Blue Jays get first home win, beat Rays 12-7

Even though he's a rookie, Devon Travis has had little trouble recognizing that he is in a really good situation with the Blue Jays.

Jose Bautista, Travis and rookie Dalton Pompey homered to back Mark Buehrle, Kevin Pillar made a leaping catch at the left-field wall to deny a home run and Toronto beat Tampa Bay 12-7 Wednesday night to stop the Rays' four-game winning streak.

"It's just a really fun lineup and it's great to be a part of it," said Travis, who had three hits and two RBIs. It was the first multihit game of his career.

Bautista hit a two-run homer in the first off Erasmo Ramirez (0-2), sparking the Blue Jays to what would be an 9-0 lead after four innings. Donaldson hit a two-run single in a three-run second after narrowly missing a grand slam down the left-field line.

"Again, I was just having trouble with the location," said Ramirez, who gave up nine runs — seven earned — eight hits and three walks, needing 91 pitches to get 10 outs. He has a 23.63 ERA.

Pillar and Travis added RBI singles in the third, and Justin Smoak singled in two runs in the fourth — his first RBIs for the Blue Jays.

Pillar climbed the left-field wall and jumped at full extension with his glove 6 inches above the top of the fence to deny Tim Beckham a home run in the seventh.

"I'm pretty amazed by it," said Pillar, who also had two hits and an RBI. "I watched it a couple times on my phone when I got in. It's going to be tough to top making a play like that in my career.

"I'm just thankful I had an opportunity to rob a home run in the big leagues," he added.

Donaldson had three hits and three RBIs before a crowd of 15,086, the Blue Jays' smallest at the Rogers Centre since 14,086 against Cleveland last May 14, according to STATS.

Buehrle (2-0) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings to gain his 201st win. Steven Souza Jr. hit a solo home run in the fifth, Mikie Mahtook had a two-run homer in the sixth for his first career hit,

"Buehrle is just out there to win," said Jays manager John Gibbons. "He doesn't get caught up in stats, or quality starts, it's all about winning. It's why he's had the career he has."

Ramirez (0-1) gave up nine runs — seven earned — eight hits and three walks, needing 91 pitches to get 10 outs. He has a 23.63 ERA.

Toronto had been held to three runs in two losses open the four-game series, the Blue Jays' first at home this season.

Souza hit a two-run single against Todd Redmond in a four-run ninth.

"It seems like those just misses are becoming just connections now," Rays manager Kevin Cash said of Souza, who hit back-to-back homers for the first time in his career. "It's good to see."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kevin Pillar climbs fence to rob home run

MUST SEE

Spider-Man sighting in left field at Rogers Centre

By Benjamin Blum, CBC Sports Posted: Apr 15, 2015 10:05 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 16, 2015 2:24 AM ET

Blue Jays get first home win, beat Rays 0:48

Blue Jays get first home win, beat Rays 0:48

If you were preoccupied with the NHL playoffs, you may have missed this web gem.

Blue Jays left fielder Kevin Pillar put in an early consideration for catch of the year, robbing Tampa Bay's Tim Beckham of a sure home run. 

---

The Jays went on to beat the Rays 12-7. No word yet on whether Pillar was bitten by a radioactive spider as a child.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays downed as Rays win 4th straight

Steven Souza got the Tampa Bay Rays started with a long home run, then sparked the go-ahead rally with a bunt.

Desmond Jennings drove in Souza with a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, and the Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Tuesday night for their fourth straight win.

Souza opened the scoring in the first with a drive off the facing of the third deck in center. Rays manager Kevin Cash, whose playing career started with the Blue Jays, said he's never viewed a longer home run in Toronto.

"I've seen a lot of baseball games here, and that has got to be the furthest ball I've ever seen hit," Cash said.

The drive was measured at 463 feet, the longest home run by a Rays batter since Carlos Pena's 466 foot-drive against Washington on June 13, 2009.

"It's fun when it goes like that," Souza. "Have you ever cut butter with a knife? That's what it feels like."

The drive came on the first pitch Souza saw from Blue Jays rookie left-hander Daniel Norris.

"He hit it about 700 feet," Norris said with some exaggeration.

Souza needed less than 60 feet to make an offensive impact with his next hit. With the score 2-all, Souza, reached on a bunt single off Miguel Castro (0-1) leading off the eighth. One out later, Souza stole second and advanced to third on catcher Russell Martin's throwing error. Evan Longoria was intentionally walked before Jennings drove an 0-2 pitch to center, scoring Souza.

"Desmond's at bat, to me, was as crucial as they come," Cash said. "When you fall behind on that type of stuff, it's really tough to elevate a pitch."

Steve Geltz (1-0) pitched 1 1-3 innings for his first major league win. Grant Balfour and Kevin Jepsen each pitched an inning of hitless relief, with Jepsen getting his first save this year.

Kevin Kiermaier made a spectacular grab to retire Devon Travis for the second out of the ninth, leaping against the scoreboard in right-center.

"I feel like if it's in the air, I'm going to catch it," Kiermaier said. "The only way I'm not going to catch it is if it goes out."

Tim Beckham made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly in the second, and Toronto chased Rays rookie Matt Andriese with a two-run fourth. Kevin Pillar hit an RBI single and Andriese left after the Rays couldn't turn the double play on Devon Travis' grounder, with Pillar sliding into Beckham at second base. Kirby Yates came on and gave up an RBI double to Jose Reyes.

Martin went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts and is hitless in 21 at-bats. Martin came up with men at first and second in his first two at bats but fanned each time.

"I'm not going to be down on myself," said Martin, who signed a five-year, $82 million US contract in November. "I'm trying my best and I'm going to keep trying my best."

Making his first career start, Andriese allowed two runs and five hits in 3 2-3 innings. Norris gave up two runs and two hits in five innings.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Indians pitcher hit in face by line drive

Video

White Sox's Cabrera smacks ball

By Matt Ingram, CBC Sports Posted: Apr 14, 2015 10:03 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 14, 2015 10:03 PM ET

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco faced a scary moment Tuesday.

He left a game against the White Sox after being struck in the face by a line drive hit by Chicago's Melky Cabrera.

​

---

Carrasco was able to get part of his glove on the ball before he was hit. He went down hard and stayed down for several minutes before being helped off the field in a cart. He was conscious, but clearly in pain as he held his left cheek.

The Indians report Carasco is being treated for a jaw contusion and has no symptoms of a concussion or head injury.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays lose 4th straight home opener

The dancing, floating knuckleball that R.A. Dickey throws can handcuff the best hitters in baseball.

When the pitch gets away from him, it can also be quite costly.

Dickey issued a pair of bases-loaded walks in the fourth inning Monday night and that was enough for the Tampa Bay Rays to shade Toronto 2-1 and spoil the Blue Jays' home opener before a sellout crowd at Rogers Centre.

"I throw a knuckleball. Some would come out, they would move a ton. Some would come out, they would stay high," Dickey said. "I lost my release point a little bit in the fourth. They really made me work.

"They did a good job of laying off some really close pitches and I didn't make the big pitch when I had to."

The Blue Jays couldn't get much going against Tampa Bay starter Jake Odorizzi, who held Toronto to two hits and one earned run over eight innings. Brad Boxberger worked the ninth for his third save.

"We ran into a guy tonight that we need to give our due to," Dickey said. "He pitched a great game. He was throwing three pitches for strikes, very sharp, keeping guys off balance. It's hard to run through our lineup like that at home. He was very, very good. So sometimes you just have to give credit to the other guy.

"But we've got a lot of things to be upbeat about. Nobody's going to hang their head."

The game was the first in a four-game series between the American League East clubs. It's part of a 10-game homestand for the Blue Jays (4-3), who won their first two series on the road.

Odorizzi (2-0) gave up a pair of two-out walks in the opening inning. A wild pitch put both runners in scoring position but the right-hander caught Josh Donaldson looking to get out of it.

In the third inning, the Rays (4-3) put runners on second and third after an infield single, walk and a balk. But Dickey (0-1) got cleanup hitter Evan Longoria to fly out to end the threat.

Desmond Jennings and Allan Dykstra stroked back-to-back singles to open the fourth. Rene Rivera popped up and Dickey made Kevin Kiermaier wave at a knuckleball for a strikeout.

Tim Beckham walked to load the bases and David DeJesus worked a full count. The towel-waving crowd of 48,414 tried to will Dickey to a third strike but he was well wide of the plate to give Tampa Bay its first run.

The veteran right-hander walked in a second run by giving another free pass to Steven Souza Jr. Asdrubal Cabrera flew out to end the Tampa half of the inning.

Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Steven Souza Jr. misses a diving catch on a double hit by Toronto Blue Jays Kevin Pillar during the fifth inning in Toronto on Monday. (Peter Power/The Canadian Press)

Odorizzi, meanwhile, settled in after his shaky opening frame. The Blue Jays didn't get a hit until Kevin Pillar's two-out double in the fifth inning and Devon Travis lashed a single to drive in Toronto's only run.

Dickey allowed three hits and two earned runs over six innings. He had six strikeouts but walked five batters.

