baseballtourist

Playoffs! Ash vs. Varns / Father vs. Son --- Jays (ehhh) Jeter and Ichiro

It may not have the following of the MLB playoffs, but this mini-fall classic has its own brand of intrigue. Not for Stubing, as he barely made a wimper in the fantasy league this season - better luck next year Dallio!

The formidible Ash faces off against Katie's rag-tag bunch of wannabees - Pujols, Jeter, Braun and Figgins. After Monday's round of games - Matt holds a 13 pt lead (30-17). Action in the junior circut pits blood against blood - father vs. son. With the 'old man' forging the slimest of slim leads, 1 pt leads going into Tuesdays' slate of games. May the best man (or lady) win.

Dall...btw.....you lost to gal. One who admists that 7 innings at a ball game is enough for her...the shame you must feel?

Back to the disappointing Jays season:

August 29 - the Jays lost 3-2 to the BoSox (58-69)

August 30 - Doc was crushed 7-0 and the Bean eaters sweep the Jays at Fenway (58-70)

August 31 - old fashioned barn burnigngslug fest in Texas...Jays pound out an 18-10 win. (59-70)

Sept 1 - new month....new results? Nope. Jays lose both ends of Texas, double-header in identical fashion 5-2. (59-72)

Sept 2 -lose again...this time 4-2 (59-73)

Sept 3 - Jays head back to TO and promptly lose to the Yanks 10-5 (59-74)

Sept 4 - Halladay returns to form and pitches a gem...winning 6-0 (60-74)

Sept 5 - can't build on the win, losing 6-4 in this game to the pinstripers (60-75)

Sept 6 - ICHIRO! The secpond fastest player ever to the 2000-career hit plateau. He does it in 1,402 games..just 12 games slower than All Simmons. At 36 and with 10 years in Japanese ball behind him, will he stay healthy and around long enought to reach 3000? At his pace - its oly 5 seasons.

The Jays? They either lose or they win BIG. This time 14-8. Improve to 61-75

Sept 7 -through 10 - Minny comes to town and the split a 4 pack with the Jays. Jays go W, L, W, L and move to 63-77

Sept 9 - Another hitting milestone punched out by another favourite of Kates - Jeter this time. Derek with the bad fade, hits his 2,721st career hit tonight- all as a Yankee - tieing the Iron Horse, Lou Gerhig.

Sept 11 - Sept 14 - Different city and different team - same results. Jays split 4 with Detroit W, W, L, L and middle out at 65-79

Sept 11 - Jeter does it.  Hit # 2,722 comes quickly - passing Lou. 

Sept 13 - Ichiro does it (again). This time reaching 200 hits in season for a record, 9th straight season.

Sept 15 & 16 - Bluebirds drop into NYC for 2 quickies and guess what...they split the games - W 10-4 and lose 4-5. (66-80)

Sept 18 - 20 - S3 games are sept away a Tropicana Field by the Rays (66-83)

Sept 21 - Jays land a W! Take a 9-2 decision from the O's. (67-83)

Jays are 3-7 since I last wrote. Perhaps I should visit here more often?

Aug 18 - after an off day the Jays return to Toronto to face the BoSox. Both teams put on a hitting lesson but the Jays lose a squeaker 10-9. 55-62 overall.

Aug 19 - Doc looking human as he loses handlily 6-1 and the jays fall to 55-63.

Aug 20 - Swept by the Bostonians! Another weak hitting/bad pitching night, a the blue birds fall to 55-64, losing 8-1.

Aug 21 - With home runs by Hill and Vernon (who is actually nhitting .203 at home this season) the Jays win one - 5-4 over the Angels. Improve to 56-64.

Aug 22 - Back to their losing ways, the Jays lose 7-3 despite 10 strikeouts by Richmond and a dinger by Lind. Fall back to 56-65.

Aug 23 - We win a series !!! The Jays take the rubber match 8-3 behind Romero and Ruiz. 57-65

Aug 24 -  Roy is smoked. The Rays get to him badly - to the tune of 12 hits and 8 earned runs. Jays lose 12-7. 57-66

Aug 25 - Cecil is roughed up again (this is ugly) - jays lose (again) 7-3 and drop to 57-68.

Aug 26 - Fending off the sweep at least - with a rare, come-from behind, last inning win 3-2. Inch upwards to 58-68. A merciful day  off coming up...oh right, the team heads to Fenway (not good).

Aug 28 - Scutaro gets beaned and the Jay's bullpen coughs up the 6-5 loss. fall to 58-68

Do you know this man?

If so, you know that he is trouble. 4 months ago he didn't even know what a blog was...now he is critiquing mine! I haven't posted in a while, but have been busy. Bad excuse, maybe...but let me distract you...look at the hair on this kid!

July 27 - Jays ventured into Seattle to take on the M's for three before heading to Oakland. Marco Scutaro had 4 hits, Barajas smacked three into play and Alliteration Man got the win 11-4. Jays improve to 49-51.

July 28 - Scott Downs couldn't hold Ichiro and the Mariners in the 9th and the Bluebirds lose 4-3, dropping to 49-52.

July 29 - another squeaker and another one-run loss. The Doc (still a Jay) logged seven innings and took the 'L' after allowing three runs on 11 hits . He struck out six and walked none, his record slipping to 11-4 on the year. Two mistakes cost him: a solo home run to Jose Lopez in the fifth and a two-run double from Ken Griffey Jr. in the seventh. Jays fall to 49-53 and even Doc can't stem the bleeding.

July 31 - Scott Rolen is traded to the Reds....and while I am not surprised by this deal, his bat and defense will be missed.

After an off day, the Jays offense picks up but it is the lack of defense that brings them another loss...this time at the hands of the A's. Good nights by Lind and Hill are wasted by 3 errors and shaky pitching by Scott (North Van) Richmond. A's win 8-5...Jays slip to 49-54.

July ends with a whimper.

Aug 1- the Jays take one back, in one-run style as Cecil settles in after a tough start and the Jays edge the guys in gold and kelly green 6-5. Seasonal record still a tough to look at, 50-54.

Aug 2 - Two in a row! Hill hits (as usual)....Rios hits as well (wow!).Alliteration Man is looking like he has shot at the rookie of the year award as he gives up only 2 runs through 7 innings and the Jays win going away - 7-2. Inching closer to respectibility at 51-54.

Aug 4- After another off day /travel day, the birds fly home to Toronto to face the Yanks for two (why such a short series?). Doc is still with team and gives up 3 home runs for an uncharacteristic loss (5-3). Jays are stepping backwards - 51-55.

Aug 5 - Rzep had a great first 6 innings, but a bad 7th. Jays lose to the Bombers again. This time taking an 8-4 set back on the chin and slip to 51-56.

Aug 7 -   A cool Flashback Friday event - The Jays honour the Back-to-Back 1992 and 1993 WS Championship teams with a weekend of celebrations, past player intro's etc. The 2009 team don 1993 uni's with WS patches. This little bit of mojo along with a real off day (no traveling) doesn't help the team as they lose anther one, this time to the Orioles. Despite rare back to back dingers by Rios and Wells (really!) Alliteration Man gives up 4 runs and League allows another 3 to cross. Jays lose 7-5 and move to 51-57 overall.

Aug 8 -Cecil and Tallet grind it out and Lind and a surprising Rios combine for most of the offense. Jays take one back from the orange birds...winning 3-2 in the 10th, and improve to 52-57.

Aug 9 -Doc's back on form...allowing 2 earned runs through 8 innings pitched. Jays take the rubber match from Baltimore decidedly, 7-3 and inch upwards again to 53-57. Houston Astro's  outfielder Carlos Lee slugs his 300th career home run...joining fellow 'Stro's Berkman and Pudge, who also reached that lofty plateau this year.

Aug 10 - Alex Rios is gone to the White Sox. Picked up on waivers.

For the second time this season, the Jays give up a player (see BJ Ryan) while getting nothing in return. Unlike BJ, Rios has some upside and while he has been hot and cold (mostly cold) all season...getting a minor leaguer or two would have been good. It appears that his 70 million dollar salary was the obstacle to allow a trade, but did not disaude the Windy City Sox from picking him up.

Kate's, who has him on her fantasy team has this to say "the overall hotness factor of the team has slipped" but  she "is relieved to here that Doc is not gone". 

Busy night for milestones around the leagues as Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies hit for the cycle tonight....legging out a triple in the 7th...that's the 6th time in 2009.

Vlad Guerrero of the Angles slugs his 400th career homer at home to the Rays.

Back to the Jays game - no rest this time as the team heads out to the Bronx and beat the Yanks 5-4. Third win in row (this is exciting stuff folks!) improves their record to 54-57.

