Explosive Finish to 2009 Trade Deadline Says Toronto Goodbye to Scott Rolen.

The 2009 non waiver trade deadline was completed at 4:00pm Eastern Standard time today.

The last week has seen major blockbuster moves made, including big player names such as Matt Holliday, Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez, Jake Peavy and Jarrod Washburn traded from their respective teams.

The Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates certainly cleaned house, dumping numerous parts of their current roster in exchange for building towards the future.

Teams such as St.Louis, Philadelphia and Boston added to their already potent teams, in preparation for a push towards the playoffs and a possible World Series title.

So where did that leave the Toronto Blue Jays?

For weeks, speculation all over the baseball world was presented in the form of Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay and his expectance to be traded before the 4:00pm July 31st deadline.

Numerous sources reported that Halladay drew interest from teams such as Philadelphia, Boston, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Texas.

Toronto Blue Jays General Manager J.P Ricciardi drew a hard bargain and floated Halladay out on the trade market with a large asking price.

The Jays rejected a large trade offer from Philadelphia of J.A Happ, Carlos Carrasco, Michael Taylor, & Jason Donald.

The Phillies ended up nabbing Cliff Lee from Cleveland instead.

Yahoo! Sports reported that the Red Sox offered the Jays Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Ryan Westmoreland for Halladay. Boston denied this report and nothing was heard from them afterwards.

According to ESPN.com the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were interested in acquiring Halladay.

The Jays wanted either Jered Weaver or Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar and two other pieces in return for Halladay and that was the end of that. You can read the article here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4356851

And finally, the Texas Rangers showed last minute interest in Halladay.

The Rangers had the farm system to ensure a deal was completed, but the Rangers were unsure about the financial situation that would come with Halladay's salary for this year and next.

Also, the Jays requested Derek Holland, Justin Smoak and two other prospects.

The large package of players combined with the possible financial problems of acquiring Halladay turned the Rangers away.

So Roy Halladay remains a Blue Jay.

Most are happy, some are not, but it's clear that the Jays are sticking to their word made before spring training 2009 about contending in 2010.

Or are they?

Minutes before the trade deadline expired today, the Jays pulled off a move that was only expected to happen if Halladay was traded (if Halladay was traded it would create a trickle down effect of trades to dismantle the squad we would try and contend with next year to decrease payroll and rebuild for the future).

Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen was traded from Toronto to Cincinnati for Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart.

Rolen was easily one of the most consistant offensive and defensive players the Blue Jays had all season.

Rolen played Gold Glove calibre defense at third and was having his best offensive season since 2006.

Rolen was loved by Toronto fans, his teammates, and was a quiet leader in the clubhouse.

So why the trade?

Jon Paul Morosi & Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that: Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said in a teleconference with reporters that Rolen asked to be traded for "personal reasons."

The article can been read here:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9876768/Jays-trade-Rolen-to-Reds-for-three-players

One can only assume that Rolen wanted to play closer to his family in Indiana.

The move was no surprise to Rolen, as he had to waive his no trade clause before the deal would go through.

Toronto fans will certainly miss the defensive wizardy of Scott Rolen at third base and will only have to hope that the three players in return, most notably Encarnacion, can prove that the deal was a good one for Toronto.

In other Blue Jays trade news, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Jays have acquired Pirates AA pitcher Sean Smith for future considerations.

That's about all the noise the Blue Jays created at this year's deadline.

It has been quite a long past few weeks for Toronto Blue Jays fans, with tons of rumours and speculation regarding Roy Halladay, but in the end he remains in Blue Jays blue.

Expect the same antics next season if the Jays lie in the same situation they are in currently, well except that the possibility of a Roy Halladay deal in the same circumstances next year will all but mean a trade, no matter what.

For all the 2009 trade deadline moves made in Major League Baseball please see below:

Matt Holliday from Oakland to St.Louis for Brett Wallace, Shane Peterson, & Clayton Mortensen.

Cliff Lee & Ben Francisco from Cleveland to Philadelphia for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson.

Victor Martinez from Cleveland to Boston for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price.

Jake Peavy from San Diego to Chicago White Sox for Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Dexter Carter and Adam Russell.

Jarrod Washburn from Seattle to Detroit for Luke French and Mauricio Robles.

George Sherill from Baltimore to Los Angeles Dodgers for Josh Bell and Steve Johnson.

Tom Gorzelanny & John Grabow from Pittsburgh to Chicago Cubs for Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio and Josh Harrison.

Ryan Garko from Cleveland to San Francisco for Scott Barnes.

Freddy Sanchez from Pittsburgh to San Francisco for Tim Alderson.

Jack Wilson & Ian Snell from Pittsburgh to Seattle for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Orlando Cabrera from Oakland to Minnesota for Tyler Ladendorf.

Casey Kotchman from Atlanta to Boston for Adam LaRoche (LaRoche was picked up by Boston from Pittsburgh just last week).

Nick Johnson from Washington to Florida for Aaron Thompson.

Jerry Hairston Jr from Cincinnati Reds to New York Yankees for Chase Weems.

Adam LaRoche from Pittsburgh to Boston for Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland.

Joe Beimel from Washington to Colorado for Ryan Mattheus and Robinson Fabian.

Claudio Vargas from Los Angeles Dodgers to Milwaukee Brewers for Vinny Rottino.

Julio Lugo plus cash from Boston to St.Louis for Chris Duncan.

Mark Kotsay plus cash from Boston to Chicago White Sox for Brian Anderson

Wladimir Balentien from Seattle to Cincinnati for Robert Manuel.

Josh Anderson from Detroit to Kansas City for cash.

Blue Jays Machine Feature Part 2 on ESPN Hawaii Up Now!

Bryan Mcwilliam and The Blue Jays Machine website made our second appearance on the Josh Pacheco show on ESPN Hawaii yesterday afternoon @ 4:45pm Eastern Standard Time.

Please visit http://www.espnhawaii.com/pages/3917168.php scroll to the Josh Pacheco Show on Demand and click 7/30/09 podcast.

Bryan Mcwilliam is the third segment of the show.

The first segment features former National Football League player Matt Bowen.

Bowen was a former teammate of Brett Favre in Green Bay and speaks out about the current Brett Favre story.

The second segment of the show features host Josh Pacheco and his view on the David Ortiz/Manny Ramirez steroid accusations.

The third segment of the show features Bryan Mcwilliam of the Blue Jays Machine and Gear Up for Sports.

Interview topics include: The Roy Halladay trade speculation, if Halladay would be moved before the deadline, any other moves the Jays could make, the Jays future, and much more.

You can also visit Josh's blog @ http://www.espnhawaii.com/pages/3917171.php

or follow him on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/Joshontheradio


Blue Jays Machine would like to thank Josh Pacheco and look forward to working with him again in the future.

