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Last night's loss could easily have been a win for the Blue Jays, and they did show gumption (a word you don't hear often enough) in coming back to the tie the game with two runs in the 9th inning. The team is in better shape today than it was a week or ten days ago: the starting pitching has invaribaly been solid, the batters (with the exception of VW) are coming around, and the bullpen is slowly gathering steam. The turnaround could start anytime, and facing Darrell May and his 7.32 ERA seems like a good place to start. Pat Hentgen, sporting a comparatively stingy 5.96 ERA, is just the guy to lead the renaissance. This team is very close.
Game 27: Any Moment Now.... | 101 comments | Create New Account
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_Ron - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 06:34 PM EDT (#67666) #
I'm wondering how many season tickets holders do the Jays have? Last nights game looked like it was played in front of family and friends.

With this terrible season and next year the "kids" come up which to the average fans means rebuilding I wonder how many tickets they will sell.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 06:43 PM EDT (#67667) #
Please excuse the hijack -- the only team I like better than the Blue Jays is undefeated. My Ursula Franklin Academy Flames beat Central Commerce 8-2 this afternoon at Trinity Park.

Rishi Sharma went four strong innings for the W, with Jamie Lekas notching a two-inning save. We gave up a run in the first, then had a call go against us when Stefan Saladziak was called out at the plate with the apparent tying run in the second. He beat the throw, which got away from the catcher anyway, but in high school ball you have to slide if it's even close, and the umps overturned the initial "safe" call. I was very proud of how we shook off that disappointment, put a three-spot on the board the next inning (thanks to some aggressive baserunning and a Wayne Zechner triple) and pulled away thereafter.

Max Bianco, Gavin Hepworth and Gabe Tacconelli all chipped in with timely hitting, while Dirk Aumueller contributed a 2-run single and was solid behind the plate. It was a very satisfying start to the season, so if the Jays win tonight, it will feel like a doubleheader sweep to me.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:04 PM EDT (#67668) #
That's great, Coach!

I've been feeling a little ... something, after catching up on today's "quiet, absent Jays fans cause cancer" thread. It's nice to remember that it's sport, which should mean it's fun. Even when they lose - you know those bumper stickers about fishing? well that's how I feel about baseball (and the Jays) ... I'll take a bad day of baseball over a good day of working. Or something.

As much a fan of the Jays as I like to think I am, I'm still more a fan of baseball. Unless the pennant is on the line, I'll always root for the visiting team's pitcher if he has a no-hitter after 6 innings.

I guess I'm just another sit-on-my-hands fan. Doc must really hate me now.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:15 PM EDT (#67669) #
A few years ago I was travelling on business in Thunder Bay - unfortunately the year after the Whiskey Jacks of the Northern League were re-located. In the evening, I wandered over to the ancient, small, crumbling ballpark where they used to play (sad!), just to look around, you know? And to my delight, there was a semi-pro league game going on. Aluminum bats, partial unis, probably no more than a half-dozen very dirty balls (and as many small children parked outside the stadium to retrieve them). I walked in, paid $5 to a very surprised-looking older man sitting on a cooler full of sodas (I was likely the only non-relative there, and the recommended admission was $2), sat on Exhibition Stadium-style aluminum bleachers and watched the entire thing.

It was marvelous.

I grabbed (and tossed back) four foul balls, sat through a downpour, and regretted not having a scorecard.

And in real life, VW has just made it to first base! Monkey begone!!!
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:21 PM EDT (#67670) #
I've noticed that when I post in these thread, the regulars seem to scarceify themselves. I know it's tail wagging the dog, and I'm not taking it personally, but you lot all have more to contribute, so I'll shut up - pretend I'm offline and watching the Leafs (actually, I'm watching both).

