Jays in the House: July 2019

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Game #110 Toronto Blue Jays (43-67) @ Kansas City Royals (40-70) - game recap

Bo Bichette had a big day at the plate with a 3-5 effort, including his first career HR as the Blue Jays came from behind to defeat the Royals 4-1

As somewhat expected, the Blue Jays took the first two games of this series against a Royals team that's worse than the Blue Jays (though both teams are pretty bad). Today is trade deadline day. As I type this preamble at quarter after eight my time, squat has happened as far as trades go for the Blue Jays or anyone else. Both Freddy Galvis (as DH as he is still nursing lower back stiffness) and Justin Smoak are in the lineup. One or both could be moved during the game. On the mound, it's a battle of the Jacob's today with Waguespack going for the Blue Jays and Jakob Junis on the bump for the Royals. Not surprisingly, Reese McGuire is behind the plate with the quick turnaround between games. Vlad got the complete day off despite a big day at the plate yesterday. Daniel Hudson was traded to the Nationals in exchange for their 27th ranked prospect Kyle Johnson. Could the Blue Jays sweep the Royals? It was also learned before the game that Ryan Borucki is heading back on the 10 day IL with elbow inflammation. Here is today's game recap.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 | 1:15 pm

Kauffman Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri

Waguespack (1-1, 5.63ERA) vs. Junis (6-9, 5.03ERA)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit the grand slam that set the new MLB record for most grand slams by rookies on a team in a single season as the Blue Jays routed the Royals 9-2

Another Blue Jay was on the move this morning with David Phelps heading to the north side of Chicago as the newest member of the Cubs. Ken Giles was effectively taken off the trade market as the injury update revealed no structural damage in his pitching elbow, but he had a cortisone shot and will not pitch at least the remainder of this series. Justin Smoak was absent from the lineup with several teams pursuing him and an expected trade. Freddy Galvis was back in the lineup after missing a day with lower back stiffness. He served as the DH tonight. A day after making his MLB debut, Bo Bichette was at the top of the order and playing SS. Sean Reid-Foley got the spot start tonight in a rotation spot that is his for the taking, pending on performance. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game #109: The Lads (41-67) vs The Bads (40-68)

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 | 8:15 pm

Kauffman Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri

Sean Reid-Foley (RHP 0-1, 3.55 ERA, 1.34 WHIP)

Mike Montgomery (LHP 1-3, 6.09 ERA, 1.76 WHIP)

Game #108 Toronto Blue Jays (41-67) @ Kansas City Royals (40-68) - game recap

Cavan Biggio had a huge day, going 3-5 with 3 runs scored and 2RBI as the Blue Jays came from behind to defeat the Royals 7-3

After a tearful goodbye to Eric Sogard and Marcus Stroman, the Blue Jays embarked on a ten day three city road trip beginning in Kansas City tonight. Bo Bichette made his long awaited MLB debut, starting at shortstop. Thomas Pannone got the spot start in a rotation that is suddenly looking very thin with Trent Thornton on the IL, Matt Shoemaker done until 2020 and Clay Buchholz and Clayton Richard probably a minimum of a week away. Oh yeah, and Stroman's now a Met. Freddy Galvis was originally supposed to make his first start of the season at second base with Cavan Biggio getting the half day off, serving as the DH tonight, but with Blue Jay injury luck he was a late scratch. Instead Biggio started at 2B and Billy McKinney served as the DH Could the Blue Jays win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Monday, July 29, 2019 | 8:15 pm

Kauffman Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri

Tommy Pannone (LHP 2-4, 6.39 ERA, 1.51 WHIP)

Bradley Keller (RHP 7-9, 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP)

It was an emotional week this week with Marcus Stroman making what in all likelihood is his final start in a Blue Jays uniform (more on that later). Trevor Bauer and Shane Bieber also threw gems against the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays staged an impressive comeback against the Rays Saturday, after being stymied by a bevy of relievers Friday. Ryan Borucki made his season debut and had one decent start and one lousy start (more on that later). Trent Thronton landed on the 10 day IL with inflammation in his pitching elbow. Prior to Saturday's start, Luke Maile pulled his oblique muscle, leaving the Blue Jays with one catcher (more on that later). Friday also began a stretch of 20 days between off-days, the longest stretch of games of the season. Looking at the week ahead, the Blue Jays embark on a 3 city 10 day road trip beginning in Kansas City Monday (today). Marcus Stroman was scheduled to pitch the second game of the series. On Thursday, the Blue Jays begin a four game series against the Baltimore Orioles. Both teams rosters/lineups could look decidedly different. Here are ten random thoughts from week 17 of the MLB.

