There was a tie game after nine innings which will be completed today.  There was an awful pitching performance, a good pitching performance, a grand slam, a victory in our home and native land, an All-Star Game that featured a Canadian All-Star, a promising start by one of the Jays prominent international signees and a game that had similarities to the parent club's Tuesday night.  It was a 3-4 night on the farm with one game pending.

Alternate title: The Showchinko. The Showchinkshow?

Justin Nicolino, the Jays' second round pick out of high school in 2010, had a pro debut to remember, as did reliever Blake McFarland.

Mike McDade made us all proud at the plate batting in 5 with 3 hits, 2 HRs and a double.  That helped lead the farm boys to a scoring advantage of 32-15 in Saturday’s contests, winning 3 of 4.

The Vancouver Canadians made their season debut last night and their home opener was a tight one-run affair. As the Blue Jays returned to having a Canadian affiliate, Las Vegas and New Hampshire continued their seasons with close victories. Meanwhile, Lansing was involved in a slugfest that saw the teams combine for 26 runs and 36 hits.

In honour of the start to the 2011 short-season leagues for the Jays organization, I have written a 56-page guide that includes draft reviews, prospect profiles and much more.

A 3-2 night on the farm included Lansing and Vegas getting knocked around while the Fisher Cats provided a slew of nice performances.

Travis Snider's hot streak continues. Is he ready to be called back up? All this, and more, in today's Minor League Update

The initial Vancouver roster is out and is listed below.  This roster could change quite a bit between now and the end of the month due to new draft signings, free agents, etc.  The two most notable "young guys" on the roster are Justin Nicolino and Shane Opitz.  Most of the players on the roster are college aged as the league is considered a college player league.  Other 2010 draftees like Aaron Sanchez, Noah Syndergaard, Griffin Murphy, Kellen Sweeney and Chris Hawkins are likely headed for Bluefield.  Their season starts next week so the teams are not yet formed.

A big night for the Las Vegas outfield highlighted a 4-1 night on the farm with the lone loss coming in extra innings.



Maybe it's just me but doesn't Eric Thames remind you of Samuel L. Jackson in "Shaft"?  Can you dig it?

And McGuire Bretts Tampa?

Yesterday saw two newly-promoted pitchers give very strong efforts in their first starts at their new levels. It also saw a couple of strong efforts out of the bullpen, which also included one reliever, recently demoted, return to dominating his old level. Las Vegas exploded for 17 hits, including three by the streaking David Cooper, but the bats were nearly absent in New Hampshire and Dunedin.

Twenty-eight runs and 46 hits on the farm led to a 3 and 1 evening for our stars in waiting.  Only Lansing came up short, while Las Vegas, New Hampshire and Dunedin turned in good plate performances to secure their wins.

Three top pitching prospects delivered top performances on a 2-3 day.

At least the big club won!  Yep, the affiliates were 0-4 with Dunedin having the night off.  Find out who got the unceremonious send-offs in this woeful edition of the MLU.