Ten Random Thoughts - a recap of the 2025 season and a look ahead to the offseason

 

The 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end in extra innings in game 7 of the world series after a stellar regular season that saw the Blue Jays completely exceed expectations, winning the AL East for the first time since 2015. They accomplished the feat in large part thanks to 49 comeback wins (second most in franchise history to the 1987 squad that had 50 comeback wins). The final tale of the tape for the regular season: 29 series wins (9 series sweeps), 20 series losses (swept 4 times) and 4 series splits. They won 19 season series (swept 5 season series), lost 8 season series (were swept in 1 season series) and they split 2 season series.  They won season series against every division rival but Baltimore. George Springer turned back the clock a decade. Here are ten random thoughts in the season review and a look ahead to the off season

1. Injuries had a big impact on the Blue Jays.  Yimi Garcia had a rough year, missing  6 weeks with shoulder injury.  He came back,  made one more appearance and injured his ankle in the treatment room slipping near the hot tub. While rehabbing Garcia encountered an elbow issue while rehabbing and had season ending surgery August 29th. His absence meant pitchers like Louis Varland, Brandon Little and Brayden Fisher were asked to pitch in higher leverage situations Garcia finished the year 1-2 with a 3.86ERA. Nick Sandlin was another reliever who had an injury riddled season. He missed the last two months of the season.  His injury likely contributed to the Blue Jays acquiring Varland and Seranthony Dominguez at the trade deadline. Sandlin missed a month with a lat strain early in the season, returned for a couple of weeks then landed back on the IL with elbow inflammathon that ended his season. Sandlin finished the year with an 0-2 record and a 2.20 ERA over 19 appearances. The rotation was also stretched thin by injuries. Perhaps the biggest impact was the thumb injury to Max Scherzer that caused a lat strain and for him to leave his first regular season start after just 3 innings. Scherzer missed almost three months before returning to the rotation June 25th. He had games where he pitched like he was 20 years younger and other games where many pundits felt his career was all but over. He had a huge win in game 4 of the ALCS to tie the series at 2-2. The Blue Jays tried to fill his rotation spot with varying levels of success, from Easton Lucas (3-3 with a 6.60 ERA over 5 starts) to Eric Lauer (9-2 with a 3.18ERA over 18 appearances (15 starts)) and bullpen games too. Bowden Francis (2-8 with a 6.05ERA over 14 starts) had a rough season as well, eventually getting shut down with a shoulder injury. His absence and ineffectiveness, combined with Scherzer's thumb, really put a lot of pressure on Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt to go deep in their starts to save the bullpen. Berrios (9-5 with a 4.10ERA over 30 starts) was placed on the IL with right-elbow inflammation and ran out of time to make it back by the world series. He, along with Chris Bassitt, who missed the ALDS with a shoulder issue, forced the Blue Jays to punch their ticket to the ALCS via a bullpen game. Bassitt finished the year 11-9 with a 3.96ERA over 31 starts). He did a solid job in a relief role too

As far as position player injuries go, not sure who had the tougher season: Daulton Varsho or Anthony Santander. Varsho missed the first month completing rehab from off-season shoulder surgery, played a month then missed 2 more months with a hamstring strain. Varsho's defense is one of the best in the league so that was missed. Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and George Springer were in CF in his absence. Varsho batted .238 with 20HR and 55RBI in 248AB over 71 games. He's had a few clutch hits in the playoffs too. At the same time, Varsho had a key at-bat with the bases loaded, 1-out and a chance to walk it off and he grounded into a fielder's choice. Anthony Santander, the big free agent signing of the off-season, missed the bulk of the year with shoulder and hip issues that affected his swing. Over 54 games in the regular season, Santander batted .175 wth 6 HR and 18RBI, well below 44HR and 102RBI he hit in 2024 with the Orioles. Santander got into 5 games in the postseason before hurting his back and being removed from the ALCS roster, which effectively ended his year since that move made him ineligible for the world series. Santander batted .200 in the postseason with 2RBI. His absence was actually beneficial to George Springer, who got more reps as DH. Springer injured his oblique in game 3 of the world series, missed 2 games, came back and ripped 5 hits off over the last 2 games. He could be a key piece next year. Bo Bichette, who likely has played his last game as a Blue Jay, injured his knee sliding into home plate in a rain-delayed game in New York on September 6. He made it back for the world series and had the big 3-run HR to put the Blue Jays up by 3 in game 7. Bichette was the Blue Jays best hitter,  batting .311 with 181 hits, 18HR and 94 RBI. In his absence, Andres Gimenez covered SS and Ernie Clement, Davis Schneider and IKF handled the reps at 2B. Bichette actually played 2B upon his return in the world series. It will be interesting to see how open he is to a position change in free agency. He may get a bigger offer from teams that want him at 2B given his struggles at SS.

2.  Pitching was both a strength and a weakness. The Blue Jays need to definitely add at least one or two more starting pitchers because they were basically running out a 3.5 man rotation rotation with Max Scherzer basically missing the first 3 months of the season with a thumb issue that caused him to strain his lat in his first start of 2025 (Scherzer finished the year 5-5 with a 5.19ERA over 17 starts. Scherzer got the win in game 4 of the ALCS, pitching into the 6th inning and he threw 4.1 innings in both game 4 and 7 of the world series, taking the loss in LA after allowing 3 runs and holding the Dodgers to 1 run in the 7th game.) and an ineffective Bowden Francis had just 3 quality starts and struggled to make it through even 5 innings before he was mercifully shut down with a shoulder impingement June 17th. Francis was 2-8 with a 6.05ERA over 14 starts. There has to be concern over his health heading into 2026. This put a ton of pressure on Jose Berrios, who hurt his elbow at the end of the year and was struggling after the all-start break, likely due to the injury and fatigue, Chris Bassitt (hurt his back at the end of the season and was reduced to a bullpen role for the ALCS and world series), and Kevin Gausman to do a little more in their starts to save the bullpen. The extra workload on the bullpen led to performance issues, in particular to high leverage guys like Brendon Little, Yimi Garcia, Nick Sandlin and Hoffman. Bassitt finished the year 11-9 with a 3.96ERA in 32 apearances (31 starts). He pitched 2.2 scoreless innings in the ALCS and 6 innings, 5 appearances in the world series and just one run allowed. Gausman was 10-11 with a 3.59ERA in 32 starts in the regular season - very jekyll and hyde like where he was either very good or very bad. In the postseason, he struggled more as the playoffs wore on (fatgue?) giving up just 1 run in game 1 of the ALDS over 5.2 innings against the Yankees and lost both starts in the ALCS and World Series with the Dodgers getting to him the most. He'll be a key cog in the rotation next year. Berrios was 9-5 with a 4-17ERA over 31 appearances (30 starts). His health is also a concern, especially since he sought a second opinion on his wonky elbow. Brendon Little was a key member of the bullpen and John Schneider's first choice from the left side. He was 4-2 with a 3.03ERA in a league-leading 79 appearances in the regular season. However, he started having control issues after the all-start break and became rather unreliable. Schneider finally moving him down the pecking order to the point where he was the last pitcher out of the bullpen in the 18-inning marathon in game 3 he survived the first inning he threw in that game but gave up a no-doubter to Freddie Freeman to start the 18th inning). As a reliever, you need to throw strikes and Little wasn't doing that in the second half of the season. He'll likely have a  role in the bullpen in 2026, but I wouldn't hand it to him on a silver platter. Garcia finished an injury-riddled year 1-2 with a 3-86ERA over 22 appearances. The ankle sprain slipping near the hot tub shortly after returning off the IL the Canada Day long weekend was plain bad luck, the elbow injury that led to season ending surgery was the baseball gods being cruel. Sandlin also had a run of bad luck witk injuries and finished the year 0-2 with a 2.02 ERA over 19 appearances. Hoffman was 9-7 with 33 saves (7 blown saves) and a 4.37 ERA over 71 appearances in the regular season. He notched 2 saves in the postseason, but blew the save in game 7 of the world series with a home run given up. Hoffman gave up the most home runs by a reliever. As a team, the Blue Jays pitching staff were taken deep 191 times (8th most in the MLB) and the team ERA was 4.19, meaning the offence had to score a least 4 runs to have a chance to win. Both these trends need to change or the Blue Jays will find themselves struggling to stay out of the AL East basement.

