Just one more.
Matchup!
Kirby (10-8, 4.21) vs Bieber (4-2, 3.57)
https://x.com/theScore/status/1980385412649820333
From ESPN -- Get it done, boys!
Game 7 starters: George Kirby vs. Shane Bieber
Lineups
Mariners
1. Julio Rodriguez (R) CF
2. Cal Raleigh (S) C
3. Josh Naylor (L) 1B
4. Jorge Polanco (S) DH
5. Randy Arozarena (R) LF
6. Eugenio Suarez (R) 3B
7. J.P. Crawford (L) SS
8. Leo Rivas (S) 2B
9. Victor Robles (R) RF
Blue Jays
1. George Springer (R) DH
2. Nathan Lukes (L) LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
4. Alejandro Kirk (R) C
5. Daulton Varsho (L) CF
6. Ernie Clement (R) 3B
7. Addison Barger (L) RF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
9. Andres Gimenez (L) SS
Go Jays!
my lineup would be:
1. George Springer (R) DH
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
3. Daulton Varsho (L) CF
4. Alejandro Kirk (R) C
5. Addison Barger (L) RF
6. Ernie Clement (R) 3B
7. Nathan Lukes (L) LF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
9. Andres Gimenez (L) SS
my lineup would be:
1. George Springer (R) DH
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
3. Daulton Varsho (L) CF
4. Alejandro Kirk (R) C
5. Addison Barger (L) RF
6. Ernie Clement (R) 3B
7. Nathan Lukes (L) LF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
9. Andres Gimenez (L) SS
I just was reminded that Don Mattingly has never been to a world series.
Let's Go, Blue Jays! Biggest game in 32 years!
I'm a little worried seeing Vlad entering the stadium wearing an Auston Matthews Leaf's jersey considering the Leaf's record in Game 7's.
I'm a little worried seeing Vlad entering the stadium wearing an Auston Matthews Leaf's jersey considering the Leaf's record in Game 7's.
Watching as a teenager in the early 90s I was more excited than nervous, now I'm just tense. Go Jays! Bad start...
You hit the nail on the head, AWeb! Why is my heart racing at age 50?!? I mean, for non-health reasons, of course. :)
And so much for my dream of a clean 1st inning from Bieber. And Jesus, the runner jumped on the throw!!!!
And so much for my dream of a clean 1st inning from Bieber. And Jesus, the runner jumped on the throw!!!!
Well hopefully it is like game 3 where after inning 1 Bieber is lights out.
Good that they called the interference, jumping into the throw.
Good that they called the interference, jumping into the throw.
If they didn't overturn that call, then you have to play the game under protest. The league would look TERRIBLE. My respect for umps is at the level where I didnt think it was a given.
Huh, they actually got that one right. Always wonder if umps sneak a peak at the replays in that situation. Couldn't have been a more obvious attempt to block the throw unless he caught it.
Well back and forth but back to 1-1. Offense continues to look good for Jays.
Hopefully the assist, K, assist is the momentum change he needs. But I'd certainly think you might want Bassitt or someone warm in a game 7.
Bieber was leaving some pitches way too much over the heart of the plate…. Then he finally gets the slider down in the zone to not even allow a ball hit past him.
This is a lot!
This is a lot!
i'm ready to pull bieber right now. why mess around? he hasn't looked good.
Here's where we get to see if the wily vet was setting these guys up for anything next time around.
Doubt Bieber's in this game longer than 4 innings...
That's a loud out for Naylor after the Rodriguez homer -- How much rope does Bieber get? I guess a decent bit more, since no one is warming up in the bullpen.
Way too many breaking balls up and over the plate, he just doesn’t have a feel for his command of it. Lucky it’s only 2-1 but I really hope he doesn’t see the order a third time. I’d wager Schneider tries to sneak him through 6-9 though.
Bieber hasn't looked great, but neither is he stinking it up - he's getting some swings-and-misses, and it hasn't been a lot of hard contact - really just Rodriguez and the Naylor lineout. I'd keep him in, with a short leash.
Hmmmm, more Varland. Gausman is for....later? Or Bassitt? Or Lauer?
Varland with two runners on…. Hold me, I’m scared.
Please please let me be wrong.
Please please let me be wrong.
gonna want 5 or 6 outs from varland if he's sharp.
Credit to Bieber for his grind but he brought very little to the mound tonight stuff wise. They’ve seen a ton of Varland in this series. Fingers crossed.
big out.
ideally varland can get us all the way through Suarez.
ideally varland can get us all the way through Suarez.
Keeping it close. Kirby has looked more comfortable the past couple innings, hopefully that can change.
I'm guessing that since varland and hoffman have been the only successful relievers this series that Hoffman gets the top of the order next time through, in likely his first true high leverage outing of the playoffs.
Not getting someone ready behind Varland given his previous workload is very questionable...
Pretty good contact for IKF there, but not finding holes. And it seems Schneider isn't changing his tune on Davis.
Blue Jay relievers and home runs...a play in seven acts.
The lack of trust in Fisher and Lauer is baffling.
Seems Varland still has HRs in him - that was drilled. Almost like he's seen him a couple times before.
ok bats we were never gonna win this with pitching. time to go to work.