Trade Deadline Quickly Approaching

The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is only a day away from expiring and the following moves have been made.

Matt Holliday from Oakland to St.Louis for Brett Wallace, Shane Peterson, & Clayton Mortensen.

Cliff Lee & Ben Francisco from Cleveland to Philadelphia for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson.

Ryan Garko from Cleveland to San Francisco for Scott Barnes.

Freddy Sanchez from Pittsburgh to San Francisco for Tim Alderson.

Jack Wilson & Ian Snell from Pittsburgh to Seattle for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Adam LaRoche from Pittsburgh to Boston for Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland.

Julio Lugo plus cash from Boston to St.Louis for Chris Duncan.

Mark Kotsay plus cash from Boston to Chicago White Sox for Brian Anderson

Wladimir Balentien from Seattle to Cincinnati for Robert Manuel.

Josh Anderson from Detroit to Kansas City for cash.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians have been the talk of the trade town and note that the Toronto Blue Jays have not made a single deal as of yet.

Yes, Roy Halladay's name has been dangled for weeks, but with the top suitor for Halladay, Philadelphia, acquiring Cliff Lee, Halladay may be a Blue Jay come August 1st.

The Jays front office has said since the beginning of this season that the Jays goal is to contend in 2010.

With their current team, plus the additions of Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan & Jesse Litsch to the pitching rotation next season, the chances are better than ever.

However, that does not mean the Blue Jays are not shopping some players around before the deadline.

Rumours have arisen that players such as Scott Rolen, Marco Scutaro, Lyle Overbay, and Scott Downs are being shopped by Toronto.

Hal McCoy of Dayton Daily News has reported a Scott Rolen for Aaron Harang type deal here:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/cincinnati-reds/trade-rumors-swirling-around-harang-rolen-225938.html

Reports have also surfaced that Rolen could go to the Reds for Edwin Encarnacion in a swap of third baseman as a payroll cut for Toronto, but those reports have slowly been disappearing as the Roy Halladay discussions slow down.

Marco Scutaro to the Minnestoa Twins? Yes, reports of Scutaro heading to the Twins have been made.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun reports the Scutaro to Minnestoa deal here:

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/columnists/bob_elliott/2009/07/30/10308921-sun.html

What could the Jays get back from Minnesota, perhaps a future shortstop possibility in Trevor Plouffe plus another high ceiling prospect?

If the Jays made a deal for Scutaro they would most certainly have to get back more than the two draft picks they would receive if Scutaro avoided arbitration to test the free agent market at the end of this season.

That of course is if Scutaro is classified as a Type A free agent, but with the season he is putting together both offensively and defensively, that classification is very possible.

That's quite a lot to ask of a team like Minnestoa or any team in general for less than half a season of Scutaro so Scutaro could remain in Toronto for next season's playoff push.

Also, Ken Rosenthal & Jon Paul Morosi reported that Jays first baseman Lyle Overbay may be on the move here(scroll about half way down the page):

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9866498/MLB-trade-deadline-buzz:-Wednesday's-edition

Overbay is above average defensively at first base, but has seen a drastic power outage offensivly.

Overbay's current 2009 statistics are: .255AVG, 10HR, 43RBI in 259AB

Not really a lot of pop from a close to everyday first baseman.

Is there someone out there who will take Overbay off of Toronto's hands? Will Overbay's 7 million dollar per year contract for this season and next affect a trade?

Finally, Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun tweeted that the Colorado Rockies were interested in Blue Jays closer Scott Downs here: http://twitter.com/elliottbaseball

Downs would fill the void of a left handed reliever the Rockies are looking for to accompany Franklin Morales out of their bullpen, for their push towards the National League wild card spot.

Will the Jays make a deal before the trade deadline expires?

Jays fans will have to watch, read and wait as the deadline quickly approcahes.

Blue Jays Update: July 30th 2009

July 29th Game Complete

Seattle Mariners 3 (W 53-48)
Toronto Blue Jays 2 (W 49-53)

Ryan Rowland-Smith (W, 1-1)
Roy Halladay (L, 11-4)
David Aardsma (SV, 25)

Game Notes:

The Toronto Blue Jays lost yet another close game yesterday to the Seattle Mariners. A frustrating situation the Jays are becoming all too familiar with.

Roy Halladay was outpitched by Ryan Rowland-Smith, who took a no hitter into the seventh inning, before giving up a single and a home run to the Blue Jays Aaron Hill and Adam Lind.

The home run put Toronto ahead 2-1, but Halladay had a rough bottom of the seventh giving up two runs, which secured a Seattle win.

Ken Griffey Jr doubled home the game tying and winning runs with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh.

Jose Lopez also provided a 5th inning home run off of Halladay.

Halladay lost his third start in his last four tries, again lacking run support from the Toronto offense.

Adam Lind - 1-4, 1HR, 2RBI

Jose Lopez - 3-4, 1HR, 1RBI, 1double, 1 run scored
Ken Griffey Jr - 2-4, 1 double, 2RBI
Ichiro Suzuki - 2-4, 1 run scored

Final starting pitching lines for the game:

Roy Halladay - 7IP, 11H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, 6K
Ryan Rowland-Smith - 7IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 4K

Other Baseball News:

As I reported yesterday the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies pulled off a blockbuster trade.

The Indians have sent 2008 American League Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee & outfielder Ben Francisco to the Philadelphia Phillies for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson.

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued to dismantle their current roster by cleaning house yesterday.

I reported yesterday that the Seattle Mariners acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and pitcher Ian Snell from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for shortstop Ronny Cedeno, Triple-A catcher Jeff Clement, and three young prospects in right handed pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Well, the Pirates were not through yesterday.

The Pirates also traded three time All-Star and former National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez to the San Francisco Giants for one of baseball's best pitching prospects Tim Alderson.

In minor trade news, the Cincinnati Reds have acquired outfielder Wladimir Balentien from the Mariners for right-hander Robert Manuel.

Blockbuster Cliff Lee Deal Could Affect Halladay Situation.

Although it is not set in stone, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has reported that Cliff Lee will be heading to the Philadelphia Phillies in a major trade with the Cleveland Indians, pending all players have clear medical reports.

You can read Rosenthal's article here:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9866900/Sources:-Phils-reach-agreement-for-Indians'-Lee

The article lists the following trade:

Cleveland will trade left handed starter Cliff Lee & outfielder Ben Francisco to the Philadelphia Phillies for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson.

With the deal the Phillies will gain the 2008 American League Cy Young award winner in Lee, and a very reliable power bat for their bench in Francisco.

