Jays win another with more power.

Jays v Astros today in Kissimmee. Monday March 8, 2010.

Romero pitching his second spring outing. Away game and a long trip so the first team stays put and with a day off tomorrow the big guys have two days relaxation although I am sure they are working out hard in Dunedin.

Jays enter today’s game 4-1 at the top of Grapefruit League with Tampa (excluding the two wins for the Indians). Sure it is the first week but why not enjoy it. They deserve it as they have played very well all round in all five games, having lost the opener by one run.

First five innings of each game have started with first teamers but the fact that the games have not been lost either in the last four innings shows a surprising depth not just in the bench but also the relievers. The camp is loaded with relievers of course, but Cito appears to have a good selection to chose from for the trip north in April. Certainly Marcum’s first outing was a pleasant gift. Cecil goes tomorrow for the first outing this spring having cut his left thumb slicing chickens. Almost as bad as ex-Jay Glenallen Hill and his spiders.

Today Jays lineup: Gathright, Hauffpauir, Arenciba, Overbay, Emaus, Wallace, Padilla, Snider, McDonald. Travis in right field today, he has been playing left in the other games and not having great success with either glove or bat.
First inning HR by J. P. Arenciba, his third of the season and Jays jump out on
top 1—0. Arenciba with six rbis this week and making a strong run at that backup catcher position but even if he cannot beat out Buck and Molina, it is great to see that talent ready as catcher. Gathright walks but caught stealing at second.

Romero gives up three hits and the double play saves him from any damage. He will be happy with today with his three scoreless innings. Seven ground balls outs also good to see. That will keep his pitch count down and with Gonzalez and Hill in infield this season he has more than enough support. His ERA to date of 1.80 he will also love. He is determined to have that number one starting role.

Hoffpauir greets Byrdak with a double, Overbay a double scores Hoffpauir, Emaus a double scores Overbay and Jays are up 3-0. That’s it for Byrdak not fooling anyone today, Fulchino replaces him.
Overbay 2-2 today, he has been watching Randy Ruiz fighting for first base. Takes a walk in the 5th, perfect day for him.

Eveland relieving Romero. Scoreless inning. One strikeout two ground balls. Eveland three scoreless innings.

Ex-Jay Gustavo Chacin now replacing Daigle, does he still sell his perfume? Four changes for the Jays. Lubinski, Dopirak, Phillips and Tolisano. No joy for Travis grounds out in the 6th. Padilla a double and Johnny Mac brings him in, 4-0 Jays.

Jeroloman, Sierra, Loewen and Merchan new Jays replacements. Bazardo replaces Chacin in the top of 7th. Gives up three hits all singles to Phillips, Dopirak and Sierra but no more runs for the Jays.
Chad Jenkins replaces Eveland. Another scoreless inning for the Jays seven in a row today.

Chi Lo pitching for Astros. Dopirak another hit, 2-2 today first base is getting awful crowded.Today Overbay and Dopirak combine for perfect day 4-4 plus a walk for Lyle. Cito has an interesting situation developing but I think the pressure is on trading Lyle.
Towles doubles off Jenkins, breaks up the eight scoreless innings and brings in Keppinger who had just walked and Houston is on the board 4-1 Jays.
Zach Stewart finishing this one off for the Jays. Another scoreless inning and the Jays have their fifth win. 4-1.
Jays now have tomorrow off and for onec well earned. Resume play at Dunedin on Wednesday with the Phillies out for revenge after the 14-9 thrashing by the Jays last week.

Interesting piece in the local Tampa media today about the Rays pitchers taking bp for future inter-league play this season. Joe Maddon ever a manager looking for the edge. Pitchers have been told to take at least five pitches each time they have an at bat this season. This could add up to an extra 15 pitches a game which might make the difference with starting pitcher being pulled earlier.

Note: Albaladejo of the Yankees gets his era down to 47.25 today pitching against the Phillies after the Jays had pummeled him last week.