Saturday Night Spanish Guitar: AKA WTFJITH

     

After an eventfully week, we're back to the sultry sounds of a Saturday night. Friend of JITH Estas Tonne released a new video:

Share your musical picks.

Stuff to ponder for December 3, 2021

 

While we are waiting for the CBA negotiation to get resolved let's keep in mind that both sides will be following the labour negotiations handbook. You already know the routine. Demand the moon just to gauge the other side's reaction. Act offended at the counter proposal. Drag it out, claiming that'll go on for a long time unless the other side concedes. Settle at the last minute, saying that massive concessions were needed to obtain the agreement.

PTBNL linked in the previous comment section about a potential Grichuk/JBR trade that didn't get made.

There's another Guerrero , Vlad's younger brother Pablo who is 15,who has some Jays fans yearning for all the young Guerreros.

From MLBTR, it's being reported that once the lockout has ended, the Jays have more cake in the war chest to spend.

Mentioned this for shits and giggles, in the previous thread, that Vlad's projected Market Value done by Spotrac is 475 million. That's over the next 15 years.

How are we all feeling about a Berrios, Gausman, Manoah, Ryu and Stripling/whoever rotation for 2022?

Just throwing stuff out there for a new post.

See you in the comment section.

Not Much Going On Eh?

Eleventy billion dollars spent so far. Eleventy billion more to go before the deadline on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. LET'S GOOO!!!

Saturday Night Spanish Guitar: AKA WTFJITH

 

I'm writing this having just lost it both in the grocery store and seeing a booth selling gifts for men. It's been a rough go for me recently and I just found out I can't get the night off work to see my friend premiere his new chamber piece. So, I look to music to cheer me up.

Our friend Estas Tonne has premiered a new video:

Post the music that cheers you up.

Happy American Thanksgiving To Our American JitHer Friends

Couldn't think of any other title, and this one offered an excuse to post a pic of this little imp, looking to scarf down the festive bird, much to the delight of everyone assembled. There probably won't be much news until Monday, because of the holiday, but 1340 (and counting) comments seems like enough to leave the Saturday WTFJITH thread, from five days ago, in the dust.

Saturday Night Spanish Guitar AKA: WTFJITH

 

Another off-season Saturday night, another music extravaganza. Here's this week's Spanish guitar to get things started.

Blue Jays news post Nov.17 2021

 

With the previous posts comment section filling up, time to a new one.

Big news, of course, is the Berrios signing. 7 years for 131 with an opt out at 5 years. Some observations.

- Jose musta liked his time here because he was on record as saying he wouldn't sign before testing the free agent market. Guess something changed his mind. He arguably might have been the top FA starter available in his FA year.

- 7 year contract puts another stamp the end of  contract length as deterrent to signing players.

- Berrios is one of the most durable pitchers in MLB and is only 27.

The Return of WTFJITH! (Otherwise known as Saturday Night Spanish Guitar)

 

As Wolf would say: 

It's time once again to break out your best (or worst) music choices to share with the class. As always, music is the theme but baseball/hockey/basketball/other stuff can of course be discussed. Enjoy everyone!

Let's get started by featuring the patron saint of this tradition:

Hope you get to see this, Wolf.

TJ's AL Awards, and full season All-Stars

Howdy folks. It was a great season for our guys, but a strange season in the AL, as seven teams won 90 or more games, and there were really only two absolute dogs in the league. The Orioles lost 110 games, and Texas lost 102. No other team lost 90 or more. The Blue Jays great, and all around really fun, season is a big reason I got off my ass to do these posts. Let's dive in.

TJ's 2021 NL Awards and full season All-Stars

Howdy folks. It's now four years since I did the last post of this series, so it's probably time to make another attempt. 2017 was not a good year for the Blue Jays. Nor was 2018. Or 2019. In 2020, they made the postseason, but drawing any conclusions from a 60-game season is dumb IMHO. 