Cliff Lee's current 2009 statistics are: 7-9, 3.14ERA, 22GS, 3CG, 1SHO, 152IP, 165H, 53R, 53ER, 33BB,107K

Ben Francisco's current 2009 statistics are: .250AVG, 10HR, 33RBI, 13SB in 308AB

In return the Indians will receive four of the Phillies top ten prospects in Knapp, Carrasco, Donald & Marson.

This move drastically affects the Toronto Blue Jays and the Roy Halladay situation, as the Phillies were listed as the top suitor to acquire Halladay, but had an offer of J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, Michael Taylor, and Jason Donald rejected by the Blue Jays.

Carrasco and Donald are now on their way to Cleveland.

The Boston Red Sox have now become a major suitor for Roy Halladay, but Blue Jays GM J.P Ricciardi will not speak of any move that does not contain Boston pitcher Clay Buchholz.

There was a report by Yahoo! Sports that said the Red Sox offered Buchholz, Triple-A right-hander Michael Bowden and Single A outfielder Ryan Westmoreland for Halladay.

Red Sox officials have strongly denied the report.

What does this mean for the future of Roy Halladay?

Well let's start by tuning into the Toronto Blue Jays - Seattle Mariners game today @ 4:40pm EST.

If Halladay pitches than the fans must wait and see if Halladay is indeed on the move, but if Halladay is scratched from the start than it's fairly obvious Ricciardi has a deal in place and the franchise face of the Toronto Blue Jays will be on the move.

In other trade news, the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates made a big deal of their own.

The Seattle Mariners acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and pitcher Ian Snell from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for shortstop Ronny Cedeno, Triple-A catcher Jeff Clement, and three young prospects in right handed pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Blue Jays Update: July 29th 2009

July 28th Game Complete

Seattle Mariners 4 (W 52-48)
Toronto Blue Jays 3 (W 49-52)

David Aardsma (W, 3-3)
Scott Downs (L, 1-3)


Game Notes:

The Toronto Blue Jays almost came back from a 3-0 deficit to upset the Seattle Mariners last night @ Safeco Field.

The Jays scored one run in the seventh inning and two runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at three going into the ninth.

In the ninth inning, Toronto closer Scott Downs got himself into trouble with a bases loaded jam with no outs.

Downs almost got out of the jam.

Downs forced a groundball from Jose Lopez, which in turn cut down Jack Hannahan at homeplate, struck out number nine hitter Ronny Cedeno and went 0-2 to Ichiro Suzuki.

Downs threw an 0-2 ball low and outside, close to the dirt. Ichiro, the batting wizard he is, threw his bat out knocking a soft flyball off the end of his bat, over the head of Jays shortstop Marco Scutaro for the game winning hit.

A crushing blow to what looked like a promising comeback for the Jays.

Scott Downs has been pitching ineffectively for the Jays since coming off the disabled list July 8th 2009. Downs has allowed six runs (five earned), in five innings in six outings, since returning from the disabled list.

Canadian born Seattle left fielder Michael Saunders made the defensive play of the night, leaping over the left field fence to take a home run away from Toronto's Vernon Wells, in the top of the first inning.

Scott Rolen, 3-4, 1 run scored
Alex Rios, 2-4, 1 double, 1RBI

Ichiro Suzuki, 3-4, 1RBI, 2 runs scored, 1BB, game winning hit
Jack Hannahan, 3-4, 1RBI


Final starting pitching lines for the game:

Marc Rzepczynski - 5.1IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 8K
Jarrod Washburn - 7IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 1K

Blue Jays News:

The Blue Jays activated right handed pitcher Scott Richmond from the disabled list and optioned relief pitcher Dirk Hayhurst to Triple A Las Vegas. Richmond is scheduled to make the start for Toronto this Friday in Oakland.

Other Baseball News:

Major League Baseball commissioner and head honcho Bud Selig is contemplating the reinstatement of former player and all time hits leader Pete Rose. Rose would surely be a first ballot Hall of Famer, if not for major gambling charges that have overshadowed his storied career.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson has a torn rotator cuff in his left throwing shoulder and won't be able to throw for at least three weeks. Johnson injured himself while batting during a 7-1 loss to Houston on July 5 2009.

Minor trade news, the Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Brian Anderson from the White Sox in a deal for outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay.

Kotsay had been designated for assignment after the Red Sox acquired Adam LaRoche from the Pirates.

Anderson had recently been sent down to the White Sox Triple A affiliate Charlotte.

The White Sox acquire a veteran presence in Kotsay to help with their American League Central pennant race.

The Red Sox add a young, athletic outfielder in Anderson who will be part of the Red Sox future plans.

Back2Back Chat with Hall of Famer Paul Molitor

On Wednesday July 29th 2009, in honour of the "Back2Back" reunion celebration the Jays campaign team over at Rogers Communications are putting together, fans will be able to chat with Hall of Famer and former Blue Jay Paul Molitor.

Molitor was a crucial component in helping the Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series in 1993, winning the 1993 World Series MVP Award.

Molitor, one of the greatest hitters I've ever personally have had the pleasure of witnessing hit live, will be answering questions at noon EST.

Official details from the Toronto Blue Jays below:

BACK2BACK CHAT WITH PAUL MOLITOR On July 29 at noon ET, fans can meet with 1993 World Series MVP and Hall of Famer, Paul Molitor in the Blue Jays Chat Room.

Registration is required for participation in the chat and it's FREE!

Go here: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/ticketing/back2back.jsp?partnerId=ed-2780169-91910296&source=ed-2780169-91910296

and click on Back2Back chat under the Paul Molitor press short to register for the chat.

Don't forget Paul Molitor will be in attendance at the Rogers Centre (Skydome) on Friday August 7th signing autographs.

Details below:

Select alumni will be signing a limited number of autographs between 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. @ the Rogers Centre Friday August 7th 2009. The alumni and autographs locations are below:

Sec 117 - Jack Morris/Pat Hentgen
Sec 127 - Woody Williams/Al Leiter/Todd Stottlemyre
Sec 207 - Paul Molitor/Rob Butler
Sec 513 - Joe Carter/Candy Maldonado
Sec 536 - Devon White/Pat Tabler

Halladay News: Ricciardi Rejects Philly Offer

According to ESPN.com & Fox Sports, Toronto Blue Jays General Manager J.P Ricciardi has rejected a very large trade offer from the Philadelphia Phillies.

See the articles below:

ESPN - http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4356851

Fox Sports - http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9856518/Jays-GM-calls-chances-of-Halladay-deal-'very-slim'

According to sources Philadelphia offered pitcher J.A. Happ, outfielder Michael Taylor, pitcher Carlos Carrasco, & shortstop Jason Donald for Halladay.

The Jays rejected the offer.

The Jays are supposedly asking the Phillies for J.A Happ, pitcher Kyle Drabek & outfielder Dominic Brown.

