Really need this one.
Matchup!
Bieber (4-2, 3.57) vs Kirby (10-8, 4.21)
It’s a good thing Barger is out of the cleanup spot, but Santander should not be batting ahead of Kirk. May another thing John does turn to gold.
I also would have tried Schneider at 2B instead of Gimenez, but the Jays operate based on their plan rather than results. Otherwise, good move to get Barger out of the cleanup spot. His 2nd half numbers are not good, and his defensive metrics have taken a hit as well.
Bieber has been real bad so far in the playoffs. Hopefully he finds something.
Not quite the 1st inning we wanted. Still a lot of innings to go.
So dejecting to be down so quickly...again. Lots of game left, but a familiar early script.
Maybe we need to harp about Gimenez being in the lineup more.
Looks like those suggesting sitting Gimenez maybe didn't have the Schneider magic!
8-9 hitters doing it.
8-9 hitters doing it.
Gimenez needed the Clement regular season treatment to contribute. Should have criticized him sooner.
Could be the pivotal moment in this game right now (Varsho PA, bases loaded).
It's a damn shame they insist on batting inferior hitters in front of Kirk.
Barger not only can’t get on base, he seems to get out early in his PAs, doubly letting the pitcher off the hook.
Absolutely massive massive inning mowing down the top of the order 2nd time through.
Huge uuge huge.
Huge uuge huge.
What a turnaround for the Blue Jays. Bieber strikes out the side, the good guys score 5, then Bieber shuts down the top of the M’s order to keep it 5-2. Sweet.
Do we really want to see IKF? Barger has been bad for a while, but probably the least bad option.
But Schneider is going to be the manager that he is...
But Schneider is going to be the manager that he is...
I just said to my daughter - what is Kirby doing strutting around after striking out Clement and Gimenez? Springer isn’t going to like that.”. Kirby’s peacocking deserved that.
Barger, Santander, and Gimenez are the 3 hitters in the Jays lineup I don't trust/expect good things from (Gimenez coming through today not withstanding).
If you were to sit/pull Barger, I wouldn't go IKF, I'd go Clement at 3b, Gimenez at SS, and Schneider at 2b. At least for offense if you were doing it early. For late inning defensive maybe you'd put IKF in, but I'm not sure Barger-Gimenez-Clement isn't as good or better defensively as Clement-Gimenez-IKF.
If you were to sit/pull Barger, I wouldn't go IKF, I'd go Clement at 3b, Gimenez at SS, and Schneider at 2b. At least for offense if you were doing it early. For late inning defensive maybe you'd put IKF in, but I'm not sure Barger-Gimenez-Clement isn't as good or better defensively as Clement-Gimenez-IKF.
I trust we all see the humour in bbox screaming to sit barger and play ernie.
I’m still hopeful Barger will heat up and find his stroke this postseason.
Gutsy recovery from Bieber today. Just what i was praying for.
Only at 62 pitches but with #8 due up next inning i don't think he'll be allowed to see the top of the order again.
Only at 62 pitches but with #8 due up next inning i don't think he'll be allowed to see the top of the order again.
Could used just a touch of this in game one but better late than never!
Small sample size suggests Toronto likes hitting in Seattle this year.
As long as Bieber is dealing, Schneider needs to put the plan aside and stick with him. Thankfully the Jays are adding some runs to add some cushion and maybe give Schneider less reason to get jumpy to go to the pen. Tomorrow's game is essentially a bullpen game with Scherzer pitching, so some length from Bieber would be big here.
This could potentially be a good game to rest the leverage arms in the bullpen.
So great to see Vladdy hitting on time like that.
Guys he's not gonna rest the pen lets be real.
And anyways, 6 runs is nothing. Play to win.
And anyways, 6 runs is nothing. Play to win.
I agree, but I do hope Bieber just bought himself another inning.
This is far and away Bieber’s best start since his very first one. Super impressive given how he has been struggling.
I can’t believe he let him face raleigh again. Especially after the hit.
Will this teach him to not pull his friggin starters at the first sign of trouble?
Will this teach him to not pull his friggin starters at the first sign of trouble?
Gimenez now with a .725 OPS in the post season. Much like Ernie, he clearly reads this site.
UO if they lose 3-2 tomorrow I’m blaming you for putting too many runs on the credit card today
Blame me! All my friends already do. I can take it.
But if they win....
But if they win....
Can John Schneider make it through a postseason game without using Varland? Time will tell.
