The New Bluejays

[stix3214]

Blue Jays Change Front Office Personnel
March 3rd, 2006

In a shocking development today, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced that J.P. Ricciardi have resigned his position of General Manager of the ballclub. His long-time assistant, Jarret Stone, will assume the day-to-day duties of the position for the time being.

After molding the team for the past four years, J.P. has started to build what is seen around the league as a legitimate contender, with free-agent signings including B.J. Ryan, A.J. Burnett, and Bengie Molina, along with fellow trade acquisitions including Lyle Overbay and Troy Glaus. Therefore it was with disbelief that the Jays announced J.P. resigned from his post.

Meanwhile, the team will continue with its Spring Training schedule at Dunedin, Florida. However, the news will undoubtly have an impact on the Blue Jays roster.

Author's note: Hi everyone, I guess I should introduce myself first. Im new at the board and i really enjoyed reading about the dynasties! so yeah decided to start one of my own. Still thinking of how I am going to simulate, whether by month or by series... still deciding... anyways... thanks for reading!

Edit: Almost forgot to mention, I am using HoustonGM's excellent up-to-date roster with all the trade deadline deals... so in case anyone is wondering with some of my rosters...

[HoustonGM]

I'll be reading.

[stix3214]

Blue Jays Acquire Jon Lester
March 12th, 2006

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired left-hander SP Jon Lester and Abe Alvarez from the Boston Red Sox for RF/IF Eric Hinske and left-hander SP Ted Lilly. It is no secret with the influx of corner infielders this off-season that Eric Hinske is no longer within the plans of the organization. His $4.97 Million (USD) contract for the next two years will be swallowed by the Red Sox. Ted Lilly will provide a solid left-handed starting pitching option for the Red Sox rotation, possibly slide into the third position behind Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett.

Jon Lester was touted as one of the best pitching prospects to come through the Boston Organization. Armed with a live arm with a mid-90 fastball, and complemented with a variety of off-speed pitches, the Blue Jays organization have big hopes for the 22-year old rookie. He will start either in AAA Syracus or in the backend of the Blue Jays rotation.

Many experts see this move as a result of the need to lose some salaries in the lineup. However, many feel the organization gave up way to much for a highly-touted prospect. Only time will tell if the move will pay off for the organization.

In other news today, the Jays moved left-hander RP Scott Schoeneweis to the Phillies for CF Michael Bourn, and right-hander SP Josh Towers was sent to the Indians for 2B Jose Flores. Both Flores and Bourn are reporting to AA New Hampshire.

[HoustonGM]

Interesting moves!

[Dreams]

I like the moves, you get rid of Hinske's fat contract...plus Lilly was a FA next season. Well done.

[stix3214]

Thank you for the replies. I will update once i get home from university tonight!

[Sanji Watsuki]

Nice moves. Perhaps they could be called the "New Jays"!
*gets booed off the stage*

[stix3214]

2006 Preview of the Toronto Blue Jays
April 1st, 2006

With only days before the start of the new season, the team that will take to the diamond at the Rogers Centre will be a side that looks very different from a year ago. Gone are SP Ted Lilly, RP Miguel Batista, DH/1B Shea Hillenbrand, SP Josh Towers, RF/3B Eric Hinske, 2B Orlando Hudson and 3B Corey Koskie, but replacing them are players such as RP B.J. Ryan, SP A.J. Burnett, 3B Troy Glaus, 1B Lyle Overbay, C Bengie Molina, and SP Jon Lester. There is a buzz around the city not seen since the Blue Jays won their second World Series in 1993. The fans certainly hope that the team will contend for the first time in over a decade.

Line-up

Reed Johnson (DH): Entering his fourth season with the club, this will be the first season where he will claim the DH position. Despite a low steal total, he often wears down the opponent's pitcher and is a perfect catalyst for the Jays lineup. He can also be counted to play RF, a position he has played for the past three seasons. Always a hustler, and would never give up on a play defensively, though there are some who feel his arm is a bit under strength.

Aaron Hill (SS): His second season in the bigs after a respectable rookie season where he hit 274-3-40 after a mid-season callup. A hitter who makes great contact, he will be an integral part of the Toronto lineup. While he has a great and accurate arm, his footwork will need some work as he has made some blunders on routine goundballs.

Alex Rios (RF): A player that has yet to live up to his vast potential. Being in his third season, the lanky right-fielder has yet to show the power and consistency so many scouts felt it was due to him. In 146 games last season, he hit only a weak 262-10-59. Many feel that this will be his last chance with the organization. However, he is a slick fielder who will save many runs with his fielding and range.

Vernon Wells (CF): He has regressed offensively in the last three season, going from 317-33-117 in 2003 to 269-28-97 last year. However, many feels that it was due to the lack of lineup protection and some nagging injuries in the past seasons. With the arrival of Troy Glaus, many feels this will be his breakout year. A superior fielder who had 12 assists last season, he has captured the Gold Glove in the past two seasons.

Troy Glaus (3B): He was one of the most important new arrival into town this off-season, who brings the power lacking from the lineup since the departure of Carlos Delgado. While he will not hit for average, his power will be a threat to any opposing pitching staff. A slick fielder on defense as well, with an excellent range coupled by an accurate and strong arm.

Lyle Overbay (1B): A double-hitting machine, he has 87 doubles in the last two seasons with the Brewers. While does not have the power of a prototypical 1B, he is still capable of hitting 20 HRs and driving in 100 runs. Some believe that the shorter walls at the Rogers Centre will turn some of his doubles into HRs.

Frank Catalanotto (LF): Entering his fourth season with the Jays, he is another hitter in the Jays lineup who will make lots of contact and will be an difficult out for the opposition. A great fielder, and will be an excellent player for the Jays.

Bengie Molina (C): After a career season with the Angels where he hit 295 with 15 HRs and 69 RBIs, Molina did not get a contract until weeks before the Training Camp started. He is a superior fielder with an excellent arm, but most importantly, a catcher that can handle any pitcher regardless of experience. Leadership and gamemanship will be typical for the Jays, and he will be an important addition to the team this season.

