Jays in the House: September 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Game #162 Toronto Blue Jays (73-89) @ Tampa Bay Rays (90-72) - game recap

Jake Bauers was 3-3 with 2RBI and 2 runs scored as the Rays beat the Blue Jays 9-4

Here we are, the final game of the 2018 MLB season. Russell Martin was the unofficial manager, filling out the lineup cards and handling the duties that John Gibbons would normally do. The Blue Jays were looking to give Gibbons a final series win before he rides off into the sunset.. The soon-to-be-ex-Blue Jays manager will almost certainly find employment elsewhere, hopefully in a better situation. Here is a today's game recap.

Sunday, September 30, 2018 | 3:10 pm

Trop's House of Horrors |Tampa, FL

Sam Gaviglio (3-9, 5.19, 1.43) vs. Ryne Stanek (2-3, 3.08, 1.10)

PREAMBLE:

Well, this is it. The final game of the 2018 season for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the final 'official' managing game as a Jay for John Gibbons, though he's allowing Russell Martin to pull the strings for today's game.

Russell has filled out an interesting lineup card for the game - see lineups at the bottom of game thread. McKinney batting 3rd? Pillar leading off? Sure, why not.

Sam Gaviglio takes the mound as he looks to avoid going to 10 losses for the season, and he'll face Ryne Stanek, who's starting a bullpenning game against the Jays for what seems like the 38th time this season.

Game #161 Toronto Blue Jays (73-88) @ Tampa Bay Rays (89-72) - game recap

Mallex Smith drove in the game winning run in the 7th as the Rays edged the Blue Jays 4-3

This will unofficially be the last game John Gibbons manages for the Blue Jays as he is handing over the reins to catcher Russell Martin on Sunday. Today was a rematch of last Sunday's epic pitcher's duel between Ryan Borucki and Blake Snell. The Blue Jays were looking to get their skipper a series win to end his time in Toronto. Here is today's game recap.

The Gibby Lean will be missed.

Saturday, September 29, 2018 | 6:10 pm

Trop's House of Horrors | Tampa, FL

Ryan Borucki (4-5, 3.76, 1.31) vs. Blake Snell (21-5, 1.90, 0.96)

PREAMBLE:

The penultimate game of the season is here and essentially the final game for John Gibbons as Blue Jays manager as Russ Martin will handle the duties in tomorrow's finale.

The pitching matchup, again, should be a fun one with budding rotation fixture Ryan Borucki taking on Blake Snell as the latter looks to lock up the Cy Young award. Snell has won nine consecutive starts with a 1.03 ERA in that span - pretty much the ultimate definition of taking control of his fate for the Cy Young.

Game #160 Toronto Blue Jays (73-87) @ Tampa Bay Rays (88-72) - game recap

Randal Grichuk hit a go-ahead triple in the 7th as the Blue Jays edged the Rays 7-6

We have reached the final weekend of the 2018 season. It will be bittersweet in several ways. This series marks the final one with John Gibbons as manager. The Blue Jays traded away one of the last major pieces from that magical 2015 playoff run as Josh Donaldson became an Indian. JA Happ left July 31st for the Yankees. Likely the only remaining players from 2015 on the team next year will be Russell Martin, Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Stroman, Justin Smoak, Kevin Pillar, Devon Travis, Ryan Tepera and Troy Tulowitzki. Here's hoping for a three game sweep to send Gibby off on a positive. Here is today's game recap.

Yes, that's the Trop. Fitting, right?

Friday, September 28, 2018 | 7:10 pm

Trop's House of Horrors | Tampa, FL

Thomas Pannone (4-1, 3.85, 1.12) vs. Tyler Glasnow (1-5, 4.11, 1.01)

PREAMBLE:

It feels like we're seeing Tampa for the 40th time in the past month or so, thanks to the unbalanced schedule. We've also seen Ryne Stanek and Tyler Glasnow (tonight's starter) about 17 times each by now, too.

In the final series of the 2018 season for the Blue Jays, the team looks to end the season on a good note and send Gibby off into the sunset with a well-deserved 1-year severance contract. Even though it's against Tampa, a team that practices voodoo on the Jays, anything could happen in this series with neither team having anything to play for.

Thomas Pannone looks to wrap up a fine rookie season in style by taking the ball tonight for the Jays. He goes up against the big guy, Tyler Glasnow, in a rematch from last Saturday, which Pannone won by a 5-2 score.

Game #159 Houston Astros (100-58) @ Toronto Blue Jays (72-87) - game recap

John Gibbons managed his final game as a Blue Jay and his team gave him a 3-1 victory over the Astros

Here we are. The final home game of the 2018 season. The Blue Jays will finish one or two games below .500, depending on the outcome. Today, the Blue Jays announced that John Gibbons will not return as Blue Jays manager, perhaps the worst kept secret in all of baseball. He will be sorely missed by fans and all of us here at JITH. Sean Reid-Foley started his final game of the season. Here is today's game recap.