Game #107 Tampa Bay Rays (60-48) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-67) - game recap

Austin Meadows scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th as the Rays came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 10-9

After an epic late inning comeback win thanks to a bullpen that recorded 19 straight outs and the bats of Teoscar Hernandez (2 HR including the walk-off in the 12th), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (huge 3run HR to get the Blue Jays within 1) and Brandon Drury (2HR including the game-tying HR in the 9th), the Blue Jays were going for the rare series win vs. the TB Rays. Eric Sogard was a late scratch and was traded during the game to the Rays. Aaron Sanchez was looking to snap a three month long winless streak. Reese McGuire got the start behind the plate. Justin Smoak was back at 1st base after several days off from playing in the field. Vlad got a half day off, serving as the DH today. Could this current roster give the fans once last victory before several likely trades? Here is today's game recap.

Kicking myself that I didn't get a photo of the Ace/Raymond dance off

Sunday, July 28, 2019 | 1:07 pm

SkyDome | Toronto, Ontario

Yonny Chirinos RHP (8-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 102K, 117.2 IP)

Aaron Sanchez (RHP 3-14, 6.06 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 89 K, 107 IP)

Game #106 Tampa Bay Rays (59-48) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-66) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez hit a walk off solo HR in the 12th as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the Rays 10-9

Even with a former Rays coach as their manager, the Blue Jays still can't beat the frustrating division rivals. Last night, the Blue Jays dropped another one figuratively and literally. In hindsight, they might have deserved a different outcome had a certain controversial play gone their way. Today, the Blue Jays were back at it, trying to even the three game series. The Rays used another opener with reliever Andrew Kittredge with southpaw Jalen Beeks pitching the bulk of the innings. Ryan Borucki got his second start of the season. He pitched into the 6th inning in his season debut Monday. Eric Sogard was back batting leadoff and playing in RF after a day off yesterday. Randal Grichuk got a half day off, serving as the DH today. Brandon Drury got the start at 1st base for the second straight day (might the Blue Jays have a trade in the works for Justin Smoak?). Oh and Luke Maile pulled an oblique muscle during batting practice and was placed on the 10-day IL. Sogard was the emergency catcher in case Jansen got hurt during the game. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, July 27, 2019 | 3:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Andrew Kittredge (opener, 1-0, 2.55, 1.25) and Jalen Beeks (the bulk, 5-1, 3.69, 1.33)

vs.

Ryan Borucki (0-1, 3.86, 2.36)

PREAMBLE:

The opener of this three-game series went as predictable as you'd expect with the Rays employing a opener and then shutting down the Jays to merely 1 run. Guess what... the Rays are going with an opener again!

Ryan Borucki makes his second start since being activated off the IL, and he'll face the tandem of Andrew Kittredge and Jalen Beeks. Borucki pitched decently in three starts against the Rays last year, but still came out winless: 0-3, 3.86.

Game #105 Tampa Bay Rays (59-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-66) - game recap

Travis d'Arnaud drove in a pair of runs in a 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays better have enjoyed their day off yesterday because it's now twenty days before the next off day (August 15th). Tonight, the Blue Jays began a three-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays and potentially the last home series for Eric Sogard (not in the lineup tonight), Aaron Sanchez (might get a bucket of balls for him), Freddy Galvis, Justin Smoak, Marcus Stroman, David Phelps and Ken Giles. None of the above have been moved yet, but could be any second. Cavan Biggio was batting leadoff for the first time in his career. Jacob Waguespack got the start on the mound with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays beat the Rays? Here is tonight's game recap.

Just for man_in_the_suit

Friday, July 26, 2019 | 7:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Diego Castillo (opener, 1-6, 3.96, 1.34) vs. Jacob Waguespack (1-0, 5.68, 1.47)

PREAMBLE:

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays begin a 20-game stretch without off-days with a three-game series against the always-frickin'-annoying Rays.

Jacob Waguespack gets us started tonight with the Blue Jays rotation in a state of flux over the uncertainty over how the trade deadline will impact things. Diego Castillo will open the game for the Rays before they turn it over to one of those dime-a-dozen guys that always shut down the Jays when inserted into the game.

Game #104 Cleveland Indians (59-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-65) - game recap

Marcus Stroman pitched 7 dominant innings in a losing effort as the Blue Jays were shut out by the Indians 4-0

This may count as one of the biggest games of the season for the Blue Jays. It may mean little to nothing in the standings, but sentimentally it's huge. Marcus Stroman started what is expected to be his final home (and quite likely final game period) in a Blue Jays uniform. Drafted in the 1st round, 22nd overall by the Blue Jays in the 2012, Stroman advanced quickly through the minor league ranks, making his big league debut almost 2 years later on May 4, 2014 throwing 0.2 innings in a 7-2 win that day. He made his first start in a Blue Jays uniform May 31, tossing 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits. He threw his first complete game on September 8, 2014, a 3-hit shutout of the Cubs. Heading into this start, he had a 47-44 record with a 3.78ERA over 6 seasons. Danny Jansen got the start behind the plate (no surprise as he has been Stroman's primary catcher since he took over for Russell Martin essentially in Mid-August last year). Cavan Biggio got the complete day off, with Eric Sogard at second base tonight. Vlad got the half day off, serving as the DH with Brandon Drury playing the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays win Stroman's final home start in a Blue Jays uniform? Here isa today's game recap.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