Russ Adams (2B): Received the job of 2B by default, he went 256-8-63 last season, a respectable rookie campaign. However many believe he has already hit his ceiling and his somewhat erratic defense will be a substantial downgrade from the departed Gold-Glover Orlando Hudson.

Bench

Gregg Zaun (C): After a journey-man career, last season Gregg posted career-numbers in hits, runs, games played, HRs, RBIs, and BBs. Pushed onto the bench after the signing of Bengie Molina, he still remains as one of the most respected member of the team with a lot of veteran leadership for its young pitching staff. Look to him to start at least one game a week.

John MacDonald (IF): Re-acquired from the Tigers in the off-season, MacDonald will be seen mainly as a defensive replacement for both Russ Adams and Aaron Hill. Not much is expected offensively from John, therefore any spark there will be a nice addition.

Jason Phillips (C/1B): Signed as a free-agent, Phillips will bring some pop from the bench, having hit 10 HRs last season in less than 400 ABs. His versatility both as a third catcher and 1B will be helpful during the season, but his main role will be giving Reed Johnson some rest in the DH position.

John-Ford Griffin (OF): Made the team as its fourth OF, Griffin has been offset with numerous injuries in the past few seasons, however, he has great power to give the team a left-handed power option in late game situations.

Deivi Cruz (SS): Signed recently for $1.85 Million for one year, Deivi Cruz will be another infielder who can provide the veteran leadership to the young Adams and Hill. Had some great seasons years ago, but look to him to get some sporadic ABs as defensive replacements.

Coming up, a look at the Jays Pitching Staff

[stix3214]

2006 Preview of the Toronto Blue Jays: Cont'd

Starting Rotation

Roy Halladay (RH): The undisputed ace of the staff, Halladay was on his way to his second career Cy Young award before a line drive from Kevin Mench broke his leg and his season. He has excellent movement on all his pitches, and is often effortless in his innings. A good bet to win the Cy Young award again this season.

A.J. Burnett (RH): The new $55 Million man of the Jays. While some doubt the wisdom of giving such a long contract to a pitcher with a history of arm trouble, there is no doubt that he was the best pitcher available this past winter. With an extremely live arm, the Jays are banking on his breaking out this season. If he is healthy, then the Jays will have one of the best one-two punch in the majors.

Casey Janssen (RH): Somewhat surprisingly, the final three spots of the rotation fell to unproven rookies. The first of them is the 24-year old Casey Janssen. Highly-touted before the camp broke, he pitched extremely well in the spring training and has grabbed one of the spots in the rotation left open by the departure of David Bush, Ted Lilly, and Josh Towers. Has a low 90 fastball with an excellent sinking movement, with a good change up.

Jon Lester (LH): The highly touted prospect arriving from Boston for Ted Lilly and Eric Hinske is the number 4 starter in the Jays rotation. A good fastball followed by an excellent change up and slider. He will strike out many hitters but some still believe his control must improve before he becomes a legitimate major leaguer.

Shaun Marcum (RH): Another rookie rounds out the rotation of the Jays. Shaun Marcum at least has pitched in the majors last season (Compared to Casey Janssen and Jon Lester), appearing in 5 games and did not give up a run. A well-rounded pitching prospect, he will be relying heavily on his defense as he is a groundball pitcher.

Bullpen

B.J. Ryan (LH/CL): Signed for $9.4 Million per season until 2010, B.J. Ryan is one of the best closers in the game today. To say he is an improvement over the departed Miguel Batista is the understatement of the year. Struck out more than 100 batters in the last two season with Baltimore, Ryan will give the Jays a lethal weapon late in the game to close it out.

Jeremy Accardo (RH/RP): Arrived in exchange for the disgruntled Shea Hillenbrand from the Giants. He is a young star who has an excellent fastball and slider to fool right-handers. Last season he held the opposition to only an 228 BA. Will setup Ryan in the eighth inning.

Justin Speier (RH/RP): One of the best relief pitcher for the Jays last season, he had a 2.57 ERA in more than 66 innings of relief, with an unbelievable 0.95 WHIP. He will be one of the main inning eaters on this team and will be counted to keep his team close in late inning situations.

Scott Downs (LH/RP): Scott Downs excelled at the role of long relief and spot starting last season, where he started 13 games and was 4-3 with 4.31 ERA. More importantly, he was one of the better starters for the Jays last season with injuries decimating the Jays staff. The same will still be expected from him this season, expect him to make several starts along with some long relief appearances.

Jamie Vermilyea (RH/RP): Another rookie in the Jays staff who will make the big club this season. The right hander will be counted to eat up some innings, and nothing else is expected of him. However, he has an excellent slider to go along with his splitter and will induce many groundballs.

Brian Tallet (LH/RP): Will be taking over the left-handed specialist role left open with the departure of Scott Schoeneweise. The journeyman will be counted to get out that dangerous left-hander in close game situations.

Coming up: The Jays Farm System and the Summary!

[stix3214]

2006 Preview for the Toronto Blue Jays: Cont'd

Lineup Summary

This lineup is one of the best lineup in the majors today, with a variety of players that can hurt you offensively in a number of different ways. It has legitimate power with players like Wells and Glaus, but also has some speed in Johnson. This is one lineup that will score a lot of runs, which is a key in the race to divisional top in the AL East.

Bench Summary

The Jays bench has a mix of youth and veteran leadership, with Deivi Cruz and Gregg Zaun headlining the notable names. If some injuries hit the club, the bench players can fill in admirably. It also has some pop in Jason Phillips. All in all, this is a very solid bench, not flashy, but will produce if it was called upon.

Rotation Summary

The Jays have one of the most top-heavy rotations in the major leagues. While Halladay and Burnett (if healthy) will be one of the best one-two punches in the majors, #3 through 5 are filled with question marks. Can three rookies, who only have 8 major league innings between them, shoulder the load given to them? For the Jays to have a realistic chance of contention, at least two of them will have to pitch for at least 10 wins each. And that will be one huge question mark. The Toronto offense will bail out some bad outings, but not all the time. It will be up to Janssen, Lester, and Marcum to produce above their age.