2021 World Series Game 6 Atlanta Barves (3-2) vs Houston Astros (2-3)

 

2021 World Series Game 5 Houston Astros (1-3) vs Atlanta Barves (3-1)

 

2021 World Series Game 4 Houston Astros (1-2) vs Atlanta Barves (2-1)

 

2021 World Series Game 3 Houston Astros (1-1) vs Atlanta Barves (1-1)

 

2021 World Series Game 2 Atlanta Barves (1-0) vs Houston Astros (0-1)

 

2021 World Series Game 1 Atlanta Barves (0-0) vs Houston Astros (0-0)

 

NLCS Game 6 LA Dodgers (2-3) vs Atlanta Barves (3-2)

 

ALCS Game 6 Houston Astros (3-2) vs Boston Red Sox (2-3)

 

NLCS Game 5 Atlanta Barves (3-1) vs LA Dodgers (1-3)

ALCS Game 5 Houston Astros (2-2) vs Boston Red Sox (2-2) and NLCS Game 4 Atlanta Barves (2-1) vs LA Dodgers (1-2)

 

NLCS Game 3 Atlanta Barves (2-0) vs LA Dodgers (0-2) and ALCS Game 4 Houston Astros (1-2) vs Boston Red Sox (2-1)

 

ALCS Game 3 Houston Astros (1-1) vs Boston Red Sox (1-1)

 

NLCS Game 2 LA Dodgers (0-1) vs Atlanta Barves (1-0)

 

ALCS Game 2 Boston Red Sox (0-1) vs Houston Astros (1-0) and NLCS Game 1 LA Dodgers (0-0) vs Atlanta Barves (0-0)

ALCS Game 1 Boston Red Sox (0-0) vs Houston Astros (0-0)

 

NLDS Game 5 LA Dodgers (2-2) vs San Francisco Giants (2-2)

 

ALDS/NLDS Game 4's Houston Astros (2-1) vs Chicago White Sox (1-2) and Milwaukee Brewers (1-2) vs Atlanta Braves (2-1) and San Francisco Giants (2-1) vs LA Dodgers (1-2)

 

ALDS/NLDS Game 3 Milwaukee Brewers (1-1) vs Atlanta Braves (1-1) and Game 4 Tampa Bay Rays (1-2) vs Boston Red Sox (2-1) and Game 3 San Francisco Giants (1-1) vs LA Dodgers (1-1)

 

ALDS Game 3 Tampa Bay Rays (1-1) vs Boston Red Sox (1-1) and Houston Astros (2-0) vs Chicago White Sox (0-2)

 

NDLS Game 2 Atlanta Braves (0-1) vs Milwaukee Brewers (1-0) and LA Dodgers (0-1) vs San Francisco Giants (1-0)

 

ALDS Game 2 Chicago White Sox (0-1) vs Houston Astros (1-0) and Boston Red Sox (0-1) vs Tampa Bay Rays (1-0) NDLS Game 1 Atlanta Braves (0-0) vs Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) and LA Dodgers (0-0) vs San Francisco Giants (0-0)

 

ALDS Game 1 Chicago White Sox (0-0) vs Houston Astros (0-0) and Boston Red Sox (0-0) vs Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)

 

Ten random thoughts: a 2021 season review

 

The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the most feared teams in the MLB with an offense that scored 186 more runs  than they allowed and an offense that set a new single season franchise record for HR. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays play in arguably the most difficult division in the MLB where 4 teams topped 90 wins. The Blue Jays had 4 players with 100+ RBI (Teo 116, Vlad 111 and Marcus Semien and Bo each drove in 102 runs) Bo fell a HR short of 30 on the season, or the Blue Jays would have had 4 players with 30+ HR. Vlad narrowly missed a triple crown IN JUST HIS SECOND 162 SEASON! The starting pitchers generally did their job, consistently pitching 6 innings or more, putting less stress on the bullpen. Robbie Ray is a favorite to win the Cy Young after winning 13 games, posting a solid 2.84 ERA. Ray was also a strike out machine, getting 10+ strikeouts in ten of his starts. Hyun-Jin Ryu had a rough go with a few injuries and being ineffective, but he still managed 14 wins. Steven Matz was one of the pleasant surprises of the year, getting 14 wins and being the effective 5th starter the Blue Jays have lacked in recent years. Alek Manoah was 9-2 with a 3.22  ERA in 11 starts after his recall from AAA-ball. Jordan Romano stepped up and became the Blue Jays closer after Kirby Yates was declared out for the season with TJ surgery before the season began. Romano was 7-1 with 23 saves and a 2.14ERA. Tim Mayza beat the odds and made the team coming back from TJ surgery. He was among the most reliable lefty relievers. Here are ten random thoughts to end the season.

Game #162 Baltimore Orioless (52-110) @ Toronto Blue Jays (91-71) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a solo shot and a grand slam in a 12-4 rout over the Orioles to end the season

It all comes down to this: win and maybe force an extra game if the Red Sox and/or Yankees lose their final game today. Lose and the Blue Jays are out. They are fielding the same lineup that trounced the Orioles 10-1 yesterday and the usually reliable Hyun-Jin Ryu is on the bump. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game #162 Baltimore Orioles (52-109) @ Toronto Blue Jays (90-71)

 

Game #161 Baltimore Orioless (52-109) @ Toronto Blue Jays (90-71) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw 7 stellar innings in a 10-1 rout over the Orioles

Two games left and the Blue Jays simply have to win both games and hope Seattle and Boston lose at least one of their remaining 2 games. The Blue Jays and Mariners sit a game back of the Red Sox for the 2nd WC spot. Alek Manoah got the start today with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in the lineup as DH. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game #161 Baltimore Orioles (52-108) @ Toronto Blue Jays (89-71)

 

Game #160 Baltimore Orioless (52-108) @ Toronto Blue Jays (89-71) - game recap

 

Steven Matz threw 7 strong innings in a 6-4 win over the Orioles

It all comes down to this, three games against division rivals Baltimore Orioles. Before fans start popping the champagne cork on extending the season to a game 163 and/or making the playoffs, the Orioles juat beat Boston in 2/3 games. They have won 5 of the season series meetings vs. the Blue Jays. Their players are playing for jobs next season and I'm sure would love to eliminate a hated division rival. Further, they are a game back of the 2nd WC spot heading into the final weekend and will need help from the Angels and Nationals to force that game #163. The Mariners are hot, having won 4 straight. The Red Sox, like the Blue Jays, have a potent lineup capable of putting up big #'s. Get your popcorn ready, it's set to be a wild final weekend of the season. Steven Matz got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Could the Blue Jays start the final weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #160 Baltimore Orioles (52-107) @ Toronto Blue Jays (88-71)

 

Game #159 New York Yankees (90-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (88-71) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette was 2-3 with a run scored in a 7-2 loss to the Yankees

After pulling off a massive late win on the bck of a solo blast in the 8th by Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays try to make it two wins in a row. Ace Robbie Ray got his final start of the season with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. sat out, presumably with hand issues. Corey Dickerson DH'ed with Teo in LF, George Springer in CF and Randal Grichuk in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #159 New York Yankees (90-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (88-70)

 

Game #158 New York Yankees (89-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-71) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a clutch go-ahead solo HR in the 8th as the Blue Jays edged the Yankees 6-5

After an untimely loss to the Yankees last night, the Blue Jays try to get right back on track with a win. Jake Lamb cleared waivers and is now a free agent. Jacob Barnes had his contract selected and Anthony Castro was optioned to AAA. Jose Berrios got the start with Reese McGuire behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as last night. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #158 New York Yankees (90-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-70)

 

Game #157 New York Yankees (89-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (86-71) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette scored a run and drove in a run in a 7-2 loss to the Yankees

It all comes down to this, after 27 grinding weeks of baseball, the Blue Jays have reached the final week of the reglar season. Tonight, they opened a crucial 3-game set against the red-hot Yankees - winners of 6 straight. The Blue Jays have won 10 of the first 16 meetings in the season series, outscoring the Bronx Bombers 69-50. The Blue Jays lineup added a lefty-bat with Cavan Biggio being reinstated from the IL. Ryan Borucki was optioned to AAA. Hyun-Jin Ryu came off the IL to start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned to the lineup as DH after missing 2 games after having his hand stomped on Friday by Randal Grichuk, requiring stitches. Could the Blue Jays make it three wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #157 New York Yankees (89-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-69)

 

Game #156 Toronto Blue Jays (86-70) @ Minnesota Twina (68-86) - game recap

   Danny Jansen hit a 3-run HR in a 5-2 victory over the Twins

After a solid win on the back of a gutsy Robbie Ray performance and three big swats, the Blue Jays wrapped up the road portion of their schedule in the Twin cities. Alek Manoah got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Randal Grichuk in CF, Teo in RF and Corey Dickerson in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game #156 Toronto Blue Jays (86-69) @ Minnesota Twins (69-86)

