2007 Fictional Toronto Blue Jays - Page 5

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 02:31 PM

Weeks Best Player Honored By AL

September 22nd, 2008.

The baseball must have looked as big as a balloon to 1B Nathan Wilder of the Blue Jays last week. The first baseman had a 6 game streach to remember end today and he was named American League Player of the Week. He went 10-19 to hit .526 with 3 HR and 11 RBI.

In 2008 Wilder is hitting .272 with 38 HR and 122 RBI and has scored 88 Runs.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 02:36 PM

Jays Clinch AL East Title with Win Over Boston

September 28th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays clinched the American League East Title today with a 3-1 12 inning win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The game was scoreless until the top of the 12th when with 2 on and 2 out Jays CF Vitantonio Ardinghi hit a 2-1 offering over the Green Monster in left field giving the Jays a 3-0 lead. Boston would reply with a run of their own in the bottom of the 12 but would come up short in a Jays 3-1 victory. The game was started by SP Christian Jacobs who went 8 innings giving up only 4 hits and striking put 10. CL Lorenzo Silva pitched a scoreless 9th and 10th allowing only a single hit ans MR Al Clarke pitched the final two innings allowing only the single Red Sox run on 3 hits to get the victory.

jtb · 10-22-2007, 02:51 PM

Really enjoying this dynasty!

Keep it up!

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:08 PM

Thanks jtb.

It is funny how much more "alive" the players become when you are writing about them and how mych more you enjoy and get into the franchise. I have been playing solo leagues since OOTP4 and this one I think has to be my most enjoyable. If you ever have any qusetions about the Jays or league just ask. I am more than happy to provide answers.

Ryan

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:12 PM

Jays to Face Mariners in the ALDS Again

October 10th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays will face the wild card winning Seattle Mariners for the second consecutive year in the American League Division Series. The Mariners came back from a 2 game deficit to win the next 3 games and defeated the Blue Jays 3 games to 2 to capture the series and eliminate the Blue Jays. The other American League series will see the Oakland Athletics face the Minnesota Twins and in the National League the St. Louis Cardinals will face the San Francisco Giants while the Atlanta Braves will face the Colorado Rockies. Game #1 is scheduled for October 12th in Toronto.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:38 PM

American League Division Series

Seattle vs Toronto
Game #1

SP Christian Jacobs (15-9, 2.72)
SP Eduard Heller (21-10, 3.82)
Seattle 2 - Toronto 0
W: E. Heller (1-0)
L: C. Jacobs (0-1)
S: S. Padgett (1)

Recap:The Blue Jays out hit the Mariners 8-7 but could not push a run across agains Seattle SP E. Heller who was dominating going 8 innings and allowing only the 8 hits walking 4 and striking out 6. Toronto SP Christian Jacobs lasted 6 innings and allowed 5 hits and 2 runs to take the loss. Toronto stranded a total of 11 men and went 0-8 with runners in scoring position.

Game #2

SP Bill Arkell (21-7, 2.20)
SP Drake Sullivan (23-5, 2.37)
Seattle 10 - Toronto 6
W: D. Sullivan (1-0)
L: B. Arkell(0-1)

Recap: The Blue Jays SP Bill Arkell was tagged for 6 runs on 10 hits in 4.2 innings of work as the Jays were embarrassed by the Mariners 10-6. The loss puts the Bjue Jays on the edge of elimination with the possibility of a first round exit for the second time in two years.

Game #3

SP Tenshin Imai (12-12, 3.85)
SP Billy Collins (15-10, 5.14)
Seattle 3 - Toronto 5
W: T. Imai (1-0)
L:B. Collins (0-1)
S: L. Silva (1)

Recap: The Blue Jays got a supurb performance out of SP Tenshin Imai who went 8 innings giving up 3 earned runs with 1 BB and 5 K's. Toronto LF Marcos Rosario went 2-4 with a HR and drove in all 5 runs for the Jays as they stave off elimination for one more game.

Game #4

SP Christian Jacobs (0-1, 3.00)
SP Vincente Moreno (13-9, 4.99)
Seattle 0 - Toronto 2
W: C. Jacobs (1-1)
L: V. Moreno (0-1)
S: L. Silva (2)

Recap: The Blue Jays got a second straight steller pitching performance as SP Christian Jacobs went 8 shutout innings allowing only 2 hits while walking noone and striking out 9. Toronto C Hugh Edwards and LF Marcos Rosario each had run scoring doubles and that provided all of the offence that C. Jacobs would need as the Jays forced a game 5 back in Toronto.

Game #5

SP Bill Arkell (0-1, 5.79)
SP Drake Sullivan (1-0, 6.75)
Seattle 8 - Toronto 3
W: D. Sullivan (2-0)
L:B. Arkell (0-2)

Recap: Seattle SP Drake Sullivan pitched 8 innings of 5 hit ball as the Seattle Mariners destroyed the Blue Jays 8-3 to clinch a spot in the American League Championship Series. Toronto SP Bill Arkell was terriable going 4.1 innings and allowing 8 hits and 6 earned runs for the loss. For the second season in a row the Blue Jays will make an early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Seattle Mariners. Toronto GM Ryan Stewart was quoted as saying he is not happy with how his team has performed in the playoffs and that there could be a major shakeup of the roster come the offseason.