Aug 11 - Lots of bombs in this one. Randy Ruiz, a journeyman 31 year old call up from AAA "Lost Wages" hits one out on Joba...but the Jays lose 7-5 and land at 54-58 over all.

Aug 12- Jays knock out 14 hits, twice the number that the pinstripers got, and even with another dinger by Ruiz, the Jays still lose. Dropping a 4-3 heart breaker in the 11th.

Can the Jays win in extra innings??? Doesn't look like it. They slip again - 54-59.

Aug 14 - The ever traveling Jays move on to the 'Trop" and take the opener from the Rays behind a great outing by Halladay. They win 5-2 and notch upwards to 55-59.

Felix Pye of the Orioles hits for the cycle...and doesn't even realize that he's done it.

Aug 15 - Haven't written about the 'Stache' in a while (may have mentioned Tallet and Tullet, but not Brian's lip appendage nor Ash's power alleys).

The 'Stache' resurfaced for the first start since July 25th and looked like Matthew returning to the soccer pitch - clean and ready to go, but actually, rather limp and unable to do the job! Brian gives up 5 runs in 5.2 innings and the Jays lose 8-3 to a surging Rays squad. Record is not good  - 55-60.

Aug 16 - passed over, former Jays' catcher - Greg Zaun made the team 'pay' for not renewing his contract in '09. Just over from the O's where he hit rarely (except against the Jays) he smacks a pinch hit Grand Slam to knock the wind out of League and the blue birds.

I watched this one (haven't been able to catch a game on the tube in a while) and it looked like Brandon severed it up on a platter for Zaunie. Jays lose 5-2 and fall again, to 55-61.

Good news - the team heads home for 9 games in 9 nights. Bad news - they play Boston, the Angels and the Rays again.

July has been a dog for my Blog and for the Jays.....

 

The month isn't over, but as the Jays are sitting on a July record of 7-13 as of July 26th, it should be.

No excuse for dropping the ball on my game by game reporting, except to say that I really haven't been inspired by the team's play. Saying that, there have been some interesting milestones reached around the leagues and the will-he-be-traded saga surrounding Doc is intriguing.

Here's the briefest of brief "recaps" of the games:

July 1 - Aliteration Man is good in red and the Jays win 5-0 over the Rays, on Canada Day (42-38)

July 3 - Tallet's mustache heads to the Bronx for the 1st time at the New Yankee Stadium, but can't hold the Bombers as they win 4-2 (42-39)

July 4 - Halladay had a silghtly off night as the game goes to extras and the Jays lose a squeaker 6-5 in 12 innings (42-40). A rare bit of good news for the lowly Nats - Adam Dunn slugs his 300th career home run and unlike the Happy Youngster (who is an interesting guy) the Army Colonel that catches it, asks for nothing; but recives a ton of stuff.

July 5 - Ugly loss. Big lead coughed up by Cecil and BJ Ryan. Jays lose 10-8 and drop to 42-41.

July 6 - Yanks sweep?

No, but are just barely held off by Romero and the Jays. A 7-6 win keeps the team above .500 at 43-41. Interesting story...two Indian athletes that tried out for, and won a contest for the hardest throwing men in India, then signed professional ball contracts with the Pirates after having never plyed anything close to baseball before (but cricket), debut in the Gulf Coast League tonight. I watched an interview program about these guys months ago and they are adjusting OK but say they don't like the American women..."too fat" !

July 7 - On to Tampa...things don't get any better. Rookie Marc Rzepczynski pitches very well in his MLB debut, but a 3-1 loss in extras drops the Blue Birds to 43-42

July 8 - Lots of offence, for both sides. Rays win a slugfest 10-9 and Jays even out for the year at 43-43.

 Jays flat out release B. J. Ryan...wow! Can't trade him (not even for a bag of bats)...can't demote him to the minors...so the had to release him and continue to pay the $15 million owed to him on his contract. Are MLB salaries out of control? Yes.

July 9 - Another tough, one run loss and this time it causes a sweep too. Doc pitches hard but the offence is quiet. Jays lose 3-2 and fall below .500 at 43-44.

July 10 - Bring on the O's! (I say that, but they aren't really that bad this year). Jays win one on the road - 2-0. Cecil piches well and Rolen extends his hitting streak to 25 games. 44-44.

Big Papi, slumping for the better part of the season knocks his 300th career tater over the wall at Fenway. Johnathan Sanchez tosses the first no-hitter of the season for his Giants, blanking the Padres 8-0, after coming back to start after being demoted to the bullpen. He missed a perfecto by one error.

July 11 - Another extra inning loss. This time the Jays fall to a walk-off homer in the 12th, 4-3. Record is 44-45

July 12 - Jays enter the much needed All Star break on a 4-2 loss to the O's. Record slumps to 44-46.

July 14 - Doc starts for the AL in the All Star Game amid swirling trade speculations - gives up 2 runs through 2 innings and leaves the game with his side down by one. Hill subbed-in as a last minute starter due to Pedroia's departure (Hill is having a better year) lasts 6 innings, gets 3 at-bats but no hits. Puts in some nice defensive work and the AL rallies to win 4-3 and extend their winning ways to 13 games.

July 16 - Jays don't play but the Phillies slugger Ryan Howard hits the 200th homer of his career...so what? He does so in the fewest games ever. Little girl in FLA that caught the ball asks to meet Ryan and have a ball signed in exchange for the game ball, now claims that she was snubbed and wants the milestone ball back! Is everyone getting "Happy" fever?

July 17 - Jays head to Beantown and pick up right where they left off - losing 4-1. Romero gets knocked around. Jays fall to 44-47. The Cubbies pick up BJ Ryan and send him to the minors, to see if he can come back and help them. So the guys gets to earn 15 million plus approx. $2 grand a month while touring around in the bushes.

July 18 - Marc Rzepczynski notched his first big league victory in the third start of his career and Jays hit a little to; winning 6-2 and inch up to 45-47

July 19 - In what could have been his last home game as a Jay, Doc outduels the BoSox and John Lester and Barajas provides enough offense for a complete game win - 3-1. Jays improve against an unlikely foe to 46-47

July 21 - After an off day, the Jays face Cliff Lee of all pitchers. The reigning Cy Younger didn't disappoint the Cleveland fans in attendance as he pitches masterfully. Cecil did too, but closer Scott Downs botches the game and the Jays lose 2-1. Drop again to 46-48

July 22 - Scutaro hit two, Hill, Rios and Wells hit one a piece and despite a sub-par game by the Alliteration Man the Jays win 10-6 and improve to 47-48.

July 23 - Second No-No of the month (and of the season) this time is a perfect game. Mark Buehrle sits down 27 Rays in a row. A great catch by Dewayne Wise saves the 18th perfect game of all time. Costly errors undo a decent night by the rookie with  the tough to pronouce name. Jays crawl back but untimatley lose 5-4. 47-49 overall

July 24 - Roy's last game as a Jay? At home at least perhaps? If he goes, he goes in style; and not just becuase he was wearing the awesome baby blues, but because he pitched 9 innings of 4 hit ball and left with a 2-2 tie. Downs blows it again and the Jays do wheat? Lose in extras 4-2. 47-50

July 25 - I wanted to watch this one. Glad I didn't. Oh sure, it started off well - 2 homers by Hill, and tons of offense. The Jays build a 9-1 lead through 6 innings. Cruising! It wasn't just Scott Downs that let the Rays back in the game, but he lost it, again. This time in embarrasing, 12th inning fashion 10-9. Sigh...the Jays are 47-51 and falling fast.

July 26 - Cecil and Rolen combine to pick the birds up and the team wins one, 5-1 over the Rays; improving to 48-51.

July 27 - Team is as close to me as they ever get in the season. Playing in Seattle for a early week , 3 game set against Ichiro and the Mariners. Let's see who wins this series as the M's are hurting of late too. 

A warm night at the Ballpark! Ok Blue Jays!

June 24 - To say that I was pleased to be able to attend this game in person, would be an understatement!  Kates, Juney, 'The Rev', Matthew and I were able to sit together, thanks to Matt for his two tix and to a friend of Kate's colleague, who works for the team, for 4 more.  Loved being back at the stadium...and it was fun to share it with my family.

Matt told me that it might have been the first game that the roof was open for the game, this season? It was hot (a tad humid actually) and the sky was clear, a perfect night for baseball. We sat to the right of home plate, about 20 rows back (sat briefly with Matt in his seats just beyond 3rd base, for the 1st inning, until we moved over). Here's some pics Katie and I took (i will use them through a few more game recaps...'cause why not?:

It was cool that BC-boy, Scott Richmond was starting the game that night. Scott was given a little room to breathe in the first inning as the Jays scored 5 runs, off home runs by Aaron Hill (go KTV!), Lind (go baseball tourist!) and Vernon Wells. Scott threw 7 innings of 2-hit, 2-run ball and the Jays kept up the pressure, winning 8-2. The team was clicking on this night as they improved their record to 40-33.

