Jays Take Two of Three From the Giants,Get Bad News on the Injury Front

The Blue Jays won the first two games in the San Fransisco series with ease,but there bullpen faltered to giveaway the third one.Brian Tallet surrendered the lead, while giving up five runs in the decisive 6th inning.The Jays defence also did its part in handing this to the Giants as they committed two errors;one by defensive liability Edwin Encarnacion, and the other by Fred Lewis.It was Lewis's first error this season, because he can get to balls in the outfield with all of his speed.

Last Tuesday John McDonald lost his father Jack, and was on the bereavement list until Sundays game.It was only fitting that his first at bat came on Sunday June 20th; Fathers Day.On a 0-1 curveball Johnny Mac hit a towering 2 run home run in memory of his father. After every teammate gave McDonald high fives,he sat down and started crying in his sleeve. It was McDonald's first home run his season and it was definitely one to remember.

3B Edwin Encarnacion was designated for assignment on Sunday with 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir getting called up to "The Show".I like this move because Encarnacion was struggling with the bat and Jarrett is doing the complete opposite.Hoffpauir is batting .328 and has hit for the cycle twice this season,something that happens in MILB rarely.

Today SP Dustin McGowan is undergoing another surgical procedure done by Dr.James Andrews in Alabama. McGowan in my opinion will never make another big league start in his career.

Remember to vote for the Jays in the all star game as there are only 9 days remaining to do so.

Jays swept in Colarado,Litsch makes horrible come back

The Blue Jays lost there 4th straight game on Sunday evening by a score of
10-3.Jesse Litsch finished his recovery from Tommy John surgery,but had a horrible welcome as he lasted only 2.1 innings while allowing 7 runs.

The Jays are not only struggling with there pitching but there offense is batting worse then the Mendoza line at .167 with only 5 home runs in the past 5 games.

Starting on Monday the Jays have a three game set with the San Diego Padres,while they meet up with former Jays, Canadian Matt Stairs, and David Eckstien.

Stephen Strasburg, of the Washington Nationals was named NL player of the week as he made his first two starts of his career.The flamethrower is being called by most people close to the game, a 50 year player.that means he is a player that comes every 50 years.The question is, can he mix his other pitches with his 100-mph fastball so he wont blow out his arm,like most young flamethrowers.

Jays Draft Review, and Summary of the Two Most Embarrassing Losses of the Season

The Blue Jays took four right handed pitchers with there first four picks in the 2010 MLB draft. The Jays selected Deck McGuire with the 11th pick, Aaron Sanchez with the 34st pick, Noah Syndergaard with the 38th pick, and Ashar Wojciechowski with the 41st pick.All of those pitchers were drafted in the first round and the first round of compensation. MLB.com says that Deck McGuire was the best Right handed pitcher in the draft and the Jays were lucky to get him. Bryce Harper as suspected went first pick to the Washington Nationals, a day before Stephen Strasburg,the first pick overall in the 2009 draft, made his debut for the nationals.

On Tuesday night the Jays lost 9-0 to the Rays while only managing two hits.On Wednesday they were a little better as they scored 1 run while losing 11-1.Brian Tallet and Shaun Marcum both struggled as the Rays outscored the Jays 19-1 in the first two games of the three game set.

Before Wednesdays game the Jays optioned Rommie Lewis to AAA Las Vegas, and called up rehabbing Jesse Litsch.Also on Wednesdays portion of the draft the Blue Birds drafted RHP Gabriel Romero,younger brother of Jays ace Ricky Romero.

The Blue Jays are currently leading the Rays by a score of 2-1 in the bottom of the 4th.

2010 MLB Draft Preview

Here are my predictions for the first round of drafting that goes tonight at 7PM Eastern.