Roberto Osuna worked two innings of relief for Toronto and Aaron Loup pitched the ninth. Jose Bautista walked to lead off the bottom of the ninth but was caught stealing after Edwin Encarnacion struck out.

"That might have been as big a play as we've had so far this season," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. "I just saw the highlight of Rivera's throw. That was a bullet down there."

Donaldson hit a towering fly ball to the warning track to end the game, which took two hours 30 minutes to play. The Rays outhit the Blue Jays 3-2.

The Blue Jays have lost four straight home openers for the first time in franchise history. Toronto fell to 26-13 in home openers, with a 16-10 mark at Rogers Centre.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rogers Centre's new surface has immediate effect

The Blue Jays rolled out the new turf Monday night-- AstroTurf - that will be in play at the Rogers Centre for the next three seasons. It looks different and it plays different than the rock, hard past surfaces that have plagued players' backs and knees and turned singles into triples.

The lime green surface, now there's a different look, has longer synthetic blades that have a noticeable effect on batted balls. It plays softer and slower, much slower. The new turf is supposed to cover the ground (concrete) for the 2015-17 seasons before a natural grass surface, with dirt infield, is introduced for the 2018 season. For now, the Toronto Argonauts share the field inside the Rogers Centre but they are in negotiations to find a new home by the 2017 season, with BMO Field foremost in their plans.

As the Blue Jays opened the 2015 season Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays before 48,414 fans, the new surface immediately came into play. In the bottom of the third inning, Devon Travis grounded a ball to Rays shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. It was a routine out at first but after the play Cabrera had to have help from the trainer to remove a piece of rubber pellet from his eye that flew up from the infield.

Ground-up rubber pellets, made from recycled tires, are sprinkled among the synthetic grass blades to cushion the bounces. You'll see sprays of little black objects springing up from the turf on most balls that strike the surface. Cabrera was OK and continued on.

In the home half of the fifth inning, Kevin Pillar sliced a ball to right field. At the time the Jays didn't have a hit off Jake Odorizzi, so Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr. went into a full dive forward attempting to catch the ball. He missed completely, but instead of rocketing off the artificial surface and rolling to the wall for a triple, perhaps an inside-the-park homer, it bounced gently beyond Souza, travelling only 10-15 feet or so, where it was recovered by centre-fielder Kevin Kiermaier. Pillar stopped at second with a double.

Then in the bottom of the eighth, again it was the visiting Rays being tested. Travis nubbed a ball in front of the plate. Rays catcher Rene Rivera came rocketing out from behind home and nearly over-ran the ball which only trickled a few feet into fair territory. He recovered to make the play to retire Travis at first. 

The Bue Jays lost the home opener, 2-1, as R.A. Dickey who limited the Jays to three hits in six innings, walked in a pair of runs in the fourth inning. The turf was not a factor.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inning limits don't stop young MLB pitcher injuries, says researcher

It's a problem that every Major League Baseball team wants to solve: how to stop pitcher injuries, especially in young, hot prospects who could be with a team for years. 

Coaching staff have tried preventing injuries by placing limits on the number of innings for young pitchers, and by increasing those limits gradually each year, usually by no more than 30 innings than the previous year. 

But a new study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness didn't find a link between inning limits and the risk of future injury to pitchers

"Especially in major league baseball, if people are using these to limit the amount of work a pitcher can do, there should be a correlation from these metrics to future injuries," said Thomas Karakolis, a kinesiologist with a PhD from the University of Waterloo, and one of the three authors of the study.

"We found with the entire population there was no link," he said.

Karakolis and co-authors Shivam Bhan, a former NCAA Division 1 baseball player, and Ryan Crotin, who worked as a baseball performance specialist consultant for the Baltimore Orioles, looked at pitching records over a five-year period.

All of the pitchers were 25 or younger, and had pitched at least a third of an inning in an MLB game.

The researchers included MLB records, as well as records for two minor baseball leagues, and defined an injury as any pitcher on the MLB disabled list. Karakolis estimates that 25 per cent of MLB players are injured and on the disabled list every year.

In total, the researchers analyzed over 700 pitching seasons from 2002-2007, and looked at pitches per inning, pitches per game, innings per game, and innings per season to see if any of those metrics were linked to future injuries.  

What they found was that there no significant correlation between how many innings someone pitched and likelihood of future injury. They also found that moderately increasing the number of innings each year had no effect on the risk of future injury.

"The point of our paper was to specifically to look at these cutoffs, these year-to-year changes in innings pitched," said Karakolis. "Our finding was that they didn't have any sort of correlation, it was all over the map."

The team looked at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50-inning increases from previous years.

"A 10-inning increase and a 50-inning increase were both the same in terms of future injury likelihood," said Karakolis. 

Instead, Karakolis said there should be individual biomechanical testing for pitchers to figure out how much stress their bodies can handle. 

"Once you figure exactly out how much work you're putting on the tissues and then you can figure out how much work causes the tissues to become injured, you can use those measures now to actually control and limit the amount of pitches that a pitcher throws," he said. 

'So you can have tailored individual limits for each pitcher, rather than having blanket limits like a 30-inning increase for all pitchers under 25 years of age," said Karakolis. 

"I think that would be huge in terms of scouting and player development. I could figure out which pitchers are better suited to be a starting pitcher versus which pitcher is better suited to be a relief pitcher, a bullpen guy." 

The idea of biomechanical testing is starting to take hold in the MLB this year. Tech company Motus Global pioneered a sleeve called mThrow that pitchers can wear that tracks motion and measures workload on a crucial pitching ligament, the ulnar collateral ligament, then relays that information through an app via Bluetooth.

Sports Illustrated reported the sleeve was spotted frequently during spring training, and could be approved for in-game use during the regular season.  

Other teams are looking at data to help fight injury. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays have partnered with Irish company Kitman Labs to do data and biometric measurements to help spot injury risks before players get hurt. 

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays host Rays in tonight's home opener

The Blue Jays' home opener is tonight.

The first game of the season at the Rogers Centre is scheduled to start at 7:07 p.m. It has been sold out since the day tickets went on sale in February.

R.A. Dickey will take the mound for the Jays as they open a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The knuckleballer pitched well in his season debut, limiting the New York Yankees to one earned run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings but the Blue Jays squandered a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3.

Dickey had a 2-1 record and 3.15 earned-run average over his final three starts against the Rays last season.

Fans are being advised to get to the ballpark a little earlier this season, as tighter security is implemented at the Rogers Centre for baseball games. (Philip Lee-Shanok/CBC)

Just days into the new season, fans are optimistic about what Toronto can do. 

"It'll be exciting, I think. Tampa is not a very strong team this year, it doesn't seem," said fan Bob Pinsent.

Fans are being urged to get to the ballpark early as there are new security rules in effect that will take it longer for them to pass through.

The changes have been mandated by Major League Baseball.

"It's really to provide an extra level of security for our fans, but also to ensure that none of those illegal or prohibited items enter the building," said Mario Coutinho, the team's vice-president of stadium operations and security.

Those prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, alcohol, drugs and other illegal substances.

Toronto baseball fans are hoping the Jays can end their two-decade-long playoff drought this year.

If they make it, Blue Jays fans will have to be patient to see that long-awaited success, as the road to the playoffs is long in baseball.

With their win over the Orioles on Sunday afternoon, the Jays' record stood at 4-2 through the first six games of the year, while the Rays improved to 3-3 with a 8-5 victory over Miami.

Their offence is on a roll, helping the team take two of three games over the Marlins on the weekend with a .275 batting average and scoring 19 runs in the series.

Tampa Bay seems to be the ideal opponent Monday as it sports a 2-11 record as the opponent for a team's home opener.

The Blue Jays were 11-8 versus the Rays last season, including a 5-4 mark at home.

The Rays, who will start Jake Odorizzi (1-0, 0.00 ERA) on the mound, arrive with nine players on the disabled list, most notably starting pitchers Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly, who tossed a complete-game, two-hit shutout in Toronto on Aug. 22.

Some Jays fans will recognize Kevin Cash, who has taken over managerial duties for Tampa from Joe Maddon this season. He was a reserve catcher for Toronto from 2002-04.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mets reliever Mejia suspended 80 games

New York Mets manager Terry Collins was shocked to learn Saturday that relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia had tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol.

Major League Baseball has suspended Mejia for 80 games.

"We're very disappointed, extremely disappointed," Collins said. "We came into this whole thing in spring training with huge expectations and the back end of our bullpen being very, very strong, so we're all shocked and disappointed."

This is the fourth penalty for a positive Stanozolol test reported by MLB in less than three weeks, following Minnesota pitcher Ervin Santana, Seattle pitcher David Rollins and Atlanta pitcher Arodys Vizcaino.

Mejia began the season as New York's closer, but he was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with posterior elbow inflammation, without having pitched in a game.

The 25-year-old Mejia released a statement through the players' union saying he knows the rules and accepts his punishment, but "can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system."

Mejia apologized to the organization, his teammates, fans and family while also maintaining his innocence.