Currnetly the Blue Jays have 4 players that could end up leaving as free agents at seasons end. 38 year old Sp Tenshin Imai, 38 2B Josh Gibson and 26 year old LF Marcos Rosario are all in the final years of their respective contracts. SP Francisco Romero has a $6,143,000 million dollar club option for next season that the club can exercise or he becomes a free agent. All in all it is going to be a busy off season for GM Ryan Stewart.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:42 PM

Mariners defeat Braves to Capture World Series Title

October 31st, 2008.

The Seattle Mariners defeated the Atlanta Braves today 7-4 in 14 innings to win Game #7 and thus capture their first World Series title. The Mariners feature one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball and road it to a 7 game series victory over the Atlanta Braves.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:45 PM

Jays Exersize Option on SP Francisco Romero

November 2nd, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays exercised their option on the final year of SP Franciso Rosario's contract extending him for 1 more year. The 36 year old will make $6,143,000 next season. In 2008 he was 11-12 with a 4.30 ERA with 68 BB and 129 K in 192.2 innings as Toronto's fifth starter.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:48 PM

Toronto LF Romero Agrees to Extension

November 5th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have resigned LF Marcos Rosario to a 2 year contract extension. The 26 year old LF will make $1,360,000 over the next two seasons. Romero was used primarily as a utility outfielder and is likely to continue that role into next season. This year he hit .181 with 12 HR and 69 RBI's.

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 03:55 PM

Jays Lose 2 to Free Agency

November 25th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays did not renew the contracts of SP Tenshin Imai and 2B Josh Gibson and at 12:00 AM this morning they became free agents. 38 year old SP Tenshin Imai was an allstar for Toronto in 2007 and this year was a dissapointment going 12-12 with a 3.85 ERA 47 BB and 184 K in 220 innings pitched. 38 Year old 2B Josh Gibson hit .250 with 11 HR and 75 RBI and saw some dramatic decreases to his talen and current ratings. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about the loss of both Players "We didn't want to lose either player but this game is a business. Imai just wanted too much money and in the end we were over $10 million dollars off in what we wanted to pay him and what he thought he was worth. Gibson is just getting old and it was reflecting in his ratings and production at the plate. We think we can find a younger, cheaper replacement from within or system or fill the need via free agency or a trade"

ryan008 · 10-22-2007, 04:54 PM

Blue Jays Announce Minor League Players of the Year
December 10th, 2008.

AAA Syracuse
3B Byron Webb
.296 37 HR 102 RBI (with AAA Syracuse)
.220 2 HR 12 RBI (with Toronto in September)
A waiver claim from the Chicago Cubs in 2007 he has really developed his power this season leading the International League in HR with 37. He is still only 21 but may be blocked at the major league level by Jays Current 3B Mario Rivera. We still have 2 option years left on his contract and he will be invited to Spring Training this season to see if he can compete for a roster spot.

AA New Hampshire
RF Jose Gonzalez
.312 11 HR 76 RBI (with AA New Hampshire)
The 19 year old from Puerto Rico was signed as a non-drafted free agent by one of my scouts in 2007 and had a breakout season for the Fisher Cats in 2008. He will likely start the season in AA but could move up to AAA depending on how well he performs. At 19 he is still quite young and we don't want to rush him.

High A Dunedin
CF Antonio Arrendo
.316 21 HR 86 RBI (with A Dunedin)
The 23 year old Outfielder is a little onld to be playing A ball but put up good numbers this past season. He will likely start the 2009 season for AA New Hampshire.

Low A Lansing
C Lloyd Mathews
.328 24 HR 103 RBI (with A Lansing)
My 2nd round pick in the 2007 first year player draft struggled in his first professional season but put it together for Lansing this season leading the team in all offensive categories. The 23 year old will likely start the 2009 season witht he AA Fisher Cats and coould garner hismelf an invitation to spring training.

Short Season A - Auburn
CL Mario Barron
3-0 1.67 ERA 12 SV 6 BB 18 K (with SA Auburn)
A 14th round draft pick 418th overall in 2008 by Toronto. The flame throwing right hander was nearly unhittable this season for Auburn and looks like a lock to one day be the anchor of the jays bullpen. The 23 year old will start the 2009 season with A Dunedin or AA New Hampshire.

Pulaski - Rookie League
SS Will Dickinson
.301 3 HR 21 RBI (Pulaski (R))
My 9th round pick 268th overall in 2008 was a product of the University of Maryland and had a good first season of professional ball in Pulaski. He is slated to start the 2009 season as the starting shortstop in A Dunedin and could also garner an invitation to Spring Training to see what he can do.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 08:31 AM

Jays Negotiating With Free Agent SP?

