Sept. 21-23: Blue Jays vs. Yankees Series Thread

[Antithesis]

Toronto Blue Jays (85-64, conquering Kings of the universe) vs. New Boo York Yankees (82-66, could be 5.5 GB by Wednesday)

Probable Starters:

Monday @5:00 Mountain Time: TOR: David Price, 16-5, 2.42 ERA; NYY: Adam Warren, 6-6, 3.33 ERA
Tuesday @5:00 Mountain Time: TOR: Marco Estrada, 13-8, 3.14 ERA; NYY: Luis Severino, 4-3, 3.12 ERA
Wednesday @5:00 Mountain Time: NYY: Marcus Stroman, 2-0, 3.00 ERA; NYY: Ivan Nova, 6-8, 5.11 ERA

Could I just copy what I wrote the last time the Jays were about to start a big series against the Yankees? I could ... with the exception that the Yankees unfortunately won their series against the Mets. Oh well! Moving on.

The series against Boston was disappointing for sure, but I'm trying to take heart in the fact that it took two anomalous outings for the Jays to make it happen: a complete, total blowup from the bullpen and a defensive game that couldn't have been much uglier. That shouldn't be a sign of things to come or anything, because both of those aspects of the Jays' game are far better than they were this weekend.

And look! The Jays are starting the cream of the crop when it comes to the rotation over this series beginning with possible Cy Young winner David Price! That'll work. Hopefully the Jays can make the rest of the regular season more-or-less academic by winning the series.

Stats Time!

Over his career, current Yankees hitters have the following stats vs. David Price: 332 AB, 87 H, 8 HR, 80 K, 0.262 AVG, 0.322 OBP, 0.416 SLG, 0.736 OPS
Over his career, current Yankees hitters have the following stats vs. Marco Estrada: 122 AB, 31 H, 9 HR, 21 K, 0.254 AVG, 0.316 OBP, 0.508 SLG, 0.824 OPS
Over his career, current Yankees hitters have the following stats vs. Marcus Stroman: 65 AB, 11 H, 3 HR, 14 K, 0.169 AVG, 0.260 OBP, 0.323 SLG, 0.583 OPS

Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Adam Warren: 39 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 15 K, 0.205 AVG, 0.326 OBP, 0.333 SLG, 0.659 OPS
Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Luis Severino: 34 AB, 11 H, 3 HR, 13 K, 0.324 AVG, 0.425 OBP, 0.676 SLG, 1.101 OPS
Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Ivan Nova: 138 AB, 39 H, 5 HR, 20 K, 0.283 AVG, 0.380 OBP, 0.442 SLG, 0.822 OPS

OK!

BLUE JAYS!

LETS!

PLAY!

BALL!

[Jiggy_12]

2 out of 3 would be just great.

We get Price 2 of the next 6 games so 4-2 in this chunk is reasonable to expect.

Anyone know why Tanaka isn't pitching game 3 like originally expected? Not that I'm complaining.

[The Big Chill]

2 out of 3 would be just great.

We get Price 2 of the next 6 games so 4-2 in this chunk is reasonable to expect.

Anyone know why Tanaka isn't pitching game 3 like originally expected? Not that I'm complaining.

Hamstring injury apparently.

[JBR]

Tanaka strained a hamstring running the bases vs. Mets this weekend. They're being cautious. Any weakness in the lower body would potentially affect the delivery. With a short history of arm issues, why take the chance. Save him for a more meaningful game in the playoffs.

[JBR]

How could I forget...

Go Yanks!!

[KelVarnsen]

Yankees suck.

[Enoch Root]

Jays are set up nicely, with Price, Estrada and Stroman. No Tanaka is a bonus.

Just win 2 out of 3 and they are in great shape. A sweep and it's over.

[Street Pharmacist]

Jays are now the worst team in the majors in one run games. Yuck

[whosurnabby]

Jays are now the worst team in the majors in one run games. Yuck
And most of those losses happened when the Jays had one of the worst pens in the AL.. since the ASG/Sanchez returning from injury and being slotted back in the pen they've had a top 3 bullpen in all of MLB. They'll be fine as long as the starters keep pumping quality starts.

[Enoch Root]

yeah, the early season bullpen is one reason

another is that, when they lose, they lose by 1. When they win, they win big

[Scornfire]

Turned on the TV and it's already 3-0 Jays, what happened?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Same here. Argh. Would have loved to watch that.

[MissTeeks]

Steve Simmons sums it up nicely:

@simmonssteve: The Yanks 1st inning. A hit batter. A bobbled grounder. A wild pitch. A misplayed liner to right field. Three Jays hits. A walk. 3-0 Jays.

