Alright, I get it. It's a story book season. In March, they lost their ace pitcher and 2010 Cy Young runner up for the season. On August 25 they were 10.5 games out of the wild card spot, and they fought all the way back to clinch the playoff birth on the last day of the regular season. Thursday night they were one strike away from losing the World Series, two innings in a row. All the odds were against the 'poor Cardinals'. Now, the St. Louis Cardinals are World Series Champions. Again. Whoopie Frickin Doo.
No I don't have a good reason for not liking the Cardinals, I just don't. I'm tired of Tony LaRussa, I have no respect for Albert Pujols after turning down a lucrative offer from St. Louis because he wants to be the first 300 million dollar player, and I'm still ticked at Mark McGwire for trying to run over Pat Borders in the 1992 ALCS. The fact that they won is completely Boo Sucky!
Ok, I'm off my soap box. I will put my big boy pants on, and be an adult now.
It really was a storybook season for the Cardinals. In March they received the devastating news that their staff ace Adam Wainwright would require Tommy John surgery, and was out for the season. On August 25 they were 10.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the National League wild card spot, and put up a remarkable 23 and 8 record the rest of the way to pass Atlanta on the last day of the regular season and squeak into the playoffs. Only to meet their next hurdle in the first round. The Philadelphia Phillies and their major league best 102-60 win loss record.
The Cards dropped two of the first three to Philly, and found themselves on the brink of elimination when hometown boy David Freese put up a four RBI performance to help lead them to victory in game 4. Then, I sincerely hope that if you only saw one game these entire playoffs before the world series, that it was game 5 of the NLDS between the Cardinals and Phillies. Roy Halladay versus Chris Carpenter for the first time in their careers. Carpenter was nothing short of amazing. Halladay was good, don't get me wrong. He allowed six hits, and struck out seven over eight innings of work. However he had a tough first inning in which he gave up a lead off triple to Rafeal Furcal, and then a double to the next batter, Skip Schumaker. That one run would prove to be the difference in the game. Carpenter couldn't miss. He kept pounding the lower half of the strike zone inducing ground ball after ground ball after ground ball. He went on to throw a complete game shutout, giving up only 3 hits, and striking out 3, and walking no one. As a fan of good pitching, this game was a real treat to watch.
The Cardinal's next opponents were the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers. I didn't watch a lot of this series. I was rooting for the Brew Crew, and I was disappointed that Shaun Marcum had such a rough post season. I did watch his starts. Well, for as long as he was in them. The Cards finished them off in 6 games, and it wasn't really close. One of the Cards wins was a one run game. In the other three Cardinals victories, the combined score was 31 - 10. This series very likely marked the last time you will see Prince Fielder in a Brewers jersey. Next year he'll be in Chicago. But we'll get to that later.
Then came the Rangers. A team that I had the pleasure of seeing in their home park this year. I like the rangers. They have a great line up top to bottom, and they are a fun team to watch. They had two 11th inning home runs against the Tigers in the ALCS, and I really thought that they were going to bring the World Series home this year. They left Texas with a 3-2 series lead...... Then came game six. In a game in which the first six innings it seemed like nobody wanted to win, the last five innings proved that neither team wanted to lose. With a two run lead in the bottom of the ninth, on came Feliz. Series over right?? So we all thought. Two outs, two strikes, two RBI's, game continues. On to the tenth inning. Two outs, two strikes, rbi from NL come back player of the year Lance Berkman, game continues. On to the eleventh inning. Bottom of the eleventh hometown hero David Freese hits a solo shot and forces game seven. Texas becomes the first team to be one strike away from a world series championship twice in the same game... and lose.
Up until game seven, I had watched all of the world series thus far. I watched game seven as well. Right up until Albert Pujols was hit by a pitch with two strikes against him, and then they loaded the bases and walked in two runs. That was when for the interest of my health I turned the game off.
I hear St. Louis won, and David Freese won the MVP. I kind of suspect they may build him a statue in St. Louis.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
That Was Hard to Watch
For the second night in a row our boys in blue gave us little to cheer about. Last night dropping the series finale to the Royals 9-6, and tonight losing the opener to the Rays 6-1. James Sheilds held the Jays to 1 run on 7 hits tonight. Striking out 12 on his way to his tenth complete game of the season.
Despite coming out on the wrong side of the stat sheet, there were some positives that Jays fans can take away from both games. Toronto's 1 run tonight came off the bat of Brett Lawrie, hitting his fifth home run already this season in just twenty games.