#1 Washington Nationals:C Bryce Harper, College of Southern Nevada
#2 Pittsburgh Pirates:SS Manny Machado,Brito HS
#3 Baltimore Orioles:RHP Jameson Taillon,The Woodlands HS
#4 Kansas City Royals:C Yasmani Grandal, Miami
#5 Cleveland Indians:LHP Drew Pomeranz, U of Mississippi
#6 Arizona Diamondbacks:LHP Chris Sale, Florida Gulf Coast
#7 New York Mets:3B Zack Cox,Arkansas
#8 Houston Astros:3B/OF Josh Sale,Bishop Blanchet HS
#9 San Diego Padres:2B Kolbrin Vitek, Ball State
#10 Oakland A's:C Justin O'Connor,Cowan HS
#11 Toronto Blue Jays:OF Michael Choice, Texas
#12 Cincinnati Reds:SS Christian Colon, Cal-State Fullerton
#13 Chicago White Sox:RHP Karsten Whitson,Chipley HS
#14 Milwaukee Brewers:RHP Matt Harvey, North Carolina
#15 Texas Rangers:RHP Brandon Workman,Texas
#16 Chicago Cubs:RHP Deck McGuire, Georgia Tech
#17 Tampa Bay Rays:2B/CF Delino DeShields,Woodward Academy
#18 Los Anglos Angels:RHP Dylan Covey,Maranatha HS
#19 Houston Astros:RHP Barrett Loux,Texas
#20 Boston Red Sox:RHP Anthony Ranaudo,LSU
#21 Minnesota Twins:OF Bryce Brentz,Middle Tennessee State
#22 Texas Rangers:RHP Asher Wojciechowski,The Citadel
#23 Florida Marlins:RHP Luke Jackson,Calvary Christian Academy HS
#24 San Fransisco Giants:SS/3B Nick Castellanos,Archbishop McCarthy HS
#25 St.Louis Cardinals:RHP/3B Stetson Allie,St. Edward HS
#26 Colorado Rockies:RHP Kevin Gausman,Grandview HS
#27 Philadelphia Phillies:LHP Jesse Biddle,Germantown Frieds HS
#28 Los Anglos Dodgers:RHP Alex Wimmers,Ohio State
#29 Los Anglos Angels:3B/RHP Kaleb Cowart,Cook County HS
#30 Los Anglos Angels:RHP Peter Tago,Hana Hills HS
#31 Tampa Bay Rays:C Michael Kvasnicka,U Of Minnesota
#32 New York Yankees:1B Christian Yelich,Westlake HS

Jays Bullpen Falters Once Again as Jays Fail to Sweep Yankees for Seventh Straight Year

The last time the Blue Jays swept the Evil Empire was from May 22nd to 25th 2003, a four game series. The Jays were in line to sweep them once again on Sunday though seven innings but then the bullpen came into the game.A four run 7th cost the Blue Jays the game and the sweep over the Yanks.

In the first inning of Sunday's game, Robinson Cano hit a sharp ball right down the third base line. The umpire called it a fair ball, but unknowingly the ball boy picked it up and gave it to a fan. The ball boy was a grounds crew guy filling in for the regular ball boy. After the inning was over, the umpire (Gary Darling) went over to the ball boy and took his glove. After he took it he gave it to a York Region Police officer that we Blue Jay fans and A-Rod Haters know. Yes, the Cop at the third base line today was non-other than Lisa Hayford. On September 4th of last season A-Rod had a little run in with the law.On a Lyle Overbay foul ball A-Rod collided with the cop, while getting booed by the whole stadium.

Watch the MLB Draft tomorrow night on mlb.com
Coverage starting at 6pm eastern. First pick at 7pm eastern

Minor League Update: First Basemans

Brian Dopirak,Las Vegas 51's AAA: The 6'4" 225 pound right hander is struggling to hit for power for average. Dopirak has a horrible OPS(On Base+Slugging) of .646.Dopirak will not be with the Jays as a starter because they will have one of Baseball Americas top 50 prospect playing first base in Brett Wallace. If Dopirak can improve his average and find his power stroke once more he will be a September call up.

David Cooper, New Hampshire Fisher Cats AA: Cooper, like Dopirak is struggling all around except for one difference, Cooper found his power stroke. In his past 9 games David has 5 home runs and a slugging percentage of .686. in that week and a bit Cooper halved his season high of 10 home runs. Cooper will probably be traded or his positions will switch because Dopirak and Wallace are better than him.


The Toronto Blue Jays lost 2 out of 3 to the Rays from Monday through Wednesday due to some late inning struggles. The offence also struggled as they only scored 11 runs in the 3 games, as compared to the 15 or 16 they will usually score through that span.

First pitch tomorrow night at 7:07
Former Jay A.J Burnett(6-2,3.28) for the Bronx Bombers vs. Brett Cecil (5-2, 3.81) for your Blue jays.

