Sunday September 30th
Jays lose season end game 8-5.
The good: Joe (who ?) Inglet.... two hits, two rbis, and a triple..... recalled from Syracuse September 27th but a great start....
Adams stolen base.
Lind two more rbis..
The bad: Burnett imploding sixth for five runs and blowing 4-2 lead.
The very bad: As with yesterday the line-up for the 44,000 fans who should get refund for having to watch the 4th team..... Not even cameo appearances from the big guns. A disgusting way to treat the fans on fan appreciation day ??? and then JP wonders why he was booed on Jumbotron... Do you not think that fans could have one appearance from Matt Stairs on a day when Weir was kicking Woods in Montreal ? or one from Frank Thomas to try to get closer to that 100 ? At least one run through the 1st team order ?
On field the only one was Rios.
More very bad: the treatment of coaching staff and the changes. The leaks had started a week ago and should have been confirmed by Jays at that time when Mickey Brantley acknowledged loss of job and fall-guy. I have mixed feelings re the fall-guy analysis and feel that he must have had something to do with impatient bats all season, the lack of discipline at plate. On the plus side Stairs maintains that Brantley helped him adjust his stance this season with great results.
The treatment of Whitt also will hurt JP.... arguably just as great a fan favourite as Stairs. I agree the line-up cards issues hurt Whitt but.....
Gibbons still here...
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Saturday September 29th
Jays win 5-3
The good: Jesse Litsch a good six innings for no decision but scratched his way through without his best stuff.
Hill's hit streak continues.
The very good: Jesse's first batter in first inning, Jesse threw him five different pitches on five balls for the out.... Cutter, slider, fastball, change-up and curve.
Outfield home runs.... from "the Minors".... Ford-Griffin and Lind... when was the last time right field hit a home run?
Reed's hustle at home plate to give go-ahead run.
The bad: The third team line-up an insult to the fans ... As Gibbons said so eloquently..."will keep playing his regulars this weekend ... some of them want to play" !!!....
I have news for Manager, if the players don't want to play why are they in the majors?
Mr Rios took the day off but came in for the ninth to enjoy the glory of the win.... At least he will be rested for the final game of the season.
Some of the others had injury excuses but pretty sad statement with just three players in lineup today from April. However the good thing is that they were not missed. The Minors did ample... but Mr Rogers the fans should not have to pay full price to watch AAA ball.
Hill's error, mental big time.
The two Tampa runs in ninth and without the running error for third out could have been a different ending.
The Manager's usual pitching roundabout in the eighth, three pitchers to get one out.
Rios will never be a star... his last two seasons have been half seasons. Excuse last year re injury but this season ???? since the All-Star game zilch production. This was made more evident when Griffin hits the home run. Right field position should be a power hitter..... Verdict for me on Rios remains out.... Might be good trade bait to get someone in off-season. Lind and Griffin ample replacements.
Jays win 5-3
The good: Jesse Litsch a good six innings for no decision but scratched his way through without his best stuff.
Hill's hit streak continues.
The very good: Jesse's first batter in first inning, Jesse threw him five different pitches on five balls for the out.... Cutter, slider, fastball, change-up and curve.
Outfield home runs.... from "the Minors".... Ford-Griffin and Lind... when was the last time right field hit a home run?
Reed's hustle at home plate to give go-ahead run.
The bad: The third team line-up an insult to the fans ... As Gibbons said so eloquently..."will keep playing his regulars this weekend ... some of them want to play" !!!....
I have news for Manager, if the players don't want to play why are they in the majors?
Mr Rios took the day off but came in for the ninth to enjoy the glory of the win.... At least he will be rested for the final game of the season.
Some of the others had injury excuses but pretty sad statement with just three players in lineup today from April. However the good thing is that they were not missed. The Minors did ample... but Mr Rogers the fans should not have to pay full price to watch AAA ball.
Hill's error, mental big time.
The two Tampa runs in ninth and without the running error for third out could have been a different ending.
The Manager's usual pitching roundabout in the eighth, three pitchers to get one out.
Rios will never be a star... his last two seasons have been half seasons. Excuse last year re injury but this season ???? since the All-Star game zilch production. This was made more evident when Griffin hits the home run. Right field position should be a power hitter..... Verdict for me on Rios remains out.... Might be good trade bait to get someone in off-season. Lind and Griffin ample replacements.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday September 28th
Jays win 5-4 over Tampa Bay in Toronto.
Last series of season..
The good:
McGowan strong pitching into the seventh 93 pitches six strikeouts.
Stairs gets it going with home run number 20.
Lind follows with two run home run.
Thomas, Stairs and Hill doubles.
Accardo save number 30... and the three pitch strikeout of Upton pinch hitting.... revenge for blown save in Tampa.
The bad:
Back to back home runs by McGowan to Tampa.
Johhny Mac leaving game, is he injured again?
The rumours that Butterfield will be promoted to bench coach at end of season. Is this the guy who played pro baseball with JP ? Whitt will be demoted and Brantley let go...Who will be new hitting coach? Will the pitching coach be given a medal?
Jays win 5-4 over Tampa Bay in Toronto.
Last series of season..
The good:
McGowan strong pitching into the seventh 93 pitches six strikeouts.
Stairs gets it going with home run number 20.
Lind follows with two run home run.
Thomas, Stairs and Hill doubles.
Accardo save number 30... and the three pitch strikeout of Upton pinch hitting.... revenge for blown save in Tampa.
The bad:
Back to back home runs by McGowan to Tampa.
Johhny Mac leaving game, is he injured again?
The rumours that Butterfield will be promoted to bench coach at end of season. Is this the guy who played pro baseball with JP ? Whitt will be demoted and Brantley let go...Who will be new hitting coach? Will the pitching coach be given a medal?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday September 27th
Jays lose 8-5
The good: Josh Banks major league debut in front of about 500 friends and family...... as native of Baltimore.
The bad: The lineup, not even "the Minors" but definitely the 3rd team. I think there were three who were in line up in April. Hill, Rios and Thomas.....
I wonder what Halliday would have said if he had been given today's lineup ? What is it with Gibbons ? the new kid obviously psyched out with debut in home town and in front of half the crowd as family/friends and he is given that sort of lineup.
The good: Josh six innings, 85 pitches and settled down after first three innings and the four run deficit.
The comeback by Jays down by 4 and go ahead finally in 7th 5-4.
Griffin first rbi.
The patience.
The minors come through again although most of the team were minors.
The bad: the bull-pen of Tallett and Wolfe to give up home runs and 4 runs for Baltimore to win. Tallett in particular to give up first major HR for Hernandez...
Another terrible throw by Adams from third didn't even hit the glove at first.
Looks like Tuesday rumour about Brantley going is true and that he is playing out this week. Reprots state that he is fairly bitter...
Interesting question as always, the coaches cannot hit for the players but they are responsible and as they live with credit and kudos they also have some responsibility for the bad periods and certainly this season has been far too consistently underachieving all season long. Not least with runners in scoring position.
I do sympathise with Brantley as my perception is that Rios and Wells in particular are very impatient hitters, will go for first pitch even if previous batter has just been walked on four pitches. Their mental game is sadly lacking but they are not alone on this team. Wells does have an excuse as his frustration level must have been awful all season long but with Rios, where did his power go after the break ?
Frank and Reed are probably the only patient players on the team. But if the offensive game is one dimensional then the other aspects of speed, stealing and base to base ball
Also similar rumours re Ernie Whitt who remains silent on the future but was the culprit coach on the lineup cards fiascos earlier in season.
Perhaps they will bring Gaston back as hitting coach....
Now down to the last series and at home, but Tampa has given Jays loads of problems this season and will be running every chance and game. Speed kills...
Jays lose 8-5
The good: Josh Banks major league debut in front of about 500 friends and family...... as native of Baltimore.
The bad: The lineup, not even "the Minors" but definitely the 3rd team. I think there were three who were in line up in April. Hill, Rios and Thomas.....
