Congrats to VDub for getting the first "Rock On" off the 2010 season.
Vernon hit career doubles #300 and #301 last night. He also passed Joe Carter for 3rd place for most RBIs in Jays history, with #737 last night.
Rock On, Vernon. Rock On.
And again...welcome back!
JaysGirl5
P.S. It seems extremly fitting for some reason that Vernon's getting the first RO of the year.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
All The Small Things...
I am a fan of small ball. Yes, I love a homerun as much as the next person, but you can’t always rely on power. You have to create run opportunities where you can.
So I was very refreshed watching at least 3 or 4 of the Jays bunting before the rest of the team took regular batting practice yesterday. That’s right, bunting. Now, the guys do usually do 2 cursory bunts before they start their regular round of hitting during bp, but this was actual bunting. That’s all they were doing. We probably haven’t seen that much bunting around these parts since Reed Johnson, or well…as decoration on Opening Day.
To this point, most of the production has come from the middle of the lineup. Well, that is kind of where you stack your power…but in order for the Jays offense to succeed this season I believe it’s going to have to be a full lineup kind of thing. So bunt away Blue Jays I say! At least if the situation calls for it.
Speaking of small things…yay Fred Lewis tagging up to get to third on Alex Gonzalez’s fly out to center in the bottom of the first. Yes it was sort of a close play at 3rd, but for how deep the hit was you’d need a perfect throw for the out and you won’t always get it. So then the situation became 1 out, runner on 3rd with the heart of the order coming up. Had Lewis stayed on 2nd the inning would have been completely different. I think the possible out was worth the risk, especially because it was only the bottom of the 1st.
It’s the little things that can make a game. Things that don’t always show up in the boxscore or highlights for the important part that they played for the outcome of the game. A held runner here, moving up on a fly ball there…
Baseball is the game of inches. The best (and sometimes most frustrating teams to face) take an inch for all its worth when they can. You know, the whole “Give ‘em an inch, they take a mile” adage?
I’d love to see that become the Jays’ unofficial motto.
Is it too early to suggest pulling out the brooms?
JaysGirl5
So I was very refreshed watching at least 3 or 4 of the Jays bunting before the rest of the team took regular batting practice yesterday. That’s right, bunting. Now, the guys do usually do 2 cursory bunts before they start their regular round of hitting during bp, but this was actual bunting. That’s all they were doing. We probably haven’t seen that much bunting around these parts since Reed Johnson, or well…as decoration on Opening Day.
To this point, most of the production has come from the middle of the lineup. Well, that is kind of where you stack your power…but in order for the Jays offense to succeed this season I believe it’s going to have to be a full lineup kind of thing. So bunt away Blue Jays I say! At least if the situation calls for it.
Speaking of small things…yay Fred Lewis tagging up to get to third on Alex Gonzalez’s fly out to center in the bottom of the first. Yes it was sort of a close play at 3rd, but for how deep the hit was you’d need a perfect throw for the out and you won’t always get it. So then the situation became 1 out, runner on 3rd with the heart of the order coming up. Had Lewis stayed on 2nd the inning would have been completely different. I think the possible out was worth the risk, especially because it was only the bottom of the 1st.
It’s the little things that can make a game. Things that don’t always show up in the boxscore or highlights for the important part that they played for the outcome of the game. A held runner here, moving up on a fly ball there…
Baseball is the game of inches. The best (and sometimes most frustrating teams to face) take an inch for all its worth when they can. You know, the whole “Give ‘em an inch, they take a mile” adage?
I’d love to see that become the Jays’ unofficial motto.
Is it too early to suggest pulling out the brooms?
JaysGirl5
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Ask, and ye shall receive!
I'm thinking I might need to ask for more things this baseball season. Vernon was so kind as to grant my request on Monday...
Last night's game was amazing and congrats to Ricky R for the almost no-no. I gotta say that I had the feeling as the game went on that if anyone was going to break it, it was going to be Rios. Toronto fans never seemed to understand Alexis. Leave him sleeping, 'cause he'll go all "Hola, Alex!" on your ass if you make him pay attention.
Two links that I wanted to share for just general awesomeness...
- Baseball gets greener
- And he used to be ours... I just ordered my copy of The Mental ABC's of Pitching. It's not supposed to come in for 3-5 weeks, but I'm excited. Next up after that will be The Mental ABC's of Hitting.