J.P Ricciardi is quoted as saying the chances of a Halladay deal actually occurring are "very slim" in the Fox Sports article.

Ricciardi also told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

"We've said that we would listen, but that we would have to be motivated and 'wowed,'"

"Right now we haven't been. I've said all along my gut tells me I won't be. I still stand by that."

There are also indications in the ESPN article that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have suddenly jumped into the Halladay sweepstakes, and the Jays would want quite the deal from them.

The Jays are asking for either Joe Saunders or Jered Weaver, along with shortstop Erick Aybar & two prospects, which I don't see Angels GM Tony Reagins giving up for 1.5 years of Halladay.

Now, in this writer's opinion the package that Toronto is requesting from Philadelphia is actually worse than the offer Toronto rejected.

Let's take a look at the deal based on the 2009 player statistics alone.

The Phillies offer:

J.A Happ - 7-1, 2.97ERA, 12 GS, 100IP, 85H, 33R, 33ER, 33BB, 71K for the Phillies.

Carlos Carrasco (Rated by Baseball Prospectus as the Phillies #1 Prospect) -
6-9, 5.18ERA, 20GS, 114.2IP, 118H, 73R, 66ER, 38BB, 112K for Triple A LeHigh Valley

Michael Taylor (Rated by Baseball Prospectus as the Phillies #2 Prospect) - .333AVG, 15HR, 65RBI, 22 doubles, 4 triples, 18 SB in 318AB @ Double A Reading.

Promoted to LeHigh Valley - .263AVG, 2HR, 5RBI, 2 doubles, 2SB in 38AB @ Triple A LeHigh Valley.

Jason Donald - (Rated by Baseball Prospectus as the Phillies #6 Prospect) - .230AVG, 1HR, 16RBI, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 6SB in 204AB @ LeHigh Valley.

.273AVG, 1RBI, 1 double, 1 triple, 1SB in 22AB @ Single A GCL Phillies.

What the Jays want:

See J.A Happ's totals above and add the following players:

Kyle Drabek - (Rated by Baseball Prospectus as the Phillies #3 Prospect) - 4-1, 2.48ERA, 9GS, 1CG, 1SHO, 61.2IP, 49H, 19R, 17ER, 19BB, 74K @ Single A Clearwater.

6-1, 3.12ERA, 8GS, 60.2IP, 55H, 22R, 21ER, 19BB, 44K @ Double A Reading

Dominic Brown - (Rated by Baseball Prospectus as the Phillies #7 Prospect) - .500AVG, 2 triples, in 10AB @ Single A GCL Phillies.

.295AVG, 9HR, 41RBI, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 12SB in 220AB @ Single A Clearwater.

The deal that Phildelphia offered is actually better than what the Jays want.

Just look at the numbers.

The Jays like pitcher Kyle Drabek far too much.

Drabek is proven, but not above the Double A level and he's had a history of shoulder problems in his young career.

Dominic Brown is a possible five tool outfielder, but has not proven himself above Single A whereas Michael Taylor has and has proven well that he could be a future superstar in the outfield.

If age is a factor than its a small one. The players the Jays want are:

Dominic Brown - 21 & Kyle Drabek - 22 as opposed to:

Carlos Carrasco - 23, Michael Taylor - 23, & Jason Donald - 24

The three players, plus Happ, that Philadelphia is offering have proven themselves at higher levels than the prospects the Jays want.

The deal just doesn't make sense and to be honest I do not see either happening.

Even a 4 for 1 swap that contains a promising right hander in Happ (who has pitched well at the Major League level this season), the Phillies two best prospects Carrasco & Taylor, and a young shortstop which the Jays are in desperate need of in the future (sooner than later if Marco Scutaro is not resigned this off season) is still not enough for the Jays to deal their franchise face.

I still am at the point where I think the Jays will keep Halladay and try one final roll of the dice in 2010, hoping for a healthy pitching staff, continued offensive punch from Aaron Hill & Adam Lind, a resurrected bullpen, and resurgences from Vernon Wells and Alex Rios.

Of course this is far too much to ask, but if it could occur, the Jays could stand a chance against the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays.

Again, Toronto fans will have to wait and see what happens with the Halladay situation, as the trade deadline is only four days away, and don't forget Ricciardi set a Halladay trade deadline of July 29th, so that's even less time to make a move.

Blue Jays Update - July 24th - 26th 2009

Since I gave myself the weekend off, as far as writing articles is concerned, I have combined the entire Toronto - Tampa weekend series from this past weekend into one Blue Jays Update for everyone. Starting from the top with the July 24th game and ending at the bottom with the July 26th game.


July 24th Game Complete

Tampa Bay Rays 4 (W 53-44)
Toronto Blue Jays 2 (L 47-50)
10 innings

Matt Garza (W, 7-7)
Scott Downs (L, 1-2)
JP Howell (SV, 11)

Game Notes:

Roy Halladay technically pitched another complete game on Friday (9IP, 4H, 2R, 1ER, 3BB, 10K) and was extremely effective striking out 10 Tampa hitters.

Tampa starter Matt Garza matched Halladay pitch for pitch. Garza's final pitching line: 9IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 9K

Blue Jays closer Scott Downs lost the game in the top of the tenth inning, giving up a two run bloop double to Tampa's Evan Longoria.

When the ball hit off Longoria's bat, it looked as if Toronto left fielder and new callup Joe Inglett was going to make the catch. Inglett made a diving attempt, but came up short.

Aaron Hill, 1-4, 1RBI, 1 double
Marco Scutaro, 1-4, 1RBI, 1 run scored

Evan Longoria, 1-2, 3RBI, 1 double, 2BB
BJ Upton, 1-5, 2 runs scored

Blue Jays News:

As stated above, Joe Inglett was called up from Triple A Las Vegas, and David Dellucci was sent back down.

Toronto RHP Casey Janssen (shoulder) returned from a rehab assignment and was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

July 25th Game Complete

Tampa Bay Rays 10(W 54-44)
Toronto Blue Jays 9 (L 47-51)
12 innings

JP Howell (W, 6-2)
Shawn Camp (L, 0-5)
Joe Nelson (SV, 3)

Game Notes:

The Blue Jays blew an 8-0 lead and played the three most embarrassing innings of this season in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings.

Blue Jays closer Scott Downs blew his second save in 2 days. Downs came into the ninth inning with a 9-7 lead and gave up solo home runs to both Carlos Pena and Willy Aybar.

Tampa starting pitcher David Price was hit in his pitching hand by a line drive from Scott Rolen in the first inning.