Last night Jose Bautista went 2 for 3 with two walks, a double and a run scored, and Edwin Encarnacion had a double and went deep for his thirteenth of the season.
The most notable positive for the Jays last night however was JP Arencibia going yard for the twentieth time this season to tie John Buck for the franchise record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season. JP needs one more to capture sole possession of the record, and he's got just over a month to get it done in. Congratulations JP on tying the record.
Although the Blue Jays had a less than steller night against the Royals last night, there were a handful of Canadian players who did. Starting with two in this very game. Jeff Francis started the game for the Royals, and threw 6 innings, allowing just two runs and striking out 5.
On the other side of the diamond, Brett Lawrie collected two hits including a triple for the Blue Jays. But Francis and Lawrie weren't the only two Canadian big leaguers having a good night last night.
Chris Leroux (born in Montreal, attended high school in Mississauga) who is quietly having a very good season in Pittsburgh, struck out three and walked just one working two scoreless innings for the Priates. Justin Morneau had a good night as well going 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, and an RBI for the twins.
The story of the evening for Canadian players, unfortunately, goes to a Yankee. Russel Martin was 5 for 5 with two home runs (one of which a grand slam), a double, three runs scored, and six RBI's to lead the Yankees over the Athletics 22 - 9 in New York last night. Martin had 12 total bases on the night. Which is the second only to Larry Walker for the most total bases in a game for a Canadian player.
Joey Votto should also have honourable mention here. Even though his Reds didn't play Thursday, they were part of a double header on Wednesday, and Votto when deep in both games of the double dip.
So if it's any consolation, even though "Canada's Team" may have had a few rough nights, it appears that Canada has still been very well represented in the world of Major League Baseball. Having said that, let's hope the Blue Jays can get back on track with a win tomorrow.
Despite coming out on the wrong side of the stat sheet, there were some positives that Jays fans can take away from both games. Toronto's 1 run tonight came off the bat of Brett Lawrie, hitting his fifth home run already this season in just twenty games.
Last night Jose Bautista went 2 for 3 with two walks, a double and a run scored, and Edwin Encarnacion had a double and went deep for his thirteenth of the season.
The most notable positive for the Jays last night however was JP Arencibia going yard for the twentieth time this season to tie John Buck for the franchise record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season. JP needs one more to capture sole possession of the record, and he's got just over a month to get it done in. Congratulations JP on tying the record.
Although the Blue Jays had a less than steller night against the Royals last night, there were a handful of Canadian players who did. Starting with two in this very game. Jeff Francis started the game for the Royals, and threw 6 innings, allowing just two runs and striking out 5.
On the other side of the diamond, Brett Lawrie collected two hits including a triple for the Blue Jays. But Francis and Lawrie weren't the only two Canadian big leaguers having a good night last night.
Chris Leroux (born in Montreal, attended high school in Mississauga) who is quietly having a very good season in Pittsburgh, struck out three and walked just one working two scoreless innings for the Priates. Justin Morneau had a good night as well going 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, and an RBI for the twins.
The story of the evening for Canadian players, unfortunately, goes to a Yankee. Russel Martin was 5 for 5 with two home runs (one of which a grand slam), a double, three runs scored, and six RBI's to lead the Yankees over the Athletics 22 - 9 in New York last night. Martin had 12 total bases on the night. Which is the second only to Larry Walker for the most total bases in a game for a Canadian player.
Joey Votto should also have honourable mention here. Even though his Reds didn't play Thursday, they were part of a double header on Wednesday, and Votto when deep in both games of the double dip.
So if it's any consolation, even though "Canada's Team" may have had a few rough nights, it appears that Canada has still been very well represented in the world of Major League Baseball. Having said that, let's hope the Blue Jays can get back on track with a win tomorrow.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Some Thoughts on the Hill, MacDonald, Johnson Deal
By now you've heard that on Tuesday the Blue Jays traded second baseman Aaron Hill, and fan favorite John McDonald to Arizona in exchange for second basemen Kelly Johnson.
Despite having their starting short stop and first basemen sidelined due to injury, and being on a six game losing streak before the trade (snapped with a 2-0 victory over Washington Tuesday night) The Diamondbacks have found themselves with a two game lead over divisional rival and the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.
Even though they lead the division, Arizona felt they needed to do something to try and spark their offense after batting just .167 and scoring only 10 runs in their previous seven games. They're hoping the change of scenery will help Aaron Hill find his lost bat, and that MacDonald will provide solid defense to help out Willie Bloomquist at shortstop.