Not only do I absolutely have get the back issue of that SI, but it'll be the first issue I ever buy. The cover is also my desktop at work. He was ours folks for 14 glorious, amazing, jaw-dropping, mystifying years. And now...here's hoping he does make it to the post-season. I don't always buy into a guy deserving to make it to the post-season, but I'm on the front lines of hoping Doc makes it. He does deserve it.
Moving on...
Kevin Gregg looked good last night. It's the first time I've seen him pitch in person (as far as I can remember) and I liked the speed he worked at. Nothing against Frasor who I've enjoyed since his Jays debut, but I kind of enjoyed not thinking "You're killing me Smalls!" last night. (No offense intended.)
On a personal note, it looks like my summer of baseball really is going to be the summer of baseball. I've been given the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the radio broadcast team for the Hamilton Thunderbirds. Intercounty Baseball League, here I come!
Lastly, I'm hoping the attendance will pick up. From 46,000 to 12,000 in a night...I realise that first number is from the home opener. But come on people...enjoy the good games while the games are good. ____________________________________________________________
Brandon Morrow starts in front of the home crowd for the first time. Cutting down the 9.00 ERA would be nice. I hope I end up more confident in him than the Brandon he was traded for. John Danks is on the hill for the White Sox. His 1.50 ERA might be a little tricker than Morrow's, but at least they're both recordless.
Let's go 7-2 guys. And yes...I'm asking, so you better deliver. That's how this is going to work from now on. Don't worry. I'm not asking for the Series. (Not yet anyway.)
Hi hope hat hook, we team up again.
JaysGirl5
Last night's game was amazing and congrats to Ricky R for the almost no-no. I gotta say that I had the feeling as the game went on that if anyone was going to break it, it was going to be Rios. Toronto fans never seemed to understand Alexis. Leave him sleeping, 'cause he'll go all "Hola, Alex!" on your ass if you make him pay attention.
Two links that I wanted to share for just general awesomeness...
- Baseball gets greener
- And he used to be ours... I just ordered my copy of The Mental ABC's of Pitching. It's not supposed to come in for 3-5 weeks, but I'm excited. Next up after that will be The Mental ABC's of Hitting.
Not only do I absolutely have get the back issue of that SI, but it'll be the first issue I ever buy. The cover is also my desktop at work. He was ours folks for 14 glorious, amazing, jaw-dropping, mystifying years. And now...here's hoping he does make it to the post-season. I don't always buy into a guy deserving to make it to the post-season, but I'm on the front lines of hoping Doc makes it. He does deserve it.
Moving on...
Kevin Gregg looked good last night. It's the first time I've seen him pitch in person (as far as I can remember) and I liked the speed he worked at. Nothing against Frasor who I've enjoyed since his Jays debut, but I kind of enjoyed not thinking "You're killing me Smalls!" last night. (No offense intended.)
On a personal note, it looks like my summer of baseball really is going to be the summer of baseball. I've been given the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the radio broadcast team for the Hamilton Thunderbirds. Intercounty Baseball League, here I come!
Lastly, I'm hoping the attendance will pick up. From 46,000 to 12,000 in a night...I realise that first number is from the home opener. But come on people...enjoy the good games while the games are good. ____________________________________________________________
Brandon Morrow starts in front of the home crowd for the first time. Cutting down the 9.00 ERA would be nice. I hope I end up more confident in him than the Brandon he was traded for. John Danks is on the hill for the White Sox. His 1.50 ERA might be a little tricker than Morrow's, but at least they're both recordless.
Let's go 7-2 guys. And yes...I'm asking, so you better deliver. That's how this is going to work from now on. Don't worry. I'm not asking for the Series. (Not yet anyway.)
Hi hope hat hook, we team up again.
JaysGirl5
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wells and Good
Nice to see you again, VDub.
Not to say I expect homeruns like those of last week all season, but it's nice to see you looking healthy and comfortable again.
I have such high respect for your consistency in approach and attitude about the game. Regardless of your struggles or success, we as Jays fans can always know what we're going to get with you. I know not all of them appreciate that or understand it's value. But I do and I know there are more Jays fans out there like me who do.
I can't wait to watch you troll centre again this season.
Welcome back VDub. Now how 'bout a homerun tonight?