Let's hear the cheer!
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:25 PM EDT (#67671) #
VW got on by an error. He hit a weak grounder on a 2-0 pitch. Not quite monkey begone, but any on base is a good onbase (except for my fantasy team-that doesn't help). Hentgen's looked good through 2.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:26 PM EDT (#67672) #
Harry, as you're probably aware, there's a wonderful "semi-pro" baseball alternative in Toronto. The Maple Leafs of the Intercounty League feature local talent like Rob Butler and Paul Spoljaric; their home opener is this Sunday, May 9 at Christie Pits. I'm not sure if there are any tickets left for the gala on Saturday night, with Bob Feller, Don Newcombe, Gaylord Perry, Lee Smith and Mike Cuellar as the head table guests. If you're interested in meeting that all-star panel and hearing their stories, call 416-631-2600 for more information. Usually, the guests stick around for the game the next day.
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:28 PM EDT (#67673) #
Nice start to the bottom of the 2nd with a Phelps single and Hinske double.
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:29 PM EDT (#67674) #
And in classic Jay fashion with runner on 3rd less than 2 outs, Cash strikes out. Come on OOOHHHHHHHH
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:30 PM EDT (#67675) #
Jays Nation holds its collective breath, wondering if we can get a run home, with two in scoring position and nobody out. Sure enough, Cash strikes out looking, when a fly ball or grounder to the right side would have been huge.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:32 PM EDT (#67676) #
Orlando is looking more comfortable from the right side, seeing the ball better. He walks to load them up for Gomez with one away...
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:32 PM EDT (#67677) #
Just realized it's quiet because mostly everyone is makin' noise in 528 tonight. Oops.

One of the TV crew just said KC is conceding a run, because the Jays have runners at second and third with one out and are playing the infield back. I say that, with this team right now, that's not strictly true.

And Hudson walks! Bases juiced, fingers crossed. Go-go-go Gomez!
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:34 PM EDT (#67678) #
I don't have the TV sound on, but did Faulds call that first pitch to Gomez "low, for a strike?" No matter, as Chris delivers the 2-run single. It was never in doubt.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:34 PM EDT (#67679) #
Oh, sweet! Not only a two-run single, but on a 1-2 pitch. Is hitting really contagious? Please?
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:34 PM EDT (#67680) #
Gomez has been pretty good with the sacs loaded.
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:36 PM EDT (#67681) #
Offense is fun!
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:37 PM EDT (#67682) #
Sparky drives in another, 3-0 Jays, second and third, and F-Cat jumps on the first pitch (foul), then waves at the second pitch, a breaking ball. Bet he fouls off about six now.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:38 PM EDT (#67683) #
Sparky is my hero. I still don't think Cat's an ideal 2-hitter vs. lefties; we need somebody better than Berg in that role.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:38 PM EDT (#67684) #
Oh - 2-0 Flyers in the first :(
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:39 PM EDT (#67685) #
Three foul-offs and counting ...
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:40 PM EDT (#67686) #
Wilner points out that this is already the second-best inning the Jays have had at home this year; only the grand slam was better.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:41 PM EDT (#67687) #
Nice hustle down the line - very close at the plate - but clearly safe. I love this game (Stern's gonna sue me, I know).
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:41 PM EDT (#67688) #
It is such a pleasure to watch Frankie C hit (except the one he swung at that would have hit him). Great call Harry-he did foul off a slew and then got the runner home on a SF (although BARELY).
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:43 PM EDT (#67689) #
Nice job by Cat to hang in there against the lefty and make it a 4-run cushion for Mr. Hentgen. May seemed afraid to throw anything good to Wells -- V-Dub accepts the walk. Progress is good.
_Dr. Zarco - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:44 PM EDT (#67690) #
May doesn't have a whole lot right now-he just walked VDubs on 4 pitches (rather hard to do).
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:46 PM EDT (#67691) #
I think this is just what the Jays need - a crappy pitcher they KNOW is a crappy pitcher. Mays looks awful out there. But the Jays need to stomp him - Delgado's weak pop-up to end the four-run inning wasn't good, but we'll see. Hentgen should challenge every batter he faces for the rest of this game (every batter whose name isn't Beltran, of course).
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:49 PM EDT (#67692) #
Harry, I think you and Hentgen are on the same page -- three-pitch strikeout to Relaford, then two more to Berroa, who went up the middle with the second one for K.C.'s first hit. Pat started Guiel with a strike, got ahead 1-2 and induced an easy GIDP. Nicely done.
_JackFoley - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:50 PM EDT (#67693) #
It seems Pat wants to be the third Jays starter to gain a win.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:50 PM EDT (#67694) #
Boo-yah!