June 25 - Brett Cecil's rough start in this game put the possible sweep in jeopardy. The offense tried to pick the hurler up, and tied it a 5 in the 5th, long after Cecil left the game, but my fantasy teamer, and hometown guy, Joey Votto did the damage all night, going 4 for 5 with a HR and 3 ribbies. Nice points for my team, but way did he have to do it all tonight against my Jays. Bluebirds lose 7-5 and fall to 40-34.

 

June 26 - Had to go back and check, to be sure  - sure enough, the Jays do play well when wearing the ole' baby blue togs. 4-2 on Flashback Fridays so far this season coming into this game, in fact. The Alliteration Man pushed it 5-2, with a throwback performance of his own against those defending Champs, the Phils . Romero took a no-no into the 7th (giving up a just two hits and no runs before handing the ball to the pen, after the frame). Hayhurst and Accardo mopped up with one inning's work each and just like that  - Jays win 9-1 and move to 41-34 overall.

June 27 - Baseball gods giveth and they taketh away too! After Jays pitchers combine to throw a 3-hitter the day before, the wheels fall off the truck on this night. having to rely on a steady diet of rookie arms, Cito trots Brad Mills out and the 'meat' gets tenderized - the the tune of 8 runs on 8 hits through 4 innings. The Phils main-marinater was former Jay, Jayson Werth, who went a perfect 4 for 4, with 2 dingers; including a absolute bomb into the 5th deck. This is a rare shot....only the 14th time in 20 years of the history of the stadium. Kates has this monster on her fantasy team - nice one Varns!

The offense couldn't muster any response, posting only 5 hits and ZERO runs and allowing Phils pitcher (Happ) to throw a CG shutout. Ugly....and to add to the pain, the Yanks, BoSox and now the Rays are all winning in bunches and the Jays are falling back to 4th in the East, with their 41-35record, fresh on the heels of this 10-0 drubbing. Happy moment (from the Wednesday game...oh well....Kates on the Jumbotron)

June 28th - Despite a couple of home runs of he mini-milestone variety by Hill (including the first, Hill's 19th big fly of the season, setting a Jays record for knocks in a season, dethroning Jays great, Roberto Alomar...and the second....extending his own record......it isn't even the All Star break yet...will he get 40?) Tallet, the mustachioed one couldn't hold on. The Phils take the rubber match and the series with a 5-4 win by a second baseman. Jays are 41-36.

June 29 - NO relief for the bluebirds as the defending AL Champs head in T.O. for the first time this season...in fact this is the first series played between the AL East combatants. Interleague may have its advantages after all, huh Cito? To bad for the Jays that they aren't playing the slumping Rays that started the season poorly, as the Rays pitcher bettered Doc, who was just back from injury, (and lasted 6 innings, giving up only 2 runs on 5 hits. He left with some mild Doc-rust after 88 pitches and the offense continued to get nothing going against the rookie Ray hurler - smattering 5 hits and a single run. Jays lose 3-1 and the dreaded .500 mark seems so close, at 41-37.

June 30 - The end of the month and it looks like ground hog day as the Jays lose again 4-1. Richmond goes 6 innings, but gives up 3 solo homers - not bad, except that the hitters couldn't get anything going. Ouch...record is now 41-38.

Catching up with the Jays in June and with Juney.

June 20 - Juney's 70th birthday! Kates and I head to Toronto to share the day with my Ma.

The Jays drag a game into extras for the second night in row against the Nats, and for the second straight night, they lose. Brett Cecil comes up from Sin City to log 7 innings - giving up 8 hits and only 3 runs. A quality start that kept the Jays and their quiet bats in the game; but the offense only managed 9 hits and 3 runs themselves through 12. Jays lose 5-3 and drop to 37-33 on the campaign.

 
June 21 - Sweep averted. Alliteration man goes 7, scattering 8 hits and only alowing 2 runs. Lyle Overbay kicks it into high gear with 5 rbi's. 13 hits total for the team (that's more like it!). Jays win 9-4 and inch upwards to 38-33. 

June 23 - After an off day, Etobicoke boy, Joey Votto and his Reds come to town to take on the Jays. Tallet's lip appendage pitched VERY well. The line - 6 innings, 3 hits,  no runs, 7 strikeouts. The hitters threw 12 hits and 7 runs on the board, enough to withstand a late inning charge by Cinncy. As for Votto (who is on my fantasy team and has been recovering from a mysterious inner ear/anxiety illness for the better part of a month)..he shook of the rust and went 1-4. Jays win 7-5 and improve to 39-33.

Next game....I was there! With the gang - Kates, Juney, 'The Rev" and 'Ash'. That is officially a baseball event and deserves its own post.

I'm back on track. Jays are hot and cold. Lot of milestones. Ok, now I am tired.

I'M BACK !! After a long delay...no excuses, just been busy! I have 16 Jays games to cover and a bunch of other stuff as well.....and I'll do 8 Toronto games now and 8 in another post...so bear with me and pls forgive my slacking.

I mentioned in my last post that Ricky Romero was facing another tough test in Texas on June 10, as the Jays looked for a 4th straight win. The game was rained out. 

On the 10th - the MLB Draft 1st overall pick went to the lowly Washington Nationals - and to no one's surprise they selected San Diego State's righthander - Stephen Strasburg.  Coached by a favourite player of mine, HOF'er -Tony Gywnn, Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 15 starts the past season at San Diego State. He also struck out 195 batters with just 19 walks in 109 innings.

Back to the jays and Rangers - the two teams dried off the field and faced off on the 11th...with the Jays looking for a sweep of the shortened series. It was as anticipated - a pitcher's duel. Romero lasted 6 and a third, giving up 5 hits, striking out 6 and allowing only one earned run; but that was all Millwood and the Rangers needed. Texas wins 1-0 and the Jays fall to 34-28 over all.

Meanwhile in Cleveland - a seagull pulls a "Dave Winfield" (albeit, not as fatal) and helps the Indians win against the Royals and perhaps, wings its way into Zack Hample's next book? The Jays add Canuck talent to their minor league rosters - by taking an Ontario native and another BC boy, (this time from Ladner) in the draft. James Paxton, a left-hander from the University of Kentucky is the Left-Coaster and Toronto also chose Canadian lefty, high schooler Jake Eliopoulos, from nearby Newmarket, Ontario.

June 12 -Loving the retro uni's...NOT loving the fact that Doc strained his groin and had to leave the game against the Marlins in the 4th inning. As usual, Halladay kept the team in it, departing the game down 1-0. Scott Richmond came in from the bullpen and the Jays tied it up, and then took the lead. Florida chipped away until they put the game away for good in the 8th with 5 runs off Brandon League, who took the 7-3 loss. Jays drop to 34-29.

June 13 -  Alex Rios, he of the off-again, on-again season, went 4 for 4 with a dinger and the Jays had a chance to win in the 9th, when Wells couldn't get his hit (going 0-5, for the game). Janssen took the loss, giving up all 5 runs, on 5 hits including 2 home runs - departing after only 3 and 2/3. Jays lose a tough one 6-5 and end the day at 34-30.

Do you remember when Dye and Konerko hit their respective 300th career home runs in back-to-back at-bats in the same game? Today, two important hitting milestones were reached by teammates in the same game, but this time they were separated by a batter. Astro's Miggy Tejada and Lance Berkman hit their 2,000 hit and 300 dinger respectivley, in this fashion. Trivia question -who was the batter between them? Answer.

June 14 - NO! Marlins sweep. Roy misses start and Tallet's mustsache couldn't pick up the pitcher where they left off after the last outing together...as they allowed 8 runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings! It was just too ugly to keep writing about. Jays drop a series and are nearing the .500 level, at 34-31.

June 16 -  I watched this one and while it was a win, it wasn't pretty. After a needed day off the Jays traveled to play the Phillies and gave the ball to the Alliteration Man. He didn't disappoint - lasting 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and striking out 9 batters. The Jays tied the game in the 9th and had a great chance to win it with the bases loaded in each of the last 3 innings - finally pounding out 5 runs in the 10th, to win 8-3 and move to 35-31 for the year.

June 17 - Scott (North Vancouver) Richmond strikes out 11 of the first-place, defending champion Phillies and Scutaro and Hill bang out 3 hits and the Jays win 7-1 and pull up to a 36-31 record.