JaysGirl5
Not to say I expect homeruns like those of last week all season, but it's nice to see you looking healthy and comfortable again.
I have such high respect for your consistency in approach and attitude about the game. Regardless of your struggles or success, we as Jays fans can always know what we're going to get with you. I know not all of them appreciate that or understand it's value. But I do and I know there are more Jays fans out there like me who do.
I can't wait to watch you troll centre again this season.
Welcome back VDub. Now how 'bout a homerun tonight?
JaysGirl5
AL Leaders
I don't think anyone could argue that the past week has been pretty great in Blue Jays baseball.
A couple of things that have impressed me so far have been the production and contributions from the bottom of the lineup and the pitching. Throw out two bad innings and the pitching has kicked ass so far. And, how awesome was the first full rotation of the rotation? Pretty fricken' great!
Congrats to Casey Janssen for being the winniest pitcher in baseball so far (3 wins) and having the best innings pitched to wins ratio (1:1). Not bad for a guy who was dealing with subpar health all last season. So I say...Yay Casey! and yay Jays pitching in general!
Going a little further along the hitting line though...I will say that the Jays have had some pretty good timely hitting. Now, let me temper that by saying that it's almost slightly naive to believe the Jays will be able to keep up with this homerun hitting pace. (Not that I would mind if they did!).
Now, my definition of timely hitting has always been this: the ability to get a hit (any kind of hit) when it's needed to either extend the inning or the game, score the tieing or go-ahead run, or scoring a run in a very, very low scoring game/pitcher's duel. Basically, being able to put lumber to leather and not make a out when your team needs it the most.
So what point am I trying to make about this past week of Jays hitting? True, without the number of homeruns they hit they probably wouldn't be 5-1 (woooo!) right now. But, they got the hits to win they needed when they needed them. There have been some situations (bases loaded) that haven't been capitalized on as much as everyone would like, but the offense is still managing to find a way to get things done and a put a check in the win column. Personally, I don't need a blowout every game or ever really. Just enough runs to put you ahead by a comfortable margin* and to secure the win is all I'm lookin' for.
I'm headed to the HOME OPENER tonight...sportin' the retro Jays jersey. I'm so excited and glad that it's going to be nice out. I might be pushing my luck for the Dome to be open tonight, but...who cares! I'm hoping the Dome's open tonight. What's a little lakeside breeze in a enclosed field compared to the open field in April at the Ex? Nothing...that's what I thought.
Good or bad Jays fans, I think this season is going to be a special one; whether for individual player stories and accomplishments or for the Jays as a whole is yet to be seen. Either way, we're in for a treat.
___________________________________________________________
Brian "Wolverine" Tallet heads to the mound tonight for start #2 against Jake Peavy and the Chi Sox. The Sox are currently 2-4. It should be interesting to see the reaction Rios gets in his '10 return to Rogers Centre. Game time is 7:20 with plenty of fanfare going on before.
GO JAYS!
JaysGirl5
*A comfortable margin: this can vary depending on who's pitching for us, who we're playing and where. Obviously playing teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Texas, etc. you'll need a larger margin especially on the road. In these cases a blowout's not a bad idea.
P.S. Anyone else thinking Tallet might be the tallest pitcher to ever start a home opener for the Jays? Hmm...I just might have to look in to this.
A couple of things that have impressed me so far have been the production and contributions from the bottom of the lineup and the pitching. Throw out two bad innings and the pitching has kicked ass so far. And, how awesome was the first full rotation of the rotation? Pretty fricken' great!
Congrats to Casey Janssen for being the winniest pitcher in baseball so far (3 wins) and having the best innings pitched to wins ratio (1:1). Not bad for a guy who was dealing with subpar health all last season. So I say...Yay Casey! and yay Jays pitching in general!
Going a little further along the hitting line though...I will say that the Jays have had some pretty good timely hitting. Now, let me temper that by saying that it's almost slightly naive to believe the Jays will be able to keep up with this homerun hitting pace. (Not that I would mind if they did!).
Now, my definition of timely hitting has always been this: the ability to get a hit (any kind of hit) when it's needed to either extend the inning or the game, score the tieing or go-ahead run, or scoring a run in a very, very low scoring game/pitcher's duel. Basically, being able to put lumber to leather and not make a out when your team needs it the most.