"I have been through a lot in my young career and missed time due to injury," Mejia said. "I have worked way too hard to come back and get to where I am, so I would never knowingly put anything in my body that I thought could hold me out further."

Collins added that he and the Mets support MLB's policy toward eliminating performance enhancing substances from the sport.

"We stand by the rules that Major League Baseball has put down," he said. "We'll have to regroup and get through the next 80 games with somebody else."

Mejia began 2014 as a starter but moved to the closer role about six weeks after Bobby Parnell tore an elbow ligament in the first game of the season. The right-hander from the Dominican Republic had 28 saves, 18 after the All-Star break to tie for second-most in the NL.

"I'm going to be honest — I love this kid," Collins said. "We challenged this guy last year and he stepped up for us and did a great job for us. This is a big disappointment."

Parnell is expected to return next month.

"The one thing we aren't going to do — we aren't going to rush him back," Collins said of Parnell. "I just think it's unfair."

Jeurys Familia is the team's closer for now.

"The guys who are here are going to have to pick it up and get the job done," Collins said.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schoop's slam buries Jays

Ubaldo Jimenez struck out eight and allowed one single over seven sparkling innings, Jonathan Schoop hit a grand slam and the Baltimore Orioles cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night.

Alejandro De Aza and Chris Davis homered for the Orioles, who rebounded from a 12-5 loss to Toronto in their home opener Friday.

Jimenez (1-0) also enjoyed a bounce-back performance following a poor 2014 season. After signing the most lucrative contract the franchise ever offered a free agent pitcher, the right-hander went 6-9 and lost his place in the starting rotation.

Following an effective spring training in which he successfully overhauled his mechanics, Jimenez retired 21 of 23 Toronto batters.

"You have to forget about what happened in the past and you have to forget quick," Jimenez said. "It doesn't matter whether it is good or bad. You can't do anything with the past."

Jimenez got nine straight outs before Jose Reyes hit a sinking liner to left that a diving De Aza barely missed grabbing. Jimenez then retired eight in a row — not allowing a ball out of the infield — before walking Reyes in the sixth.

"Tonight was a good reminder why he's been a good quality major league starter for a long time," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "If you've got any type of heart or feelings at all you know how much it means for him to contribute."

After Tommy Hunter worked a hitless eighth, Zach Britton gave up a double to Steve Tolleson and an RBI single to Edwin Encarnacion in the ninth.

Aaron Sanchez (0-1) allowed three runs and seven hits over 3 1-3 innings for the Blue Jays in his first major league start. He surrendered two homers, twice as many as he yielded last season in 24 games as a reliever.

"Obviously, this isn't the way I want to start the season," Sanchez said. "I got out there and tried to slow things down too much. I started aiming a little bit. It was not the night I wanted."

On Friday, the Blue Jays scored four first-inning runs and rolled to an easy victory. In this one, the Orioles wasted no time taking control. De Aza marked his 31st birthday by driving Sanchez's second pitch over the right-field wall, and Davis hit an opposite-field shot to left with one out for a 2-0 lead.

It was the first homer of the year for Davis, who hit 53 two years ago and 26 last season through Sept. 10 before a 25-game suspension for using Adderall.

The only home run Sanchez allowed last year was to Davis on Aug. 5.

The Orioles pulled away in the fifth against Todd Remond. A single and two walks loaded the bases for Schoop, who hit a 1-1 pitch into the left-field seats for his first career grand slam.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yankees fan tries (and fails) to throw back Jays home run

Toss hits fellow spectator

By Benjamin Blum, CBC Sports Posted: Apr 07, 2015 12:03 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 07, 2015 12:03 PM ET

There's an old tradition at Wrigley Field in Chicago that says if the away team hits a home run, the fan in the outfield stands who catches it is obligated to throw that ball back onto the field.

No one will be in the Wrigley bleachers until May due to construction, but the "bleacher creatures" at Yankee Stadium decided to keep the tradition alive against the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day.

They had their chance after an Edwin Encarnacion home run. 

---

If you're scoring at home, you can mark that one as a throwing error on the Yankees fan.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays clobber Orioles, Mark Buehrle earns 200th win

As the strikeouts mounted and his hitless streak endured, Jose Bautista was not concerned because the Toronto Blue Jays were winning anyway.

Manager John Gibbons wasn't worried, either, because he figured it was only a matter of time before the slugger got on track.

Bautista ended an early-season slump by going 3-for-3 and scoring four runs as Toronto ruined the Baltimore Orioles' home opener with a 12-5 victory Friday.

Josh Donaldson and Dioner Navarro each drove in three runs for the Blue Jays, who took control with a four-run first inning and led 10-1 in the fourth.

After going 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts during Toronto's opening three-game series in New York, Bautista got a hit in each of his first three at-bats and added a walk before leaving with leg cramps. He drove in two runs and tied his career high in runs scored as the Blue Jays improved to 3-1.

"Slow start individually doesn't matter when your team is winning games," Bautista said. "If we sustain that I'll be happy."

Toronto manager John Gibbons knew Bautista — a five-time All-Star — wouldn't be struggling for long.

"He's the last guy you got to worry about," Gibbons said. "Early in the year they were pitching him tough, but I thought he was too aggressive. Today I thought he did a better job of getting a pitch to hit."

Mark Buehrle (1-0) allowed one run and eight hits in six innings to earn his 200th career win.

"It's going to mean more when I get home, retired and sit on the couch and look back," Buehrle said. "It's a round number. Obviously been around a while, stayed healthy, made some starts."

Toronto finished with 16 hits, half of them doubles — including two by Dalton Pompey. After playing the spoiler's role at Yankee Stadium for New York's home opener Monday, the Blue Jays pulled off an encore at Camden Yards.

"We got one more," Gibbons said. "Maybe we can do it right at our place."

Adam Jones homered, had a career-high tying four hits and drove in two runs for the Orioles, now 41-21 in home openers since coming to Baltimore from St. Louis in 1954.

Bud Norris (0-1) allowed eight runs and seven hits in three-plus innings. He was 4-0 lifetime against Toronto and had won nine straight decisions against AL East foes.

"Frustrating. It's not what I envisioned," Norris said. "It's tough to do that here at home and in front of my team. I'll take that one on me, for sure."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays squander lead, fall to Yankees

Chase Headley hit a tiebreaking single that deflected off the wrist of reliever Brett Cecil, and the New York Yankees rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to beat the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Wednesday night.

Michael Pineda pitched six solid innings for the Yankees on a frigid night, and Jacoby Ellsbury scored twice and reached base safely all four times up. New York took advantage of mistakes by Toronto's bullpen, fighting back from a two-run deficit for its first victory of the season after knuckleballer R.A. Dickey gave the Blue Jays 6 1/3 effective innings.

Andrew Miller worked a perfect ninth for the save in his Yankees debut, the second of his big league career, before New York's smallest crowd for a home game in 11 years.

Toronto pushed its lead to 3-1 in the eighth when Jose Bautista scored on a throwing error by catcher Brian McCann. But the bullpen couldn't hold it.

Pinch-hitter Chris Young opened the bottom half with a bloop double that eluded rookie second baseman Devon Travis. Ellsbury singled, and Aaron Loup (0-1) loaded the bases when he hit Brett Gardner with a pitch.

Cecil gets wild

Young scored on a wild pitch by Cecil, who forced in the tying run when he plunked McCann with a pitch. Headley hit a one-hopper that caromed off Cecil's right wrist and past shortstop to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

Dellin Betances (1-0) got the win.

Many players wore knit hats and hooded sweat shirts during batting practice, and the game began in a steady drizzle on a 44-degree night at a mostly empty Yankee Stadium. The announced crowd of 31,020 was New York's smallest at home since Sept. 23, 2004, at the old ballpark across 161st St.

The rain soon stopped, but the wind picked up and the raw chill never dissipated.

Pitching in short sleeves, Pineda held the Blue Jays to two runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked one.

The last time Pineda took the mound on a cold April night, he was caught using pine tar in Boston to get a better grip and suspended 10 games.

"I'm sure we'll have a lot of eyes on him tonight," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said with a chuckle. "I think he understands, yes. I hope."

Alex Rodriguez went 0 for 4 in his second game since returning from a yearlong drug suspension. With the Yankees already ahead, he struck out with the bases loaded in the eighth against 20-year-old Roberto Osuna, who was making his major league debut.

From the trainers' room

Blue Jays: OF Michael Saunders (left knee) is set to begin a rehab assignment Thursday night with Class A Dunedin. Toronto manager John Gibbons said Saunders is coming along quicker than he expected, but there's no target date for his return and it won't be this weekend in Baltimore.

Yankees: Girardi said the team met with RHP Masahiro Tanaka and discussed Tanaka's recent comments through a translator that indicated he expects his velocity to be down this season while pitching with a small tear in his elbow. "I think what he was meaning to say is, I'm not a flamethrower. That's not how I pitch," Girardi said. "My conversations with him, it's a strategic thing. He knows that his four-seamer got hit some last year." ... Girardi said SS Didi Gregorius told him he was fine after getting hit in the arm by a pitch late in Monday's opener. Gregorius went 0 for 2.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays' youngsters take series from Yankees

Alex Rodriguez proved he's still a power threat at age 39. Daniel Norris demonstrated he's more than just a curious character living out of an old van.