November 28th, 2008.

Rumours abound that the Toronto Blue Jays are negotiating with former Boston Red Sox Ace SP Kiminobu Hashimoto who became a free agent when Boston did not offer him a new contract. Hashimoto has spent the past two seasons as Boston's No. 1 Starter but was allowed to walk as a free agent becasue Boston did not have the buget room to resign him. In 2008 the 28 year old Hashimoto was 19-8 with a 2.52 ERA with only 19 BB and 255 K in 239.1 innings pitched. He is the consumate control pitcher and has a very lively arm that can top 96 MPH on the radar gun. It is rumoured that Hashimoto is looking for a contract in the 5 year $100,00,000 range. It has also been speculated that besides the Toronto Blue Jays the New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals are also roumored to be interrested in his services. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about the possibility of adding another veteran arm to the rotation "It would be great to add a quality arm like Hashimoto's. He is a true competiror and knows how to win" If Hashimoto were to sign with the Jays he would fit nicely into the spot vacated by the loss of Tenshin Imai to free agency this offseason.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 08:35 AM

Jays Sign 18 Year Old Mexican 1B

November 29th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have signed 1B Javier Gomez as a non drafted free agent out of Mexico. The 18 Year old was discovered by Toronto's Mexican Scout Bob Dawson. When asked about the first Baseman Dawson said "he is one of the best raw power hitters I think I have ever seen. I think he could hit 40 HR in the majors eventually" The 18 year old will be assigned to Toronto's extended Spring Training Program in Dunedin and will likely join the Pulaski Blue Jays of the Appalachian Rookie Leage.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 08:39 AM

Former Jay Signs with Marlins

December 15th, 2008.

Former Blue Jay SP Tenshin Imai was signed by the Florida Marlins today to a 2 year contract. The 38 year old signed a 2 year $25,240,000 contract that pays him $12,620,000 a year. In 2008 with Toronto the right hander from Japan went 12-12 with a 3.85 ERA. The Commissioners Office also announced that the Toronto Blue Jays would receive Florida's First Round Draft pick in the upcomming 2009 First Year Player Draft.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 08:47 AM

Blue Jays Get SP For Christmas

December 25th, 2008.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have signed former Red Sox SP Kiminobu Hashimoto to a 5 year contract. The 28 year old from Japan signed a 5 year contract worth $105,250,000 which is $21,050,000 per season. In 2008 the right hander was 19-8 with a 2.52 ERA. He fills a big hole in the Jays Rotation left by the departure of SP Tenshin Imai who signed with the Marlins earlier this week.

The signing of Hashimoto also puts the Blue Jays very close to their $94 million dollar buget and the still need a 2B to fill the void left by the departure of Josh Gibson as a free agent in the offseason. There are rumors circulating that the Jays are looking to move one of their SP's to gain a 2B. The likely candidate to be moved is SP Mike Witmer who signed with Toronto as a free agent last year but was a bit of a dissapointment. He makes over $10 million a season and could command a decent return should he be moved.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 08:55 AM

Jays Trade Witmer to Indians for 2B
January 3rd, 2009.

GM Ryan Stewart of the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have aquired 2B Stan Elliott from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for SP Mike Witmer. Elliott was 1st round pick of the Indians 17th Overall in the 2007 first year player draft and spent all of 2008 with the Indians. The 21 year old hit .278 eith 21 HR and 117 RBIs in 112 games for the Tribe.

Mike Witmer was signed as a free agent from Tampa Bay in 2008 and spent the entire season in Toronto posting an 11-11 mark with a 4.70 ERA in 32 games. The Right hander became expendiable when the Jays signed SP Kiminobu Hashimoto as a free agent in the offseason. GM Ryan Stewart on the trade "It was not easy to trade such a quality pitcher as Mike Witmer but we had a glaring hole at 2B and had no one in the minors ready to take over and had no budget room left to sign a free agent this was the logical scenario"

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 09:06 AM

Jays Open Spring Training Today in Dunedin

March 4th, 2009.

The Toronto Blue Jays decended on their Spring Training Complex today in Dunedin Florida to begin preparation for the 2009 Season that is just around the corner. The Jays will have a number of new faces in camp this season including free agent signing SP Kiminobu Hashimoto, 2B Stan Eliott who was aquired from the Indians in the offseason and SP Raul Ruiz who was Toronto's First Round Draft Pick in 2008. The biggest competition in camp this season will be for the last spot int he starting rotation and there are 2 likely candidates. SP Manny Armando a 26 year old who was a waiver claim from the Pirates in 2007 and 22 year old SP Raul 'Hawk' Ruiz Toronto's Top Draft Pick of 1 year ago. Armando went 19-7 with AAA Syracuse last season on his way to being named the International Leagues Pitcher of the Year Award. Ruiz was drafted in 2008 and shot up through the system posting good numbers where ever he went. In AAA he was 4-2 with a 2.15 ERA in 46 IP. It is not know who is the front runner for the last rotation spot but it is believed that GM Ryan Stewart wants to give Ruiz a little more experience in AAA before he is called up.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 11:22 AM