Marco Scutaro, 3-6, 2 runs scored, 1BB
Aaron Hill, 3-6, 2HR, 3RBI, 2 runs scored, 1BB
Alex Rios, 2-5, 1HR, 2RBI, 1 runs scored, 1BB
Jose Bautista, 3-4, 1HR, 1RBI, 1 run scored, 1BB

Carlos Pena, 2-6, 1HR, 4RBI, 1 triple, 2 runs scored
Ben Zobrist, 3-5, 1 double, 3 runs scored, 1BB
BJ Upton, 3-6, 1 double, 1RBI

Final Starting Pitching Lines:

Brian Tallet (TOR) - 6IP, 7H, 5R, 5ER, 1BB, 2K
David Price (TAM) - 3.0IP, 9H, 6R, 6ER, 1K

July 26th Game Complete

Toronto Blue Jays 5 (L 48-51)
Tampa Bay Rays 4 (W 54-45)

Brett Cecil (W, 4-1)
Jeff Niemann (L, 9-5)


Game Notes:

Blue Jays starter and rookie Brett Cecil pitched a gem. Cecil's final pitching line: 7IP, 4H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 7K.

Scott Rolen had the big hit of the game for Toronto, with a three run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning.

Brandon League and Jason Frasor pitched scoreless 8th and 9th innings to secure Toronto's first win of the series.

Scott Rolen, 2-4, 1HR, 3RBI, 1 run scored
Adam Lind, 2-3, 1 double, 2 runs scored, 1BB
Lyle Overbay, 2-4, 1 double, 1 run scored

Evan Longoria, 2-3, 1 double, 1BB

Blue Jays News:

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston is considering using a six-man starting rotation over the final two months of the season, in an effort to limit the innings of rookies Brett Cecil, Scott Richmond and Marc Rzepczynski.

The Jays seventh annual Dog Day promotion attracted 324 dogs and their owners to the game Sunday.

Other Baseball News:

Ricky Henderson, Jim Rice and the late Joe Gordon were inducted into the baseball hall of fame yesterday afternoon.

Congratulations goes out to all three gentleman on thier new accomplishments.

Congrats!

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 24th 2009

Friday July 24th 2009

Tampa Bay Rays (52-44), 3rd in AL East

@

Toronto Blue Jays (47-49), 4th in AL East


Probable Pitching Matchup

Matt Garza (6-7, 3.80ERA)

vs

Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.73ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

All the attention to be on Roy Halladay.

Anyday now we could see Roy Halladay leave the Toronto Blue Jays.

I had reported earlier this week that J.P Ricciardi did not think Halladay would be going anywhere.

Well, yesterday afternoon Ricciardi hit Jays fans with a shocker.

It turns out that in speaking with Halladay, Halladay has said he will test the free agent market once his contract ends at the end of the 2010 season.

That does not necessarily mean the Jays will trade Halladay this season, but it does change the perspective of a lot of things.

Do the Jays keep Halladay and try and contend in 2010 like they have promised Toronto fans?

Do they trade him now and get as much as they can for him?

This could very well be Halladay's final start in a Jays uniform.

Wait, have I not written that numerous times over the past few weeks?

Well, Jays fans will have to wait and see, wont they.

Blue Jays News:

Halladay, Halladay, Halladay is all Jays fans really care about right now but in other Jays news, Brian Tallet will start Saturday's game for the Jays, even though he was just sent back to his long relief role in the bullpen.

Other baseball News:

The St.Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics are close to finalizing a trade for outfielder Matt Holliday reports Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com here:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9847882/Sources:-Cards-close-to-getting-Holliday-from-A's

It looks as if the Cardinals will give up highly touted third base prospect Brett Wallace, right hander Clayton Mortensen and one other prospect.

If this occurs Holliday will join Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick, and Mark DeRosa (currently on the DL) to form quite the offensive tandem, in the middle of the Cardinals lineup.

Blue Jays Update: July 24th 2009

July 23rd Game Complete

Cleveland Indians 5 (W 38-58)
Toronto Blue Jays 4 (L 47-49)


David Huff (W, 5-4)
Marc Rzepczynski (L, 1-2)
Kerry Wood (SV, 13)

Game Notes:

A defensive error by third baseman Jose Bautista in the top of the fifth inning was the deciding factor in the Jays losing this game, in this writer's opinion. Bautista could not come up with a potential double play ball off the bat of Asdrubal Cabrera. This lead to a 2 run scoring triple by the next hitter Shin Soo Choo.

As I had predicted in yesterday's game day preview Kevin Millar broke out of his slump with a big afternoon, 2-4, 1HR, 1 double, 2RBI, 1 run scored.

Kevin Millar, 2-4, 1HR, 1 double, 2RBI, 1 run scored
Aaron Hill, 1-4, 1HR, 2RBI, 1 run scored

Shin Soo Choo, 1-3, 1 triple, 2RBI

Final starting pitching lines for the game:

David Huff - 7.2IP, 8H, 4R, 4ER, 1BB, 4K
Marc Rzepczynski - 4.1IP, 3H, 4R, 2ER, 4BB, 6K

Blue Jays News:

Jays outfielder Alex Rios was hit in the side of face in an at bat against Cleveland Indians closer Kerry Wood in the ninth inning. Luckily the pitch was a curveball and even thogh Rios was shaken up, he was okay to continue in the game.

Blue Jays right hander pitcher Dustin McGowan underwent right knee surgery July 9th 2009 to repair cartilage he damaged during a conditioning drill earlier this month. 6 weeks of recovery time will be needed possibly ending McGowan's hopes of returning to the Jays this season.

Other Baseball News:

Congratulations go out to Mark Buerhle of the Chicago White Sox. Buerhle became only the 18th pitcher in the history of Major League baseball to record a perfect game yesterday. Buerhle sat down 27 consecutive Tampa Bay hitters to join the history books. Quite the amazing feat!

In trade news the Cleveland Indians traded right handed reliever Rafael Betancourt to the Colorado Rockies for minor league pitcher Connor Graham. Betancourt will serve as Colorado closer Huston Street's set-up man.

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 23rd 2009

Thursday July 23rd 2009

Cleveland Indians (37-58), 5th in AL Central

@

Toronto Blue Jays (47-48), 4th in AL East

12:37pm EST start time today folks.

Probable Pitching Matchup

David Huff (4-4, 6.60ERA)

vs

Marc Rzepczynski (1-1, 2.50ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

A whole lot of offense:

Both Toronto and Cleveland proved in last night's game that they can hit the ball and with two rookie pitchers starting today's game I expect both offenses to take advantage of the sitution.

Kevin Millar to start and break the slump:

I've been a big fan of the Kevin Millar signing all year. I've always been a fan of Millar, his baseball attitude, and how ridiculous his power is when hes hitting well. Millar has been struggling since the beginning of June hitting only .190, 1HR, 6RBI. Millar is a veteran player who has been through tough times before, and I have this gut feeling he's going to break out of this slump tonight.

Watch out David Huff!

