Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Indians - ALCS

[pria(kin)16]

I'll be there tomorrow, hoping for a wild atmosphere and big win. Let's Go Blue Jays!

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Boy it'd be nice if the Jays could get on the rookie early, put up some runs and get into the Indians pen by the 4th or 5th inning. Really start taxing them.

It goes without saying that facing rookies can be a hit or miss. I imagine the guy isn't bad which is why he's making the playoff roster in an ALCS game. Problem could be that the Jays scouts or hitters haven't seen him play and get baffled by his style or type of pitches. Could go either way, but I don't think you'll see a so-so game - either he gets rocked or pitches a shutout.

[Jiggy_12]

@SNstats

#BlueJays to face rookie Ryan Merritt in Game 5

Rookie pitchers in 1st start vs #BlueJays in 2016

19 Starts
6-7 Record
4.62 ERA
1.33 WHIP

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I want the jays to put up a 10 spot in the first or second inning. Just crush those Cleveland losers before heading back to the mistake by the lake. Get them second guessing themselves.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Also, did anyone see Bautista bitching at Saunders when they went to do the post game high five celebration line up? It did not look friendly.

[Inferno]

I saw it too but wasn't sure if he was serious or just ribbing Saunders since Stroman was smiling.

[Machiavelli]

Very lucky to have JD....is there anything he can't do?

About 30 minutes before Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, the Toronto Blue Jays formed a circle in the centre of their clubhouse. In the middle stood Josh Donaldson and he had some things to say. He said them with conviction, with fire, with inspiration.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb...-another-game/

[Northendzone]

hopefully the jays pitchers are not servicing their own drones until after their season is done

[JayP]

Originally Posted by Jiggy_12

@SNstats

#BlueJays to face rookie Ryan Merritt in Game 5

Rookie pitchers in 1st start vs #BlueJays in 2016

19 Starts
6-7 Record
4.62 ERA
1.33 WHIP

This guy doesn't strike anybody out, even in the minors - about 5K/9 through-out his AAA career. This should be a good match-up for the Jays for as long as he's in the game. The top of the order has to be ready to play because they're only going to face him once I'm sure.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

Also, did anyone see Bautista bitching at Saunders when they went to do the post game high five celebration line up? It did not look friendly.

Did not see that.

[V]

Yeah, I saw that. Bautista looked mad, but Saunders was smiling. I'm sure it was nothing.

[savemedrzaius]

It loooked to me like they were just joking around. After Bautista yells at him Saunders does some kind of weird dance move or something before starting the high-fives. Pretty sure they were just playing around.

[Weitz]

Looked like intensity, not anger, to me. He was jacked up.

[Jiggy_12]

I wish I could understand John Gibbons. Last night, he puts Upton in as a defensive replacement for Bautista in the 9th inning. Makes sense to me. Today?

Has Upton in the lineup instead of Saunders, as the Jays face the lefty. Also makes sense.

But has chosen to use Upton as the DH and to keep Bautista in RF. What???

Anyways, here's the lineup.

JB
JD
EE
Tulo
Martin
Upton
Zeke
Pillar
Barney (in for Goins against the lefty)

[alan21]

Originally Posted by Jiggy_12

I wish I could understand John Gibbons. Last night, he puts Upton in as a defensive replacement for Bautista in the 9th inning. Makes sense to me. Today?

Has Upton in the lineup instead of Saunders, as the Jays face the lefty. Also makes sense.

But has chosen to use Upton as the DH and to keep Bautista in RF. What???

Anyways, here's the lineup.

JB
JD
EE
Tulo
Martin
Upton
Zeke
Pillar
Barney (in for Goins against the lefty)

I think it's Gibby's loyalty to the guys that has been around in turn outweighing logical explanations.

Also when they use the bullpen and Saunders pinch hits for Upton, Gibby may consider a declining fielder like Bautista still ahead of Saunders.

[cross16]

I don't love it either. personally I would leave Saunders in. He's hot and hits lefties actually better than he has right handers so far this year. Makes sense so won't get upset but I just prefer the hot hand over the matchup.

Upton as DH makes sense though. This can easily turn into a bullpen game and Gibby may need to pinch hit in that spot should it get there. Much easier to do that with a DH then someone who is in the field.

[Weitz]

So bautista is still running his mouth? Saying Merritt is shaking in his boots? Just shut up already.

[zukes]

Originally Posted by cross16

I don't love it either. personally I would leave Saunders in. He's hot and hits lefties actually better than he has right handers so far this year. Makes sense so won't get upset but I just prefer the hot hand over the matchup.

Upton as DH makes sense though. This can easily turn into a bullpen game and Gibby may need to pinch hit in that spot should it get there. Much easier to do that with a DH then someone who is in the field.

Exactly, as bad as Bautista is these days in the OF, Saunders is worse and when the inevitable pinch hit for Upton situation comes up, you don't have to worry about Saunders in the field.

[CroFlames]

Playoff baseball is so much fun

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Weitz

So bautista is still running his mouth? Saying Merritt is shaking in his boots? Just shut up already.

This is the only one I've heard and it's not that bad.

Ben Nicholson-Smith ✔ @bnicholsonsmith
Jose Bautista on Ryan Merritt: "With our experience in our lineup I'm pretty sure he's going to be shaking in his boots more than we are."
6:17 PM - 18 Oct 2016