Both Hill and McDonald voiced that they were happy to be going to a team with a chance to play ball in October, and that they were open to the prospect of coming back to Toronto at seasons end. A little odd, but understandable.
However, I'm not telling you anything you haven't already heard.
What surprises me about this trade, has been the reaction both from some media members, and fan reaction that I have read on Twitter. A lot of people are of the opinion that this was a move to have Kelly Johnson come in and play for a month, and then collect a higher draft pick than what you would have gotten from Aaron Hill if he were to have walked at seasons end. I do not understand why this is the general consensus.
I realize that Alex Anthopoulos has said that the deal was orchestrated from Arizona's end, and not his own. (and we all know dear Alex would never mislead us when it comes to player acquisitions) But doesn't Johnson fit the type of player that Anthopoulos has been targeting? No, he's not as young as a typical AA addition seems to be. However he was a first round draft pick, and is on the right side of 30 with high upside in a down year.
In 2007, his first full season with Atlanta, Johnson batted .276 with 16 HR and 26 2B. In 2008 he had a slight power drop off to 12 HR, but increased his average to .287 and smacked 39 doubles. His best all around season to date was 2010, his first in Arizona, when he hit .284 with 26 dingers and 36 2B.
As I said, he is in a down year. But in a down year he still has 18 HR to date, and is moving into a hitters park.
I don't think that Johnson walking at the end of this season for a higher draft pick is Anthopoulos' primary goal here. Is it possible? Sure it is. But we were going to need a second basemen next year with Aaron Hill's contract being up, and the free agent pool at second base is not deep. Why not bring in Johnson for a five week audition? Who knows, maybe we can sell him on playing in a city that free agents don't seem to be banging down the door to come and play in.
When asked by friends this year who was going to be playing second base in 2012, There were three names that I gave them. I would tell them probably Aaron Hill, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a guy like Gordon Beckham or Kelly Johnson end up here. They just seem like the types of guys that Alex is trying to build the team around: Talented players in need of a change of scenery that can be brought in without selling the farm.
On the other side, I'm sad to see Hill and McDonald go. It is nice to see them going to a contending team, but still tough to see two long serving and well liked Blue Jays leave town.
I suspect that we haven't seen the last of John McDonald. He'll be back. Whether it's as a player or as a coach, I don't know. But he'll be back.
By the way Jays fans, take a look at that Arizona Diamondbacks starting infield... Four former Blue Jays. Just sayin...
Despite having their starting short stop and first basemen sidelined due to injury, and being on a six game losing streak before the trade (snapped with a 2-0 victory over Washington Tuesday night) The Diamondbacks have found themselves with a two game lead over divisional rival and the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.
Even though they lead the division, Arizona felt they needed to do something to try and spark their offense after batting just .167 and scoring only 10 runs in their previous seven games. They're hoping the change of scenery will help Aaron Hill find his lost bat, and that MacDonald will provide solid defense to help out Willie Bloomquist at shortstop.
Both Hill and McDonald voiced that they were happy to be going to a team with a chance to play ball in October, and that they were open to the prospect of coming back to Toronto at seasons end. A little odd, but understandable.
However, I'm not telling you anything you haven't already heard.
What surprises me about this trade, has been the reaction both from some media members, and fan reaction that I have read on Twitter. A lot of people are of the opinion that this was a move to have Kelly Johnson come in and play for a month, and then collect a higher draft pick than what you would have gotten from Aaron Hill if he were to have walked at seasons end. I do not understand why this is the general consensus.
I realize that Alex Anthopoulos has said that the deal was orchestrated from Arizona's end, and not his own. (and we all know dear Alex would never mislead us when it comes to player acquisitions) But doesn't Johnson fit the type of player that Anthopoulos has been targeting? No, he's not as young as a typical AA addition seems to be. However he was a first round draft pick, and is on the right side of 30 with high upside in a down year.
In 2007, his first full season with Atlanta, Johnson batted .276 with 16 HR and 26 2B. In 2008 he had a slight power drop off to 12 HR, but increased his average to .287 and smacked 39 doubles. His best all around season to date was 2010, his first in Arizona, when he hit .284 with 26 dingers and 36 2B.
As I said, he is in a down year. But in a down year he still has 18 HR to date, and is moving into a hitters park.