Next off day I will be previewing the upcoming MLB draft through a mock first round. The Jays select 11th in the first round.

Jays Sweep Orioles as Romero Goes Complete

Ricky Romero threw a spectacular game while getting some help on the offensive side.The Blue Jays hit there 51st,52nd, and 53rd home runs of May as they cruised past the O's in Toronto.The Home Plate Umpire was horrible as his strike zone began at least half a foot below the knee. Jose Bautista and Alex Gonzalez went back to back with home runs in the same direction. Bautista still leads the MLB in Home Runs and tied a career high in home runs in one season today.Although Bautista will most likely not be here again next year it is nice to see him contributing to the line up.

Brian Tallet will be called up on Tuesday to make the start at home against the Rays. Tallet is getting close to his 30 day limit of rehabilitation in the minor leagues so he was a front runner to be called up. He will be making the start in place of Dana Eveland who was designated for assignment last week. I think Tallet will be sent down once more on Wednesday as that is the Jays last time they need a number 5 starter in June because they have 4 off-days. My guess is that David Purcey will be sent to Las Vegas on Tuesday to make room for Tallet.

First Pitch tomorrow at 7:07 EDT

Matt Garza (5-3,2.97)for the rays against Brandon Morrow (3-4,6.66)

Jays take first two against O's,HALLDAY Perfect in Phillie

Roy Halladay pitched the 20th perfect game in MLB history on Saturday evening.Halladay struck out 11 out of the 27 batters he faced while getting only one run of support.Ronny Paulino grounded out to end the game as Juan Castro threw to first to make the out. In Roy's first start in the MLB you knew he was going to be something special when with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth he was one out away from a no-hitter.Unfortunately the batter hit a home run and Halladay could not get it. 153 wins later Roy completes a better feat then a no-hitter with a perfect game.Halladay was mobbed from the whole team but the second the out was made at first Halladay had a catcher named Carlos Ruiz on him. It was the second perfect game in Philadelphia history and the second this season in the MLB.

Aaron Hill and Vernon Wells hit home runs in both Friday nights and Saturdays games as the Jays took both 5-0 and 5-2.Lyle Overbay added 2 home runs on Saturday's game and Shaun Marcum looked spectacular threw 6 innings to notch his fifth win this season on Friday night.

Jays Split First Two Games in Angels Series,Eveland Designated For Assignment

The power hitting Blue Jays won on Monday night with no home runs but lost on Tuesday with three solo shots. Brett Cecil threw a gem while he allowed just three hits in eight innings on Monday night.On Tuesday night Ricky Romero was pitching for the first time in California in front of his family and friends, but he could not take the pressure as he allowed seven runs in his worst start if the season.

After Jose Baustista`s 5th inning bomb, he became the MLB leader in home runs with a total of 15,just one shy of his season best 16 that came in 2006,in which he only played 117 games. Bautista has 15 through only 45 games this season.

On Sunday afternoon Dana Eveland,number five starting pitcher for the Jays,was designated for assignment after some poor starts.Eveland has ten days to be traded,claimed off of waivers,or be released.If none of those happen he will be sent down to AAA Las Vegas 51`s of the Pacific Coast league. David Purcey was called up to the show to pitch in the bullpen.The Jays will likely go with a four-man rotation until rehabbing Jesse Litsch comes back next month.

First Pitch goes in about an hour (7:05) in Anaheim.
Brandon Morrow (3-4,6.80) vs. Joel Pineiro (3-5,5.50)

Jays Bats Continues to be Hot as Jays Win Series Finale

Edwin Enacrnacion hit his 5th home run in the series,and Jose Bautista hit his 14th this season as the Blue jays beat up on the D-Backs 12-4.Shaun Marcum got his 4th win while he struck out 8 lowering his ERA to 2.82.For his second straight appearance Kevin Gregg was horrible, and I think he might be injured. Not only did Bautista have a two run home run in the 5th inning but he also had a two run single to bring his 38 RBI's to third place in the Al.Jose is also tied for first in the MLB with 14 home runs.