Bullpen Summary

Like their rotation, the Blue Jays has an extremely top heavy bullpen. With Ryan, Speier, and Accardo are three excellent RPs who will close out the close games. However, Downs, Vermilyea, and Tallet are somewhat unknowns. Can Downs repeat what he did last season? Can Vermilyea and Tallet prove to be useful additions? However, the rotation is still the bigger question on the club.

[stix3214]

The Season Starts: Jays Crush the Angels 23-1 in Season Opener!

April 4th, 2006

In one of the best performance in the Major League opening-day history, Roy Halladay dominated the Angels lineup on Monday at the Blue Jays' Home Opener. In 8 and a third innings of work, he gave up 6 hits, one run courtesy of Vladimir Guerrero’s solo homerun, and struck out an amazing 19 batters. In total, 21 out of 27 outs in the ballgame came in the form of strikeouts. It seemed like the Angels lineup had no answer to Halladay’s pitches, as one after another are sent back to the dugout dejected. Jeremy Accardo closed the game in the ninth, fittingly striking out both batters he faced.

The Blue Jays offense gave Halladay plenty of support, with all starters getting at least one hit. Reed Johnson went 4-for-5 with a walk, 4 runs, 3 RBIs and a solo shot in the 3rd inning. Vernon Wells had two HRs and drove in a grand total of 6 runs in the game. Even the bench got into the action, with Jason Phillips hitting a Grand-slam in the eighth inning off Angels reliever Saunders.

However, not all news are good news for the Jays, as they lost the service of catcher Bengie Molina for at least the next three weeks with an ankle stress fracture. He suffered the injury in the seventh inning while fouling off a pitch, and Gregg Zaun was forced to replace him in the game. Carlo Cota is called up from AAA Syracuse to fill his roster spot. In the meanwhile, the catching duties will be Gregg Zaun’s until the return of Molina.

[HoustonGM]

You forgot the farm system report! :p

[HoustonGM]

O_O 19 k's by Halladay? Wow. Was that game simmed?

[stix3214]

You forgot the farm system report! :p

Yep...that i did... but i will get that up tmr morning first thing!:p


O_O 19 k's by Halladay? Wow. Was that game simmed?

amazingly...yes... i have no idea wut happened... its one of those i guess one in a million things huh... but also for some reason the Angels struck out a lot... in my next game, A.J. Burnett struck out 13! it must be those free-swinging angels! :D

[HoustonGM]

Jeez. Halladay has a power of 76 in my rosters. That is absolutely nuts. I could see if it was pitch-by-pitch. My friend, you got lucky! :p

[DeViLzzz2006]

.. going to be hard to follow this thread as looking at these names just reminds me of the disappointments of this season in the real MLB and personally my frustration with the fact that Detroit ended up with a real manager who I wanted the Jays to look at amongst other veteran mgrs and instead they stick with a guy who can't keep a clubhouse happy, lets a pitcher baby himself and not gut it out for the team when clearly he wasn't going to be 100% healthy all year round anyhow and to top it off he sticks with a pitcher Towers who clearly needed to go to the bullpen as long relief and work out his kinks in games that didn't matter but instead he left him in their to be pounded ... idiot mgr

[stix3214]

.. going to be hard to follow this thread as looking at these names just reminds me of the disappointments of this season in the real MLB and personally my frustration with the fact that Detroit ended up with a real manager who I wanted the Jays to look at amongst other veteran mgrs and instead they stick with a guy who can't keep a clubhouse happy, lets a pitcher baby himself and not gut it out for the team when clearly he wasn't going to be 100% healthy all year round anyhow and to top it off he sticks with a pitcher Towers who clearly needed to go to the bullpen as long relief and work out his kinks in games that didn't matter but instead he left him in their to be pounded ... idiot mgr

Well thats why this is fantasy baseball... you can think that its leyland is managing the jays rite now!

[stix3214]

Farming System

After a week of season, it is time to look at the Jays farm system. While there are undoubtly some talent, there seems to lack a bona fide star prospect in the mold of Andy Marte or Justin Upton. Here is the top five prospects of the Toronto Blue Jays.

1. Ricky Romero (P): The 22-year old LH has a great future ahead of him. With a live arm and poise, he will be a figure in the Jays plan in the next few seasons. However in order to suceed, he has to get more movement on his pitches, along with better control. Right now Romero is playing in A Dunedin

2. Travis Snider (RF): The 18-year old is the first round pick of the Jays in its last draft. Moving away from the policy of drafting college players, the Jays have high hopes for the Wasconsin native. Projects to be a good power hitter capable of 20-25 HRs a season. Currently playing for the Pulaski Blue Jays.

3. Chi-Hung Chen (P): Another good left-hander in the Jays farm, this 20-year old shows a lot of poise last season in low-Calss A, posting a 3.15 ERA and 9.3 K/9. However, must be able to add more pitches to his arsenal to be more successful. Currently pitching in Pulaski.

4. David Purcey (P): One of the hardest throwing LH in the minor leagues, he has an excellent movement on his pitches. The 23-year old might earn a possible callup late in the season. Currently in AA New Hampshire.

5. Kyle Yates (P): Has excellent control for a young pitcher at 23. But at times too hittable due to the lack of movement of his pitches. Will need to keep his pitches down to be successful. Currently pitching for the A Dunedin.

As you can see, the Jays have a surplus of pitching prospects, but a lack of quality field players. That is something the organization has to adress this season.

AAA Players:

The Jays do not have the depth from its AAA affiliation to cover substantial injuries to key players, however if players do get hurt, these players will be called upon to shoulder some load during the season.

Lineup

John Hattig (3B): A switch-hitting 3B, he has good power with an above average contact on pitches. The day he is called up in the majors will represent the first time a native of Guam will have reached the major leagues. Watch him to be called up the first after an substantial injury.

Chad Mottola (LF): A journeyman who has played for four different organizations, never playing more than 35 games a season. He will be the fifth outfielder for the Jays, and the Jays are hoping that scenerio will not come true.