Blue Jays News:

Alex "Gonzo" Gonzalez, the once superstar shortstop of the future, who didn't pan out as well as the Jays had hoped, will be the special guest at this Friday night's Flashback Friday event at the Rogers Centre (Skydome), when the Jays face off against division rival Tampa Bay. "Gonzo" will be signing autographs from 5:45pm - 6:30pm across from Section 116 as per normal.

The big news for Blue Jays fans is that Friday August 7th 2009 will feature a vast assortment of the Toronto Blue Jays most memorable players from our 1992/1993 championship squads signing autographs in celebration of the Blue Jays Back2Back championship reunion.

The Back2Back autograph lineup is as follows:

5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m.

Sec 117 - Jack Morris/Pat Hentgen
Sec 127 - Woody Williams/Al Leiter/Todd Stottlemyre
Sec 207 - Paul Molitor/Rob Butler
Sec 513 - Joe Carter/Candy Maldonado
Sec 536 - Devon White/Pat Tabler

This should be an amazing night for fans.

Blue Jays Update: July 23rd 2009

July 22nd Game Complete

Toronto Blue Jays 10 (W 47-48)
Cleveland Indians 6 (L 37-58)

Ricky Romero (W, 8-4)
Carl Pavano (L, 8-8)


Game Notes:

The Blue Jays offense came alive with five home runs in the game from four different players. Lead off hitter Marco Scutaro lead the home run attack with two home runs, his first career multi home run game. Vernon Wells, Aaron Hill and Alex Rios also had home run shots.

Marco Scutaro, 2-4, 2HR, 4RBI, 2 runs scored
Aaron Hill, 1-4, 1HR, 1RBI, 2 runs scored
Adam Lind, 1-5, 1RBI, 1 double, 1 run scored
Scott Rolen, 1-4, 1RBI, 1 run scored
Lyle Overbay, 1-2, 1RBI, 1 double, 2BB
Vernon Wells, 1-4, 1HR, 1RBI, 1 run scored
Alex Rios, 2-3, 1HR, 1RBI, 2 runs scored

Ryan Garko, 3-3, 1 double, 1 run scored
Luis Valbuena, 1-4, 1HR, 3RBI, 1 run scored

Final starting pitching lines for the game:

Ricky Romero - 5.1IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER, 5BB, 2K
Carl Pavano - 4.2IP, 7H, 7R, 7ER, 2BB, 4K

Blue Jays News:

Left fielder David Dellucci returned to the Blue Jays lineup, starting for the Jays in left field.

Other Baseball News:

The Boston Red Sox added yet another big bat to their explosive offense yesterday, acquiring first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates for prospects.

The prospects traded were Double A shortstop Argeniz Diaz and Class A right hander Hunter Strickland.

This is the second year in a row that the Red Sox have acquired a big bat from Pittsburgh, last season it was Jason Bay in the three team Manny Ramirez deal.

Adam LaRoche's 2009 numbers are: .247AVG, 12HR, 40RBI in 324AB.

The Red Sox did not stop there. Boston actually found someone to take Julio Lugo off of their hands. Lugo and cash considerations were traded to the St.Louis Cardinals yesterday for outfielder Chris Duncan, and a player to be named later or additional money.

Julio Lugo's 2009 numbers are: .284AVG, 1HR, 8RBI in 109AB

Chris Duncan's 2009 numbers are: .227AVG, 5HR, 32RBI in 260AB

Blue Jays Update: July 22nd 2009

July 21st Game Complete

Cleveland Indians 2 (W 37-57)
Toronto Blue Jays 1 (L 46-48)


Cliff Lee (W, 6-9)
Scott Downs (L, 1-1)


Game Notes:

The Cleveland Indians rallied in the ninth inning off of Blue Jays closer Scott Downs to score two runs and win Tuesday's game over the Toronto Blue Jays.

First baseman Lyle Overbay made a costly throwing error in the top of the ninth inning.

Grady Sizemore bunted to first. Lyle Overbay's throw to second sailed into the outfield, putting runners at second and third.

Victor Martinez followed that with a two-run double in the ninth to take the lead and eventual win.

Cliff Lee pitched his second consecutive complete game.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Brett Cecil pitched well, but came out with a no decision. His final pitching line: 7IP, 7H, 0R, 0ER, 4BB, 9K

Scott Rolen, 2-4, 1HR, 1RBI
Aaron Hill, 2-4, 1 double

Victor Martinez, 2-3, 2RBI, 1 double, 1 walk

Blue Jays News:

Vernon Wells started for the Blue Jays in centre field. Wells had missed the previous three games recovering from a stomach virus.

Halladay Deadline Set, Most Likely Will Stay a Jay

"At this point, it's probably unlikely that we'll trade Doc,"

A quote straight from the mouth of Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi on Tuesday, in the following Associated Press Article.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9836268/Blue-Jays-set-July-28-deadline-for-Halladay-trade

According to the Associated Press: Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi still hasn't received an appropriate trade offer for Roy Halladay, and has set a July 28 deadline to complete a deal for the 2003 Cy Young Award winner.

"No one has really stepped up yet," Ricciardi said. "We've got to be highly motivated to move him. We haven't been highly motivated yet."

The Associated Press writes that: Ricciardi said the deadline is necessary to get an agreement in place for what is likely to be a complicated deal. He also wants the matter resolved before Halladay makes a scheduled start July 29 in Seattle.

Ricciardi was also quoted:

"In three days, not much is probably going to happen,"

"It's such a magnitude, the trade. He's got to OK the team he's going to, we've got to agree on prospects. That doesn't happen, traditionally in baseball, in one hour. I think we need a little more time than that."

So there you have it folks, a deadline is set and teams are not "shocking" the Blue Jays with a deal like interim President & CEO Paul Beeston said had to happen to move Halladay.

Based on those quotes alone, I do not personally see Halladay moving before the deadline set by Toronto.

I've been one of the few writers who has said from the beginning of this speculatory controversy that Halladay would not be moved and it looks like he will stay in Jays blue at least another season, that is unless another Major League team can dish out a "shocking" deal before July 28th 2009.

The interest is still there from teams such as Philadelphia & Milwaukee, with St.Louis having dropped out of the race due to the steep price tag attached to Halladay.

Philadelphia currently owns a 6.5 game lead over Atlanta in the National League East and has been the hottest team in baseball as of late.

This current hot streak is making it a tough decision for first year Phildelphia general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr.

Does Amaro trade away big pieces of the teams future, in players like Carlos Carrasco, Michael Taylor, & Kyle Drabek for 1.5 years of Halladay?

Or does Amaro go with what he has and hope that his signing of Pedro Martinez pans out?

Does Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin break the bank like he did last season with CC Sabathia? Does Melvin give up future stars Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel? Does Melvin even have enough of a deal or cash to handle a Halladay type deal?