Wednesday, September 26, 2017 | 4:07 pm

House of Gibbons | Toronto, ON

Chris Devenski (2-2, 4.12, 1.21) vs. Sean Reid-Foley (2-4, 5.40, 1.67)

Game #158 Houston Astros (100-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-87) - game recap

Alex Bregman hit a 1st inning 2-run HR as the Astros knocked off the Blue Jays 4-1

Lots going on today ahead of this one. The Roberto Osuna assault case wrapped up today with him signing a peace bond after his girlfriend decline to return from Mexico to appear. The Blue Jsys also found out a pair of players seasons are over. Aaron Sanchez had surgery on his ailing finger. The team is hoping he'll be able to participate fully in training camp next year. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is also finished after sustaining a grade II hamstring strain in the 1st inning last night running to 1st. This means Yangervis Solarte will see more playing time in the last 5 games. Sam Gaviglio made his final start of the season tonight. He was looking to end an up and down season on a positive. The Blue Jays were also hoping to prevent the Astros from getting win #100 tonight and being in a position to clinch the AL West title. Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 | 7:07 pm

Skydome | Toronto, ON

Josh James (1-0, 2.81, 1.00) vs. Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.18, 1.42)

Game #157 Houston Astros (99-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-86) - game recap

Jose Altuve was 2-5 with a RBI and a run scored as the Astros defeated the Blue Jays 5-3

The MLB schedule makers saved the best for last for Blue Jays fans. This series has so many intriguing pieces. The Gurriel brothers face off in Toronto. Roberto Osuna pitches in Toronto for the first time since being arrested. Ken Giles faces his old team. Oh yeah and the Blue Jays could affect the outcome of the AL West title. Oakland is currently 4.5 games back. If the Blue Jays sweep Houston and Oakland sweeps Seattle. They could force the Astros to face the Yankees in the wild card game. Here is today's game recap.

Monday, September 24, 2018 | 7:07 pm

House of Gurriel | Toronto, ON

Dallas Keuchel (11-11, 3.71, 1.29) vs. Marco Estrada (7-13, 5.57, 1.41)

We have arrived at the final week in the MLB schedule. There have been good moments (Kendrys Morales seven game HR streak, the play of Ryan Borucki, Yangervis Solarte becoming just the second player in the live ball era with 5 hits) and they've had bad moments (the pitching, countless errors that shouldn't be made and players not hustling). In 2017, after 156 games, the Blue Jays had a record of 73-83, two wins better than this year. This week, I will finish my analysis of all 9 positions with the two corner outfield positions and the pitchers (split into starters and relievers). Next week, I will analyze a replacement for John Gibbons and look at the free agents available. Here are ten random thoughts from week 25 of the MLB.

Game #156 Tampa Bay Rays (87-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-85) - game recap

Blake Snell threw 6.2 shutout innings as the Rays knocked off the Blue Jays 5-2 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive

Today's game actually had some relevance. A Rays loss would eliminate Tampa Bay from the playoffs. Ryan Borucki was making his second to last start of the season. He has more than proven himself as a lock of the rotation next year. Here is today's game recap.

The death knell is sounding for your playoff chances, Rays. Love, Blue Jays.

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre of Horrors | Toronto, ON

Blake Snell (20-5, 1.97, 0.97) vs. Ryan Borucki (4-4, 3.86, 1.33)

Game #155 Tampa Bay Rays (86-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-84) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez was 3-4 with 3RBI and a run scored as the Blue Jays knocked off the Ray 5-2

The Blue Jays were unable to repeat their epic comeback Thursday on Friday. Here's an idea, don't give up so many runs. Tonight, Thomas Pannone looks to repeat his strong seven inning performance from last start vs. the Yankees. The last time the Blue Jays faced today's Rays starter, they scored 7 runs in 2/3 of an inning. Could the Blue Jays do what the Rays have been doing to them the last games and rout them? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 | 4:07 pm

Rogers Centre of Horrors | Toronto, ON

Tyler Glasnow (2-6, 4.22, 1.24) vs. Thomas Pannone (3-1, 3.77, 1.06)

PREAMBLE:

Last night's game got ugly in a hurry and hopes of another stirring comeback a la Thursday quickly faded. Oh well. Move on to game 3 this afternoon and the Blue Jays are looking to secure at least a series split.

Thomas Pannone takes the ball this afternoon as he looks to continue his impressive performance in the big leagues and to stake a claim for a rotation spot for 2019. He faces 6'8" Tyler Glasnow, who got absolutely torched by the Jays the last time he pitched against them two weeks ago.

Austin Meadows was 3 for 3 with 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Rays routed the Blue Jays 11-3

After an epic comeback last night, the Blue Jays were looking to win two in a row vs. their AL East rivals. Tonight Sean Reid-Foley took to the mound in what will be his second to last start of the season. Will Russell Martin see the field again this season? What I think would be cool is on the final home game of the season, let Martin play all nine positions as Shane Halter did for the Twins in 2017. Here is tonight's game recap.