Tony Miller (CF): A 25-year old CF who has good speed on the basepath, but not much else. He needs to learn to make more contact with the pitches to be successful.

Ryan Roberts (2B): The 25-year old is seen as a potential replacement for Russ Adams next season. He is projected to be a good 2B with a line of 280-15-60 with a dozen steals. Not jaw-dropping numbers, but good enough on a team filled with offensive stars. Must work on his fielding to earn the everyday job.

Pitching Staff

Jason Frasor (RP): After two successful seasons with the Jays where he was one of the best pitchers in late game situations with the club, an off-season injury has pushed Frasor onto the AAA. If he regains his form, he will be a good addition with the young pitching staff.

Lee Gronkiewicz (RP): A pitcher who will be used to fill injury replacements, he will be hard-pressed to earn some inning even in this young pitching staff. At times too hittable with his pitches, the lack of velocity only worsen the problem.

Francisco Rosario (SP): Struggled to progress after his elbow surgery. Still has good movement and changeup. Will need an excellent AAA season to be considered.

Dustin McGowan (SP): Returned from elbow surgery last season. However had a horrible callup for the big club last season, going 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in 13 games. Needs to hit the corners to be successful, but when he does, he will be a nice addition to the Jays rotation.

[stix3214]

This Week in Baseball: Jays cruise to 5-1 start!

April 11th, 2006

The Jays have played very well in its first week of the season, sweeping the Angels and taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees. The team has hit very well, batting a robust .343 with 8 HRs and scoring 47 runs. The pitching staff has held up very well as well, holding the opposition to only 9 runs, shown by its three shutouts in six games.

Game Reviews

April 6th, Angels (0-1) at Jays (1-0): A.J. Burnett pitched a 2-hit, complete game shutout, striking out 13 in the process. His performance showed why the Jays paid 55 Million for his services. His counterpart Erwin Santana however, gave up 5 runs in 3 1/3 innings of work, striking out 3. Lyle Overbay, Reed Johnson, and Russ Adams all went yard in a complete effort by the Jays team tonight. Jays 9 – Angels 0.

April 7th, Angels (0-2) at Jays (2-0): The Jays had another excellent pitching performance by Casey Janssen, who went 8 innings, gave up 4 hits, walked two, did not allow a run, and struck out 1. Kelvim Escobar pitched seven innings, gave up three runs and struck out five. Lyle Overbay went two for three, and drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the eighth to secure the victory for the Jays. Jays 3 – Angels 0.

April 8th, Jays (3-0) at Yankees (1-2): A nail-biter game that was won in the 11th inning with a Troy Glaus single. The Jays pitching staff combined to strike out 17 batters in the game. Coming from 5 down from the fifth, where Jon Lester gave up five runs in five innings while striking out seven. But the bullpen saved the team, who only gave up one subsequent run. Justin Speier, Jamie Vermilyea, Jeremy Accardo, Brian Tallet, and B.J. Ryan pitched excellently. Brian Tallet pitched in the 10th to pick up a win while Ryan had his second save of the season. Jaret Wright took the loss. Jays 8 – Yankees 6.

April 9th, Jays (4-0) at Yankees (1-3): The Jays wished they saved up some runs from their first game for tonight, as they lost 2-0 to the Yankees. Sidney Ponson pitched 8 2/3 innings, giving up only 2 hits and 4 walks, striking out 1. Shaun Marcum pitched seven strong, giving up one run and striking out 4. The Jays just could not solve Ponson today, with Johnson and Adams the only two players to reach base on a hit today. Jays 0 – Yankee 2.

April 10th, Jays (4-1) at Yankees (2-3): The Jays got another excellent outing from Roy Halladay today, who went 8 1/3 strong, striking out 6 and only gave up three hits. Ryan saved his third game of the season. Reed Johnson had 4 hits in five AB today, driving in the first and winning run of the ballgame. It was a solid game from the Jays, who looked effortless taking two of three from the Yanks. Jays 4 – Yankees 0.

Top Performers

AVG: Johnson (.500!!!!)
HR: Johnson, Wells, Overbay (2)
Hits: Johnson (13)
Runs: Johnson (9)
RBI: Overbay (8)
Steals: Wells, Overbay (1)
K: Halladay (25)
Wins: Halladay (2)
ERA: Burnett, Janssen (0.00)

Player of the Week

Reed Johnson: He hit 500 this week, with two HRs and driving in 5 runs. He has an incredible .576 OBP(!!!) Runner-up: Roy Halladay, with 19 K in game 1 and 6 in game two, he has been spectacular.

Not so great

Gregg Zaun: He is hitting only .211 in 6 games after the injury to Bengie Molina, with a OBP of .250.

Around the League

Trades

The Dodgers acquired LaTroy Hawkins (RP), Jason Pearson (RP), Nolan Reimold (RF), and Raul Chavez (C) from the Orioles for Ricky Ledee (RF), Bret Tomko (SP), and Giovanni Carrara (RP). It feels like the Os was the winner from this deal, acquiring three major league caliber players for some prospects and a former closer.

Major Injuries

Mike Cameron, CF for the San Diego Padres, broke his wrist this week and will be out for seven months after surgery is required to repair his wrist. Andruw Jones of the Braves will be out for 2 months after a dislocated hip suffered while slipping down a flight of stairs. It seems to have resulted from a initiation prank gone wrong where John Smoltz iced the staircase leading to the dugout, hoping to catch one of the baby Braves. Guess that didn’t work too well for him.

League Leaders

AVG: Shawn Green (ARI), J.D. Drew (LAD), Reed Johnson (TOR): .500.
HRs: Pedro Feliz (SFG): 5.
RBI: Pedro Feliz (SFG): 12.
Steals: Jose Reyes (NYM): 5.
Wins: Roberto Novoa (CHC): 3. (He’s a reliever too!!!)
ERA: Too many pitchers…
Strikeouts: Roy Halladay (TOR): 25
Saves: Billy Wagner (NYM): 5.