3. Three Blue Jays who did well this season:

• George Springer - Springer should be the MLB's comeback player of the year. His career looked over heading into the regular season, coming off a career worst season where he batted just .220 with 19 HR and 56RBI. Benefiting from plenty of reps as DH, Springer hit a career best .309 with 32HR and 84 RBI over 140 regular season games. Springer regained his spot at the top of the lineup in the second half of the season and seemed to play his best when he was getting banged up when pitchers were seemingly targeting him inside and he hurt his oblique on a swing in game 3 that forced him to miss both game 4 and 5. Springer managed five hits in the final 2 games of the world series. That's hockey player tough. Baseball players get a bad rap for being a little soft when it comes to injury, but Springer fought through the discomfort and came up large. He'll be a good veteran presence in 2026 that could come up with some big hits in what is likely to be another year mostly serving as DH.
• Bo Bichette - In a contract year, Bo Bichette showed the MLB he deserves to be paid handsomly and not much lower than the $500 million deal Vlad got. Bichette led the team in batting average (.311), hits (181) and RBI (94). He very nearly won the world series for the Blue Jays with a huge 3-run HR, but unfortunately the bullpen was unable to hold the lead. How much Bichette gets in the off-season will be largely dependent on which position he wants to play. His inability to prevent runs will lower his value but he'll likely get a bit more if he's ok playing 2B vs. him wanting to go back to SS. Trying to re-sign him has to be the top priority for the Blue Jays.
• Jeff Hoffman - Hoffman had a year where he was great and not great. He is here as a player who did well because he hasd 33 saves this season and had a 9-7 record. Hoffman will be a high leverage reliever next year, but closer is up in the air
• honorable mention: Trey Yesavage - Here's a pitcher who started at the lowest tier in the minors in Dunedin and finished the year dominating against the defending world series champions. Yesavage's devastatimng splitter was just ripping apart the best hitters in the game. He struck out 11 Yankees batters game 2 of the ALDS and pitched into the 8th inning of game 5 of the world series, striking out 12 Dodgers hitters. He did benefit from the unfamiliarity factor and no doubt teams are starting to come up with a game plan on him now that there is a sample size of video. Yesavage seems like a lock to be in the 2026 rotation.

4. Three Blue Jays who disapointed

• Jeff Hoffman - The bad Hoffman blew 7 saves in the regular season and gave up the most home runs by a reliever. Even worse, Hoffman blew the save by giving up a home run to the Dodgers #9 hitter, who he had 2 strikes on. Many fans were calling for him to be removed from the closer's role towards the end of the season. There also has to be concern about his velocity dipping in September, although it did come back up after a bit of rest while awaiting the winner of the wild card series between the Yankees and Red Sox and also when the Blue Jays offence was smacking the Ysnkees pitching around. One thing to note and keep an eye on is the Orioles backed away from signing Hoffman over concerns with the MRI results on his pitching shoulder. Could that crop up as a concern after a heavy workload in 2025?
• Brandon Little - The southpaw reliever struggled with command, especially in the second half of the season, in particular with his knuckle-curve. Little isn't the hardest thrower on the team so location, location, location is more essential for him. Many fans were calling for him to be DFA'd, but Schneider kept running him back out there even though his confidence was clearly shot. It took a particular bad 8th inning in game 5 of the ALCS for Schneider to finally stop using him in high leverage situations. The only reason he got an appearance in the world series was because the game was in the 17th inning, Eric Lauer was WAY past where he should have been removed given he might be needed in a couple of days and there was no one left in the bullpen. Heck, the Blue Jays even had Justin Bieber, the starter for the next game, in the bullpen getting loose. That's how low Little had sunk in the pecking order. He definitely doesn't have a guaranteed spot in the bullpen next year.
• Davis Schneider - It's hard to pick a position player who had a bad year since the offence was largely responsible for the Blue Jays going from the basement of the AL East last year to coming within a half second hesitation by IKF at 3rd base of winning their 3rd world series title. Schneider's place on the Blue Jays has lessened and he struggled to start the year, getting demoted to AAA-ball April 17th for more playing time. He batter .234 with 11HR and  31RBI over 82 games in the regular season. Schneider saw limited action in the postseason and he struck out in his only AB in game 7 of the world series. It's difficult to see where he fits in the Blue Jays depth chart with Ernie Clement, Andres Gimenez, Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes all ahead of him on the depth chart. No doubt, the Blue Jays will either re-sign Bichette or chase a replacement in free agency or the trade market.

5. Pete Walker should be counting his lucky stars that the Blue Jays came with in an eyelash of winning their 3rd world series title, becuase he would have been a likely scapegoat if the team had squandered the decent division lead they had with a couple of weeks to go in the season and flamed out in another wild card round, or if they hadn't won twice in Seattle after losing both home games to start the ALCS. Walker escaped the chopping block a couple of times - last year because an inept offence was blamed for the lost 2024 season. Blue Jays pitching has been meh the past few seasons and this year saw a troubling trend where Blue Jays pitchers were getting taken deep at a concerning rate, especially off closer Jeff Hoffman. His mound visits have been less effective with the opponent scoring more often than not after he comes out to chat with a struggling pitcher. The World series appearance and taking the Dodgers to the brink of elimination saved his job for now, but he will and should be on a short leash. If Berrios continues to struggle, Yesavage gets shelled a few times or the bullpen can't hold a lead, he'll be in the unemployment line.

