Game #16 Toronto Blue Jays (7-9) @ Kansas City Royals (9-5) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drew a pair of walks and made a couple of nice blocks in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Royals

After splitting a double-header yesterday, the Blue Jays and Royals were back at it with a matinee to wrap up the four game series. Big non-Blue Jays news. Jay Bruce retired from baseball today following the Yankees-Rays tilt. He was not in the starting lineup today. Robbie Ray got the start, as did his personal catcher Alejandro Kirk. Joe Panik was at the hot corner. Vlad got the half day off, serving as the DH with Rowdy Tellez at 1B. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the complete day off with Josh Palacios in LF. Could the Blue Jays win and earn a series split? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Robbie Ray pitching line: 5IP 4H 0R 6BB 3K 92 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Brady Singer pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 3BB 6K 90 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Royals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 7th as Salvador Perez clobbered a 2-run bomb to left-center and into the waterfall; also scoring Carlos Santana
• Greg Holland pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Royals 2 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Robbie Ray had a rough outing, but was effectively wild. He didn't allow a run, but he walked a season-high 6 batters and scattered 4 hits over 5 innings. The walks really drove up the pitch count and a depleted bullpen was forced to get 9 outs 
• TJ Zeuch had another rough inning, giving up a 2-run blast that was the difference in the game
• Tanner Roark had a decent inning of work, walking one and striking out one. Hopefully he gains some confidence being used in lower leverage situations out of the bullpen
• Offensively, it was not a good day for the Blue Jays. They were held to five total base runners over the first four innings. They had runners on 1st and 2nd innings 2-4, but did nothing with it. After the 4th inning, the Blue Jays did not get one single base runner, recording  15 straight outs. Alejandro Kirk was the only one to get on base more than once, drawing 2 walks.
• Up next, after an off day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head to Fenway park for a brief two game set vs. the Red Sox, who were 1st in the AL East heading into today's action with a 10-6 record. This comes after the Red Sox were horrible in 2020. Last season, the Blue Jays and Red Sox split the season series 5-5 with the Blue Jays outscoring the Red Sox 58-50. Hyun-Jin Ryu gets the start Tuesday against an unannounced Red Sox pitcher.

Game 16: Hastily made gamethread. Jay Birds Blue (7-8) @ Royals of Missouri (8-5)

 

2:00 PM - Kauffman Stadium

Ray vs Singer

Games #14 and 15 Toronto Blue Jays (7-8) @ Kansas City Royals (8-5) - game recap records reflect what it was after the second game

 

Steven Matz threw 6 strong innings as the Blue Jays took the first game of today's double-header. The Royals won the second game in the bottom of the 7th with a walk-off HR by Salvador Perez to edge the Blue Jays 3-2. The Royals will be looking to take the four-game series with a win tomorrow

After a rain-out, the Blue Jays played their first double header of the year (last Sunday's game vs. the LA Angels was also rained out but will be made up in August). The temporary rules of double header games being seven innings each has carried over to this season. The Blue Jays lost the first game of the series Thursday as Anthony Kay was knocked around to the tune of 5 runs (4 earned) over 3.1 innings. Tanner Roark, relegated to the bullpen after a rough start, was also charged with a pair of unearned runs. In the 1st game, Steven Matz made his 3rd start of the season. Tommy Millone made a spot start in the second game. Danny Jansen got the first game behind the plate and Alejandro Kirk started the second game as the backstop after serving as the DH in the 1st game. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner in the 1st game. Jonathan Davis got the start in CF in the 1st game and Randal Grichuk was in RF. Everyone else was in their usual position and spot in the lineup in the 1st game. After being in the field in game 1, Vlad got the half day off in the 2nd game, serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez playing 1B. Randal Grichuk got the 2nd game completely off with Josh Palacios in his spot in RF. Joe Panik got the start at the hot corner in the 2nd game. The rest of the lineup was the same as game 1 and the regular lineup. Could the Blue Jays sweep the double-header (or at least earn the split)? Here are today's game recaps.

Game Highlights (1st game):

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Randal Grichuk
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Jonathan Davis smacked a solo shot to left and into the Royals bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo shot to left and into the Royals bullpen
• Mike Minor pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 4R (all earned) 0BB 3K 99 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Royals got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Andrew Benintendi doubled home Nicky Lopez
• Steven Matz pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 82 pitches (48 for strikes) 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th on a sac fly by Marcus Semien that scored Davis
• Final Score: Blue Jays 5 Royals 1

My take (1st game);

• Steven Matz pitched another gem, tossing 6 innings of 2 hit ball, giving up a run, walking 2 and striking out 5.. He carried a no-hitter through five innings, gave up a run on two hits and was promptly pulled in the 7th. He should have been given the opportunity to start the 7th. I mean, he has already thrown 90+ pitches in a start, he had a 4-run lead and if the Blue Jays were worried about him, they could have had someone like Rafael Dolis,ho did not throw a strike to the first two hitters he faced, issuing a 4-pitch walk to Carlos Santana and  then hitting Jorge Soler with the next pitch, warming up behind him. I miss the old days when pitchers were at least allowed to start the next inning if they had under 100 pitches. Also, you have to consider how stressful the pitches were. Matz only had to contend with base runners in three of the six innings he worked (a 1st inning walk that was quickly erased by a double play, a one out walk to Soler in the 5th and a pair of hits in the 6th that led to the only run he gave up. Matz retired 12 batters in a row at one point. Besides, Charlie Montoyo only has to look at the last game of the world series when his protégé John Madden pulled starter Blake Snell, who was also pitching a gem, in the 6th inning only to see the bullpen give up a pair of runs and really cost the Rays their first world series. Trust your starters and let them keep going when they are cruising.
• Vladimir Guerrero (solo HR, 2 runs scored, RBI), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2 run double), Jonathan Davis (solo HR, 2 hits, SB) and Randal Grichuk (2 hits and a run scored) carried the offense and had strong games offensively 
• Danny Jansen's having a rough season offensively. He was 0-3 today and is now batting a miniscule .072.
• Up next, game two of the double header. Tommy Millone got the spot start against Royals righty Ervin Santana