[stix3214]

The Jays Improve Pitching Rotation

April 12th, 2006

The career of David Bush as a Milwaukee Brewer lasted exactly one start, as the Toronto Blue Jays re-acquired the RH pitcher for prospect Robinson Diaz, plus an undisclosed amount of cash. David Bush had a tough season last year, who went 5-11 due to some terrible luck. However, he still has an amazing arm, and will slide into the #3 spot behind Burnett. He will make his Jays debut tomorrow night against the Devil Rays.

Shaun Marcum will be sent back to AAA Syracuse to make space for Bush.

Author's note: the cash amount... well lets say it was great than 10M... yep... but i need pitching depth to contend

[stix3214]

This Week in Baseball

April 18th, 2006

The Jays had a three-game set against the Devil Rays on the road, followed by three games against the Yanks. The team was able to take 2 of 3 in both series, moving solidly into first place, with a three-game lead over the second place Red Sox.
Game Reviews

April 12th, Jays (5-1) at Devil Rays (3-3): A.J. Burnett pitched eight solid innings, striking out 10 and giving up only one run on six hits. Vernon Wells broke the game wide open in the top of the eighth, hitting a three-run HR and Aaron Hill clinched it with a run-scoring double in the ninth to seal off the Rays. Jays 5 – Rays 1.

April 13th, Jays (6-1) at Devil Rays (3-4): David Bush did not pitch well in his Jays debut, going six strong while giving up four runs, with three earned, and striking out four. James Shields went eight strong and only allowed one run. The Rays got all its offense from the bats of Rocco Baldelli and Travis Lee, who hit a three-run HR and a solo HR respectively. After this game however, it was learned that Roy Halladay, who earlier today complained about some soreness in his pitching hand, is suffering from hand stress fracture, and will be out for around two weeks. He is placed on the 15-day DL and Shaun Marcum is called up from AAA to be his replacement. Rays 4 – Jays 2.

April 14th, Jays (6-2) at Devil Rays (4-4): Jon Lester went seven strong, giving up three runs and striking out six for his first win of the season. Lyle Overbay hit his team-leading fourth HR of the season in the top of the eighth to break even the deadlock, and the Jays never looked back. Jeremy Accardo pitched two shutout innings for his first career save. Jays 7 – Rays 3.

April 15th, Yankees (3-6) at Jays (7-2): In what was essentially the same match-up a week ago, Shaun Marcum faced off against Sidney Ponson. This time however, the Jays bat woke up. They were able to tag five runs on Ponson within the first two innings, and took the game convincingly 10-1. Troy Glaus and Alex Rios finally had their first HR of the season and Marcum pitched eight strong, striking out 4 and giving up one run. Jays 10 – Yankees 1.

April 16th, Yankees (3-7) at Jays (8-2): It was a case of Wells and Burnett plus Co. against the “mighty” Yankees today, as Burnett went 7 1/3 with 7 Ks, giving up only one run, and Wells drove in four runs with a double and his fourth HR of the season. The Yankees, who was viewed as one of the top teams entering the new season, finds themselves sitting dead last in the AL East, and that can’t be good with Joe Torre and crew. Jays 4 – Yankees 1.

April 17th, Yankees (3-8) at Jays (9-2): The Yankees avoided the sweep by getting across seven runs of starter David Bush, including a five-run fifth with both Posada and Jeter hitting HRs, knocking Bush out of the game. The Yanks never looked back, with Posada and Cabrera adding another an inning later. The Jays just did not show up today. Yankees 11 – Jays 4.

Top Performers

AVG: Rios (.385)
HR: Wells (5)
Hits: Rios (20)
Runs: Johnson (14)
RBI: Wells (17)
Steals: Overbay (2)
Probably the funniest thing I have ever seen, since if you ever watched him play… you would not call him fast by any stretch… yet he is leading the team in steals!!! Incredible!
K: Burnett (28)
Wins: Burnett (3)
ERA: Janssen (0.00)

Not so great

Troy Glaus joins Gregg Zaun in the doghouse as he is only hitting .238 with 2 HRs in 12 games this season. He needs to step it up offensively. Gregg Zaun is still not hitting, with an average of .220 thus far.

Around the League

Trades

None.

Milestones

Jim Edmonds drove in his 1000th run in a game on the 11th of April, and Moises Alou was able to hit his 300th career HR a few days before.

League Leaders

AVG: Mark Ellis (OAK): .450
HRs: Jim Thome (CHW) and Albert Pujols (STL): 9
RBI: Jim Thome (CHW): 19
Steals: Jose Reyes (NYM): 8
Wins: Roberto Novoa (CHC), Freddy Garcia (CHW), Randy Johnson (NYY), Esteban Loaiza (CHW), and A.J. Burnett (TOR): 3
ERA: Adam Eaton (TEX): 0.00
Strikeouts: A.J. Burnett (TOR): 28
Saves: Billy Wagner (NYM), Bobby Jenks (CHW), and Armando Benitez: 6

[HoustonGM]

lol. Roberto Novoa got a lot of wins early in the season in a few of my sims. :p

[stix3214]

Thanks for the reply, it is good to know that there are ppl stillr reading!

Im thinking to write up my dynasty in the same mold as Petrel's excellent Braves dynasty, where there will be a short write up about each series in a first person perspective.

But still thinking!

[stix3214]

The Jays have a mini-four game home stand where they will face the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox for two games before facing the Red Sox for another two. Then they will depart on a six-game road trip to first Baltimore and then to Boston for two 3-game series. Though firmly entrenched into first place, I believe the Jays will want to take as many games as they can just in case the Yanks and the Sox make a push later on.

White Sox (9-3) at Jays (9-3) April 18-19

Game 1: Brandon McCarthy (0-0) vs. Casey Janssen (1-0)
Game 2: Nate Cornejo (0-0) vs. Jon Lester (1-0)

Game 1: The Jays hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back HRs of McCarthy in the first, with Wells, Glaus, Overbay and Catalanotto the culprits, making it the first time in the Major League’s history that this feat was done. McCarthy only got one out before he was yanked, and the Jays cruise to a 6-4 win. Jays 6 – White Sox 4.