Rodriguez hit his first home run since serving a yearlong drug suspension, but the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 6-3 Thursday night in the first major league win for the eccentric Norris.

"The main focus is baseball. Winning ballgames, like tonight," Norris said. "So if I can keep going out there performing like I did tonight, hopefully I'll put that stuff behind me."

Edwin Encarnacion homered and the Blue Jays got RBI singles from Jose Reyes and Kevin Pillar in a four-run second inning against CC Sabathia. Toronto took two of three in the season-opening series, boosting its record at Yankee Stadium to 7-30 since May 24, 2011.

On another raw and rainy night in the Bronx, Rodriguez led off the sixth by launching a high fastball deep into the left-field seats for his 655th career homer.

Rodriguez, moved up to second in the lineup against a lefty, tossed his bat aside and rounded the bases without any fanfare, though the drive invigorated a sparse crowd announced at 32,152.

A-Rod needed Google map

"I felt like I needed a Google map to run the bases, it's been so long," Rodriguez said. "Anything I can do this year is going to be a surprise, even for me."

It was A-Rod's first home run since Sept. 20, 2013. The three-time MVP ranks fifth on the career list, five behind Willie Mays.

Mark Teixeira homered off Norris (1-0) two batters later, cutting it to 5-3, but Encarnacion hit a long drive against Esmil Rogers in the eighth that banged high off the wall behind the bullpen in left-centre, some 430 feet or so from home plate.

Miguel Castro pitched a perfect ninth for his first career save.

Norris wore a knit hat as he walked through the clubhouse hours before the game, but pitched in short sleeves on a 42-degree night.

Norris gets the game ball

"It feels weird for me to pitch in sleeves. I've just got to keep everything the same," said Norris, who had his parents in the stands and was given the game ball as a keepsake.

The 21-year-old rookie received plenty of attention in spring training for his unusual, rustic lifestyle — he was living out of his 1978 Volkswagen van in a Wal-Mart parking lot and cooking on a portable stove. Hardly what you would expect from a second-round draft pick who got a multimillion dollar signing bonus.

But the Blue Jays are hoping for big things on the mound from Norris, who went 12-2 and led the minors in strikeouts per nine innings last year. The left-hander from Tennessee, an avid surfer with curly hair and a dark beard, used his polished off-speed pitches and allowed six hits in 5 2-3 innings.

"I thought he was really in control. He looked confident and relaxed out there," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "He picked up where he left off in spring training."

Sabathia (0-1) was much more impressive than his pitching line would indicate. Coming off right knee surgery in July and making his first start since last May, the big lefty threw his fastball 88-90 mph but had good downward tilt on his slider. He struck out eight and walked none in 5 2-3 innings.

He ran into some tough luck in the second, when the Blue Jays grounded four singles through the infield and scored four times. Sabathia had a chance to start a double play in the middle of it all, but Danny Valencia's comebacker deflected off his glove for an infield single that loaded the bases with none out.

"He didn't give up any hard hits," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "They just found some holes."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yankees fan tries (and fails) to throw back Jays home run

Toss hits fellow spectator

By Benjamin Blum, CBC Sports Posted: Apr 07, 2015 12:03 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 07, 2015 12:03 PM ET

There's an old tradition at Wrigley Field in Chicago that says if the away team hits a home run, the fan in the outfield stands who catches it is obligated to throw that ball back onto the field.

No one will be in the Wrigley bleachers until May due to construction, but the "bleacher creatures" at Yankee Stadium decided to keep the tradition alive against the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day.

They had their chance after an Edwin Encarnacion home run. 

---

If you're scoring at home, you can mark that one as a throwing error on the Yankees fan.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays squander lead, fall to Yankees

Chase Headley hit a tiebreaking single that deflected off the wrist of reliever Brett Cecil, and the New York Yankees rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to beat the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Wednesday night.

Michael Pineda pitched six solid innings for the Yankees on a frigid night, and Jacoby Ellsbury scored twice and reached base safely all four times up. New York took advantage of mistakes by Toronto's bullpen, fighting back from a two-run deficit for its first victory of the season after knuckleballer R.A. Dickey gave the Blue Jays 6 1/3 effective innings.

Andrew Miller worked a perfect ninth for the save in his Yankees debut, the second of his big league career, before New York's smallest crowd for a home game in 11 years.

Toronto pushed its lead to 3-1 in the eighth when Jose Bautista scored on a throwing error by catcher Brian McCann. But the bullpen couldn't hold it.

Pinch-hitter Chris Young opened the bottom half with a bloop double that eluded rookie second baseman Devon Travis. Ellsbury singled, and Aaron Loup (0-1) loaded the bases when he hit Brett Gardner with a pitch.

Cecil gets wild

Young scored on a wild pitch by Cecil, who forced in the tying run when he plunked McCann with a pitch. Headley hit a one-hopper that caromed off Cecil's right wrist and past shortstop to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

Dellin Betances (1-0) got the win.

Many players wore knit hats and hooded sweat shirts during batting practice, and the game began in a steady drizzle on a 44-degree night at a mostly empty Yankee Stadium. The announced crowd of 31,020 was New York's smallest at home since Sept. 23, 2004, at the old ballpark across 161st St.

The rain soon stopped, but the wind picked up and the raw chill never dissipated.

Pitching in short sleeves, Pineda held the Blue Jays to two runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked one.

The last time Pineda took the mound on a cold April night, he was caught using pine tar in Boston to get a better grip and suspended 10 games.

"I'm sure we'll have a lot of eyes on him tonight," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said with a chuckle. "I think he understands, yes. I hope."

Alex Rodriguez went 0 for 4 in his second game since returning from a yearlong drug suspension. With the Yankees already ahead, he struck out with the bases loaded in the eighth against 20-year-old Roberto Osuna, who was making his major league debut.

From the trainers' room

Blue Jays: OF Michael Saunders (left knee) is set to begin a rehab assignment Thursday night with Class A Dunedin. Toronto manager John Gibbons said Saunders is coming along quicker than he expected, but there's no target date for his return and it won't be this weekend in Baltimore.

Yankees: Girardi said the team met with RHP Masahiro Tanaka and discussed Tanaka's recent comments through a translator that indicated he expects his velocity to be down this season while pitching with a small tear in his elbow. "I think what he was meaning to say is, I'm not a flamethrower. That's not how I pitch," Girardi said. "My conversations with him, it's a strategic thing. He knows that his four-seamer got hit some last year." ... Girardi said SS Didi Gregorius told him he was fine after getting hit in the arm by a pitch late in Monday's opener. Gregorius went 0 for 2.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marlins' Latos lasts less than an inning in Miami debut

Hooked

Seven-year veteran allows seven runs in two-thirds of an inning

The Associated Press Posted: Apr 07, 2015 9:46 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 07, 2015 10:08 PM ET

Miami Marlins right-hander Mat Latos lasted only two-thirds of an inning in the shortest outing of his big league career Tuesday, giving up seven runs to the Atlanta Braves.

Latos, acquired in the off-season, was booed as he left the game, his first for his hometown team. He departed with an ERA of 94.50.

The Braves' big inning included RBI doubles by Freddie Freeman, Christian Bethancourt and Chris Johnson, and a two-run single by Andrelton Simmons.

Atlanta batted .857 with six hits against Latos. The 27-year-old threw a hefty 38 pitches in the outing.

Braves leadoff man Eric Young Jr. started the inning with a walk, followed by a steal. He would later score a run on Nick Markaskis' single. Young Jr. then picked up an RBI on his second at-bat of the inning, driving in Simmons with a single.

That would spell the end of the road for Latos.

Marlins fans and fantasy baseball owners who have Latos on their teams were not pleased with the showing.

---

---

---

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays look for 2nd win over Yankees

Alex Rodriguez turned in some solid at-bats in his return to baseball after a year-long drug suspension.

He'll have to adjust his swing considerably Wednesday night against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

Dickey, who started the past two openers for Toronto, is entering the final season of a three-year deal with the Blue Jays after consecutive 14-13 campaigns. The 40-year-old threw a team-high 215 2/3 innings last year and posted a 3.71 ERA.

Rodriguez, who was largely cheered in his return from suspension on Monday, is 8 for 22 with a homer and two doubles in his career against Dickey, who started on opening day each of the previous two years.

Dickey owns a 4.74 ERA in April for his worst mark in any month. The right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 10 starts versus the Yankees, including 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA in the last four.

The Blue Jays, though, are 0-3 when he starts at Yankee Stadium.

New York gives the baseball to Michael Pineda, who went 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA with one walk over 19 innings in five spring starts. He went 5-5 with a 1.89 ERA last year in 13 outings, missing nearly four months with a shoulder injury.

Pineda has faced Toronto more than any opponent, going 1-2 with a 4.11 ERA in five outings. Sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are a combined 5 for 27 against the right-hander, who limited opponents to a .200 average in 2014. Bautista is the only one current Toronto player to have homered off Pineda but is coming off an 0-for-5, three-strikeout opener.