So what point am I trying to make about this past week of Jays hitting? True, without the number of homeruns they hit they probably wouldn't be 5-1 (woooo!) right now. But, they got the hits to win they needed when they needed them. There have been some situations (bases loaded) that haven't been capitalized on as much as everyone would like, but the offense is still managing to find a way to get things done and a put a check in the win column. Personally, I don't need a blowout every game or ever really. Just enough runs to put you ahead by a comfortable margin* and to secure the win is all I'm lookin' for.
I'm headed to the HOME OPENER tonight...sportin' the retro Jays jersey. I'm so excited and glad that it's going to be nice out. I might be pushing my luck for the Dome to be open tonight, but...who cares! I'm hoping the Dome's open tonight. What's a little lakeside breeze in a enclosed field compared to the open field in April at the Ex? Nothing...that's what I thought.
Good or bad Jays fans, I think this season is going to be a special one; whether for individual player stories and accomplishments or for the Jays as a whole is yet to be seen. Either way, we're in for a treat.
___________________________________________________________
Brian "Wolverine" Tallet heads to the mound tonight for start #2 against Jake Peavy and the Chi Sox. The Sox are currently 2-4. It should be interesting to see the reaction Rios gets in his '10 return to Rogers Centre. Game time is 7:20 with plenty of fanfare going on before.
GO JAYS!
JaysGirl5
*A comfortable margin: this can vary depending on who's pitching for us, who we're playing and where. Obviously playing teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Texas, etc. you'll need a larger margin especially on the road. In these cases a blowout's not a bad idea.
P.S. Anyone else thinking Tallet might be the tallest pitcher to ever start a home opener for the Jays? Hmm...I just might have to look in to this.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
It's baseball season. Everything's gonna be okay.
And this my friends, is going to be the summer of baseball. (All thanks to my full-time employment status changing from employed to not.)
I’m choosing to look on the positive side of things. I really am going to have more time for baseball this summer, and also have more access to watching it. The wonders of having all the Sportsnets except Ontario. (Don’t ask!) I’ve already been treated to Oak vs Sea, and the Red Sox/Yanks game that was on Sportsnet West tonight of all channels.
This should all in turn mean more blogging, which I couldn’t be happier about.
Other things I couldn’t be happier about…Shaun Marcum’s performance yesterday. True he gave up 3 runs when the Jays had the lead, but could you expect any more than an almost no-hit bid for the guy's first major league start in 18 months? Add on the fact he’s the first guy not wearing #32 to start the season in the last 8 years and well…I think we can all agree that Marcum was in awesome form. Good ol’ #28 will have a no-hitter under his belt someday, mark my words.
I’m also very excited that Adam Lindy(Hop) will be here for a while. I won’t go into the logistics of the deal or how it’s just another organization friendly contract from our new GM (woo!). What I will comment on is the qualitative factor to this deal. He fits in with the picture the Jays are trying to create in terms of player attitude, game approach and overall chemistry. Whereas others who might’ve had more natural ability *cough, Rios, cough*, you can tell that Lind (along with the other young guys the Jays have signed recently and probably will sign before the end of the season) pay attention and are attentive to what’s going on. They give a damn and are present in the direction the Jays are going.
I like Adam Lind. I always have. I think he is an amazing talent at the plate and a good backup option in the outfield. He's proven he's willing to work hard to be the best player he can be (i.e. his improved defensive skills). He has always seemed incredibly affable and I couldn’t be happier for him, the Jays and us Jays fans that he’s with us for a while. I don’t think last year at the plate will be a fluke for him.
I’m glad Doc had an amazing start in Washington. Seeing him play in red instead of blue? Well…let’s just say I might have to imagine that it’s Canada Day every time he’s pitching. I’m sure that’ll wear off soon enough. A girl’s gotta do what she can, which will more than likely end up with me bying a Halladay jersey tshirt before June. (Go Phillies!)
I'm excited for every baseball season. The title of this post is a sentiment I have every year on Opening Day (even more so this year. Reason, see first paragraph of this blog.) But there's another piece to the excitement this year. We're standing at the beginning of a new era in Jays history. It's palpable. Part of me is more excited than ever to be at the home opener next week and feel this in person. You can hear it in the voices of any of the Jays when they speak, including Cito and the new boss (who's name I'll be able to spell without help by the end of the week. I have mastered Rzepczynski afterall...)