[whosurnabby]

Steve Simmons sums it up nicely:

@simmonssteve: The Yanks 1st inning. A hit batter. A bobbled grounder. A wild pitch. A misplayed liner to right field. Three Jays hits. A walk. 3-0 Jays.
Beauty of the game. Yesterday it was the Jays who keeps on bobbling the ball, 24 hours later, it's those damn Yankees' turn.:D Unlike other leagues, the cellar dwellers don't tank in MLB because there's literally no advantage in tanking. Every draft pick is a 50/50 coin toss and a "sure thing" prospect in baseball is extremely rare. Red Sox came up to play their game on the weekend and it just so happens that the Blue Jays, especially on D, took a couple days off. It's just that simple. Weak ballclubs let the "L's" linger around and fester, the good ones move the f### on and play their brand of baseball the next day.

[ben voyonsdonc]

Not sure what is going on with Pennington. Looking like Jose Reyes over the past couple of days.

[V]

Wow, what a beast, to get out of that. Price is just flat out awesome.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Man I love Price. Even when he gets in a jam he's just calm and gets the job done. Keep hoping the ownership will open the vault and somehow keep him around. Chances may be slim but you never know.

[GirlySports]

Woo!

[whosurnabby]

Wow, what a beast, to get out of that. Price is just flat out awesome.
Not to get ahead of myself, but I hope Shapiro does the right thing by re-signing AA first as GM, get rid of the stupid 5 year max thing to lure awesome free agents, and then re-sign that man on the mound tonight. Guy can pitch in the AL East. Period.;)

[JayP]

Price better start getting these calls. He is getting squeezed badly so far while Warren gets a massive strike zone. Unacceptable umping but its pretty much the usual inconsistent calls you see every night.

[MRCboicgy]

Like that one? Boo ump.

[whosurnabby]

Matt Hague's batting stance reminds me of Craig Counsell's. lol.

[MRCboicgy]

In Yankee Stadium, that's a grand slam.

[whosurnabby]

There's no definite pitch count on Price's arm unlike that Matt Harvey guy that the Yanks faced last night. What an awesome start on a a very, very, very, HUGE game. I love David Price.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I have a man crush on Price. Fantastic pitcher, and I love seeing him enjoy the moment. Walking off after that inning to a standing ovation and he's clapping his hands as he heads off. Love seeing that.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Sanchez is in, 4-0 Jays. He's been scaring me lately, hope he find his form again.

[V]

Uh oh, not a great start.

[whosurnabby]

why Gibby why?! oh boy, please pull him out sooner rather than later...Sanchez has been overthrowing a lot lately. That sinker is way off.

[JayP]

Absolutely no reason Sanchez should be pitching here. 4 lefties in a row against a guy with brutal splits. This kind of bullpen management in playoffs could easily cost a series.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Get someone throwing..............stat.

[MRCboicgy]

Argh

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Cecil is in. Thank goodness.

[whosurnabby]

Absolutely no reason Sanchez should be pitching here. 4 lefties in a row against a guy with brutal splits. This kind of bullpen management in playoffs could easily cost a series.
THIS. I get that Gibby is a "player's manager" but recent history suggests that something is off in Sanchez game. Take the safer option and place Lowe or Cecil there.

[browna]

Meltdown by Sanchez. Really question trusting him from here on.
1 walk, 5 balls, a single, a visit from the catcher and pitching coach before getting the hook. At least Gibby doesn't wait and hope he works it out.

[savemedrzaius]

Sanchez is supposed to be the set-up guy and he was facing the bottom of the order.

How is it Gibbons' fault? People should be complaining about Sanchez, not Gibbons.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

4-1. Pretty lucky hit, just stabbed at it. Great pitch.

[V]

Our starters are just going to have to learn to play complete games.

[browna]

Yeah nothing wrong with that. If a guy is going to hit the ball at ankle height what do you do.

I think Gibby want to get Sanchez back in the saddle but the guy is scared of the pony, let alone a horse, it seems.

Hawkins is supposed to be ready after a week or so with soreness they need his calming presence back. And there he is.

[JayP]

Sanchez is supposed to be the set-up guy and he was facing the bottom of the order.

How is it Gibbons' fault? People should be complaining about Sanchez, not Gibbons.

Because its the managers jobs to know his players. Sanchez simply can't get lefties out and he's thrown out there against 4 straight lefties. Its managing to some preset role instead of the best possible reliever for the situation.

[MRCboicgy]

Huge K!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Great pitch. 1 down.

Not sure how the ump doesn't toss him after all the whining.

[whosurnabby]

ballsy pitch! Holy Cow!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Another K, great pitch! See ya, A-Rod.

[MRCboicgy]

A-Rod, sit down.

Gotta survive McCann

[whosurnabby]

reliever-wise, I think Brett Cecil's curveball has got to be one of the best in all of baseball. Ridiculous.

[V]

Cecil's getting it done.

[browna]

Cecil!

[MRCboicgy]

Struck out the side!

[V]

Now that's how you do that!!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Cecil!!!!!!!!!! Wow, what a job. Saved Sanchez's arse, unreal.

[savemedrzaius]

Because its the managers jobs to know his players. Sanchez simply can't get lefties out and he's thrown out there against 4 straight lefties. Its managing to some preset role instead of the best possible reliever for the situation.