Blue Jays Announce Opening Day Roster

April 5th, 2009.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced their opening day 25 man roster today:

Starting Pitchers: (2008 Stats in Brackets)

SP Christian 'Beer Barrell' Jacobs - 15-9 2.72 ERA with Toronto
SP Kiminobu Hashimoto - 19-8 2.52 ERA with Boston
SP Bill Arkell - 21-7 2.20 ERA with Toronto
SP Francisco Romero - 11-12 4.30 ERA with Toronto
SP Manny Armando - 19-7 2.35 ERA with AAA Syracuse

Bull Pen: (2008 Stats in Brackets)

MR Ray 'Spider' Russell - 6-2 8 SV 1.78 ERA with AAA Syracuse
MR Manual Villalobos - 9-5 1 SV 5.44 ERA with Toronto
MR Jim Riley - 0-0 11.45 ERA with Toronto
MR Kenny Baily - 0-0 8.76 ERA with Toronto
MR Millard Carter - 6-3 7 SV 3.13 ERA with Toronto
MR Al Clarke - 3-1 1 SV 1.81 ERA with Toronto
CL Lorenzo Silva- 7-5 32 SV 2.36 ERA with Toronto

Position Players: (2008 Stats in Brackets)

C Hugh Edwards - .265 16 HR 73 RBI with Toronto
C Rufiano Troni - .184 3 HR 18 RBI with Toronto
1B Nathan Wilder - .267 41 HR 130 RBI with Toronto
2B Michael Leonard - .286 2 HR 6 RBI with Toronto
2B Stan Elliott - .278 21 HR 117 RBI with Cleveland
3B Mario Rivera - .272 9 HR 49 with Toronto
3B Byron Webb - .296 37 HR 102 RBI with AAA Syracuse
SS Richard Evans - .338 30 HR 115 RBI with Toronto
LF Carlos Valdes - .234 3 HR 28 RBI with Toronto
LF Marcos Rosario - .181 12 HR 69 RBI with Toronto
CF Vitantonio Ardinghi - .326 10 HR 64 RBI 44 SB with Toronto
CF Dusty Witt - .246 11 HR 46 RBI with Toronto
RF Raul Pagan - .222 27 HR 88 RBI with Toronto

Most people will notice that SP Raul 'Hawk' Ruiz is not on Toronto's opening day roster. Instead SP Manny Armando is. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about his decision to sent the 23 year old down to AAA Syracuse "He is a very talented young player but he only made 5 starts at AAA last year. We want him to get some innings under his belt before we bring him up. I also believe that Armando deserves a shot at hte starting rotation. He was the International League Pitcher of the Year last season and has shown that he can get major league hitters out going 2-1 in spring training. If Armando falters we will not hesitate to bring up someone to replace him"

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 11:30 AM

Jays to Face Boston on Opening Day at Fenway

April 6th, 2009.

The Toronto Blue Jays were in town today to kick off the 2009 regular season against their divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox. Starting for the Jays is SP Christian Jacobs (0-0) and replying for the Red Sox is SP John Crowley (0-0)

It was a sellout crowd that watched as the Red Sox defeated the Jays 4-3 in 10 innings. Boston's Closer K. Tipton (1-0) go the win while Toronto's CL Lorenzo Silva (0-1) took the loss. C. Jacobs went 8 innings for Toronto giving up only a single run on 8 hits while walking 1 and strikingout 8. The game was tied heading into the top of the 10th when Toronto LF Marcos Rivera and C Hugh Edwards hit 2 put run scoring doubles to give Toronto a 3-1 lead. CL Lorenzo Silva was brought on for the save and got two out and then walked one and gave up a single to bring up Boston's CF Richard Gibbs who hit a 2 out 3-2 pitch into the bleachers in right to give Boston a 4-3 walk off victory.

ryan008 · 10-23-2007, 11:36 AM

Jays Sweep Yankees, Win 5th Straight

April 8th, 2009.

After taking 2 of 3 from Boston at Fenway Park to start the Season the Toronto Blue Jays traveled to New York to face the Yankees for 3 Games. The Jays promptly swept all 3 games and pushed their winning streak to 5 games. In Game 1 of the series the Jays got a masterful performance from SP Francisco Romero who pitched a complete game in an 11-3 drubbing of the Yankees. In Game # 2 the Jays got Homeruns from RF Raul Pagan, 2B Stan Elliott and LF Marcos Rosario to hold on for an 8-7 victory. In the Series Finale SP Christian Jacobs went 7.1 innings with 10 K's and 3B Byron Webb, RF Raul Pagan and SS Richard Evans all had RBI's to pace Toronto to a 3-2 Victory.

