These West Coast Trips Are Always Exhausting

I guess they wouldn't be if I went to bed...  But why go to bed when there's baseball to be watched?

I almost made it last night.  I was awake when Bautista threw out Langerhans at the plate to end the eighth inning.  That was it for me though, as I must have nodded off during the commercials before the ninth inning.

The Blue Jays lost another close one last night going down 3-2 to the Mariners in a game where both starting pitchers Rickey Romero and Michael Pineda were a pleasure to watch.  Romero gave the Blue Jays' bullpen a much needed rest, pitching all eight innings for Toronto,  He allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits over his eight innings, while striking out 8 and walking just 2.  On the other side, Pineda threw 7 and a third, allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits, striking out 7 and also walking only 2 on route to his first big league win.

Romero really only made one glaring mistake.  Unfortunately Langerhans sent that mistake into the seats for a two run shot in the third inning.  Toronto's runs came courtesy of Corey Patterson, who hit a 2 run single in the eighth inning to drive in Encarnacion and Escobar.  Patterson then stole second, and when catcher Miguel Olivio threw the ball away trying to catch him stealing he moved on to third.  However when Patterson tried to come home on a fly ball to shallow right from Bautista, M's first basemen Justin Smoak nailed Patterson easily at the plate.

There are positives we can take away from this.  Ricky Romero's curve ball looked downright nasty last night.  Five of the Blue Jays' six losses this season have been by one run, and the bullpen should be ready to go again after having a much needed  night off.

The bullpen also received some help as some roster moves were made last night.  The Blue Jays placed Rajai Davis on the 15 day DL, and designated David Purcey for assignment after his latest blunder on Monday night.  To replace them they have recalled Casey Janssen and Brad Mills form AAA Las Vegas.  It's really too bad about David Purcey.  After his short stint in the bullpen during the second half of last season I really thought they might have something there.  Possibly a future closer candidate.  Unfortunately this season he has been having a lot of trouble getting the ball over the plate.  The Jays now have ten days to either waive, trade, or give Purcey his outright release.  There are rumors that the Houston Astros are interested. 

So for the first time this season the Blue Jays find themselves both below .500, and at the risk of being swept in a series.  Seattle will have the brooms out this afternoon when they send Jason Vargas (0-1) to the hill against Kyle Drabek (1-0). 

Less than two hours until game time.  The Jays need to leave Seattle on a high note before heading to Boston for four.