More Astros milestones - man this team is old! Pudge squats for 2,227 games - behind the plate that is. A season of milestones unfolds for the man who had no team in the Spring as Rodriquez breaks he another Pudge's record (Carlton Fisk) for most games caught in MLB history.

June 18 - Mini Sweep! Taking 3 games from the Phils after dropping 3 at home to the Marlins. This game reflected the type of month the team is having..back and forth, see-sawing leads and frustrating and exciting ball. Another Jays rookie pitcher makes his MLB debut in '09 - this time, its Brad Mills who goes a pedestrian 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 hits and 4 runs, while striking out 2. Barajas hits a pinch hit dinger in the 9th and the Jays starting catcher - Chavez and Lind (my guy!) also poke one out, each. Marco Scutaro (say it again KTV!) pranks the Phils, by stealing 2nd, seconds after he reaches first base, after a walk - never seen that before! Jays squeak one out 8-7 and land at 37-31.

June 19 - From the home of the first place Phillies the Jays travel to visit the cellar-dwelling Nationals, and they pounded them right? Nope! After having to call on almost the entire bullpen in the previous game, Cito pulled a decent Tallet (not by the mustache, mind you) after 5 innings, and only down one run - to play the percentages and replace Tallet's bat with a pinch hitter. Cito has said that he isn't a fan of interleague play - as AL team pitchers just don't get enough hitting experience to make it equitable. The gamble didn't work and while the relief corps help on and Toronto tied it up, they lost in extras (2-1). Jays drop to 37-32. 

Whew! Tired. Must rest. Back soon (really).

Jays on a bit of a roll, but I'm behind. SkyDome is 20 !

I have been watching the games and keeping up on the collecting hobby news, even monitoring the losing status of my MLB Fantasy team (damn that Matthew!).

The Jays have turned it around since last Friday..starting with a big win over Greinke and the Royals.

June 5 - Alliteration Man picked a great time to pull it together - going 7 great innings, scattering 5 hits and 3 runs. The Jays offense did what no team has been able to do to the KC ace...knock him out and hit a home run off him (2, in fact). Overbay (more on him later) and Lind took Zack yard, putting him out of the game after 5 innings, and having given up 7 earned. Greinke's ERA 'shot' up to 1.55 after the game! Jays improve to 31-26.

 

Need to mention that this weekend (in fact, the June 5th game) marked the 20th year of the Rogers Centre...formally called the SkyDome. Having worked in the stadium for 10 years, off and on and lived next door for a season...and having gone to countless events there, I have a fondness for the concrete and steel monstrosity. I also have some great  memories from the Jay's former home, 'The Mistake on the Lake" - the old 'Ex" as it was known. Ask me the one about Matt falling up the stairs into his pizza "Come on Jess!!".

 

June 5th was another of the Jays'  'Flashback Fridays'....I love the retro Jays uni's; especially the powder blues! Above is my Tony Fernandez, 1988 gamer (with some other Jays items), that is signed by the Dominican gold glove shortstop. Tony is a classic Jay and a standout player from my early days as a fan of the team. He played 17 years in the bigs, including 4 separate stops in Toronto (1983-1990, 1993, 1998-99 and 2001). He picked up a World Series ring in 1993, 4 gold gloves, 5 all star selections and was honoured with his name and number being added to the "Jays Level of Excellence".

1988 was a great year for Tony - 186 hits including 41 doubles, .287 batting average, a .971 fielding percentage, on his way to his 3rd gold glove of 4 in a row. Tony finished his career with 2276 hits and a .278 BA.

I just finished reading a interesting book entitled - 'EL BEISBOL - Travels Through the Pan-American Pastime',  By John Krich. It is written in 1989 and covers a baseball-loving writer's journeys through Latin America. Tony is highlighted, as is the 'shortstop factory' - Tony's hometown - San Pedro de Macoris.

 

Back to the Jays..and a loss to KC on June 6th - Scott Richmond of BC, looked great at the outset...allowing only one single to George's fantasy team member (that I recommended, no less) Callaspo. Scott was otherwise perfect through 4 innings. Didn't last...as the Royals got 5 runs in the 5th and took the game 6-2. Jays falter to 31-27 overall.

June 7th - enter Roy Halladay. Complete game. Shutout. 6 Ks. Done. Major League leading 10th win of the year. Lyle Overbay continued to look good - slugging a long shot of the top of Windows Restaurant in dead centre. I managed in Windows for a few years and this is a feat. Only happens a few times, if at all all season. Hill snaps his 0-25 slump with a home run of his own, and amazingly, still held the MLB hit lead despite the slide, in which his average dippedc from the .340's to just over .300. Great game to watch! Jays win 4-0 and move up to 32-37 on the campaign.

June 8 - Jays, with Casey Janssen on the mound, travel to hitter-friendly Arlington to face the Rangers for 4. Overbay earns 'MLB Player of the Week' nod (not THAT kind of player) - hitting at a .533 clip, with 2 impressive dingers and 8 ribbies. Adam Lind knocks 2 out of the park (of course, I sat him in my fantasy league for the first time all year...to give some 'hot' hitters a chance to shine...see what facing Ashley does to a man's mindset). Casey pitched well enough to win and the Jays hung on for a 6-3 victory (33-27).

June 9 -The Stache of Brian was dominating! Actually, the hairy appendage itself looked a little diminished in this game - kind of blending in with his chin stubble...but it piched well! 7 innings (tying his longest outing ever) and gave up 2 hits. Lind hit another big fly (good form the Jays, bad for my points) and Hill also knocked one out (good for Kates and also proving that the 0-25 snide is forgotten).Jays inch up to 34-27 on the season.

Another big test for Romero tonight...no let down after beating Greinke last week, the Alliteration Man must face Texas' Kevin Millwood.

He does it! He does it too! They do it and then they don't and don't again.

 Randy, Ichiro and the Jays, Jays, Jays, I mean.

June 2nd - Ichiro didn't waste anytime getting his hit - a lead-off infield single in the bottom of the 1st. He set a new franchise record - hitting safely in 26 straight games. Always one to jump on things a tad late, perhaps I should look at Ichiro for my "Hit Streak Contest" pick? Nah...flash in the pan!

In T.O. The D.R. pitched "lights out" - settling a new personal, one game, strikeout standard with 14 Ks. Roy threw a complete game, 9- hitter, giving up 4 runs. Jays knock in 6, to take it. Halladay's league leading 9th win moves the team to 30-24 overall. I know that Greinke (who pitches against the Jays on Friday is good, but I would still put my $ on Roy).

June 3rd -  It may be too early for awards, but he is almost half way to DiMaggio's hit streak of 56. Mr. Suzuki pads his team bench mark - moving to 27 straight. I watched this game, and it was good one! Beltre provided all the Seattle offense including a homer and a walk-off single in the 9th. O's slugger, Luke Scott did likewise for the losers (Nice! I added him to my Fantasy team this week). Rookie catcher Wieters, whom I also added - not so good (0-3). Seattle didn't play last night (June 4) but are underway shortly tonight (June 5th) vs. Minny.

Also on the 3rd - "The Big Unit" looked to ring up his 300th win, but the rains washed his chances and the game away. Zack, who attended the monsoon, didn't have any fun either. Image is from Zack's blog (hope you don't mind sir?).

Back at Rogers - it wasn't pretty. Jared Weaver and the A's stuck it to the Jays and Casey Janssen. 8-1 loss - Jays drop to 30-25.

June 4th - Any big news? Giants and Nats play two. Randy gets his 6 innings in of 2 hit ball (with one earned run) and departs with a the slimest of slim leads. SF holds on (adding a cushion) and wins it for him with virtually nobody around to see it. Come on Washington - this is only the 24th pitcher ever to have thrown for 300 career victories, and maybe the last?! Who else will want to pitch for 21 years in this era? The guys is 45! Look at the image above! I can only get in that pose, if I fall off the couch!

Any not so big news? Jays lose a squeaker as Tallet's "stash lasted 6 and the Jays, despite leaving tons of runners in scoring position, rallied to tie the game - then drop a 6-5 decision. Angels leave town with the series and the Jays stay at home to play KC. At 30-26, 500 ball is looming....a don't see this team as mediocre...just pitching delpleted.

Pacific Baseball - 25 game hit streak /500 strikeouts/ 300 win watch

Since moving to Vancouver I have be 'forced' to watch a lot of Seattle and San Fran Giants games, due to the pacific time zone TV scheduling. I don't mind really - after all, it IS baseball. Seattle is better this season and San Fran has a competitive team too. Both have great ballparks.