~~Justin~~ Shane Bieber (9-3, 3.69, 1.05) vs. Marcus Stroman (6-10, 3.06. 1.25)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to pick up a series win after last night's late fireworks from Justin Smoak as they play the finale of their series against the Clevelands. Smoak is only the second ever in the divisional era to TWICE hit a game tying HR in the 9th and then walk it off in extras.

In what is all-but-guaranteed to be his final home start in a Blue Jays uniform and possibly his final game anywhere, Marcus Stroman will head out to the mound with a full plethora of emotions in front of the home fans in the city that he loves. He'll face Not-Justin Bieber on the mound tonight; Bieber is 1-0, 3.65 in two outings against the Jays in his career, including a no-decision way back on April 5th.

Game #103 Cleveland Indians (58-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-64) - game recap

Justin Smoak drove in both Blue Jays runs, including a huge game-tying HR in the 9th as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the Indians 2-1 in extra innings

Today's game was brought to you by YouTube. Last season, the MLB had weekly games on Facebook, controversial because it eliminated a part of the fan base that didn't have nor want Facebook. This season, the MLB decided to use YouTube as a platform. Aaron Sanchez was looking to snap an ugly three month long losing streak spanning 15 starts. It wasn't going to easy against a Cleveland Indians team fighting for a wild card spot. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Justin Smoak was moved up to 3rd in the lineup. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the start of the day off with Billy McKinney in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the two game losing streak? Here is tonight's game recap.

Yes, that's a Trevor Bauer bobblehead with a drone.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Trevor Bauer (9-7, 3.67, 1.18) vs. Aaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.26, 1.75)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays look to even up the series against the Indians after a 7-3 loss in yesterday's opener. Scouts should be in attendance in full force both today for Trevor Bauer (uh, why is he on the market at all?) and Ken Giles, and tomorrow for Marcus Stroman/Giles.

We might as well mail this one in with Trevor Bauer looking to make an impression on the scouts while Aaron Sanchez has a 10-start losing streak, 0-13 and 7.99 ERA in his last 15 starts. For his career, Bauer is 3-2 with a 4.91 ERA in eight outings against the Jays, including 1-2, 6.57 at the Rogers Centre.

Game #102 Cleveland Indians (58-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-64) - game recap

Mike Clevinger threw 7 strong innings as the Indians knocked off the Blue Jays 7-3

It was musical chairs day for the roster. Ryan Borucki came off the IL after missing the first 3 months of the season with an elbow issue. Taking his place and on the 10 day IL with elbow inflammation was Trent Thonton. Perhaps that's why he didn't come back after the hour long rain delay Saturday. The Blue Jays must either put Dalton Pompey on the roster today or let him go. Cavan Biggio was back in the lineup after day off yesterday and playing second base while batting cleanup. Randal Grichuk dropped down to 7th in the batting order. Danny Jansen was also back behind the plate and Justin Smoak was back at 1st base. Could the Blue Jays beat the Indians? Here is tonight's game recap.

Monday, July 22, 2019 | 7:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Mike Clevinger (3-2, 3.57, 1.05) vs. Ryan Borucki (first appearance of season)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays return home after a 4-6 road trip to face the Cleveland Indians who have been on a nice roll of late. The Indians were 29-30 and 11.5 games behind the Twins on June 6th; since then, they're 28-11 and just 3 games back.

Ryan Borucki makes his season debut after missing all season with an elbow issue. He will match up against Mike Clevinger, who also has had injury issues this season and is making his 8th start of the season. Clevinger is a career 2-1, 3.86 in four appearances against the Jays.

