Rainout but some good news

Jays v Orioles. Sunday March 28.

Good news first, Johnny Mac was in the lineup for this afternoon's game. Does that mean he has made the team? also in lineup Travis. Lucky guy as he has certainly not beaten out Jeremy Reed based on the spring stats.
Game is called. At 1.30. I don’t get it. Raining at 1.00 and tarps out nothing heavy but some lightning in background so good decision. But the message from announcer is “will update when we have something”.

Well fortunately we did not have to wait for an hour like last time with the Boston game, but the message given is “that radar is showing rain for the next two hours”.
Well strange it was not showing rain 30 minutes earlier, no the real reason is so that people will spend in the concessions, this is a business folks. But come on Dunedin that is a pretty lame one. They really need to work on customer service here.

Problem is that this spring training schedule has had three rainouts on top of three days off, a net loss of six days. I think Jays should probably question the need for days off in four weeks of training. This spring has put Cito in a bad position with basically only three weeks of real opportunity. Forget the days off and let’s play a full schedule. He can give individual players days off during that time but this spring it has backfired big-time.

So much for the need to clean up the administration. But back to the baseball. The decision re Johnny Mac over Alex Gonzalez, if confirmed in tomorrow’s game with Detroit (again!)can be easily justified on Johnny Mac’s stats, a clear .100 points higher than Gonzalez he has definitely improved and perhaps this is his reward. And comparison with glove? Forget it, there is no comparison. I have also noticed reduction in double plays this spring; don’t have the stats in front of me but there have been very few with Gonzalez and Hill. Alex Gonzalez is a competent short stop but don’t try to sell him on us regarding his glove abilities. Let’s see tomorrow if the lineup remains the same as Cito promised earlier.

The other notable of course is Travis over Jeremy Reed. Jeremy has had an excellent spring and it would not have been a surprise here if he were in the right field spot over Travis much as I like Travis he has not played well and his average is way lower than Jeremy’s. Jeremy was out there taking batting practice with Travis so still may be moving north next week.

Other news, Lyle Overbay was not in the lineup but official word is day to day, the MRI was fine and they are probably giving him more time to get that knee 100%. Randy Ruiz however was at first base and that is another good sign that he too is making the team. Great to have him coming off the bench in late innings and also spelling off Lyle at first if necessary.

Lots of rumours here about trades, Lyle, and also some of the relief pitching staff. Downs has the largest salary but Frasor has already been chosen as closer. Is there anyone else on the list? Meantime Seattle is desperate for another starter.
Carlson and Roenicke were scheduled today they are fighting it out for the team. Tomorrow Eveland was scheduled but we may see Ricky Romero who was scheduled to start today.

Interesting week ahead. Let’s hope the weather smartens up. Forecast is that this rain and storm system will move through overnight bringing in cooler air. Perhaps I can wear my long-sleeved Johnny Mac shirt tomorrow.