#154 - Tampa Bay Rays (85-67) at Toronto Blue Jays (70-83)

Friday, September 21, 2018 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.14, 0.97) vs. Sean Reid-Foley (2-3, 5.54, 1.54)

Game #153 Tampa Bay Rays (85-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-83) - game recap

Justin Smoak hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th to cap off an epic 7 run inning for a come from behind 9-8 victory over the Rays

The Blue Jays began their final homestand of the season tonight. Going into the game, the Blue Jays were .500 at home with a record of 37-37. Sam Gaviglio was on the mound tonight and he pitches much better at home. The Rays were having their usual bullpen game, which has been highly effective as the Rays could get 90 wins this season and they have an outside chance of making the playoffs. Here's hoping the Blue Jays play spoiler once again. Here is today's game recap.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre of Horrors | Toronto, ON

Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.49, 1.06) vs. Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.25, 1.44)

PREAMBLE:

Not again, Ryne Stanek? It feels like it's about the 10th time he's started a bullpenning game against the Blue Jays so far this season. He'll probably go an inning and then be replaced by Yonny Chirinos (4-5, 3.89), who will go the bulk of the innings assuming the Jays let him pretend to be Cy Young for a while.

Sam Gaviglio takes the ball for the Jays as he looks to continue his home-field dominance. He's 2-2, 3.23 at home, compared to 1-6 and close to 8.00 ERA on the road.

Game #152 Toronto Blue Jays (69-83) @ Baltimore Orioles (44-108) - game recap

DJ Stewart scored both Orioles runs, one off a towering solo HR as the Orioles edged the Blue Jays 2-1

After a solid comeback win, aided fittingly by a throwing error by the Orioles that allowed a pair of runs to score, the Blue Jays were looking to complete their third sweep of the season against the worst team in baseball. The struggling Marco Estrada, who's time in Toronto may be drawing near if the Blue Jays opt to not re-sign him. Estrada hasn't been as effective the last month or so as he has not been 100% healthy. He was facing righty Jimmy Yacabonis, who came into the game with an 0-2 record and 7.22ERA in 9 game (4 starts). Here is today's game recap.

Look at this beauty I found online...

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 | 7:05 pm

LOL Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Marco Estrada (7-12, 5.75, 1.44) vs. Jimmy Yacabonis (0-2, 7.22, 1.53)

PREAMBLE:

Prepare to shed a lot of tears tonight as it'll be the last time the Blue Jays face the oriLOLes this season. They've gone 14-4 so far. So much fun beating them up. Tonight, the Jays go for a series sweep and redemption for getting swept in Baltimore three weeks ago.

Marco Estrada goes out there to see if he has anything left in the tank; based on his last outing against the Yankees, it really doesn't look like he has much left. Jimmy Yacabonis is his counterpart on the mound tonight - it's kinda like tossing a string of spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks at this point in time.

Game #151 Toronto Blue Jays (69-82) @ Baltimore Orioles (43-108) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr singled in the game winning runs as the Blue Jays came from behind to defeat the Orioles 6-4

After a convincing shutout over the basement-dwelling Orioles, the Blue Jays turned to Aaon Sanchez, who has turned in two solid performances in September. Reese McGuire started his 4th game behind the plate tonight. I have been impressed with his speed and poise behind the plate. Baltimore sent Dylan Bundy to the mound, looking for his 9th win of the season. Who will win tonight's meaningless game? Here is today's game recap.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 | 7:05 pm

LOL Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Aaron Sanchez (4-6, 4.90, 1.55) vs. Dylan Bundy (8-14, 5.48, 1.40)

PREAMBLE:

After a virtuoso performance from Ryan Borucki in a 5-0 win in the opener, the Blue Jays look to carry on the momentum into game 2 of the series.

Aaron Sanchez looks to continue his solid September and end the season on a good note as he takes the ball on the mound tonight. His opponent, Dylan Bundy, has given up a major league-leading 38 HRs so far this season. Om nom nom.

Game #150 Toronto Blue Jays (68-82) @ Baltimore Orioles (43-107) - game recap

Ryan Borucki threw 8 outstanding innings as the Blue Jays shut out the Orioles 5-0

After taking 2 of 3 from the mighty Yankees on the weekend, the Blue Jays head into Baltimore looking to snap a three game losing streak against the AL East basement dwellers. The Orioles have five fewer wins than the Red Sox have losses. The Blue Jays sent rookie phenom Ryan Boucki to the mound today, while the Orioles countered with reliever Evan Phillips in a bullpen day for the Orioles. Could the Blue Jays snap the shameful three game losing against the worst team in baseball? Here is today's game recap.

