Cito's new running game

A Canadian MUST have invented Spring training.... The SUN, that first glimpse of those palm trees, and batting practice in Dunedin..and 74 degrees.

What economy ? The place was packed again yesterday for the Tigers game, both planes from Toronto to Florida were packed and same to return to Florida when we arrived.

But to the game. Clement pitching and a host of names that no one knew in the lineup, Cito is using his minors bigtime. This year no Reed, no Shannon, no Big Frank, no Zaun, no Wells yet of course so much for his conditioning expert.
BUT Ozzie Jay, the return of Aaron Hill was great to see. His batting stroke was awful but so were most of them. He said Hi to Ozzie land.

Clement not that great, not much control at all, managed to get through his innings without too much damage.
The minor relievers did very well to hold Tigers bats until Brian Wolfe comes along, and gives first pitch pinch hit home run to Kelly, that made it 6-2 Jays but then Wolfe gives up two more to make it a more interesting last wto innings but Jays hold off to win 6-4.
Tigers pitchers especially Dontrelle Willis were WILD wild wild... and so was the fielding, three errors and two throws into first base crowd by the infield overthrowing the poor guy at first.

Cito !!! the new running game... after Jays get several players on base in the first three innings but cannot make a run apart from some sac flies. No aggression, no Joe Maddon in the dugout, no steals UNTIL the fleetest of them all does it, Barajas stole second... IF I had not seen it myself I would not have believed it and most of the crowd around me were as amazed. So there you have it friends Cito has a new running game this season... Aggro on the bases... Barajas for the 20 steals... don't bet on it friends.

Some good news, nice power from Jason Lane and his Home run. Some good pitching by relievers. Scott Rolen looked good, some nice hitting especially double down the line into left field corner, but also oppposite field hitting.
Aaron of course, Johnny Mac but not his bat alas. Alex in the field but not at bat.

The team barbecue seemed much better organized this year, huge crowd and the players were still signing autographs after an hour.

Today Braves are in town.
Knology Park has added another store but even more crowded than the first one which still exists. Both of them were jammed yesterday.
The Burlington Teen Tour Band bus was at the game, they must be performing somewhere in Florida... We had to make do with "if you can't catch the ball catch a Bud Chad".

I love Spring training..

Spring training

The sun beckons.... along with the boys in blue.
Is there a better elixir for winter snowbound Canadians ?
Stay tuned.