I'm not going to lie to you, after last night's shittacular 9th inning meltdown, I wanted to drop a post I surely would have regretted this morning. Luckily, some "technical difficulties" prevented me from logging in and dropping bombs on the Jays. Having slept on it, I'm a little more rational about things, but just barely.BJ Ryan completely shit the bed, but in fairness, it was just his 3rd blown save in 23 chances. At 87%, that's not too far off from the nails season he delivered in 2006, and he is just 15 months removed from Tommy John. "They" say that command is the last thing to come back, and in Ryan's case, "they" appear to be correct. So let's not get all Mitch Williams on him just yet for doing what any pitcher would be doing so soon after major reconstructive elbow surgery.
(And no, I haven't researched the performance trends of Tommy John survivors, that was pretty much just off my ass.)
....and the other guy should be smiling
Brandon League was dealing again last night. In his last 6 innings pitched, the little tsunami that could has only given up 2 hits, 2 walks, and no earned runs. Now before you start screaming "SAMPLE SIZE!" on me, our guy Tabby astutely pointed out in a broadcast earlier this week that pitching guru Brad Arnsberg moved him all the way over to the first base side of the rubber, and he's been lights out ever since.
Me, I'd like to believe it's the Cito Magic (TM) doing it's thing and the Young Man (TM) is back to being the guy we saw in 2006.
About Adam Lind
Moved up to the 5 spot (you see? see what I've been telling you would happen?), Lind delivered a clutch RBI triple to give the Jays the lead in the 9th.... which was promptly deemed irrelevant about 15 minutes later, of course. The Jays better give this kid some support, or it'll be another fruitless career with no playoff appearances on his resume.
(Is it too early to say that? Seems like it might be a little early.)
A hit either of the two times Lind was up with runners on first and second would have been clutch too, but instead he made 3 outs.
ReplyDeleteTorgen, we can't get greedy now! This is the '08 Jays we're talkin about. A few clutch hits and we're in first place.
ReplyDeleteI was ready to lay into the Jays last night as well, but couldn't log in to blogger either. And you're right, was probably a blessing in disguise. But, damn, last night was extremely difficult to watch. Hopefully AJ can help the boys bounce back tonight, deep in the heart of Texas.
I just wanted to say "deep in the heart of Texas."
I can't get too mad at Ryan, Murphy chucked his bat at strike 3and happened to hit it into a hole.
ReplyDeleteStill, after the last few weeks you'd think 8 runs would be enough. Extremely frustrating.
Hey Ack, do you follow any other MLB teams?
ReplyDeleteI guess I cheer Manny in the same way that Gretzky caused me to cheer for the Kings, St. Louis, and New York, so there's that.
Not quite ready for 2009.
sure man, I follow other teams, but not obsessive compulsively like I do the Jays.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you getting at Priesty?
Just looking for a bandwagon to jump on...
ReplyDeleteI figure the Brewers are as good and likeable as any contender out there to bandwagon, and I can't stomach cheering for anyone in the AL.
ReplyDeletePlus, I have a Brewers "Jeff Cirillo" t-shirt in my closet to pull out down the stretch, which adds some authenticity to jumping on board.
Yeah, the Brewers are interesting. I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs win as long as I don't have to listen to any Cubs fans bragging about their big money team. Something tells me they may have their hearts broken again.
ReplyDeleteI have been very impressed with what Lind has done since being called up from the minors. Hopefully the Jays will start to rebuild and bring in some young highly talented prospects that can do some damage in the big leagues in 2 to 4 years.
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