This week was chalk full of emotional stuff. Marcus Stroman made what could have been his final start in a Blue Jays uniform (more on that later). On Sunday, the late and former Blue Jays ace Roy "Doc" Halladay was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, along with legendary closer Mariano Rivera, Seattle Mariners DH Edgar Martinez and ex-Orioles and Yankees starter Mike Mussina (more on that later). Results on the field were mixed this week. The Blue Jays dropped 3 of 4 to the Red Sox. The low point of the week was Thursday when Boston ace Chris Sale demolished the Blue Jays lineup, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out 12 in 6 dominant shutout innings. Trent Thornton had the worst outing of his young career in the opening game this week, getting yanked after just 1.1 innings having allowed 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. The Blue Jays offence gave some hope for the fans, striking late three times this week (only one resulted in a win). On Friday, the Blue Jays offence tore apart Tigers pitching, batting around in both the 4th and 6th innings for a combined 9 runs on 10 hits, 4 walks and a wild pitch in those two innings alone. The Blue Jays would go on to rout the Tigers in that inning. Saturday was a different story as Daniel Norris had a strong outing against his former team and Trent Thornton continued to struggle. Luckily, mother nature got Thornton off the hook after an hour long rain delay Looking at the week ahead, the Blue Jays start a week long homestand, welcoming the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays to town. Stroman could make one last home start Wednesday, provided a trade isn't completed or imminent. The Blue Jays have an off day Thursday they best use wisely because starting next Friday, they begin their longest stretch of games between off-days, a marathon 20-day stretch that ends August 14th. Here are ten random thoughts from week 16 of the MLB.

Game #101 Toronto Blue Jays (38-63) @ Detroit Tigers (30-65) - game recap

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was 2-4 with 3RBI and a run scored in a losing effort as the Tigers walked off the Blue Jays 4-3 in 10 innings

Today's game almost feels like the side show to the main event as the late Roy Halladay is inducted into the hall of fame. After winning the first 2 games of the series, the Blue Jays were looking for the rare series sweep. Jacob Waguespack made his second start spot start. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Vlad got a half day off, serving as the DH today, while Cavan Biggio got the full day off. Could the Blue Jays sweep the Tigers? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, July 21, 2019 | 1:10 pm

Comerica Park | Detroit, Michigan

Jacob Waguespack (1-0, 5.93, 1.39) vs. Tyler Alexander (0-0, 3.60, 1.00)

v v v

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | 1:30 pm ET

Baseball Hall of Fame | Cooperstown, New York

Game #100 Toronto Blue Jays (38-62) @ Detroit Tigers (29-65) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first career grand slam as the Blue Jays came from behind in a rain-delayed game to defeat the Tigers 7-5

After a 12-1 trouncing over the Tigers last night and Marcus Stroman increasing his lofty trade value with a strong 5 hit-7 shutout innings start, the Blue Jays faced former teammate Daniel Norris for the third time, first with Norris starting. Rookie Trent Thornton was looking to avenge a poor start vs. the Red Sox Monday when he was lit up for 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks over an inning and a third. He did not strike out a batter. Brandon Drury played his 4th career game, 3rd as a starter, at 1st base. He became the 5th Blue Jay to play at least one inning at 1st base (Justin Smoak, Cavan Biggio, Billy McKinney and Rowdy Tellez have also played games at 1st base this season). Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 6:10 pm

Comerica Park | Detroit, Michigan

Trent Thornton (3-7, 5.25, 1.54) vs. Daniel "Van" Norris (2-8, 5.14, 1.44)

PREAMBLE:

After an one-sided 12-1 thumping on Friday night with much of the game being played under threat of inclement weather, the Blue Jays look to carry on the offensive and pitching momentum into the second game of this three-game set.

Continuing his rather up-and-down rookie season, Trent Thornton looks to build some confidence against a struggling offence. He'll face Van Norris, who is having a not-so-great season. Norris has never started a game against his former team, though he has made two relief appearances.

Game #99 Toronto Blue Jays (37-62) @ Detroit Tigers (29-64) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw 7 shutout innings in a 12-1 rout over the Detroit Tigers

This one is a critical game for Marcus Stroman and the Blue Jays. For Stroman, it is likely to be his second to last or third to last start in a Blue Jays uniform. Assuming he pitches every 5 days, Stroman would have scheduled starts next Wednesday vs. Cleveland and Tuesday the 30th in Kansas City. The trade deadline is July 31st, so there's every possibility that Stroman could be moved at anytime between now and the 31st. With so many teams interested in the righty, the Blue Jays will likely opt to wait until close to the deadline to move him. Matthew Boyd was supposed to start tonight, but the Tigers opted to start righty Jordan Zimmerman (in-game trade?). Cavan Biggio got a half day off with Eric Sogard starting at second base. Randal Grichuk got a full day off with Billy McKinney in RF and Teoscar Hernandez in CF. Could the Blue Jays beat the Tigers? Here is tonight's game recap.

Friday, July 19, 2019 | 7:10 pm

Comerica Park | Detroit, Michigan

Marcus Stroman (5-10, 3.25, 1.27) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (0-6, 7.01, 1.59)

PREAMBLE:

The Jays are off to Detroit for a three-game series to play a team that has a worse record than theirs. That should mean the Tigers win two out of three, eh?

Marcus Stroman continues his years-long audition (800+ innings in the AL East, baby!) for a prospective trading partner while Jordan Zimmermann, the most expensive pitcher on the Tigers, is looking for his first win of the season.