It's the bottom of the order. If Gibbons throws someone else out there and he blows it you guys would still be complaining about Gibbons. Sometimes it's on the players to do what they are supposed to do.

[vegasbound]

Cecil!!

[transplant99]

Unbelievable job by Cecil when it was most needed.

I think Gardner was pissed at himself as much as he was at blue. That was a hanging curve that he should have smoked.

[transplant99]

Darwin Barney....what a great name.

[Sylvanfan]

Sanchez is the new Aaron Loup.

[browna]

Ok Bob, your turn back in the saddle. Sanchez crapped the bed Saturday and looks scared now, hopefully you've pulled yourself out of the dumps.

[whosurnabby]

Sanchez is the new Aaron Loup.
Gotta have a whipping boy. The thing that bothers me the most is that he's had a long history in the minors of being wildly inconsistent in locating his stuff. If he can't control his stuff sooner than later, he'll just end up being another Kyle Drabek. AA used to have Nicolino-Thor/Syndergaard-Sanchez in Lansing and he picked Sanchez to stay because he had the best "stuff" out of all three young guns.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Another K for Osuna......he looks much, much better.

[MRCboicgy]

Well those were 3 sexy pitches.
Followed by a bomb :/

[Roof-Daddy]

Woot!

Great bounce back from Osuna, and for the second start in a row Price comes in and stops the skid at two games.

[whosurnabby]

Well those were 3 sexy pitches.
Followed by a bomb :/
Kids been pitching with men since he was 16 in the Mexican League. He's got this.;):D

[browna]

Osuna looks great. You've got a three run lead throw heat. Not nibbling the edges. Even with that home run, he then throws 4 and challenges the hitter.

Cecil the star of the game here after Price.

[whosurnabby]

Sanchez, that's how you bounce back. Take note.

OSUNA. MATATA!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

4-2 Final, big win. Price was fantastic, Osuna was good, Cecil was great and Sanchez needs to find his form.

[flames_fan_down_under]

With Cecil pitching like a boss lately he might have to take over the 8th inning role, Sanchez looks phased.

That was a fun win and pretty damn stressful.

[MRCboicgy]

Magic Number for the division is 10.

[whosurnabby]

Magic number for an actual playoff berth is 4. This weekend is going to be bonkers.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Anyone else think that David Price is the AL Cy Young winner this year?

[Sylvanfan]

Anyone else think that David Price is the AL Cy Young winner this year?

Easy. As irrelevant as wins can be I think his 8-1 record with the Jays is very meaningful. He's pretty much the difference between the playoffs and another 87 win season on the outs.

I'd offer him 5 years and 175 million with an opt out clause after year two. He's a true ace who's put the team over the hump.

[whosurnabby]

Easy. As irrelevant as wins can be I think his 8-1 record with the Jays is very meaningful. He's pretty much the difference between the playoffs and another 87 win season on the outs.

I'd offer him 5 years and 175 million with an opt out clause after year two. He's a true ace who's put the team over the hump.
Max Scherzer got a 7 year, $210 millon deal with the Nats last offseason. For a legit Ace and a phenomenal track record, even when he was playing for the Rays, I think he'll get more. My head says he'll re-join Freidman or Maddon in either LA or Chicago (Cubs), but my heart says that he truly loves winning and don't care about the money, or playing in Canada for that matter.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Max Scherzer got a 7 year, $210 millon deal with the Nats last offseason. For a legit Ace and a phenomenal track record, even when he was playing for the Rays, I think he'll get more. My head says he'll re-join Freidman or Maddon in either LA or Chicago (Cubs), but my heart says that he truly loves winning and don't care about the money, or playing in Canada for that matter.

Money shouldn't matter to the Jays. They have as many resources as any team in the league not named the Yankees. The only Reason it does is because they are owned by a corporation rather than being operated as a rich man's toy like other teams in the league. I will be thoroughly disgusted if Rogers rolls out the fund excuse. Price may not sign in Toronto, but it better not me because of money.

[Street Pharmacist]

Money shouldn't matter to the Jays. They have as many resources as any team in the league not named the Yankees. The only Reason it does is because they are owned by a corporation rather than being operated as a rich man's toy like other teams in the league. I will be thoroughly disgusted if Rogers rolls out the fund excuse. Price may not sign in Toronto, but it better not me because of money.
They should donate because they're not owned by a guy who doesn't care about money? Why should they make a deal that doesn't make financial sense? Charity????

[savemedrzaius]

They should donate because they're not owned by a guy who doesn't care about money? Why should they make a deal that doesn't make financial sense? Charity????

It's not charity though. Price deserves top-dollar, right? And Rogers is stinking rich. A winning team brings them better ticket sales and higher TV ratings. Plus he's such a humble, likeable, seemingly awesome guy, that to me it's a no-brainer. You give him whatever he wants and just hope he chooses us.

He really seems to fit in with the team and like playing here. If he stays here it will be so great for the city of Toronto.

