The Sights of Opening Day

Alex Rios and Vernon Wells get ready for their turn in the batting cage before Opening Day against the Tigers, as hitting coach Gene Tenace looks on.

General Manager J.P. Riccardi looks to involve third baseman Scott Rolen in a laugh, but Rolen doesn't seem interested.

Jays' manager Cito Gaston has always been known as a hitter's manager - as Lyle Overbay learns in batting practice. Overbay's first at-bat in the game? An RBI double.

The Jays' hopes for 2009 rest on their young bats, such as Adam Lind and Travis Snider (above). Snider went deep on Opening Day.

Toronto's 12-5 Opening Day was almost marred when fans began throwing objects on the field, including 2 baseballs. After a conference between managers - and a warning from the P.A. announcer that any more objects thrown would result in a Jays forfeit - the game resumed without incident.

Big Hurt's Bitching may bring Barry Bonds

After yet another slow start for Frank Thomas, rather than assuming this is just like most other seasons and wait it out, the Blue Jays have decided to grant him his unconditional release.

Rumours abound that the decision was for business reasons, as the Jays would have had to pay an extra $10 million if Thomas passed 1,000 plate appearances over this season and last. With 600+ already in the bank, it seemed the Big Hurt was well on his way to the mark.

The one thing that the Jays did right here was release Thomas before he became a distraction. Leaving a future Hall of Famer on the bench while starting Rod Barajas of all people at DH would have been uncomfortable for many. However, releasing him of his contract does not release the Jays of the $9 million-odd payout for the rest of this year and next.

Clearly, there were other forces at work here rather than just business and baseball. After the unfortunate departures of Shea Hillenbrand and Ted Lilly, the forces that be foresaw another ugly incident in their future, and cut the cord before the damage was done.

Now the Jays need a DH, and a rotation of Matt Stairs, Lyle Overbay, Shannon Stewart, and Rod Barajas will not cut it in the increasing difficult A.L. East. The Jays need a big bat in the middle of the line-up to protect Alex Rios and Vernon Wells, and there's only one man out there with the kind of talent who is available:

Barry Bonds.

Yes, that Barry Bonds. Mr. Tax Cheating, Steroid Taking, Mad at the World Bonds. But, he would add left-handed power the Jays sorely lack, and with frequent visits to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park - two parks with short right field perches - a left-handed power bat would be welcome.

Also, even though he's 147 now (give or take), he'll still command respect from A.L. pitchers, so a .500 OBP isn't out of the question, and for a team that struggles to get base runners, Bonds would fit in nicely.

Yes, his personality is a problem. Yes, he has legal issues. Yes, many fans would not be happy. But all that would go away if the Jays win the World Series.

Is this likely? About as likely as Bonds being proven innocent. But, one can dream.

When 162 Games Aren't Enough

I realized this weekend, strangely while watching opening Sunday in the NFL, that I haven't written much about the Blue Jays lately. And after this weekend's performance of Canada's lone pro ball team, I understand why.

The Toronto Blue Jays just lost two games in a row in Tampa Bay.

In Tampa Bay.

While "battling" for a playoff spot, and having only 3 teams to pass, the Jays lost 2 in a row to one of baseball's worst.

The Jays always seem to be around the level of superior play needed to contend year after year, and are always ahead of the level of mediocrity that befalls teams like the Devil Rays. But when you can't beat a team like that before a home stand against the elite in your division, the Yankees and the Red Sox, you don't deserve to be contending for a playoff spot.

When Jeremy Accardo gave up his second two run homer of the 9th inning last night, my heart sank. Mainly because I realized that a team like this needs a lot more than 162 games to get a playoff spot.

And that is sad.

Jays losing consistency (not consistently)

In the past week for Toronto, the Jays have managed to follow every win with a loss, having alternated wins and losses since sweeping the Orioles on May 16.

The Jays managed to squeak out an extra inning win in Baltimore on Thursday, thus winning that series. However, Toronto lost 2 of 3 in Minnesota, winning their only game of the series in extra time as well.

Toronto returns north of 49 tomorrow to host the Yankees for the first time this year. Chicago comes to town this weekend.

Toronto (22-27)

Maybe I should delay posts more often...

When I last posted, the Jays had lost 3 straight series in sweeps, and I said that if they didn't turn it around in a hurry, changes would be necessary for the team's success.

Since then, Toronto beat Texas in 2 of 3, then swept Baltimore at home. As of now, the Jays have won the second in the series against the Phillies, with the rubber match tomorrow.

So, anyways, I should delay posts more often.

After tomorrow's game, the Jays head to Baltimore for 4 before heading to Minnesota.