Monday, September 17, 2018 | 7:05 pm

LOL Park at Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD

Ryan Borucki (3-4, 4.26, 1.42) vs. E Phillips (0-0, 21.60, 3.00)

PREAMBLE:

After a series win (!) against the Yankees in their home park, the Blue Jays had an happy (and short) flight to Baltimore for a three game series. The last time the Jays were in town, they were embarrassed in a three-game sweep to the worst team in the bigs. Let's sweep 'em, mmkay?

Ryan Borucki takes the ball tonight and his opponent, Evan Phillips, is making his first major-league start for what sounds like a bullpen game.

We are entering the final two weeks of the season. Lots has happened in the past 24 weeks. The Yankees and Red Sox continue to be a cut above the rest of the AL East. The TB Rays have done remarkable despite really having only one viable starting pitcher. By the way, don't expect bullpen days to become a trend in the MLB. Most teams will still have five traditional starters that pitch 5-7 innings. The Orioles... not much to do here but laugh at their ineptitude. At the moment, the Blue Jays are kind of between the Rays and Orioles talent wise. A couple of years down the road, Toronto might be able to compete with Boston and NY. Last week, I started looking at each position and the depth the Blue Jays have with catcher, third base and first base. This week, I will take a look at SS, 2B and CF. Here are 10 random thoughts from week 24 of the MLB.

Game #149 Toronto Blue Jays (67-82) @ New York Yankees (91-58) - game recap

Thomas Pannone threw 7 strong innings as the Blue Jays came from behind to defeat the Yankees for the second straight day 3-2

Today was the rubber match of the final series of the season between the Yankees and Blue Jays. Toronto was looking to win a series over the Yankees for the first time all season. A loss for New York would also increase the odds of the Yankees being forced to play the wild card game on the road in Oakland. Thomas Pannone was looking for his third career win against a Yankees team that will be playing desperate baseball in an attempt to avoid a long flight west for a wild card game, or missing the playoffs altogether. Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, September 16, 2018 | 1:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | New York, NY

Thomas Pannone (2-1, 4.13, 1.13) vs. Lance Lynn (9-10, 5.01, 1.55)

PREAMBLE:

After just managing to hold on to win Game 2 despite a leaky bullpen, the Blue Jays look to grab a series win in today's matinee. It'll be an accomplishment if the Jays can avoid getting beaten to a pulp into the ground as the Yankees look to get back on track to securing home field advantage for the wild card game.

Thomas Pannone takes the ball on the mound today against Lance Lynn.

Game #148 Toronto Blue Jays (66-82) @ New York Yankees (91-57) - game recap

Aledmys Diaz was 2-4 with 3RBI as the Blue Jays edged the Yankees 8-7

After a slaughtering from the Yankees last night, the Blue Jays were getting ready for round 2. Today they were up against the big lefty CC Sabathia. The Yankees have an outside chance of getting 100 wins, but they have to go 9-6 in their final 15 games to hit the century mark in wins. Even crazier, the Rays have an outside chance of passing the Yankees and knocking them out of the playoffs. More likely is the A's passing the Yankees and making the Yankees head west for a wild card game. Here's hoping Toronto wins the next 2 games to make NY travel west. Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 4:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | New York, NY

Raw Rookie (SRF, 1-3, 6.86, 1.32) vs. Future Yankee Hall of Famer (CC, 7-6, 3.54, 1.32)

PREAMBLE:

The blood-letting continues in game 2 of the series where the Blue Jays are making the Yankees seem like the 1927 Murderer's Row version.

Fresh meat, in the form of Sean Reid-Foley, is being thrown out onto the mound to get chewed up by the Yankees, while the grizzled old vet, CC Sabathia takes the ball for the home team.

Game #147 Toronto Blue Jays (65-82) @ New York Yankees (91-56) - game recap

Andrew McCutchen was 3-3 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Yankees shut out and routed the Blue Jays 11-0

This is the first of three series down the stretch where the Blue Jays could play spoiler. At the moment, the Yankees sit 1.5 games up on Oakland for home field advantage in the wild card game. The other two series where the Blue Jays could play spoiler are a home and home (with a series vs. the Astros sandwiched between) series vs. the Rays. It's very possible the Blue Jays could lose all 9 games as they have a combined 7 wins in 28 games vs. the Rays and Yankees this season. Tonight, the hurting Marco Estrada gamely tried to battle against the Yankees facing Blue Jays killer Masahiro Tanaka. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 1st as Aaron Hicks singled, scoring Andrew McCutchen
Two batters later, Giamcarlo Stanton scored on a Didi Gregorius ground out
A batter later, Gleyber Torres singled home Hicks
Two batters later, Luke Voit doubled scoring Torres and Gary Sanchez
The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Brett Gardner singled home Gregorius
Two batters later, Gardner singled scoring Voit and Gardner
Marco Estrada pitching line: 2.2IP 6H 8R (all earned) 3BB 2K 55 pitches (34 for strikes)
The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 5th as McCutchen homered to right-center
Masahiro Tanaka pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 2BB 8K 90 pitches (64 for strikes)
The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Gregorius homered to right
Four batters later, Kyle Higashioka scored on a rare sac fly double play
final score: Yankees 11 Blue Jays 0