[Street Pharmacist]

It's not charity though. Price deserves top-dollar, right? And Rogers is stinking rich. A winning team brings them better ticket sales and higher TV ratings. Plus he's such a humble, likeable, seemingly awesome guy, that to me it's a no-brainer. You give him whatever he wants and just hope he chooses us.

He really seems to fit in with the team and like playing here. If he stays here it will be so great for the city of Toronto.
If it doesn't make financial sense, they shouldn't go it whether or not you want them to. If Rogers gets rich off cell phones they should spend on baseball? Silly logic

[savemedrzaius]

If it doesn't make financial sense, they shouldn't go it whether or not you want them to. If Rogers gets rich off cell phones they should spend on baseball? Silly logic

I guess there is no way to prove if signing Price makes financial sense. But if they sign Price it helps keep the buzz going in this country for Blue Jays baseball during the offseason. Plus it helps them field a winning team which means more merch and tickets sold, and more people watching the games on Sportsnet.

[corporatejay]

If it doesn't make financial sense, they shouldn't go it whether or not you want them to. If Rogers gets rich off cell phones they should spend on baseball? Silly logic

I thought that was his point. Because they are a corporation they care about profit and shareholders. Rich guys just want to win.

[Street Pharmacist]

I thought that was his point. Because they are a corporation they care about profit and shareholders. Rich guys just want to win.
Yes. My point was that's OK. Corporations shouldn't have to spend money because they have it

[jayswin]

Yes. My point was that's OK. Corporations shouldn't have to spend money because they have it

But that was the exact point he was making; That we're at a disadvantage at signing a huge free agent like Price because our owners will make a business decision while other teams are owned by rich guys who bought teams to have fun with and win championships.

[Street Pharmacist]

But that was the exact point he was making; That we're at a disadvantage at signing a huge free agent like Price because our owners will make a business decision while other teams are owned by rich guys who bought teams to have fun with and win championships.
No, he specifically said it would be "disgusting" if they used the money excuse. I'm simply saying that as a corporation, that's the right thing to do.

[Sylvanfan]

I'd argue that Rogers should spend a bit more on the team because business wise that additional investment in payroll can yield better attendance, better T.V. ratings, which in turn generates enough revenue to cover the added expenditures.

The Jays should have one of the better RSN agreements in the majors due to Sportsnet's national coverage, and Rogers can use a successful Jays team to market other media that they sell.

It's the Bill Wirtz thing. They can cheap out on it, and hope to make enough through revenue sharing due to their ineptness of running the ball club....or invest in the team and have the business thrive. Maybe this recent bit of success may cause Rogers to realize the opportunity that they've missed out on previously.

[TheAlpineOracle]

No, he specifically said it would be "disgusting" if they used the money excuse. I'm simply saying that as a corporation, that's the right thing to do.

Of course it's the right thing to do for a corporation, but the baseball ownership structure and corporate structures are generally two separate worlds. The goal of most baseball ownership teams are A) Maximize the value of your franchise and B) Brand Association, and C) Bragging rights amongst their rich friends. This is why the Giants, Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, etc are so successful. They don't take every dollar of profit they make and distribute it via a dividend or move it to another project with a higher immediate return on investment. They invest it right back into the baseball team.

If Rogers wants to have a baseball team, they have to let their management run it like a baseball team. They currently do not. I, like most long-term Jays have are completely sick of the way this team is run. If they had not done anything this trade deadline I was pretty much done as a 30+ year fan of the team. It took a lot for me to come back last year after they did nothing at the trade deadline. The "We don't have the funds" excuse is not working on fans anymore. This is a team playing in the 3rd largest metropolitan area in North America, with a fan base stretching an entire country (35 Million strong) that eats up merchandise year and year out. They own their own tv network so they get every cent of the MLB tv deals, and were basically given their baseball stadium for ten cents on the dollar. I don't expect to be making stupid spending decisions and be given cart blanche to spend what they want, but to suggest that they can't sign a player because of lack of funds is an absolute slap in the face to any intelligent person.

There are only two other teams under corporate ownership in MLB. The Seattle Mariners and the Atlanta Braves. Both garbage franchises. Look at the complete nose dive the Braves franchise has taken since Ted Turner sold them back in 2007. I think Seattle is ran a little more akin to a normal franchise though because Nintendo functions like Labatt did for the Jays in the early 90's. Completely for marketing/branding, not concerned with how the team's bottom line will affect their financials.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Also, in my opinion the only reason this year's moves were green-lighted by Rogers is they likely felt that the public backlash was going to be extremely severe this year and may come back on their communications division. Had nothing been done, I fully expect the faces of the franchise would have ripped them in the media and demanded out in the off-season which would have severely pissed off some Rogers customers.

I'm happy they made the moves, and it's turning out great, but that is not how a successful baseball franchise. You shouldn't have to strong-arm ownership to compete in a market like Toronto. From a pure baseball perspective, these moves should have been made at last year's deadline. The team was a lot closer than they were this time around and were still missing the same components (which any other successful franchise would have addressed in the off-season rather than starting this year with the holes the Blue Jays did). When they made these moves I thought they were going after the wildcard, I never would have expected them to cover off enough ground to compete for the division title.