Nice 4-6-3 dp. It looked like it was developing in slow motion, but Gomez made a solid throw to first and Delgado was in perfect position for a low throw.

The feel of this game ... dare I say it ... is up? That sense of "don't look in the basement!" isn't there tonight for me.
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:51 PM EDT (#67695) #
A few assorted points:

1. Baseball is a terrific sport/game, and I also recommend the Intercounty League. When I was really little my Dad would take me to 5-10 London Majors games a year. So I've got pretty fond memories of it.

2. Baseball is an even more terrific sport to *play*. How much does it cost to rent the Skydome anyway? Anybody looking for a Reed Johnson style utility player for a slowpitch or fastpitch league? I'll even go behind the dish.

3. Speaking of slowpitch, I've played against guys in grad school slowpitch leagues that look more like professional baseball players than Chris Gomez. But looks can be deceiving; that slide home was pretty clutch.

4. Was I the only one who was half expecting Guiel to make a shoestring catch?
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#67696) #
This just in - Stubby Clapp (best.name.ever) is now a Jay. (minor leagues, of course)

Bet you just fell out of your chairs, people ...
Thomas - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#67697) #
Let's bust the game wide-open and hope it provides an opportunity for Wells and some of the others who haven't been hitting lately to gain some confidence.

I suppose its still too soon are we begin to look to towards winning the series tomorrow?

At least the town's attention will be forced to the Jays, with the other teams out of business.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:58 PM EDT (#67698) #
Nice to see a bit of old-style attitude - Hentgen knows he has a lead and he's going to keep throwing "hit-me"s to these Royals until they get two on base. Beltran nailed that pitch and lined out to right.

Now he's ahead of the next guy 0 and 2. Nice.
Mike Green - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 07:59 PM EDT (#67699) #
Go-go-Gomez. NFH, are you listening?
_The Original Ry - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:00 PM EDT (#67700) #
This just in - Stubby Clapp (best.name.ever) is now a Jay.

I've waited four years for this.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:01 PM EDT (#67701) #
How much does it cost to rent the Skydome anyway?

I think it's too late for this year, Mike, but if they offer the same incentive plan next season, all we have to do is sell 400 tickets to a Jays game, and we get the field and both dugouts for our own game. Not a bad deal, considering the normal rental is many thousands of dollars. I could probably arrange a Bauxites-vs.-UFA exhibition; the kids can coach themselves and I'd enjoy pitching a couple innings for the Box team. Especially if you're my catcher.
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:06 PM EDT (#67702) #
That would be amazing. I think we could sell 400 tickets without too much trouble. Particularly if we're allowed to sell 500 levels seats.

If we do play a game, I'd love to play all nine positions like Bert Campaneris did. As long as you don't throw the knuckler, I'll be your personal catcher. :)
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:06 PM EDT (#67703) #
Woo-hoo! Sparky turns on something low and inside -- 5-0 good guys.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:08 PM EDT (#67704) #
Anybody think Pat should plunk a randomly chosen Royal next inning? Just because? It would complement the 'Fu nicely, and maybe spark some 'tude in the (soon-to-be-again) Fightin' Jays.
_Rob - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:12 PM EDT (#67705) #
Wow. Playing baseball (something I don't do nearly enough) at the Dome would be ten times fun. I've never played organized baseball, so if you guys need a scorekeeper, I'm available. :-)
Now we can finally use everyone's "striding-to-the-plate" music. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:12 PM EDT (#67706) #
The high school team was all for that deal this year, but we couldn't find an opponent. The tickets were corner OF 100 level, IIRC, and they were even discounted. I'm sure the kids could sell 200 and we could move another 200 among Box readers; those buying the Jays tickets would also be entitled to watch our exhibition.

Mike, I throw about a 65 mph heater which looks a lot faster because I have four or five off-speed pitches. If I can't fool the teenagers, we'll need good outfielders.
_The Original Ry - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:14 PM EDT (#67707) #
Anybody think Pat should plunk a randomly chosen Royal next inning? Just because?

