcus Stroman (1-5, 6.02, 1.52)


PREAMBLE:

This is the second of a two-game series for the Blue Jays against the New York Mets, and the Jays are looking to complete the sweep and win the season series.

This could very well be the final time we ever see Jose Bautista in uniform, depending on how much longer he intends to play and how the interleague schedule unfolds in future seasons.  Game 1 was a mixed bag for Joey Bats - huge ovation prior to the game and during his first at-bat, then had a single and three walks in five plate appearances, but then helped the Jays get back into the game by committing a Bautistian error in letting Grichuk's ball go by him for a two-base error during the five-run inning that started the Jays comeback.

This would be a nice time for Marcus Stroman to turn in a boffo performance to take the load off the bullpen after yesterday's 12-pitch outing from Marco Estrada.  The Mets counter with Corey Oswalt (no relation to Roy) who will be making his second major-league start.

Also:  Jose Reyes is in tonight's lineup for the Mets.