[troutman]

With Cecil pitching like a boss lately he might have to take over the 8th inning role, Sanchez looks phased.

That was a fun win and pretty damn stressful.

Cecil got away with two strikes that were balls to avoid loading the bases. Didn't matter though as he struck out next two batters with extreme prejudice.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Cecil got away with two strikes that were balls to avoid loading the bases. Didn't matter though as he struck out next two batters with extreme prejudice.

Cecil is just lights out and the focus isn't on him. Not sure why he excels in the 7th and 8th inning role, but falls to pieces in the 9th.

[jayswin]

It's the Bill Wirtz thing. They can cheap out on it, and hope to make enough through revenue sharing due to their ineptness of running the ball club....or invest in the team and have the business thrive. Maybe this recent bit of success may cause Rogers to realize the opportunity that they've missed out on previously.

I don't think anything causes Rogers to realize anything in the sports world.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I don't think anything causes Rogers to realize anything in the sports world.

Nope, and should they win the World series I don't expect Rogers to go all in for a repeat. Will keep the team as in an slowly shed pieces as their contracts run out. They will be able to point to 2015 for ten years after that.

This whole move up the MLB ladder started with the Dickey and Reyes trades and was a direct response to increased criticism of the Jays organization painted squarely on Rogers.

[whosurnabby]

Of course it's the right thing to do for a corporation, but the baseball ownership structure and corporate structures are generally two separate worlds. The goal of most baseball ownership teams are A) Maximize the value of your franchise and B) Brand Association, and C) Bragging rights amongst their rich friends. This is why the Giants, Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, etc are so successful. They don't take every dollar of profit they make and distribute it via a dividend or move it to another project with a higher immediate return on investment. They invest it right back into the baseball team.

If Rogers wants to have a baseball team, they have to let their management run it like a baseball team. They currently do not. I, like most long-term Jays have are completely sick of the way this team is run. If they had not done anything this trade deadline I was pretty much done as a 30+ year fan of the team. It took a lot for me to come back last year after they did nothing at the trade deadline. The "We don't have the funds" excuse is not working on fans anymore. This is a team playing in the 3rd largest metropolitan area in North America, with a fan base stretching an entire country (35 Million strong) that eats up merchandise year and year out. They own their own tv network so they get every cent of the MLB tv deals, and were basically given their baseball stadium for ten cents on the dollar. I don't expect to be making stupid spending decisions and be given cart blanche to spend what they want, but to suggest that they can't sign a player because of lack of funds is an absolute slap in the face to any intelligent person.

There are only two other teams under corporate ownership in MLB. The Seattle Mariners and the Atlanta Braves. Both garbage franchises. Look at the complete nose dive the Braves franchise has taken since Ted Turner sold them back in 2007. I think Seattle is ran a little more akin to a normal franchise though because Nintendo functions like Labatt did for the Jays in the early 90's. Completely for marketing/branding, not concerned with how the team's bottom line will affect their financials.
Great long read there man, and I wholeheartedly agree with everything... specially in a division where you have teams spending big money every off season (Yanks and Sox) , you have the damn resources, show that you can keep up with the big boys. I hope this run shows Rogers that investing more in baseball is a good financial move.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Great long read there man, and I wholeheartedly agree with everything... specially in a division where you have teams spending big money every off season (Yanks and Sox) , you have the damn resources, show that you can keep up with the big boys. I hope this run shows Rogers that investing more in baseball is a good financial move.

I don't even expect to spend with the Yankees and Red Sox, but Rogers runs this team like a small market team, but spins a completely different story in the media which they control.

Prime example is last season. Rogers behind closed doors told the players in spring training if they are in contention at the deadline, they will add pieces. Every Rogers' owned media outlet in Canada is reporting the Jays are looking to add to bolster the lineup to win the AL East. I turn on my XM Radio to the MLB network and upwards of week ahead of the deadline they are reporting that Anthopoulos has told every team in the league that he's not allowed to increase payroll and that they will not be active come deadline. I mean come on. The AL East/Wildcard were the weakest they were in years. We all saw which media was reporting the truth after the deadline.

In my opinion this year's moves were a direct action administered to counteract the impeding Bautista/Edwin/Fan blowup that would occur if nothing was done again. Baustita and Edwin would 100% have been demanding out. Not fallout Rogers was willing to deal with, especially given the club friendly option on these guys in 2016 (bargains when compared to the free agent market).

Now I guess this is getting away from the purpose of this thread, which is the Yankees/Blue Jays series, but it must be obvious to most in watching the last few series between these teams that David Price is the reason the Jays are leading the AL East. It really gets me going as a lifetime fan when the general impression is that Price will only be a Blue Jay in the long run if he's willing to take less money. That isn't even a consideration in any other market like Toronto's. If he's happy there and willing to stay, the money is available. The fact that isn't the case in Toronto is ridiculous. I can accept Price leaving to play somewhere else. I cannot accept him leaving if it comes down to money and term.

[Tyler]

I love how everyone just throws Rogers under the bus whenever they can and say they spend like a small market, when they're a top 10 spending team in the league and likely going to be increasing that substantially next year.

[puffnstuff]

Looks like Tulo took a few ground balls today, did some soft throwing and hit a little off a tee. Baby steps.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I love how everyone just throws Rogers under the bus whenever they can and say they spend like a small market, when they're a top 10 spending team in the league and likely going to be increasing that substantially next year.

I'd bet you a lot of money Rogers will not be significantly increasing their budget next year. I'd also bet you a lot of money that when Bautista and Encarnacion's contracts end in 2016, the Jays will not reallocate that money and drop budget significantly.

2015 and 2016 are last run for a long time, and I'd say this year is our last realistic hope at a World Series. As it stands right now, the Jays starting pitching is Stroman, Osuna, and Sanchez. Hopefully they resign Price and add an arm or two, but I'm not overly confident that will happen given past history.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Sanchez is out of the setup role per TSN.

[Roof-Daddy]

Kawasaki getting the start at second over Pennington. Hits in the 9th spot.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Kawasaki getting the start at second over Pennington. Hits in the 9th spot.

I'm OK with that. I don't really see any drop off from the two. The quicker Tulo heals the better though. I don't want to go into the playoffs with Pennington starting.

Is Kawasaki eligible to play in the playoffs? I'm assuming yes as we not a waiver pickup.

[Roof-Daddy]

Yeah, Pennington has had a few errors lately anyways. I'm good with him sitting for Kawasaki too. Not sure if he's playoff eligible.

Great news about Tulo doing some fielding etc, getting him back would be huge obviously.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Would be great to wrap this up before the last Tampa series, Donaldson looks tired and Edwin's finger is a concern. Would be nice to rest them a couple of days.

[Dan02]

Estrada doesn't seem to have his best stuff tonight.

[Roof-Daddy]

Well there won't be an 8 inning shut out for Estrada in tonight's game. Rough start.

[Roof-Daddy]

Would sure be nice if MVP would heat up again. Gone a bit cold lately.

[Cuz]

Would sure be nice if MVP would heat up again. Gone a bit cold lately.

He is, but he hit that ball pretty hard which is always a good sign.

[Caged Great]

They are down 2 runs. We could easily score 5 in any inning, so it's not a big deal.

[Roof-Daddy]

He is, but he hit that ball pretty hard which is always a good sign.

Yeah, almost hit the pitcher yet there is the "2nd baseman" playing right behind the bag. Godamn shift.

Severino through two innings on 14 pitches.

[Roof-Daddy]

Pillar!

Man that got out in a hurry!

2-1

[The Big Chill]

Pillar with a line drive home run!

[Roof-Daddy]

lol Kawasaki is going to cork screw himself into the ground.

[Enoch Root]

hammered into the 2nd deck

completely changes the complexion of the game

[transplant99]

Did Kawasaki seriously close his eyes on that swing? Did I see that right?

[Enoch Root]

the Jays will start hitting Severino 2nd time through

[Enoch Root]

Did Kawasaki seriously close his eyes on that swing? Did I see that right?

after the ball had passed the bat

[Enoch Root]

Estrada now has his pitch count under control, at 66 through 4

still down 1 but it's looking a lot better than it was in the first couple innings

[Enoch Root]

ok, meat of the order - let's get back in this

[whosurnabby]

That ball would've been a homerun in cheapass Yankee Stadium.

[Enoch Root]

tie game!

[The Big Chill]

Tie game! Severino is looking pretty good tonight, and still has a low pitch count. We'll need Estrada to be on his game the rest of the way.

[Enoch Root]

Seattle is up 2-0 on KC in the 1st

[Enoch Root]

Pillar with another good at bat

[Caged Great]

Kawasaki had a good AB despite striking out. 7 or 8 pitch AB.

[Enoch Root]

we need a good, quick inning from Estrada and get the bats right back at it

[Enoch Root]

okay, time to take the lead and put the pressure on the Yankees

[Enoch Root]

Seattle up 6-0 on KC

[Caged Great]

Well, 1-4 did nothing in that inning.

Hopefully they don't have a 1-2-3 inning in the 7th. Kawasaki will be pinch hit for by someone, either cola or hague

[Enoch Root]

you can't walk the #8 guy to start the 7th

[Roof-Daddy]

Clearly out. This has to be over turned.

[MyFlamesFirst]

How in the hell do you make that tag. That was an unbelievable play.

[Roof-Daddy]

Huge! Great play by Bautista, and a great job on the tag by Donaldson.

[Enoch Root]

Bautista comes up HUGE!

[flames_fan_down_under]

Awesome play by Bautista and Donaldson. And here comes Aaron Loup.

[Roof-Daddy]

Really good start by Estrada, especially after the first. Hopefully Loup can get the third out here.

[Enoch Root]

who would have thought, during the 1st or 2nd inning, that Estrada would walk off after 6 2/3 tied at 2

heck of a job

[Caged Great]

Gibbons is terrible at managing.