Unfortunately due to Pat's reduced velocity, I doubt the Royals' batter would even feel it. :-)
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:18 PM EDT (#67708) #
Hentgen seems to have forgotten how to throw any pitch except fastball down the middle.
_Nolan - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:19 PM EDT (#67709) #
I don't post that often (or at all), but I'm here reading everyday and I cannot think of many things that would be cooler than playing in the Skydome. I think I would try to pull off a Manitoba to Toronto road trip for that...
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:21 PM EDT (#67710) #
After four solid innings, Hentgen suddenly hit the wall -- five hits and four runs have put K.C. right back into this, and Beltran didn't miss by much.
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:22 PM EDT (#67711) #
Well we didn't think winning would be THAT easy did we?
_Jim - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:28 PM EDT (#67712) #
If I can buy on $2 night. I'll buy 100. :)
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:31 PM EDT (#67714) #
Am I going daft, or did I hear some kind of Eric Hinske cheer when he came up to the plate?

Apparently the Ikea in Burlington has the radio feed of the Leafs game playing over the intercom. That's actually pretty cool.
_JackFoley - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:32 PM EDT (#67715) #
Is it time for a DL trip for Mr. Hentgen?
_JackFoley - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:32 PM EDT (#67716) #
Apparently the Ikea in Burlington has the radio feed of the Leafs game playing over the intercom. That's actually pretty cool.

Especially for the Flyers fans!
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:48 PM EDT (#67718) #
Is it time for a DL trip for Mr. Hentgen?

You have to wonder if the bursitis in his hip was a factor in his early exit tonight. Pat threw only 67 pitches, most of them in the strike zone, so I don't think it was fatigue. For whatever reason, we have yet to see the pitcher he was in the second half of 2003, and maybe some time on the DL and a rehab start or two would be helpful. Of course, we're just speculating; I trust the training staff to do the right thing.

Great relief job by the sidearmer; I might be tempted to leave him in there.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:51 PM EDT (#67719) #
THAT was a Vernon Wells swing. Auth-o-ri-tay to left of center. Represent! And maybe he's back?
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:52 PM EDT (#67720) #
Yeah, that was the Wells we know and love -- a rope over Beltran for a 2-out double. Delgado, on the other hand, is not having much fun vs. May.
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:53 PM EDT (#67721) #
Maybe he'll do better vs. June
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 08:55 PM EDT (#67722) #
I'm really sorry for that last comment. :)
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:00 PM EDT (#67723) #
Leaving Nakamura in was my gut feeling, and apparently Tosca is watching the same game. Tremendous work.

Apropos of nothing, I would like to point out that the Clevelands are thrashing the Bostons, and if the Torontos hang on tonight, they will be exactly 6.5 games out of first, with 135 to play. Plus, we can just about guarantee that the worst stretch they will go through the entire season is behind the Jays.
_NDG - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:00 PM EDT (#67724) #
Is Frasor the closer du jour?
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:00 PM EDT (#67725) #
Wow.. Tosca really made the right decision to leave Nakamura in. I hope this inspires him to leave his relievers in for longer outings.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:04 PM EDT (#67726) #
About Nakamura - the consensus seems to be that he's very replaceable, but as a non-expert, I like to see him in the bullpen. Sure he doesn't have a fastball, but how many guys throw a true knee-buckling curve these days? Having him in a bullpen loaded with flamethrowers would be almost too cruel.

I would not use him in a game against a patient offense with high OBP - they'd just wait for the BP fastball and bye bye Mr. Spaulding.

And how cool is the international aspect of the guy?
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:05 PM EDT (#67727) #
Anyone else trying not to think about a one-run lead in the ninth?
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:06 PM EDT (#67728) #
Is Frasor the closer du jour?