I don't think that Johnson walking at the end of this season for a higher draft pick is Anthopoulos' primary goal here. Is it possible? Sure it is. But we were going to need a second basemen next year with Aaron Hill's contract being up, and the free agent pool at second base is not deep. Why not bring in Johnson for a five week audition? Who knows, maybe we can sell him on playing in a city that free agents don't seem to be banging down the door to come and play in.
When asked by friends this year who was going to be playing second base in 2012, There were three names that I gave them. I would tell them probably Aaron Hill, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a guy like Gordon Beckham or Kelly Johnson end up here. They just seem like the types of guys that Alex is trying to build the team around: Talented players in need of a change of scenery that can be brought in without selling the farm.
On the other side, I'm sad to see Hill and McDonald go. It is nice to see them going to a contending team, but still tough to see two long serving and well liked Blue Jays leave town.
I suspect that we haven't seen the last of John McDonald. He'll be back. Whether it's as a player or as a coach, I don't know. But he'll be back.
By the way Jays fans, take a look at that Arizona Diamondbacks starting infield... Four former Blue Jays. Just sayin...
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
That Was Fun Wasn't It?
It's 5-3 for the Yankees heading into the bottom of the ninth in Toronto with the best closer in baseball coming out of the bullpen for the Yanks. Game over right? Not this time!
Rivera came out for the save in the ninth and Yunel Escobar welcomed him to the game by smacking a double to centre field. Then came Snider, who after breaking his bat in frustration over his thigh after striking out earlier in the game, grounded out to second moving Escobar to third. Jose Bautista then drew a walk and Escobar scored on the wild pitch. Adam Lind then hit a Rivera offering into shallow centre field for a single, allowing Bautista to move to third. Then came Johnny Mac, who laid down a bunt which not only scored Bautista to tie the game, but got himself in to first base safely as well. Tie game 5-5, and a blown save for Mariano Rivera, his first of the year. That was all the damage Toronto would do in the ninth. Molina singled before Patterson grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Jon Rauch came on to pitch the top of the tenth for the Jays. He walked two but got the job done, giving the Jays a chance to win it in their half of the tenth.
Normally a starter, Ivan Nova was out to pitch for the Yankees in the tenth. With Encarnacion on first and two out, Travis Snider who was 0 for 5 on the day, and has a season avg. of just .153 tattooed a pitch to deep centre field for a double, scoring Encarnacion from first and giving the Jays a walk off win from the Yankees in extra innings.
I love watching the Yankees lose to any team, at any time. But a walk off loss against Toronto... easily my favorite way for them to lose.
If I could have hand picked someone to be the hero in last nights game, it would have been Snider. You could almost see the weight come off of his shoulders as the Jays were celebrating their walk off victory. Hopefully this was a turning point for him.
Drabek started the game for Toronto, and got through 5.1 innings throwing 93 pitches. He allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, striking out only 2, and walking 4. The pitching high point of the night for Toronto though came from the bullpen in the form of 3 and 1/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief by Marc Rzepczynski, Carlos Villanueva, Shawn Camp and Jon Rauch.
After a rough finish in Boston to a rough road trip, this was a great homecoming for the Jays.
Frank Francisco was activated from the DL yesterday, and Jesse Litsch was optioned to AAA Las Vegas. I don't really agree with this at all. I understand that Reyes is out of options, but Litsch has arguably been the third best starter for the Blue Jays so far this season. I would have much rather seen them send down Luis Perez and move Reyes to the bullpen. However I do see their point that they want to see what Reyes can do in the rotation. We have played this game before (remember Dana Eveland?). I suspect Perez will be the one to go when Morrow is activated from the DL, unless of course something happens with Juan Rivera.
Tonight it's Brett Cecil and Bartolo Colon as the Jays try to sweep this mini set with the Evil Empire. Then Friday, Tampa Bay comes in to town and I will finally be making the trip to the rogers centre for the first time this season. It will be my second MLB game this year, but first Blue Jays game. I'm looking forward to it.
Rivera came out for the save in the ninth and Yunel Escobar welcomed him to the game by smacking a double to centre field. Then came Snider, who after breaking his bat in frustration over his thigh after striking out earlier in the game, grounded out to second moving Escobar to third. Jose Bautista then drew a walk and Escobar scored on the wild pitch. Adam Lind then hit a Rivera offering into shallow centre field for a single, allowing Bautista to move to third. Then came Johnny Mac, who laid down a bunt which not only scored Bautista to tie the game, but got himself in to first base safely as well. Tie game 5-5, and a blown save for Mariano Rivera, his first of the year. That was all the damage Toronto would do in the ninth. Molina singled before Patterson grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Jon Rauch came on to pitch the top of the tenth for the Jays. He walked two but got the job done, giving the Jays a chance to win it in their half of the tenth.