Some sad news was announced today as former Major Leaguer Jose Lima past away from a massive heart attack at age 37.Lima had a record of 89-102 in 13 MLB seasons.The colourful right hander was an All-Star in 1999 when he went 21-10 for the Houston Astros.Before three games this afternoon in Houston,Kansas City,and Detroit there was a moment of silence for the late pitcher.

First pitch tomorrow night at 10:05 Eastern. Brett Cecil (3-2,4.98) vs. Joe Saunders(3-5,4,42.This is the first of three games between the Jays and the Angels.

Homer Barrage Lifts Jays Over Twins

Edwin Encarnacion hit a two run homer in his first game back from the 15 day disabled list.Shaum Marcum pitched 7 stellar innings as four Jays went deep to improve to 24-17.Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay, and Aaron Hill combined with Encarnacion to go yard off of the Twins pitchers today. Fred Lewis went 3-5 to improve his average to just below .300 at .298. The Blue Jays had there second biggest crowd this season at the Dome today at 27,981 people.Jason Frasor looked like he returned to last seasons form, as he struck out the side in the 9th.

We all knew that Encarnacion could hit but the question was if he could play defense at the Hot Corner. His career fielding percentage is only at .937 and he has 3 errors already this season in only 10 games.My prediction is that he will finish with around 20 home runs with around the same amount of errors.

First Pitch tomorrow night at 10:10 eastern as the Blue Jays start there always treacherous 9 game road trip.I think this road trip will be a success if they could do anything better then 4-5.

Brett Cecil (2-2,5.46) vs. Doug Fister (3-1,1.72)

Snider Put on 15 Day-DL,Encarnacion Activated

Travis Snider was placed on the 15 day DL with a sore right wrist on Monday night.Snider missed the past two games because of the injury and was finally put on the disabled list today,making room for Edwin Encarnacion on the roster. Encarnacion's return means Jose Bautista will move to Left Field,with Fred Lewis moving to Right Field. Bautista was named the AL Player of The Week on Monday while he hit .444 with 5 HR's.Martin Prado was named the NL's Player of The Week as he led the MLB in RBI's with 11.

Some more news from the Blue Jays injury front came Sunday,as Jesse Litsch made his second minor league start tossing eight innings of five hit,three run baseball.Litsch can be activated from the 60 Day DL as early as June 3rd,and he will make his next start in AAA Las Vegas.

The Blue Jays lost the game on Monday night by a score of 8-3, dropping back to below .500 on home turf.Jose Bautista had another Home Run giving him 11 on the season and knocking him into a three way tie for 2nd in the AL with 31 RBI's.Dana Eveland proved that he will most likely be the pitcher sent down when Jesse Litsch is set to return to the rotation in a few weeks.Vernon Wells and Adam Lind combined to go 5-8 in the Blue Jays loss.

First pitch tomorrow at 12:37 Eastern
Shaun Marcum (2-1 ,2.78) for the Jays vs. Carl Pavano (4-3,3.30)going for the Twins

Jays Sweep Away Rangers to Improve Home Record to 10-10

The Blue Jays took all three games against the Rangers this weekend.
It was a power show the first night as the two teams combined for 26 runs,25 hits, and 17 walks as the Jays took that one 16-10.
On Saturday Ricky Romero threw his first complete game shutout of his career to blank the Rangers 6-0 while racking up 12 strikeouts.
Today the offence struggled being out hit 9-3,but the Jays still won 5-2 thanks to John Bucks 3 run double in the bottom of the 4th. Brandon Morrow although not perfect was showing some signs of being able to be a regular in this Blue Jays rotation.
The 3RBI double by Buck in the bottom of the 4th,was reviewed by the umpires to make sure it was not a home run. Everybody on the field and in the stands thought it was a grand slam home run but the umpires on the field knew that it wasn't.After about 2 minutes the Umps came out of the first base dugout and ruled it a 3 run double.

First pitch goes tomorrow night at 7:07 Eastern. Dana Eveland (3-2,4.81) for the Jays,Kevin Slowey (4-3,4.62) for the Twins.

Minor League Update: Catchers

#44 J.P Arencibia,Las Vegas 51's(AAA):In 26 games he is batting .238/.306/.366 with 4 doubles,3 HR's, and 12 RBI's. Arencibia has been in a slump lately batting only .167 in the past 10 games.J.P will be called up to "The Show" if one of John Buck or Jose Molina get injured.If not he will be up with the club in September when the roster expands.

#8 Brian Jeroloman,New Hampshire Fisher Cats(AA): In 25 games this season he is batting .325/.455/.525 with 7 doubles,3 HR's and 14 RBI's. Jeroloman is known for his amazing defence but his bat is starting to come alive this season.He will likely end the season either starting in New Hampshire or in AAA Las Vegas.

#25 Travis d'Arnaud,Dunedin Blue Jays(A+):In 16 Games this season he is currently batting .328/.362/.547 with 5 doubles,3 HR's and 13 RBI's. Travis was picked up in the Roy Halladay trade with the Phillies this past December. d'Arnaud will most likely end his season with AA New Hampshire.

Stay tuned for the next Blue Jays off day,as we look into the Blue Jays farm system for great talent at the First base position.

Marcum, Snider Power Jays to 3-2 Victory Over Streaking Red Sox

Shaun Marcum pitched seven stellar innings and Travis Snider had all three Blue Jay RBI's as the Jays defeated Boston. Adam Lind was given a much needed day off as Randy Ruiz got to start at Designated Hitter. Aaron Hill was scratched from the line up right before the game, due to right hamstring soreness, the same injury that put him on the 15 day DL earlier in the season. Vernon Wells went 0-4 for the 3rd straight game and Kevin Gregg got his American League leading 10th save of the season. Tim Wakefield threw 102 pitches while getting his second loss of the season to move his record to 0-2. Once again the 2 through 5 hitters struggled while getting 2 hits in this important win for the Blue Jays. J.D Drew and Adrian Beltre both had one RBI in the 9th inning against Jays Closer Kevin Gregg.

Jays Lose,Red Sox Move to 1\2 game back of Toronto

It was another night and another embarrassing loss for the Jays . John Buck, a career .236 hitter and Fred Lewis a career .279 hitter each had two hits, a double and a single, to rack up all 4 hits the Jays produced today. Dana Eveland pitched just 4+ innings while giving up 4 walks, 5 hits and allowing 6 earned runs. Daisuke Matsuzaka was sensational, pitching 7 innings giving up only 3 hits while striking 9 batters out for the “Boys from Bean Town”. Vernon Wells went 0-4 but squared the ball up three times. Just like last night the 2 through 5 hitters went 0-fer, continuing their struggles.
Before the game, GM Alex Anthopoulos held a press conference saying three big topics. The first was that the series against Philadelphia Phillies will be moved to Philadelphia because of the G-20 Summit. The second is that first base prospect Brett Wallace will stay in the minor leagues until the end of the season. Third is that Edwin Encarnacion will be back in the line up in at least two weeks.
I will like to talk about the third issue. When Edwin Encarnacion comes back Jose Bautista or Fred Lewis is out of a starting job. Fred Lewis is batting .300/.340/.489 with 12 RBI’s, while Bautista is batting .216/.324/.472 with 23 RBI’s. I would give Lewis the Job because he is likely to be with this team for a long time but Bautista is probably in his last year with the Jays. Cito Gaston could possibly make a platoon between Lewis, Baustista and Travis Snider for right field and left field.

Errors Prove Costly in Jays Loss

Aaron Hill and Alex Gonzalez wont be sleeping tonight. Both middle infielders had errors tonight that led to the decisive three runs in the game. The Blue Jays are 0-4 this season against the Bosox. Brandon Morrow left the game after 1.2 innings. Morrow allowed 3 hits and 6 walks which led to 6 runs. After Jose Bautista's 5th inning home run the bats struggled as that was the last hit the Blue Jays would get in the game. Adam Lind continued to struggle as he went 0-5 tonight while leaving 5 runners on base.Josh Roenicke and Rommie Lewis combined to pitch 5.1 innings while allowing just 4 hits and striking out 5. John Lackey pitched 6 innings and then gave way to the Red Sox bullpen who didn't allow a hit through 3 innings. Instant replay was used in the game tonight as Alex Gonzalez hit a double in the 2nd inning over the Green Monster. The Blue Jays 2 through 5 hitters combined to go 0-16 with 2 walks and 1 run scored. Stay tuned for more Bases Loaded tommorow with the first pitch set to go at 7:10 PM. Dana Eveland(3-1 3.82) vs.Daisuke Matsuzaka(1-1 9.90).