The lack of confidence in Fisher and Lauer is a season long issue. No idea why but it’s a thing. Unsurprising that they haven’t changed. If this goes sideways as it appears that will be one of the interesting questions.
I hope we don't see Davis hit - not because he isn't good, but because I think we'll only see that if we are losing late (or maybe tied in 9th or later). I'm hopeful the offense gets us in front before that.
Fluharty looks pretty much ready.
With Woo in, Speier and Munoz rested, the Jays will have to score off someone other than Kirby to win.
With Woo in, Speier and Munoz rested, the Jays will have to score off someone other than Kirby to win.
Wish Vladdy not Lukes was in the #2 spot there.
Tough time for Lukes to have a bad night at the plate.
This is looking like the Jays offence from the first two games in Toronto. Lots of game left but time is dwindling.
Jays need to do something in the next two innings, Munoz will pitch the eighth and ninth.
With 4 balls in 5 pitches, to swing on 2 outside pitches by Springer was really bad. Not sure about Lukes ab, the outcome obviously bad.
Starting to get nervous, but the team does know how to come back and be resilient. But starting to run out of time, and not sure you want to leave it to against Seattle's closer.
Starting to get nervous, but the team does know how to come back and be resilient. But starting to run out of time, and not sure you want to leave it to against Seattle's closer.
Agreed there's time left for the bats to wake up, but unfortunately, there's no rule against the M's continuing to score. Here's hoping!
They’re all pressing. Trying to make it happen instead of waiting for their pitch.
i think it was mistake to leave woo in vs varsho
Either the bottom of the lineup will have to score against Speier, I assume, or the heart will have to score against Munoz.
i'm hoping ned flanders gets his chance to shine sometime in the next three innings.
I think Gausman pitching makes sense, but I'm not sure I wouldn't have stayed with Seranthony for another inning after how good he was in that single digit pitches 1-2-3 inning.
Walking Raliegh when Naylor is one of two guys in the lineup who is hitting is... bold. (I don't like it.)
I'd probably just warm up Munoz now if I was Seattle in case the pitcher gets into trouble. And let Woo face the bottom.
I think it's a mistake to leave Woo in against Barger
I take it all back. Obviously the right call to let him hit.
(that was such a double play thank you baseball gods)
If I were Seattle it would be closer time now. Hopefully we can convert and at least tie it, if not take the lead.
Springer hasn’t looked good, but this would be a nice time for his Kirk Gibson moment!
well, george, once more into the breach, dear friend
Summer of George!
The Post season career HR man. Knee or no knee!!!
The Post season career HR man. Knee or no knee!!!
Bassitt or Hoffman for the ninth? I assume Schneider will bring in Hoffman to face 8,9 and 1
I can’t imagine I’m the first that’s going to say this, but send him back out for the ninth!
I know they're going to go to Hoffman, but given he pitched 35 pitches yesterday, I'd love to see Bassitt stay out there.
yeah bassitt and lauer are probably our best relievers. that could be a big big boost going forward (however long that is) if the manager realizes it.
Bassitt as a high leverage reliever in Game 7? You really can’t write this stuff.
He's going to go to Hoffman but he shouldn't. At least they better have someone warming behind him.
Bassitt does do weird well!
This feels like a fever dream everybody. These might be the longest three outs to go I’ve ever felt.
This feels like a fever dream everybody. These might be the longest three outs to go I’ve ever felt.
Bassitt looks pretty good there. Borderline strike 3 on Suarez, but a couple of borderline pitches called ball earlier.
8-9-1 for Seattle all that's left.
Stick with Bassitt?
Hoffman's up but I'm not sure you want him in tired (at least after long outing yesterday) with a 1 run lead.
C'mon Jays, add some runs to make it easier on the pitching.
8-9-1 for Seattle all that's left.
Stick with Bassitt?
Hoffman's up but I'm not sure you want him in tired (at least after long outing yesterday) with a 1 run lead.
C'mon Jays, add some runs to make it easier on the pitching.
if they go to Hoffman with a one run lead that is just poetic for all of us. love it.
at least it's the bottom of the order!
at least it's the bottom of the order!
Let’s tack on six insurance runs and make it easy on Schneider.
I’d start with Bassitt but I figure Schneider wants Hoffman to start with the fresh inning. Either way, a couple more runs here would really be kinda nice. Just a bit?
In Bassitt's inning the two ground outs had exit velocities of 105 and 106 mph. Maybe Hoffman?
That run would've meant everything. Hopefully adrenaline carries us through.
Vladdy also crushed one directly at someone last inning. Bad luck.
Crazy leverage now for 1 run lead, 3 outs in game 7. Let's go Jays!
Vlad's liner in the 7th was 113 mph off the bat.
The moment in your backyard or schoolyard wall you dream about as a pitcher. Let’s see if Good Hoffman is the pitcher we get.
Any baserunner, and Raleigh will bat as the go-ahead run.
Gotta have strikes, Jeff.
Gotta have strikes, Jeff.
Is pitching the ninth inning of Game 7 with a one run lead a sign of trust?
