First looks: Robert Ray

Warning you folks in advance, you'll have to excuse the disjointed nature of this post. I'm feeling a little lightheaded, possibly due to the reduced bloodflow to my brain since this afternoon's walkoff "W". You heard me.

Prior to tuning in to game 2 of the weekend series against the Jays projected AL East basement running mates, yoouuuur Baltimore Orioles, I referred to my trusty 2009 Baseball Prospectus for an overview of the team's 1,246th starting pitcher in the last 2 seasons.

(As an aside, if you consider yourself a fairly serious baseball fan and don't already own a copy, spend the thirty bucks or whatever it takes for the book. Gold.)

Described as a "storky righty" with "consistent low-90s heat, a good breaking pitch, and good command", BP projects Ray as more of a fifth starter/middle relief type of pitcher. With Bryn Smith noted as a comparable, I settled in expecting 6 workman-like innings and just enough to keep the Jays in the game.

And that's exactly what we got. Though his line was unspectacular (5.2IP-4H-3ER-4BB-2K), Ray seemed to settle in quite nicely after shaking the debut jitters, and actually looked stronger as the game progressed, with both strikeouts coming late in his appearance. We didn't see much in the way of breaking balls, but assuming he showed The Cito enough to earn another start (and I'm sure he did), he'll probably flash a few more next outing.

Put it all together, and it's enough to make a guy forget about the massive bed shitting we've seen from the rotation (notable exceptions - Doc, Richmond) in the last few turns.

Next up (Tuesday start): Brett Cecil. I don't know whether to be giddy or terrified.

Aaron Hill - Capital B
You know what it stands for.

Shallow Thoughts by The Ack

• Raul Chavez may never be much of a threat at the dish, but am I the only one who finds him supremely entertaining to watch catch a ballgame? He's got some Tony Pena Sr. in him back there, though I will point out that I consistently hated Tony Pena's fucking guts growing up. Feel free to take offense to that, Tony Pena fans.


• Speaking of Chavez, who was that pinch running for him? I have vague memories of the player, but somebody remind me....


• Jason Frasor: Bullpen Ninja


• What was that about Travis Snider being best suited for DH? Nails defense by the kid today. At the plate? Not so much. Oh, and if I may be so bold, can we possibly fuck off with bunting the kid, already?


• P _ _ _ _ _ _ !