There is no conceivable reason why Estrada should have gone out for the 7th. You have Hendricks and Hawkins that haven't pitched in a while and they could have done the job, but instead you have a guy that's struggled all game with his stuff and he's tired, but lets run him out there. If not for amazing D by the MVP, they would be screwed.

[whosurnabby]

oh boy, here comes Loup. *crosses fingers*

*edit*
I understand the situation, but come on Loup hasn't done s### all year. My goodness Gibby. He's not even capable of being a LOOGY anymore.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I have an unreasonable hatred for Aaron Loup

[Roof-Daddy]

Well luckily that stayed in the infield.

Here comes Hendriks now.

[Enoch Root]

if that doesn't hit Loup, Goins has it and the inning is over

frick

come on Hendricks, we need you now

[Enoch Root]

please throw strikes, Hendriks

[Roof-Daddy]

Yes! Huge K!

[Enoch Root]

YES!!

nice job!

[whosurnabby]

Hendriks has been clutch doing mopup role all year...phew

[The Big Chill]

Great job by Hendricks. Let's put some runs up now!

[Caged Great]

A little enthusiasm from Hendricks there.

[savemedrzaius]

Yeah!!!

A-Rod sure seems to strike out a lot in key situations.

[V]

I love seeing the passion from the pitchers, Cecil yesterday, Hendricks today. Meaningful baseball is so much fun.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Time for Smoak to hit a HR.

[Roof-Daddy]

Damn it.

Buck and Pat flapping about how dangerous Beltran is in that situation....and BOOM. 3-2

[whosurnabby]

Damn it...automatic Betances 8th and Miller 9th from here on out. That HR hurts.

[The Big Chill]

Right down the middle..

[JayP]

Way too easy. You can't give out BP fastballs in these situations. That's an absolutely horrid mistake.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Hendricks has looked good, just one mistake and they're are losing. Ouch.

[Enoch Root]

Pillar, then probably Hague, then the top of the order

[Caged Great]

Cola might instead.

Just need one.

[Roof-Daddy]

Come on MVP, time for a clutch hit here.

[Enoch Root]

time for the man to step up

[Roof-Daddy]

Pillar steals third, JD walks. Come on Joey Bats. Time for a big hit.

[whosurnabby]

JoeyBats...all up to you. A clean single and this game is tied.

[Enoch Root]

I send Donaldson to 2nd first pitch

[Roof-Daddy]

3-1 count.

EDIT: Loaded up for EE.

Would be a great time for a parrot walk. But any hit will do.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

No sense swinging if he can't hit the strike zone. Bases loaded, EE up, 2 out.

[V]

Well, better make hay here. Don't like our chances in the 9th.

[Enoch Root]

EE is ohfer so far tonight - time to fix that

[Enoch Root]

Betances isn't close

[Roof-Daddy]

This is intense. Love it!

[Enoch Root]

that was the pitch to hit

[Roof-Daddy]

Ugh. K's him

[Enoch Root]

noooooooooooo - it was a foot wide

[MyFlamesFirst]

Don't know what EE was swinging at there.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

That is the worst pitch I've ever seen EE swing at. Shocking, actually.

[The Big Chill]

Ugh.

[GirlySports]

Man. He should have hit that 2-1 pitch to Hamilton

[Enoch Root]

well, that was their chance

[cavalera403]

Damn that is a huge missed opportunity with Miller up in the pen

[Caged Great]

Boooooooooooooo

[whosurnabby]

come on Hutch.

[Enoch Root]

one hit there and Osuna is on the mound

instead we have Hutchison to extend the deficit

[Roof-Daddy]

Seriously? Hutch you come in and walk the 8 hitter? Go after these guys for f sakes so we at least have a chance in the 9th.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

I can smell how bad Hutchinson is in Calgary.

[Roof-Daddy]

Just F-ing terrible.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Hutchison getting knocked around. Yikes.

[The Big Chill]

Well Hutch won't be seeing another game anytime soon.

[whosurnabby]

I can't Trust anyone in that bullpen that's not named Lowe, Sanchez, Hawkins, Hendriks, and Osuna. Ugh.

[Roof-Daddy]

Well at least they can pitch around Ellsbury with 1st open.

[Roof-Daddy]

I can't Trust anyone in that bullpen that's not named Lowe, Sanchez, Hawkins, Hendriks, and Osuna. Ugh.

Cecil?

[GirlySports]

Putting Hutch in is a surrender tonight.

Go get'em tomorrow

[Jiggy_12]

I can't Trust anyone in that bullpen that's not named Lowe, Sanchez, Hawkins, Hendriks, and Osuna. Ugh.

Brett Cecil says hello

[Kidder]

I can't Trust anyone in that bullpen that's not named Lowe, Sanchez, Hawkins, Hendriks, and Osuna. Ugh.

Um. Cecil has been the best reliever in baseball over the last month plus.

[Roof-Daddy]

Helloooo Bautista! What a gun!