Encarnacion and rookie Devon Travis homered to begin this three-game set. Toronto scored five runs in the third inning, with former Yankees catcher Russell Martin singling in two.

"Martin got it started," manager John Gibbons said. "A lot of good things happened."

The Blue Jays prevailed even though its batters finished with double the amount of strikeouts to hits (12-6).

Encarnacion is hitting .344 with four homers against the Yankees since the start of last year.

Rodriguez's single was one of three hits for New York. Brett Gardner homered and Brian McCann singled.

Didi Gregorius went 0 for 2 before he was hit by a pitch on the elbow in his last at-bat. The shortstop, who was caught stealing with the Yankees down by five runs in the eighth inning, said he will be fine.

"Hopefully he's OK, hopefully the day off helps," manager Joe Girardi said. "He said he was OK, I think you have to wait to see how he feels on Wednesday."

The Yankees are looking to avoid starting 0-2 for the fourth straight year.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays drub Yankees to open MLB season

New, young and older Toronto Blue Jays contributed in a 6-1 season-opening win over the Yankees in New York on Monday afternoon. Drew Hutchison pitched a sterling six innings while Edwin Encarnacion and rookie Devon Travis hit home runs.

Hutchison, the youngest Toronto pitcher to start on opening day, limited the Yankees to three hits, including a Brett Gardner solo home run before 48,469 at Yankee Stadium.

"I was extremely excited," Hutchison said. "It was a big day, overall."

The right-hander was in command for much of the afternoon after posting a 1.50 earned-run average in five spring training games (four starts).

Hutchison, who threw 56 of his 92 pitches for strikes, was 2-4 with a 5.17 ERA in six starts against the Yankees last season.

A-Rod draws cheers in Bronx

Alex Rodriguez received a loud ovation and a rare shout-out from the Bleacher Creatures at Yankee Stadium Monday afternoon before walking and singling in the first plate appearances of his return to the major leagues after a season-long drug suspension.

Rodriguez was New York's designated hitter and batted seventh against Toronto, his first time that low in the order at the start of a regular-season game since May 7, 1996. He went 1-for-2 with a walk in the Yankees' 6-1 loss.

New York trailed 5-0 when he came to the plate leading off the third inning. Rodriguez worked the count full against Drew Hutchison, who was 3 when A-Rod made his big league debut in 1994. On the eighth pitch of the plate appearance, Rodriguez took a 91-mile-per-hour fastball and became New York's first baserunner.

He singled to right-centre on another full-count fastball leading off the fifth and flied out in the seventh against reliever Aaron Loup.

— The Associated Press

Last July, Hutchison helped the Blue Jays snap another skid against New York: a 17-game losing streak in the Bronx.

New York starter Masahiro Tanaka lasted only four innings, allowing five hits and five runs (four earned) while striking out six. It was the shortest opening day start by a Yankees pitcher since Phil Niekro in 1985, when he went four innings against the Red Sox, according to STATS.

He was 3-0 with a 1.97 ERA versus the Blue Jays in 2014 but has seen his fastball velocity drop this spring. Tanaka decided to pitch through a partially torn elbow ligament last season, sitting out for nearly three months, rather than have Tommy John surgery.

After Tanaka made Toronto look silly with a heavy mix of sliders and splitter for the first two innings on Monday, striking out three, the Blue Jays solved him.

"We got to him a couple of times because he made mistakes," Dalton Pompey said.

Russell Martin, a former Yankees catcher who signed a five-year, $82-million US free-agent contract with Toronto in the off-season, singled home two runs while Kevin Pillar added two hits.

"Martin got it started," manager John Gibbons said. "A lot of good things happened."

Aaron Loup and Miguel Castro, one of six rookies on the Jays' roster, combined for three shutout innings of relief.

Toronto is 1-0 at Yankee Stadium after a 3-7 performance there last season and 0-10 showing in 2013.

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez started at designated hitter Monday, his first regular-season game following a one-season drug suspension, and went 1-for-2 with a single and walk. Rodriguez batted seventh, his first time that low in the order at the start of a regular-season game since May 7, 1996.

The remainder of the three-game series will be played in the evening, with Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey matched up against fellow right-hander Michael Pineda on Wednesday and lefties Daniel Norris and CC Sabathia hooking up Thursday. Both games are slated for 7:05 p.m. ET.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Blue Jays: Outfielder Michael Saunders (left knee meniscus) is running on a treadmill and taking swings in Florida. Manager John Gibbons said it would be a couple of more weeks before he joined the Blue Jays.

Yankees: Manager Joe Girardi said he will have to be careful to pick A-Rod's days off to keep him fresh and healthy throughout the season.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

MLB Opening Day: A-Rod cheered, Big Papi stays in box

Alex Rodriguez got cheered at Yankee Stadium, a rain delay got booed in Miami, and David Ortiz got a quick introduction to baseball's new speed-up rules.

It was Opening Day all across the majors Monday.

Pitchers in command

New Washington ace Max Scherzer took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning before falling behind. Seattle star Felix Hernandez, Detroit lefty David Price and Boston righty Clay Buchholz dominated.

A day after the Cardinals blanked the Cubs at Wrigley Field in the big league opener, the other 28 teams were in action. To fans, players and everyone else at the ballpark and watching on TV, it was easy to be optimistic.

"This day brings a lot of hope for a lot of different reasons for people," New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said before predecessor Joe Torre threw out the first ball in the Bronx.

"The hope of, your team is going to be in the World Series at the end. If you live in the Northeast and the Midwest, the hope that we're actually going to have warm days again and everything is going to be green," he said.

Sunshine, except in Miami

After a wicked winter in many places, it was sunny at most ballparks.

An exception was Miami, where the game against Atlanta had a 16-minute rain delay. That was a first for 3-year-old Marlins Park, where there's a retractable roof.

With no rain in the forecast, the top was open when showers came in the second inning. It takes about 15 minutes to close the roof, and the infield got soaked.

Some fans booed and the Marlins tweeted on their Marlins Park site: "Sorry for the delay, folks."

---

Return of A-Rod

Teammates applaud as Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez takes the field before their opener against Toronto. (Kathy Willens/The Associated Press)

In New York, where the Empire State Building was lit up in a rotating display of all 30 clubs' colours, A-Rod returned.

With Derek Jeter retired, the crowd at Yankee Stadium saved its biggest cheers for Rodriguez. Back from a season-long drug suspension, the three-time AL MVP singled, walked and lined out in a 6-1 loss to Toronto.

"I have to admit, it definitely felt good, that's for sure," Rodriguez said.

Big Papi in the box

Boston won 8-0 at Philadelphia, though Ortiz didn't do any damage in going 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

But the Red Sox didn't need him, hitting home run after home run, including a grand slam by Hanley Ramirez.

At least Big Papi stayed in the batter's box, part of Major League Baseball's pace of play guidelines. Ortiz sure sped up things in the first inning — he fanned on three pitches.

Plate umpire Gerry Davis said there were no rubs with the new rules.

"We didn't have any problems at all. The hitters were excellent. I didn't notice anybody having any problems," Davis said.

Clocks kept pace

New clocks at every ballpark counted down the time between innings, trying to hurry along pitchers with their warmups.

Three times, Buchholz grounded out to end an inning. That meant he had to get back to the dugout on the third base side, get his glove, head to the mound and loosen up.

Buchholz was a little long, but he tried.

"It's difficult to get out in that time. He worked hard at doing it. It's the only thing we had the whole game," Davis said. "I actually noticed that he was hustling and thanked him for doing it."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fresh start for new-look Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium

Masahiro Tanaka had an impressive rookie major league season in 2014, including a pair of wins against the Toronto Blue Jays.

• The Japanese right-hander made his major league debut for the New York Yankees at Toronto last April 4, allowing two earned runs and striking out eight in seven innings.
• On June 17, he held the visiting Jays to one earned run over six innings, fanning 10.
• And on Sept. 21 at Yankee Stadium, Toronto managed just one run in 5 1/3 innings off Tanaka in a 5-2 loss.

There will be at least two noticeable differences Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium when the Blue Jays and New York open the 2015 season.

First, Tanaka's fastball velocity has been down this spring as a result of him choosing to pitch through a partially torn ulnar collateral (elbow) ligament last season rather than have Tommy John surgery.

"I'm throwing more [two-seam fastballs] that could make the velocity go down a bit," he told reporters through an interpreter in New York. Tanaka also throws a cutter curve, changeup and devastating split fastball.

Tanaka's four-seam fastball used to sit at 94 miles per hour and reach as high as 96. Now, the pitch sits in the high 80s and tops out about 91.

That's music to the ears of Blue Jays cleanup hitter Edwin Encarnacion and leadoff man Jose Reyes. Encarnacion is 4-for-8 with a double against Tanaka, while Reyes has a home run among his three hits in six at-bats against the Yankees hurler.

"He knows how to pitch," Reyes said of Tanaka to reporters after the Sept. 21, 2014 game. "He knows when he needs to use his pitches."

Also, the Blue Jays will field a much different lineup than the one Tanaka saw in last year's opener and in September.