Game 2: Jays defense lost the game, as they committed three errors today, leading to 6 unearned runs. Joe Crede hit two HRs and drove in four runs to help the Sox defeat the Jays. Jon Lester took the loss, and the reliever corps couldn’t keep the floodgate closed. White Sox 15 – Jays 7.

I was really infuriated with Gibbons after the game today, because not only the team played horrendous, but also he sent three runners to second only for them to be thrown out when the game was still close. After the game the Toronto Media mobbed him in the dugout, asking him again and again about his decision to send runners to their death.

Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star said in his column today “It was one of the worst display of managerial decisions in my entire career of cover the Jays. Rally after rally were killed due to Gibbon’s brain cramps, his hallucinations that somehow, somewhere, Aaron Hill suddenly became the next Ricky Henderson and would set the base path ablaze. I guess the ONLY reason that Overbay , beyond all prayers, made it to second on a SB was because A.J. Pierzynski could not believe his eyes and thought HE was hallucinating…”

Trust me, this sounded like praise after reading what other writers were saying about him. So I called Gibbons to my office and had a chat with him before the game against Boston.

When he walked in, I can see that he knew why he was called in here. After he sat down, and before I could say anything, he tried to explain himself.

“Well Mr. Stone, I’m not going to sugar coated it here, I made some decisions that I regret. I was hoping to scrap some runs in, to try to make up some ground, but I didn’t expect Pierzynski to have such a great game. After all, he’s not known as a defensive catcher. But it was my fault, and I will take up all responsibilities for its fallout.”

After that, there is nothing much else to be said. I told him how that this year with the increased payroll, the team is expected to move forward and make a push, and even though I am only a temporary manager, I will make sure this team is run well and run the right way. John listened gravely and said he would make sure he would make the right decisions later on.

“I won’t tolerate failure John, and I don’t think Mr. Rogers will like it either. But I don’t want you to stop trying to mix things up either, so the discretion is up to you.”

“No problem boss.”

Red Sox (7-7) at Jays (10-4) April 20 – 21

Game 1: Curt Schilling (1-1) vs. Shaun Marcum (1-1)
Game 2: Ted Lilly (1-2) vs. A.J. Burnett (3-0)

Game 1: Neither starter pitched well today. Boston had a four-run fifth, capped off by Ramirez’s three-run HR. But the Jays came back with seven of its own in the bottom half of the inning, with Glaus hitting a three-run HR and Zaun following with a two-run shot as the Jays never looked back. Frank Catalanotto hit his first career Grand Slam in the eighth inning to cap off the win. Jays 19 – Red Sox 6.

Pedro Martinez won his 200th game today for the Mets. Aren’t I glad that I don’t have to worry about him in the American League anymore.

Game 2: Ted Lilly and Eric Hinske faced off against its former team for the first time since being traded to Boston in the off-season. Russ Adams hit an eighth inning HR to snatch the victory from the visitors as the Jays sweep the mini-two game series. Jays 7 – Red Sox 5.

I decided to look at my contract situation. I see that Lyle Overbay’s contract is ending this season, so I decided to call his agent in to see what the price would be in resigning for his services. I know that there are few options in my minor league that can replace him. So I want him at least for another few years. The price range was around 5 Million a season. When his agent came back with exactly that amount being asked, I made Overbay very happy by inking him to a three-year extension with an option for a fourth.

Jays (12-4) at Orioles (9-8) April 22 – 24

Game 1: David Bush (1-2) vs. Russ Ortiz (1-0)
Game 2: Casey Janssen (2-0) vs. Eric Bedard (1-2)
Game 3: John Lester (1-1) vs. Kris Benson (1-1)

Game 1: The O’s scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth and Ramon Hernandez homered twice to take the first game. Some criticized John Gibbon’s decision to leave in David Bush after the seventh, citing that Jeremy Accardo should have been brought in to setup Ryan for the ninth. Orioles 5 – Jays 4.

Today also witnessed the day that Mike Piazza joining the 400 HR club while Steve Finley hit his 300th HR of his career.

Game 2: Despite falling 2-0 in the first three innings, Gregg Zaun’s three-run home run in the fifth gave the Jays the lead, and they never looked back. Janssen worked eight strong and struck out 3 for his third win of the season. Jays 6 – Orioles 2.

Game 3: In what was a seesaw battle, the Orioles jumped to an early 5-1 lead through home runs by Conine, Hernandez and Tejada. But the Jays tied it up in the fifth with Wells scoring on an error and Overbay hitting a three-run home run. Aaron Hill then singled in the eighth to bring in the eventual game winning run. Jays 8 – Orioles 6.

What was disconcerting was that Gregg Zaun allowed three pass balls in the last two games, costing the team two runs in the process. I am just counting down on the days that Molina will be back in uniform again.

No time to rest for the team however, as the Jays flew into Boston that night and prepared to face the Red Sox for another three games. I hear some good news from the team doctors, as Roy Halladay might be able to pitch in the series finale, while Bengie Molina still has a few more days to go.

Jays (14-5) at Red Sox (8-11) April 25 – 27

Game 1: Shaun Marcum (1-1) vs. Curt Schilling (1-2)
Game 2: A.J. Burnett (3-0) vs. Tim Wakefield (0-0)
Game 3: Roy Halladay (2-0) vs. Josh Beckett (0-2)

Game 1: Ortiz homered twice and Gonzalez, Lowell, and Ramirez each homered once against the struggling starter Shaun Marcum, who only went 4 1/3 innings while giving up 8 runs. Red Sox 8 – Jays 2.

Game 2: Alex Rios went 4-for-4 with a home run and three runs drove in against the knuckleballer Wakefield and Burnett pitched another great outing, where he went 7 innings and giving up 3 runs, striking out nine. The Red Sox could get nothing going except for a pair of home runs, from Loretta and Mirabelli. Jays 8 – Red Sox 4.

A fairly big trade went down today.

Angels get: Pete Orr (2B), Kelly Johnson (RF), and Todd Pratt (C)
Braves get: Kelvim Escobar (P), and Darrin Erstad (CF)

It seems like the Angels are trying to dump salaries, and picked up a group of not-so-young propects. However, Orr will start for the Angels in 2B. Braves get the pitching help they need and in turn help by picking up Erstad’s giant contract.