I love Doc, I always will. He will always be one of the most special pieces of my being a baseball fan and a Jays fan, but I can't deny that his leaving and our having a new GM led to an interesting fork in the road. And now, we're taking the road less travelled (at least in the last 8 years). And isn't that supposed to make all the difference?
I have this inescapable feeling that something incredible is going to happen soon in Jaysland and I'm going to be around to see it from the beginning. Actively and awakenly there. After all...I was not far removed from having just entered double digits when the Doctastic era started. And being the biggest Jays fan I knew at that age didn't really lend itself well to staying as well informed about the team as I am now.
It's the dawning of a new day Jays fans. You ready?
I am. Bring on the close games, the blown saves, the youngsters maturing. Bring it all.
This season is going to rock!
JaysGirl5
P.S. I realise the possibility of growing pains =ing losses (some quite frustrating) will suck, but it's baseball season. Baseball season is finally here again. Really, what else matters?
I’m choosing to look on the positive side of things. I really am going to have more time for baseball this summer, and also have more access to watching it. The wonders of having all the Sportsnets except Ontario. (Don’t ask!) I’ve already been treated to Oak vs Sea, and the Red Sox/Yanks game that was on Sportsnet West tonight of all channels.
This should all in turn mean more blogging, which I couldn’t be happier about.
Other things I couldn’t be happier about…Shaun Marcum’s performance yesterday. True he gave up 3 runs when the Jays had the lead, but could you expect any more than an almost no-hit bid for the guy's first major league start in 18 months? Add on the fact he’s the first guy not wearing #32 to start the season in the last 8 years and well…I think we can all agree that Marcum was in awesome form. Good ol’ #28 will have a no-hitter under his belt someday, mark my words.
I’m also very excited that Adam Lindy(Hop) will be here for a while. I won’t go into the logistics of the deal or how it’s just another organization friendly contract from our new GM (woo!). What I will comment on is the qualitative factor to this deal. He fits in with the picture the Jays are trying to create in terms of player attitude, game approach and overall chemistry. Whereas others who might’ve had more natural ability *cough, Rios, cough*, you can tell that Lind (along with the other young guys the Jays have signed recently and probably will sign before the end of the season) pay attention and are attentive to what’s going on. They give a damn and are present in the direction the Jays are going.
I like Adam Lind. I always have. I think he is an amazing talent at the plate and a good backup option in the outfield. He's proven he's willing to work hard to be the best player he can be (i.e. his improved defensive skills). He has always seemed incredibly affable and I couldn’t be happier for him, the Jays and us Jays fans that he’s with us for a while. I don’t think last year at the plate will be a fluke for him.
I’m glad Doc had an amazing start in Washington. Seeing him play in red instead of blue? Well…let’s just say I might have to imagine that it’s Canada Day every time he’s pitching. I’m sure that’ll wear off soon enough. A girl’s gotta do what she can, which will more than likely end up with me bying a Halladay jersey tshirt before June. (Go Phillies!)
I'm excited for every baseball season. The title of this post is a sentiment I have every year on Opening Day (even more so this year. Reason, see first paragraph of this blog.) But there's another piece to the excitement this year. We're standing at the beginning of a new era in Jays history. It's palpable. Part of me is more excited than ever to be at the home opener next week and feel this in person. You can hear it in the voices of any of the Jays when they speak, including Cito and the new boss (who's name I'll be able to spell without help by the end of the week. I have mastered Rzepczynski afterall...)
I love Doc, I always will. He will always be one of the most special pieces of my being a baseball fan and a Jays fan, but I can't deny that his leaving and our having a new GM led to an interesting fork in the road. And now, we're taking the road less travelled (at least in the last 8 years). And isn't that supposed to make all the difference?
I have this inescapable feeling that something incredible is going to happen soon in Jaysland and I'm going to be around to see it from the beginning. Actively and awakenly there. After all...I was not far removed from having just entered double digits when the Doctastic era started. And being the biggest Jays fan I knew at that age didn't really lend itself well to staying as well informed about the team as I am now.
It's the dawning of a new day Jays fans. You ready?
I am. Bring on the close games, the blown saves, the youngsters maturing. Bring it all.
This season is going to rock!
JaysGirl5
P.S. I realise the possibility of growing pains =ing losses (some quite frustrating) will suck, but it's baseball season. Baseball season is finally here again. Really, what else matters?
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