2018 Toronto Blue Jays (est. 2018)

[rpriske]

Due to popular demand (IOW, one person asked if I was doing it), I am starting a new Blue Jays Dynasty launching this season.

Yes, I am obsessed.

Big differences between the game and real life so far:

In the game, they don't want Kendrys Morales to start. They have Steve Pearce as DH instead. I heartily concur. (However, just like in real life, I can't find a taker for him).

Since Pearce is starting, Teoscar Hernandez is up instead of Gift Ngeope. I also heartily agree with that.

I will put up the starting roster soon, but I just wanted to point out that Yangervis Solarte just announced that he was donating a tenth of his salary to the American Cancer Society.

I already really like Solarte, but as a cancer survivor, I find this to be awesome. Thanks digital Yangervis!

[rpriske]

Eishin Soyogi and Gabs Acevedo have signed minor league contracts.

[rpriske]

The Jays claimed Chris Rusin off waivers from the Rockies.

Ryan Tepera is sent to AAA.

[rpriske]

OPENING DAY ROSTER

ROTATION

Marcus Stroman
Aaron Sanchez
J.A. Happ
Jaime Garcia
Marco Estrada

BULLPEN

Roberto Osuna (C)
Seung-hwan Oh
Aaron Loup
Danny Barnes
Tyler Clippard
John Axford
Chris Rusin

LINE-UP

Kevin Pillar - CF
Devon Travis - 2B
Josh Donaldson - 3B
Randal Grichuk - LF
Justin Smoak - 1B
Curtis Grandson - RF
Russell Martin - C
Steve Pearce - DH
Aledmys Diaz - 2B

BENCH

Luke Maile - C
Kendrys Morales - 1B... kind of
Yangervis Solarte - IF
Teoscar Hernandez - OF

Vlad Guerrero Jr. was named the #3 prospect in baseball, behind Shohei Ohtani of the Angels and Ronald Acuna of the Braves.

[rpriske]

March 29th, 2018

Opening Day at the Rogers Centre turned into some extra baseball for the fans, but not with the outcome they would wish for. Luis Severino kept the Jays in check but a Josh Donaldson home run ensured they went to extras. In the 11th Aaron Judge returned the favour and gave the Yankees a 2-1 win.

WP - Aroldis Chapman (1-0)
Save - Chad Green (1)
LP - Danny Barnes (0-1)

Record - 0-1

[rpriske]

Let's talk about the owner's goals for those season.

He wants us to reach the playoffs.
He also wants us to upgrade at SS.

Then he wants us to sign Josh Donaldson to an extension. He is looking for 6 years and over $240m.

That is an awfully big commitment.

[rpriske]

March 30th, 2018

After a very close opening day game, today was quite disappointing as the Jays fell to the Yankees, 11-5.

Justin Smoak and Russell Martin both homered for Toronto.

WP - Masahiro Tanaka (1-0)
LP - Aaron Sanchez (0-1)

Record - 0-2

[rpriske]

March 31st, 2018

The Blue Jays got on the winning side of the ledger today, beating the Yankees 8-4. J.A. Happ had a strong debut, allowing only one run in six innings.

The Jays saw homers from Justin Smoak and Curtis Granderson.

John Axford left the game with a sore shoulder. We await prognosis.

WP - J.A. Happ (1-0)
Save - Roberto Osuna (1)
LP - Sonny Gray (0-1)

Record - 1-2

[rpriske]

John Axford has should inflammation that will shelve him for 3-4 weeks.

He is placed on the D.L.

Ryan Tepera is recalled from Buffalo.

[rpriske]

April 1st, 2018

The Yankees power hitters were in the groove as four New York home runs led them to a 6-4 win over the Jays.

Justin Smoak hit his 3rd homer.

WP - Taylor Jordan (1-0)
Save - Aroldis Chapman (1)
LP - Jaime Garcia (0-1)

Record - 1-3

[rpriske]

Aaron Sanchez is sent to AAA and Joe Biagini is called up.

The GM was clear that the is not a punishment for Aaron. They just want him to work out a few things.

[rpriske]

April 2nd, 2018

The Jays did no better against the White Sox, falling 6-3.

WP - Reynardo Lopez (1-0)
Save - Joakim Soria (1)
LP - Joe Biagini (0-1)

Record - 1-4

[rpriske]

April 3rd, 2018

Marco Estrada was not very sharp in his season debut, but he got lots of run support as the Jays beat the White Sox 10-6.

Devon Travis went 4 for 5 with a home run and 5 RBI. Yangervis Solarte tripled twice.

WP - Marco Estrada (1-0)
Save - Aaron Loup (1)
LP - Carson Fulmer (0-1)

Record - 2-4

[rpriske]

April 4th, 2018

Marcus Stroman pitched a strong game but Roberto Osuna blew the save and gave up a 3-2 game to the White Sox.

Devon Travis homered.

WP - Luis Avilan (1-1)
Save - Joakim Soria (2)
LP - Roberto Osuna (0-1)

Record - 2-5

[rpriske]

April 6th, 2018

The Jays sure came out swinging today! An 8 run 5th was highlighted by a Justin Smoak grand Slam. Toronto also saw homers from Steve Pearce and Josh Donaldson as the Jays beat the Rangers 12-1.

WP - J.A. Happ (2-0)
LP - Matt Moore (0-2)

Record - 3-5

[rpriske]

April 7th, 2018

Josh Donaldson went 4 for 5 with a homer as the Jays edged the Rangers, 7-6.

Russell Martin also homered.

WP - Jaime Garcia (1-1)
Save - Roberto Osuna (2)
LP - Martin Perez (0-1)

Record - 4-5

[rpriske]

April 8th, 2018

Joe Biagini kept the Rangers off the board while the Blue Jays smacked long balls in this 6-3 win for Toronto.

The Jays saw hoers from Kendrys Morales, Teoscar Hernandez, and Justin Smoak,

WP - Joe Biagini (1-1)
Save - Roberto Osuna (3)
LP - Cole Hamels (1-2)

Record - 5-5

[rpriske]

April 9th, 2018

With Roberto Osuna not available, the Jays turned to Seung-hwan Oh... he was unable to convert. The game went to extras where the Orioles pulled off a 3-2, 12th inning, walk off win.

Aledmys Diaz homered for Toronto.

WP - Richard Bleier (1-0)
LP - Chris Rusin (0-1)

Record - 5-6

[rpriske]

The Blue Jays have jumped to #13 not he Weekly Power Rankings.

Players of the Week: Matt Olson, A's & Scott Schleber, Reds

[rpriske]

April 10th, 2018

The Orioles got to Marcus Stroman early and downed the Jays 5-2.

Justin Smoak homered for the 6th time this year.

WP - Alex Cobb (2-0)
Save - Mychal Givens (1)
LP - Marcus Stroman (0-1)

Record - 5-7