Actually, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ligtenberg.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:09 PM EDT (#67729) #
Good call, NDG -- it's Frasor!
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:11 PM EDT (#67730) #
Off-topic:

Owning Brian (don't-call-me-Bip) Roberts is swell! Tonight he's got 4 runs and 4 sbs. If only Matos would get off the schneid.
_NDG - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#67731) #
Wow, I didn't expect to be right!
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:14 PM EDT (#67732) #
I'm surprised, because Jason worked last night and Kerry didn't. The kid got Sweeney on one pitch -- a tailing fastball in on his hands -- then he threw the cheese right past Harvey. Awesome.
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:14 PM EDT (#67733) #
One more to go in Juan Gone.
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:16 PM EDT (#67734) #
There's one pitch you can't throw to Juan Gone and that's a fastball outside. That's what the Jays choose to throw. I really don't understand their pitch selection sometimes.
_Rob - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:16 PM EDT (#67735) #
Juan's Gone!...to first base. Come on, Frasor, get that New Brunswicker.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:17 PM EDT (#67736) #
Matt Stairs looks like he should be on the PBA tour - hope he doesn't Munson the Jays here. 2 out, one more to go.
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:18 PM EDT (#67737) #
3-0 to Stairs now. Frasor a little too excited. Paints outside for a 3-1 count.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:20 PM EDT (#67738) #
Yeah!! W!

Good thing it was Stairs running, that would have been tough for anyone faster than, say, me.
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:20 PM EDT (#67739) #
They hold on! A one run victory for a change. Give Nakamura a huge win share in this one.
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:20 PM EDT (#67740) #
Yesss!
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#67741) #
Keep in mind that Hudson was playing in shallow right field on that ball. Had he been playing normal depth he probably would have gotten it before the big bounce.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#67742) #
I think they had decided to pitch around Stairs and take their chances with Relaford, but Matt let Frasor right back into the at-bat with that accidental foul ball up near his helmet -- the last pitch was a beauty. An unorthodox, but extremely satisfying win.
_Chuck Van Den C - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#67743) #
Nakamura in the 8th (and 6th and 7th of course). Frasor in the 9th.

Was Tosca sending a message to Speier, Ligtenberg, at al? Was he sending a message to Ricciardi? Has he totally lost confidence in his veterans?

I'm glad his strategy worked, I'm just wondering what was behind it.
_JackFoley - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#67744) #
Tosca said before the game One thing about tonight: We don't have Adams and we don't have (Justin) Speier," he said. "(Kerry) Ligtenberg is only in a perfect situation and we don't have (Valerio) de los Santos tonight.

Adams worked a ton this weekend, not sure why Ligtenberg was only available in a 'perfect' situation.
_Harry Heatherin - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#67745) #
Frasor on his nerves coming in to the ninth:

"that was a little different than a AA save"

Really. A cool cooike, this one.
_NDG - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#67746) #
What does it say about the Jays 'new and improved bullpen' that the guys that preserve a one run lead for four innings are
1) claimed off waivers
2) a return for a trade of a spare part

Bullpens are weird
_Chuck Van Den C - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#67747) #
Give Nakamura a huge win share in this one.

But for the vagaries of the win rule, he should get the W. That is, if you believe in handing out a team win to an individual player.
_Cristian - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:35 PM EDT (#67748) #
As an added bonus, the Expos have found their offence tonight. They even get a homerun from the Sledgehammer.
Coach - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:38 PM EDT (#67749) #
Oddly enough, that was a "perfect" situation for Ligtenberg -- three RH batters who were unlikely to be pinch-hit for. Maybe something isn't quite right with Kerry physically, but at this point, who cares? That was an enormous boost to Frasor's confidence, and his success gives them another late-inning option.

Kudos to Tosca for recognizing that Nakamura had great stuff tonight and staying with him. Our managerial critics can take the rest of the night off.
Thomas - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#67750) #
Frasor looked very good in the closer's role and congrads to him on his first big league save. Same goes to Nakamura. I wonder if this has given Tosca second thoughts about the current usage of the pen. Frasor looked very impressive against Harvey and blew a couple of fastballs right by the big man.

Now, we turn to Doc to win the series and let's hope this marks a turning point.
_Moffatt - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 09:54 PM EDT (#67751) #
I think the Flyers just saved Joe Bowen's vocal chords. Man, was he sounding rough there.
Named For Hank - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#67752) #
Now we can finally use everyone's "striding-to-the-plate" music. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

With my baseball experience (six years old, confined to the outfield, two balls hit directly into my noggin, leading my family to realize that I needed glasses), I submit that I will be playing everyone's striding-to-the-plate music. ;)

GO JAYS GO!