Another Sweep, Another Injury, Another Frustrating Way to Watch a Team

So, here we are. Losses of 9-2, 9-3 and 8-0 to the division leading Red Sox. It was also announced this week that closer B.J. Ryan will be out for the season, rather than for 2 months as originally believed. This from the team that disguised Ryan's injury in spring training, made him pitch in the opening weeks of the season, then put him on the D.L. when he blew 2 of his first 4 save opportunities.

Now, Roy Halladay, who would be the majors' best pitcher of the decade if it wasn't for injuries, will be 4-6 weeks because of appendicitis.

For those who believe that these two injuries are the death knell of the Jays' season, I point out that the Jays' losses were not in the last inning, and Roy Halladay only pitches once a week.

The Jays can't score and they can't get anyone out. If this team doesn't wake up and soon, drastic measures will need to be taken.

I'm sure when pressed, Jays management will point to the earlier injuries to Glaus and Zaun, and combined with the current woes, and blame them for the Jays pathetic run of late. This is why you have back-ups, and this is why you have managers and coaches. They motivate, they train, and they lead. At least they are supposed to.

Jays host the Rays this weekend. A win would be nice.

Toronto (13-21)

Everything's Bigger in Texas, especially the Jays' losses

It was another uninspired performance by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend.

Toronto lost to Texas 7-1, 11-4, and 3-2 in their 3 game series. This marks 6 straight losses for the Jays, and as I write this, Toronto is down 8-1 in the 7th to Boston.

This is getting a lot less fun, and with the Raptors out of the NBA playoffs, Toronto sports fans have nothing to cheer about right now.

I know it's May and there have been some injuries, but it may be time for a major change to this team. A trade, a signing, a firing, something to show Toronto's fans that there is a recognition of the problem at hand, and something is being done about it.

I don't know what that is right now, and I don't think firing Gibbons or Riccardi is the answer, but I do know that something has to happen. And soon.

Toronto (13-18)

Jays get swept in Cleveland

Toronto visited Cleveland for the first time this season, and left without a win to show for it.

The Jays lost 12-4, 7-6, and 6-5 in the 3 game set. Toronto led in each game of the series.

After this pathetic display, the Jays visit Texas for the weekend. Halladay and Burnett will both pitch this weekend.

Toronto (13-15)

04/30 Toronto 6, Texas 1

Toronto ended their month and their series on a high note with a win over Texas on Monday.

Roy Halladay continued to prove his worth as one of the game's dominant pitchers by going the distance against the Rangers, only allowing 1 run on 5 hits.

Whereas Halladay extended his winning streak to 4, Texas pitcher Vinny Padilla continued his losing streak, dropping to 0-4 on the year.

Toronto knocked 3 out of the park, with homers by Glaus, Hill, and Lind.

The Jays visit Cleveland this week, starting tomorrow.

WP: Halladay (4-0)
LP: Padilla (0-4)

Toronto (13-12) Texas (10-15)

04/29 Toronto 7, Texas 3

Everything seemed to come together for Toronto on Sunday.

They got a solid outing from inconsistent Tomo Ohka (7 innings and 1 run earned), and strong offence from Aaron Hill and Jason Phillips (3 hits apiece).

Toronto never trailed in this game, as a 3 run 1st inning set the pace for the Jays win.

WP: Ohka (2-2)
LP: McCarthy (1-4)

Toronto (12-12) Texas (10-14)

04/28 Texas 9, Toronto 8 (10)

It was a valiant effort, but the Jays lost their second straight to Texas in extra time.

3 runs in the 9th given up by Jason Frasor cost the Jays the win, even with a run in the bottom of the inning giving Toronto hope for extra innings.

But, in the end, there wasn't enough in the tank for Toronto to pull it out.

WP: Otsuka (1-0)
LP: Tallet (0-1)
SV: Benoit (1)

Toronto (11-12) Texas (10-13)

04/27 Texas 5, Toronto 3

In the end, it turned out to be Josh Towers' last start for the Jays, for now at least.

Victor Zambrano will replace Towers in the rotation, and Towers will in turn replace Zambrano in the bullpen.

Towers gave up 3 home runs in the 3rd that ended up being his undoing for Toronto in the first of a four game series with the Rangers.

WP: Tejada (3-1)
LP: Towers (1-3)

Toronto (11-11) Texas (9-13)

04/26 Toronto 6, New York 0

Sure, it ended up a one game series, but the Jays swept the Yankees in their first matchup of '07.

A.J. Burnett tossed 7 shutout innings, and the Toronto bullpen held up their end of the bargain, keeping the vaunted New York offence off the board throughout the game.