Six rookies are on this season's roster, including centre-fielder Dalton Pompey and second baseman Devon Travis, along with catcher Russell Martin and third baseman Josh Donaldson. Left-fielder Kevin Pillar, who will bat eighth Monday, wasn't in the starting lineup for the 2014 opener along with Martin and Donaldson, who hit 29 home runs for Oakland before arriving in the Brett Lawrie trade.

Colby Rasmus, Adam Lind, Ryan Goins and Jonathan Diaz batted second, fifth, eighth and ninth against Tanaka on April 4, 2014. Martin, Donaldson, Pillar and Travis, a former Detroit Tigers top prospect who hit .359 to win a starting job this spring, will bat in those spots on Monday.

Drew Hutchison takes the mound for the Blue Jays after sporting a 1.50 ERA in five spring appearances, including four starts.

He won 11 games in 2014, his first full season after Tommy John surgery. Hutchison struggled against New York, going 2-4 with a 5.17 ERA, which is slightly above his 4.80 career mark at Yankee Stadium.

He has fared well against Brett Gardner (4-for-17, .235) and catcher Brian McCann (.222, two homers) but leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury has owned Hutchison with five hits in 11 at-bats.

Gardner and Ellsbury had a disappointing spring training, hitting .186 and .200, respectively, and combining for two extra-base hits in 94 at-bats.

As a team, Toronto was 3-7 at Yankee Stadium last season, a marginal improvement from the Blue Jays' 0-10 showing in 2013.

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will start at designated hitter Monday, his first regular-season game following a one-season drug suspension. The three-time American League MVP enters the season fifth all-time with 654 career home runs, six behind Willie Mays. He hit .267 in 19 pre-season games (47 AB) with three homers.

The Yankees also open a new campaign without a No. 1 closer after David Robertson, who signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent. Free agent Andrew Miller joined the Yankees in December and is expected to start the season sharing the closer's role with Dellin Betances.

Brett Cecil has succeeded Casey Janssen, now in a setup role with Washington, as Toronto's closer.

Toronto finished third in the AL East last season with a 83-79 record, while New York was second at 84-78.

Former Yankees manager Joe Torre, now executive vice president of baseball operations for Major League Baseball, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 1:08 p.m. ET, with game time scheduled for 1:10 p.m.

The remainder of the three-game series will be played in the evening, with Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey matched up against fellow right-hander Michael Pineda on Wednesday and lefties Daniel Norris and CC Sabathia hooking up Thursday. Both games are slated for 7:05.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

2015 Toronto Blue Jays: Team on the rise?

The sun has been shining over the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training facility for the better part of four weeks, their pre-season performance has been encouraging and the manager believes it's a more talented group than recent years.

So, that must mean the longest current playoff drought in baseball at 21 years will end in September, right? Well, they must still play the games.

With Toronto's April 6 season opener at Yankee Stadium in New York approaching, we offer a look at a Blue Jays outfit that will try to improve upon last season's 83-79 record and third-place finish in the American League East.

Young starters

Pitchers Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez will open the season in the starting rotation after fellow youngster Marcus Stroman was lost for the season in early March after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

Norris, who turns 22 on April 25, has had an outstanding spring coming off arthroscopic surgery last October on his left (throwing) elbow, posting a 2.41 earned-run average in his first five starts with four walks against 21 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Norris has only 6 2/3 innings on his major league regular-season resume but he fanned Boston slugger David Ortiz for his first strikeout (see below) and appears ready to make an impact in 2015.

Early in spring training, the 22-year-old Sanchez appeared destined for the-then vacant closer's job, but the Stroman injury thrust him in the mix for a starting role. The right-handed fireballer has looked sharp in exhibition play, limiting the opposition to a .217 batting average and issuing only four walks over 18 1/3 innings covering five starts through March 29. In a late-season audition with the Jays last September, Sanchez flashed a 1.09 ERA, albeit in 33 innings, allowing just 14 hits.

Cecil the stopper

Brett Cecil seems to have put an inflamed shoulder from earlier this spring in the past, appearing in minor league games and blanking the opposition in his first two spring training innings as he will take over the closer's role to start the season after Casey Janssen signed with Washington as a free agent in the off-season. Cecil possesses a borderline unhittable curve that allowed him to post a 2.70 ERA in 53 1/3 innings in mostly a set-up role last season.

Managers tend to have a righty bias with stoppers – only six lefties have notched 20 saves the last five years – but the 28-year-old Cecil is fit for the role. In each of the past two seasons, he is one of only four lefties to work 50-plus innings and boast a least a 50 per cent groundball rate and 25 per cent strikeout rate. Cecil converted five of seven save chances in 2014.

Bullpen overhaul

Toronto ranked 25th among 30 teams in bullpen ERA last season at 4.09, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a different look in 2015. Closer Cecil is a lock, as is Aaron Loup as the left-handed setup guy, and likely Todd Redmond as the long man. Former Milwaukee hurler Marco Estrada, who could spot start, pitch in long relief or the seventh inning, will break camp with the Jays. Others in the mix include lefty Colt Hynes and righty Liam Hendriks along with 20-year-olds Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna.

Castro and Osuna, at camp as non-roster invitees, have emerged. It wouldn't be far-fetched to see Castro, who has reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun this spring, get save chances this season. Osuna, who had Tommy John surgery a little more than a year ago, could be the first Mexican pitcher on the Toronto roster since Esteban Loaiza in 2002.

Canadian content

The Blue Jays will open the season with three Canadians on the roster after third baseman Brett Lawrie (Langley, B.C.) was dealt to Oakland over the winter in the Josh Donaldson trade: catcher Russell Martin (Montreal) and outfielders Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) and Michael Saunders (Victoria). Martin will become the 21st Canadian to play for the Blue Jays after Pompey appeared in 17 games last September. At 386 games, pitcher Paul Quantrill of Port Hope, Ont., holds the record for most games played as a Blue Jay by a Canadian.

Other new faces

Pompey and second baseman Devon Travis could make it six rookies on the roster with Norris, Sanchez, Castro and Osuna. Then there's waiver claim Justin Smoak, formerly of the Seattle Mariners, and Donaldson. Smoak started slowly this spring but has swung the bat better since March 20 and could be used in a part-time role as a first baseman/designated hitter. Donaldson takes over from Lawrie at third and is coming off a second consecutive 158-game season in which he hit 29 home runs and 98 RBIs after 24/93 totals the previous campaign.

Toronto let Colby Rasmus walk as a free agent (he laters signed with Houston) and traded Anthony Gose to Detroit because it envisioned Pompey playing in centre-field each game. The 22-year-old hit .317 across three minor league levels last season and was promoted to the big leagues in September. He has shone at the plate in 18 games this spring with a .327 average and .364 on-base percentage through March 29. The switch-hitting Pompey can be a big asset in steals after recording 43 steals in 50 attempts in the minors last season and is considered an above average fielder who covers a lot of ground (see below).

Rookie 2nd sacker?

A groin injury to Maicer Izturis and a strong spring at the plate opened the door for Devon Travis to start the season at second base. Acquired from Detroit in November for outfielder Anthony Gose, the 24-year-old Travis hit .352 in his first 54 at-bats this spring and appears to have beat out defensive stalwart Ryan Goins for the job. Travis hit .298 with 10 homers for double-A Erie last season and was named the Tigers' minor league player of the year in 2013.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jays' Russell Martin emotional in Montreal homecoming

Video

Toronto catcher receives standing ovation, tearful as dad plays anthems

CBC Sports Posted: Apr 03, 2015 9:31 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 03, 2015 9:53 PM ET

One word can best describe Russell Martin's return to his hometown of Montreal: emotional.

Martin was in town with the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a two-game exhibition against the Cincinnati Reds at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, beginning with Friday night's 2-0 loss. 

It started with Martin's father — Russell Martin Sr. — performing both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems on the saxophone that drew tears from the Blue Jays catcher.

Martin then received a standing ovation from the near 50,000 fans in his first at-bat.

He also got another loud roar after he was taken out of the game by Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Martin signed a 82-million contract with the Blue Jays last November. But he's all for baseball returning to native Montreal.

"I don't know if it's possible but if so, it would be fantastic," he said. "The crowd that came last year and the one they're supposed to get this year shows that there are people who want to see baseball."

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays exhibition games draw huge crowds in Montreal

Josh Donaldson homered and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Saturday before a crowd of 50,231 at Olympic Stadium.

The Blue Jays earned a split of a two-game set with Cincinnati that drew a total of 96,545. The fans rallied, hoping to show Major League Baseball they want big league ball back after losing the Expos to Washington following the 2004 season.

"It's a really cool experience," Toronto starter Daniel Norris said. "And it's a good tuneup for what's to come."

Norris allowed one hit in three shutout innings on the final day of spring training.

Donaldson homered in the second off Anthony Desclafani.

Toronto scored four times in the fifth off relievers Kevin Gregg and Chris Carpenter. Jose Reyes, Edwin Encarnacion, Donaldson and Dioner Navarro each drove in a run.