I wonder what Halliday would have said if he had been given today's lineup ? What is it with Gibbons ? the new kid obviously psyched out with debut in home town and in front of half the crowd as family/friends and he is given that sort of lineup.
The good: Josh six innings, 85 pitches and settled down after first three innings and the four run deficit.
The comeback by Jays down by 4 and go ahead finally in 7th 5-4.
Griffin first rbi.
The patience.
The minors come through again although most of the team were minors.
The bad: the bull-pen of Tallett and Wolfe to give up home runs and 4 runs for Baltimore to win. Tallett in particular to give up first major HR for Hernandez...
Another terrible throw by Adams from third didn't even hit the glove at first.
Looks like Tuesday rumour about Brantley going is true and that he is playing out this week. Reprots state that he is fairly bitter...
Interesting question as always, the coaches cannot hit for the players but they are responsible and as they live with credit and kudos they also have some responsibility for the bad periods and certainly this season has been far too consistently underachieving all season long. Not least with runners in scoring position.
I do sympathise with Brantley as my perception is that Rios and Wells in particular are very impatient hitters, will go for first pitch even if previous batter has just been walked on four pitches. Their mental game is sadly lacking but they are not alone on this team. Wells does have an excuse as his frustration level must have been awful all season long but with Rios, where did his power go after the break ?
Frank and Reed are probably the only patient players on the team. But if the offensive game is one dimensional then the other aspects of speed, stealing and base to base ball
Also similar rumours re Ernie Whitt who remains silent on the future but was the culprit coach on the lineup cards fiascos earlier in season.
Perhaps they will bring Gaston back as hitting coach....
Now down to the last series and at home, but Tampa has given Jays loads of problems this season and will be running every chance and game. Speed kills...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday September 26th
Jays win 8-5
The good: Halliday wins first road game since June...
Eight runs in first inning team record.
Patience and walks.... especially first big inning.
Accardo ninth for save.
Sets up Banks for tomorrow to go for sweep and 4 game win streak which was so difficult all season.
Frank's sacrifice fly in first inning a few feet away off grand slam.
Lind at bat in 9th, patience and concentration.
The very bad: Errors. Adams two and the last throwing error leads to three runs... Johhny Mac's error result of Stairs backhanding throw, for Overbay would have been no problem and a routine out.
More to the point the errors meant that Halladay had to throw an extra 25 pitches thus denying him another complete game to end his season.
The very very bad.... Bases loaded on three walks and no one out in 6th and Jays cannot score.
The bad: Mental, mental mental.....
Baltimore outhits the Jays.... and this is after giving up eight in first inning.
There is no excuse for end of season let down. They should all be playing 100%. Mental game can compensate for brilliance. With Halladay pitching the whole team should have been on for another two hour game especially with an eight run lead.
Adams issue again re inability to throw. Remember his last coming to majors with Hill (the franchise infield ) and inability to throw to first. He is doing nothing to reassure in September that he should be in majors in 2008.
I still don't see why Johnny Mac is risking further damage... A player compensating for an injury in one area of the body can do damage in another.
Hallady ends season with 16-7 record, not bad at all with his injury issues and blown leads....
Jays win 8-5
The good: Halliday wins first road game since June...
Eight runs in first inning team record.
Patience and walks.... especially first big inning.
Accardo ninth for save.
Sets up Banks for tomorrow to go for sweep and 4 game win streak which was so difficult all season.
Frank's sacrifice fly in first inning a few feet away off grand slam.
Lind at bat in 9th, patience and concentration.
The very bad: Errors. Adams two and the last throwing error leads to three runs... Johhny Mac's error result of Stairs backhanding throw, for Overbay would have been no problem and a routine out.
More to the point the errors meant that Halladay had to throw an extra 25 pitches thus denying him another complete game to end his season.
The very very bad.... Bases loaded on three walks and no one out in 6th and Jays cannot score.
The bad: Mental, mental mental.....
Baltimore outhits the Jays.... and this is after giving up eight in first inning.
There is no excuse for end of season let down. They should all be playing 100%. Mental game can compensate for brilliance. With Halladay pitching the whole team should have been on for another two hour game especially with an eight run lead.
Adams issue again re inability to throw. Remember his last coming to majors with Hill (the franchise infield ) and inability to throw to first. He is doing nothing to reassure in September that he should be in majors in 2008.
I still don't see why Johnny Mac is risking further damage... A player compensating for an injury in one area of the body can do damage in another.
Hallady ends season with 16-7 record, not bad at all with his injury issues and blown leads....
Tuesday September 25th
Great win...11-4 but it was Baltimore having horrible second half.
The good: Burnett win, great start but 5th inning mental problems.
Thomas 4-4 with number 26 th home run.
Aaron Number 17th home run and tied with Alomar.
The bad: Macdonald surgery next week. Should he be risking worse by still playing this week ?
Question re Burnett missing start in NY.... was he avoiding NY for softer start in Baltimore ? Bottom line he will finish 2008 over .500....
Wells surgery and due to start swinging bat in January. Will be interesting to see what sort of start he will get in 2008.
Will Frank get his 100 rbis? Post-break batting 305... If Wells had even half a decent season and on base Frank would have hit 100 weeks ago.
What are these rumours re Brantley and 2008 ? Fall guy for constant lack of patience by Jays throughout season.
Great win...11-4 but it was Baltimore having horrible second half.
The good: Burnett win, great start but 5th inning mental problems.
Thomas 4-4 with number 26 th home run.
Aaron Number 17th home run and tied with Alomar.
The bad: Macdonald surgery next week. Should he be risking worse by still playing this week ?
Question re Burnett missing start in NY.... was he avoiding NY for softer start in Baltimore ? Bottom line he will finish 2008 over .500....
Wells surgery and due to start swinging bat in January. Will be interesting to see what sort of start he will get in 2008.
Will Frank get his 100 rbis? Post-break batting 305... If Wells had even half a decent season and on base Frank would have hit 100 weeks ago.
What are these rumours re Brantley and 2008 ? Fall guy for constant lack of patience by Jays throughout season.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday September 24th
Jays win 4-1
The great: Jesse... that guy is cool ice veins..... thrown in to replace Burnett at last minute in Yankee stadium and series on line... this is good, very good news for Jays long-term. This kid will be playing hard for Chacin's spot in 2008...
Yankees can treat it as make up game and fob it off with loads of excuses (ie. Pettite) but this team of minors beat the Yankees when they were looking for an easy 4 game sweep to get above Boston, don't kid yourself.
The good: the minors again with hits and rbis.
Pettite losing...
The bad: ? perhaps Reed's throw to plate with 3 out... mental, mental mental...
Overall a great series for the Jays in NY... 3 of the games could have gone either way, long five hour games for two and a potential beating on Monday with Burnett scratch. Jays showed grit and potential and in New York.... I would imagine there are more than Torre thankful they dont have to play this team in a short play-off series. Great potential on display for 2008.
Jays win 4-1
The great: Jesse... that guy is cool ice veins..... thrown in to replace Burnett at last minute in Yankee stadium and series on line... this is good, very good news for Jays long-term. This kid will be playing hard for Chacin's spot in 2008...
Yankees can treat it as make up game and fob it off with loads of excuses (ie. Pettite) but this team of minors beat the Yankees when they were looking for an easy 4 game sweep to get above Boston, don't kid yourself.
The good: the minors again with hits and rbis.
Pettite losing...
The bad: ? perhaps Reed's throw to plate with 3 out... mental, mental mental...
Overall a great series for the Jays in NY... 3 of the games could have gone either way, long five hour games for two and a potential beating on Monday with Burnett scratch. Jays showed grit and potential and in New York.... I would imagine there are more than Torre thankful they dont have to play this team in a short play-off series. Great potential on display for 2008.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday September 23rd
Tough loss 7-5
Yankees get what they need a good start by Mussina.
The good: Hill double number 45.
the three run second inning with the "minors" Lind and Thigpen.
Jays had Mussina in early innings.
Stairs Home Run.
The bad:the lineup...... depleted with injuries.... no Wells, Thomas, Overbay and Glaus.... will not win many games against Yankees without these players.
McGowan over 100 pitches by 5th. This was one game they needed a control performance from McGowan but again his arm strength is questionable in September.
Rios picked-off in 3rd. This guy needs major attention to mental aspect of his game and has all season. In my book he will never be a true all-star until he gets this straight and makes more effort in outfield such as throwing his body at plays.
The daylight robbery: Zaun in 4th out at plate by Cabrera throw.. clearly safe on replays.
Overall this has been a tremendous weekend for the Jays, two extra inning games plus a close loss in the third. Jays were definitely not outplayed and the "minors" have come though bigtime apart from the pitching.
With a couple of decisions such as the Rios pick-off and the Zaun throw out in early innings Mussina could have been rattled and out of game and the Jays into the beat-up bullpen.
Despite all of this the Jays took it to the Yankees and gave them three really tough games, showing that they do have the team to compete and with a full health squad are very close. JP must be happy......
Tough loss 7-5
Yankees get what they need a good start by Mussina.
The good: Hill double number 45.
the three run second inning with the "minors" Lind and Thigpen.
Jays had Mussina in early innings.
Stairs Home Run.
The bad:the lineup...... depleted with injuries.... no Wells, Thomas, Overbay and Glaus.... will not win many games against Yankees without these players.
McGowan over 100 pitches by 5th. This was one game they needed a control performance from McGowan but again his arm strength is questionable in September.
Rios picked-off in 3rd. This guy needs major attention to mental aspect of his game and has all season. In my book he will never be a true all-star until he gets this straight and makes more effort in outfield such as throwing his body at plays.
The daylight robbery: Zaun in 4th out at plate by Cabrera throw.. clearly safe on replays.
Overall this has been a tremendous weekend for the Jays, two extra inning games plus a close loss in the third. Jays were definitely not outplayed and the "minors" have come though bigtime apart from the pitching.
With a couple of decisions such as the Rios pick-off and the Zaun throw out in early innings Mussina could have been rattled and out of game and the Jays into the beat-up bullpen.
Despite all of this the Jays took it to the Yankees and gave them three really tough games, showing that they do have the team to compete and with a full health squad are very close. JP must be happy......
Saturday 22nd September
Tough, tough loss...... 12-11 in extra innings yet again.
This is starting to be a really tough grinding series. After last night's 14 innings another extra five hour marathon and tough one to lose.
The good: The "minors" triple A players 8-20... with 7 rbis and 5 runs....
18 hits against Yankees
The doubles, Rios, Olmedo, Adams, Thigpen and Hill of course.
The two out rbis.... also from the Minors... Thigpen, Lind, Luna (and Hill)
Five run seventh and 3 run eighth.... hurts the Yankee bullpen...
The bad: Eight pitchers... sorry NOT acceptable Manager. There are long inning relief guys in bullpen to soak it up including the call-ups.
Marcum only three innings.
Towers nine batters in less than two innings.
Twenty five Jays left on base... even with those two out rbis...
The really bad: More injuries... Marcum, Downs and Thomas.
Pitching again.... even with the injuries which now makes the lineup Triple A.
There has to be someone in bullpen who can give 3-4 innings of long relief. Maybe Towers in 4th would have been better match... I am not a supporter of the way Gibbons manages his pitchers and the end of the season is proving this. The younger guys have never pitched so much and he should have allowed for this.
Overall an entertaining series to date and the Jays are showing grit this week against Boston and New York.
Tomorrow's game survivial of fittest bull-pens but is McGowan's arm shot ?
Tough, tough loss...... 12-11 in extra innings yet again.
This is starting to be a really tough grinding series. After last night's 14 innings another extra five hour marathon and tough one to lose.
The good: The "minors" triple A players 8-20... with 7 rbis and 5 runs....
18 hits against Yankees
The doubles, Rios, Olmedo, Adams, Thigpen and Hill of course.
The two out rbis.... also from the Minors... Thigpen, Lind, Luna (and Hill)
Five run seventh and 3 run eighth.... hurts the Yankee bullpen...
The bad: Eight pitchers... sorry NOT acceptable Manager. There are long inning relief guys in bullpen to soak it up including the call-ups.
Marcum only three innings.
Towers nine batters in less than two innings.
Twenty five Jays left on base... even with those two out rbis...
The really bad: More injuries... Marcum, Downs and Thomas.
Pitching again.... even with the injuries which now makes the lineup Triple A.
There has to be someone in bullpen who can give 3-4 innings of long relief. Maybe Towers in 4th would have been better match... I am not a supporter of the way Gibbons manages his pitchers and the end of the season is proving this. The younger guys have never pitched so much and he should have allowed for this.
Overall an entertaining series to date and the Jays are showing grit this week against Boston and New York.
Tomorrow's game survivial of fittest bull-pens but is McGowan's arm shot ?
Friday 21st September
The first blood to Jays win 5-4 in 14...
The good win in extra innings to continue win streak and show the leaders what might have been......
The good: Zaun HR in 14th.
Halliday into the 9th.
Rios 2 run HR
The bullpen
The bad: the loss after 4-0 going into the 9th.
Hill's error in 9th.... major....
Should Gibbons have left Halliday in to finish.... and win ? only 110 pitches... even with the runs in 9th.
This is a huge win to start the series but can momentum carry into weekend ? Are the arms exhausted ?
The first blood to Jays win 5-4 in 14...
The good win in extra innings to continue win streak and show the leaders what might have been......
The good: Zaun HR in 14th.
Halliday into the 9th.
Rios 2 run HR
The bullpen
The bad: the loss after 4-0 going into the 9th.
Hill's error in 9th.... major....
Should Gibbons have left Halliday in to finish.... and win ? only 110 pitches... even with the runs in 9th.
This is a huge win to start the series but can momentum carry into weekend ? Are the arms exhausted ?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday September 20.
Wells for surgery.... finally.....
I don't think he will be missed in the last week and the question remains should he have been shut down earlier as suggested here weeks ago?
He could have had a further month for rehab and be more ready for Spring training and the 2008 season. With his notorious slow starts to every season, apart from the World Cup season, would it not have more prudent to take him out and get surgery over with rehab starting before end of season? Looking for him to have huge make-up season in 2008 to earn that new contract kicking in.
Opportunity now is for Lind to show that he is ready for bigtime. If Stairs is taking first for Overbay, Lind should get more time.
Will be interesting to see Yankee series this weekend, but it cannot be worse than the first series after All-Star break when the bats failed to appear after injured players returned for first time. Jays should be on a huge high after Boston series, Halliday is hungry and should be charged for "play-off" atmosphere.
The good: BJ Ryan rehab on target.
Off-season Reed and Overbay must do same...their contributions have been sorely missed.
Wells for surgery.... finally.....
I don't think he will be missed in the last week and the question remains should he have been shut down earlier as suggested here weeks ago?
He could have had a further month for rehab and be more ready for Spring training and the 2008 season. With his notorious slow starts to every season, apart from the World Cup season, would it not have more prudent to take him out and get surgery over with rehab starting before end of season? Looking for him to have huge make-up season in 2008 to earn that new contract kicking in.
Opportunity now is for Lind to show that he is ready for bigtime. If Stairs is taking first for Overbay, Lind should get more time.
Will be interesting to see Yankee series this weekend, but it cannot be worse than the first series after All-Star break when the bats failed to appear after injured players returned for first time. Jays should be on a huge high after Boston series, Halliday is hungry and should be charged for "play-off" atmosphere.
The good: BJ Ryan rehab on target.
Off-season Reed and Overbay must do same...their contributions have been sorely missed.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday September 19th
Jays win and sweep 6-1
The great: Adams grand slam.
Litcsch pitching, shows that he does have those ice veins which will be valuable for 2008. Are there any more bat boys in Tampa ?
The good: Olmedo bunt another player besides Johnny Mac who can do the basics.
Bullpen holds including Accardo.
Vernon two walks !!! patience at bat ?
The grand slam off Papelbon.... the invincible, Gagne night before and Jabo in Yankee series important confidence builders for the Jays.
Sweep of Boston in front of all those nation fans...... enjoy it....
The bad: the big hitters not getting runs, all the runs coming from call-ups tonight.
Comment: now into Yankee land..... but Halliday can give a good start.... is he up to it..?
Red Sox are average without Manny and Ortiz back to back, pitching is very weak.
This type of sweep makes Jays season even harder to stomach what could have ..... but when Marcum, McGowan and Litsch were not even in starting rotation in April....
and Stairs was not even in the team, thank you Reed...
Adams remember two years ago ? Hill and Adams the infield future ? at least he is making the choices difficult for JP in Spring...
Strange game... you can never tell..... but JP must be happy that he does have the right players, just needs them to perform in 2008.
Yankee match-ups.... will be very interesting series.... the best results will be Tampa sweep of Red Sox and Jays 2 out of 3 in New York... but preferably sweep... an interesting week ahead....
Reading the posts on Boston series by Yankee fans.... NO mention of Jays at all........ good... wait for this weekend....
Jays win and sweep 6-1
The great: Adams grand slam.
Litcsch pitching, shows that he does have those ice veins which will be valuable for 2008. Are there any more bat boys in Tampa ?
The good: Olmedo bunt another player besides Johnny Mac who can do the basics.
Bullpen holds including Accardo.
Vernon two walks !!! patience at bat ?
The grand slam off Papelbon.... the invincible, Gagne night before and Jabo in Yankee series important confidence builders for the Jays.
Sweep of Boston in front of all those nation fans...... enjoy it....
The bad: the big hitters not getting runs, all the runs coming from call-ups tonight.
Comment: now into Yankee land..... but Halliday can give a good start.... is he up to it..?
Red Sox are average without Manny and Ortiz back to back, pitching is very weak.
This type of sweep makes Jays season even harder to stomach what could have ..... but when Marcum, McGowan and Litsch were not even in starting rotation in April....
and Stairs was not even in the team, thank you Reed...
Adams remember two years ago ? Hill and Adams the infield future ? at least he is making the choices difficult for JP in Spring...
Strange game... you can never tell..... but JP must be happy that he does have the right players, just needs them to perform in 2008.
Yankee match-ups.... will be very interesting series.... the best results will be Tampa sweep of Red Sox and Jays 2 out of 3 in New York... but preferably sweep... an interesting week ahead....
Reading the posts on Boston series by Yankee fans.... NO mention of Jays at all........ good... wait for this weekend....
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wednesday September 18
Jays win 4-3
The good: Comeback in eighth with veteran patient bats. Rios could learn something.
Burnett Eight innings 122 pitches.
Three walks in the eighth: patience. Thomas, Stairs and finally Zaun on five pitches walk to tie game.
Have you looked at Stairs average recently? leads with 299 avge and 378 OBP and 570 something slugging ... Please re-sign this guy or is this a banner career year. Whatever the reason it puts Wells, Overbay, Glaus and Rios's seasons in perspective and was a huge financial steal for Riccardi.
I still have doubts about Rios.... had great first half last season before injury most of second half but what is the excuse this year ? Did he hit all his second half home runs at the All-Star game ????? Great first half almost 20 home runs ? Shoult be closing in on 40 by now. His power production has tailed off badly since break. Hitting for average but this is a right fielder with power or is he ? As for defence am still waiting to see him dive for a ball in right field or go up a wall.
Concerns remain over the starters regularly going over 120 pitches Burnett again, Halliday and now McGowan in his last start.
Boston fortune finally catching up with them, have had it so easy all season and take out Ramierz and Ortiz slump Gagne ???? all of a sudden where they should be.
Leaves you with what if Jays had had better luck and thinking of all those one run games ......
BUT that's the game of baseball......
Jays win 4-3
The good: Comeback in eighth with veteran patient bats. Rios could learn something.
Burnett Eight innings 122 pitches.
Three walks in the eighth: patience. Thomas, Stairs and finally Zaun on five pitches walk to tie game.
Have you looked at Stairs average recently? leads with 299 avge and 378 OBP and 570 something slugging ... Please re-sign this guy or is this a banner career year. Whatever the reason it puts Wells, Overbay, Glaus and Rios's seasons in perspective and was a huge financial steal for Riccardi.
I still have doubts about Rios.... had great first half last season before injury most of second half but what is the excuse this year ? Did he hit all his second half home runs at the All-Star game ????? Great first half almost 20 home runs ? Shoult be closing in on 40 by now. His power production has tailed off badly since break. Hitting for average but this is a right fielder with power or is he ? As for defence am still waiting to see him dive for a ball in right field or go up a wall.
Concerns remain over the starters regularly going over 120 pitches Burnett again, Halliday and now McGowan in his last start.
Boston fortune finally catching up with them, have had it so easy all season and take out Ramierz and Ortiz slump Gagne ???? all of a sudden where they should be.
Leaves you with what if Jays had had better luck and thinking of all those one run games ......
BUT that's the game of baseball......
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday September 17th
Great result opener against Red Sox win 6-1
The very good: Frank Thomas three home runs and 5 rbis.
McGowan complete game. and 122 pitches... and unbeatable
McGowan striking out Ortiz three times......
The good: Three stolen bases ? what's going on? has Gibbons finally realised ? in September or is this a trial couple of weeks for next season ? probably because Cash was catching.
The bad: Downs injury.
This is the Jekyll and Hyde Jays. Pitching and hitting in same game. Probably just as well as Gibbons had used eight pitchers yesterday.
As a result helps Yankees get within 3.5...makes the last two weeks interesting, but this is better of two evils.... have to beat up on Red Sox with all those fans in Toronto.
Now for next two games. DiceK not pitching on Wednesday but Bucholz is no pushover. Is Burnett's arm ok ?
Will Frank get his 100rbis?
Gibbons should continue the stealing options.
Is Overbay finished for season? at least Vernon saves some runs with his fielding and can also steal.
Great result opener against Red Sox win 6-1
The very good: Frank Thomas three home runs and 5 rbis.
McGowan complete game. and 122 pitches... and unbeatable
McGowan striking out Ortiz three times......
The good: Three stolen bases ? what's going on? has Gibbons finally realised ? in September or is this a trial couple of weeks for next season ? probably because Cash was catching.
The bad: Downs injury.
This is the Jekyll and Hyde Jays. Pitching and hitting in same game. Probably just as well as Gibbons had used eight pitchers yesterday.
As a result helps Yankees get within 3.5...makes the last two weeks interesting, but this is better of two evils.... have to beat up on Red Sox with all those fans in Toronto.
Now for next two games. DiceK not pitching on Wednesday but Bucholz is no pushover. Is Burnett's arm ok ?
Will Frank get his 100rbis?
Gibbons should continue the stealing options.
Is Overbay finished for season? at least Vernon saves some runs with his fielding and can also steal.
Sunday September 16th
Bad loss 8-6 in 12 innings
The good: Hill's 42 double of season to break Alomar's record, if he can also get 1 more home run he can tie Alomar's record definitely within reach. Too bad about those two robbed by Cathcart in Kansas.
Lind HR
Adams HR
The bad:
Toronto gave this away several times, winning 4-1 and tieing again after 4-6.
Loading the bases in 7th one out no score...... Wells again.
Marcum only five innings, this guy's arm is shot, give him a break.
Frasor loss, another bad outing.
1-16 scoring opportunities, this is totally unacceptable for a paper hitting team, or is that "on paper" or "paper in actuality"?
Thigpen 0-22 slump, Jays need a better backup catcher than this for next year.
Janssen's error. I wonder if anyone has counted number of errors thrown into centre field this season ?
Overall when Toronto is dependent on Home runs from Adams and Lind to get rbis they are in trouble.
Why did it take eight pitchers to get through 12 innings ?
This is end of season Gibbons, how about a radical idea and use one of the new arms for more than an inning. This was Baltimore not Boston.
Same old, same old Gibbons managing of pitchers which has not changed all season and one of the major reasons for tiredness. Has to change post-season. The younger guys were not expecting to be in majors all season.
Conditioning of the new pitchers is only one part of this equation.
Major series now...... will they get up for Boston and get fired up by the 10,000 Red Sox nation in the dome ? give them a taste of play-off games, put some pressure on....
Bad loss 8-6 in 12 innings
The good: Hill's 42 double of season to break Alomar's record, if he can also get 1 more home run he can tie Alomar's record definitely within reach. Too bad about those two robbed by Cathcart in Kansas.
Lind HR
Adams HR
The bad:
Toronto gave this away several times, winning 4-1 and tieing again after 4-6.
Loading the bases in 7th one out no score...... Wells again.
Marcum only five innings, this guy's arm is shot, give him a break.
Frasor loss, another bad outing.
1-16 scoring opportunities, this is totally unacceptable for a paper hitting team, or is that "on paper" or "paper in actuality"?
Thigpen 0-22 slump, Jays need a better backup catcher than this for next year.
Janssen's error. I wonder if anyone has counted number of errors thrown into centre field this season ?
Overall when Toronto is dependent on Home runs from Adams and Lind to get rbis they are in trouble.
Why did it take eight pitchers to get through 12 innings ?
This is end of season Gibbons, how about a radical idea and use one of the new arms for more than an inning. This was Baltimore not Boston.
Same old, same old Gibbons managing of pitchers which has not changed all season and one of the major reasons for tiredness. Has to change post-season. The younger guys were not expecting to be in majors all season.
Conditioning of the new pitchers is only one part of this equation.
Major series now...... will they get up for Boston and get fired up by the 10,000 Red Sox nation in the dome ? give them a taste of play-off games, put some pressure on....
Saturday September 15th
Final score 8-3
The good: Halliday but finally gets run support and a win.
The seven consecutive hits team record
Frank's home run ties Ott.
Reed's three hits, it seems such a long time since he did that !
Three double plays by Johnny Mac.....
The bad: bull-pen especially Frasor.
This is Baltimore not the Yankees or Boston, after last night's game they really needed this.
Overbay not playing... good move.
Marcum tomorrow... is he still tired ?
Final score 8-3
The good: Halliday but finally gets run support and a win.
The seven consecutive hits team record
Frank's home run ties Ott.
Reed's three hits, it seems such a long time since he did that !
Three double plays by Johnny Mac.....
The bad: bull-pen especially Frasor.
This is Baltimore not the Yankees or Boston, after last night's game they really needed this.
Overbay not playing... good move.
Marcum tomorrow... is he still tired ?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday September 14
Loss 6-2 to Baltimore !!! at home.....
One word: Pathetic.
The good: Hills 16th HR
The bad/awful: the bats or lack of, 10 hits but where are the runs ?
The doubling up in 5th with hit and run, atypical of season.
Against Baltimore having a terrible season, at home and coming off good win against Yankees night before Jays should have hammered Baltimore. This is their therapy series, double digit runs in every game, get it all out.
Instead took Orioles too easy and if Gibbons makes one more fatuous comment such as we have to score runs in this league........
Terrible game and indicative of a lacklustre batless team playing for their own averages.
And..... get Wells out of there.
Loss 6-2 to Baltimore !!! at home.....
One word: Pathetic.
The good: Hills 16th HR
The bad/awful: the bats or lack of, 10 hits but where are the runs ?
The doubling up in 5th with hit and run, atypical of season.
Against Baltimore having a terrible season, at home and coming off good win against Yankees night before Jays should have hammered Baltimore. This is their therapy series, double digit runs in every game, get it all out.
Instead took Orioles too easy and if Gibbons makes one more fatuous comment such as we have to score runs in this league........
Terrible game and indicative of a lacklustre batless team playing for their own averages.
And..... get Wells out of there.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday September 13
A win over Yankees in the 9th. 2-1
The good: Thomas 2 rbis including winning run bottom of 9th.
Burnett another great outing but didn't get the win.
Burnett fielding Matsui bare hand and throw to third, a big out to end inning.
Damon's gesture to fans of the $20. A fan gave Damon $20 after Damon had given inning ending ball to fan, Damon then gave $ to a child in front row.
Frank now on 84 rbis... can he get to 100 ?
The bad: the constant chorus, where are the bats ? and also against another rookie in Kennedy.
Now for Baltimore and Boston big series, can the Jays get on a run for the last days? If history repeats, when the Jays are out of it all they relax and finish on a high to try to get us to forget the disaster that went on all season.
Prediction could go either way. Baltimore will get hot for first time this season and Boston roll over Jays with record scores. I hope not... but one thing for sure there will be 10,000 very noisy Boston fans in Toronto next week rubbing it in.....
Question why does Wells not have surgery NOW ? gove him longer recuperation time and perhaps even get ready for once for a season that starts in April in 2008 as opposed to his usual May-June starts.
Good move to close Glaus down as it also gets him out of the negative reactions to drugs issue which must have hurt not only Troy but unsettled the rest of the team.
A win over Yankees in the 9th. 2-1
The good: Thomas 2 rbis including winning run bottom of 9th.
Burnett another great outing but didn't get the win.
Burnett fielding Matsui bare hand and throw to third, a big out to end inning.
Damon's gesture to fans of the $20. A fan gave Damon $20 after Damon had given inning ending ball to fan, Damon then gave $ to a child in front row.
Frank now on 84 rbis... can he get to 100 ?
The bad: the constant chorus, where are the bats ? and also against another rookie in Kennedy.
Now for Baltimore and Boston big series, can the Jays get on a run for the last days? If history repeats, when the Jays are out of it all they relax and finish on a high to try to get us to forget the disaster that went on all season.
Prediction could go either way. Baltimore will get hot for first time this season and Boston roll over Jays with record scores. I hope not... but one thing for sure there will be 10,000 very noisy Boston fans in Toronto next week rubbing it in.....
Question why does Wells not have surgery NOW ? gove him longer recuperation time and perhaps even get ready for once for a season that starts in April in 2008 as opposed to his usual May-June starts.
Good move to close Glaus down as it also gets him out of the negative reactions to drugs issue which must have hurt not only Troy but unsettled the rest of the team.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday September 12
Another loss 4-1
This was over in first inning.
The good: not much
The bad: two out first inning, two walks and a double, down 2-0, game over.
McGowan 99 pitches five innings.... did no one tell him Yankees are a patient batting side ?
The ugly. five game losing streak at a time when it should be five game winning streak
This is not a question anymore of relative strengths of the two teams. Jays should have beaten up bigtime on Mussina just back into rotation.
The lack of run support has hurt this team all season long. The lack of a short game, no running game, no base to base attempts, no pressure on opposing teams, waiting for the big three run home run, these are the issues facing them in off-season. There is NO speed on this current team. When Glaus and/or Thomas is on how many double plays have resulted ? The pitching has been forced to go deep, they have been misused and overused by Manager to the extent that the arms are finished on most of them and yet even last game he brings out Downs and Accardo ??? where was Accardo in Detroit when Janssen gets into trouble ? If he had pitched that game and possibly saved it the Jays attitude would be more confident in Rigers against Yankees. He had to pitch him to keep arm sharp and yet wrong game to do it. He had obviously lost confidence in him to close. Now what happens today in final game IF Jays are winning in 9th.
Spring training in 2008 has major issues to work on... including some if not all of above.
Another loss 4-1
This was over in first inning.
The good: not much
The bad: two out first inning, two walks and a double, down 2-0, game over.
McGowan 99 pitches five innings.... did no one tell him Yankees are a patient batting side ?
The ugly. five game losing streak at a time when it should be five game winning streak
This is not a question anymore of relative strengths of the two teams. Jays should have beaten up bigtime on Mussina just back into rotation.
The lack of run support has hurt this team all season long. The lack of a short game, no running game, no base to base attempts, no pressure on opposing teams, waiting for the big three run home run, these are the issues facing them in off-season. There is NO speed on this current team. When Glaus and/or Thomas is on how many double plays have resulted ? The pitching has been forced to go deep, they have been misused and overused by Manager to the extent that the arms are finished on most of them and yet even last game he brings out Downs and Accardo ??? where was Accardo in Detroit when Janssen gets into trouble ? If he had pitched that game and possibly saved it the Jays attitude would be more confident in Rigers against Yankees. He had to pitch him to keep arm sharp and yet wrong game to do it. He had obviously lost confidence in him to close. Now what happens today in final game IF Jays are winning in 9th.
Spring training in 2008 has major issues to work on... including some if not all of above.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday September 11
UGLY....9-2 as predicted yesterday. Arms are finished.... on Marcum, Downs, Janssen and Accardo.
I maintain that blame has to lie squarely with Manager Gibbons. He has no clue how to use his pitchers. Throughout the season he has pushed those arms way beyond sanity. This is Marcum's first season as starter. Gibbons killed Burnett earlier with the three games of 120 plus pitches before his injury.
He has had Downs and Janssen up and pitching almost every game of the season and even if he didn't bring them in they were warming up instead of talking a day off. When they come in it was for one batter more often than not. How does that make any sense? Warm up with 20 pitches come in for 3 or four then out ? Thus Janssen and Downs are overused whilst Frasor sits. Similarly Towers. and where is Tallet ?
Marcum for the last few games has also been showing tiredness and last night's game was not unexpected. Hard to fathom though the pitch to Giambi bases loaded ??? should have walked him.
The good: Johnny Mac two year contract. Yeah....
nothing to think about the game though, maybe the relief pitching.
The bad:Bats wherever they are..... when two runs are scored through Cabrera's error ? very sad.
The ugly: Manager and the lack of bats.
Post script. Halliday and Burnett are now pitching well over 100 pitches each game, Gibbons has to reduce this for last few weeks, put a maximum on them and use the 100 other relief arms in the bullpen. What is there to gain by ruining more arms ? and everything to gain by using the new arms. Give Frasor, Talett and Towers some innings and reduce load on starters.
Prediction here September 11 that Gibbons is gone at end of season.
UGLY....9-2 as predicted yesterday. Arms are finished.... on Marcum, Downs, Janssen and Accardo.
I maintain that blame has to lie squarely with Manager Gibbons. He has no clue how to use his pitchers. Throughout the season he has pushed those arms way beyond sanity. This is Marcum's first season as starter. Gibbons killed Burnett earlier with the three games of 120 plus pitches before his injury.
He has had Downs and Janssen up and pitching almost every game of the season and even if he didn't bring them in they were warming up instead of talking a day off. When they come in it was for one batter more often than not. How does that make any sense? Warm up with 20 pitches come in for 3 or four then out ? Thus Janssen and Downs are overused whilst Frasor sits. Similarly Towers. and where is Tallet ?
Marcum for the last few games has also been showing tiredness and last night's game was not unexpected. Hard to fathom though the pitch to Giambi bases loaded ??? should have walked him.
The good: Johnny Mac two year contract. Yeah....
nothing to think about the game though, maybe the relief pitching.
The bad:Bats wherever they are..... when two runs are scored through Cabrera's error ? very sad.
The ugly: Manager and the lack of bats.
Post script. Halliday and Burnett are now pitching well over 100 pitches each game, Gibbons has to reduce this for last few weeks, put a maximum on them and use the 100 other relief arms in the bullpen. What is there to gain by ruining more arms ? and everything to gain by using the new arms. Give Frasor, Talett and Towers some innings and reduce load on starters.
Prediction here September 11 that Gibbons is gone at end of season.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday September 10 by the international scribe...
5-4 again and another one run loss, four run 9th....
Rios, Zaun, Frank rbis but where is the BIG bat ? (s). The last two were WINS bigtime.
The good: Halliday again....... and again and again....
The bad: bull-pen again........ arms ARE definitely tired...
I don't think one hit takes Overbay out of slump. Where are the multi hit doubles ?
The Yankees series could be an embarassment bigtime..... at least Hector will be at 3rd base !!!!!!!!!!!!!
This team looks from afar as if it has given up and I am sure the Yankees will sympathise! take this series three more losses and probably BIG score losses.
5-4 again and another one run loss, four run 9th....
Rios, Zaun, Frank rbis but where is the BIG bat ? (s). The last two were WINS bigtime.
The good: Halliday again....... and again and again....
The bad: bull-pen again........ arms ARE definitely tired...
I don't think one hit takes Overbay out of slump. Where are the multi hit doubles ?
The Yankees series could be an embarassment bigtime..... at least Hector will be at 3rd base !!!!!!!!!!!!!
This team looks from afar as if it has given up and I am sure the Yankees will sympathise! take this series three more losses and probably BIG score losses.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Sunday September 9th
The power outage in 4th inning reflected the Jays bats..... Where are they ?
Another one run loss 3-2 more than 63 games this season with only half of them won. For a team built around major bats this is the story of the season.
The good: another good outing by Litsch but wasted with lack of run support. Five plus innings, seven hits and five strikeouts but the 3 home runs was the difference.
Aaron's number 15 for the season two shy of Alomar's club record for 2nd base.
Vernon the other run.
The bad: No bats.
As suggested yesterday Overbay sat.
Tomorrow Halliday in Detroit and followed by series at home with Yankees.
Jays now 8.5 back and will have to sweep all four games to have a prayer.
Looking back on the season it is still amazing how close the Jays are. With half decent hitting it could be very different.
Tampa meanwhile are now 169 home runs second in American League and have won nine of last twelve and twelve of sixteen since August 24, scoring 32 home runs and 128 runs in that stretch. That is the type of record that we all hoped for from Jays bats this season.
The power outage in 4th inning reflected the Jays bats..... Where are they ?
Another one run loss 3-2 more than 63 games this season with only half of them won. For a team built around major bats this is the story of the season.
The good: another good outing by Litsch but wasted with lack of run support. Five plus innings, seven hits and five strikeouts but the 3 home runs was the difference.
Aaron's number 15 for the season two shy of Alomar's club record for 2nd base.
Vernon the other run.
The bad: No bats.
As suggested yesterday Overbay sat.
Tomorrow Halliday in Detroit and followed by series at home with Yankees.
Jays now 8.5 back and will have to sweep all four games to have a prayer.
Looking back on the season it is still amazing how close the Jays are. With half decent hitting it could be very different.
Tampa meanwhile are now 169 home runs second in American League and have won nine of last twelve and twelve of sixteen since August 24, scoring 32 home runs and 128 runs in that stretch. That is the type of record that we all hoped for from Jays bats this season.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Saturday September 8th.
Ugly loss 5-4 in bottom of 9th.
Good: Burnett goes into 9th winning 4-1. Overpowering for eight innings. Three hits, 8 strikeouts and 114 pitches.
Stairs first inning blast off the top of top of right field wall just missing home run.
Bottom of 4th Gomes at bat 3 great pitches, two change ups and fast ball to strike out and end inning.
Rios 2 run home run in 6th off high pitch up in the letters. Johnny Mac save on Crawford hit and throw to 1st off-balance. Crawford safe but great play.
7th inning Hill beats out throw, Zaun base hit to left , Johnny Mac bunts to get Hill and Zaun on 2nd and 3rd. Vernon base hit scores Hill. Stairs fly ball scores Zaun. 4-1.
Bad: Overbay surely last game for a while ... must be benched.
but ugly ending by Accardo gives up four runs two two-run home runs. Pinch-hit Upton hit to right.
Fifth blown save for Accardo. 27-32. Before today ERA of 2.3, also first full year in majors.
Crawford steal and overthrow by Zaun into centre.
Johnny Mac error on Crawford in 9th to lead to 2 home-run.
Glaus issue, pre-game met with media today and no comment but consensus is building that he should say something either confess and move on or deny. However more likely MLB may have told him to make no comment until after meeting.
Post-game radio comments about Thomas criticism rbi production, but in front of him Rios and Stairs bringing in runs whereas (last season) in Oakland no major hitter.
Consensus on Accardo was that he has done very well all season in a new role.
Team has lived off the pitching since May, cannot blame pitching.
JP has put together a good team, some of injuries have been blessing. Team is not prepared, Gibbons and Brantley the problem.
Accardo has been steal for Hillenbrand but a couple of weeks ago similar situation in Oakland three singles in a row and then Janssen. Similar in New York balked in run.
Thomas although leading in many areas fans are expecting more from him.
Accardo for last two months has been missing splitter.
Still three and a half weeks left to determine wild card.
Accardo last two to three weeks is he tiring ? not as sharp, long season, new role get Janssen in more.
Post-script: a tough loss but Yankees series next week could be huge.
Ugly loss 5-4 in bottom of 9th.
Good: Burnett goes into 9th winning 4-1. Overpowering for eight innings. Three hits, 8 strikeouts and 114 pitches.
Stairs first inning blast off the top of top of right field wall just missing home run.
Bottom of 4th Gomes at bat 3 great pitches, two change ups and fast ball to strike out and end inning.
Rios 2 run home run in 6th off high pitch up in the letters. Johnny Mac save on Crawford hit and throw to 1st off-balance. Crawford safe but great play.
7th inning Hill beats out throw, Zaun base hit to left , Johnny Mac bunts to get Hill and Zaun on 2nd and 3rd. Vernon base hit scores Hill. Stairs fly ball scores Zaun. 4-1.
Bad: Overbay surely last game for a while ... must be benched.
but ugly ending by Accardo gives up four runs two two-run home runs. Pinch-hit Upton hit to right.
Fifth blown save for Accardo. 27-32. Before today ERA of 2.3, also first full year in majors.
Crawford steal and overthrow by Zaun into centre.
Johnny Mac error on Crawford in 9th to lead to 2 home-run.
Glaus issue, pre-game met with media today and no comment but consensus is building that he should say something either confess and move on or deny. However more likely MLB may have told him to make no comment until after meeting.
Post-game radio comments about Thomas criticism rbi production, but in front of him Rios and Stairs bringing in runs whereas (last season) in Oakland no major hitter.
Consensus on Accardo was that he has done very well all season in a new role.
Team has lived off the pitching since May, cannot blame pitching.
JP has put together a good team, some of injuries have been blessing. Team is not prepared, Gibbons and Brantley the problem.
Accardo has been steal for Hillenbrand but a couple of weeks ago similar situation in Oakland three singles in a row and then Janssen. Similar in New York balked in run.
Thomas although leading in many areas fans are expecting more from him.
Accardo for last two months has been missing splitter.
Still three and a half weeks left to determine wild card.
Accardo last two to three weeks is he tiring ? not as sharp, long season, new role get Janssen in more.
Post-script: a tough loss but Yankees series next week could be huge.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Friday September 7th.
Breaking news: NEW YORK (AP) - Major League Baseball asked Friday to meet with Rick Ankiel and Troy Glaus after the pair were accused of receiving performance-enhancing drugs from a Florida pharmacy under investigation for illegally distributing prescription medications.
No comment as of yet from Glaus or agent. The allegations cover 2003 before Glaus played for Jays and before MLB outlawed steroids in 2005.
Tonight's game: 7-2 win.
the great: Dustin McGowan pitching, career high 12 strikeouts 8 innings 4 hitter.
the good: The offence after four innings of pitching stalemate. Stairs and Zaun but backed up by Johnny Mac Aaron and Vernon all come through with two outs in both 5th and 6th inning.
the bad: 3rd base umpire call on Aaron left field home run in 5th. Retracted but Aaron still gets another hit.
Post game talk-show discussion on drugs and rationalising: Ankiel pitcher coming back from injury. Pre-2005 MLB decision.
Players in their own world and fans are tired of all of this and love of professional sport is going
BUT MLB setting all time attendance record.
Will Glaus ever be traded now ? What about Sheffield it didn't hurt his prospects ? Is planter fasciatis side effect of steroids.
Most people affected, young, teens looking at stars idols, if this is the only way to get to major professional sports sending bad message.
love of game overcomes drug use. Most callers agree of rampant drug use in MLB and other professional sports, will still attend and attendance climbs.
Too bad the show was filled with this instead of the great pitching and offence in tonight's game.
Breaking news: NEW YORK (AP) - Major League Baseball asked Friday to meet with Rick Ankiel and Troy Glaus after the pair were accused of receiving performance-enhancing drugs from a Florida pharmacy under investigation for illegally distributing prescription medications.
No comment as of yet from Glaus or agent. The allegations cover 2003 before Glaus played for Jays and before MLB outlawed steroids in 2005.
Tonight's game: 7-2 win.
the great: Dustin McGowan pitching, career high 12 strikeouts 8 innings 4 hitter.
the good: The offence after four innings of pitching stalemate. Stairs and Zaun but backed up by Johnny Mac Aaron and Vernon all come through with two outs in both 5th and 6th inning.
the bad: 3rd base umpire call on Aaron left field home run in 5th. Retracted but Aaron still gets another hit.
Post game talk-show discussion on drugs and rationalising: Ankiel pitcher coming back from injury. Pre-2005 MLB decision.
Players in their own world and fans are tired of all of this and love of professional sport is going
BUT MLB setting all time attendance record.
Will Glaus ever be traded now ? What about Sheffield it didn't hurt his prospects ? Is planter fasciatis side effect of steroids.
Most people affected, young, teens looking at stars idols, if this is the only way to get to major professional sports sending bad message.
love of game overcomes drug use. Most callers agree of rampant drug use in MLB and other professional sports, will still attend and attendance climbs.
Too bad the show was filled with this instead of the great pitching and offence in tonight's game.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
warwickjay said...
Wednesday Sept 5th. Game tonight..
the great: Vernon 3 hits and his 2 run home run to dead Center to win 6-4.
the good: Stairs throw to get Ortiz;Troy's home run out of the stadium;
Bottom of the 7th Boston bases loaded; Janssen strikes out Drew and Youklis. Accardo gets last 5.
the bad. League 4 pitches walk in 7th.Janssen injured ?
JP after game: "the whole (Boston) series digest of season, team does not quit, slight chance for play-off. Miraculous to see where team is at, so many players with sub-par years plus injuries.
""Vernon does not have something physical to stop him playing, it's a nagging thing. Lyle's hand will not be 100% until next year.Read with bad back injury and Zaun thumb injury, hard to come back immediately. Vernon's home run ball up and over plate, no way to get that extension with an injury".
JP grades team:"Offense C: Pitching B/B+: Bullpen A: Defence B : (could be better with holding on runners)"
"Next season hope BJ will be back all season, Chacin back and Leagueand young players gain from this experience and others bounce back from bad seasons".
"we still have outside chance of wild card, we still play Yankees 7 times, Red Sox still have to play Yankees".
Stairs and Lind for 2008? "Hopefully Stairs will come back and Lind may have to stay in Triple A".
"Disparity in payrolls in Division, has widened since JP has been here". They have advantages to do international and so many other things.
Accardo after BJ returns."Will be set-up guy. Hope League and Ryan will allow deeper bull-pen". Spring training will stretch all pitchers out, likes Janssen as starter and closer..
Gibbons and lineup cards problems. JP "definitely should not happen, and have been reminded that it should not happen. Does not make us look like like a major league organization".
Playoffs. Why not 8 teams? JP " More in favour now of adding another wildcard team and is in favour".
Frasor next year and Aaron at shortstop. Aaron feels more comfortable at 2nd and will not be moved to SS. like Frasor, traded for him, good arm and no intention of trading a good arm, never have enough pitching".
Platoon Lind/Jonhson and Stairs/Thomas. JP "not a bad idea, but Frank 90 rbis and 25 HR would not get same production, Matt has had magical year, will he have same next year? Frank even struggling still gets on base as does Glaus."
September 5, 2007 8:32 PM
Wednesday Sept 5th. Game tonight..
the great: Vernon 3 hits and his 2 run home run to dead Center to win 6-4.
the good: Stairs throw to get Ortiz;Troy's home run out of the stadium;
Bottom of the 7th Boston bases loaded; Janssen strikes out Drew and Youklis. Accardo gets last 5.
the bad. League 4 pitches walk in 7th.Janssen injured ?
JP after game: "the whole (Boston) series digest of season, team does not quit, slight chance for play-off. Miraculous to see where team is at, so many players with sub-par years plus injuries.
""Vernon does not have something physical to stop him playing, it's a nagging thing. Lyle's hand will not be 100% until next year.Read with bad back injury and Zaun thumb injury, hard to come back immediately. Vernon's home run ball up and over plate, no way to get that extension with an injury".
JP grades team:"Offense C: Pitching B/B+: Bullpen A: Defence B : (could be better with holding on runners)"
"Next season hope BJ will be back all season, Chacin back and Leagueand young players gain from this experience and others bounce back from bad seasons".
"we still have outside chance of wild card, we still play Yankees 7 times, Red Sox still have to play Yankees".
Stairs and Lind for 2008? "Hopefully Stairs will come back and Lind may have to stay in Triple A".
"Disparity in payrolls in Division, has widened since JP has been here". They have advantages to do international and so many other things.
Accardo after BJ returns."Will be set-up guy. Hope League and Ryan will allow deeper bull-pen". Spring training will stretch all pitchers out, likes Janssen as starter and closer..
Gibbons and lineup cards problems. JP "definitely should not happen, and have been reminded that it should not happen. Does not make us look like like a major league organization".
Playoffs. Why not 8 teams? JP " More in favour now of adding another wildcard team and is in favour".
Frasor next year and Aaron at shortstop. Aaron feels more comfortable at 2nd and will not be moved to SS. like Frasor, traded for him, good arm and no intention of trading a good arm, never have enough pitching".
Platoon Lind/Jonhson and Stairs/Thomas. JP "not a bad idea, but Frank 90 rbis and 25 HR would not get same production, Matt has had magical year, will he have same next year? Frank even struggling still gets on base as does Glaus."
September 5, 2007 8:32 PM
Johnny Mac is the # 1 shortstop in Division .998 % 5 errors all season,
is # 1 in chances per 9 innings. 5+his range is second to none, half his plays are covering 3rd base.
His batting avge is .252. Boston SS Julio Lugo before tonight was 2.37. Zaun before tonight was .238
Mac saves at least a run a night. Jays don't need a hitting shortstop with power hitters from 1-6 in Wells,Rios,Thomas,Glaus, Overbay and Stairs.
Tonight's game: The good: the 8 run inning,
the bad: Kennedy !!! bad decision by Manager to bring him in AND leave him in for 5 run inning. Jesse would not have given up 5 runs in an inning. He always gets stronger through the game.If anyone comes in it should have been Wolfe who had already warmed up before Kennedy.
The mental errors... Tallet leaving Lowell to steal... no throw. Frasor balk with guy on 3rd !!!
The good: Towers.. 5th inning... bases loaded no one out gets out of inning with no run....The good: Zaun tag in 5th to save run at home.
Overall a good game.. how many teams have scored 8 of Red Sox in 1 inning at Fenway? A: 1 Toronto Blue Jays
September 3, 2007 8:36 PM
warwickjay said...
Tonight's game battle of the pitching. this time Beckett over Halliday.. Beckett deserved win.
Speed killed, Crisp beating out double play for 3rd out and lead to 2 run home run. Bang bang play could have gone either way...
The good, Stairs again great 3 run home run. Johnny Mac again the walk in the 5th leading to home run.When will Rios ever dive for a ball ? Pedroia hit in the 1st lands 3 feet in front of Rios. Could he have also reached the Ellesbury triple ?But overall, speed plus hitting and great pitching of Red Sox the right result tonight. Tomorrow Marcum v Schilling.... a must win.
Postscript: good to see Sal Fasano and League back....
September 4, 2007 6:54 PM
is # 1 in chances per 9 innings. 5+his range is second to none, half his plays are covering 3rd base.
His batting avge is .252. Boston SS Julio Lugo before tonight was 2.37. Zaun before tonight was .238
Mac saves at least a run a night. Jays don't need a hitting shortstop with power hitters from 1-6 in Wells,Rios,Thomas,Glaus, Overbay and Stairs.
Tonight's game: The good: the 8 run inning,
the bad: Kennedy !!! bad decision by Manager to bring him in AND leave him in for 5 run inning. Jesse would not have given up 5 runs in an inning. He always gets stronger through the game.If anyone comes in it should have been Wolfe who had already warmed up before Kennedy.
The mental errors... Tallet leaving Lowell to steal... no throw. Frasor balk with guy on 3rd !!!
The good: Towers.. 5th inning... bases loaded no one out gets out of inning with no run....The good: Zaun tag in 5th to save run at home.
Overall a good game.. how many teams have scored 8 of Red Sox in 1 inning at Fenway? A: 1 Toronto Blue Jays
September 3, 2007 8:36 PM
warwickjay said...
Tonight's game battle of the pitching. this time Beckett over Halliday.. Beckett deserved win.
Speed killed, Crisp beating out double play for 3rd out and lead to 2 run home run. Bang bang play could have gone either way...
The good, Stairs again great 3 run home run. Johnny Mac again the walk in the 5th leading to home run.When will Rios ever dive for a ball ? Pedroia hit in the 1st lands 3 feet in front of Rios. Could he have also reached the Ellesbury triple ?But overall, speed plus hitting and great pitching of Red Sox the right result tonight. Tomorrow Marcum v Schilling.... a must win.
Postscript: good to see Sal Fasano and League back....
September 4, 2007 6:54 PM
Monday, September 3, 2007
Nation status
Final month, can they do it ?
BELIEVE...... Red Sox and Yankees series, where are the brooms?
Status of bats.. finally arriving.... apart from Vernon... Is he really injured ? should Gibbons shut him down and scope the shoulder now.? gain six weeks of rehab now. Are Johnson, Rios, Stairs and Lind sufficient ?
Will Big Frank get the 100 rbis...? closing in......
How many runs has Johnny Mac saved now? will JP re-sign him for 2008 ? didn't sound positive on Fan 590 this week... "will try"..... some endorsement...
Pitching.... are Marcum, McGowan and Downs tiring ? is Accardo weakening ? will they last the month ?
Yesterday's game..... Burnett untouchable for first few innings but concentration lapsed after 5-0 start... but still a great outing.... Bullpen Janssen great save.... Johnny Mac and Aaron 100%.... Fredericton hero upstairs yet again, what a great steal for JP this season...
Even the coaching staff get an A for scorecard.. what a fiasco on Saturday... Towers was right, some of them do not come to the game every day prepared.... twice in a season is bush league.
The bad..... Adams is NOT a 3rd base....
BELIEVE...... Red Sox and Yankees series, where are the brooms?
Status of bats.. finally arriving.... apart from Vernon... Is he really injured ? should Gibbons shut him down and scope the shoulder now.? gain six weeks of rehab now. Are Johnson, Rios, Stairs and Lind sufficient ?
Will Big Frank get the 100 rbis...? closing in......
How many runs has Johnny Mac saved now? will JP re-sign him for 2008 ? didn't sound positive on Fan 590 this week... "will try"..... some endorsement...
Pitching.... are Marcum, McGowan and Downs tiring ? is Accardo weakening ? will they last the month ?
Yesterday's game..... Burnett untouchable for first few innings but concentration lapsed after 5-0 start... but still a great outing.... Bullpen Janssen great save.... Johnny Mac and Aaron 100%.... Fredericton hero upstairs yet again, what a great steal for JP this season...
Even the coaching staff get an A for scorecard.. what a fiasco on Saturday... Towers was right, some of them do not come to the game every day prepared.... twice in a season is bush league.
The bad..... Adams is NOT a 3rd base....
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