Game #98 Toronto Blue Jays (36-62) @ Boston Red Sox (53-44) - game recap

Chris Sale threw 6 shutout innings of 2-hit ball as the Red Sox shutout the Blue Jays 5-0

After dropping a nail-biter yesterday, the Blue Jays were back at it with a matinee and going for the series split. Thomas Pannone got the spot start in place of the injured Clayton Richard, who injured his lat last start. Lots of changes to the lineup. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who served as the DH, and Cavan Biigio were both dropped down in the order to the 6th and 8th holes respectively. Danny Jansen returned to the lineup after a half day off yesterday and was batting 5th. Brandon Drury was in the lineup at the hot corner and batting 9th. Could the Blue Jays get to Chris Sale at Fenway Park again? Here is today's game recap.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 | 1:05 pm

Fenway Park | Boston, Massholia

Thomas Pannone (2-3, 6.18, 1.50) vs. Chris Sale (3-9, 4.27, 1.10)

PREAMBLE:

After making things interesting once again in the late innings, the Blue Jays look to recover and pull out a split of the four-game series with a win today. After this game, the Jays fly to Detroit to take on the Tigers.

In this afternoon's finale, Thomas Pannone has been brought in from Buffalo to save the day for the Jays. He'll go up against Chris Sale, who has been struggling all season to rediscover his form and is 0-3, 4.79 at Fenway Park in nine starts this year. The Blue Jays have scored 14 runs in 14.2 innings (three starts) against Sale in a bizarro 2019 - good against Sale and meh against just about everyone else.

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-2 with 3 runs scored and an RBI in a 5-4 loss to the Red Sox

Both teams put up a ten spot to split the first two games of the series. The winner of tonight's game was guaranteed a split. The Blue Jays made a minor deal, acquiring righty Wilmer Font from the NY Mets. This will be Font's 3rd team this season, beginning the year with the TB Rays. He is 2-2 with a 5.20ERA in 25 appearances (3 starts) this season. He replaces Edwin Jackson, who was DFA'd yesterday. It could also mean that the injury to Clayton Richard is more significant than first thought. Also, Marcus Stroman is expected to be dealt in the next 2 weeks. As well, Ryan Borucki has yet to pitch and it's unclear how effective he'll be. Aaron Sanchez got the start. He was looking to have a similar performance as last game where he looked decent the first 4 innings before tiring and giving up 4 runs. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate as the primary catcher for Sanchez. Cavan Biggio returned to the lineup after an off-day yesterday. Could the Blue Jays take two in a row from the Bosox? Here is tonight's game recap.

#97 - Toronto Blue Jays (36-60) at Boston Red Sox (51-44)

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 | 7:10 pm

Pinball Park | Boston, Massholia

Aaron Sanchez (3-13, 6.22, 1.75) vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (10-4, 4.43, 1.32)

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays had a nice hitting day in game two of this series, tallying up 10 runs off Andrew Cashner and a few relievers. They look to maintain this momentum in tonight's game 3.

Aaron Sanchez takes the ball as he continues his utterly lost season, while he'll face Eduardo Rodriguez for the Sox. E-Rod is eminently hittable (hint, hint to Blue Jays batters - he was the SP on that day when Dustin Pedroia was attacked by blue jays on the way to a 10-0 lead; this happened two days after the scoreboard game at the top of this post) and is a career 3-4, 4.80 in 12 starts against the Jays.

If there's a bright light for Sanchez, the last time he did not lose a game when he started was against the Red Sox on May 22nd when he went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in a no-decision.

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (36-60) @ Boston Red Sox (51-43) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez hit a 3-run HR and scored on a wild pitch in a 10-4 victory over the Red Sox

After a tough 10-8 loss to the Red Sox where a late inning rally fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Jacob Waguespack was recalled to make a spot start. Edwin Jackson was DFA'd. Meanwhile Andrew Cashner made his Red Sox debut after the trade from Baltimore over the weekend. Vlad was back in the lineup after a complete day off yesterday and playing the hot corner and batting 2nd. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got a half day off serving as the DH tonight. Cavan Biggio got a full day off with Eric Sogard taking his spot at 2B, Smoak at 1B and Randal Grichuk in right. Could the Blue Jays tie the four game series? Here is tonight's game recap.

"That damn pinball park at Fenway..."

Tuesday, July 16, 2019 | 7:10 pm

Fenway Park | Boston, Massholia

Jacob Waguespack (1-0, 5.00, 1.11) or an opener

vs.

Andrew Cashner (9-3, 3.83, 1.19)

PREAMBLE:

Last night, the Blue Jays looked like they were getting blown out of the ballpark before the offence made things interesting in the 8th and the bullpen did a fine job once Thornton and Sammy G were out of there. Tonight is game two of a four-game set as the Blue Jays look to put out repeated fires on the mound set by their pitchers.