The Blue Jays decided on their last 25-man roster spot before the game, opting to keep Liam Hendricks and go with an eight-man bullpen and sending infielder Ryan Goins to Triple-A.

The total attendance for the Reds-Blue Jays topped the 96,350 that saw Toronto and the New York Mets play a two-game exhibition series in Montreal last season.

"We really enjoyed it last year and I think everyone was looking forward to coming back," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "And the games are worthwhile because it's a lot like the season."

"Big crowds. You get out of that hot sun in Florida and play some night games. I thought it was a big success and we appreciated it all."

Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, who grew up in Montreal, was taken out of the game in the seventh inning — by his dad.

The crowd cheered when Russell Martin Sr., a musician who played the national anthem on a saxophone on Friday night, walked out to the mound to make the move.

"It was one of those moments," the Toronto catcher said. "Already the week has been fantastic."

"The big moment with the national anthem, and just being in Montreal. It's my dream coming to life, really. Then my dad shows up on the field. That was a pretty cool moment."

Another ovation came when Cincinnati's Chad Wallach, the 23-year-old-son of popular former Expos third baseman Tim Wallach, came up as a pinch hitter in the eighth.

"It just showed me how popular my dad was here," he said. "I know it was because of my dad but I really appreciated it."

"I know they're trying to get baseball back and it's probably a huge help to get big crowds out here. If it's like that most nights, I think it would be a great place to play."

Also getting cheers were ex-Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston and infielder Roberto Alomar and former Montreal Expos star Tony Perez during a pregame ceremony.

Expos star Tony Perez were honoured in a pre-game ceremony. ... Regina's Stu Sheruwater was home plate umpire.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jays' Russell Martin emotional in Montreal homecoming

Video

Toronto catcher receives standing ovation, tearful as dad plays anthems

CBC Sports Posted: Apr 03, 2015 9:31 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 03, 2015 9:53 PM ET

One word can best describe Russell Martin's return to his hometown of Montreal: emotional.

Martin was in town with the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a two-game exhibition against the Cincinnati Reds at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, beginning with Friday night's 2-0 loss. 

It started with Martin's father — Russell Martin Sr. — performing both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems on the saxophone that drew tears from the Blue Jays catcher.

Martin then received a standing ovation from the near 50,000 fans in his first at-bat.

He also got another loud roar after he was taken out of the game by Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

Martin signed a 82-million contract with the Blue Jays last November. But he's all for baseball returning to native Montreal.

"I don't know if it's possible but if so, it would be fantastic," he said. "The crowd that came last year and the one they're supposed to get this year shows that there are people who want to see baseball."

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

More than 46,000 fans in Montreal watch Reds blank Blue Jays

It was a magic night at Olympic Stadium for Russell Martin and the Toronto Blue Jays, even if they didn't get the victory.

Skip Schumaker drove in two runs with a double in the eighth inning as the Cincinnati Reds downed the Blue Jays 2-0 in an exhibition game Friday night before a crowd of 46,314 that seemed only to have eyes for local favourite Martin.

An obviously keyed up Martin went 0 for 3 at the plate and was replaced at the start of the eighth inning by Dioner Navarro, but there were a handful of ovations for the nine-year major league veteren who grew up in Montreal.

"It's not many times you get recognized in your hometown like that," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "Why wouldn't he? He's probably the most celebrated local boy, and now he's playing with the Blue Jays.

"He'll have another good day (Saturday) and then we'll be off to start the real season and things will probably settle back to normal."

It is a second straight year that fans flooded into the Big O for pre-season Jays games, many for the party atmosphere, but also looking to convince Major League Baseball that Montreal is ready to get a team back after losing the Expos in 2004.

The teams meet again on Saturday afternoon.

While the game was mostly uneventful, it gave fans a chance to show their appreciation for Martin, who signed a five-year $82-million US deal with Toronto in the off-season.

Martin was leaking tears when his father, jazz musician Russell Martin Sr., played the national anthems on a saxophone. And he got a standing ovation as he went to bat in the first inning, only to strike out swinging.

"I definitely wanted to do well, but it ended up that way," said Martin. "I hoped to do something cool, but [Reds starter] Jason Marquis ended up doing something cooler."

It was no easier for Toronto native and Reds' star Joey Votto, who went 0 for 2 and was replaced after five innings.

Martin said some of his teammates were surprise at the crowd reaction, and even that he can speak French.

"It was fun. The fans were sick," he said.

The game was scoreless into the eighth when reliever Aaron Loup walked Ray Chang and Jim Riggleman got to first on an infield hit. Two hitters later, lefty-hitting Schumaker went opposite field with a smash that got through third baseman Munenori Kawasaki for a double.

Ryan Goins opened the ninth with a single for the Blue Jays, but closer Nate Adcock then struck out two and got Jon Berti to pop up for the save.

The games in Montreal don't count in the standings, but pitcher Mark Buehrle said the big crowd will be good experience for the Blue Jays' younger players heading into their regular-season opener Monday against the Yankees in New York.

"It's good to get out of spring training, to play under lights, play a night game," said Buehrle. "It doesn't count, but it means a little more.

"It gets your engine revved up a bit and gets you ready for the regular season. It's a totally different atmosphere. It's kind of like a playoff atmosphere."

Buehrle gave up no runs and three hits in four innings. Matt Boyd, Liam Hendricks, Todd Redmond and Brett Cecil had a scoreless inning each. Loup (1-1) took the loss.

Marquis ceded one hit in five scoreless innings. Burke Badenhop (1-1) got the win.

Marquis and outfielder Marlon Byrd are the only current Reds to have played against the Expos in Montreal.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

2015 Major League Baseball predictions

It's been five months since San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings in relief against Kansas City in Game 7 of the World Series to lead the Giants to their third title in five years after gaining entrance to the post-season as a wild card with 88 wins.

Which teams will reign supreme across the major leagues in 2015? Which clubs are poised to take the next step or falter this season?

It's all here as we project the six division winners along with three teams on the rise and two on the decline.

Division winners

AMERICAN LEAGUE

EAST: Boston — The Red Sox offence may be the most potent in baseball. They have a legitimate leadoff man in Mookie Betts, power from David Ortiz and Mike Napoli and a rookie of the year candidate in Rusney Castillo. Plus, newcomers Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are a threat at the plate. Starting pitching is solid but closer Koji Uehara is hurt to start the season.

CENTRAL: Detroit — The Tigers are our pick to win the division for a fifth straight season. Yes, starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are gone and Justin Verlander is hurt (triceps) but a playoff-experienced roster that includes starters David Price and Anibal Sanchez along with Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes in the middle of the order should come through. Also, expect improved offence from 3B Nick Castellanos and OF J.D. Martinez.

WEST: Los Angeles Angels — L.A. won the division by 10 games last season, but expect a tighter race in 2015. The top of the order is the Angels' strength as leadoff man Kole Calhoun could lead the AL in runs hitting in front of sluggers Mike Trout (see below) and Albert Pujols. Injured Garrett Richards, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson anchor a deep starting staff while closer Huston Street is money when healthy, which he was in 2014 (59 1/3 innings, 41 saves).

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EAST: Washington — How scary good is the Nationals' starting pitching? Well, Tanner Roark, a 15-game winner in 2014, has been relegated to a bullpen role. That's because 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer was signed to a 7-year deal in the off-season. He struck out 252 over 220 innings last year with Detroit and joins Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg to form a lethal 1-2-3 punch. Back-end starters Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez aren't slouches, either.

CENTRAL: St. Louis — The Cardinals, who ranked 10th in the league last year in runs, added 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Jason Heyward (see below) to join veterans Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter in a strong lineup that also boasts Matt Adams and Kolten Wong. The starting rotation is a good mix of young (Carlos Martinez) and older (Adam Wainwight, John Lackey, Lance Lynn). St. Louis is the only team to appear in a league championship series in each of the last four years.

---

WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers — A Dodgers outfit that finished second in runs scored to Colorado last season traded for veteran leadoff man Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick in the off-season and should have rookie 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Joc Pederson in the lineup at the start of the season. Then there's the 1-2 pitching punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke while Kenley Jansen (foot) is sidelined until at least mid-April.

3 teams on the rise

Chicago White Sox: A team that has improved itself by 22 games the last two seasons could be a .500 club for the first time since 2012 after bolstering its lineup with Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera. Workhorse Jeff Samardzija joins a solid rotation with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, while rookie Carlos Rodon could be added for a second-half playoff push. Former Yankee David Robertson is the new closer.

Houston: They're no longer the laughingstock of Major League Baseball, not with the talents of Jose Altuve, George Springer, Evan Gattis and Chris Carter. The Astros could push 81 victories for the first time since 2008 (86) after winning 70 in 2014. Collin McHugh and Dallas Keuchel are legitimate starters and longtime Padres closer-in-waiting Luke Gregerson is the new stopper.

San Diego: It certainly wasn't a boring off-season for the Padres, whose first-year GM A.J. Preller added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Will Middlebrooks, among others, to a lineup that scored the fewest runs in the league in 2014. James Shields fronts a deep rotation that also includes Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy, all of whom have the ability to post 200 strikeouts. The Padres last played in the post-season in 2006.