Game 3: Roy Halladay struggled in his first start since coming off the DL, giving up 7 runs, 6 earned, in 6 1/3 innings pitched. However, the Jays offense bailed him out, with every starter getting at least a hit and only two players did not drive in a run. Jays 13 – Red Sox 7.

Devil Rays (10-12) vs. Jays (16-6) April 29 – May 1

Game 1: Jae Seo (1-1) vs. David Bush (1-3)
Game 2: James Shields(2-0) vs. Casey Janssen (3-0)
Game 3: Tim Corcoran (3-2) vs. Roy Hallada (3-0)

Game 1: It seems that David Bush isn’t destined to win in Toronto, as he had a quality start but was still tagged with a loss. A fifth inning error by Russ Adams allowed two runs to score, and those were all the runs the Rays would need, as Seo pitched 8 2/3 shutout innings for the victory. Rays 5 – Jays 0.

I started to look around for some defensive replacement, since this was Adams fourth error already. It seems to be clear that Deivi Cruz isn’t the answer, but who is?

Game 2: James Shields pitched 7 innings and only gave up 2 runs, but Casey Janssen pitched 8 innings and only gave up one unearned run. A Rios HR was all they needed to win the game. Jays 3 – Rays 1.

Game 3: Halladay returned to old form, as Wells drove in a run with a single in the bottom of the seventh to ensure another series win for the Jays. Jays 3 – Rays 2.

My search for another 2B came to an end. Luis A. Gonzalez of the Rockies is having a bad season thus far. He’s only earning 327K this year, and is an excellent fielder. I called up Dan O’Dowd to ask for the availability of Gonzalez. Shortly after mid-night, we were able to hatch up a deal that looked like this.

Jays get: Luis A. Gonzalez (2B), Chaz Roe (P)
Rockies get: Deivi Cruz (SS), Carlo Cota (2B) and 2 million dollars.

Gonzalez will platoon with Adams, facing primarily left-handed pitching. This will solve some of the defensive woes of 2B, and I guess I just saved Gibbons several years in lifespan since he doesn't have to watch Adams literally throwing away games anymore.

[stix3214]

Hey all

Just a short notice, I will be starting another dynasty up... this time with the expansion Jays from 1977 and see how well how i can do. But i will still be updating this dynasty, so no worries there!!

[petrel]

Stix,

A promising start to a dynasty! Old-line managers still tend to believe in the steal, the sacrifice bunt and all those "small ball" tricks that don't really add runs unless you have Rickey Henderson-like speed on the basepaths. So I'd be easy on him.

When I "manage" the Boston Braves, I keep steal bases on the lowest slider setting it will go (or next to lowest). Trust me, if someone steals a base on the Braves, they'd better not get caught!

--Pet

[stix3214]

Orioles (12-14) at Jays (18-7) May 2 – 4
Game 1: Adam Loewen (1-1) vs. A.J. Burnett (4-0)
Game 2: Eric Bedard (1-4) vs. David Bush (1-4)
Game 3: Kris Benson (1-2) vs. Casey Janssen (4-0)

Game 1: Baltimore was up 11-2 in the bottom of the ninth, but the Jays tied a club record by scoring 11 runs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game! Home runs by Overbay, Glaus, Wells and Rios won the game. Jays 13 – Orioles 11.

After the game Ned Colletti called me up. He needed some LH relievers and was asking for Downs. In turn he was to give up Chin-Lung Hu (SS), a good prospect from Taiwan. I asked for another million, and after some back and forth good fashioned bargaining, he agreed.

Jays get: Chin-Lung Hu (SS) and 1 Million dollars
Dodgers get: Scott Downs (RP)

Hu was sent to Dunedin.

Game 2: David Bush just can’t buy a win, as the defense cost him again. The Orioles scored four runs in the fifth to pull away and Bush falls to 1-5. Orioles 7 – Jays 4

Game 3: Despite only out hitting the Jays by four hits, the Orioles took advantage of a costly error by Wells to crush the Jays. Orioles 15 – Jays 6

I am fed up with all these errors, especially Wells, who won a gold glove last season and did not even make a single error. He has already made two and is responsible for four runs that scored last game. I am going to tell Gibbons to get in an extra fielding practice. Now it’s time for some time off after 16 straight games.

Tigers (15-13) vs. Jays (19-9) May 6 – 8

Game 1: Kenny Rogers (1-2) vs. Roy Halladay (4-0)
Game 2: Zach Miner (2-0) vs. A.J. Burnett (4-0)
Game 3: Jeremy Bonderman (2-1) vs. David Bush (1-5)

Game 1: Home runs by Glaus and Rios put the Jays up 7-0 in the second, and Roy Halladay pitched a complete-game shut out to go to 5-0 this season. Jays 13 – Tigers 0

Game 2: Amazingly, Jays shut out the Tigers again this game, with Burnett going 8 innings and giving up four hits. A Wells home run in the first was all the offense the game needed. Jays 2 – Tigers 0

Game 3: The Jays jumped to a 10-0 lead in the fifth with Overbay hitting a grand slam, and Bush finally gets a win and the jays sweep the series. Jays 14 – Tigers 3

No time for rest as the Royals is arriving in town. The Royals is as bad as everyone thought they would be, but we can’t take teams like that lightly or they will burn you. But I expect the team to win at least 2 of three.

Royals (11-20) vs. Jays (22-9) May 9 – 11

Game 1: Odalis Perez (2-3) vs. Casey Janssen (4-1)
Game 2: Luke Hudson (1-4) vs. Jon Lester (1-1)
Game 3: Jimmy Gobble (1-2) vs. Roy Halladay (5-0)

Game 1: Rios went 3 for five and Molina hit his first home run of the season, as the Jays took an early lead and never looked back. Janssen pitched 8 2/3 innings, only giving up one run and struck out 2. Jays 9 – Royals 1

Game 2: Jon Lester pitched the best game of his career thus far, going 8 innings, striking out 7 and giving up only one run. A Glaus double in the third was all the offense Lester needed. Jays 3 – Royals 1

Game 3: A five-run fifth and home runs by Overbay, Glaus, Wells (with two), and Phillips gave the Jays an convincing 13-0 lead before the royals tried to make a comeback bid. Jays 13 – Royals 4

Right after the game, I got the team onto a plane straight for Cleveland, but a thunderstorm meant that we didn’t get into our hotel rooms until wee hours in the morning. No time to rest however, as we had to prepare for a four game set with the Indians starting this afternoon.