Jacob Waguespack has been called up to pitch in tonight's game. He'll face Andrew Cashner, who will be making his debut as a Red Sox. Here's hoping he brought the oriLOLes karma along with him -- for his career in Fenway Park, he's 0-1, 7.20 ERA.

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (35-60) @ Boston Red Sox (51-43) - game recap

Billy McKinney hit a 2-run HR in his return to the Blue Jays lineup in a 10-8 loss to the Red Sox

After dropping two of three to the hated Yankees, aka possibly the new home of one or both of Marcus Stroman and Ken Giles, the Blue Jays headed to Boston to take on a Red Sox team battling for a wild card spot. The Blue Jays made a roster move, sending Rowdy Tellez to Buffalo to work on his swing and get some regular playing time. Billy McKinney, who was in the lineup in the 8th hole and in RF tonight, was recalled. Trent Thornton made his first start of the second half. He tossed 6 shutout innings of three-hit ball his last time out. Vlad got a complete day off for a bit of a mental break. He struggled like the rest of the Blue Jays in the series vs. the Yankees. Could the Blue Jays beat the Red Sox? Here is tonight's game recap.

Monday, July 15, 2019 | 7:10 pm

Fenway Park | East Massholia, MA

Trent Thornton (3-6, 4.85, 1.48) vs. Rick Porcello (6-7, 5.33, 1.42)

PREAMBLE:

After losing 2 out of 3 to the Yankees, the Blue Jays head a few hours up the coast to Boston (also known as East Massholia) for a four-game series. With any luck, the Blue Jays can make a serious dent in the playoff hopes of the Red Sox by pounding the shit out of them in this series and leaving that middle finger above seared into the grass at Fenway Park.

Trent Thornton takes the ball tonight as he continues his reasonably impressive rookie season, all in the name of development. He takes on that overbloated porcini mushroom, Rick Porcello, who has a career record of 10-12, 5.47 against the Jays.

The all-star break is over and the unofficial second half began Friday at Yankee Stadium for the Blue Jays -- fitting because at least one pitcher (Marcus Stroman) may be in pinstripes in a couple of weeks. While his teammates escaped Toronto for a few days, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was serving notice to the MLB that he is/will be a force to be reckoned with in the final 2.5 months of the season. Guerrero Jr. hit a whopping 91HR, including a ridiculous 40 dingers to edge Joc Pederson in the semi-finals of the HR derby. Guerrero Jr. ran out of gas in the final round and was edged by the NY Mets Pete Alonso, who needed to hit a fraction of the HR to win. Alonso need to hit just 14 HR in the 1st round, due to a poor showing by home town favorite Carlos Santana. He also got a lot of rest between rounds with the marathon matchup between Guerrero Jr. and Pederson. Regardless of not winning the HR derby, Guerrero Jr. did excellent on the big stage. The Blue Jays have a fairly favorable schedule this week with a four game series at Fenway Park, followed by a three game set against the Detroit Tigers, who the Blue Jays split four games with in the season-opening series way back in March. The Blue Jays are 5-7 vs. the Red Sox this season, but the Red Sox have not looked like the team that won the world series in 2018. Meanwhile, Detroit is dead last in the AL Central and also soon to be parting ways with some of their veterans. Here are 10 random thoughts from week 15 of the MLB.

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (35-59) @ New York Yankees (59-32) - game recap

Gio Urshela was 2-4 with a run scored and 2RBI as the Yankees doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

After a hard-fought win over the Yankees yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking for the series win against their bitter division rivals. Today's start by Marcus Stroman was crucial to prove to other teams that he is over the pec injury that caused him to miss his final start before the all-star break and the all-star game itself. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate as Stroman's primary catcher. Vlad was also back in the field after serving as the DH yesterday. Cavan Biggio got a half day off today, serving as the DH with Eric Sogard taking his place at second base. Randal Grichuk shifted over to RF with Teoscar Herrnandez in CF today. Justin Smoak was back at first base after a complete day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays begin the unofficial second half with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, July 14, 2019 | 1:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | Bronx, N.Y.

Future Yankee Marcus Stroman (5-9, 3.18, 1.26)

vs.

Current Yankee Masahiro Tanaka (5-5, 3.86, 1.18)

PREAMBLE:

Coming off a tight, 2-1 win on Saturday, the Blue Jays look to win a series in Yankee Stadium for the first time since last September. The Jays are 3-5 against the Yankees so far in 2019, currently their second straight losing season series after winning three in a row from 2015 to 2017.

Marcus Stroman has recovered sufficiently from his left shoulder cramp to take the ball in today's finale as he looks to rebuild his trade value in time for a big package. He'll face off against the guy who replaced him on the All-Star roster, Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka is a career 11-5, 2.87 in 18 starts against the Jays.