Normally a starter, Ivan Nova was out to pitch for the Yankees in the tenth. With Encarnacion on first and two out, Travis Snider who was 0 for 5 on the day, and has a season avg. of just .153 tattooed a pitch to deep centre field for a double, scoring Encarnacion from first and giving the Jays a walk off win from the Yankees in extra innings.
I love watching the Yankees lose to any team, at any time. But a walk off loss against Toronto... easily my favorite way for them to lose.
If I could have hand picked someone to be the hero in last nights game, it would have been Snider. You could almost see the weight come off of his shoulders as the Jays were celebrating their walk off victory. Hopefully this was a turning point for him.
Drabek started the game for Toronto, and got through 5.1 innings throwing 93 pitches. He allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, striking out only 2, and walking 4. The pitching high point of the night for Toronto though came from the bullpen in the form of 3 and 1/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief by Marc Rzepczynski, Carlos Villanueva, Shawn Camp and Jon Rauch.
After a rough finish in Boston to a rough road trip, this was a great homecoming for the Jays.
Frank Francisco was activated from the DL yesterday, and Jesse Litsch was optioned to AAA Las Vegas. I don't really agree with this at all. I understand that Reyes is out of options, but Litsch has arguably been the third best starter for the Blue Jays so far this season. I would have much rather seen them send down Luis Perez and move Reyes to the bullpen. However I do see their point that they want to see what Reyes can do in the rotation. We have played this game before (remember Dana Eveland?). I suspect Perez will be the one to go when Morrow is activated from the DL, unless of course something happens with Juan Rivera.
Tonight it's Brett Cecil and Bartolo Colon as the Jays try to sweep this mini set with the Evil Empire. Then Friday, Tampa Bay comes in to town and I will finally be making the trip to the rogers centre for the first time this season. It will be my second MLB game this year, but first Blue Jays game. I'm looking forward to it.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Jays Trade Purcey
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Sportsnet is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have traded David Purcey to the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Danny Farquhar. Danny Farquhar was the closer in New Hampshire last year, and was traded to Oakland in the Rajai Davis deal.
Jays also sent cash to Cleveland today for minor league reliever Yohan Pino.
Jays also sent cash to Cleveland today for minor league reliever Yohan Pino.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What Happened??
The Bullpen imploded. That's what happened.
I was downstairs last night fighting hard with my eyelids as I attempted to watch as much of the ball game as I could. Finally, when I conceded defeat and reached for the remote, it was the end of the fifth. The Blue Jays were up 5 to 0 with all five runs coming off of King Felix. The game seemed to be well at hand. I headed upstairs to retire for the night feeling good that we had gotten a win from Seattle's best, scratch that, the American League's best starting pitcher. What a great way to start the series.
Then I woke up.
A few minutes after rising this morning I picked up my blackberry to check the overnight emails. As my weary eyes adjusted to the screen, I saw a message from Sportsnet Radio. "Mariners Clip Jays"
What? How the? Whaaat? But as I'm sure you already know, it was true. The Blue Jays went on to take a 7 to nothing lead on those Mariners, and then literally let the Mariners 'walk' all over them in the eighth and ninth to take home the win.
The Blue Jays were leading 7 to 1 heading into the eighth and the Blue Jays turned to David Purcey to hold the Mariners. The move made sense as Purcey was the only Jays reliever that wasn't a part of the 14 inning (that should have been 13 inning) marathon with the Angels on Saturday night, and they had a six run lead. Well, it would have made sense if he had been able to throw strikes. After falling behind 3 and 1 to Micheal Saunders, Purcey gave up a single to him. Then promptly walked Brendan Ryan on four straight pitches before getting down 3 and 1 again this time to Jack Wilson. Purcey got lucky and Wilson flew out. The next batter was Ichiro, who smacked a single on the first pitch and loaded the bases. That was it from Purcey. He threw 16 pitches, 10 of them balls.
Unfortunately, it got much worse.
Octavio Dotel came in next and waked the first two batters he faced, bringing in two runs. Dotel threw 12 pitches, 8 of them balls. Exit Dotel, enter Rzepcynski for the lefty lefty match up with Jack Cust. He walked him on four pitches. Justin Smoak worked a 3-2 count before smacking a two run double. Thus ending Rzep's day. Rzepcynski threw 10 pitches, 7 of them balls.
Shawn Camp was next. Camp's first offering to Miguel Olivio induced an inning ending double play. Jays escape the eighth with a 1 run lead.
However the Mariners weren't finished yet.
In the ninth, Camp gave up a lead off double to Micheal Saunders. Brendan Ryan bunted Saunders to third. One out. Jack Wilson grounded out to short.
Jays are up by a run with two out in the ninth.
Ichiro is the next batter. Camp starts him out with two balls, and Farrell opts to put Ichiro on with the count at 0 and 2. So with the intentional walk, Ichiro goes to first.
Runners at first and third, bottom of the ninth, Jays still clinging to a one run lead.
Luis Rodriguez is the batter. Ichiro steals second, to put both runners in scoring postion. After a long at bat, Rodriguez singles and brings in both runs. Mariners come all the way back from 7 - 0 and walk off with am 8 - 7 win.
It's a terrible way to lose a ball game. What makes it worse is Felix probably won't give up 7 earned runs to any team the rest of the season. Actually, he almost certainly will not. The Jays got to Felix, and couldn't pull it out.
Frankly, I'm kind of glad I went to bed and didn't see it happen.
Here's hoping they can still leave Seattle with a series win and head into Boston on a high note.
I was downstairs last night fighting hard with my eyelids as I attempted to watch as much of the ball game as I could. Finally, when I conceded defeat and reached for the remote, it was the end of the fifth. The Blue Jays were up 5 to 0 with all five runs coming off of King Felix. The game seemed to be well at hand. I headed upstairs to retire for the night feeling good that we had gotten a win from Seattle's best, scratch that, the American League's best starting pitcher. What a great way to start the series.
Then I woke up.
A few minutes after rising this morning I picked up my blackberry to check the overnight emails. As my weary eyes adjusted to the screen, I saw a message from Sportsnet Radio. "Mariners Clip Jays"
What? How the? Whaaat? But as I'm sure you already know, it was true. The Blue Jays went on to take a 7 to nothing lead on those Mariners, and then literally let the Mariners 'walk' all over them in the eighth and ninth to take home the win.
The Blue Jays were leading 7 to 1 heading into the eighth and the Blue Jays turned to David Purcey to hold the Mariners. The move made sense as Purcey was the only Jays reliever that wasn't a part of the 14 inning (that should have been 13 inning) marathon with the Angels on Saturday night, and they had a six run lead. Well, it would have made sense if he had been able to throw strikes. After falling behind 3 and 1 to Micheal Saunders, Purcey gave up a single to him. Then promptly walked Brendan Ryan on four straight pitches before getting down 3 and 1 again this time to Jack Wilson. Purcey got lucky and Wilson flew out. The next batter was Ichiro, who smacked a single on the first pitch and loaded the bases. That was it from Purcey. He threw 16 pitches, 10 of them balls.
Unfortunately, it got much worse.
Octavio Dotel came in next and waked the first two batters he faced, bringing in two runs. Dotel threw 12 pitches, 8 of them balls. Exit Dotel, enter Rzepcynski for the lefty lefty match up with Jack Cust. He walked him on four pitches. Justin Smoak worked a 3-2 count before smacking a two run double. Thus ending Rzep's day. Rzepcynski threw 10 pitches, 7 of them balls.
Shawn Camp was next. Camp's first offering to Miguel Olivio induced an inning ending double play. Jays escape the eighth with a 1 run lead.
However the Mariners weren't finished yet.
In the ninth, Camp gave up a lead off double to Micheal Saunders. Brendan Ryan bunted Saunders to third. One out. Jack Wilson grounded out to short.
Jays are up by a run with two out in the ninth.
Ichiro is the next batter. Camp starts him out with two balls, and Farrell opts to put Ichiro on with the count at 0 and 2. So with the intentional walk, Ichiro goes to first.
Runners at first and third, bottom of the ninth, Jays still clinging to a one run lead.
Luis Rodriguez is the batter. Ichiro steals second, to put both runners in scoring postion. After a long at bat, Rodriguez singles and brings in both runs. Mariners come all the way back from 7 - 0 and walk off with am 8 - 7 win.
It's a terrible way to lose a ball game. What makes it worse is Felix probably won't give up 7 earned runs to any team the rest of the season. Actually, he almost certainly will not. The Jays got to Felix, and couldn't pull it out.
Frankly, I'm kind of glad I went to bed and didn't see it happen.
Here's hoping they can still leave Seattle with a series win and head into Boston on a high note.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)