This will be an interesting next 7 days for Toronto Blue Jays fans, but as I have written since I read the first trade speculation report, I believe Halladay will be a Jay come the July 31st trade deadline.

In other Toronto Blue Jays trade news, you might expect another piece of the current Toronto roster to be moved before the July 31st trade deadline.

Jason Frasor, having the best season of his career (5-2, 2.38ERA, 3SV, 34IP, 25H, 9ER, 10BB, 31K) would be a fit for teams in need of right handed relief help.

Teams such as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, or Colorado Rockies are in need of relief help.

Angels pitchers Kelvim Escobar, Dustin Moseley and Scot Shields are all down with injuries, and once promising young right hander Jose Arredondo has struggled this season with right elbow inflammation and is currently rehabbing for Triple A Salt Lake.

Huston Street, Franklin Morales & Josh Fogg have done the job for Colorado out of the bullpen but that's about it. Frasor would fit in very well with this ballclub as they are in need of a right handed set up man type pitcher.

Toronto Blue Jays fans should keep their eyes and ears open while approaching the trade deadline, as I'm sure Toronto will make a move or two.

Blue Jays Machine Featured on ESPN Hawaii Up Now!

Bryan Mcwilliam and The Blue Jays Machine website were featured on Josh Pacheco's show on ESPN Hawaii yesterday afternoon @ 4:45pm Eastern Standard Time.

Please visit http://www.espnhawaii.com/pages/3917168.php scroll to the Josh Pacheco Show on Demand and click 7/20/09 podcast.

Bryan Mcwilliam is the second interview of the show.

Interview topics include: The Roy Halladay trade speculation, possible suitors and what they can offer, the current state of Toronto fans, and much much more.

You can also visit Josh's blog @ http://www.espnhawaii.com/pages/3917171.php

or follow him on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/Joshontheradio


Blue Jays Machine would like to thank Josh Pacheco and look forward to working with him again in the future.

Blue Jays Machine Featured on ESPN Hawaii Update

Bryan Mcwilliam and The Blue Jays Machine website will be featured on Josh Pacheco's show on ESPN Hawaii today @ 4:45pm Eastern Standard Time.

I had originally let everyone know that you could tune in via the ESPN Hawaii website.

Unfortunately, I was incorrect in stating this, as the show is only broadcast LIVE TO AIR on the local radio station.

However, a podcast of the show will be made available to me soon.

I will post it here for everyone to take a listen when available.

Thanks.

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 21st 2009

Tuesday July 21st 2009

Cleveland Indians (36-57), 5th in AL Central

@

Toronto Blue Jays (46-47), 4th in AL East

Probable Pitching Matchup

Cliff Lee (5-9, 3.31ERA)

vs

Brett Cecil (3-1, 5.40ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

Vernon Wells to be back in the lineup:

Wells, suffering from a stomach virus has been out of the Toronto lineup since Thursday. Wells missed the entire three game series against Boston, but with the off day Monday, should be well enough to start in centre field on Tuesday against Cleveland.

David Dellucci to remain on the bench:

Dellucci hurt his left foot in the game against Boston on Friday night. X-rays on the foot came back negative. Dellucci was available as a pinch hitter off the Jays bench on Sunday. Jose Bautista has played exceptional defense in left field this season and has been playing well as of late. Expect Dellucci to get rest while Bautista fills in.

The Blue Jays bullpen to get some work:

The Jays bullpen was non existant in Sunday's game against Boston as Roy Halladay pitched his 45th career complete game. Brett Cecil will start Tuesday's game for the Jays. Cecil has only pitched seven innings or more twice in his big league career.

Blue Jays news:

In celebration of the 1992/1993 World Series Championship teams Joe Carter will be doing a special webchat with Toronto fans via the Toronto Blue Jays homepage.

Details below:

Back2Back chat with Joe Carter

Chat with former Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter on Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. ET.

Visit the following link to be directed to the chatpage:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/fan_forum/chat.jsp?c_id=tor

Other baseball News:

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired a new second baseman Sunday in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona traded second baseman Felipe Lopez to Milwaukee in exchange for minor league outfielder Cole Gillespie and right handed pitcher Roque Mercedes.

The San Diego Padres acquired infielder Oscar Salazar from the Orioles in exchange for right-handed reliever Cla Meredith on Sunday.

The trade was made in part due to the injuries to infielders David Eckstein and Edgar Gonzalez.

Blue Jays Machine Featured on ESPN Hawaii

Bryan Mcwilliam and The Blue Jays Machine website will be featured on Josh Pacheco's show on ESPN Hawaii tomorrow afternoon @ 4:45pm Eastern Standard Time.

Please visit http://www.espnhawaii.com/ and click listen live.

Interview topics include: The Roy Halladay trade speculation, possible suitors and what they can offer, the current state of Toronto fans, and much much more.

You can also visit Josh's blog @ http://www.espnhawaii.com/pages/3917171.php

or follow him on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/Joshontheradio


Blue Jays Machine would like to thank Josh Pacheco and look forward to working with him again in the future.

Blue Jays Update: July 19th 2009

July 19th Game Complete

Toronto Blue Jays 3 (w 46-47)
Boston Red Sox 1 (W 55-36)

Roy Halladay (W, 11-3)
Jon Lester (L, 8-7)

Game Notes:

Roy Halladay pitches his 45th career complete game. His final pitching line: 9IP, 6H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 7K

Rod Barajas was responsible for all of the Jays runs batted in. 2-3, 3RBI, 1 double.

Alex Rios, 2-3, 1 run
Lyle Overbay, 1-3, 2 runs

Blue Jays News:

Vernon Wells missed another start with a stomach flu. Toronto manager Cito Gaston originally had Wells pencilled in to start in centre field. Wells showed up to the ballpark today and still had not recovered from his stomach virus.

Numerous baseball general managers & scouts from Major League baseball teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers were in attendance, to scout Roy Halladay and other Toronto Blue Jay players, as the trade deadline approaches July 31st 2009.

Other baseball news:

San Diego Padres infielder Edgar Gonzalez was hospitalized Saturday night in a game against the Colorado Rockies. Gonzalez was hit in the head with a pitch in the sixth inning by Rockies starter Jason Hammel's 93 mph fastball.

San Diego manager Bud Black said he was told by the trainers on the field that Gonzalez was "conscious, he was lucid and he knew what happened. But he was extremely dizzy and his ears were ringing."

Black said Gonzalez had gone to a hospital for tests but the results would not be known until Sunday.

All the best goes out to Edgar.