Game #93 Toronto Blue Jays (35-58) @ New York Yankees (58-32) - game recap

Randal Grichuk drove in both Blue Jays runs in a 2-1 victory over the Yankees

After a tough shutout loss to the Yankees last night, the Blue Jays were right back at it facing old teammate JA Happ for the first time this season. The 36-year old southpaw is enjoying a solid season with a 7-4 record, but with an inflated 5.02ERA. The Blue Jays countered with their own 35+ lefty in Clayton Richard, who is 1-5 with a 6.23ERA in 9 starts. Richard has had some solid starts lately, going 6 innings in each of his last three starts, allowing 3 earned runs in each start. He was facing one of the better lineups in the league today. Veteran Luke Maile was his catcher today. Justin Smoak got the day off with Rowdy Tellez at first base. The struggling Teoscar Hernandez was also out of the lineup with Randal Grichuk in CF and Eric Sogard in RF. Vlad got a half day off, serving as the DH with Brandon Drury playing the hot corner today. Could the Blue Jays snap the five game losing streak versus the Yankees today? The Yankees came into this one having beaten Toronto five times in a row, sweeping the series in Toronto at the end of June, winning the last game of the 1st three game series at the beginning of June and taking the opener of this series to kick off the unofficial 2nd half last night. Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, July 13, 2019 | 1:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | Bronx, N.Y.

Clayton Richard (record: lol help us) vs J.A. Happ (record: Cy Young against us)

Go Jays go.

Game #92 Toronto Blue Jays (34-58) @ New York Yankees (58-31) - game recap

Domingo German threw 6 shutout innings as the Yankees shutout the Blue Jays 4-0

After four days off for the all-star break, the Blue Jays resumed play in Yankee stadium, facing a Yankees team that swept them in Toronto just over ten days ago. Aaron Sanchez got the ball first to start the unofficial second half. He was looking to snap an ugly personal 8-game losing streak. Sanchez is in the midst of the worst season of his career. As many as three players (Eric Sogard, Freddy Galvis and Justin Smoak) may not be Blue Jays in a couple of weeks with the trade deadline fast approaching. Could the Blue Jays start the unofficial 2nd half on the right foot? Here is today's game recap.

Friday, July 12, 2019 | 7:05 pm

Yankee Stadium | Bronx, New York

Aaron Sanchez (3-12, 6.16, 1.75) vs. Domingo German (10-2, 3.67, 1.09)

PREAMBLE:

After a record-smashing performance by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the Home Run Derby the other day, the Blue Jays start the second half of the season with a three-game set in New York City to face the Yankees. Hopefully the all-star break helped to cool off the Yankees as they were red-hot before the break, going 16-4 in their final 20 games.

Aaron Sanchez takes the longest losing streak (11) since Ricky Romero's 13 straight losses in 2012 into tonight's start against the Yankees. He'll look to avoid setting a club record for losses in a season, which is 18 (Jerry Garvin 1977 and Phil Huffman 1979) as he faces Domingo German. German is a career 0-2, 3.86 against the Jays in three appearances.

2nd Half Predictions for the Blue Jays

Articles are starting to pop up with regularity in regard to second-half predictions, and Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic has posted her Blue Jays predictions (listed below).

FiveThirtyEight predicts the Jays will finish at 64-98.

Blue Jays Confidential asked a panel of Sportsnet insiders and personalities for their thoughts on how the Jays would do in the second half - on the panel were: Jeff Blair, Arden Zwelling, Shi Davidi and Mike Wilner. Link here: Predictions for the second half and picks for good news

International Business Times predict that Stroman will go to the Yankees, Madison Bumgarner will go to the Astros and Zach Wheeler will go to the Red Sox.

Your thoughts? Discussion? What predictions do you have of your own?

Fifth annual pop-schlock vid off

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

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.

To start us off this year, I've taken Dabbles criticisms of lack of 2000-era music to heart. So to start us off, how about some Christopher Walken dancing?

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

2019 All Star Game

Marcus Stroman won't pitch but he's there. Enjoy your favourite exhibition game. (Montreal doesn't count.)

Monday, July 8, 2019

2019 Home Run Derby

So, can the kid hit moonshots or fizzle horribly? Let's find out!

Note: Click on the Home Run Derby Thread tag if you want to see previous years.