I enjoyed my first game at Safeco with Kates, last summer and just returned from a May, two game set in  SF.  KTV and I had fun with Ichiro in Seattle and he is having a blast of his own lately - having hit safely in his last 25 games....tying a Mariners team record. He will go for 26 tonight vs. the Orioles.

Already today, 2008 NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum notched his 500th career strikeout. Did it fast too...69 games. Not bad. Not something I would typically mention, but I just wanted to find a way to get a picture (above) of Tim that I took from the field at AT&T during the second game in May that Wally and attended (it was photo day).

The first game of our SF weekend ended up being the 297th win of "The Big Unit's" career. Randy is sitting on 299 (wins and will pitch for 300 tomorrow in Washington, against the cellar-dwelling Nats. Here's a couple of shots I took of Johnson - one from the field (the game after his 297th) and one from our seats (from his previous night's victory). It takes a long and healthy career to reach 300 victories - consider that it took Randy a month to move from 297 to 299.

2 out of 3 ain't bad

May 29 - The Jays return to the friendly confines of Rogers Centre (can that description only be used for Wrigley Field?); where they have been very good in '09. They donned the sexy baby-blues and readied themselves to tackle Tim Wakefield's knuckler. Casey pitched a solid game - just like I hoped he would, and just what the boys needed - 7 innings, 3 runs allowed. The offense, led by Rolen and Scutaro plated 5 runs in the 5th and the pen held tough. Jays 6, Sox 3 - losing streak mecifully over. Team moves up to 28-23 overall.

May 30 - Rios, Scutaro and Lind provided the bulk of the hits and ribbies and Brian Tallet's 'stash combined with an effective Brandon League and a closer-like Scott Downs, to nibble at Boston pitching and quietly take the first two from the Bean-eaters. Jays win 5-3 and at 29-23 move back to within half a game of the Yanks and first place. A sweep would go a long way to help the Jays fandom forget the past 2 weeks.

May 31 - Sweep? They didn't have it. Ricky didn't - 4 innings, 6 hits, including 2 more bombs allowed and 5 runs. The hitters didn't - 13 strikeouts (only Wells of the starting nine didn't wiff). Jon Lester DID have it. Jays lose handily (8-2) and drop to 29-24. I think that Ricky might get one more start to prove himself and Cito will make a move. My guess, Scott Richmond will be bumped up and Ricky may see Triple A?

And on the 10th day, they rested.

I

Is Doc throwing up a little, in his mouth? Might be.

The 9th loss of 9 in a row, the capper on the worst road trip in Jay's history -  was a killer. It looked like a laugher, with Doc leaving the game after 7, with a 5 run lead. The fat lady hadn't sung however, and the O's quickly got to the Jays pen and tied the game - sending the contest into extras and Roy to the showers with a no-decision.

The Jays offense, which had slumbered for the better part of 8 straight games (especially in the clutch) wasn't going to take this one lying down, and tried their best to save the relief pitchers from themselves. Specifically, Aaron Hill stroked a two run dinger in the 11th and the Blue Birds were back on top 10-8. Enough right? No. Wolfe came on, and was the goat (in sheep's clothing?)...giving up a 3-run shot to a AAA call-up. Jays lose a 5 run lead and then a 2 run advantage...and then the game.

9 losses in a row on the road. Hasn't been done before in Jays history. Ouch.

23-17 overall. Team heads home for a day off today, but here comes the BoSox.

Romero is back....backing up to wall that is.

Not sure he needs to be asking BJ for advice on how not give up home runs?

May 26 - Aliteration Man, Rickey Romero returns from his rehab stint, after recovering from a strained oblique muscle, he had hurt....while sneezing (really). The kid looked good early in the season and may again, but not tonight.

See...I have this two part theory - 1) when a rookie pitcher comes up, he must be good. He's starting in the 'show" right? So, he has the stuff...maybe not the strongest arm, or the best location, or the best curve etc., but he has enough to let the big club give him a shot. Rarely, as I beleive, do the rookies (pitchers or hitters) have the mental game...the strength they need for the show, right away. Only natural. Exposure to the grind, practice in the pressure cooker against the best players, will shape your mental resolve one way or another. Not to say that Romero hasn't got this resolve, this shaping yet...i don't know? But perhaps a guy like Scott Richnond, an older rookie,  has a better shot at dealing with all the game will throw at him?

2) The aforementioned boilerplate rookie may have the talent to fool a few lineups that haven't seen him pitch (and haven't got a "book" on him yet) and a rookie hiter may hit a few pitchers hard (Travis Snider?, heck ..Carlos Delgado when he came up), but sooner than later, the teams adjust and ususally shut the hitters down, or rough up the pitchers a bit.

Is this what happened to Rickey in his first game back - possibly? Or was he rusty? Still hurt? A few more games will let us know. Alliteration man gave up 11 hits and 5 runs, including 3 bombs, and departed after 5 1/3 innings. The hitters (even the vets) weren't much help - stranding 10. Jays lose 7-2 and fall to 27-22.

7 in a Row - Stop the Bleeding! / Another Cycle for the Twinkies

May 22 - Jays and Cito return to Altanta for their first game of '09 Interleague play and Cito's first game at the helm since his Game 6 WS win in 1992. With Roy on the hill, the Jays looked to stop the mini losing streak and get back in the win column. No dice. The Doc pitched...well, Doc like (7 innings, 5 hits, ZERO earned runs), but had to be pulled as the Jays had not put any runs on the board either, and Roy was coming around to bat again. Carlson came on, gave up a quick double, a ground out(moving the runner to third) and a sac-fly. One run...no responding offense from the Jays....game over. With this hard luck loss (1-0), the team falls to 27-18.

 

Twins's right fielder Micheal Cuddyer smacks his first career cycle at home versus the Brew Crew. Only the 10th Twinkie ever (and the seconsd this year) to do so. He did it is 4 straight at-bats - homer, double, single and triple. 5 cycles were hit in 2008 and now, this season, there have been 4 through May 22.

May 23 - Casey Janssen gave the Jays almost what they needed...PROS: a non-rookie arm on the mound and one that ate up 6 innings. Despite coming back from AAA after a long rehab, Casey gave up 3 runs on 8 hits.....adequate, considering the Jays typically active offense this season. CONS: the offense didn't kick in until the 9th, staging a comeback - loading the bases, but falling short. Jays drop loss 4-3 and fall to 27-19 but cling to 1st place by 1/2 a game over the BoSox.

May 24 - Scott Richmond gives up two solo taters in the first, but settled down and lasted 5 innings. Frason and Camp then took a beating - (7 runs in the 7th) from the Braves and the Jays were done 10-2. 27-20 on the season and out if first place. Braves sweep at Turner Field. 

May 25 - Wow! This is worse than I feared! The pitching was good in today's afternoon tilt at Camden Yard, vs. the Orioles...but the batters haven't been able to cash in runners, despite banging out another 9 hits. Brian Talet's mustchace and his snappy, Memorial Day cap, drop to 2-3 with the 4-1 loss and the Jays continue their tumble to 27-21.

SWEPT BY THE BOSOX...uhhg! / VANCOUVER MAN DONATES A RARE, RUTH & GEHRIG SIGNED 1934 TOUR OF JAPAN BALL TO HOF

May 19 - Tallet's mustache continues to pitch well, but this game, it was pitted against a knuckle ball artist (Tim Wakefield). Brian gave up only 2 runs on 4 hits through 6, but the wily vet, Wakefield gave up only one run through 8...and scattered 5 hits. Jays fall to 27-15.

May 20 - Uh oh! Rookie Brett Cecil looked a lot like the guy in the photo above during this one.  He gave up five (yes 5!) homers to the Sox..including the first of the season to "Big Papi" - David Ortiz and one to the ever-dangerous, but just returned from the DL" Yoooooouk". Taters were flying out over the heads of the Jays fielders at a record pace. Actually, at a record-tying pace. Ray matched a dubious team record held by former Cy Younger - Pat Hentgen. The Jays offense hit 14 knocks of their own, but they were scattered and the runs (3) came to late and too few. The 8-3 result pushed the Blue Birds back to 27-16.

May 21-The "Green Monster" hasn't been kind to the boys...or are the Jays coming back down to earth after their tremendous start? The run of the rookie pitcher might just be over....as Robert Ray loses tonight in Fenway after giving up 5 runs on 6 hits, and lasts only 4 1/3. The Jays still pumped out 11 hits, including at least one from everyone in the lineup, save Lind (of course..he is on my fantasy team). At 27-17 they are still in 1st place, but the Jays need some healthy and experienced pitchers back soon.