10-22-2007, 02:31 PM	#81
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Weeks Best Player Honored By AL September 22nd, 2008. The baseball must have looked as big as a balloon to 1B Nathan Wilder of the Blue Jays last week. The first baseman had a 6 game streach to remember end today and he was named American League Player of the Week. He went 10-19 to hit .526 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. In 2008 Wilder is hitting .272 with 38 HR and 122 RBI and has scored 88 Runs. Last edited by ryan008; 10-23-2007 at 10:55 AM.

10-22-2007, 03:42 PM	#87
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Mariners defeat Braves to Capture World Series Title October 31st, 2008. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Atlanta Braves today 7-4 in 14 innings to win Game #7 and thus capture their first World Series title. The Mariners feature one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball and road it to a 7 game series victory over the Atlanta Braves. Last edited by ryan008; 10-23-2007 at 08:20 AM.

10-22-2007, 03:45 PM	#88
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Exersize Option on SP Francisco Romero November 2nd, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays exercised their option on the final year of SP Franciso Rosario's contract extending him for 1 more year. The 36 year old will make $6,143,000 next season. In 2008 he was 11-12 with a 4.30 ERA with 68 BB and 129 K in 192.2 innings as Toronto's fifth starter. Last edited by ryan008; 10-23-2007 at 08:20 AM.

10-23-2007, 08:39 AM	#94
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Former Jay Signs with Marlins December 15th, 2008. Former Blue Jay SP Tenshin Imai was signed by the Florida Marlins today to a 2 year contract. The 38 year old signed a 2 year $25,240,000 contract that pays him $12,620,000 a year. In 2008 with Toronto the right hander from Japan went 12-12 with a 3.85 ERA. The Commissioners Office also announced that the Toronto Blue Jays would receive Florida's First Round Draft pick in the upcomming 2009 First Year Player Draft. Last edited by ryan008; 10-23-2007 at 08:40 AM.

10-22-2007, 02:36 PM	#82
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Clinch AL East Title with Win Over Boston September 28th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays clinched the American League East Title today with a 3-1 12 inning win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The game was scoreless until the top of the 12th when with 2 on and 2 out Jays CF Vitantonio Ardinghi hit a 2-1 offering over the Green Monster in left field giving the Jays a 3-0 lead. Boston would reply with a run of their own in the bottom of the 12 but would come up short in a Jays 3-1 victory. The game was started by SP Christian Jacobs who went 8 innings giving up only 4 hits and striking put 10. CL Lorenzo Silva pitched a scoreless 9th and 10th allowing only a single hit ans MR Al Clarke pitched the final two innings allowing only the single Red Sox run on 3 hits to get the victory.

10-22-2007, 02:51 PM	#83
jtb All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 595	Really enjoying this dynasty! Keep it up!

10-22-2007, 03:08 PM	#84
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Thanks jtb. It is funny how much more "alive" the players become when you are writing about them and how mych more you enjoy and get into the franchise. I have been playing solo leagues since OOTP4 and this one I think has to be my most enjoyable. If you ever have any qusetions about the Jays or league just ask. I am more than happy to provide answers. Ryan

10-22-2007, 03:12 PM	#85
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays to Face Mariners in the ALDS Again October 10th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays will face the wild card winning Seattle Mariners for the second consecutive year in the American League Division Series. The Mariners came back from a 2 game deficit to win the next 3 games and defeated the Blue Jays 3 games to 2 to capture the series and eliminate the Blue Jays. The other American League series will see the Oakland Athletics face the Minnesota Twins and in the National League the St. Louis Cardinals will face the San Francisco Giants while the Atlanta Braves will face the Colorado Rockies. Game #1 is scheduled for October 12th in Toronto.

10-22-2007, 03:38 PM	#86
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	American League Division Series Seattle vs Toronto Game #1 SP Christian Jacobs (15-9, 2.72) SP Eduard Heller (21-10, 3.82) Seattle 2 - Toronto 0 W: E. Heller (1-0) L: C. Jacobs (0-1) S: S. Padgett (1) Recap:The Blue Jays out hit the Mariners 8-7 but could not push a run across agains Seattle SP E. Heller who was dominating going 8 innings and allowing only the 8 hits walking 4 and striking out 6. Toronto SP Christian Jacobs lasted 6 innings and allowed 5 hits and 2 runs to take the loss. Toronto stranded a total of 11 men and went 0-8 with runners in scoring position. Game #2 SP Bill Arkell (21-7, 2.20) SP Drake Sullivan (23-5, 2.37) Seattle 10 - Toronto 6 W: D. Sullivan (1-0) L: B. Arkell(0-1) Recap: The Blue Jays SP Bill Arkell was tagged for 6 runs on 10 hits in 4.2 innings of work as the Jays were embarrassed by the Mariners 10-6. The loss puts the Bjue Jays on the edge of elimination with the possibility of a first round exit for the second time in two years. Game #3 SP Tenshin Imai (12-12, 3.85) SP Billy Collins (15-10, 5.14) Seattle 3 - Toronto 5 W: T. Imai (1-0) L:B. Collins (0-1) S: L. Silva (1) Recap: The Blue Jays got a supurb performance out of SP Tenshin Imai who went 8 innings giving up 3 earned runs with 1 BB and 5 K's. Toronto LF Marcos Rosario went 2-4 with a HR and drove in all 5 runs for the Jays as they stave off elimination for one more game. Game #4 SP Christian Jacobs (0-1, 3.00) SP Vincente Moreno (13-9, 4.99) Seattle 0 - Toronto 2 W: C. Jacobs (1-1) L: V. Moreno (0-1) S: L. Silva (2) Recap: The Blue Jays got a second straight steller pitching performance as SP Christian Jacobs went 8 shutout innings allowing only 2 hits while walking noone and striking out 9. Toronto C Hugh Edwards and LF Marcos Rosario each had run scoring doubles and that provided all of the offence that C. Jacobs would need as the Jays forced a game 5 back in Toronto. Game #5 SP Bill Arkell (0-1, 5.79) SP Drake Sullivan (1-0, 6.75) Seattle 8 - Toronto 3 W: D. Sullivan (2-0) L:B. Arkell (0-2) Recap: Seattle SP Drake Sullivan pitched 8 innings of 5 hit ball as the Seattle Mariners destroyed the Blue Jays 8-3 to clinch a spot in the American League Championship Series. Toronto SP Bill Arkell was terriable going 4.1 innings and allowing 8 hits and 6 earned runs for the loss. For the second season in a row the Blue Jays will make an early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Seattle Mariners. Toronto GM Ryan Stewart was quoted as saying he is not happy with how his team has performed in the playoffs and that there could be a major shakeup of the roster come the offseason. Currnetly the Blue Jays have 4 players that could end up leaving as free agents at seasons end. 38 year old Sp Tenshin Imai, 38 2B Josh Gibson and 26 year old LF Marcos Rosario are all in the final years of their respective contracts. SP Francisco Romero has a $6,143,000 million dollar club option for next season that the club can exercise or he becomes a free agent. All in all it is going to be a busy off season for GM Ryan Stewart.

10-22-2007, 03:48 PM	#89
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Toronto LF Romero Agrees to Extension November 5th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have resigned LF Marcos Rosario to a 2 year contract extension. The 26 year old LF will make $1,360,000 over the next two seasons. Romero was used primarily as a utility outfielder and is likely to continue that role into next season. This year he hit .181 with 12 HR and 69 RBI's.

10-22-2007, 03:55 PM	#90
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Lose 2 to Free Agency November 25th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays did not renew the contracts of SP Tenshin Imai and 2B Josh Gibson and at 12:00 AM this morning they became free agents. 38 year old SP Tenshin Imai was an allstar for Toronto in 2007 and this year was a dissapointment going 12-12 with a 3.85 ERA 47 BB and 184 K in 220 innings pitched. 38 Year old 2B Josh Gibson hit .250 with 11 HR and 75 RBI and saw some dramatic decreases to his talen and current ratings. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about the loss of both Players "We didn't want to lose either player but this game is a business. Imai just wanted too much money and in the end we were over $10 million dollars off in what we wanted to pay him and what he thought he was worth. Gibson is just getting old and it was reflecting in his ratings and production at the plate. We think we can find a younger, cheaper replacement from within or system or fill the need via free agency or a trade"

10-22-2007, 04:54 PM	#91
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Blue Jays Announce Minor League Players of the Year December 10th, 2008. AAA Syracuse 3B Byron Webb .296 37 HR 102 RBI (with AAA Syracuse) .220 2 HR 12 RBI (with Toronto in September) A waiver claim from the Chicago Cubs in 2007 he has really developed his power this season leading the International League in HR with 37. He is still only 21 but may be blocked at the major league level by Jays Current 3B Mario Rivera. We still have 2 option years left on his contract and he will be invited to Spring Training this season to see if he can compete for a roster spot. AA New Hampshire RF Jose Gonzalez .312 11 HR 76 RBI (with AA New Hampshire) The 19 year old from Puerto Rico was signed as a non-drafted free agent by one of my scouts in 2007 and had a breakout season for the Fisher Cats in 2008. He will likely start the season in AA but could move up to AAA depending on how well he performs. At 19 he is still quite young and we don't want to rush him. High A Dunedin CF Antonio Arrendo .316 21 HR 86 RBI (with A Dunedin) The 23 year old Outfielder is a little onld to be playing A ball but put up good numbers this past season. He will likely start the 2009 season for AA New Hampshire. Low A Lansing C Lloyd Mathews .328 24 HR 103 RBI (with A Lansing) My 2nd round pick in the 2007 first year player draft struggled in his first professional season but put it together for Lansing this season leading the team in all offensive categories. The 23 year old will likely start the 2009 season witht he AA Fisher Cats and coould garner hismelf an invitation to spring training. Short Season A - Auburn CL Mario Barron 3-0 1.67 ERA 12 SV 6 BB 18 K (with SA Auburn) A 14th round draft pick 418th overall in 2008 by Toronto. The flame throwing right hander was nearly unhittable this season for Auburn and looks like a lock to one day be the anchor of the jays bullpen. The 23 year old will start the 2009 season with A Dunedin or AA New Hampshire. Pulaski - Rookie League SS Will Dickinson .301 3 HR 21 RBI (Pulaski (R)) My 9th round pick 268th overall in 2008 was a product of the University of Maryland and had a good first season of professional ball in Pulaski. He is slated to start the 2009 season as the starting shortstop in A Dunedin and could also garner an invitation to Spring Training to see what he can do.

10-23-2007, 08:31 AM	#92
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Negotiating With Free Agent SP? November 28th, 2008. Rumours abound that the Toronto Blue Jays are negotiating with former Boston Red Sox Ace SP Kiminobu Hashimoto who became a free agent when Boston did not offer him a new contract. Hashimoto has spent the past two seasons as Boston's No. 1 Starter but was allowed to walk as a free agent becasue Boston did not have the buget room to resign him. In 2008 the 28 year old Hashimoto was 19-8 with a 2.52 ERA with only 19 BB and 255 K in 239.1 innings pitched. He is the consumate control pitcher and has a very lively arm that can top 96 MPH on the radar gun. It is rumoured that Hashimoto is looking for a contract in the 5 year $100,00,000 range. It has also been speculated that besides the Toronto Blue Jays the New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals are also roumored to be interrested in his services. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about the possibility of adding another veteran arm to the rotation "It would be great to add a quality arm like Hashimoto's. He is a true competiror and knows how to win" If Hashimoto were to sign with the Jays he would fit nicely into the spot vacated by the loss of Tenshin Imai to free agency this offseason.

10-23-2007, 08:35 AM	#93
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Sign 18 Year Old Mexican 1B November 29th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have signed 1B Javier Gomez as a non drafted free agent out of Mexico. The 18 Year old was discovered by Toronto's Mexican Scout Bob Dawson. When asked about the first Baseman Dawson said "he is one of the best raw power hitters I think I have ever seen. I think he could hit 40 HR in the majors eventually" The 18 year old will be assigned to Toronto's extended Spring Training Program in Dunedin and will likely join the Pulaski Blue Jays of the Appalachian Rookie Leage.

10-23-2007, 08:47 AM	#95
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Blue Jays Get SP For Christmas December 25th, 2008. The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that they have signed former Red Sox SP Kiminobu Hashimoto to a 5 year contract. The 28 year old from Japan signed a 5 year contract worth $105,250,000 which is $21,050,000 per season. In 2008 the right hander was 19-8 with a 2.52 ERA. He fills a big hole in the Jays Rotation left by the departure of SP Tenshin Imai who signed with the Marlins earlier this week. The signing of Hashimoto also puts the Blue Jays very close to their $94 million dollar buget and the still need a 2B to fill the void left by the departure of Josh Gibson as a free agent in the offseason. There are rumors circulating that the Jays are looking to move one of their SP's to gain a 2B. The likely candidate to be moved is SP Mike Witmer who signed with Toronto as a free agent last year but was a bit of a dissapointment. He makes over $10 million a season and could command a decent return should he be moved.

10-23-2007, 08:55 AM	#96
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Trade Witmer to Indians for 2B January 3rd, 2009. GM Ryan Stewart of the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have aquired 2B Stan Elliott from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for SP Mike Witmer. Elliott was 1st round pick of the Indians 17th Overall in the 2007 first year player draft and spent all of 2008 with the Indians. The 21 year old hit .278 eith 21 HR and 117 RBIs in 112 games for the Tribe. Mike Witmer was signed as a free agent from Tampa Bay in 2008 and spent the entire season in Toronto posting an 11-11 mark with a 4.70 ERA in 32 games. The Right hander became expendiable when the Jays signed SP Kiminobu Hashimoto as a free agent in the offseason. GM Ryan Stewart on the trade "It was not easy to trade such a quality pitcher as Mike Witmer but we had a glaring hole at 2B and had no one in the minors ready to take over and had no budget room left to sign a free agent this was the logical scenario"

10-23-2007, 09:06 AM	#97
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Open Spring Training Today in Dunedin March 4th, 2009. The Toronto Blue Jays decended on their Spring Training Complex today in Dunedin Florida to begin preparation for the 2009 Season that is just around the corner. The Jays will have a number of new faces in camp this season including free agent signing SP Kiminobu Hashimoto, 2B Stan Eliott who was aquired from the Indians in the offseason and SP Raul Ruiz who was Toronto's First Round Draft Pick in 2008. The biggest competition in camp this season will be for the last spot int he starting rotation and there are 2 likely candidates. SP Manny Armando a 26 year old who was a waiver claim from the Pirates in 2007 and 22 year old SP Raul 'Hawk' Ruiz Toronto's Top Draft Pick of 1 year ago. Armando went 19-7 with AAA Syracuse last season on his way to being named the International Leagues Pitcher of the Year Award. Ruiz was drafted in 2008 and shot up through the system posting good numbers where ever he went. In AAA he was 4-2 with a 2.15 ERA in 46 IP. It is not know who is the front runner for the last rotation spot but it is believed that GM Ryan Stewart wants to give Ruiz a little more experience in AAA before he is called up.

10-23-2007, 11:22 AM	#98
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Blue Jays Announce Opening Day Roster April 5th, 2009. The Toronto Blue Jays announced their opening day 25 man roster today: Starting Pitchers: (2008 Stats in Brackets) SP Christian 'Beer Barrell' Jacobs - 15-9 2.72 ERA with Toronto SP Kiminobu Hashimoto - 19-8 2.52 ERA with Boston SP Bill Arkell - 21-7 2.20 ERA with Toronto SP Francisco Romero - 11-12 4.30 ERA with Toronto SP Manny Armando - 19-7 2.35 ERA with AAA Syracuse Bull Pen: (2008 Stats in Brackets) MR Ray 'Spider' Russell - 6-2 8 SV 1.78 ERA with AAA Syracuse MR Manual Villalobos - 9-5 1 SV 5.44 ERA with Toronto MR Jim Riley - 0-0 11.45 ERA with Toronto MR Kenny Baily - 0-0 8.76 ERA with Toronto MR Millard Carter - 6-3 7 SV 3.13 ERA with Toronto MR Al Clarke - 3-1 1 SV 1.81 ERA with Toronto CL Lorenzo Silva- 7-5 32 SV 2.36 ERA with Toronto Position Players: (2008 Stats in Brackets) C Hugh Edwards - .265 16 HR 73 RBI with Toronto C Rufiano Troni - .184 3 HR 18 RBI with Toronto 1B Nathan Wilder - .267 41 HR 130 RBI with Toronto 2B Michael Leonard - .286 2 HR 6 RBI with Toronto 2B Stan Elliott - .278 21 HR 117 RBI with Cleveland 3B Mario Rivera - .272 9 HR 49 with Toronto 3B Byron Webb - .296 37 HR 102 RBI with AAA Syracuse SS Richard Evans - .338 30 HR 115 RBI with Toronto LF Carlos Valdes - .234 3 HR 28 RBI with Toronto LF Marcos Rosario - .181 12 HR 69 RBI with Toronto CF Vitantonio Ardinghi - .326 10 HR 64 RBI 44 SB with Toronto CF Dusty Witt - .246 11 HR 46 RBI with Toronto RF Raul Pagan - .222 27 HR 88 RBI with Toronto Most people will notice that SP Raul 'Hawk' Ruiz is not on Toronto's opening day roster. Instead SP Manny Armando is. GM Ryan Stewart was asked about his decision to sent the 23 year old down to AAA Syracuse "He is a very talented young player but he only made 5 starts at AAA last year. We want him to get some innings under his belt before we bring him up. I also believe that Armando deserves a shot at hte starting rotation. He was the International League Pitcher of the Year last season and has shown that he can get major league hitters out going 2-1 in spring training. If Armando falters we will not hesitate to bring up someone to replace him"

10-23-2007, 11:30 AM	#99
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays to Face Boston on Opening Day at Fenway April 6th, 2009. The Toronto Blue Jays were in town today to kick off the 2009 regular season against their divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox. Starting for the Jays is SP Christian Jacobs (0-0) and replying for the Red Sox is SP John Crowley (0-0) It was a sellout crowd that watched as the Red Sox defeated the Jays 4-3 in 10 innings. Boston's Closer K. Tipton (1-0) go the win while Toronto's CL Lorenzo Silva (0-1) took the loss. C. Jacobs went 8 innings for Toronto giving up only a single run on 8 hits while walking 1 and strikingout 8. The game was tied heading into the top of the 10th when Toronto LF Marcos Rivera and C Hugh Edwards hit 2 put run scoring doubles to give Toronto a 3-1 lead. CL Lorenzo Silva was brought on for the save and got two out and then walked one and gave up a single to bring up Boston's CF Richard Gibbs who hit a 2 out 3-2 pitch into the bleachers in right to give Boston a 4-3 walk off victory.

10-23-2007, 11:36 AM	#100
ryan008 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 2,362	Jays Sweep Yankees, Win 5th Straight April 8th, 2009. After taking 2 of 3 from Boston at Fenway Park to start the Season the Toronto Blue Jays traveled to New York to face the Yankees for 3 Games. The Jays promptly swept all 3 games and pushed their winning streak to 5 games. In Game 1 of the series the Jays got a masterful performance from SP Francisco Romero who pitched a complete game in an 11-3 drubbing of the Yankees. In Game # 2 the Jays got Homeruns from RF Raul Pagan, 2B Stan Elliott and LF Marcos Rosario to hold on for an 8-7 victory. In the Series Finale SP Christian Jacobs went 7.1 innings with 10 K's and 3B Byron Webb, RF Raul Pagan and SS Richard Evans all had RBI's to pace Toronto to a 3-2 Victory.