Game highlights (2nd game):

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk doubled home Josh Palacios
• The Royals tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd as Jarrod Dyson scored on a throwing error by Rowdy Tellez
• Two batters later, Carlos Santana doubled home Benintendi
• Tommy Millone pitching line: 2.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 39 pitches (26 for strikes)
• Ervin Santana pitching line: 3IP 2H 1R (earned) 0BB 1K 36 pitches  (25 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of  the 4th on a sac fly by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Royals walked it off in the bottom of the 7th as Salvador Perez hammered a solo bomb to dead centerS
•  Final score: Royals 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take (2nd game):

• Tommy Millone threw 2.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on a throwing error and a double. He gave up 3 hits overall, walked none and struck out 4. Charlie Montoyo was displaying a quick hook today, earlier pulling Steven Matz, who was tossing a gem and had a decent pitch count. Perhaps Montoyo was hoping Millone might be available tomorrow if Robbie Ray, starting his second game coming off an elbow contusion, can't go very deep
• Let's address Cava Biggio's getting thrown out trying to advance on a a wild pitch. It's a judgment call whether a player advances on a wild pitch. Biggio felt that he could make it, but Royals catcher Cam Gallagher made a great play
• Another continuous issue I want to address is bunting. It is a good strategy and can lead to a multi-run inning. For example, say you got runners on 1st and second with nobody out and the top of the order due up. Why not get Danny Jansen or Jonathan Davis to drop down a bunt to move the runners up a base? That gives Semien a chance to drive in at least one run and then Biggio could knock in the other run with a base hit. I agree that bunting with 2 strikes is unwise. Bunt should be taken off with two strikes and batter should just swing away because if the ball is bunted foul with 2 strikes, the batter is out. Look at Ichiro, he regularly bunted to get on base. Speedy runners should be allowed to drop down a bunt every so often to get on base. 
• Re: the use of pitchers today: Matz should have been allowed to start the 7th. The Blue Jays are in a situation where they are closing by committee. Ken Giles is now a Seattle Mariner (he would have missed the season anyway after TJ surgery). Kirby Yates is gone for the year after TJ surgery. Julian Merryweather is on the IL. As are Tyler Chatfield and Jordan Romano. Rafael Dolis, having had previous closing experience with the Cubs, is likely to be the go to, but it may depend on what part of the lineup is up. Dolis is unreliable and isn't the most efficient getting batters out, typically taking about 20 pitches to get through an inning. Today, he didn't throw a single strike to the first 2 hitters he faced. David Phelps or Tim Mayza could be asked to close, depending on the situation. Besides, Joel Payamps is supposed to be a pro and should be able to handle that type of situation. He just made a bad pitch and that was unfortunately the ball game
• Rowdy Tellez was the only Blue Jay to reach base more than once in this game
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up this series with a matinee before their first off-day of the season Monday. Lefty Robbie Ray gets his second start of the season. He gave up a pair of runs over 5 innings in his first start of the season. The Royals will counter with righty Brady Singer.

Saturday Doubleheader Game Thread Extraordinaire! Games 14 & 15. Blue Jays (6-7) @ Royal Family (7-4) 2:10PM and 6:10PM.

 

Game 13! Jays (6-6) @ Royals (6-4)

 

I googled Amish Blue Jays and this is what I got.

Game #12 - New York Yankees (5-6) vs Toronto Blue Jays (5-6) - Wednesday April 14 @ 1:07pm EST

 New York Yankees (SP Corey Kluber - 0-1)

Yankee Scumbag Roughned Odor

vs.

Toronto Blue Jays (SP Ross Stripling - 0-1)

Jim Clancy

There's something we don't talk about enough here at JITH - a topic near and dear to my heart and one that I strongly feel deserves some extra attention today.  Roughned Odor is, as a ballplayer, absolute garbage.  Trash!  Given his comportment on the field, we can all also draw our own conclusions as to his character or lack thereof!

If Odor were in the Harry Potter world, Lord Voldemort would fatally attack him, disgusted at his lack of courage and production.

Lord Voldemort performs the Avada Kedavra curse on Roughned Odor

It is my contention that Odor will play himself out of the lineup.  I don't know who the Yankees have to replace him (and I assume it must be "nobody" for them to have picked him up in the first place) but that unnamed 2nd baseman will kick Odor out for good in the near term!

Now, for some Jays I've loved over the years:

George Bell

Dave Stieb

Fred McGriff

To be continued.......

Scuttlebutt

The Jays, coming off a solid outing against the hated Yankees, look to take the series victory in an early game (10:07am Pacific!).  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to own a hot bat to start the season and is taking his share of walks, all while providing steady defense at 1st base.  He is doing the splits a lot and I'm not sure if that's good or indicates that his positioning or footwork could be improved.  He seems to be very flexible (I would pass on, triggering a transfer of my baseball cards to Smasher/Catcher from my estate, if I tried to do the splits).

Meanwhile, Bo Bichette is having a decent campaign but has struggled a bit at times - nothing to worry about and he is producing at a satisfactory rate.  I'm hoping to see more from Biggio and Gurriel Jr - it's time for them to heat up!

In sobering news, Teoscar Hernandez has tested positive for Covid-19 and is out for 10 days minimum.  It sounds as though he has symptoms but is doing fine - we hope for a speedy recovery and also hope that it did not spread to any of his teammates.

Let's Play Ball - Go Jays Go!