The Jays lit up Yankee rookie Phil Hughes for 4 runs in just over 4 innings, as they spread the wealth throughout their lineup. Vernon Wells continued his hot hand by going 3 for 3 with two walks and 1 RBI.

The Jays return home tonight for a four game series with Texas.

WP: Burnett (2-1)
LP: Hughes (0-1)

Toronto (11-10) New York (8-12)

04/25 Toronto at New York, Postponed

The first game of the season for the Jays against the hated Yankees was forced to wait another day, as the game was rained out. No make up date has been announced.

Toronto (10-10) New York (8-11)

04/24 Toronto 10, Boston 3

Everything seemed to come together for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night in Boston.

The Jays completed a mini sweep of their mini series with the Red Sox by knocking in 10 runs on 15 hits, while Jay ace Roy Halladay pitched 8 strong innings, striking out 10 in the process.

Vernon Wells finally earned his off season raise, going 4 for 5 and bringing 3 runners home. Frank Thomas and Lyle Overbay also had 3 RBI's in the game.

WP: Halladay (3-0)
LP: Tavarez (0-2)

Toronto (10-10) Boston (12-7)

04/23 Toronto 7, Boston 3

It took five games, but the Jays finally got back on track in Boston on Monday.

The Jays managed 14 hits in the game, the opposite of their poor offensive showing in Baltimore on the weekend. The Jays were also able to finish off Boston with 3 runs in the last 2 innings.

Tomo Ohka also finally got his first win of the year, although he only pitched 5 innings for Toronto.

The two game series ends Tuesday, with Jay ace Roy Halladay pitching for Toronto.

WP: Ohka (1-2)
LP: Wakefield (2-2)
SV: Frasor (2)

Toronto (9-10) Boston (12-6)

04/22 Baltimore 7, Toronto 3

Toronto continued to struggle on Sunday, losing to the Orioles again, clinching the sweep for Baltimore.

The Jays gave up all their runs in the 4th and 5th innings, with starter Gustavo Chacin being pulled in the 5th.

Vernon Wells and Frank Thomas, the Jays supposed offensive leaders, both went hitless on the afternoon. As of this game, only Royce Clayton and Aaron Hill are hitting over .300 for Toronto.

WP: Trachsel (1-1)
LP: Chacin (2-1)

Toronto (8-10) Baltimore (11-7)

04/21 Baltimore 5, Toronto 2

So much for that hope I was talking about last time.

Josh Towers hit the valley of his up and down season, allowing 9 hits in only 5 innings. He was tagged with the loss.

The Jays' bats continued to struggle, only getting one extra base hit on the night (Alex Rios, 2B).

WP: Loewen (2-0)
LP: Towers (1-2)
SV: Ray (6)

Toronto (8-9) Baltimore (10-7)

04/20 Baltimore 5, Toronto 4

It is sadly becoming an old story.

After a very strong start, the Jays bullpen has blown fantastic outings by their starters to lose 3 straight games, dropping to .500 for the first time since opening week.

A.J. Burnett, inconsistent so far this year, had a peak start, going 7 innings while only giving up 3 hits.

But the bullpen, specifically Marcum and Zambrano, lost the lead and the game to Baltimore.

As I write this, the second game of the series is underway, with Baltimore leading Josh Towers and the Jays 2-0 in the 3rd. I am aware that it is only April, but it is the beginning of the year where confidence and habit are created, and, after a hot opening to the season, have begun to falter. Going into Fenway next week means Toronto needs to turn it around now in Baltimore.

Alex Rios just scored. Maybe this will turn it around.

Report on tonight's game later.

WP: Ray (2-1)
LP: Zambrano (0-1)

Toronto (8-8) Baltimore (9-7)

04/19 Boston 5, Toronto 3

Everything was in place for a Toronto win, which would give the Jays the series win in their first matchup with the Boston Red Sox this season. Roy Halladay was on the mound, the Jays had a 3-1 lead in the 8th, and the Jays ace showed no signs of slowing down.

Then manager John Gibbons hallucinated a sign of slowing down, and replaced Halladay with one out in the inning. Final score Boston 5, Toronto 3.

Scott Downs, who replaced Halladay, did his job and got David Ortiz out, then Shawn Marcum came in, and gave up 2 runs in the eighth. Boston added 2 more in the 9th to get the win.

Much will be made of Gibbons' decision to pull Halladay, and likely more would be made of it if this were September, or hopefully, October. But Gibbons felt it was time, and that's his decision to make. Unfortunately for the Jays, it was the wrong one.

Jays at Orioles this weekend.

WP: Timlin (1-0)
LP: Marcum (1-1)
SV: Papelbon (4)

Toronto (8-7) Boston (9-5)