An amazingly rare, 1934 Tour of Japan "team" signed, barnstorming ball - autographed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Connie Mack, Lefty O'Doul and others was donated by a Vancouver gent...to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Nice gesture, especially when you realize that it surely worth six figures. Here's the story.

SWEEP! Jays take 4 from the ChiSox / Pudge smacks 300 (Jays 27-14 on the Campaign)

May 15 - Rookie Bret Cecil improves to 2-0 with a 6 inning, six hit performance over the Sox. Three hits from Hill, and two from each of Rolen (who is heating up), Scutaro and Lind....pushing the Jays to a 8-3 win in their baby blues. Jays are 24-14 overall.

May 16 -Rookie Robert Ray pitches a gem of a game, for his first major league win - 3 hits, one run over 8 innings and Downs comes in for the save. Jays win a squeaker 2-1 despite pounding out 11 hits. Team is 25-14.

May 17 - The Dr. keeps on pitching well and the Jays keep on scoring runs for him. Halladay improves to 8-1 despite giving up 2 quick runs in the first inning. He shut the Sox down after that and Lind, Hill and Rios put up the hits for an impressive 8-2 victory. Jays are 26-14 on the year.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriquez reaches a milestone - his 300th homer of his career. Playing without a team before the season began, Pudge showed that his knees are fit beyond his 37 years and shined in the WBC, representing Puerto Rico. The Astros agreed and gave him a home.  Pudge has played in 14 All-Star Games with the American League, won seven Silver Slugger Awards and 13 Gold Gloves. He's the only ballplayer in history to have at least 13 Gold Gloves and a career batting average of .300 or better.

 May 18 - Scott Richmond bounces back from his two recent setbacks and looks great, going seven innings without giving up a run, on 5 hits. He takes the no decision as Carlson alows the Sox to tie the game at 2 before Alex Rios wins it with a triple. In the pic above, the background of empty seats (24, 206 attended this game, despite it being played on a holiday) is at least a blurred image, as not to highlight the lack of fan support. Was the Jays photog listening to me?

Jays lose a quick 2 to the Yanks - including a tough 3-2 loss - drop to 23-14

May 13 - Scott Richmond has another tough second inning...giving up 5 runs, as the Jays lose to the dreaded Bronx Bombers 8-2. Check out the empty seats behind Scott in the above pic from the game!! First place in May...with NY in town and only 20,164 fans make it out?! Come on T.O....you want to keep this team, or what?

May 14 - Tallet's mustache and Tom Landry fedora (not shown, but ohhh so enjoyed during his on camera, post-game interview)  combine to pitch effectively, giving up 4 hits and only 2 runs over 6...but the bullpen can't hang on.....allowing the Yanks to take this one, 3-2. I am not only one commenting on Tallets mustache...check this out.  The loss drops the Jays to 23-14 and they lose their first home series of the year. The Jays take on the slumping Windy City Sox for 4 next.

The Doc Domintates A.J ...Complete Game 5 Hitter (Jays are 23-12)

WOW! Nice game. Over 43,000 fans witnessed it in person and I, on my couch. Doc Halladay was excellent (as we have grown the be accustomed to) and A.J, Arod and the Yanks were not up to the task. Doc threw a 9 inning, 5 hitter for a 5-1 win (his 7th) and Aaron Hill had two hits (including his 9th homerun of the season) taking the Jays to a lofty 23-12 record.

San Fran Trip update..................... Giants, Pebble Beach, A T & T Park, The Juice, Lefty and more

Wally and I had a great time in rainy and chilly San Fran (kind of reminded me of Vancouver in that respect actually).

We landed on Thursday morning (April 30th) at approximately the same time and hooked up in the airport to take the BART train down to Union Square to our Hotel. We forgot to check out the PCL exhibit that I heard was being added to the terminal someplace....but as it turned out the installation was delayed and it wasn't viewable during our brief trip.

We walked around and then jumped on a hop-on-hop-on sightseeing bus as neither of us had been to the city before. Here are some of the pics.

This interesting building is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and he filmed scenes from the Godfather Trilogy here.

We had beer in Lefty O'Douls place, which was recommended by a number of Net54'ers as a great palce to go. It was filled with baseball pics and some interesting memorabillia (see below). Lefty has a strong tie-in to Vancouver baseball as he managed the 1956 Mounties to an 8th place (67-98) finish.

Here's OJ Simpson's high school football field (I only mention the Juice as he was quite the football player before he threw his life away)

Lombard Street...a crazy winding road that has homes along each side...do they ever get tired of the tourists?

It was an off day for the Giants, but Grant and I headed down to the ballpark to see if we could take a behind the scenes tour - no dice, as we missed the noon tour by 5 hours (nice planning!). We walked around the park anyway and took in the baseball  and nautical sights.

 

 

 

The next day we got up EARLY and rented the last car in SF....paying more than we wanted to, but we had a road trip in mind and wanted to be back to watch 'The Unit" pitch that night.

Here's the Mercedes 350 and pics from our trip down Highway 1 to Pebble Beach, Monterray and Carmel:

Wally and I tossed the ball around on the beach until the rain came back.

  Here's Grant (Wally) at the entrance to Pebble Beach. The 2010 US Open will be played there. I didn't realize that it was a 10 year rotation.

And my perfect-looking swing :) 

We walked into the 'Lodge" and had drinks in the lobby bar and on the terrace looking over the famous 18th-hole and then walked right out to the edge of the green and fairway, to watch a foursome come home. A round at this 'public" course is $495 bucks, so save up your nickles in you want to play.

 

 

 

Lots more, including the game pics...to follow.

Jay stumble a bit but continue to split or win their series (22-11 vs the Yanks on Tuesday)

The Jays look to be the real deal. Albeit, they haven't played the BoSox nor the Yankees yet (that will be sorted out this week, as they take on the Bronx Bombers Tuesday through Thursday).

May 6 - The Jays lead by 3 hits by Aaron Hill and 8 innings of 1 hit ball by The Dr. crush the Angels 13-1 to move to 20-11 on the campaign (the best start since the 1992 WS year).

May 7 - Rookie Rob Ray (Alliteration Man's twin!) couldn't hold of the Angels on this night, giving up 6 runs on 10 hits amd the offense was quiet. Jays lose 6-1 and move to 20-11 on the campaign.

May 8 - Rare back to back losses, this time against a underacheiving A's team. Scott Richmond proves he is human, by losing for the first time this season - giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. Jays lose a close one 5-3 and drop to 20-12 overall.

May 9 -Jays win this one and split the mini-series with Oakland, by holding on to a 6-4 victory; despite giving up three 9th inning runs to the A's. Brian Tallet's mustache (and beard) pitches VERY well, giving up 2 hits and only one earned run over 7 innings. Downs, the closer looks shaky in the 9th. Jays improve to 21-12.

May 10 - Rookie Brett Cecil, who I forgot to mention in his big league debut on Tuesday (sorry Brett) picked up his first win with an impressive 5 hit, 8 inning shutout. Scutaro, Hill, Bautista (nice pick up!) and Rios get 2 hits each. I watched this game and noted that once again, every Toronto starter picked up a hit. The Jays have an impressive 366 team hits thus far (54 ahead of runnerups BoSox and Tampa) and have pounded the ball at a .294 clip.

With an off day on Monday, the Jays head back home to take on the Yanks and former Jays A.J. Burnett...should be good.

San Fran trip puts me way behind in posts / jays recap - sitting at 19-10 going up against the Angels tonight

I have lots of baseball updates , San Fran-style to share, but need to update the Jays games that I missed covering while away, first.

April 30 - Despite Marco's lead off homer, the Jays hit into a team record 6 double plays and lose 8-6, and thus 2 in a row to the surging Royals. This is the first time all year the boys have lost back to back games, but the team has a great April, going 15-9 overall.

May 1st - a new month and back to the winning ways. Flash Back Friday in the retro baby blues, and its the good ole' Dr. again, as Roy wins his 5th game. The 8-4 victory, in the first game played against an AL East rival, (the Orioles) moves the Jays to 16-9 for the young season.

May 2nd - AAA call-up, Robert Ray makes his major league debut, going 5 and 2/3, giving up 4 hits and 3 runs, but settles for a no-decision as the team wins  5-4 in in extras. (17-9 overall)

May 3rd - SWEEP! Vernon and Alex combine for most of the offence and Scott Richmond (of N. Van baby!) goes a strong 7 innings as the blue birds trim the orange roughies 4-3, to land at 18-9.

May 4th -  I need to ad a pic of Cito...as he is quietly leading a rather rag-tag pitching corp and a potent mix of yound and veteran hitters to a sucessful start to the season. Keep smiling Cito!