Game #11 NY Yankees (5-6) @ Toronto Blue Jays (5-6) - game recap

 

Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched into the 7th as the Blue Jays knocked off the Yankees 7-3

After a tough loss to Yankees ace Gerritt Cole, who retired the last fifteen Blue Jays batters he faced, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series with a win, sending their own ace Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the night off yesterday. The Blue Jays were facing a pitcher, Jameson Taillon, who missed almost two seasons after a complex TJ surgery, much like Tim Mayza endured. I have a lot of respect for athletes that persevere through such a lengthy rehab and make it back to their former glory. Only Joe Panik and Randal Grichuk have ever faced this pitcher. The rest of the lineup remains the same as yesterday. Can Ryu stop the bleeding and get his team back to winning? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Josh Palacios singled home Randal Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly by Randal Grichuk that scored Bo Bichette
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Marcus Semien whacked a solo shot to left
• Two batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Bichette 
• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 3.2IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 3K 84 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Rowdy Tellez smash a solo bomb to right-center 
• The Yankees got one back in the top of the 7th on a groundout by Rougned Odor that scored Gary Sanchez
• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 6.2IP 4H 1R (unearned) 1BB 7K 95 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 8th as Giocarlo Stanton singled scoring DJ Le Mahieu and Clint Frazier
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Palacios scored on a sac fly by Bichette
• Bichette and Guerrero Jr. both made outstanding plays on the final out
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Yankees 3

My Take:

•  Hyun-Jin Ryu had his third straight quality start, allowing an unearned run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. Ryu allowed 2 base runners through five innings and retired 11 in a row at one point. He was efficient as well, averaging about 12 pitches an inning. Can't stress enough what a great signing Ryu has turned out to be
• Rowdy Tellez doubled his offensive output for the season, getting his second hit and home run on a solo shot.
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Danny Jansen had at least one hit
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the series and homestand with a matinee vs. the Yankees. Blue Jays righty Ross Stripling goes up against Yankees righty Corey Kluber. The winner tomorrow will move out of the basement in the AL East standings. After tonight's games, there is a four-way tie for 2nd with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays and Orioles all having identical 5-6 records. The Red Sox, after being last in the AL East last season, are currently 1st in the AL East with a record of 7-3

Game #11 - New York Yankees (5-5) at Toronto Blue Jays (4-6) - Tuesday April 13 @ 7:07pm EST

 New York Yankees (SP Jameson Taillon)

vs.

Toronto Blue Jays (SP Hyun Jin Ryu)

There is a single area where we can agree that the Yankees have been a better franchise than the Blue Jays - they have had better and more iconic baseball cards!  This is strictly because the franchise has been around for longer - no other reason!

We start with Babe Ruth.  He is featured in the 1933 Goudey set, one of the card issues considered a pillar of the hobby.  Babe was featured on 4 cards in the set and it is for this reason that I will never be able to afford to finish it

Here's Lou Gehrig, pictured on his 1927 W461 Exhibit card.  These were produced to be sold out of vending machines

That's it - I don't feel like typing or grabbing pictures anymore!  I absolutely, 100%, steadfastly refuse to do it!  I cannot be induced, by any means, to do so!  I'm out!

Jays News

After last night's horrible loss, the Jays look to get back on the saddle and put things right in the Universe by toppling the Yankees and getting back on even footing in the standings.  Speaking of the Universe, it is so large as to boggle the mind.  It's almost impossible to conceive of it.  Given the trillions of stars and planets, I suspect there are other planets where events have unfolded in an almost identical way as on Earth but Joe Mcd. and Dabbles play for the Jays instead of Bo and Vlad Jr.  I wonder if they could have pulled this one out for the Jays?

This will be my last game thread - I'm going to get my dog to write the next one

Game #10 - New York Yankees (4-5) at Toronto Blue Jays (4-5) - Monday April 12 @ 7:07pm EST

 New York Yankees (SP Gerrit Cole)

vs. Toronto Blue Jays (SP Robbie Ray)

Good afternoon baseball fans and welcome to Harlans Point Stadium, where the Toronto Blue Jays begin their home schedule after a long layoff due to the pandemic of 1918.  The visiting Yankees, having only changed their name a few years back (they are the formerly hated Highlanders) will be trying to avenge the series win the Jays took in the first week of the season.

Excitement abounds to see the wonders in store at newly renovated Harlans Point Stadium - I have obtained an unreleased photo showing some of the new features:

Moving on to some history, let's take a look back at the first great Highlanders star, Hal Chase.  Chase was almost unanimously  regarded as one of the greatest 1st basemen of his generation and even of all time.  In true Yankee fashion, though, he was a degenerate scumbag, cheater, and a gambler.  He was widely known to gamble on his own games and was believed to have regularly thrown games due to his ongoing affliction.  I imagine being one of the greatest fielding 1st basemen of all time and then throwing games on purpose makes it sort of obvious.  Perhaps this wasn't the smartest approach but I suppose there was no real way to stop his nefarious behaviour in the early part of the century.

Hal Chase - First in a long line of Yankee Scumbags!

It wasn't known at the time but Chase couldn't help himself, as he was the first in a long, long line of degenerate, Yankee scum!

Scuttlebutt

The Jays started the year with a series victory over the Yankees, proving that they would be a playoff team.  They then scuffled a bit, proving that they would not make the cut.  However, the last game against the Angels, where the Jays scored 15, proved that they will not only break offensive records but will be a modern day Murderers Row, despite missing several key pieces.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has started the year on fire, hitting .379 with a .538 slugging percentage and an OPS of 1.159.  He's taking walks, scorching the ball (often up the middle or to right) and has shown vastly improved defensive play at first base.  He is also noticeably quicker on the base paths, having reportedly dropped 40 pounds over the winter.  He's playing at the level we all thought he would and if he can keep up anything close to it he'll become the superstar we thought he would be.

Robbie Ray has been cleared to play and will reportedly make his season debut Monday.  He showed increased velocity this spring and was highly effective. His signing took a lot of heat in these parts but if he can be a serviceable starter all will be forgiven.  The great news that relates to his return is that failed starter Tanner Roarke will move to the bullpen, where he can hopefully either improve or else provide mop-up duty in games that are already a lost cause (Dabbles would say all of them are!)

If Pearson can get healthy and come back to have a solid year then the rotation will be shaping up nicely and this squad could content for the postseason.

Rougned Odor was inexplicably claimed by the Yankees and immediately went on to drive home the winning run in extra innings.  I firmly believe that this will be the pinnacle of his Yankees career and the club will quickly tire of his poor attitude and poor play!