Asking for a friend.
Asking for a friend.
these mariners don't seem to understand that jeff isn't throwing strikes
Start spreading the news....
oh wait that was last series
oh wait that was last series
No problem. Had them all the way. On to the next.
That's the kind of massive outing that might give the Hoff the juice to become a legit closer.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Wow. That George Springer home run now behind Joe Carter's as the biggest in Jays history. Incredible season. I wasn't ready for it to end so glad we got more on the way.
Just in shock and awe. The kind of season that won’t ever be forgotten. Hey…. Might as well win the damn thing! Bring on Ohtani and the Dodgers!
Springer’s home run has to be, what, top 3 in team history? Second most important even, considering the stage of the playoffs? Just incredible. I’ve run out of words.
Springer’s home run has to be, what, top 3 in team history? Second most important even, considering the stage of the playoffs? Just incredible. I’ve run out of words.
I don't have many good things to say about Rogers but credit to Ed Rogers for putting up the money.
I'm pretty sure that Don Mattingly, in his 40 years as a player, coach, and manager, has never been to the World Series.
Truly amazing. Just incredible entertainment the entire year.
preach it Gerry i was gonna complain about Ed Rogers III being interviewed....but the man ponied up for vladdy and saved the franchise so god bless him and talk all night if he wants.
Ohtani will finally get on that flight to Toronto
This seems like such an appropriate way to end this series.
Now, just under 4 days to do some breathing exercises and re-find my chill. I misplaced it somewhere in that 7th inning when the madness started.
Now, just under 4 days to do some breathing exercises and re-find my chill. I misplaced it somewhere in that 7th inning when the madness started.
damn straight Gerry we're gonna send Ohtani on a painful private jet trip home.
This team is so much fun.
Whatever happens, this year has been beyond my wildest expectations.
Whatever happens, this year has been beyond my wildest expectations.
not even at the world series yet and already 5 upper deck permanent elite all-time Jays memories in the books:
(in chronological order cuz i can't rank them)
- Yesavage insane rooke no-hit 10k playoffs debut vNYY
- Vladdy Grand Salami for the massive game and series lead
- daaaaaaaaaa JANKEES LOSE!!!
- Mad Max telling Schneider to go back to the f'in dugout
- Most Epic Springer Dinger
(in chronological order cuz i can't rank them)
- Yesavage insane rooke no-hit 10k playoffs debut vNYY
- Vladdy Grand Salami for the massive game and series lead
- daaaaaaaaaa JANKEES LOSE!!!
- Mad Max telling Schneider to go back to the f'in dugout
- Most Epic Springer Dinger
Judge, Raleigh, and Ohtani is one heck of a path to a championship. Would be amazing if they got it done.
That home run is bigger than Bautista. Game winning homer to take the lead in game 7 and get the team to the WS. This was number 2 all time. Incredible. I’m still in shock
Rob Longley
@longleysunsport
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Bo Bichette on the field talking Friday’s World Series opener. . “I’ll be ready.”
@longleysunsport
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Bo Bichette on the field talking Friday’s World Series opener. . “I’ll be ready.”
Had 'em all the way... MAN, those Fox announcers (only game I could get down here) were getting annoying with Seattle this, Seattle that.. Finally forced them to talk about Toronto. (to be fair, they hadn't felt this one-sided in earlier games)
I am glad that "called it a check swing" moment on Rodriguez and then he hits the HR wasn't the pivotal point of the series.
Lots of hard contact, some of it which went for hits.
Springer of George - I was seriously wondering about playing him yesterday, but I guess his knee got a bit better today. And Hoffman about as clutch as he's been all year.
I am glad that "called it a check swing" moment on Rodriguez and then he hits the HR wasn't the pivotal point of the series.
Lots of hard contact, some of it which went for hits.
Springer of George - I was seriously wondering about playing him yesterday, but I guess his knee got a bit better today. And Hoffman about as clutch as he's been all year.
Just no words. This team is special. Love drinking in all the happy faces. What's so amazing about this team is that apart from a couple of relievers and a couple of guys who didn't play, every single player contributed in the playoffs. Really just a full team.
I'd have Springer HR #2 all-time for us pretty easily. People also forgetting Alomar HR off Eckersley which was huge (not as big as this).
I'd have Springer HR #2 all-time for us pretty easily. People also forgetting Alomar HR off Eckersley which was huge (not as big as this).
Mariners had a good team but they had 3 holes in the bottom of the lineup that could have been plugged at the trade deadline. Well, 2 of them at least. Crawford plays defense.
IKF is hitting.238, Rivas .118.
If Dan Wilson brings Munoz for the top of the order instead of the 8th we get the bad ending.
Hoffman didn't have it today but he got non hitters 8/9 and Julio who apparently does not like walks.
IKF is hitting.238, Rivas .118.
If Dan Wilson brings Munoz for the top of the order instead of the 8th we get the bad ending.
Hoffman didn't have it today but he got non hitters 8/9 and Julio who apparently does not like walks.
I'd have Springer HR #2 all-time for us pretty easily.
George or Ed Sprague, the Great Forgotten Dinger!
George or Ed Sprague, the Great Forgotten Dinger!