6. Pitchers and and catchers are due to report to spring training in 14 weeks, but there is a strong possibility of a labor disruption. Bryce Harper infamously barred commisioner Rob Manfred from the clubhouse if he brought up the possibility of a salary cap during a visit to Philadelphia. The MLB is the only league of the big 4 without a hard cap. This has led to teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Cubs snapping up all the best players. A hard cap would certainly bring more equity to the league and you might see less really bad teams like the Rockies and White Sox making a mockery of the league with its bad play. A big loophole that needs to change is the ability of teams to defer salary to the latter part of a contract. Next year will be the first year of robo umps, a concept that has been tested extensively in the minors and spring training this year. It will eliminate the egregiously bad strike calls by umpires who were fooled by catchers dramatically moving their glove back into the strike zone. The last time the MLB lost games to a labor dispute was 1995 and there was no world series winner in 1994

7. The big pending free agent for the Blue Jays is Bichette, who will get lots of interest from most of the league. Other pending free agents are Bassitt, IKF, Ty France, Scherzer, Seranthony Dominguez and Shane Bieber (he is largely expected to waive his player's option and become a free agent). The Blue Jays made a huge mistake in not signing Bichette to a lifetime deal the same day they inked Vlad to that 14-year $500 million deal that kicks in next year. To me, Seranthny Dominguez is a bit too erratic to trust in a high-leverage role and he struggles when entering the game witth the Blue Jays in a jam. Ty France and IKF are largely depth options and will likely be left without a contract offer. Max Scherzer is very likely joining fellow legend Clayton Kershaw in retirement. Scherzer certainly goes into the night on a brighter note. The Blue Jays will likely attempt to re-sign Bieber, but as recent Cy Young winner, he will have several suitors, including the Dodgers and Yankees who will make him an offer. Don't see him coming back to Toronto.

8. So let's look at the Blue Jays big needs this off-season: a starting pitcher, bullpen arms (lefties and righties), potentialla second baseman if Bichette leaves in free agency and more bats. Dylan Cease (8-12, 4.55ERA in 32 starts in 2025), Zac Gallen (13-15, 4.83ERA in 33 starts in 2025) and Steven Matz (did well with the Blue Jays a couple of years ago) are potential options as staring pitchers in free agency. Potential options for relief pitchers are righty Raisel Iglesias (4-6, 3.21ERA, 29 saves in 57 appearances in 2025), lefty Jose Alvarado (4-2, 3.21ERA, 7 saves over 28 appearances in 2025) and Righty Kyle Finnegan (4-4, 3.47ERA, 24 saves over 56 appearances in 56 appearances in 2025). If Bichette leaves, Andres Gimenez would likely slide over to SS. Gleyber Torres (batted .256 with 16HR and 74RBI in 145 games and 532AB) would be a good replacement to target. As far as other bats to add to the lineup, the Blue Jays should consider Cody Bellinger (targeted him in the past and he's a strong LH bat), Michael Conforto (outfield depth) and Josh Naylor (bring a Canadian bat home!)

9. A final thought to ponder and that is the future of GM Ross Atkins and President/CEO Mark Shapiro. The duo is nearing the end of their contract. It feels like the Blue Jays had the season they did in spite of the moves Atkins made in the off-season last year. Anthony Santander was a big bust and non-factor most of the year due to injury. Scherzer had an ok year. This off-season is going to be crucial and Bichette not being signed is not good. If the Blue Jays regress next year, Ed Rogers may decide the organization needs a new GM at the very least.

10. Blue Jay of the year: Vlad - earned every dime of the new contract in the postseason with 8HR, 16RBI and a strong .337 average in the postseason. Vlad also made some huge plays defensively. In the regular season, he hit .292 with 23HR and 84RBI, well-below the 2021 career numbers he had, but he played a good chunk of the 2021 home games in minor league ballparks.

World Series game 7 - LA Dodgers (4-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-4) - game recap.

 

Bo Bichette hit a 3-run HR in a losing effort as the Dodgers came from behind to edge the Blue Jays in 11 innings

After dropping yesterday's game due to a dormant offence and horrible base running error by Addison Barger, the Blue Jays were looking to secure their 3rd world series title. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup is the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays secure their 3rd world series title or will we get back-to-back champions for the first time since

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Bo Bichette hammered a 3-run bomb off the basing of the 2nd deck in dead center; also scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• Shohei Ohtani pitching line: 2.1IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 3K 51 pitches (31 for strikes) 
• The Dodgers got one back in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Teoscar Hernandez that scored will Smith
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 54 pitches (34 for strikes)
• The Dodgers got one back in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Tommy Edman that scored Mookie Betts
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Ernie Clement 
• The Dodgers got one back in the top of the 8th as Max Muncy hammered a solo bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck-
• The Dodgers tied it in the top of the 9th as Miguel Rojas whacked a solo blast to left
• The Dodgers took the lead in the top of the 11th as Will Smith whacked a solo blast to left
• Final score: Dodgers 4 Blue Jays 3 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. The future hall of famer gave one last strong start, giving what is likely his final team a chance to win. You couldn't have asked for more out of Scherzer
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 7 hits while walking 4 and striking out 2 over the last 5.2 innings. The relievers gave up 3 long balls, something that has been a problem all season. The team needs to address this in the off-season. They also need to figure out if Hoffman will be the closer going forward. He blew 7 saves in the regular season and the one tonight. He had 33 saves in the regular season, but he gave up the most home runs by a reliever
• Bo Bichette had a great game in what might have been his last in a Blue Jays uniform as he hits free agency. Bichette went deep to put the Blue Jays up by three and got a single with one out in the 9th. No doubt he will be paid handsomly after a strong regular season and some clutch hits in the World Series ala Kirk Gibson. Will be interesting to see if he goes back to SS or stays at 2B going forward.
• Ernie Clement also capped off a fine postseason with a couple of more hits to break the record for most hits in a single postseason.
• At the end of the day, the Blue Jays had chances to extend the lead and even walk it off in the 9th, but they couldn't get that extra run. They were 3-17 with runners in scoring position. 
• The Dodgers became the first team to win back to back championships since the Yankees three-peat 1998-2000.
• Up next, the off-season where the biggest priority will be trying to re-sign Bo Bichette.

World Series #7 Los Angeles Dodgers (3-3) v. Toronto Blue Jays (3-3)

 

World Series game 6 - LA Dodgers (3-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) - game recap.