Let's Play Ball!

Game 10 game thread - Angels at Dunedin

 

Sun, Apr 11 • 1:07 PM EDT

At TD Ballpark

Game 9 game thread - Angels at Dunedin

 

Sat, Apr 10 • 7:07 PM EDT

At TD Ballpark

Game #8 LA Angels (6-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-5) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien scored the only Blue Jays run in a 7-1 loss to the Angels

After a tough extra innings loss last night, the Blue Jays were back at it, looking for their first home win of the season. George Springer, who's dealing with a low grade quad injury, is likely out for at least the duration of this home stand as the Blue Jays exercise extreme caution with their prize signing of the off-season. The Blue Jays had a bullpen day with David Phelps getting the start. There is a bit of uncertainty in the rotation after Tanner Rourke had a rough start last time out an2nd d Ross Stripling was knocked around last night. TJ Zeuch was expected to eat up the bulk of the innings tonight. Teoscar Hernandez (exposure to COVID-19), Ryan Borucki (side effect to COVID-19 vaccine) and Tyler Chatwood (undisclosed) were put on the 10 day IL. Josh Palacios, Ty Tice, and Joel Payamps were recalled from the alternate training site. Palacios got the start in RF and batted 9th. Charlie Montoyo shuffled the lineup around moving Cavan Biggio to 5th in the lineup. Randal Grichuk, who got the half day off as DH, was batting 2nd. Jonathan Davis got the start in CF and batted 7th. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hitting cleanup and played 1B. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate and batted 8th. Marcus Semien was in his usual leadoff spot and was at 2B. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. batted 5th and was in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the first home stand of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• David Phelps pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 2K 20 pitches (9 for strikes)
• The Angels opened the scoring in the top of 2nd the as Jared Walsh scored on a fielder's choice hit by David Fletcher. Dexter Fowler was injured on the play.
• A batter later, Shohei Ohtani doubled home Max Stassi, Jose Rojas and Fletcher
• The Angels added a run in the top of the 5th as Ohtani hammered a solo blast to dead center 
• Three batters later, Walsh crushed a 2-run bomb to right, also scoring Mike Trout 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th on a wild pitch by Chris Rodriguez
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. left the game due to a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine
• Final score: Angels 7 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• David Phelps did his job, pitching a scoreless 1st inning, walking one and striking out 2. He wasn't super efficient, taking 20 pitches to get through the inning. As expected, TJ Zeuch was next man up, and he had a rough 2nd inning, giving up 4 runs (none earned) on 3 hits and a  fielding error by Bichette. In the 3rd inning, Zeuch proceeded to walk the first 2 batters on 9 pitches. In the 5th, he gave up 3 runs on a pair of HR. Would Zeuch have fared better if he had started? Hard to say, but the mentality of coming out of the bullpen is different than starting. Zeuch is a starter and probably should have been first up.
• There has to be a bit of concern surrounding the COVID-19 and the side effects experienced by Ryan Borucki and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• The bats were pretty quit tonight, manufacturing a run on a wild pitch. The top 4 in the batting order (Semien, Grichuk, Bichette and Guerreo Jr.) each reached base at least once Everyone else, except Cavan Biggio, who drew 2 walks, were kept off the basepath. . 
• Marcus Semien has been the most consistent leadoff hitter in recent memory. He had a pair of hits tonight and scored the only Blue Jays run on a wild pitch
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game losing streak. Angels southpaw Jose Quintana will start against an unknown Blue Jays pitcher 

Game 8 game thread - Angels at Dunedin

 

Fri, Apr 9 • 7:07 PM EDT

At TD Ballpark

Friday's Blue Jays lineup vs. Angels:

1. Marcus Semien — 2B
2. Randal Grichuk — DH
3. Bo Bichette — SS
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — 1B
5. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. — LF
6. Cavan Biggio — 3B
7. Jonathan Davis — CF
8. Alejandro Kirk — C
9. Josh Palacios — RF

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) April 9, 2021

See below for your Friday night plans ⬇️

📺 @BallySportWest
📻 @AngelsRadioKLAA
#WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/i790r2XbgG

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 9, 2021

Game #7 LA Angels (5-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-4) - game recap

Vladimir  Guerrero Jr was 2-4 with a run scored and 3RBI in a losing effort as the Angels knocked off the Blue Jay 5-3 in 11 innings
 

After a decent road trip where the Blue Jays won the season opening series vs. the Yankees and dropped two of three to the Rangers, the Blue Jays opened the home portion of their schedule. Like last season, they will begin the home schedule in Dunedin (last year they played in Buffalo). Buffalo will be playing in NJ to accommodate the Blue Jays if they can't play in Toronto by end of May. Tonight, the Blue Jays opened  4-game series vs. the LA Angels. The last time these two teams met, the Angels won 6 of the 7 games in the season series. Ross Stripling faced a critical start with Robbie Ray nearing a return from an elbow contusion from a fall down a flight of stairs. Marcus Semien got the half day off, serving as the DH. Joe Panik got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it a win on the home opener? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Angels opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Anthony Rendon singling home Mike Trout 
• The Blue Jays answered back in the bottom half of the inning as Teoscar Hernandez singled home Cavan Biggio
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center, also scoring Hernandez
• The Angels got one back in the top of the 2nd as Jose Iglesias doubled scoring Justin Upton
• Three batters later David Fletcher doubled home Iglesias 
• Ross Stripling pitching line: 5IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 70 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 6th as Cavan Biggio smacked a solo blast to right-center
• Three batters later, Guerrero Jr. singled home Bo Bichette
• Griffin Canning pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 4R (all earned) 1BB 7K 81 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Angels tied in the top of the 7th as Trout annihilated a moon shot to left-center and out of the ballpark
• The Angels retook the lead in the top of the 11th as Fletcher singled home Iglesias and Upton
• Raisel Iglesias pithed a perfect 11th, striking out the side for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Angels 7 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Ross Stripling pitched his way in and out of trouble over 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Lots of hard contact and multi-base hits. As mentioned in the preamble, this was an important start for the Blue Jays righty with Robbie Ray close to returning. It will likely be him or Tanner Rourke sent to the taxi squad when a roster spot needs opening
• Marcus Semien continues to be hot and cold. He was 0-5 with a pair of strikeouts
• Every starter, except Semien, Randal Grichuk and Danny Jansen had at least one hit
• Up next, the series continues with the Angels will send lefty Andrew Heaney to the bump. The Blue Jays haven't named a starting pitcher.

Game 7 game thread - Angels in the Outfield (4-2) @ Dunedin Blue Jays (3-3)

 

Thursday April 8th  7:07 PM EDT

@ TD Ballpark

Game #6 Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) @ Texas Rangers (3-3) - game recap

 

Hyun-Jin Ryu threw 7 strong innings in a losing effort as the Rangers edged the Blue Jays 2-1

After splitting the first two games of the series, the Blue Jays were looking to leave Texas and end the first road trip of the season with a second series win. Bad news before the game. George Springer tweaked his quad running the bases. Severity pending MRI results. Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu made his second start of the season. He allowed two runs and pitched into the 6th inning on opening day. Bo Bichette got the half day off, serving as the DH. Joe Panik got the start at 2B. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two series wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Nick Solak lined a screamer down the left field line and into the second deck
• Four batters later, Leody Tavaras singled home Jose Trevino
• Kyle Gibson pitching line: 6IP 6H 0R 1BB 8K 82 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a run back in the top of the 8th as Marcus Semien hammered a solo bomb into the upper deck in left
• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 7IP 7H 2R (both earned) 0BB 7K 90 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Ian Kennedy struck out the side in the 9th for his second straight save
• Final score: Rangers 2 Blue Jays  1

My Take:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu did what aces are supposed to do, give his team a chance to win. Unfortunately, he got no run support. Ryu had one bad inning in the 2nd, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. The rest of the way, Ryu gave up 3 hits and retired eight and five batters in a row. He walked none.
• Marcus Semien has been hot/cold at the top of the lineup. Today, he was 2-3 with a solo HR and a walk. With the injury setback to George Springer, Semien will continue to lead off on a mostly daily basis.
• Too many strikeouts today. The Blue Jays as a team struck out 12 times. Teoscar Hernandez struck out 3 times
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Rafael Dolis, who has had a shaky start to his season, was efficient today, inducing the only batter he faced into an out on just 4 pitches
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to one of their temporary homes in Dunedin to start the home portion of their schedule. With the border still closed indefinitely and a 14-day quarantine still in effect for people entering the country, the Blue Jays will play in Dunedin this home stand and through at least the May 21-24 series vs. Tampa Bay. At this point, I think it's unlikely Canada will be vaccinated sufficiently and have COVID cases under sufficient control to reopen the border. Most of Canada is still vaccinating the older population and those with medical conditions such as cancer. Ontario reported more than 3200 new cases today. The Blue Jays will open the home portion of the schedule with a 4-game series vs. the LA Angels. The Blue Jays won just one of the 6 games vs. the Angels in 2019 and were outscored 45-27. Ross Stripling faces an important start with Robbie Ray getting close to returning from a left elbow contusion from a fall down a flight of stairs. The Angels will counter with righty Griffin Canning

Game 6 game thread - Blue Jays (3-2) at Rangers (2-3)

 

Wed, Apr 7 • 2:05 PM EDT

At Globe Life Field

Hyun Jin Ryu vs Kyle Gibson 

Game #5 Toronto Blue Jays (3-2) @ Texas Rangers (2-3) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a pair of solo HRs in a losing effort as the Rangers knocked off the Blue Jays 7-4

After a solid win highlighted by a stellar start by Steven Matz, who pitched into the 7th inning and struck out nine batters, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to three games. Tanner Roark got his first start of the season. Last season, Roark was 2-3 with a 6.80ERA in 11 starts. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was back in the field after DH'ing last night. Alejandro Kirk got the start behind the plate after Danny Jansen left yesterday's game in the 8th after taking a deflection off his knee. Teoscar Hernandez got the start in RF and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was in LF after a day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it three wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Bo Bichette cranked a solo blast to left-center 
• The Rangers took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Nate Lowe crushed a two-run bomb to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Ronald Guzman hammered a solo bomb to right
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Lowe smashed a 2-run bomb to dead center also scoring David Dahl
• Tanner Roark pitching line: 3IP 6H 5R (all earned) 0BB 2K 59 pitches (34 for strikes)
• Dane Dunning pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 70 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Jonah Heim smacked a solo shot to left-center 
• The Blue Jays got a run back in the top of the 7th on a wild pitch by Taylor Hearn that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Same batter, Randal Grichuk singled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Bo Bichette banged a solo blast over the wall in left
• The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Brock Holt Singled home Nick Solak
• Ian Kennedy pitched a perfect 9th for his first save of the season.
• Final score: Rangers 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• It was a rough start for Tanner Roark, who was hit hard by the long ball tonight. He gave up 5 runs on 6 hits (3 of those hits left the ball park) while walking none and striking out 2. Even several of the outs were loud. Bottom line, Roark needs to work on his command and not hang his off-speed stuff and not leave pitches in the middle of the plate. This was a consistent problem for Roark last season as well. He gave up 14HR in 11 starts in 2020.
• Tonight's game featured 4 starters turned relievers: David Phelps (pitched his first 4 seasons in the bigs as a spot starter/long reliever), Ryan Borucki (was supposed to be developed into a starter, but elbow issues have rendered him a reliever), Tommy Milone (has largely been a starting pitcher in the MLB over the course of his 10 year career. He'll start as a long reliever in the bullpen, but will be an option to start in the event of injuries), Ian Kennedy (he was a starting pitcher for Arizona, San Diego and Kansas City. His best season was 2011 when he went 21-4 and finished 4th in Cy Young voting. Became KC's closer in 2018 and notched 30 saves. Got his first save of the season tonight)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. saw his 4 game hitting streak come to an end. He did draw a walk to keep the on-base streak alive
• Bo Bichette carried the offense with a pair of home runs
• I really liked how the Blue Jays manufactured a pair of runs in the 7th inning. Home runs are great and all, but pitchers will adjust. Good teams do more than just crank home runs. 
• The top of the batting order was quiet tonight. Cavan Biggio and Marcus Semien were a combined 0-8 and both players struck out twice
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the series and first road trip of the season. Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu gets his second start of the season and will be looking for his second win of the season after holding the Yankees to a pair of runs on opening day. Danny Jansen is expected to be back behind the plate after sitting this one out, possibly planned and possibly as a precaution after taking a deflected ball off his right knee. The Rangers will counter with righty Kyle Gibson  

Game 5 game thread! - Blue Jays (3-1) at Texas Rangers (1-3)

 

Tues, Apr 6  -   8:05 PM EDT

Globe Life Field
Tanner Roark vs Dane Dunning

Game #4 Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) @ Texas Rangers (1-3) - game recap

 

Steven Matz fired 6.1 strong innings in a 6-2 victory over the Rangers

After a successful series win over the Yankees, the Blue Jays moved onto Texas to take on the Rangers for the first time since August 12-14 at the Rogers Center (of course they only faced the AL East and NL East in the 60 game schedule last season). Texas took two of three at Arlington. It will be vastly different teams facing each other. One familiar face no longer on the Rangers is Elvis Andrus, who is now with Atlanta. Texas lost 2/3 in their opening series vs. Kansas City. Mike Foltynewicz got the start for Texas. He had a rough 2020 campaign, DFA'd after one start and spent most of the season at the Braves alternate training site. He was sharp during spring training, allowing 3 runs over 2 starts. Steven Matz, acquired from the Mets makes his regular season debut for the Blue Jays. Matz looked very good in spring training. Hopefully the good spring training carries over to the regular season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the half day off serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez getting the start at 1B. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Jonathan Davis got the start in CF. The remainder of the lineup was the same as the first three games of the season. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Cavan Biggio
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 2nd as Marcus Semien smashed a 2-run blast to left, also scoring Randal Grichuk
• A batter later, Biggio whacked a solo blast to left
• The Rangers got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Nate Lowe singled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• Mike Foltynewicz pitching line: 4IP 4H 4R (all earned) 3BB 7K 95 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Grichuk singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Steven Matz pitching line: 6.1IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 9K 91 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Rangers got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Brock Holt doubled home Nick Solak
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rangers 2

My Take:

• Steven Matz was excellent in his first start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9. The only inning where he really ran into trouble was the 4th where he allowed his only run on a pair of hits and a hit batter 
• Speaking of hit batters, it was a rough day for Blue Jays batters. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Rowdy Tellez, Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio were all plunked by pitches. All were ok to finish the game
• Danny Jansen was unable to finish the game. He took a deflected ball off his right knee. While he finished the inning, he was replaced by Alejandro Kirk to start the 7th.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 4 games
• Rafael Dolis continues to make me nervous. He hit the first batter he faced, struck out the next 2 batters, gave up a double before escaping the jam with a strikeout
• Tim Mayza had another strong outing, striking out a batter after Bichette flubbed a play he should have had 
• Texas is crazy for allowing a full stadium in the middle of a global pandemic. It'll be a miracle if this event doesn't become a super spreader 
• Up next, the Blue Jays and Rangers continue the series. Veteran Tanner Roark goes against Rangers rookie Dane Dunning.

Game #4 game thread - Blue Jays (2-1) at Rangers (1-2) 4:00PM - Airplane hanger, America, USA.

Mon, Apr 5 • 4:05 PM EDT

At Globe Life Field

Steven Matz vs Mike Foltynewicz 

Game #2 Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) @ NY Yankees (1-1) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored in a losing effort as the Yankees knocked off the Blue Jays 5-3

After a strong come from behind win that saw Julian Merryweather notch his first career save and come a pitch from an immaculate inning (striking out the side on 9 pitches), the Blue Jays continued the season opening series at Yankee Stadium. Ross Stripling, who was 0-2 with a 6.32ERA in 5 starts for the Blue Jays after being acquired at the trade deadline last season, got his first start of the season. The Blue Jays fielded the same lineup as opening day, a rarity in baseball. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 in a row to start the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on an infield single by DJ LeMahieu that scored Gio Urshela
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of th e3rd on a throwing error by Gary Sanchez that scored Danny Jansen. Marcus Semien was credited with a stolen base on the play and Cavan Biggio struck out looking
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Gary Sanchez whacked a solo shot to left
• Five batters later, Aaron Hicks singled home Clint Frazier
• Ross Stripling pitching line: 3.1IP 7H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 77 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a run back in the top of the 5th as Semien cranked a solo blast to left
• Corey Kluber pitching line: 4IP 5H 2R (1 earned) 3BB 5K 74 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Ysnkees added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 6th as Jay Bruce singled scoring LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th on a ground out by Semien that scored Randal Grichuk
• Chad Green got the final 4 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Ross Stripling pitched his way in and out of trouble over 3.1 innings allowing 3 runs (all earned) on 7 hits wile waling 2 and striking out 5. He only went to a full count once. He got 2 batters out on the first pitch. ERA is a bit inflated but will go down as he accrues more innings
• After going 0-5 on Friday, Marcus Semien had a much better day with a 2-4 effort, scoring once, driving in one and forcing a bad throw on his first steal that led to another run
• The Blue Jays were a dismal 1-12 with runners in scoring position
• I want to address the fact that Joe Panik pinch hit instead of Alejandro Kirk. I think Monty wanted to played the percentages with a lefty batter. Kirk bats right and Chad Green throws right, whereas Panik bats left. Besides, Panik is supposed to be a pro ball player and should be able to execute in any situation
• Tim Mayza pitched in his first regular season game after missing 2 seasons with Tommy John surgery. He gave up a single and struck out 2 in an inning of work
• Rafael Dolis had a rough outing walking 3, giving up a pair of runs in 0.2 innings
• Every Blue Jays batter except Rowdy Tellez and Danny Jansen got at least one hit (Jansen did draw a walk)
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the first series of the season. TJ Zeuch gets the start against Yankees righty Domingo German

Game #2: Jays (1-0) @ Clowns (0-1). Joke Stadium. Garbage Juice, New York.

Game #1 Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) @ NY Yankees (0-1) - game recap

 

Randal Grichuk doubled in the winning run in a 3-2 come-from-behind extra innings win over the Yankees on opening day.

Opening day 2021 has arrived. After a busy off-season that saw the Blue Jays land George Springer (will miss at least the 1st week with a grade 2 oblique strain), Kirby Yates (undergoing TJ surgery so will not pitch in 2021, Tyler Chatwood, Tommy Milone, Tyler White and brought back AJ Cole, Robbie Ray and David Phelps. Gone are Taijuan Walker (NY Met), Stephen Matz (trade with NY Mets that sent Sean Reid-Foley and Yennsy Diaz the other way, Jonathan Villar (NY Met), Matt Shoemaker (Minnesota Twin), Ken Giles (Seattle Mariner, but not pitching due to September 2020 TJ surgery), Anthony Bass (Miami Marlin), Travis Shaw (Milwaukee Brewer), Chase Anderson (Philadelphia Phillie), Shun Yamaguchi (SF Giant), and Caleb Joseph (NY Met). The signing of Semien means Cavan Biggio will slide over to the hot corner. Vlad will also likely see playing time there and at first base and DH (hopefully most in the field).The big success story of spring training was lefty Tim Mayza, who missed 2 seasons with TJ surgery complicated by other torn ligaments, making the team Today, the Blue Jays faced the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays and Yankees split the 10 games last season with the Yankees outscoring the Blue Jays 77-61. Could the Blue Jays start the 2021 season with a win? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled home Teoscar Hernandez
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Gary Sanchez whacked a 2-run shot to left also scoring Gleyber Torres
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 6th as Hernandez hammered a solo bomb to left
• Gerrit Cole pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 8K 97 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 92 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Randal Grichuk doubled home Jonathan Davis
• Julian Merriweather struck out the side for his first career save
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Yankees 2

My Take:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu pick up where he left off in 2021, throwing 5.1 effective innings, allowing a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Last season, he was the Blue Jays most consistent pitcher and showed why he was given $20 mil over 4 seasons. He was the only pitcher last season to throw over 100 pitches and one of two pitchers to pitch into the 7th inning. Last season was an odd year in so many ways (spring training was interrupted March 17 and then teams were given three weeks to ramp things up for a late June start in a 60 game sprint). The starting pitchers were especially effected as they typically take a month+ long spring training to get to their expected season load of 100 pitches). This time around, we had a normal spring training and will be playing a typical 162 game schedule. I know that the trend is to have bigger bullpens and starting pitchers pitching maybe into the 6th inning. However, you still need one or two starters to pitch into the 7th inning
• Another big change is there are fans in the stands. Last season, only the world series and a couple of regular season games had limited fans (though one fan did break into Fenway park before getting kicked out by security). I have to say it's refreshing to hear genuine crowd noise and see actual fans as opposed to those cardboard cutouts that just aren't the same. The NHL has opted to put big taros over the seats in stadiums where fans are still banned
• A couple of rules returned from last season: seven inning double headers and runner starting on second in extra innings. Last season was a struggle with the Blue Jays on the losing end of the coin in 6 of the 11 games that went into extra innings. A major factor was not having a strong back end of the bullpen and defensive miscues. Today, Randal Grichuk led off the inning by doubling home pinch runner Jonathan Davis. Danny Jansen then struck out bunting with two strikes. Yes, I will admit that bunting with 2 strikes was a poor call, but bunting over Grichuk with less than two strikes was not. Here's why: If Jansen was successful with the bunt, Grichuk would have been on 3rd base with 2 opportunities to drive him home and the top of the order up.
• Once again, the Blue Jays will be mixing and matching when trying to close out a game. After losing Ken Giles to the Mariners (who won't pitch in 2021 anyway after TJ surgery last September), the Blue Jays inked Kirby Yates, only to find out he needed TJ surgery, wiping out his 2021 season. There are several pitchers who could be candidates to pitch in the 9th (Merriweather, Rafael Dolis, Jordan Romano and Tim Mayza or Ryan Borucki if the situation calls for a lefty). Merriweather struck out the side on 11 pitches today.
• Cavan Biggio, learning to play the hot corner after spending his career as a second baseman, made a huge play in the top of the 9th to gun down Mike Tauchhman at the plate. Jordan Romano then struck out Aaron Judge to send the game to extra innings
• Teoscar Herndandez had a huge day at the plate, going 3-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI
• Marcus Semien was 0-5 in the leadoff spot, including a strikeout in the 10th that could have given the Blue Jays a 2-run cushion. With George Springer missing the first week, Semien, Biggio or Bo Bichette will likely be tapped to bat in the leadoff spot,
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays and Yankees continue the season-opening series. Ross Stripling gets the start against Yankees righty Corey Kluber. Stripling, acquired at the trade deadline last season, was 0-5 with a 6.32ERA in 5 starts for the Blue Jays last season. Kluber missed all but an inning last season with an injury. Only Semien has faced Kluber before and he's 0-9. It will be interesting to see how aggressive or patient Blue Jays hitters are vs. the veteran righty.

GAME 1! JAYS @ Clowns 1 PM SNET - Joke Stadium, NY.

 

After Draft night hangover and trash talk (and a game thread)

 

So last night was the annual JITH fantasy league draft. Some peeps are happy with their draft, others not. We'll be hearing about it for the entire season. We who did not participate missed hearing the trash talk but No Cramps made some good guesses in the previous thread. 

Today is also the last game of spring training and it's on the tv. No Sportsnet feed, of course, but it's Philly so it shouldn't be too painful.