My Take

It was not a good night at all for Maarco Estrada. He was lit up for 8 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. It is a well-known fact that Estrada is not healthy. He missed close to a month with a glute strain. He had 2 strong starts since where he pitched into the seventh inning, but the last month he has been laboring. With 2 weeks left in the season and maybe a start or two left, why not shut him down? You can always have a bullpen day if there aren't enough starters.
The Yankees definitely played like a team that doesn't want to travel west for a wild card game. Offensively, they exploded for 11 runs on 14 hits and 7 walks.
The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position tonight.
Reese McGuire pinch hit for Devon Travis in the 9th and popped out
Richard Urena pinch hit for Aledmys Diaz in the 9th and hit a single
Rowdy Tellez started at first base and was 1-4 at the plate (a rare single).
Taylor Guerreri took over for Marco Estrada in the bottom of the 3rd. He gave up three hits and walked 2 batters, while striking out 1 in 1.1 innings tonight.
Justin Shafer pitched 2 innings today, giving up a pair of hits (one a home run) and a walk
David Paulino pitched the 8th inning and gave up a pair of hits and a pair of runs (only one was earned due to a fielding error by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.) and struck out a batter
Luke Maile had a perfect night at the plate with a pair of hits. He also drew a pair of walks.
Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the three game series as they send rookie Sean Reid-Foley to the mound facing the big lefty CC Sabathia, who is in the twilight of his career.

no.147 - Toronto Blue Jays (65-81) at New York Yankees (

Friday, September 14, 2018 | 7:05 pm

Huge-Airstream-to-RF Stadium | New York, NY

Marco Estrada (7-11, 5.32, 1.40) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (11-5, 3.61, 1.09)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays, licking their wounds after being swept by the Red Sox, fly to New York for a series against the slumping Yankees, who have just returned from a 9-game road trip on the other coast. The Yankees are just a game-and-half ahead of the Athletics for the right to host the wild card game. Can the Jays play spoiler and force the Yankees to fly all the way to Oakland for a 1-game, winner-take-all matchup?

Marco Estrada looks to build upon his solid outing last time against the Clevelands, while the Yankees counter with Masahiro Tanaka, whose arm apparently is no longer hanging by a slight thread.

Xander Bogaerts scored the game winning run on a fielding error by Yangervis Solarte as the Red Sox edged the Blue Jays 4-3

The good news is this is the last meeting of the season between the Blue Jays and Red Sox. This series, the Blue Jays hung in with the Red Sox for good chunks of the game. Tuesday, Ryan Borucki matched the Red Sox bullpen pitch for pitch and it was only after he left after 7 innings that Boston put the game away with 7 runs over two innings off Jake Petricka and Ryan Tepera. Yesterday, the game was scoreless through 4 innings and Aaron Sanchez and David Price were matching each other pitch for pitch through 7 innings. It was the one mistake by Aaron Sanchez, a wild pitch, that was the difference in the game. Tonight, Sam Gaviglio was hoping to make it three stellar starting pitching performances in a row. Could the Blue Jays steal a game from Boston? Here is tonight's recap.

Game Highlights

The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as JD Martinez homered into the Red Sox bullpen
The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Justin Smoak singled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
The Red Sox took the lead in bottom of the 3rd as Jackie Bradley Jr. scored on a sac fly by Ian Kinsler
Sam Gaviglio pitching line: 3.1IP 6H 2R (both earned) 1BB 1K 53 pitches (32 for strikes)
The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Rafael Devers homered to right
Eduardo Rodriguez pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 78 pitches (52 for strikes)
The Blue Jays got within one in the top of the 8th as Gurriel Jr. crushed a moonshot off one of the light stantions atop the green monster
Five batters later, Jonathan Davis was forced in as Kevin Pillar was hit by a pitch
The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Bogaerts scored on a fielding error by Yangervis Solarte
Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect 9th for his 40th save of the season
Final score: Red Sox 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take

Sam Gaviglio was definitely on a short leash tonight. He was removed after 3.1 innings having given up 2 runs on 6 hits and a walk. I actually thought he was pitching better than in previous outings where he was done before completing 6 innings. Gaviglio has been an enigma of sorts. Acquired for cash considerations from KC March 21, Gaviglio was recalled from the minors May 11. He last won August 21 when he threw 7 strong innings. He has been a completely different pitcher at home vs. away (2-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 12 appearance, 10 starts; on the road he has won just once in 10 starts heading into tonight's start in Boston and lost 6 times and had a mediocre 8.10ERA). At one point, his spot in the rotation looked in doubt, but the Blue Jays opted to move Jaime Garcia, who struggled just as bad, to the bullpen and eventually he was DFA'd. It will be interesting to see if the Blue Jays try to move Sammy G in the off-season
Today's loss really defined the season. The winning run, scored after the jays worked hard to come back by scoring two runs in the top half of the inning, was scored on a fielding error by Yangervis Solarte. A number of times this season, needless runs have been scored off misplays by the defense that frankly shouldn't happen. Many of the errors can be attributed to inexperience and taking bad routes to balls. Next season could see more of the same, hopefully fewer, as the team will be a year more experienced
One more loss and the Blue Jays will be guaranteed to finish with a losing record. If they go on a crazy streak starting tomorrow and win out, they will finish .500 (chances of that happening 0.000000001%)
Jonathan Davis came in as a pinch runner for Justin Smoak and scored the tying run at the time, when Kevin Pillar was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
Rowdy Tellez came in as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the 8th and fielded one ball (a throw from Yangervis Solarte) on a ground out. He did not get an at-bat tonight\
Reese McGuire started the game and caught the first 7 innings before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the top of the 8th. He was 0-2 at the plate. Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez stole second base off McGuire and Tim Mayza in the 6th
Danny Jansen pinch hit for McGuire in the 8th. He was 0-2 on the night. Defensively, he had a rough inning as Xander Bogaerts and Blake Swihart both stole bases off him and he also had a wild pitch against him.
Dwight Smith Jr. pinch ran for Justin Smoak in the 8th. Nothing consequential happened when he was on the basepaths, except for advancing to second and third on the consecutive hit by pitches
Jose Fernandez retired all four batters he faced.
Mark Leiter Jr. pitched an inning giving up a run on 2 hits and striking out 3
Up next, the Blue Jays head to the Bronx to take on a Yankees team that is fighting for home field advantage in the wild card game. They are currently 1.5 games up on Oakland and 8 games ahead of the third place in the WC race and AL East standings, Tampa Bay Rays. Marco Estrada takes on Blue Jays killer Masahiro Tanaka. It was almost a year ago that the Yankees Japanese import struck out 15 Blue Jays in the second to last game of the 2017 season. Hopefully the Blue Jays have better success this time around.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

#146 - Toronto Blue Jays (65-80) at Boston Red Sox (100-46)

Thursday, September 13, 2018 | 7:10 pm

The Pahk wit the Green Monstah | East Massholia, Mass.

Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.25, 1.42) vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 3.64, 1.24)

PREAMBLE:

Phase 2 of the Beantown Beatdown is complete and the Red Sox are going for a sweep in tonight's game against the Blue Jays.

Sammy G takes the mound ... there ought to be a mercy rule for starters who have had their asses kicked all over the diamond for 2+ months now. Tonight should probably go according to form. *sigh* There's a slight sliver of hope - remember when Dustin Pedroia got attacked by a swarm of Blue Jays in 2015? That was during an Eduardo Rodriguez start, the guy who's on the mound tonight for the Red Sox.

Game #145 Toronto Blue Jays (65-80) @ Boston Red Sox (100-46) - game recap

David Price threw 7 strong innings as the Red Sox shut out and edged the Blue Jays 1-0

The Blue Jays had one task tonight and that was to beat Boston and prevent them from winning their 100th game. Aaron Sanchez was on the mound tonight, looking to continue gaining confidence to leave 2018 feeling good about himself. Russell Martin was placed on paternity leave as his wife is scheduled to give birth to their first child. The offence was in tough vs. David Price, who has been a thorn in the side of Toronto batters his entire career, except for the couple of months he was a Blue Jay. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th as Rafael Devers scored on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez
David Price pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 0BB 7K 92 pitches (63 for strikes)
Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 6K 91 pitches (57 for strikes)
Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless 9th for his 39th save of the season
Final score: Red Sox 1 Blue Jays 0

My Take

This one was a pitcher's duel as the two teams combined for 7 total hits and one run through the first 7 innings. Aaron Sanchez was excellent tonight, allowing just one run (on a wild pitch), 3 hits and he walked three batters. Sanchez had perfect innings in the 3rd, 4th (yes Xander Bogaerts singled but he was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double so he faced the minimum three batters that inning), 6th and 7th innings.
Both starters were removed after seven innings having thrown 92 and 91 pitches each. Price's second to last pitch registered 94.4MPH on the radar gun. He was not laboring a bit when he finished the inning. In both cases, pulling the starting pitcher was a costly move. The Blue Jays nearly tied the game in the top of the 8th as Rowdy Tellez led off with a double, Danny Jansen walked on four pitches and at one point, there were runners on first and third with 2 outs. Only a nice catch by Mookie Betts prevented this one from being a completely different outcome. Tyler Clippard loaded the bases in the bottom half of the inning but managed to escape the jam without allowing a run. I think it's silly that there are such strict pitching limits in today's game. In both cases, I would have let David Price and Aaron Sanchez start the inning. Go ahead and have a reliever warming up, but when both pitchers are dealing let them keep going.
Jonathan Davis got the start in center field today. He was one of only two blue Jays to get a hit off David Price today. He fielded three balls today.
Danny Jansen had a rough night behind the plate. Three Red Sox stole bases off him and he allowed two wild pitches, the second one led to the game's only run. At the plate, Jansen was 0-2 but he drew a four pitch walk.
Rowdy Tellez had another extra base hit in a 1-3 effort tonight. He was fine defensively.
Richard Urena pinch ran for Justin Smoak. He didn't get to do anything as Dwight Smith Jr. struck out to end the game
As mentioned above, Dwight Smith Jr. pinch hit for Teoscar Hernandez and became the game's final out.
Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid the series sweep as Blue Jays righty Sam Gaviglio takes on Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez

no. 145 - Toronto Blue Jays (65-79) at Boston Red Sox (99-46)

Imagine if the Red Sox still hasn't won a championship since 1918... here's an artist's rendition of
Fenway Park after the rats finish gobbling through the park as the fans have abandoned them.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 | 7:10 pm

Piss-Stained Pinball Stadium | East Massholia, MA

Aaron Sanchez (4-5, 5.17, 1.61) vs. Dead-to-Us Price (14-6, 3.57, 1.13)

PREAMBLE:

Game one of the scheduled September Beantown Beatdown went, naturally, the Red Sox's way after we were teased for almost seven innings by a great start from Ryan Borucki.

Tonight, the man who rallied the players together during the fabled 2015 stretch drive with his gift of bathrobes to each teammate, David Price, takes the mound to face Aaron Sanchez who is coming off a nice outing against the Rays.

Price is merely 20-3, 2.52 lifetime against the Jays. How soon can Vlad Jr. get here? He seems like the type who would eat lefthanders for lunch.

Game #144 Toronto Blue Jays (65-79) @ Boston Red Sox (99-46) - game recap

Brock Holt hit a 3 run HR as the Red Six knocked off the Blue Jays 7-2

The next 6 games, the Blue Jays could have an impact on the AL East race. Heading into action Monday, the Red Sox held a comfortable 8 game lead for the AL East title. Two wins by the Blue Jays will delay the inevitable 100 win mark for the Red Sox. Jays killer Chris Sale was on the mound tonight, albeit for only an inning or two as he is just coming off the DL. Blue Jays ace Ryan Borucki was toeing the rubber for the Blue Jays tonight. Could the Blue Jays beat the Red Sox? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

Chris Sale pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K 26 pitches (14 for strikes)
The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as Devon Travis scored on a double steal. Jonathan Davis scored on the throwing error by Red Sox second baseman Ian Kinsler
The next batter, Kevin Pillar singled home Davis
The Red Sox got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Steve Pearce tripled, scoring Xander Bogaerts
Three batters later, Brock Holt launched a three-run homer to right; also scoring Tzu-Wei Lin and Eduardo Nunez(
Ryan Borucki pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5K 86 pitches (52 for strikes)
The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Andrew Benintendi doubled home Mookie Betts
Four batters later, Ian Kinsler singled home Benintendi
A batter later, JD Martinez scored on a wild pitch by Taylor Guerreri
Final score: Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 2

My Take

Ryan Borucki was pitching a gem allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and a pair of walks. He deserved a much better outcome but Ryan Tepera blew the one run lead and then some, walking the first batter he faced and subsequently giving up a 3 run blast two batters after that. I have really liked what Ruan Borucki has done in his half season in the bigs. He has looked composed, confident and downright ace-like facing all the top teams in what seems like every start. Sure, he had a rough start or two, but heck even Justin Verlander and Chris Sale (the likely pitchers who will win the AL Cy Young this year) have had rough starts this year. I see him being a big part of the Blue Jays rotation for years to come.
Rough night for the bullpen, which gave up 6 runs (one of which was charged to starter Ryan Borucki) on 4 hits, a pair of walks and a wild pitch.
Jonathan Davis pinch ran for Kendrys Morales, stole a base on a double steal (he advanced to third on the play due to a throwing error), and scored a run
Dwight Smith Jr. pinch hit for Teoscar Hernandez and flew out to left field
Rowdy Tellez pinch hit for Aledmys Diaz and flew out to right-center, making the final out of the game
Danny Jansen was 1-3 at the plate. Defensively, he coughed up a costly wild pitch to put the game out of reach. He did a good job handling starter Ryan Borucki, who was stellar for 6.1 innings
Taylor Guerreri faced one batter and threw a wild pitch to allow the 7th and final Red Sox run to score. He did eventually get Eduardo Nunez to fly out to right.
Up next, the Blue Jays attempt to prevent the Red Sox from winning their 100th game of the season as Aaron Sanchez pitches against Blue Jays killer David Price

#144 - Toronto Blue Jays (65-78) at Boston Red Sox (98-46)

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | 7:10 pm

Rat-infested dinosaur stadium with big green wall | East Massholia, MA

Ryan Borucki (3-4, 4.39, 1.48) vs. Chris Sale (12-4, 1.97, 0.85)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays, fresh off a series split against the Clevelands, travel to East Massholia to take on the Red Sux for their annual September beat-down.

Ryan Borucki takes the ball as the sacrificial lamb being tossed to the wolves, while Chris Sale makes his return off the DL -- fortunately (?) he's going to be used as an "opener" of sorts, limited to probably 2 innings to not overexert himself too much.

NOTES:

Just win, boys. Give these uppity Massholes what they deserve.

Sorry for the bare-bones version of the game thread - it was a Bloody Tuesday here. C'est la vie. Will make up for it tomorrow.

LINEUPS:

This is your "Make Chris Sale Cry" game thread.

Monday, September 10, 2018

ten weekly random thoughts: week 23 September 3-9

Well, September is now in full swing and we are getting a good look at some of the prospects we have. This week, I am going to highlight three positions and look at the depth chart. I will highlight another three positions next week and three more the week after, finishing the final week of the season with our pitching staff.. I will also look at the usual injury updates and Blue Jays news. Let's not waste anymore time. Let's get right into ten random thoughts from week 23 of the MLB.

Game #143 Cleveland Indians (81-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (65-78) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez hit a huge three-run HR in the bottom of the 8th to put the game out of reach as the Blue Jays defeated the Indians 6-2

This one's for all the marbles. The season series is tied at three and this is the rubber match. Thomas Pannone makes his second career start (the first one was pretty rough. Yangervis Solarte returned to the lineup from an oblique injury. Reese McGuire got his second career start. Justin Smoak also returned to the lineup at first base and the red hot Rowdy McGuire was DH'ing today. Could this lineup beat Cleveland? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, September 9, 2018 | 1:07 pm

Shapiro's Folly | Toronto, ON

Mike Clevinger (11-7, 3.11, 1.19) vs. Thomas Pannone (1-1, 4.58, 1.13)

PREAMBLE:

After a wild 9-8 loss where they pounded out 18 hits, the Blue Jays look to salvage a tie in the four-game series and win the season series against the Clevelands.

Thomas Pannone takes the mound for his third major league start in place of Marcus Stroman, who is off getting his finger amputated and regenerated. Let's see how Pannone does against a legitimate team -- his previous two starts were both against the oriLOLes. Pannone is a former Cleveland farmhand, coming over in the Joe Smith trade last season. Mike Clevinger is his counterpart on the hill today.

Game #142 Cleveland Indians (81-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (64-78) - game recap

Indians catcher Roberto Perez was 2-4 with 4RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Indians edged the Blue Jays 9-8

The Indians took the first game of the series and the Blue Jays took the second game of the series. Who will take the series lead? Sean Reid-Foley was looking to repeat his stellar performance from last game where he went seven strong innings against a young, upstart Atlanta Braves lineup. Today, he faced a more veteran lineup =that made the playoffs weeks ago and really had no competition from their AL Central opponents. Rowdy Tellez was looking to continue swinging a hot bat.

Cuyahoga River fire

Saturday, September 8, 2018 | 4:07 pm

The House That Shapiro Hasn't Rebuilt Yet | Toronto, ON

Adam Plutko (4-5, 5.04, 1.24) vs. Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 5.51, 1.47)

PREAMBLE:

Game 2 of the Shapiro Bowl last night went to the Blue Jays after Kevin Pillar teed off with a driver and golfed the ball into the left-field stands to walk it off. The Jays look to keep the momentum going in the third of a four-game series.

Sean Reid-Foley makes his fourth major league start, coming off an excellent outing his last time. He goes up against Adam Plutko, who made his MLB debut against the Jays back in May.

NOTES:

So... Rowdy certainly has made a fast impression after three days as a major-leaguer, eh? Only one other rookie has ever had six or more doubles in any three-game stretch:

Joltin' Joe and Rowdy Tellez.

The only rookies since 1936 to hit 6+ doubles in a 3-game stretch.

That's some good company. pic.twitter.com/FfWkqMhmHz
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 8, 2018

Never a bad thing to be in the same company as Joe DiMaggio. But, hey, Joe didn't do it in his first three games as a major-leaguer.

Here's what Shohei Otani has done since August 1st:

Who needs a UCL?

Since 8/1, Shohei Ohtani is hitting .356/.447/.808 with 10 HR and 25 RBI in 27 games. pic.twitter.com/rBEVOb4Doq
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) September 8, 2018

Your thoughts - should he stick with hitting from now on or should he go back to being a two-way player when his arms recovers from TJ surgery for the 2020 season?

It's Saturday and I'm tired from a long start-up week at the college. This is what you're getting today for a game thread.

LINEUPS:

This is your "let's not strike out 20 times today" game thread.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Friday, September 28, 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Friday, September 21, 2018

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Monday, September 17, 2018

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Friday, September 14, 2018

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Monday, September 10, 2018

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Saturday, September 8, 2018