Jays (25-9) vs. Indians (11-23) May 12 – 15

Game 1: A.J. Burnett (5-0) vs. Cliff Lee (0-2)
Game 2: David Bush (2-5) vs. Paul Byrd (3-1)
Game 3: Casey Janssen (5-1) vs. Jeremy Sowers (1-4)
Game 4: Jon Lester (2-1) vs. C.C. Sabathia (4-2)

Game 1: I don’t know if it was the flight or the earning morning arrival into Cleveland, but the team just didn’t show up to play today. Indians jumped to an 8-2 lead through four and never looked back. Wells hit a three run home run in the seventh but it was too late. Indians 11 – Jays 4

Game 2: David Bush seems to have finally figured out how win. He won his second straight decision, going 8 strong and did not give up a run. Glaus and Wells hit two home runs each and Rios added one of his own. Jays 8 – Indians 0

Game 3: Travis Hafner’s grand slam of Brian Tallet in the bottom of the seventh broke open the game and erased home runs by Glaus, Wells, and Rios. Indians 9 – Jays 5

Game 4: Cleveland had a 5-0 lead through four innings with home runs by Hafner and Luna. Even though the Jays closed the deficit by one with a home run by Wells, it was a little too late. Indians 7 – Jays 5

We lost 3 of four to a bottom ranking Indians team. What’s making me worried was not the result of the games, but the fact that some players just seemed have rolled over and died when the going got tough for them. I have to get Gibbons to address the squad over their performance.

We got another day off before facing off against the Tigers and then the Phillies for some Interleague action.

Meanwhile, another deal went down today:

Orioles get: Andy Pettitte (P) and Chris Sampson (P)
Astros get: Brandon Fahey (LF)

The name of obvious concern is Pettitte, who is not only returning to the American League, but is returning to AL East. It seems to be a salary dump by the Astros, who get a quality young player in Fahey in return. This trade is good news for the Orioles fans but bad news for everyone else in AL East.

[stix3214]

Jays (26-12) vs. Tigers (21-17) May 17 – 19

Game 1: Roy Halladay (6-0) vs. Kenny Rogers (2-3)
Game 2: A.J. Burnett (5-1) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (2-2)
Game 3: David Bush (3-5) vs. Justin Verlander (1-4)

Game 1: Roy Halladay pitched his second complete game shutout against the Tigers in a 2-week span, giving up only four hits and struck out five. A Jason Philips home run in the fourth gave the necessary run support for Halladay that night. Jays 4 – Tigers 0

Game 2: Just like a script, A.J. Burnett pitched an 8-inning shut out ball to follow Halladay’s start to duplicate the scene from the last time they faced each other. A Lyle Overbay grand slam, his second in as many weeks, broke the game open in the fifth and the Jays never looked back. Jays 7 – Tigers 0

Game 3: The Jays jumped to an 8-5 lead into the ninth with home runs by Overbay and Wells. John Gibbons brought in B.J. Ryan, who has been Mr. Automatic for the Jays to close out the ballgame. He retired the first hitter on a ground out, but then gave up back-to-back doubles to Dimitri Young and Brandon Inge and a Sean Casey single that cut the lead to one. Justin Speier was brought to quench the fire, instead he promptly gave up a single to Carlos Guillen to tie the game, and then a single from Ivan Rodriguez scored pinch runner Omar Infante and won the game for the Tigers. Tigers 9 – Jays 8

Despite the team missing narrowly out of a sweep, they had played well and redeemed themselves after the Indian debacle. The Jays are now getting ready for some inter-league action with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Phillies (19-23) vs. Jays (28-13) May 23 – 25

Game 1: Ryan Madson (2-3) vs. Casey Janssen (5-1)
Game 2: Cole Hamels (2-2) vs. Jon Lester (2-2)
Game 3: Brett Myers (3-2) vs. Roy Halladay (7-0)

Game 1: The Jays had a 5-2 lead through seven, but starter Janssen surrendered two runs in the eighth and Ryan blew his first save of the season, by giving up a Chris Roberson 2-run triple in the ninth. However, Wells hit his 20th homer this game, tied for first in the American league. Phillies 6 – Jays 5

Game 2: A bottom of the seventh single by Lyle Overbay broke the 4-4 tie, and Glaus hit his 12th home run of the game. Ryan came into the ninth for his first save in three attempts. Jays 5 – Phillies 4

Game 3: Roy Halladay’s shutout streak hit 17 innings as he blanked the Phillies through 8, and Catalanotto’s home run was all he needed to go to 8-0. Jays 5 – Phillies 0

Team Leader:

AVG: Wells (.400)
HR: Wells (20)
Hits: Wells (70)
Runs: Wells (46)
RBI: Wells (53)
Steals: Johnson (8)
K: Burnett (63)
Wins: Halladay (8)
ERA: Halladay (1.64)

League Leaders:

AVG: Manny Ramirez (BOS), and Vernon Wells (TOR): .400
HRs: Jim Thome (CHW): 23
RBI: Jim Thome (CHW): 55
Steals: Chone Figgins (LAA): 22.
Wins: Roy Halladay (TOR): 8
ERA: Roy Halladay (TOR): 1.64
Strikeouts: Francisco Liriano (MIN): 68
Saves: Bobby Jenks (CHW): 17

[Rongar]

Thanks for the reply, it is good to know that there are ppl stillr reading!

Im thinking to write up my dynasty in the same mold as Petrel's excellent Braves dynasty, where there will be a short write up about each series in a first person perspective.

But still thinking!

Stix, this present style of write-up looks good imo:cool: