Wednesday, July 10, 2019

 

Big Wins for the Jays


The Blue Jays are in New York for the next few days to face the Yankees. But you can't blame them for having small smiles on their faces, after taking two of three games against the Red Sox in Boston.


Saturday's win was special. They trailed the Beantowners 6-0 at one point in the game, then rallied to win 8-7. They followed that up with a victory on Sunday behind a strong pitching performance from Marcus Stroman. He had six strike outs in six innings, without allowing a run.


It has been a somewhat difficult season for the Jays up to this point, but that was to be expected. Their lineup is laden with rookies, and that means that there will be mistakes: running blunders, mental mistakes, rough outings for pitchers. All of that, and more, leaving the Jays well short of .500 baseball. This will not be a year of playoff baseball for the Jays.


No matter. There are so many reasons to watch the Jays as they head into the second half of the season. Primarily, all of the excitement surrounds the young Jays, and the promise that they bring for years to come.


Most of the hype came this spring in the form of Vladimir Guerrero, Junior. His father was a star for the Montreal Expos, and many fans loved his game: no holds barred, wild swings at pitches far off the plate. All heart, every game. It was great to see him at his son's first games, smiling broadly, surrounded by family.


Cavan Biggio has also had fine results so far this season. He has reached base safely in 19 of the 24 games he has played this season, and his .359 on-base percentage is second among rookies in the American League, trailing only Oscar Mercado.


Rowdy Tellez has spent a good deal of time lately playing first base for the Jays. He is a giant, standing at 6' 5”, weighing 260 lbs. He has explosive power, and has tallied 14 home runs and 35 runs batted in, thus far. Watch for Houston's Jose Altube, when he reaches first base against the Jays. You will then understand Rowdy's impressive size. In any case, with a name such as his, how could he not be a fan favourite?


Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., has been seeing action in left field for the Jays. He scooped up a single off the bat of Jackie Bradley, Jr., and in one fluid motion, fired a perfect strike to nail Brock Holt at home plate. He also is among the league leaders in slugging percentage since being recalled from Buffalo.


Another fine rookie, with a major league pedigree is Bo Bichette. He spent six weeks on the injury list with a fractured left hand, not a great way to start the season. And he admits he is learning how to be a major leaguer. “I am starting to learn how to hone my passion. It's been a blessing.”


The city of Toronto is still basking in the triumph of the Raptors. Am I the only one who has heard more than enough rumour talk about the possibility of Kawhi returning next year? The Argos suffered a terrible loss at the hands of the Hamilton Tiger Cats last weekend: 64-14! Back to the old drawing board this week for the Boatmen. Maple Leaf pre-season tickets are now on sale.


Four baseball people have been inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame: Jason Bay, who played most of his career with the Pirates; Ryan Dempster, a long-time Cub; Rob Thompson, who coached many years for the Yankees; and Gord Ash, formerly an exec with the Blue Jays, now with the Brewers.


Summer's here! Enjoy the games!!

James Hurst
June 24, 2019
-- 
James Hurst
613.399.2278
sportslices.blogspot.ca


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