The master and the student

The first view I had on Saturday at batting practice was Bobby Cox talking with Cito behind the Home plate netting.

How every apt. Cox first brought Cito in as the Jays first full-time batting instructor in 1982... !! Plus ca change... Saturday's game once again the master teaching his pupil as the Jay self-destruct not in a small part due to Cito's judgement or lack of with his pitching staff..
Braves in town and show that they are one serious team, their attitude as soon as they hit the field for warm-up was intensity. Just like the Joe Maddon Rays of last year in the Spring they are serious. Spring games mean something to them. The Jays on the other hand are relaxed, filter and saunter out on to the turf for pre-game warm-ups. The Braves are running wind-sprints as a team. Jays standing around talking. The Manager's style is reflected in the team and bigtime in the Jays.

The game itself ? Halladay v Lowe. Halladay was almost perfect for two innings. He didn't need his curveball but seemed ready to go. Intense and focused, these games mean something to him.

Jays lineup of Scutaro, Hill, Rios, Millar, Thigpen, Bautista, Snider, Lane, and Chavez. was not far from a starting lineup. Throw in Wells, Overbay and Rolen and that could be it on Day one.

Jays take an early lead in bottom of the second and then Cito brings in BJ Ryan for the 3rd inning ? One of the knocks on Cito is that he cannot handle pitchers and for the life of me I do NOT understand bringing in BJ in the 3rd inning. Yes he needs the work and yes it was probably his day BUT he is a closer.
Tom Henke the great closer for the Jays once explained the closer. In summary he said that they are different from the other pitching staff, they have an end of the game focus that other pitchers do not need or have.They work on adrenaline and need to be pumped to close off the game. I believe this was huge error by Cito and one that as it happened cost the Jays the game. BJ was definitely not focused and could not get the ball over the plate, Too high, too low and very quickly the game was 4-1 for the Braves. I don't think Joe Girardi would bring in Rivera in the 3rd inning for "work". Didn't make any sense on Saturday either. Other interesting point was that Cito sent out Brad Arnsberg to lift BJ before the end of the inning. Let Brad take BJ's steam ???
The good from the game. New pitchers continue to impress. Fabio Castro part of the trade for Matt Stairs and Phillies had the bases loaded and three consecutive ground balls that Scutaro and Hill could not turn.
T. J. Beam claimed off waivers from Pittsbrgh a good three up and down inning. Louis Perez spent most of 2008 in Single A Lansing but has good stuff. Bill Murphy claimed off waivers from Arizona in 2008 and was AAA all season, and Robert Ray the Canuck who will be playing for Canada in World Baseball Classic. All of these pitchers had good outings and show a great depth for the Jays that they may need in 2009.

Other highlights of the game for me at least. A great diving catch to his right in midair by Sanchez at SS. Jays load the bases in the 8th but could not get the hit. The wind in right field had kept several in the park all afternoon but hitters didn't adjust to go the opposite way and possibly steal this game.

One to watch Jason Heyward of the Braves great power.

The Jays hitters ???
Well Alex continues to be Alex... One good hit a double, should watch his language when he misses as well, there are many young children at Spring training.
Jason Lane continues to impress me with his power, discipline and confidence at bat. He didn't have another Home Run this game but continued to hit with power. The outfield is getting crowded. The hitting has been good to see especially Rolen yesterday but today Millar and Bautista also continuing their good at bats from yesterday. Hill is still way off his timing which is to be expected.

Braves lineup for the record: Schafer,Johnson, Escobar, Kotchman, Diaz, Jones, Ross, Prado,Blanco and Lowe pitching.

Footnote: Braves Freddie Freeman is he 7 feet tall ??? Huge guy... and with power.. One to watch. His bat looks like a toothpick. Played 1B.
Result: Jays lose 6-3
Attendance lower than other games at 2,900. for a Saturday ??
Lots more to come...... Tomorrow Rays...