Bieber is welcome to stay for a while.
The Mariners can hit the fastballs.
Hard to go yard with the junk in this ballpark, though.
The Mariners can hit the fastballs.
Hard to go yard with the junk in this ballpark, though.
Great outing by Bieber. Looked terrible early but really settled down beautifully.
Amazing job after a start where a lot of us thought it was over. Go win tomorrow and get home Field advantage back!
Big time win tonight. Go out and win at least 1 of the next 2, and bring this series back to Toronto.
Hot take maybe, but I enjoyed this game more than the previous two.
Literally couldnt have drawn up a more perfect momentum changing game. Big hits through the whole lineup. But also vladdy swag. Yuge bieber performance. Relentless offense.
It might mean nothing and we have no margin for error but as far as this game goes it couldn't be more perfect.
And i believe Max has one more great one in him.
It might mean nothing and we have no margin for error but as far as this game goes it couldn't be more perfect.
And i believe Max has one more great one in him.
Nice win!
I still think they should drop Lukes/Schneider to lower in the order and move everyone up a notch so Vladdy can bat 2nd. That's a wall of power Springer/Vlad/Varsho/Kirk why not make them the first four batters teams have to face.
I still think they should drop Lukes/Schneider to lower in the order and move everyone up a notch so Vladdy can bat 2nd. That's a wall of power Springer/Vlad/Varsho/Kirk why not make them the first four batters teams have to face.
Guerrero batting second (68 games): .271/.373/.415
Guerrero batting third (86 games): .311/.390/.512
It's the same thing over his entire career - he's hit .265/.345/.429 in 241 games batting second, .300/.377/532 in 583 games hitting third. Sometimes it matters.
Guerrero batting third (86 games): .311/.390/.512
It's the same thing over his entire career - he's hit .265/.345/.429 in 241 games batting second, .300/.377/532 in 583 games hitting third. Sometimes it matters.
Lukes and especially Schneider tend to see a lot of pitches and gave longer abs which I think helps the lineup overall. I wouldn't be changing that.
Yeah, batting order (mostly) doesn't matter that much, and it could be a fluke or some non-causal correlation that has Vlad much better 3rd than 2nd, but it likely isn't worth messing with it (especially in the post-season).
I think Springer-Varsho-Vlad-Bo-Kirk is a good top 5 (once Bo is back). And Lukes or Schneider in the 2 until then is ok too.
I think Springer-Varsho-Vlad-Bo-Kirk is a good top 5 (once Bo is back). And Lukes or Schneider in the 2 until then is ok too.
Was that good enough an outing by Bieber to cash is 4M and look for a multi-year contract?
The only outing that would have made Bieber inclined to pick up his option would be one in which he got seriously injured. He can easily do better than 1-year $12M, and can choose whether he wants to take a 1-year pillow contract or lock in a multi-year deal.
Has there been a reason anywhere on why Scherzer is starting instead of Bassitt?
It doesn’t really make much sense based on performance. Is it possible he’s being used as an opener and if he has it will be allowed to go on. I hope so. I assume he has almost no rope at all here with Lauer and Bassitt around?
It doesn’t really make much sense based on performance. Is it possible he’s being used as an opener and if he has it will be allowed to go on. I hope so. I assume he has almost no rope at all here with Lauer and Bassitt around?
Bieber on his message to the team after giving up the HR to J-Rod:
"Obviously, it was an unfortunate start but I came into the dugout and told the guys, 'Pick me up, I got good stuff tonight,' and they definitely listened."
"Obviously, it was an unfortunate start but I came into the dugout and told the guys, 'Pick me up, I got good stuff tonight,' and they definitely listened."
"Has there been a reason anywhere on why Scherzer is starting instead of Bassitt?"
The stated reason is that Scherzer doesn't have experience pitching in relief and is more a creature of habit while Bassitt is more flexible.
I'm not sure there is a great reason, but hopefully Scherzer will pitch great, and if not, hopefully there will be a quick hook to Bassitt. This is the one game where a quick hook makes sense.
I hope Bieber doesn't opt out but instead exercises the 1-year option, but I agree it is unlikely if he's going for strictly top dollar.
The stated reason is that Scherzer doesn't have experience pitching in relief and is more a creature of habit while Bassitt is more flexible.
I'm not sure there is a great reason, but hopefully Scherzer will pitch great, and if not, hopefully there will be a quick hook to Bassitt. This is the one game where a quick hook makes sense.
I hope Bieber doesn't opt out but instead exercises the 1-year option, but I agree it is unlikely if he's going for strictly top dollar.
What Michael said is the same reason I'm aware of. The true specifics of that have never been explained, but it's very clear Mad Max is a creature of habit and I think they just think that wouldn't work if he was a reliever.
They evidently prefer this choice than going with Bassitt or Lauer and leaving him off.
I have no doubt that Schneider will have a quick hook today if Seattle begins to look like they're going to touch him up for a few. Even if he's pitching well, I don't think he'll go deep.
They evidently prefer this choice than going with Bassitt or Lauer and leaving him off.
I have no doubt that Schneider will have a quick hook today if Seattle begins to look like they're going to touch him up for a few. Even if he's pitching well, I don't think he'll go deep.
Even if the Jays make the World Series, and Bo is back (two big ifs), I wouldn't move Lukes from the 2-hole. I don't really see the point of that either when he's hitting and seeing a lot of pitches. He's a great choice for the spot right now, IMO.
Going into yesterday's game, I believe Gimenez had 94 career playoff plate appearances with an OPS under .500.
I never would have expected that homer and the timing was perfect.
I never would have expected that homer and the timing was perfect.
Because of how bad he was late in the year, it's easy to forget Scherzer was a solid pitcher most of the summer. If Jays think they can get him back to August form for whatever reason, then he was way more upside than Bassit in the rotation.
As long as Bieber is healthy, he's opting out. He'll get $4M for doing so, and then even if the market doesn't give him the long-term deal that he wants, there will definitely be a team willing to give him a high AAV short-term deal if he has to settle for one. Think of him as 1992 David Cone and hope the season ends the same way it did back then.
Max Scherzer has had more success with Heineman behind the plate (small sample size). Would you consider starting Heineman instead of Kirk? Kirk would be a valuable pinch hitter.
Not unless Kirk is injured and/or needs rest. There is so many playoff offdays I'd expect Kirk can go every game. I know Heineman has been a great hitter this season so it isn't necessarily a huge step down, but I trust Kirk more on both sides of the plate, so I'd leave Heineman for only if Kirk needs a rest and/or if Kirk gets pulled for a pinch runner late in the game.
The Gimenez home run reminded me of the huge home run he hit against Fried in a game earlier this season. Totally unexpected, and immensely helpful.
What is a realistic contract for Bieber. Given recent injury history, would it be more like a modern day Chris Bassitt contract or a modern day Kevin Gausman contract. Either would be palatable to me.
Pretty much the platonic ideal of a comeback game right there!
Bieber is getting paid, barring injury if he pitches for us again. I don't know what the market would be, but even if he is determined to come back, he's not picking up the option.
I don't know the details behind the scenes, but I can't see them mattering enough to start Heineman over Kirk. I didn't pick Scherzer to even make the roster though, so clearly management knows plenty that I don't.
As far as storybook endings go, a dominant start for Max would be fairytale worthy.
Not to start thinking bout 'next year', but the latest piece from "Future Blue Jays" is quite optimistic about the state of the farm.
Stanifer at number 2, and possibly a better long-range prospect than Yesavage? I'll take that upside!
Great info on the plan to get Yesavage ready to pitch in the bigs in September, as well. I certainly have more faith in the minor league team than I did this time last year.
Bieber is getting paid, barring injury if he pitches for us again. I don't know what the market would be, but even if he is determined to come back, he's not picking up the option.
I don't know the details behind the scenes, but I can't see them mattering enough to start Heineman over Kirk. I didn't pick Scherzer to even make the roster though, so clearly management knows plenty that I don't.
As far as storybook endings go, a dominant start for Max would be fairytale worthy.
Not to start thinking bout 'next year', but the latest piece from "Future Blue Jays" is quite optimistic about the state of the farm.
Stanifer at number 2, and possibly a better long-range prospect than Yesavage? I'll take that upside!
Great info on the plan to get Yesavage ready to pitch in the bigs in September, as well. I certainly have more faith in the minor league team than I did this time last year.
I think it's like a 90% chance bieber signs with us.
Tyler Heineman subbed in defensively for the 9th in the blowout in Game 2.
So he's technically had his postseason Moonlight Graham debut, avoiding a Brian Jeroloman ghost player playoff fate.
So he's technically had his postseason Moonlight Graham debut, avoiding a Brian Jeroloman ghost player playoff fate.
I do not have a lot of faith in Scherzer. I think the Jays will need to score a lot of runs to win this game tonight.
I see the arguments bb commenters have against putting Vladdy #2 in the lineup. They make sense to me but also it seems mostly about baseball voodoo rather than common sense. I know it doesn't matter a ton -- but over a series it could mean 1 or even two extra at bats for Vladdy -- and I think that's worth something this series.
I see the arguments bb commenters have against putting Vladdy #2 in the lineup. They make sense to me but also it seems mostly about baseball voodoo rather than common sense. I know it doesn't matter a ton -- but over a series it could mean 1 or even two extra at bats for Vladdy -- and I think that's worth something this series.
Shane Bieber imho will sign a deal very similar to Kevin Gausman. He's a "poor man's Fried, from the left side, except can't throw 97 MPH+ so..." yeah. Seriously though, he's a solid solid #2 with #3 floor and ace ceiling. I see him signing for Gausman type contract and he will be worth every penny. Dude is not dialled in and he has 50/50 chance each night to shut down a line up.
Scherzer I feel will dominate tonight. If he can get the win tonight then I'd personally use Bassitt for Game 5 and then Gausman for Game 6.
Scherzer I feel will dominate tonight. If he can get the win tonight then I'd personally use Bassitt for Game 5 and then Gausman for Game 6.
Gausman vs. Miller in G5. I like that re-match!
@ShiDavidi
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11m
No Anthony Santander for Blue Jays, with Addison Barger shifting to RF, Ernie Clement at third and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in at second for ALCS Game 4.
IKF is 5-for-13 with a homer and double vs Mariners starter Luis Castillo.
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11m
No Anthony Santander for Blue Jays, with Addison Barger shifting to RF, Ernie Clement at third and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in at second for ALCS Game 4.
IKF is 5-for-13 with a homer and double vs Mariners starter Luis Castillo.
Ben Nicholson-Smith
@bnicholsonsmith
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3m
Anthony Santander's back is "stiff" and "sore" per John Schneider, so he's out of the lineup. IKF in.
@bnicholsonsmith
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3m
Anthony Santander's back is "stiff" and "sore" per John Schneider, so he's out of the lineup. IKF in.
Ben Nicholson-Smith
@bnicholsonsmith
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4m
There's no script for Max Scherzer today per manager John Schneider. Jays want to see how he locates his fastball & how his breaking stuff is working early. They know the intensity will be there. "He kind of lives for this (stuff)."
@bnicholsonsmith
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4m
There's no script for Max Scherzer today per manager John Schneider. Jays want to see how he locates his fastball & how his breaking stuff is working early. They know the intensity will be there. "He kind of lives for this (stuff)."
I wouldn't have put IKF over Schneider but at least this is something that makes some sense and not just doing poontl SS lefty righty thing. IKF hits RHP with velocity and has hit him very well over the 13 abs he's faced him.
We're still doing small batter/pitcher sample sizes eh
I would have gone Schneider over IKF also, but there is at least the argument that IKF is better defensively at 2b, and the difference in their batting is mostly SLG and BB, and if you think the Seattle park suppresses SLG and if their pitcher doesn't allow many BB maybe the difference on offense is less than you'd think. The slash line for the two in career is IKF 262/311/349/660 while Davis is 217/325/411/736.
That seems like a really poor reason to start IKF, but John is never wrong and at least it means a good infield defense. I’m not convinced that the defense with Barger in RF and IKF at 2B is better than with Schneider in LF and Barger at 3B though.
I’m just happy Kirk is batting 4th.
I’m just happy Kirk is batting 4th.
Ben Nicholson-Smith
@bnicholsonsmith
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16m
Just asked John Schneider about the possibility of removing Santander from the ALCS roster.
“We’ll see,” Schneider said. Jays expect to learn more in a couple hours.
Removing Santander from roster would end his season.
@bnicholsonsmith
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16m
Just asked John Schneider about the possibility of removing Santander from the ALCS roster.
“We’ll see,” Schneider said. Jays expect to learn more in a couple hours.
Removing Santander from roster would end his season.
apparently they might be able to add a santander replacement in time for this game.
*goes dark* is that Bo Bichette's music???
I assume it'll be Joey L.
I assume it'll be Joey L.
Not great for Santander or the Jays but if he's hurt, might as well get Loperfido on roster. He can run, field, and hit a bit so gives lineup some more flexibility.
It's Loperfido, if it's approved before first pitch.