The game was a rather weird one this night...as Brian Tallet slings a no-hitter through 7 and 1/3 (his longest outing ever) then loses the handle and the Tribe and the Jays see saw back and forth for 12 innings with Cleveland emerging as 9-7 victors...pushing the Jays down a notch to 18-10 overall. I watched this one from the airport in SF, and thought to myself "is Brian going to choke?". He didn't really...he was just over extended and the offense tried to pick him up.

Last night (May 5th) it was the Hill and Lind show again. These guys are hitting the cover of the ball right now! Adam got a hit (again) and 2 ribbies (again) and Lind knocked in a tidy five-spot, to pace the Jays to a 10-6 come-from-behind win agains't the Tribe. Splitting the two game mini-series with the Indians pushed the team to a 19-10 record.

Sidenotes: Scott Richmond is awarded the Rookie of the Month for April for his solid 3-0, 2.70 ERA output

Uhhhg! Tallet gets roughed up, but the Jays do score on Greinke (jays drop to 15-8)

Brian, Brian, Brian....wow! 11 hits and 10 runs...not much to say, except that Cito had to let you remain in the game, as he has no real alternatives right now. On a more positive note, another famous Zack, was finally scored on...after an incredible 43 shutout innings dating back to last year.

The Jays can't win this series, and so ends the streak of success.

I am off to San Fran in the morning to hang out with "Wally" but unfort. not "Little Wally" (also known as Grant and Brett...shown above at a Buffalo Bisons AAA game from a few years ago. We plan to check out 2-3 Giants vs Rockies games. The 'Unit" should pitch one of the 3 as he inches his way to 300 career wins.

Let's hope that no birds are injured this weekend.

Jays Bats Die in KC / 4 No-Hitters in a Row / Hammerin' Hank Gets His Own HOF Room

The hits just keep on coming, but not last night, as the Jays mustered only 2, in a 7-1 loss to the surprising Kansas City Royals. Rookie pitcher David Purcey hasn't looked very comfortable out there this year and my biggest fears are being realized - that Jays hitters can't always make up for the weak (injury depleted) starting pitching.

 

An 18 year old Florida high school hurler pitches 4 no hit games in row and comes up short in his bid for 5.

Former Vancouver Canadians pitcher Tom Drees had 3 in one AAA season (including 2 back-to-back). I found 3 partially-team-signed baseballs at an antique show here in Vancouver. Each is from 1989, the year of Tom's feats and each has Tom's autograph on it.....I will post some pics later (note to self, this blog is too heavy on current themes and too short on vintage ones).

 

Great news if you are planning to tour the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown NY this summer - they have dedicated a room to one on my hero's, MLB's "real" all-time homer champ - Hammerin' Hank Aaron. This has only been done before for one other player - The Babe. I will post some of my Aaron stuff soon too...really.

Jays win 6th straight series with 4-3 victory / Lead league at 14-6

 I picked up Adam Lind recently on my fantasy team. He gave the Dr. a lead in the first and the Jays kept on plugging to earn their 6th series win in a row.  Lind has helped me to hold a slim lead going into the night games this week, against Mr. Dallas "Stubing" Stoltz.

Jays Pound ChiSox and then get Pounded (after 2 in the Windy City they are 13-6)

 

On Friday, Brian Tallett's mustache pitched well in his second 'emergency' start and the Jays pound out a season high 21 hits and 14 runs, while blanking the Sox. Jays take over first in the majors with a 13-5 record. Brian has a really unfortunate 1970's trucker-thing going on...I think he should have stuck with the mullet.

Saturday, it was a reversal of fortunes - as Brian Burres just called up from AAA Las Vegas, made his Jays debut and took the loss. Chitown smacked out 13 hits and took the game 10-2. Jays  drop to 13-6 overall.

BC Boy does good - Jays win 5th series in a row (12-5 to start season)

Nicely done Mr. Richmond!

Scott goes 6 strong, striking out 8. Rios hits one yard (just this week looking comfortable at the plate) and the Jays win 5-2,  moving to 12-6 on the young season. This is the first time since 2001 that a MLB team has won 5 straight series right out of the gate.

The Jays brass must have read my last entry, as closer BJ Ryan has been placed on the 15 day DL. Alongside him is the Aliteration Man, who strained his oblique muscle...sneezing...which I didn't see coming. I am curious as to who the team may bring up to start in his place?

BJ..what's up? Millar saves his bacon as jays move to 11-5 / Pitcher gets no respect

BJ Ryan is a huge man...I met him in the SkyDome Hotel when he first came to the team, so I wouldn't want him to hunt me down and stomp me....but, he sucks right now!

Handed a 3 run lead in the 9th, he coughed it up and was saved by Kevin Millar in the 11th, and 2, 2-run homers by Rod Barajas.

Weird moment for a new Rangers call-up...pitcher, Darren O'Day was added to the big club today and just made it to Toronto tonight, in time for the game. As the game went into extras, he was called upon and it was so unexpected, that the Rangers didn't even have a jersey made up for him. He had to wear #30, not his #56.   Adding insult, he gave up the hit that lost it for the Rangers too....talk about a rough night.

Jays lose when they really had a chance to win and drop to 10-5 on the season

The Dr. coughs up a rare loss. can't win 'em all. 

This pic was taken in the summer by our housemate, Erin. Erin and Andrea came to visit me at a antique show I set up for (and brought me a muffin!)

I was able to visit some of my sold memorabilia, unexpectedly today. I met a marketing partner in sunny New Westminster today and afterward I toured through a row of second hand/antiques stores in the "Royal City". In one, I saw several old jerseys that I sold at a sports show in Vancouver approx. 6 months ago. A gent from Kelowna bought my entire table from me and apparently some of the items have made it to New West (including a 1950's era minor league baseball uniform that I originally purchased in New West!.

The stuff really does get recycled.

This is why I Junk (Part 2) / The Jays Win a Squeaker vs. Oakland

There is still treasure waiting out there to be found.

A rare, 1889 baseball card advertising poster, with an estimated auction value of over $100,000, has been discovered at an estate sale in upstate New York, and will be auctioned in May.

The poster advertises “The Goodwin Round Album,” a nine-page premium album of full-color round baseball card portraits of the leading players of the day. It was available by mail order by sending in coupons packaged with Goodwin Tobacco.

This poster is a one of a kind piece as the two others known are both a different format. One of the two was also heavily restituted. The other was once in the collection of super collector Barry Halper.

This poster is unrestored and in very good condition. It features such future Hall of Fame players as Cap Anson, Mike “King” Kelly, Charles Comiskey, Mickey Welch, Tim Keefe, Roger Connor, John Ward and “Orator Jim” O’Rourke and Charles Comiskey. The poster states “Presented Upon Return of 75 of our Certificates to the Smokers.”

The poster was discovered by a family combing through an estate sale near Albany, NY in March. Two other dealers had been through the estate but had either missed the poster or failed to recognize its value. This family recognized that a 19th century baseball item might have auction value, discovering it atop a dresser, and atop some books, rolled up.

Alliteration Man pitches well......Lyle Overbay offers more than just his bobblehead......and the Jays win a close one, 1-0 over the A's...moving to 10-4 on the season.

 

1923 Babe Ruth Bat/ Another Cycle/ Shef Hits 500/ Jays Win One, Lose One and Win Another (9-4 on season)

I'm a little behind.....

The Yankees open their new stadium on Thursday and brought out a vintage, 1923 Babe Ruth game used bat...the one that he used to hit the first home run in the old stadium. The Bambino's lumber didn't help them, as they lost to the Indians.

Thursday night....the Doc and and a slam by Kevin Millar help the Jays pound the Twins again...moving the team to 8-3.

Friday...the Jays carried on the recent tradition of breaking out the retro baby blue uniforms for their Friday home games. Despite the cool rags, they lost to the Oakland A's.

ANOTHER cycle was hit...this time, by Jason Kubel of the Twins (had to get TO out of town first though).

Gary Sheffield hits his 500th career home run as a Met (in his first at bat) and the guy that grabbed it gave it back for nothing. Shef gave him 5 signed replica jerseys and some bats, but the ball may have been worth up to $100K. I would have held on to it for a while, at least.

On Saturday, while Kates, Agnes, Mark and I were biking the blossoms (I know....I missed a good game) Brian Tallet made his 'emergency" start and pitched very well and Lyle Overbay hit a timley 2 run dinger in the 12th...to take the Jays to 9-4.

Jackie Robinson Day....the Jays Beat Up on Twins to move to 7-3 and 1st in the East....& Another Cycle?

 

Tonight, MLB celebrated Jackie (one of my hero's), on the 62nd anniversary of his brave appearance on the field as the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues.

