Off day for the Jays but I catch a great game at Bright House with JJ Jay watching her last game before heading back north to the cold and wet winter in Toronto.
Phillies v Boston. Some call it an October preview, more than that with Halladay v Lester.
This was going to be a big one from the size of the early crowds at Bright House. Another sellout at 10,991 standing room only all around the field and 4-5 deep around our own area. No one was leaving their spot today and with the heat there were many more crowding under cover.
85 F at 2.45 but then cloud gradually reduced the heat five degrees by the end of the game, but it was one hot one out there which made Halladay’s day even more incredible. Halladay goes deep in the eighth inning (7.2) before leaving the game to a well earned standing ovation.
In the early going he was just so sharp and on his game. Boston lineup had nothing on him today. Boston runners in scoring position were 0 -5 but that was definitely a result of Halladay bearing down whenever he was in trouble.
Phillies on the other hand made few errors bringing the runners in and went 3-6. It was not until the fifth inning that Boston finally gets on the board. And that would be it for the Red Sox in this game. Phillies meanwhile had scored against Lester early in the third and added three more in the sixth to chase Lester who was obviously tiring out there. Meantime Halladay continued on like a metronome.
Playing NL rules for the Philies meant that Halladay had his at bats and end ed the day with three, no pinch hitting for Doc today. More to the point he contributed. A bunt single in the third which later lead to the first run, and very nice single to right later in the game. Halladay was out there probably at least thirty more minutes than Lester, this was no contest and I had the feeling that Halladay was making some statement today to Boston. Yes we might see you in October but....
Downer for the Phillies, Victorino hurt in a collision and had to leave the game with eye injury. Along with Utley and Brown already injured Phillies do not need this one.
Back to the Jays: Sad to see Gose and Travis d’Arnaud both return to the minors, but we will look forward to seeing them both in Toronto in the September call-up if not before. Gose finished with eight stolen bases which is number one in the AL. Even more amazing is that this kid did not even start many games, he was a late replacement. He was no slouch with the bat either and provided he can keep injury free will be an amazing future all-star for Toronto. D’Arnaud gave Arencibia something to worry about and is obviously right there in the wings. You can see the shape of the future infield with Cooper at first, Diaz at second, Heccaverria at short and Lawrie at third. With Gose in centre ,Travis and Bautista would make a great outfield. Speed, speed and more speed.
Jays getting down to the final lineups, but still with questions. Pitching rotation is (almost) clear with Romero, Morrow, Cecil, Drabek and Litsch, but Jesse is on thin ice if he has another lousy start this week. Bullpen with Francisco and Dotel both injured, makes some breathing room for others, although I cannot see Dotel making this squad the way he has been pitching here. Casey Jannsen has definitely earned his spot, Rauch a closer with Frasor as setup would be a good combination. Purcey, Camp, Vilanueva have all impressed.
Lawrie, McCoy and Diaz all fighting hard for a backup bench position, but I think it will be made more clear after Tuesday return of Aaron Hill. We have not seen him much this spring beyond batting practice and ground ball routines. He has competition this season and is definitely not indispensible. As always Johnny Mc is around and always so competent. I think his bat has been much more consistent this spring he has been hitting singles and doubles when needed and of course his fielding remains strong and reliable.
Lind has been getting stronger at first and his bat more consistent, Snider to my mind has been outstanding and his bat really sharp and his fielding in left has improved this spring by a long way. Arencibia still remains a huge question mark, but Jays want to stay with him. The question is for how long? Jose Molina has remained reliable as ever both with his bat booming far better than Arencibia and his throwing is far more accurate than JP but remains in the wings whilst the Arencibia experiment continues. Escobar has short wrapped up, second base is dependent on Hill’s next few days and weeks. Third appears to be Bautista with Rivera taking right. Rajai Davis has been superb at centre but has also given Manager Farrell some options by playing in both right and left, something that we rarely saw Vernon do.
The last ten days should be a time to consolidate and get the starting group organized but as above Jays do not have that luxury and with question marks remaining.
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