Commence talk!

Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training game 6:37 PM EST

Surprise.

Today's game is televised on Sportsnet and on radio Fan590. Because it's on radio and a home game for the Jays, I'm going to guess it'll be with Buck and Pat doing the announcing.

Sportsnet adding tomorrow’s Phillies vs #BlueJays to their spring training tv broadcast and radio Fan 590 schedule at 630pm ET - Jays Talk to follow

— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 25, 2021

This will be the first of 4 straight games that will be televised. The next 3 are.

Saturday March 27 at the New York Yankees 1:05 PM EST( Yes feed)

Sunday March 28 at Dunedin vs Detroit 1:07 PM EST( Sportsnet Feed )

Monday March 29 at Philadelphia 1:05 PM EST ( Philadelphia feed)

These are the last spring training games. Next up The regular season starts on April 1, 1:05 PM EST vs The Yanks in New York.

A reminder.

The JITH league draft will be taking place on Sunday March 28th at 8 PM EST.  Contact Mule if you have any questions. Please note that the prize pool of $2,700,000 has been reduced this year to zero, due to Covid-19. It's a disappointing development but stay calm and carry on. May the luckiest smartest person win. Good luck to all.

There's a bunch of stuff to discuss. Panik added to the 26, Kirk maybe making the team ( unofficially although there's a tweet out there by a NY writer)

I'll leave it to the comment section.

Enjoy the game.

Preseason game thread March 20, 2021 edition- Toronto Blue Jays at Philadelphia Phillies. 1:05 pm

 

Lineups

Spend your Saturday watching #BlueJays baseball!

📺 @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/EZt3wcFWGq

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 20, 2021

Can't think of any other sport to watch this afternoon. #RingTheBell

📺: @NBCSPhilly
📻: @SportsRadioWIP
📱💻: https://t.co/6Jjb5RCVIS // https://t.co/vgbMhIMsON pic.twitter.com/tg2vHF8paT

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 20, 2021

Enjoy the game 

Less than two weeks until the Jays opening day

 

The Blue Jays are less than two weeks away from opening day. In the meantime we have 3 games in a row that are televised. 

On Saturday, March 20, it'll be a Philly television feed at 1:05PM

On Sunday March 21 at 1:07PM and Monday March 22 at 6:37PM, we'll have the Sportsnet feed which will be simulcast on radio. At least it's Dan and Buck, who have the experience, to possibly make the simulcast work. I'm hopeful because if it doesn't work, it ain't gonna be pretty. It's already an embarrassment the one of the largest sports networks is attempting to do this. 

The Yankees are already starting to whine about playing in Dunedin.

Cam Lewis at BJN has a bit about the players sent to the " Minor League Working Group". This due to the minor leagues opening day being delayed for a month. The players assigned are still eligible to play in grapefruit games, so don't be surprised to see some of them pop up.

I'm curious as to what y'all think about the McGuire/Kirk scenario. McGuire is out of options. Kirk jumped from A ball last year and is projected to be the better catcher.

Send Kirk to the minors for more seasoning? Just so you can hang on to McGuire? Trade/release McGuire and/or Jansen? Whatcha think?

 

I Can't Keep Up With You Yammering Animals, So Here's A New Thread

                                                     Check out this beauty linked to by Catcher

Damn you folks are chatty. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...Four digit comments already? Fack! What's that? I made a quarter of the posts in the previous thread? Lies, untruths, and falsehoods! It was Joe and Dabs. I swear. No wait, it was he who shall remain nameless. I only had about six posts, and he did the rest. I am not responsible for this verbal diarrhea. Expecting baseball content? Well, you've come to the wrong place. This is merely a reset, with perhaps a few links for shits and giggles. I mean it. I'm tapped out. No more for you.

Old Man New Rules Rant Plus a Broadcast on TV Game Threat

Oh. My. God. What is this sorcery? Since when is Blue Jays Base-Ball allowed to be on TV? In an actual broadcast format? With ballpark noises as well? As JitH stalwart Joe McD. would say: "Well, I'll be jiggered!" Thomas Hatch starts today, with Nate Pearson, Julian Merryweather, and Bryan Baker battling day-to-day injuries.

Slapdash Audio Free Game Threat: Follies @ Blue Jays

 I knew I'd eventually find a use for this beauty

Noticed that the Happy Birthday JitH thread was becoming rather bloated from a comments section perspective, and given that Rogers is actually going to try and cobble together some sort of a broadcast of today's proceedings, I figured what the hell, let's throw up a game threat. 

Happy 5th Birthday JITH

 

On March 6,2016, MK created this blog, as a place for commenters and fans of  DJF/AS blog, to congregate. The comment system of Stoeten's new home Blue Jays Network wasn't conducive to the robust discussions that people were used to.

This being the 1929th post, MK's original worry, concerning the viability of the blog, seems to have quelled. My thought since the beginning, has been that the blog would develop and evolve based upon what it's users wanted to derive from it. And for the most part, it has. 

.Some have joined, some have left, all for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes life gets in the way. Marriages, children, work, changes in locales, disagreements, pandemics and reasons we'll never know all lead to a churn of commenters. Still, this is a place where people can escape and discuss whatever is on their mind, sometimes even Blue Jays baseball.

So, as we enter the 6th year, thank you to all the commenters, writers, lurkers and everyone I haven't mentioned. You make this community what it is, a house.

Hump Day Gratitude

 

Today I'm grateful that my dad is getting good care in the hospital. What are you grateful for?

WTFJITH - Spring training is here!

 I'm working so this has to be short. How about we go with baseball themed songs this week?

(I hate Centerfield so one of you have to post it.)

Hump Day Gratitude

 

So after all that talk about not being enough baseball posts, no one stepped up to actually write about spring training so you're getting a 5 minute gratitude post from me.

I suspect most of you are grateful that baseball's back. I'm grateful that my parents' places have cleared outbreak and they get to be together again. Also grateful that I'm able to pass along the caregiver baton to my sister and be able to rest for a while.

What are you grateful for?