 

George Springer drove in the only Blue Jays run in a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers

After a huge win thanks to some early timely hitting and a stellar pitching performance from Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays were looking for 3 straight wins and to finish off their 3rd world series title. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after missing a couple of games with an oblique strain. Bo Bichette was back in the field at 2B. Nathan Lukes got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins and finish off their 3rd world series title? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Will Smith doubled scoring Tommy Edman
• Two batters later, Mookie Betts singled scoring Shohei Ohtani and Smith 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer singled smiting Addison Barger
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 3H 3R (all earned) 2BB 8K 93 pitches (63 for strikes)\
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 96 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Tyler Glasnow got the last 3 outs for his 1st save of the postseason
• Final score: Dodgers 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6 strong innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hitd while walking 2 and striking out 8. He had out streaks of 6 and 9 batters, including striking out the side in the 1st inning that saw him face 2 former MVPs (Ohtani and Freeman. Gausman did his part and lost because of one bad inning essentially. Too bad he couldn't help himself offensively like Ohtani can.
• The bullpen threw 3 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and 2 walks. Chris Bassitt and Louis Varland both retitred every batter they faced. Tomorrow night, virtually everyone but Gausnan will be available to pitch seeing as it id the final game of the season and everyone will get at least 3 months to recover (it's likely there will be a work stoppsage in 2026)
• The bats were relatively quiet today with George Springer knocking in the only Blue Jays run. They blew a golden chance to at least send the game to extra innings with terrible at bats by Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez. Addison Barger alsi made a brutal base running mistake which would have brought Springer to the plate had he stayed on or near the bag, They had their chances to rally and chip away at the lead. The silver lining is they very likely won't see Yannamoto until 2026.
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays get one more chance to secure world series title #3. Max Scherzer starts for the Blue Jays. The Dodgers haven't announced a starter for gane 7 yet.

World Series #6 Los Angeles Dodgers (2-3) v. Toronto Blue Jays (3-2)

World Series game 5 - Toronto Blue Jays (3-2) @ LA Dodgers (2-3) - game recap.

 

Trey Yesavage threw 7 superb innings in a 6-1 victory over the Dodgers

After a huge win yesterday thanks to some great pitching and timely hitting, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win to put them on the verge of their 3rd world series title. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider got the start in LF with southpaw Blake Snell toeing the rubber for the Dodgers. The rest of the lineup was the same with George Springer remaining out with an oblique strain. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and put themselves on the verge of their 3rd world series title? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Davis Schneider led off the game with a solo blast to left
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left and into the Dodgers bullpen
• The Dodgers got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Enrique Hernandez smacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Daulton Varsho
• The Blue jays added a run on a wild pitch by Dodgers righty Edgardo Henriquez that scored Addison Barger. Guerrero Jr advanced to 1st on a walk on the play
• A batter later,  Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez 
• Blake Snell pitching line: 6.2IP 6H 5R (all earned) 4BB 7K 116 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as IKF singled scoring Ernie Clement 
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 12K 104 pitches (71 for strikes)

My Take:

• What more can you say about the incredible season Trey Yesavage is having? Only a handful of players have played every tier of the minor league system plus pitched in the majors as a September call up. Nome of them has been as dominant as Trey Yesavage was tonight. He held the defending champion to just one run on three hits while walking none and striking out 12 this Dodgers lineup is full of dangerous hitters, leading off with a guy who became the ONLY member of the 50-50 club and three players who have been the MVP in either the AL (Mookie Betts), NL (Freddie Freeman) or both leagues (Shohei Ohtani). Yesavage struck out all three aforementioned batters and Betts twice. On his 104th and final pitch, he induced an inning ending double play that allowed the bullpen to start with a clean inning. 
• The bullpen, largely considered the weak link of the team is coming together at just the right time. Tonight, Seranthony Dominguez combined to limit the Dodgers to a hit and a walk over the last 2 innings while striking out 3 batters. Jeff Hoffman, who many fans wanted nowhere near the closer's role in the postseason after blowing 7 saves and giving up the most home runs by a reliever, showed why he got 33 saves, ending the game by getting Freeman and Teo to strike out swinging. Still makes me nervous when the starter is pulled, but as long as the offence comes through, the team should be celebrating their 3rd world series title in 48 hrs.
• Speaking of the offence, the depth on the team came through tonight with IKF, a hobbling Bo Bichette, Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider all coming up clutch tonight. Vlad, who is a good bet to be the World series MVP, also went deep. Under the watchful eye of David Popkins, the Blue Jays hitters have had much better approaches at the plate and they have had better power, while also finding other ways to score.
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays will try to extend the win streak to 3 games and secure their 3rd world series title. Kevin Gausman starts against Dodgers righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto

World Series #5 Toronto Blue Jays (2-2) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (2-2)

 

World Series #4 Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1)

 

World Series #3 Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1)

 

World Series game 2 - LA Dodgers (1-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) - game recap.

 

Kevin Gausman threw 6.2 strong innings in a 5-1 loss to the Dodgers

After a huge comeback win on the back of a 9 run 6th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before the series shifts west to LA. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was not in the starting lineup tonight with IKF getting the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Will Smith singled scoring Freddie Freeman.
• The Blue jays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored George Springer
• The Dodgers retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Smith annihilated a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Two batters later, Max Muncy smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6.2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 0BB 6K 79 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Dodgers added a run in the top of the 8th on a wild pitch from Jeff Hoffman that scored Andy Pages 
• A batter later, Shohei Ohtani scored on a fielder's choice on a ball hit by Smith
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching line: CG 9IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 105 pitches (73 for strikes)

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 6.2 strong innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while waking none and striking 6. Two of the hits were solo home runs he gave up in the 7th inning when he was cleanly tiring. He retired 17 in a row. Even more impressive, he threw just 17 balls. The extra day between starts benefited him. He'll be in line to pitch game 6.
• The bullpen gave up 2 more runs to put the game out of reach. While the runs were charged to Louis Varland, Jeff Hoffman was pitching when the runs scored. He made a mistake on the first run, uncorking a wild pitch and got a tad unlucky not to get a double play. None of the relievers retired every batter faced,
• Offensivey, the Blue Jays were stymied by Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto and could only muster a run on a sac fly. Hopefully they fair better in game 4 when they face ShoheI Ohtani
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the series shifts to LA where the Blue Jays need to steal at least one game to bring the series back to Toronto next weekend. Max Scherzer starts against Dodgers righty Tyler Glasnow

World Series #2 Los Angeles Dodgers (0-1) v. Toronto Blue Jays (1-0)

 

World Series game 1 - LA Dodgers (0-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) - game recap.

 

Addison Barger hit a grand slam in an 11-4 comback win over the Dodgers to open the 2025 World Series

After a HUGE 4-run home run from George Springer and some lights out work from Jeff Hoffman, the Blue Jays opened an unprecedented world series appearance against the defending champion Dodgers. Ty France and Bo Bichette both made the world series roster. Joey Loperfido and Yariel Rodriguez were left off the world series roster. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Myles Straw was in RF. Bichette made his first career big league start at 2B with Ernie Clement at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez at SS and of course Vlad at 1B. The man largely responsible for sending the Blue Jays to the world series for the first time in 32 years, George Springer served as DH. Could the Blue jays open the world series with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Enrique Hernandez singled scoring Teoscar Hernandez
• The Dodgers added a  run in the top of the 3rd as Will Smith singled scoring Mookie Betts
• The Blue jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Daulton Varsho hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Trey  Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 5K 80 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Blue jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa 
• A batter later,  Kirk scored on a bases loaded walk to Nathan Lukes
• Two batters later, Addison Barger drilled a grand slam to straightaway center; also scoring George Springer,  Andres Gimenez and Lukes
• Two batters later, Kirk belted a 2-run jack to dead center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Blake Snell pitching line: 5IP 8H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 100 (62 for strikes)
• The Dodgers got one back in unge top of the 7th as Shohei Ohtani whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Dodgers bullpen)
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 Dodgers 4

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 innings giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while waking 3 and striking out 5. This was the best lineup Yesavage had faced this far and he held this lineup  chock full of future hall of famers to a couple of runs to keep the score closer. He'll get another start in LA if the series isn't a sweep. 
• The bullpen held the Dodgers to a meaningless 2-run HR by arguably the best player on the planet, Shohei Ohtani. Mason Fluharty and Seranthony Dominguez, who was credited with the win, retired every batter they faced
• Offensively, Addison Barger (grand slam), Alejandro Kirk (3 runs scored, including 2-run HR), and Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored, including 2-run HR) led the way.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Davis Schneider and Myles Straw had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-5 with runners in scoring posittion
• It was the Blue Jays 4th comeback win of the postseason
• Very nice choice to have Cito Gaston, the manager of the only 2 wotld series titles throw out the first pitch to the team's current manager, Cito Gaston. The game has changed drasticlly since Gaston was managing the team. Instant replay and the ability to challenge calls, as well as the pitch clock didn't exist in either 1992 or 1993
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to take a commanding 2-0 series lead (and extend the win streak to 4 games). Kevin Gausman starts against Dodgers righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

World Series #1 Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0) v. Toronto Blue Jays (0-0)

 

ALCS GAME 7 - Seattle Mariners (3-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-3) - Game recap

 

George Springer hit a 3-run HR in a 4-3 comeback win over the Mariners to advance to their first world series since 1993

After a huge win yesterday, the Blue Jys were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and punch their ticket to the world series. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and punch their ticket to the world series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Josh Naylor singled scoring Julio Rodriguez
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring George Springer
• The Mariners retook the lead in the top of the 3rd as Rodriguez whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 3.2IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 74 pitches (44 for strikes)
• George Kirby pitching line: 4IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 65 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 5th as Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to right and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jaya took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Springer belted a 3-run jack to left-center; also scoring Addison Barger and IKF 
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the post-season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Mariners 3

My Take

• Shane Bieber battled through 3.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Not an efficient game by any means, but the litmus test was alway going to be whether he was getting outs and keeping the score close. Unfortunately tonight, he didn't have the feel for the slider and his command wasn't there either.
• The bullpen held it together aand kept the score close, giving up a run on one hit, while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 5.1 innings. Louis Varland gave up a  solo home run. Kevin Gausman, who walked 3 batters, was credited with the win. Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the 9th with his velo good in spite of 33 pitches thrown yesterday. 
• George Springer provided the Kirk Gibson moment with a HUGE 3-run bomb in the 7th to give the Blue Jays the lead when it looked very much like they were going to fall short. Daulton Varsho drove in the other run to negate the opening inning run manufactured by the Mariners. 
• Every starter had at least one hit. The hallmark of this team all season has been team efforts offensively. They are going to face a much stiffer test against the defending world series champs
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
• The next few days are going to be very telling with respect to the world series roster. Bo Bichette is trying his darndest to make it back for the world series. It would likely be the last time with him in a Blue Jays uniform with Bichette set to hit free agency and cash in after a strong regular season. If Bichette is added to the world series roster, IKF would likely be the odd man out 
• Could we see an encore of Max Scherzer vs. Clayton Kershaw in the world series. Both legends could call it a career after this season (Kershaw has already said he is done)
• There are going to be a lot of fans who were either not alive or are too young to remember one or both world series the Blue Jays one. Yours truly was only 9 years old when Joe Carter hit a walk-off home run to win the 1993 world series and I only remember Carter's home run because I called it while watching with my family. I remember my uncle thinking Darnell Cole, who was on deck would be the hero. I have no real recollection of the 1992 world series
• Up next, the world series against the defending champion LA Dodgers, who have been idle since last Friday after sweeping Milwaukee, who finished with the best record in the MLB. The Dodgers won the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-7. Neither team has set their rotation for the series, but expect Kevin Gausman to get the nod in game 1.

ALCS #7 Seattle Mariners (3-3) v. Toronto Blue Jays (3-3)

 

ALCS GAME 6 - Seattle Mariners (3-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) - Game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 6-2 win over the Mariners to force a game 7

After dropping game 5 in Seattle, the Blue Jays were looking to keep their season alive as they returned home to Toronto. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in the lineup despite leaving game 5 after getting hit in the knee by a pitch. The rest of the lineup was the same as was in Seattle. Could the Blue Jays win and force a game seven? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Addison Barger singled scoring Daulton Varsho 
• A batter later Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled home Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Barger belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bashed a solo jack to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 4IP 7H 5R (4 earned) 1BB 3K 75 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Mariners got one back in the top of the 6th as Josh Naylor hammered a solo bomb off the basing of the second deck
• Two batters later, Eugenio Suarez singled scoring Randy Arozarena 
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 7K 87 pitches (56 or strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a throwing error by Cal Raleigh that scored Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Mariners 2

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7, Yesavage benefited from 2 inning ending double play balls. He also retired the first 6 batters he faced. He should get a strong look in spring training at a spot in the rotation.
• The bullpen was solid tonight, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out 8 over the last 3.1 innings. A rested Hoffman had good velocity, but that may not be the case tomorrow after he threw 33 pitches over 2 innings. John Schneider wasn't about to take any chances with the season on the line and used his closer to get the last 6 outs.
• Offensively, Addison Barger (3RBI, including 2-run HR), Ernie Clement (2 runs scored) and Vlad (2 runs scored on solo GR and great running effort to force a bad throw from Cal Raleigh) carried the day.
• The Blue Jays were 3-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, game seven with the wnner taking on the Dodgers at home starting on Friday. George Kirby starts for the Mariners. The Blue Jays will likely turn to Shane Bieber.

ALCS #6 Seattle Mariners (3-2) v. Toronto Blue Jays (2-3)

 

ALCS GAME 5 - Toronto Blue Jays (2-3) @ Seattle Mariners (3-2) - Game recap-

 

Kevin Gausman threw 5.2 solid innings in a 6-2 come-from-behind loss to the Mariners

After a second straight convincing won thanks to the offence getting to the starting pitcher and a strong start from Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and put themselves on the verge of punching their ticket to the world series. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and give themselves a chance to punch their ticket to the world series at home on Sunday? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Eugenio Suarez belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as George Springer doubled scoring Addison Barger
• Bryce Miller pitching line: 4IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 56 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 6th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 91 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Mariners tied it in the bottom of the 8th as Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to left and into the Mariners bullpen
• Four batters later, Suarez blasted a grand slam to the opposite field in right; also scoring Jorge Polanco, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena
• Final score: Mariners 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take: 

• Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hitd whie walking 2 and striking out 4. Gausman retired 13 of the last 16 batters he faced. The only run he gave up was a solo home runs, an issue that has been rearing it's ugly head. If the Blue Jays force a game 7 with a win Sunday, he'll likely be available in the bullpen
• The bullpen, and in particular Brandon Little, who gave up a game-tying homer to Cal Raleigh, who continues to have a season for the ages offensively, and Seranthony  Dominguez, who gave up a grand slam. Little, who did not retire a batter, was tagged with the loss and blown save.
• Offensively, George Springer and Ernie Clement. Vlad is going to be criticized big time for striking out with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs in the 5th. The Mariners opted to intentionally walk him in two other plate appearances. They need production from the batters before and after Vlad so the Mariners have no choice but to pitch to him
• There has to be concern about George Springer, who left the game after getting hit in the knee by a pitch. Hopefully with a day between games, he'll be good to go for game 6.
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to win game 6 in Toronto to keep their season alive. Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have not announced a starter yet

ALCS #5 Toronto Blue Jays (2-2) @ Seattle Mariners (2-2)

 

ALCS #4 Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) @ Seattle Mariners (2-1)

 

ALCS GAME 3 - Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) @ Seattle Mariners (2-1) - Game recap

 

Aleejandro Kirk hit a 3-run HR in a 13-4 comeback win over the Mariners

After another game lost due to the bullpen blowing the game, the Blue Jays were looking to get back in the ALCS with a win in Seattle. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Anthony Santander was in RF. Could the Bklue Jays snap the 2-game skid and get their 1st win of the ALCS? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Julio Rodriguez belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Randy Arozarena
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Andres Gimenez whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Six batters later, Nathan Lukes scored on a wild pitch by George Kirby
• Same batter, Daultion Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Four batters later, Clement singled scoring Anthony Santander. Kirk was thrown out at 3rd base on the play
• George Kirby pitching line:4IP 8H 8R (all earned) 2BB 4-K 74 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Gimenez scored on a ground out hit by Lukes
• Three batters later, Kirk whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Springer
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 88 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Arozarena drilled a solo blast to left-center
• A batter later, Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to right
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Addison Barger drilled a solo blast to right-center
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Mariners 4

My Take:

• Shane Bieber fired 6 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. After a tough first inning that saw Bieber cough up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk, the veteran righty settled down and retired 17 of the last 19 batters he faced. Coming off tommy john surgery, Bieber is likely the freshest player on either team. This start will certainly increase offers Bieber gets in free agency (Bieber is expected to decline his player's option and hit the free agent market 
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Both runs were charged to Yariel Rodriguez, who gave up back-to-back home runs. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The offense exploded like a pop bottle, erupting to score 13 runs on 18 hits. It was a team effort led by Alejandro Kirk (2 runs scored, including a 3-run HR), Andres Gimenez (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR), Daulon Varsho (2RBI), Vlad (was 4-4, scored 3 times, including a solo HR), George Springer, scored twice, including a solo HR) Nathan Lukes (RBI, run scored)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Anthony Santamder had a hit. Every Blue Jays starter either scored a run or drove in a run
• The Blue Jays were 4-16 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and even the ALCS. Max Scherzer starts against Mariners righty Luis Castillo.

ALCS #3 Toronto Blue Jays (0-2) @ Seattle Mariners (2-0)

ALCS GAME 2 - Seattle Mariners (2-0) @ Toronto Blue Jays (0-2) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in 2 runs and scored once in a 10-3 loss to the Mariners. He was only credited with one RBI due to a throwing error by Mariners 1B Josh Naylor on the first ron of the day.

After dropping the opener of the ALCS due to the bullpen blowing the save and the inept offence mustering two hits, one being a leadoff HR, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was a late scratch with back tightness and Davis Schneider took his place in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Julio Rodriguez belted a 3-run jack to the second deck in left; also scoring Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer
• Three batters later,  Alejandro Kirk singled home Lukes 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 2nd as Lukes singled scoring Springer 
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 3IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 1BB 2K 58 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Mariners took the lead in the top of the 5th as Jorge Polanco hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Arozarena and Raleigh
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 4H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 70 pitches (43 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 6th as JP Crawford singled Leo Rivas
• The Mariners added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Josh Naylor smashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Polanco
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 7th on a sac fly by Crawford that scored Eugenio Suarez 
• Final score: Mariners 10 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 innings, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. He had a tough start to the game, falling behind by three before recording an out after hitting the first batter he faced, pitching around Cal Raleigh and giving up a no-doubter to Julio Rodriguez. He did retire 6 in a row at one point. Same situation happened as last night where the Mariners took the lead immediately after Yesavage left the game. Unfortunate since it tacked two more runs onto Yesavage's pitching line
• The bullpen gave up a further 5 runs (technically 7 if you count the two charged to starter Trey Yesavage on the 3-run HR given up by Louis Varland, who was the first reliever out of the bullpen tonight. Chris Bassitt was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. If the Blue Jays are eliminated in a sweep, very plausible with how the series is going, Pete Walker should be the scapegoat. It is very troubling that the pitchers continue to give up home runs. The pitching is the weak link this year. It's hard to come back in the playoffs and a 7-run deficit is virtually insurmountable.
• Offensively, the bats have gone cold at the worst possible time. Nathan Lukes drove in 2 of the 3 runs. Alejandro Kirk drove in Lukes for the other run,
• Time to swich up the lineup. Bring Myles Straw in at the very least.
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap a 2-game skid as they face a daunting task where they must win 4 of the next 5 games and at least 2 of 3 in Seattle. Shane Bieber starts against Mariners righty George Kirby

ALCS #2 Seattle Mariners (1-0) v. Toronto Blue Jays (0-1)

 

ALCS GAME 1 - Seattle Mariners (1-0) @ Toronto Blue Jays (0-1) - Game recap

 

George Springer hit a leadoff HR in a losing effort as the Marineras came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 3-1

After a hard-fought ALDS triumph over the Yankees, the Blue Jays opened the ALCS against expansion cousins the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays won the seaon series against the Mariners, outscoring the Mariners 31-24. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer were added to the ALCS roster and Justin Bruihl and Tommy Nance were dropped. Bo Bichette was also left off the roster. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was at SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and of course Vlad got the nod at 1B. Could the Blue Jays open the ALCS with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo blast to the second deck of the opposite field in right
• Nathan Lukes left the game prior to the 4th inning after fouling a ball off his right knee
• The Mariners tied it in the top of the 7th as Cal Raleigh belted a solo jack to right-center
• Two batters later, Jorge Polanco singled scoring Juliu Rodriguez
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Bryce Miller pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 76 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 8th as Jorge Polanco singled scoring Randy Arozarena
• Andres Munoz pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the postseason
• Final score: Mariners 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 3 his while walking 1 and striking out 5. It's unfortunate how the 6th inning played out with Gausman a strike away from a perfect inning and a solid pitch count still in the 60s. He retired 16 in a row before Cal Raleigh (who else?) took him deep.
• The bullpen surrendered 2 runs  (one charged to Gausman) on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 3.1 innings. Mason Fluharty retired every batter he faced. Louis Varland, Brandon Little and Seranthony Dominiguez scare me. Dominguez has a tendency to walk batters, Litlle struggles against righties and Varland hasn't really been himself since joining the Blue Jays 
• Offensively, George Springer hit a leadoff home run and that was about it. Vlad's magic from the ALDS didn't materialize tonight - he was 0-4 at the plate. The Blue Jays need tto show more discipline at the plate. The three Mariners relievers needed just 24 pitches to get the last 9 outs
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next,  the Blue Jays try to even the series. Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have not named a starter for game 2 yet. They needed to use 3 starting pitchers in the 15 inning marathon yesterday and Bryan Woo is just coming off the injured list and may not be at his best.

ALCS #1 Seattle Mariners (0-0) v. Toronto Blue Jays (0-0)

 

Saturday Night Spanish Guitar aka WTFJITH aka The Calm before the Storm aka Game #5 Chicago Cubs (2-2) v. Milwaukee Brewers (2-2)

 

ALDS GAME 4 - New York Yankees (1-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in a pair of runs in a 5-2 win over the Yankees to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2016

After the bullpen Blue yesterday's game, the Blue Jays were looking to eliminate the Yankees and avoid a decisive game 5. It was a bullpen game today with Louis Varland starting with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays finish off the Yankees? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring George Springer
• Louis Varland pitching line: 1.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K 20 pitches (12 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as Ryan McMahon whacked a solo blast to right
• The Blue jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th on a sac fly by Springer that scored Ernie Clement 
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Clement and Andres Gimenez 
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 6.2IP 8H 4R (2 earned) 0BB 2K 88 pitches ( 69 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Myles Straw singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Aaron Judge singled scoring Jasson Dominguez
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 4 outs for his first save of the postseason
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Yankees 2

My Take:

• Opener Louis Varland bounced back very nicely after giving up 2 home runs last night and getting tagged with both the loss and the blown save. Tonight he got the first 4 outs and held the Yankees to a hit and a hit batter
• The rest of the bullpen to 2 runs on 5 hits and 6 walks while striking out 8 over the last 7.2 innings. This was a good lineup, the key was executing pitches when they had to. Some good defense behind them helped too. Jeff Hoffman got Austin Wells to fly out to end the 8th and escape a bases loaded jam. Probbably not wise to pitch to Aaron Judge in the 9th, but at least there were 2 outs and Hoffman kept him in the ball park. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The veterans came through tonight. Vlad opened the scoring in the top of the 1st with a clutch RBI single. There is going to be tons of scrutiny on Vlad next year when his $500 million, 14 year deal, especially when he slumps, but at the moment it looks like a steal. Vlad became the first player in ALDS/NLDS history to have 9 hits and 9RBI in a single ALDS series. Veteran George Springer scored once and drove in a run. Nathan Lukes drove in a pair, and Myles Straw had a huge RBI single in the 8th to give the bullpen a 4-run cushion with 6 outs to get
• The Blue Jays were 3-17 with runners in scoring position
• Inckluding the postseason, the Blue Jays were a combined 11-6 against the Yankees, outsoring their division rivals 107-75
• It will be interesting to see if some injured players come back. If Chris Bassitt and Bo Bichette are healthy, both will surely be added to the ALCS roster. Likely, Justin Bruihl and IKF would be left off the roster if both are ready to roll. Could Max Scherzer also be on the ALCS roster. He is 4-2 against the Mariners with a 2.97ERA over 9 starts in his career. He would also surely relish the opportunity to eliminate one of his former teams. Mind you, he is 2-3 with a 3.34ERA against the Tigers over 5 starts.
• Up next, the ALCS where the Blue Jays will face off against the winner of the Tigers/Mariners game 5 on Friday. The Blue Jays won the season series 4-3 against the Tigers, outscoring the Tigers 35-27. The Blue Jays won the season series against the Mariners 4-2, outscoring the Mariners 31-24. The road team won all series in both season series. The Blue Jays swept the Mariners in Seattle. Who starts game 1 for both teams will be largely determined by the health of Bassitt, but it'll likely be Kevin Gausman taking the bump first. With the winner of the Mariners/Tigers game on Friday needing to travel cross country, the ALCS will likely start on Thanksgiving Monday.

ALDS Game #4 Toronto Blue Jays (2-1) @ New York Yankees (1-2)

 

ALDS GAME 3 - Toronto Blue Jays (2-1) @ New York Yankees (1-2) - Game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-6

After another resounding win over the Yankees thanks to 5 no hit innings from Trey Yesavage and a team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 6 games and eliminate the Yankees. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was in RF, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 6 games and eliminate the Yankees? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr whacked a 2-2-run blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Davis Schneider 
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled scoring Aaron Judge 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Daulton Varsho singled home Schneider
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Anthony Santander singled scoring Clement and Varsho
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 2.1IP 6H 6R (all earned) 2BB 2K 67 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Judge doubled scoring Trent Grisham
• Three batters later, Cody Bellinger scored on a sac fly by Stanton 
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 2.2IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 1BB 2K 54 pitches (36 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Judge hammered a 3-run bomb off the left foul pole; also scoring Austin Wells and Grisham 
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Jazz Chiaholm Jr. hammered a solo omb off the basing of the second  deck in right.
• Three batters later, Wells singled scoring Arned Rosario
• The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Ben Rice that scored Judge
• David Bednar got the last 5 outs for his 2nd save of the postseason
• Final score: Yankees 9 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Shane Bieber lasted just 2.2 innings,  giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. John Schneider continues to not trust his starters in crucial playoff games and it cost the team with Aaron Judge ripping a 3-run bomb off the left foul pole to tie the game.  With the bullpen such a wild card,  I would have let Bieber try to at least escape the 3rd inning
• After giving up 7 runs over 3 innings yesterday, the bullpen imploded again, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 ove 5.1 innings. Louis Varland was taken deep twice, including the 3-run HR that tied the game and the go-ahead HR. Yariel Rodriguez was the only reliever to retire every batter faced. If the Yankees come back and win the series, Pete Walker should be the scapegoat. The bullpen hasn't been great in the last month or two, his mound visits have been largely ineffective, with the opponent usually scoring shortly afterwards. I said all along that the bullpen was going to be the X factor that determines how deep this team goes. If Blue Jays fans thought tonight ws a nail biter, they best put something bitter on those nails because the Blue Jays are expected to go with a bullpen game tomorrow as they try to elimnate the Yankees tomorrow night.
• The bats certainly did their job with 6 runs. Vladdy has been the difference maker the Blue Jays were hoping for with a huge 2-run HR to give the Blue Jays the lead in the 1st inning. Anthony Santander had a clutch 2-run single that gave the Blue Jays the 5-run cushion that should have been enough on most days
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring posittion
• It's never a good idea to wake a sleeping giant. Thrtr has no be regrets sbout pullimg Trey Yresavage when they did because it gave Yankees hitters confidence, even though the Blue Jays held on to win two nights ago
• Up next, the dreaded bullpen game. Look for Louis Varland to be the opener and Eric Lauer to get the nod as the bulk inning guy. The Yankees will counter with righty Cam Schlitter.

ALDS Game #3 Toronto Blue Jays (2-0) @ New York Yankees (0-2)

 

ALDS GAME 2 - New York Yankees (0-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (2-0) - Game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in 4 runs, including 2 home runs and scored 4 times in a 13-7 victory over the Yankees

After a rout over the Yankees on the strength of a team effort offensively and great defense and pitching,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and put the Yankees on the brink of elimination. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 5 straight wins and put the Yankees on the brink of elimination? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Bllue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement whacked a 2-run home run to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a ground out by Alejandro Kirk that scored Davis Schneider
• A batter later, Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that Clement singled home Varsho
• The Blue Jays addeed 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a grand slam to the second deck in left; also scoring Andres Gimenez, Myles Straw and George Springer
• Two batters later, Varsho belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Kirk 
• Max Fried pitching line: 3IP 8H 7R (all earned) 2BB 1K 51 pitches (32 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Cody Bellinger whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Yankees bullpen; also scoring Aaron Judge\
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.2IP 0H 0R 1BB 11K 78 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Varsho smacked a solo blast to right
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Judge singled scoring Ryan McMahon
• A batter later, Paul Goldschmidt scored on a sac fly by Bellinger
• A batter after that, Ben Rice doubled scoring Trent Grisham
• A batter later, Giancarlo Stanton singled home Judge
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Yankees 7

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage was fantastic, firing 5.1 no-hit innings, walking one batter and striking out 11. Yesavage retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced and 12 in a row. It's just a shame he was lifted after recording the first out of the inning in the 6th. I would have definitely let him finish the inning. An extra 5-10 pitches would have put him below 90 on the day.
• The bullpen imploded, giving up 7 runs on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 3.2 innings. Jusstin Bruihl, Eric Lauer and Tommy Nance all retired only a batter each and combined to give up 7 runs on 9 hits. This postseason still feels very much like 2022 where that year's bullpen blew a substantial lead on the way to being swept by the Mariners. The bullpen is very much going to be the x factor in whether the Blue Jays prevail in the ALDS. Schneider needs to learn from today and stick with his starter when they are pitching well. Here's hoping the bats stay hot as the series shifts to enemy territory in the Bronx
• Oh baby did the bats ever come through today.Vlad hit a huge grand slam in the 5th to extend the Blue Jays lead to 9 runs, Daulton Varsho went deep twice and drove in 4 runs and scored 4 times, Ernie Clement opened the scoring with a 2-run shot, and Alejandro Kirk drove in one and scored once. The stars are doing what they should be doing and the kids are joining in the party as well.
• The Blue Jays were 4-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to New York where they will be looking to extend the win streak to 6 games and get their first opportunity to eliminate the Yankees. Shane Bieber starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon.

ALDS Game #2 New York Yankees (0-1) v. Toronto Blue Jays (1-0)

 

ALDS GAME 1 - New York Yankees (0-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in three runs in a 10-1 rout over the Yankees

The Blue Jays opened their first playoff series in 2 years as they host the Yankees, who defeated the Red Sox in the Wild Card series to earn the right to take on the Blue Jays in what is expected to be a tight and exciting series. The Blue Jays are coming off a tremendous regular season that saw them win 94 games (49 comeback victories). The Blue Jays won the season series against the Yankees 8-5, outscoring the Yankees 70-59. Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios were all left off the playoff roster, as well as Bo Bichette, who just wasn't ready. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The outfield today was Anthony Santander in LF, Daulton Varsho in CF and Nathan Lukes in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was in SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and, of course, Vlad was at 1B. George Springer served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and win the first game of the ALDS? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb to the second  deck in left
• Luis Gil pitching line: 2.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 2K 48 pitches (34 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the top of the 6th on a bases loaded walk to Cody Bellinger that scored Anthony Volpe\
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 3K 75 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Gimenez and Ernie Clement
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a sac fly by Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Kirk whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Three batters later, Gimenez doubled scoring Varsho
• A batter later, Myles Sttaw scored on a sac fly by Clement
• Two batters later, Lukes singled scoring Gimenez
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 5.5 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3. Gausman retired 10 in a row at one point, started by a HUGE line drive double play started by a massive diving catch by Vlad, who had a huge game himself. This was the start the Blue Jays needed from their ace.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out three. Jeff Hoffman and Anthony Dominguez retired every batter they faced.
• The offence came up huge with Vlad (sac fly, solo HR), Andres Gimenez (2 RBI, 2 runs scored), Nathan Lukes (3RBI), and Alejandro Kirk (2 solo HR)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Ernie Clement and George Springer had a hit. Every starter but Anthony Santander and  Addison Barger either scored a run or drove in a run. 
• The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and put the Yankees on the verge of elimination. Trey Yesavage starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried