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

 

Ten random thoughts: a 2021 season review

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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