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 19th 2009

Sunday July 19th 2009

Boston Red Sox (55-35), 1st in AL East

@

Toronto Blue Jays (45-47), 4th in AL East

Probable Pitching Matchup

Jon Lester (8-6, 3.87ERA)

vs

Roy Halladay (10-3, 2.85ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

An outstanding pitching matchup:

Roy Halladay vs Jon Lester. Just saying those two pitchers names to yourself automatically makes a person think of how outstanding both are at what they do.

Halladay is a future hall of famer.

Lester has already thrown a no hitter in his short career and his numbers are only improving from season to season.

Lester pitched fairly well in his last start against Toronto this season pitching 6.1IP, 8H, 1ER, 2BB, 4K picking up a win.

Lester boasts very good career numbers against Toronto, 2-0, 1.46ERA, 12.1IP, 5BB, 16K, .239AVG.

Eyes to be on Roy Halladay:

The trade deadline is slowly approaching and fans are still being convinced by the media that Halladay will not be a Jay come the end of the deadline. If this is true this will be one of Halladay's last starts in a Blue Jays uniform. The fans will tune in and witness one of the best pitchers of our game dress in Blue Jays blue for quite possibly the last time.

Blue Jays news:

David Dellucci had a x-ray completed on his injured left foot today. Dellucci injured his foot when he fouled a ball off of it in Friday's game against Boston. The x-ray came back negative. Dellucci is considered day to day, but will not be put on the disabled list.

Vernon Wells stomach virus is doing well according to manager Cito Gaston, but there is little chance he will be starting in Sunday's game against Boston.

Casey Janssen made his second appearance in a rehab assignment, pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts for Double-A New Hampshire on Friday.

More Roy Halladay Speculation:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported today that the Milwaukee Brewers have some interest in Halladay and could offer a package headed by shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar.

Blue Jays Update: July 18th 2009

July 18th Game Complete

Toronto Blue Jays 6 (w 45-47)
Boston Red Sox 2 (W 55-35)

Marc Rzepczynski (W, 1-1)
Brad Penny (L, 6-4)

Game Notes:

Adam Lind hit his twentieth home run of the season.

Scott Rolen made an outstanding catch in the top of the seventh inning robbing J.D Drew.

You can view the outstanding catch here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=5605835

Jose Bautista hit a two run double.

Adam Lind, 1-4, 1HR, 2RBI
Jose Bautista, 1-3, 2RBI, 1 double
Scott Rolen, 2-3, 2 runs
Lyle Overbay, 2-4, 1 run

Blue Jays News:

Vernon Wells missed another start with a stomach flu.

Correction to what I wrote in an earlier article. David Dellucci left Friday's game after fouling a ball off his left foot, it was not related to his diving catch as I had reported.

Other baseball news:

Former Blue Jays third baseman Troy Glaus played left field Saturday night in a Florida State League game.

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 18th 2009

Saturday July 18th 2009

Boston Red Sox (55-34), 1st in AL East

@

Toronto Blue Jays (44-47), 4th in AL East

Probable Pitching Matchup

Brad Penny (6-3, 4.71ERA)

vs

Marc Rzepczynski (0-1, 3.00ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

The Blue Jays offense to score more runs:

In yesterday's loss the Jays faced a determined Clay Buchholz who completely shut them down. Brad Penny is more prone to allowing runs and currently boasts an ERA of 4.71. Expect Toronto to score more than one run and deliver with runners in scoring position.

A high scoring affair:

As I stated above Brad Penny is prone to giving up runs and Toronto sends young rookie Marc Rzepczynski to the mound for his first career start against Boston's high powered offense. I personally think this will be a game of offense and both teams bullpens will get in a lot of work.

An odd outfield start from John McDonald:

Blue Jays outfielder David Dellucci suffered a foot injury making a devastating catch in the seventh inning of Friday's game. Super utility man and Toronto fan favorite John McDonald replaced Dellucci in left for the final innings. Unless Vernon Wells is recovered from his stomach virus, expect to see "Johnny Mac" playing left field today for the Jays.

*Adam Lind ends up making the start in left as Kevin Millar takes the Designated Hitter spot*

Blue Jays Update: July 17th 2009

July 17th Game Complete

Toronto Blue Jays 1 (L 44-47)
Boston Red Sox 4 (W 55-34)

Clay Buchholz (W, 1-0)
Ricky Romero (L, 7-4)
Jonathan Papelbon (SV,24)

Game Notes:

Clay Buchholz held the Blue Jays offense to four hits, and one earned run over five and two thirds innings in his first major league start of the season. Buchholz was making a spot start and will return to Triple A Pawtucket.

Toronto has lost 13 of their last 16 games and dropped to a season low three games below .500

Ricky Romero lost his first game in seven starts.

Vernon Wells did not play in the game as he was recovering from a stomach virus.

David Dellucci made an incredible diving catch in left field in the top of the seventh inning.

Lyle Overbay had three of Toronto's four hits in the game.


Other Blue Jays notes:

Blue Jays left hander Brian Tallet will return to the Blue Jays bullpen over the next few weeks while Toronto uses off days to go with a four man rotation.

Other baseball news:

Former Blue Jays closer BJ Ryan has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.

Boston Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo was designated for assignment to clear space for Jed Lowrie and will most likely be given his outright release later this week.

Blue Jays Game Day Preview: July 17th 2009

Friday July 17th 2009

Boston Red Sox (54-34), 1st in AL East

@

Toronto Blue Jays (44-46), 4th in AL East

Probable Pitching Matchup

Clay Buchholz (0-0, 0.00ERA)

vs

Ricky Romero (7-3, 3.00ERA)

Blue Jays Machine Expects:

The attention to be on Roy Halladay:

Toronto returns to action this Friday @ the Rogers Centre (Skydome) to do battle with the AL East leading Red Sox.

Normally a heated rivalry for Toronto baseball fans as our fair city boasts the likes of a abnormally high number of Red Sox fans.

The attention will be on Roy Halladay and the recent trade speculation more than the game itself in this writer's opinion.

The July 31st trade deadline is slowly approaching and the media surrounding the just completed All-Star game basically added fuel to the Halladay trade specualtion fire.

See my article "The Halladay Controversy Continues" for some possible Halladay trade destinations and possibilities for what the Jays could get in return for their ace pitcher.

A great pitching matchup to open the series:

We all know how well Ricky Romero has been pitching for the Jays this season, if he keeps this up during the second half you have yourself a top contender for the AL Rookie of the Year.

But don't forget about Clay Buchholz.

Remember him?

The lanky right handed pitcher who threw a no hitter in his second career major league start on September 1st 2007.

Well after a rough 2008 season and a demotion to Triple A Pawtucket for most of the 2009 season Buchholz will make his season debut for the Red Sox this Friday. Buchholz boasted stellar numbers at Triple A this season (7-2, 2.36ERA, 99IP, 67H, 30BB,89K) and should make a formidable competitor for the Jays offense.