Who's coming with me tomorrow? Impromptu Cheer Club, anyone?
_R Billie - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:22 PM EDT (#67753) #
As much as I applaud the Leafs' effort how can you possibly allow two straight two-on-one rushes in sudden death overtime of a deciding game? Completely undisciplined play.

I think what Tosca did was go with Nakamura and correctly stuck with his hot hand for three full innings. His overhand curve was very nasty and the Royals didn't get many good swings. Unlike in Minnesotta he was putting his pitches where he wanted them.

I think Tosca's tried everything else in the ninth inning so he just decided to go with Frasor. Jason has the best velocity in the bullpen and when he's relaxed his pitches go where he wants them to go. Unlike the three veterans who have been all over the map for the past week or so.
_David Armitage - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:29 PM EDT (#67754) #
Hopefully the Jays better play timed with the Leafs' exit will put more fans in the seats and start shining light on what has the makings of a very exciting and watchable Jays team.
_StephenT - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:36 PM EDT (#67755) #
I liked the Eichhorn-Henke imitation by Nakamura-Frasor tonight. May it get a chance to continue.
_Ryan Day - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:38 PM EDT (#67756) #
Just got home from the game, which was just dandy. For $2 night, though, that place was pretty empty; they announced 20,000, but I'd be surprised if it was over 10,000. Probably sold a bunch of cheapo tickets which people threw out when they realized the leaves were on. The few that showed up seemed to enjoy it, particularly later in the game.

Plenty of encouraging signs: Vernon looked a bit more alive, not to mention more patient. Pat was just crusing until the fifth; throwing stikes in the right places, getting ahead.

At this point, the only guy I'm really worried about is Phelps. He's just not doing anything right now. No average, no patience, no power. Two infield hits, though; is he the Jays' biggest smallball proponent? He's barely outhitting Vernon, and offers nothing on defence.

And now, the question of the day: Will Tosca now announce that the new closer is a) Nakamura or b) Frasor?
_Cristian - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:38 PM EDT (#67757) #
As much as I applaud the Leafs' effort how can you possibly allow two straight two-on-one rushes in sudden death overtime of a deciding game

I guess the Leafs will need to learn how to clutch and grab more than usual next year.
_Rob - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 10:46 PM EDT (#67758) #
I submit that I will be playing everyone's striding-to-the-plate music. ;)

But who will be the photographer? :)
_MatO - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 11:27 PM EDT (#67759) #
Comments on tonights game. Hentgen through the first 4 innings was perfectly hitting his spots. Cash would set-up and Hentgen would put it right where he set his glove. That precision disappeared in the 5th. Did Hentgen throw any curveballs? All I saw were fastballs, cutters and changes. I thought he was saving them for later in the game when they would be sitting on his fastball. It might indicate some physical problem if he can't throw a curve.

Nakamura pitches like Eichorn. Man he looks off-balance after delivering a pitch.
Mike D - Tuesday, May 04 2004 @ 11:40 PM EDT (#67760) #
I guess the Leafs will need to learn how to clutch and grab more than usual next year.

Ouch. Schadenfreude from an Oilers fan. Take heart, Cristian: Other than the Lightning, Sharks and Flames, there aren't any teams with an Oilers-sized payroll still alive in the NHL playoffs.

And yes, I am curled up in the fetal position. So flame away...for sticking with the Leafs, I continue to deserve it.
_Jobu - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 12:01 AM EDT (#67761) #
From tsn.ca:

Notes: After the game in the Jays clubhouse, Greg Zaun turned to reporters watching the Leafs-Flyers overtime and said, ``Hey, did you guys hear the Jays won tonight?'

There goes my hero.
_WillRain - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 01:21 AM EDT (#67762) #
I'm wondering this:

If Hentgen's starts continue to be good-early-but-short...won't we eventually see him shifted to the pen when the Boys are ready?

I'm thinking he might have a decent little second life as a reliver.
_Smack - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 01:56 AM EDT (#67763) #
The two 2 on 1s were a result of wide open frantic hockey that was worth it as a die hard leaf fan. Both times defensemen gambled and pinched in with the puck bouncing over their sticks, and the last one by Leetch cost only because Roenick took a perfect hard shot--McCabe eliminated the passing option.

The leafs dont deserve all this hate, they have more heart as individuals than any other professional team i have seen play a game. That hit on kapanen satisfied my anger and vengfulness, I wish the flames the best of luck.

Backk to baseball, can someone profile the great Canadian Stubster?
_Cristian - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 02:03 AM EDT (#67764) #
Mike D,

It's not the size of the Leaf's payroll that frustrates me. What infuriates me is what the Leafs do with their payroll. The Leafs have the money to pay for talent. They should be a great team that succeeds as well as entertains an educated fan base expecting no less. They should be the New York Yankees of hockey but they aren't.

I turned away from hockey during the Devils' first Stanley Cup run when the neutral zone trap was used so effectively. The hockey was slow and I didn't have any fun being a spectator. But I was too hasty. At least the Devils had a system. I can respect a system. They were well coached, rarely made mistakes, and knew how to counterattack. So I started to appreciate the Devils and defended them whenever people would complain about the neutral zone trap. They were hockey's equivalent to the Oakland A's. They didn't have the money that other teams had so they found a cheaper way to win. They were a Moneyball team long before the Oakland A's.

The Leafs, on the other hand, have no system. They aren't well coached. Their entire strategy focuses on the knowledge that they can grab sticks and jerseys during the playoffs because the refs, for the most part, put their whistles away. It shouldn't be this way. The Leafs have the money to pay for talent. They acquire talented players. However, what do the Leafs do with their talented players? They teach them to forget about the puck and to grab their opponents' sticks and jerseys whenever they move.

Oh yeah. What about the educated fan base I mentioned? The millions of people who follow the Leafs understand hockey inside and out. They've grown up with the sport and know what a beautiful game it is. But they are so starved for a Stanley Cup that they are wilfully blind to the crap that is put on the ice before them. If Leaf fans demanded more from their team, I'd say they deserve better. Sadly, most Leaf fans don't.

And they call us Jays fans at battersbox the zombie-like cult.

-end rant.
Named For Hank - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 07:52 AM EDT (#67765) #
I'll take a bad day of baseball over a good day of working. Or something.

Harry, I agree with that 100%. I'm mystified by the rest of your comments, though (particularly the "cancer" one, which I'm sure you realize is miles away from what I wrote yesterday). Are you saying that the crowd in SkyDome is plenty loud and that the jays feel fan support because of it? Or are you saying that they're whining? Or that I'm whining?

I was trying to point out that we complain, complain, complain and then complain about the team, and then when something comes up where, according to the team, we can make a difference, we belittle it or say it won't work.

This epitomizes the Toronto Fan stereotype.
_Steve Birnie - Wednesday, May 05 2004 @ 09:22 AM EDT (#67766) #
Cristian, I agree that the Leafs have the financial wherewithal to be the Yankees of hockey. However, there are two fundamental differences between the two sports that makes this very unlikely:

1) Free Agency Rules. Hockey's free agency rules are much more restrictive than baseball. Baseball players become free agents after six years in the Show, so the Yankees can sign a free agenct (say Jason Giambi, or Carlos Beltran) and know they are signing a player still in the prime of his careers.

Hockey players only become free agents after they turn 31, so a hockey team can only sign players that are on the downside of their career. This leads to the problem the Leafs have with an old roster.

2) Playoff structure. The Yankees have been able to acquire a lot of high-salaried players from non-playoff teams via lopsided trades (Kevin Brown, A-Rod, Denny Neagle, Roger Clemens, etc. etc.), because a very limited number of teams make the playoffs every year, and teams know halfway throuh the year that they don't have a chance and want to create 'flexibility.' In hockey, on the other hand, more than half the teams make the playoffs, and even the 16th best team knows they have a chance in a short series, a la Anaheim, Florida, etc. So they are far less likely to dump their high-salaried players.

While the Yankees have made the baseball playoffs for nine straight years, with six World Series appearances in large part due to a financially-driven competitive advantage, even the highest salaried teams in hockey have no assurance of making the playoffs (see New York Rangers) or advancing very far (see Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche). And I think this is in large part due to the factors I mentioned above.
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