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...