Also, a  12-2 thrashing including 16 hits (4 of them home runs) was laid upon the Twins tonight.

Scott Richmond from North Vancouver, or as Don Taylor calls him "Scott North Vancouver of Richmond" pitched very well, earning his first win of the year.

And for good measure, following in the O-Dog's steps just two days later, Ian Kinsler of the Rangers has his own massive night...going 6 for 6 and hitting for the cycle to boot. It only happened 4 times in 2008 and 3 times in '07 and here we are with two cycles in April!

Jays and 'rook' Romero Lose a Heartbreaker in the 11th to fall to 6-3

 

The Jays hadn't lost to the Twins in 10 straight games coming in to this game and almost extended that run to 11. 

No fault of Ricky Romero, as the rookie (I'll call him Alliteration Man from now on - get it? - Rookie Ricky Romero) had an excellent outing  only to see his work undone by the Twins...much of the damage caused by a great player, and local hero - the pride of New Westminster BC, Justin Morneau, who scored the winning run.

I met Justin and his significant other on my last day of work at the SkyDome hotel in Toronto in 2007 (the couple were in the hotel for Baseball Canada year end gala events). They both were very nice and Justin was kind enough to sign my Team Canada cap.

Busy Weekend ! Jays Win 3, Lose 1 & Move to 6-2 - The "O-Dog" Hits for the Cycle

Wow...you go away for the long weekend and some good (and ugly) baseball is missed!

First..on Friday, hard luck pitcher Scott Richmond weathered the rain and a team record 3 hour and 47 min delay, ultimately pushing him from the game. Good thing it was the Indians' home opener or if may have been called off before it became "official". Paced by Adam Lind's two doubles and his 3rd homer of the young season, the Jays see-sawed their way to a 13-7 victory and a 4-1 season record.

Saturday saw a battle of former Cy Youngs (Halladay vs. Lee). Doc dominated Cliff, but almost had his work erased by a a wild BJ Ryan. Fraser  came in to end the bleeding and the Jays hung on win 5-4 to go 5-1 for the campaign.

Sunday, while Kates and I were on Bowen Island, David Purcey struck out 10 Indians but took took the loss (8-4) due to inconsistancy. The Indians first win of the season adjusted the Jays downward, to a 5-2 record.

Monday.....I caught some of this game...another see-saw affair, this time amidst the baggies of the Metrodome. Rookie, Travis Snider smacks two dingers, including one that looked like Dallas seeking a beer at the upper deck concessions, as it rocketed out of the seating area through a tunnel and disappeared; and the Jays come from behind to beat the Twinkies 8-6. Litsch left the game early on with a forearm strain and BJ Ryan earned his first save of the year. The blue-birds move to 6-2 overall.

I enjoy the game for the records and a few interesting feats were achieved today...Konerko and Dye of the ChiSox each reached 300 career homeruns in the same game, on back-to-backs at bats no less and a former Jay, Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle in the Dodger's home opener - this is the first LA cycle in 51 years!. I always enjoyed the O-dog's defense but never really though much of his hitting.....I guess I was wrong.

Rookie Rick Romero's Solid MLB Debut takes the Jays to 3-1

Two rookies made their MLB debut in Toronto today.

Romero came out on top, despite his pregame jitters, scattering 2 runs and 7 hits over 6 innings.

This quote from the Jays.com story "Adding to the day was the fact that Romero's entire family -- his parents, two sisters and brother -- were in the stands after a long flight from their home in Los Angeles." reminded me of the game I attended with Jimmy O, when we saw Alex Rios (easy Kates!) get his first hit in his first MLB game.

Alexis' family were in the row in front of us, and it was cool to watch their excitement. Jimmy and I got Alex to sign our tickets that day. Where did I put that stub?

Now its off to Cleveland, where Vancouverite, Scott Richmond gets his first start of the season, after a hard luck situation with Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

(photo from Jays.com)

Jesse gave up 3 homers (stand @ 2-1) Zack tours my old haunts

Jays drop one.....falling to 2-1 for the season.

They haven't opened a season with 3 straight wins since 1996.

Zack is staying at the Hotel I worked at for 10 years and snagging his baseballs for charity.

Two and oh.....print the World Series tickets please!

I wasn't at this game (this was taken a few years ago..hence the rather smallish and uncool frames), but it was so warm and sunny today in Van. (sorry Juney) that I felt like I might have been.

If I had been soaking in the rays at Rogers as opposed to Port Moody, I would have witnessed a nice little nail biter of an 8th inning comeback by the Jays.

Yes, I believe I will blog about each and every Jays game this year. I am up for the challenge.

Keep your head in the game.

Jays Pound Tigers 12-5 - Doc gets some run support

Halladay doesn't typically need more than a run or two to beat the opposition, and the offense doesn't usually give him much more......but tonight it was a very different mix.

 Lots of hits and runs and Roy was little off...giving up 6 hits and all 5 runs over 7 innings. Lind pokes one out and cranks in a career high 6 ribbies, and the rookie,  Snider goes deep too.....in fact, everyone in the lineup got at least one hit. Just the kind of offense Cito was looking for.  Check out the recap.

I like the added touch of the red maple leaf on the right sleeves of the jerseys. Apparently, this was Beeston's idea.....reminding the fans that with the Expos gone to Washington, the Jays are Canada's team...oh, and also, please buy more jerseys from the team store and online :)

Play Ball, The Dr. is in......Opening Day 2009

Roy Halladay gets the nod today against the Tigers.

Katie, stop drooling please :)

Zack is in Toronto and upgraded to a viewing suite thanks to Jenny!

Opening Game - 6 Days Away

 

Yes, I am looking forward to the season getting started. Just a tad.

Dallas and Marse...perhaps, not so much? They, along with Kates did fight their way through 5 innings of frigid temps at Wrigley Field at the Cubs home opener in 2004. The hot dogs were cold, the beers were frozen and the guy selling lemonade freezies things in near-artic temps, was nuts!

At least they got to go to Fogo (mmmmm meat!)

This year, I will watch from the warmth of my living room. Atlanta opens up at Philly in a night game and the Jays begin at home on the 7th vs Detroit.

Hurry up already.

What do 1950's comedians, Zack Hample and I have in common? Monster Gloves!

I stole this idea (not the glove..I paid for that) from Zack Hample. I love Zack's blog and really appreciated that he had a blast with this thing at a spring game in the sun last season (interacting with my Jays...none the less).

Zack used his charm and baseball smarts to add baseballs to his impressive collection...but he also employed the use of his "BIG GLOVE" (pictured here from Zack's site).

I'm bringing mine to San Fran at the beginning of May to the 3 Giants vs Rockies games (1st, 2nd and 3rd to be exact)  that Grant (aka wally or howie) and I are planning to watch.

Do I look like these guys? If so, It's OK...Fun is Good!

Classic Games on MLB.TV

Touch 'em all Joe!

I signed up for MLB.TV to watch the WBC and Jays games that aren't available here on the left coast, or air too early for me (damn work commitments!) and found out that I have access to some of the classic games in recent MLB history.....including Game 6 of the 1993 WS (thanks MLB...thanks Joe!)

The Baseball Collector- Zack Hample- Heading to Toronto for Opening Day

(photo from zackhample.com)

I have recently posted about the gloves and bats in my collection, but I haven't mentioned that I also collect baseballs. Ok, I have a half dozen. Zack Hample has collected over 3,800 game used MLB baseballs!

Zack has caught some impressive taters - including Barry Bonds 724th career homer in San Diego, and the last home run ever hit by a Mets player at Shea Stadium and also two homeruns caught in consecutive games in the last week of MLB play in historic Yankee Stadium last year.

Zack is heading up to my old home town, Toronto, to kick off his own collecting season along with the MLB 2009 season in style. Toronto is hosting the Detroit Tigers for 4 games in early April and current Tiger, Gary Sheffield  is sitting on 499 career homeruns.

Check out Zack's Blog.

Ciao Stubby! Ciao Canada - Canada out of WBC as they lose to Italy

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Close call - USA wins by one

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Phillippe Aumont loads em up and strikes em out -keeps Can in it

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Canada vs USA - in WBC action - 4-3 currently

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Canada vs. "Canada's Team" - WBC warm up starts today!

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I am in a tough spot. Who to cheer for - the Jays or Team Canada? At least it just a friendly. The WBC games start soon in earnest (without the complication of the Jays in the mix).

Check out the tourney info here.

Posting from cell and Grapefruit Baseball

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Posting from cell and Grapefruit Baseball

I am trying 2 new things (for me anyway) today -blogging from my cell phone and listening to the Jays game in Florida via MLB.TV.  This is on my lunch hour!