Ten weekly random thoughts: Week 14: July 1-7

Here we are the unofficial end to the 1st half of the 2019 season. The Blue Jays are battling hard for 4th in the AL East, 25.5 games back of the 1st place Yankees. The week started off with a resounding win on Canada Day over the KC Royals, taking 3 of 4 from the lowly KC squad. Then Boston rolled into town and took two of three from the Blue Jays, including an epic comeback on Thursday, where they erased a five run deficit with a 6-run 6th inning. Rafael Devers destroyed Blue Jays pitching with 7 hits, 4 runs scored and 9RBI in the series. Danny Jansen had his way with Boston pitchers with 7 hits, 6 runs and 6RBI. Freddy Galvis had a strong series vs. Boston as well with 7 hits, 2 runs scored and 4RBI. Brandon Drury had 5 hits, 2 runs scored and 2RBI. A great series for the offence. The last series before the all-star break was against the last place Baltimore Orioles. They got strong pitching from Andrew Cashner (3 hits, 1 run over 7 innings) and Dylan Bundy (3H 1R 2 walks over 6.2 innings). Chris Davis drove in three runs on Friday. The Blue Jays took the final game to go into the break on a positive. Looking ahead, the Blue Jays open the unofficial second half with a 10 day, 3 city road trip with stops in New York, Boston and Detroit. Here are ten random thoughts from week 14 of the MLB.

Game #91 Baltimore Orioles (27-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-57) - game recap

Trent Thornton threw six shutout innings as the Blue Jays knocked off the Orioles 6-1

Well, Orioles pitching has been the story of the series with both Dylan Bundy and Andrew Cashner pitching into the 7th inning and both tossed 3-hitters. The Orioles also got timely hitting and deserve to have the series win. Today, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid the series and go into the all-star break feeling somewhat good about themselves. Same lineup as yesterday, except Danny Jansen was back behind the plate and Rowdy Tellez served as the DH. Vlad moved down three spots in the lineup to take a bit of pressure off him and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. slid into the #2 hole in the lineup. Could the Blue Jays beat the lowly Baltimore Orioles? Here is today's game recap.

Sunday, July 7, 2019 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Asher Wojciechowski (0-1, 6.75, 1.31) vs. Trent Thornton (2-6, 5.18, 1.55)

PREAMBLE:

It's the oriLOLes. As in the team with the worst record in the majors and the worst pitching staff in the majors. And the Jays only got two runs and seven hits combined in two games against these (very bad) pitchers. They now have lost a home series for the second time this season to the team that coming in were tied for the fewest road wins in the whole major leagues.

And to potentially make matters worse, Asher Wojciechowski, a first-round pick in 2010 by the Jays and traded away in the J.A. Happ megadeal, has a chance to haunt his former franchise on the mound today. Trent Thornton takes the ball in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

Game #90 Baltimore Orioles (27-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-57) - game recap

Andrew Cashner threw 7 strong innings as the Orioles routed the Blue Jays 8-1

After a loss last night to the lowly Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays were back at it looking to even this weekend series. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in the lineup after missing last night to rest a wrist he rolled Thursday. Danny Jansen got a half day off, serving as the DH while Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays beat the Orioles and snap the 2 game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.

Saturday, July 6, 2019 | 3:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Andrew Cashner (8-3, 4.03, 1.25) vs. Clayton Richard (1-4, 6.51, 1.63)

PREAMBLE:

Kawhi has moved on to the Los Angeles Clippers along with Paul George. So... what we gonna do? Oh yeah, there's a ballgame today with the Blue Jays taking on the Orioles in game two of a three-game set, which should definitely take the sting out of losing Kawhi.

Clayton Richard looks to carry the momentum of his first Blue Jays win from his last start into today's afternoon matchup against Andrew Cashner, who is somehow 8-3 for a team that is 35 games under .500 going into the All-Star break.

Game #89 Baltimore Orioles (26-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-56) - game recap

Chris Davis was 2-4 with a run scored and 3RBI as the Orioles knocked off the Blue Jays 4-1

Here we go. Last series before the all-star break and the end of the unofficial 1st half of the season. Marcus Stroman is likely done until after the all-star break as he is still nursing a pec injury. Meanwhile Aaron Sanchez, who starts tonight, has a very interesting deadline Monday. See, Monday he reaches five years of service and can refuse any move by the Blue Jays to the minors. If the Blue Jays option him on the weekend, and basically keep him there for the duration of the season, they gain an extra year of control to maybe build up the righty's trade value. Sanchez has struggle mightily this season to get through a batting order more than once. The 2nd and 3rd times through the order, batters are hitting north of .900. Quite frankly, the Blue Jays need to do something, whether it be an IL stint, a trip to the minors, or moving to the bullpen. Another option could be using an opener followed by Sanchez. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. rolled his wrist and sat out in favor of Brandon Drury. Randal Grichuk missed is second straight game with a back problem (Eric Sogard took his spot in right.). Vlad was back in the lineup after a day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays beat the lowly Orioles? Here is today's game recap.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Monday, July 29, 2019

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Friday, July 26, 2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Monday, July 22, 2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Friday, July 19, 2019

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Monday, July 15, 2019

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Friday, July 12, 2019

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Monday, July 8, 2019

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Friday, July 5, 2019