 

Game #155 Toronto Blue Jays (85-70) @ Minnesota Twina (68-87) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run HR and made an outstanding catch in a 6-1 win over the Twins

After dropping the first 2 of this crucial weekend series vs. the Twins and 3 straight overall, the Blue Jays were looking to get back on track with ace Robbie Ray on the bump. Joakim Soria was placed on the COVID-related IL and lefty Kirby Snead was recalled from AAA. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate. Teo got the half day off as DH with Corey Dickerson in LF, George Springer in CF and Randal Grichuk in RF. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a sac fly by Mitch Garver that scored Jorge Polanco
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 3rd as Teoscar Hernandez annihilated a solo bomb to dead center 
• Four batters later, Randal Grichuk doubled scoring Santiago Espinal
• John Gant pitching line: 3IP 3H 2R (1 earned) 2BB 1K 47 pitches (32 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Marcus Semien bashed a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as George Springer hammered a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Danny Jansen
• Robbie Ray pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 4BB 6K 104 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Jansen singled scoring Hernandez
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Twins 1

My Take:

• Robbie Ray threw 6 solid innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6. The delayed start due to Justin Morneau being inducted into the Twins hall of fame seemed to affect him early as his battled his command. Ray has one more start before a potential WC game start. 
• The bullpen was perfect over the last 3 innings striking out 2 batters.
• The big bats were at it again. The Blue Jays hit 3 HR for 4 runs. Teo had the biggest bash ripping one out to the deepest part of the ball park. George Springer hit one to the second deck.
• Every Blue Jay except Vlad, who drew a walk had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Yankees won and moved into a tie with the Red Soxfor the 1st WC spot. The Blue Jays are 2 games back of the Yankees and Red Sox. The Mariners were losing big and poised to drop 3 games back of the Yankees/Red Sox and a game back of the Blue Jays. The A's won earlier and are 2 games back of the Blue Jays and 4 ganes back of the Red Sox/Yankees
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it two straight wins ahead of a crucial final homestand. Alek Manoah starts against Twins righty Griffin Jax

Game #155 Toronto Blue Jays (85-69) @ Minnesota Twins (69-85)

Game #154 Toronto Blue Jays (84-70) @ Minnesota Twina (68-86) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien hit a solo HR in a 3-1 loss to the Twins

After an unfortunate loss on a day where the Blue Jays could have moved within a half game of the Yankees for the 2nd WC spot, the Blue Jays were looking to snap a two-game skid. Santiago Espinal and Joakim Soria were both activated. Kevin Smith was optioned to AAA and Thomas Hatch was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. Ryan Borucki's suspension was reduced by a game and he started serving it tonight. Robbie Ray got the start with Reese McGuire behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field as CF for the first time since injuring his knee in Seattle August 14. Alejandro Kirk served as the DH tonight. Corey Dickerson was in LF for the injured Lourdes Gurriel Jr, who was spiked in the hand by Randal Grichuk last night. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays stop the 2-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Luis Arraez tripled home Andrelton Simmons
• A batter later, Byron Buxton hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Arraez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Marcus Semien smashed a solo bomb to left-center and into the Twins bullpen
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 81 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 10K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Alex Colome pitched a perfect 9th for his 16th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Jose Berrios threw 6 strong innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 10. He worked his way out of jams in the 1st and 4th inning, but was unable to get out of the 3rd inning without some damage. Berrios retired the final nine batters he faced.
• The bullpen was solid, giving up a hit and a walk over the final 2 innings while striking out a batter
• The offence remains flat. Marcus Semien went yard and got 2 hits. Corey Dickerson had a hit and walk and Santiago Espinal doubled in his first AB back from the IL.
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position.
• In terms of the WC race, the Yankees won over the Red Sox, the Mariners were leading and the A's were also leading. At the moment, the Blue Jays are 2 games back of the Yankees for the 2nd WC spot and the Mariners are 2.5 games back of the Yankees and the A's are 4.5 games back of the Yankees
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid. Robbie Ray starts against Twins righty John Gant