Just saw a pitch chart of the Rodriguez ab. Hilarious. Not one pitch close.
Such a bonehead move by Josh Naylor of jumping into the throw to first. I mean, he's got all his friends and family there.
The hate for the A's at the time, and the Rangers at the time, adds a lot to the feels for the Alomar and Bautista homers.
Amusing that after the bullpen buried Gausman’s two strong starts, he comes out of the bullpen tonight and nabs the victory.
Buddy Kennedy has to be extremely happy with this result.
I was lucky enough to be at the game. Best MLB game I've ever seen in person. The Springer home run was shocking, thrilling, incredible.
Ok, so assuming that Bo is healthy and plays in the WS (which looks likely) - who do you pull from the roster?
Is it Schneider since he can't seem to get in the lineup?
Is it Loperfido since he was the last guy added when Santander went down (and Santander is unavailable for WS due to move and likely due to injury)?
Is it IKF (this is who I'd assume before this series) since you are much less likely to get the defensive starts or replacements if Bo is playing SS (and is Bo playing SS or is he playing DH pushing Springer to OF)?
Is it Schneider since he can't seem to get in the lineup?
Is it Loperfido since he was the last guy added when Santander went down (and Santander is unavailable for WS due to move and likely due to injury)?
Is it IKF (this is who I'd assume before this series) since you are much less likely to get the defensive starts or replacements if Bo is playing SS (and is Bo playing SS or is he playing DH pushing Springer to OF)?
Lol @ugly. Hoffman threw ONE pitch fully in the zone and 2 or 3 that clipped the corners and struck out the side. Just incredible.
Bo should just replace a pitcher. Rodriguez, Little, and Lauer combined for 2.1ip in a 7-game series.
Incredible game to attend, but honestly the crowd was way better last night, straight from the first pitch.
Incredible game to attend, but honestly the crowd was way better last night, straight from the first pitch.
LF Springer
RF Lukes
1B Guerrero
DH Bichette
CF Varsho
C Kirk
3B Barger
2B Clement
SS Gimenez
RF Lukes
1B Guerrero
DH Bichette
CF Varsho
C Kirk
3B Barger
2B Clement
SS Gimenez
So happy! Pure vindication for Atkins, Shapiro, Guerrero, Springer, Hoffman, posters that have supported this regime.
Have fun with it!
Now we need Bo to make his mark.
Have fun with it!
Now we need Bo to make his mark.
AMAZING! Really amazing. I thought they were better than the Yankees and better than the Mariners, but it still feels surreal that they're actually going to the World Series.
Bo should just replace a pitcher. Rodriguez, Little, and Lauer combined for 2.1ip in a 7-game series.
That's 7 outs, which is 1 more than the number of plate appearances for Schneider, Heineman, and Loperfido.
I think Lauer should have been used a lot more, and will need to be used more against LA with their 3 big scary lefties in Ohtani-Freeman-Muncy.
Likewise Little will have to pitch because the lefties will be too much for just Lauer and Fluharty.
Rodríguez I would consider replacing with Nance, or possibly even Bruihl. But I'd also consider keeping him as the mop-up guy.
Personally I'd have Bo replacing Loperfido. But I could be convinced that Loperfido should stick around as pinch runner.
Ugly has the lineup exactly right.
I think Lauer should have been used a lot more, and will need to be used more against LA with their 3 big scary lefties in Ohtani-Freeman-Muncy.
Likewise Little will have to pitch because the lefties will be too much for just Lauer and Fluharty.
Rodríguez I would consider replacing with Nance, or possibly even Bruihl. But I'd also consider keeping him as the mop-up guy.
Personally I'd have Bo replacing Loperfido. But I could be convinced that Loperfido should stick around as pinch runner.
Ugly has the lineup exactly right.
Its funny you could do the same lineup with 6 different position changes
LF Lukes / Springer
RF Barger / Lukes
DH Springer / Bichette
SS Bichette / Gimenez
3B Clement / Barger
2B Gimenez / Clement
Basically just Vlad, Kirk, and Varsho stay the same and the others rotate depending on who is SS/DH.
The LHS is a downgrade at SS and probably RF, but the LHS is better at 3B, LF, and probably 2B.
Depends on the knees of Bichette and Springer likely, but I'm not sure it is obvious which is the better defensive arrangement.
LF Lukes / Springer
RF Barger / Lukes
DH Springer / Bichette
SS Bichette / Gimenez
3B Clement / Barger
2B Gimenez / Clement
Basically just Vlad, Kirk, and Varsho stay the same and the others rotate depending on who is SS/DH.
The LHS is a downgrade at SS and probably RF, but the LHS is better at 3B, LF, and probably 2B.
Depends on the knees of Bichette and Springer likely, but I'm not sure it is obvious which is the better defensive arrangement.
I expect the same rotation as the ALCS.
1 & 5. Gausman. Game 1 will be "short rest" since he pitched yesterday, but it was his side session day and he'll have a full week between starts.
2 & 6. Yesavage. The eliminant of being unknown gives him the edge over Bieber, and starting game 2 means both his potential starts will be in Toronto.
3 & 7. Bieber. No other contenders for game 3.
4. Scherzer. By the same logic as the CS, Bassitt is more likely to be useful out of the pen.
1 & 5. Gausman. Game 1 will be "short rest" since he pitched yesterday, but it was his side session day and he'll have a full week between starts.
2 & 6. Yesavage. The eliminant of being unknown gives him the edge over Bieber, and starting game 2 means both his potential starts will be in Toronto.
3 & 7. Bieber. No other contenders for game 3.
4. Scherzer. By the same logic as the CS, Bassitt is more likely to be useful out of the pen.
Bo says he is ready but he hasnt run the bases yet. I would say his heart says he will be ready but will his body cooperate? I think its 50/50.
It's actually 2 or 3 outs which can be absorbed by the 7 guys on the pitching staff who didn't pitch all that much over the 7 games.
They can easily carry Bichette as a pinch-hitter if they want AND keep Loperfido around.
They can easily carry Bichette as a pinch-hitter if they want AND keep Loperfido around.
"eliminant", wow. Apparently I've now lived in Sweden long enough that I'm losing my grasp on the English language. Also doesn't help that I was awake in the middle of the night to watch baseball.
I don't think Jay pitching is going to fool Dodger hitters the way they were able to fool Yankee and Mariner hitters. My prediction for the series is that the Blue Jays only win the WS if they score a ton of runs and win some games like 10 to 8 and 9 to 7.
So far thankfully I've been right about Yankees (said Jays win in 4 or 5) and Mariners (said harder than Yanks but winning 6 or 7) and also to have faith in hitters which I proclaimed the inning prior to Springer's homer.
Let the magic continue!
So far thankfully I've been right about Yankees (said Jays win in 4 or 5) and Mariners (said harder than Yanks but winning 6 or 7) and also to have faith in hitters which I proclaimed the inning prior to Springer's homer.
Let the magic continue!
It is such an ironic coincidence that the Dodgers and Blue Jays meet in the World Series, after Roki Sasaki's decision came down to the two.
What would top everything off is if Myles Straw hits the game winning hit to win the World Series for the Jays.
What would top everything off is if Myles Straw hits the game winning hit to win the World Series for the Jays.
Ugly's lineup is the one I'd go with generally too. Agree with Jonny. I'd keep Little because Dodgers have a few great lefties and you might be in a situation where you really need a K. I'd replace Rodriguez with Nance too I think. Just don't trust Rodriguez at all. Loperfido seems pretty clearly the guy to be removed for Bo. Jays have Varsho, Lukes, Barger, Springer, Straw, Schneider, and even IKF who can play OF. IKF just has more uses for the team.
I honestly don't want to see Little again in these playoffs unless it's a blowout. I really don't think he can handle any high pressure situations.
On the other hand, how about the season Trey Yesavage has had? First pro season, all the way from Single A ball to the World Series. A lot of players never get to play in the World Series and he is able to do it at age 22.
On the other hand, how about the season Trey Yesavage has had? First pro season, all the way from Single A ball to the World Series. A lot of players never get to play in the World Series and he is able to do it at age 22.
It doesn't matter if Hoffman throws strikes. Was that nasty Mariano Rivera pitch always a strike? It fools hitters, is the point.
I don’t think the Dodgers' hitting is any better than NYY's or SEA's. Or ours obviously.
And we're much better defensively as always.
But their pitching is absolutely deadly. Gonna be a real tough nut to crack.
And we're much better defensively as always.
But their pitching is absolutely deadly. Gonna be a real tough nut to crack.
Their bullpen wasn't all that good for most of the season, just gotta get the starters out of the games early.
True but their bullpen didn't have Sasaki and Kershaw in it during the season either.
I haven't watched much NL playoffs, has Sasaki's stuff been that good? The NLCS numbers weren't anything special after a good DS. He's certainly no Hoffman, who the Jays have clearly had full trust in the entire season.
Getting Bo back, as a DH at least, is a must for the WS.
Getting back Bo as he was before he got hurt would be great, but if he's having trouble running the bases, not so much. That doesn't even consider that he hasn't faced competitive pitching for a month and a half. Hopefully he can play but he won't be much help if he's not close to 100%.
With Bichette and Springer banged up and essentially two DHs, I'd go with one less pitcher. Keep Bassitt for the pen. Ideally Little doesn't sniff the roster but I doubt that happens. I'd trust Borucki more. Rodriguez would be my second choice to dump; he's just too inconsistent/unreliable. They might ditch Fisher, who hasn't thrown well. If it has to be a hitter Loperfido seems like the most obvious.
I'd also slow play Bichette and let him PH in the first couple of games.
I'd also slow play Bichette and let him PH in the first couple of games.
The Jays/M's series pretty much followed the form chart. Both pitching staffs struggled (on the whole) and both offences were excellent. Over the series, the Jays' edge in team defence was evident. Maybe the one surprise was how soft the bottom of the M's line-up was relative to their numbers.
The form chart for the WS looks pretty much as uo lays out (similar offensive clubs (although the Dodgers look more like the M's (i.e. top heavy)), Jays advantage in team defence, Dodgers big advantage in starting pitching, Jays maybe a small edge in the bullpen. It feels like the strategy to work LA plays to the Jays' strengths (grind the starter's pitch count and put balls in play). Its going to be tough.
The form chart for the WS looks pretty much as uo lays out (similar offensive clubs (although the Dodgers look more like the M's (i.e. top heavy)), Jays advantage in team defence, Dodgers big advantage in starting pitching, Jays maybe a small edge in the bullpen. It feels like the strategy to work LA plays to the Jays' strengths (grind the starter's pitch count and put balls in play). Its going to be tough.
Was the edge in defense that evident? I know errors were made, but the Mariners also made a whole bunch of excellent defensive plays while I struggle to think of that many made by the Jays outside of the pickoff. There were quite a few plays I thought the Jays should have made that they did not, though admittedly some of them probably didn't cost them anything. Vladdy probably should have made both plays in the first last night, and Gimenez was just missing balls on his dives all series long.
Off the top of my head:
Vladdy on the Caleigh DP
IKF on the Crawford DP
Barger’s throw to get Naylor at third
Varsho backing up to Rivas to a single and the runner at 2B
Straw sliding and throwing a Strike to 2B to keep Naylor(I think) to a single
Vladdy on the Caleigh DP
IKF on the Crawford DP
Barger’s throw to get Naylor at third
Varsho backing up to Rivas to a single and the runner at 2B
Straw sliding and throwing a Strike to 2B to keep Naylor(I think) to a single
Also, you may not have seen it, but in the MLB app there are two videos that compile all of the calls for Springer’s homer, and Hoffman’s K of Rodriguez.
Ben Shulman’s calls for both were fabulous. Worth it if you haven’t seen them
Ben Shulman’s calls for both were fabulous. Worth it if you haven’t seen them
"Barger's throw to get Naylor at third."
Barger also made two great catches in the outfield that game.
Barger also made two great catches in the outfield that game.
I thought the DPs were closer to routine than excellent plays, Varsho's backup was just an obvious baseball play and horrendous baserunning, and that one of Barger's catches that game looked good because of a bad route. The Barger throw was enormous. The Jays had many chances to make excellent defensive plays and came up empty. The Mariners, on the other hand, stole two hits early on in at least two games, and the Suarez play on Vladdy's hard hit ball with the bases loaded was pretty huge too. Anyway, it wasn't that clear to me that the Jays had a big edge there, that's all. They played good defense throughout the series, no doubt.
I thought the M's error fest in Game 6 was pretty key to that game and their error and failure to block a simple pitch in the dirt helped turn Game 3. I thought that there was a pretty clear difference in team defence over the series. The Mariners blogs like Lookout Landing that I have read throughout the series certainly seem to have that view.
I agree that Springer shouldn't play in the field, which leaves Bo to pinch hitter if he can run the bases. One fewer RP with Bassitt in the pen seems fine to me.
Bichette wasn't super great running the bases when healthy this year (he was way slower than past years). So it isn't clear that he'll be that much worse coming back from injury. At least that's the optimistic way to look at it (the other is he's starting from a lower base so any hit to that makes it even worse).
I thought Cal was a mess behind the plate all series, both pitch framing and blocking, in addition to the 6 errors they made in the field, most of them simple plays that directly cost them runs. And iirc there were a number of other defensive plays that weren't errors but cost them outs.
Jays in contrast made very few mistakes and a good number of very good plays, in clutch situations too. And as always benefitted from having the best pitch framer in baseball.
Jays in contrast made very few mistakes and a good number of very good plays, in clutch situations too. And as always benefitted from having the best pitch framer in baseball.
Looking at advanced metrics, Little and Rodriguez have indeed been the most concerning. Going down one pitcher knowing you can have Bassitt and Lauer give more than one inning should be part of the strategy.
It's a scary series. Snell, Ohtani, Yamamoto, Glasnow are all looking dominant.
Either way, I'm looking forward to it.
It's a scary series. Snell, Ohtani, Yamamoto, Glasnow are all looking dominant.
Either way, I'm looking forward to it.
Alejandro Kirk is an far better defensive catcher than Cal Raleigh and that became very apparent as the series went on.
In a sense, it's almost too bad the ABS system is coming next year at exactly the time we have the best pitch framer in the game.
In a sense, it's almost too bad the ABS system is coming next year at exactly the time we have the best pitch framer in the game.
From BA:
"In the ABS challenge system, more than 98% of pitches will still be called by the home plate umpire. Getting borderline strikes called will continue to have real value, both in the case of forcing the opposing team to use up challenges and in the many more instances in which they will decide not to challenge.
Similarly, a team with poor framing catcher who can’t get borderline calls may be forced to use or burn challenges on pitches that are called balls."
"In the ABS challenge system, more than 98% of pitches will still be called by the home plate umpire. Getting borderline strikes called will continue to have real value, both in the case of forcing the opposing team to use up challenges and in the many more instances in which they will decide not to challenge.
Similarly, a team with poor framing catcher who can’t get borderline calls may be forced to use or burn challenges on pitches that are called balls."
Dodgers have one regular starter who seems very vulnerable to LHP and that's Muncy. But also Ohtani and Freeman are much more gettable with LHP than RHP, though still very good.
Dodgers have a number of guys who can hit LHP off the bench - Rojas, Call, Kim - but they don't seem to be too eager to use them so far. Or maybe they just haven't needed to.
It would seem to make more sense to play Call instead of E.Hernandez, though E.Hernandez has hit well enough that maybe they don't need Call's bat as much as they might. Call might be their Davis Schneider right now.
interesting artifact so far is that Dean is their most-used bench player, having played in 10 playoffs games so far, but hasn't actually had a plate appearance yet - solely a late inning defensive replacement for Teoscar.
Also Will Smith came back from his broken finger partway through the playoffs, but hasn't been very good since coming back. Meanwhile Rortvedt was on a bit of a tear while he was out. It'll be interesting to see how Smith and Bichette compare this series.
Here's how the two teams compare so far this postseason offensively - we could argue about which team has faced tougher pitching so far:
LF Springer 53pa, .219babip, .370iso, 150wrc+ ----- DH Ohtani 48pa, .211babip, .416iso, 143wrc+
RF Lukes 42pa, .382babip, .077iso, 125wrc+ -------- SS Betts 46pa, .324babip, .146iso, 128wrc+
1B Guerrero 51pa, .371babip, .488iso, 280wrc+ ----- 1B Freeman 45pa, .296babip, .179iso, 105wrc+
DH Bichette 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, 000wrc+ ------ C Smith 32pa, .444babip, .000iso, 89wrc+
CF Varsho 46pa, .333babip, .227iso, 121wrc+ ------- 3B Muncy 36pa, .238babip, .143iso, 115wrc+
C Kirk 49pa, .200babip, .244iso, 107wrc+ ------------ RF Teoscar 43pa, .269babip, .317iso, 142wrc+
3B Barger 40pa, .308babip, .229iso, 149wrc+ ------- 2B Edman 36pa, .381babip, .200iso, 118wrc+
2B Clement 45pa, .425babip, .190iso, 195wrc+ ------ LF Hernandez 40pa, .407babip, .111iso, 125wrc+
SS Gimenez 43pa, .258babip, .184iso, 114wrcc+ ----- CF Pages 39pa, .115babip, .029iso, -31wrc+
UT Schneider 13pa, .333babip, .100iso, 108wrc+ ---- UT Call 7pa, .750babip, .000iso, 351wrc+
OF Straw 10pa, .286babip, .000iso, 54wrc+ ---------- OF Dean 0pa,
IF Falefa 22pa, .250babip, .095iso, 54wrc+ ----------- IF Rojas 9pa, .375babip, .000iso, 143wrc+
C Heineman 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, 0wrc+ --------- C Rortvedt 10pa, .750babip, .143iso, 206wrc+
UT Santander 16pa, .300babip, .000iso, 29wrc+ ----- C Rushing 1pa, .000babip, .000iso, -100wrc+
OF Loperfido 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, -100wrc+ ---- IF Kim 0pa
Dodgers have a number of guys who can hit LHP off the bench - Rojas, Call, Kim - but they don't seem to be too eager to use them so far. Or maybe they just haven't needed to.
It would seem to make more sense to play Call instead of E.Hernandez, though E.Hernandez has hit well enough that maybe they don't need Call's bat as much as they might. Call might be their Davis Schneider right now.
interesting artifact so far is that Dean is their most-used bench player, having played in 10 playoffs games so far, but hasn't actually had a plate appearance yet - solely a late inning defensive replacement for Teoscar.
Also Will Smith came back from his broken finger partway through the playoffs, but hasn't been very good since coming back. Meanwhile Rortvedt was on a bit of a tear while he was out. It'll be interesting to see how Smith and Bichette compare this series.
Here's how the two teams compare so far this postseason offensively - we could argue about which team has faced tougher pitching so far:
LF Springer 53pa, .219babip, .370iso, 150wrc+ ----- DH Ohtani 48pa, .211babip, .416iso, 143wrc+
RF Lukes 42pa, .382babip, .077iso, 125wrc+ -------- SS Betts 46pa, .324babip, .146iso, 128wrc+
1B Guerrero 51pa, .371babip, .488iso, 280wrc+ ----- 1B Freeman 45pa, .296babip, .179iso, 105wrc+
DH Bichette 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, 000wrc+ ------ C Smith 32pa, .444babip, .000iso, 89wrc+
CF Varsho 46pa, .333babip, .227iso, 121wrc+ ------- 3B Muncy 36pa, .238babip, .143iso, 115wrc+
C Kirk 49pa, .200babip, .244iso, 107wrc+ ------------ RF Teoscar 43pa, .269babip, .317iso, 142wrc+
3B Barger 40pa, .308babip, .229iso, 149wrc+ ------- 2B Edman 36pa, .381babip, .200iso, 118wrc+
2B Clement 45pa, .425babip, .190iso, 195wrc+ ------ LF Hernandez 40pa, .407babip, .111iso, 125wrc+
SS Gimenez 43pa, .258babip, .184iso, 114wrcc+ ----- CF Pages 39pa, .115babip, .029iso, -31wrc+
UT Schneider 13pa, .333babip, .100iso, 108wrc+ ---- UT Call 7pa, .750babip, .000iso, 351wrc+
OF Straw 10pa, .286babip, .000iso, 54wrc+ ---------- OF Dean 0pa,
IF Falefa 22pa, .250babip, .095iso, 54wrc+ ----------- IF Rojas 9pa, .375babip, .000iso, 143wrc+
C Heineman 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, 0wrc+ --------- C Rortvedt 10pa, .750babip, .143iso, 206wrc+
UT Santander 16pa, .300babip, .000iso, 29wrc+ ----- C Rushing 1pa, .000babip, .000iso, -100wrc+
OF Loperfido 0pa, .000babip, .000iso, -100wrc+ ---- IF Kim 0pa
Jays in contrast made very few mistakes and a good number of very good plays, in clutch situations too.
It clear to see rather early that was one way that this Blue Jays team was different. They weren't going to beat themselves . They had a good grasp of fundamentals. They would make all the routine plays. They hit the cutoff man, they don't throw to the wrong base. Even the young guys (once Jonatan Clase was back in the minors!)
This, needless to say, has seldom been the Blue Jay Way.
It clear to see rather early that was one way that this Blue Jays team was different. They weren't going to beat themselves . They had a good grasp of fundamentals. They would make all the routine plays. They hit the cutoff man, they don't throw to the wrong base. Even the young guys (once Jonatan Clase was back in the minors!)
This, needless to say, has seldom been the Blue Jay Way.
Look back to 92/93 and you see 'wow' defense in CF (Devon White), someone everyone thought of as wow at 2B (Alomar but stats didn't back it up at the time), damn fine at SS (Fernandez multiple GG, Lee), Borders behind the plate had a great rep (wonder what his framing stats would've been). Olerud was great at 1B, but 3B with Gruber/Sprague wasn't so good, LF/RF were meh at best on defense. So very similar to today with 'wow' CF (Varsho), 'wow' 2B (now SS) Gimenez, 'wow' 2B/3B in Clement, 'wow' C in Kirk. Gold glove at 1B in Vlad, OF corners are good with Lukes/Barger sometimes 'wow' with Straw. This team is easily the strongest defensive playoff team the Jays have used but the 2 WS teams were damn fine up the middle where it counts most.
Also of note: 92/93 had wasted roster slots on '92: Griffin, Knorr & Mulliniks had 0 PA (Griffin in 2 games defense/running and made an error) - all pitchers got 1+ IP & '93: Willie Cañate, Alfredo Griffin, Randy Knorr, Darnell Coles, Dick Schofield all with 0 PA (first 3 got into games on defense or as PR, Griffin was on deck when Carter hit the homer) while Eichhorn faced 3 batters in '93 (just 10 pitchers)
IMO you should try to only take guys you'll use. I think Schneider is good at that. Heineman the only batter without a PA (for obvious reasons), while Little got just 1 out (nearly cost the Jays big time). My guess is Loperfido (1 PA) goes so Bo can join in. Seems they are losing faith in Yariel right now, so a gutsy move might be to put Borucki back in as a LH specialist for Ohtani/Freeman/Muncy but the Dodgers keep the 3 apart in the lineup so that might not be a good idea.
Also of note: 92/93 had wasted roster slots on '92: Griffin, Knorr & Mulliniks had 0 PA (Griffin in 2 games defense/running and made an error) - all pitchers got 1+ IP & '93: Willie Cañate, Alfredo Griffin, Randy Knorr, Darnell Coles, Dick Schofield all with 0 PA (first 3 got into games on defense or as PR, Griffin was on deck when Carter hit the homer) while Eichhorn faced 3 batters in '93 (just 10 pitchers)
IMO you should try to only take guys you'll use. I think Schneider is good at that. Heineman the only batter without a PA (for obvious reasons), while Little got just 1 out (nearly cost the Jays big time). My guess is Loperfido (1 PA) goes so Bo can join in. Seems they are losing faith in Yariel right now, so a gutsy move might be to put Borucki back in as a LH specialist for Ohtani/Freeman/Muncy but the Dodgers keep the 3 apart in the lineup so that might not be a good idea.
The dream for one of the games is to have Straw get the game winning hit off of Sasaki. That would be the icing on the cake for 2025.
They were relentless, game after game all season long... they just would not give up!
The circle of trust has to do with recent performance.
Playoffs ERA:
Hoffman 1.3
Varland 3.27
Dominguez 4.05
Fluharty 6.23
Fisher 7.36
Lauer 9.00
Rodriguez 10.13
Little 12.00
Now, i think things reset against the Dodgers who haven't seen the Jays relievers that much.
As long as they get ahead in the count and don't let them watch to same pitches over an over...
Playoffs ERA:
Hoffman 1.3
Varland 3.27
Dominguez 4.05
Fluharty 6.23
Fisher 7.36
Lauer 9.00
Rodriguez 10.13
Little 12.00
Now, i think things reset against the Dodgers who haven't seen the Jays relievers that much.
As long as they get ahead in the count and don't let them watch to same pitches over an over...