[Enoch Root]

unbelievable play by Bautista!

[Jiggy_12]

Oh my..Joey

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Wow, Jose, unreal. I guess his arm is feeling better. Fantastic throw.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

Bautista. What a cannon.

[whosurnabby]

as much as Joey Bats gets criticized for bad reads and sloppy play sometimes in the outfield, please do remember that he still has a cannon for an arm. wow!

edit* oops..sorry forgot to add Cecil on the trustworthy list. got spanked by CP for not mentioning the best lefty reliever on the team. lol

[Roof-Daddy]

Can still get out of this just down one run. Come on Tepera.

[savemedrzaius]

Cannon!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Big Chill]

Wow, brilliant from Joey.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Keep pitching A-Rod inside like that.

[Roof-Daddy]

Tepera throws one pitch, gets a pop out and a gun out from Joey Bats. then 5 straight balls. throw some strikes dammit!

[flames_fan_down_under]

OK lets get some help from Smoak and Dionner here.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Great job Tepera. Only down by one, thanks to Jose they still have a chance here.

[Roof-Daddy]

Alright, wow. Can't believe we got out of that without giving up a run. Make them pay in the 9th now for not cashing in!

[Enoch Root]

great job by Tepera, and great defense

there's still hope!

[Dan02]

That toss from Jose was money.

[Jiggy_12]

Have to think Colabello And Martin both pinch hit this inning.

[whosurnabby]

Have to think Colabello And Martin both pinch hit this inning.
gotta have to at this point, specially with a lefty coming in for the Yanks

[Jiggy_12]

Why is Smoak batting. Why

[Hemi-Cuda]

Two fantastic defensive plays by Bautista, just sucks that Miller is in to close and no real chance of salvaging a W out of this game

[whosurnabby]

Why is Smoak batting. Why
Don't get it either...he's a switch hitter that holds an inferior bat from the right side. :confused: Colabello, at least, has proven that he can hit lefties.

edit* I guess we're saving Martin for tomorrow. I don't know anymore.

[Roof-Daddy]

Navarro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Tie GAME!!!!!

[Jiggy_12]

And Navarro!!!!!

[Enoch Root]

oh my ####ing god!!!!!!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Navaro!!!!!!!!!

Tie game!!

[V]

Booom!!!!

[Dan02]

yup

[MyFlamesFirst]

Yeeeeeeehawwwww!

[Enoch Root]

and now it's tied, with Wilson, Betances and Miller used up!

[The Big Chill]

Dionner!!!!!!!!

[Jiggy_12]

I would have let Goins hit here, need his D.

[Hemi-Cuda]

And Navarro makes me look like an idiot. Thanks Navarro!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Wow, that was not a strike.

[Enoch Root]

oh come on, that wasn't even close

[Dan02]

I would have let Goins hit here, need his D.

Thought that was odd too, and now you've used Colabello if you needed him later.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Miller getting the benefit of the doubt right now. Borderline stuff there.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Pillar with a double. Great at bat, way to battle there.

[Enoch Root]

Seattle leading KC 11-0

[Roof-Daddy]

Oooh boy. Pillar with a double. Winning run in position with two out.

[Enoch Root]

what a night for Pillar

[Enoch Root]

they better win it here because the bench is emptying fast

[MyFlamesFirst]

I almost would let revere hit still.

[Roof-Daddy]

Martin bats for lefty Revere

[Roof-Daddy]

Better win it here. Bench is gone haha...and our D is suspect.

[Enoch Root]

how ballsy would a double steal here be?

[transplant99]

I would have let Goins hit here, need his D.

not if they score

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Miller is losing it here. Awesome.

[MRCboicgy]

I almost would let revere hit still.

I was thinking the same thing

[Roof-Daddy]

That was ball 4 dang it

[Enoch Root]

you ####ing swung at ball4

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Bases loaded for MVP. This is fun!!

[Enoch Root]

here comes the loudest MVP chant ever

[Roof-Daddy]

Bases loaded for MVP. Come on clutch. It's time.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Argggggg............extra innings. Oh well, great 9th. See ya Miller.

[Roof-Daddy]

That sucks. At least Navarro tied it I guess, but damn the winning run was 90 feet away.

[Jiggy_12]

What a game. Now we get more of it.

[Enoch Root]

####

oh well, the bullpen situations favour the Jays massively now

[MRCboicgy]

Too focused on hitting the grand slam to have an intelligent at bat

[Enoch Root]

please give us Shreve in the 10th

[Dan02]

The Jays just can seem to play a unexciting game these days.

[Kidder]

What a fantastic game. Not even that dissapointed it's continuing.

[Caged Great]

that was not very good. At least they forced it to extras. Hopefully Jose/EE can end it.

[whosurnabby]

I hate working nights. Totally missed that. Ugh.

[Roof-Daddy]

Oh man. Jays caught with their pants down there. Geez

[Enoch Root]

and now we have to sweat through this half inning

please dish up the ground ball

[Enoch Root]

for####sakes