2011 Blue Jays Season Thread

[dustyanddaflames]

I think what might get lost in the win, was Molina's at bat against Rivera in the 9th. Man did he battle off a lot of tough pitches, and heck, even his single through the left side was a pitch a lot of batters aren't going to get their hands around. Good job Molina, guy battled and got McDonald into a spot for the safety squeeze! Love it, and love it even more when they do it off Rivera to get it to extras. Win or lose, these Jays sure play an exciting brand of ball.

[Beerfest]

I didnt realize Snider was stuggling so much at the plate so far this year..good to see him get a key hit. Hopefully it gives him a boost and his batting improves.

[dustyanddaflames]

Cecil, like Reyes in Fenway, had trouble keeping the ball down all night. When you aren't hitting 90 on the gun regularly, and against an offensive lineup like the Yankees, you know you're in for a bumpy ride.

[Machiavelli]

Starting pitching has been pretty terrible lately.

[dustyanddaflames]

Actually weird note of interest, talked to a coach with the baseball academy in my hometown today, he just got out here today from Ontario and said he has spoken numerous times with Anthopolous. Noted to me A.A. has told him next year is the year he expects the Jays to actually make some noise, not just in the AL East, but in all of baseball. Said A.A. told him they are aiming at acquiring an ace of the staff and a big bat in the middle of the lineup.

Does anyone have an idea of potential bats (outside of Pujols and Fielder) and "ace" quality pitching available this winter?

EDIT - he did just say acquiring, so it could be via trade as well.

[habernac]

Cecil has now been optioned to Vegas.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

Actually weird note of interest, talked to a coach with the baseball academy in my hometown today, he just got out here today from Ontario and said he has spoken numerous times with Anthopolous. Noted to me A.A. has told him next year is the year he expects the Jays to actually make some noise, not just in the AL East, but in all of baseball. Said A.A. told him they are aiming at acquiring an ace of the staff and a big bat in the middle of the lineup.

Does anyone have an idea of potential bats (outside of Pujols and Fielder) and "ace" quality pitching available this winter?

EDIT - he did just say acquiring, so it could be via trade as well.

I think they're going after Yu Darvish this offseason to potentially be the ace, just a guess but they have the cash and he would fit in with their core.

[dustyanddaflames]

Originally Posted by Matty81

I think they're going after Yu Darvish this offseason to potentially be the ace, just a guess but they have the cash and he would fit in with their core.

Is there a pitch this guy doesn't throw? Can't say I know much about him, or remember, but I looked up his wikipedia page (I know ), and the guy supposedly throws 7 pitches.

[secol]

i know 100% he doesn't throw a knuckleball lol

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Matty81

I think they're going after Yu Darvish this offseason to potentially be the ace, just a guess but they have the cash and he would fit in with their core.

Very interesting article. It is going to be crazy expensive to get this guy.

http://jaysjournal.com/2011/01/28/yu...e-jay-in-2012/

[CofR]

Don't Unpack - Jays Trade Brad Emaus to Rockies

According to Gregor Chisholm, We recieve back Chris Malone a RHP in their minor system. - More to Follow
John Lott reports that the deal also has future considerations to the Jays (player or Cash)

__

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

Is there a pitch this guy doesn't throw? Can't say I know much about him, or remember, but I looked up his wikipedia page (I know ), and the guy supposedly throws 7 pitches.

He was amazing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. So much so they used him in the 9th inning of the Championship against Korea, but he blew the save but then got the win as Japan won in the 10th.

Yes, he's got every pitch in the book.

and he plays for one of my favourite team names.

Nippon Ham Fighters!

[puckluck]

How many times has Encarnacion lost his bat this season? Might need new gloves or something.

[Machiavelli]

Woo....Johnny Mac with a walk-off homer in the 11th! As usual, Buck Martinez has no idea how to call the ball.

[Chump]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Woo....Johnny Mac with a walk-off homer in the 11th! As usual, Buck Martinez has no idea how to call the ball.

Yeah Buck is really bad for that. He probably says "and itttttttts of the wall" 3 or 4 times every game.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

He was amazing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. So much so they used him in the 9th inning of the Championship against Korea, but he blew the save but then got the win as Japan won in the 10th.

Yes, he's got every pitch in the book.

and he plays for one of my favourite team names.

Nippon Ham Fighters!

His mechanics scare me a little bit. It just seems like he is going to put a lot of strain on his arm because he is so late getting it around, hence the whipping action he seems to have. I wouldn't want to change his mechanics either and risk losing his effectiveness.

Obviously we would have scouts looking at this and forming their own opinions. If they think its ok, then I'd be thrilled to have this guy.

Also, go Johnny Mac with the walk off!!

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

His mechanics scare me a little bit. It just seems like he is going to put a lot of strain on his arm because he is so late getting it around, hence the whipping action he seems to have. I wouldn't want to change his mechanics either and risk losing his effectiveness.

Obviously we would have scouts looking at this and forming their own opinions. If they think its ok, then I'd be thrilled to have this guy.

Also, go Johnny Mac with the walk off!!

It does but look at Lincecum. I think Timmy is going to get hurt every time he pitches and instead he's won 2 Cy Young Awards.

-----

With both Hill and Nix out.. Johnny Mac has the opportunity to prove he can swing the bat consistently.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

EE 2 more errors. They should just DH him and let J. Rivera platoon with Snider.

[Gozer]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

let J. Rivera platoon with Snider.

[puckluck]

Bautista already with 2 home runs.