---

2 teams on the decline

Atlanta: It could be a long season for the Braves, who won 79 games last season but are expected to have Jonny Gomes (six homers in 2014) or Chris Johnson (10) hit in the cleanup position. Proven major leaguers Jason Heyward (St. Louis), Justin Upton (San Diego) and Evan Gattis (Houston) are playing elsewhere so there's little to get excited about beyond starting pitchers Julio Teheran and Alex Wood along with closer Craig Kimbrel.

Tampa Bay: People thought the Rays would compete for a division title in 2014 and they didn't, finishing fourth in the AL East with 77 wins. It won't happen in 2015 either. Pitchers Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly are recovering from injuries and closer Jake McGee is working his way back from elbow surgery. And the batting order? Yikes. Evan Longoria is the lone legitimate power threat while newcomer Steven Souza could surprise in the homer and steal departments.

100-win squad?

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies were the last team to reach the milestone, but would you bet against the 2015 Washington Nationals, who boast outstanding pitching in Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg (see below), Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister? Drew Storen is an effective closer (11 saves in 14 chances in 65 games last season) and an offence with Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman scored the third-most runs in the National League in 2014.

The Nationals are one of eight teams without a 100-win season, a feat accomplished only 97 times in major league history. But on paper, they seem to have as good a chance as anyone to hit the century mark.

Believing the Cubs hype?

There's a new ace pitcher in Jon Lester, new manager in Joe Maddon and a ballpark under renovations. It's a new era in Chicago, but will it translate into immediate success on the field? Remember, the team hasn't won more than 75 games since 2009 or the World Series since 1908, but is beloved in and out of the Windy City.

In fact, Las Vegas is listing the Cubs as 6-1 favourites to win the World Series (favourite Washington is 5-1). Maddon was a two-time AL manager of the year while leading Tampa Bay to a 781-729 mark in parts of 11 seasons. Can he get the most out of Chicago's collection of up-and-comers like Starling Castro, Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant? Maddon did help Tampa to the World Series in 2008. Perhaps 2015 is the Cubs' turn.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays sign pitcher Doubront

Lefthander recently released by Chicago Cubs

The Associated Press Posted: Apr 02, 2015 12:57 PM ET Last Updated: Apr 02, 2015 12:57 PM ET

Left-hander Felix Doubront and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league contract.

The 27-year-old was released by the Chicago Cubs last weekend. His deal with the Blue Jays was announced Thursday.

Doubront has a 28-23 record and a 4.78 ERA in five seasons with Boston and the Cubs, who obtained him from the Red Sox last July 30 for a player to be named that later was announced as minor league infielder Marco Hernandez. Doubront had an 11.57 ERA in four spring training appearances this year, allowing nine runs and 17 hits in seven innings.

He had a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $1,925,000 that was not guaranteed and receives $473,361, which is 45 days termination pay.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

2015 Major League Baseball predictions

It's been five months since San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings in relief against Kansas City in Game 7 of the World Series to lead the Giants to their third title in five years after gaining entrance to the post-season as a wild card with 88 wins.

Which teams will reign supreme across the major leagues in 2015? Which clubs are poised to take the next step or falter this season?

It's all here as we project the six division winners along with three teams on the rise and two on the decline.

Division winners

AMERICAN LEAGUE

EAST: Boston — The Red Sox offence may be the most potent in baseball. They have a legitimate leadoff man in Mookie Betts, power from David Ortiz and Mike Napoli and a rookie of the year candidate in Rusney Castillo. Plus, newcomers Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are a threat at the plate. Starting pitching is solid but closer Koji Uehara is hurt to start the season.

CENTRAL: Detroit — The Tigers are our pick to win the division for a fifth straight season. Yes, starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are gone and Justin Verlander is hurt (triceps) but a playoff-experienced roster that includes starters David Price and Anibal Sanchez along with Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes in the middle of the order should come through. Also, expect improved offence from 3B Nick Castellanos and OF J.D. Martinez.

WEST: Los Angeles Angels — L.A. won the division by 10 games last season, but expect a tighter race in 2015. The top of the order is the Angels' strength as leadoff man Kole Calhoun could lead the AL in runs hitting in front of sluggers Mike Trout (see below) and Albert Pujols. Injured Garrett Richards, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson anchor a deep starting staff while closer Huston Street is money when healthy, which he was in 2014 (59 1/3 innings, 41 saves).

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EAST: Washington — How scary good is the Nationals' starting pitching? Well, Tanner Roark, a 15-game winner in 2014, has been relegated to a bullpen role. That's because 2013 AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer was signed to a 7-year deal in the off-season. He struck out 252 over 220 innings last year with Detroit and joins Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg to form a lethal 1-2-3 punch. Back-end starters Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez aren't slouches, either.

CENTRAL: St. Louis — The Cardinals, who ranked 10th in the league last year in runs, added 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Jason Heyward (see below) to join veterans Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter in a strong lineup that also boasts Matt Adams and Kolten Wong. The starting rotation is a good mix of young (Carlos Martinez) and older (Adam Wainwight, John Lackey, Lance Lynn). St. Louis is the only team to appear in a league championship series in each of the last four years.

---

WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers — A Dodgers outfit that finished second in runs scored to Colorado last season traded for veteran leadoff man Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick in the off-season and should have rookie 20-homer, 20-stolen base threat Joc Pederson in the lineup at the start of the season. Then there's the 1-2 pitching punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke while Kenley Jansen (foot) is sidelined until at least mid-April.

3 teams on the rise

Chicago White Sox: A team that has improved itself by 22 games the last two seasons could be a .500 club for the first time since 2012 after bolstering its lineup with Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera. Workhorse Jeff Samardzija joins a solid rotation with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, while rookie Carlos Rodon could be added for a second-half playoff push. Former Yankee David Robertson is the new closer.

Houston: They're no longer the laughingstock of Major League Baseball, not with the talents of Jose Altuve, George Springer, Evan Gattis and Chris Carter. The Astros could push 81 victories for the first time since 2008 (86) after winning 70 in 2014. Collin McHugh and Dallas Keuchel are legitimate starters and longtime Padres closer-in-waiting Luke Gregerson is the new stopper.

San Diego: It certainly wasn't a boring off-season for the Padres, whose first-year GM A.J. Preller added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Will Middlebrooks, among others, to a lineup that scored the fewest runs in the league in 2014. James Shields fronts a deep rotation that also includes Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy, all of whom have the ability to post 200 strikeouts. The Padres last played in the post-season in 2006.

---

2 teams on the decline

Atlanta: It could be a long season for the Braves, who won 79 games last season but are expected to have Jonny Gomes (six homers in 2014) or Chris Johnson (10) hit in the cleanup position. Proven major leaguers Jason Heyward (St. Louis), Justin Upton (San Diego) and Evan Gattis (Houston) are playing elsewhere so there's little to get excited about beyond starting pitchers Julio Teheran and Alex Wood along with closer Craig Kimbrel.

Tampa Bay: People thought the Rays would compete for a division title in 2014 and they didn't, finishing fourth in the AL East with 77 wins. It won't happen in 2015 either. Pitchers Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly are recovering from injuries and closer Jake McGee is working his way back from elbow surgery. And the batting order? Yikes. Evan Longoria is the lone legitimate power threat while newcomer Steven Souza could surprise in the homer and steal departments.

100-win squad?

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies were the last team to reach the milestone, but would you bet against the 2015 Washington Nationals, who boast outstanding pitching in Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg (see below), Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister? Drew Storen is an effective closer (11 saves in 14 chances in 65 games last season) and an offence with Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman scored the third-most runs in the National League in 2014.

The Nationals are one of eight teams without a 100-win season, a feat accomplished only 97 times in major league history. But on paper, they seem to have as good a chance as anyone to hit the century mark.

Believing the Cubs hype?

There's a new ace pitcher in Jon Lester, new manager in Joe Maddon and a ballpark under renovations. It's a new era in Chicago, but will it translate into immediate success on the field? Remember, the team hasn't won more than 75 games since 2009 or the World Series since 1908, but is beloved in and out of the Windy City.

In fact, Las Vegas is listing the Cubs as 6-1 favourites to win the World Series (favourite Washington is 5-1). Maddon was a two-time AL manager of the year while leading Tampa Bay to a 781-729 mark in parts of 11 seasons. Can he get the most out of Chicago's collection of up-and-comers like Starling Castro, Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant? Maddon did help Tampa to the World Series in 2008. Perhaps 2015 is the Cubs' turn.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers' Verlander lands on DL for 1st time

New

Detroit starter dealing with triceps injury

The Associated Press Posted: Apr 02, 2015 11:34 AM ET Last Updated: Apr 02, 2015 11:34 AM ET

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.

The Tigers said Thursday the 32-year-old right-hander won't be on the active roster for Monday's opener against Minnesota because of tightness in his right triceps. He was scratched from his Thursday start and no timetable has been announced for when he will pitch again. Verlander has been throwing lightly in an attempt to work out the tightness.

Detroit will make his DL stint retroactive, making it possible the six-time All-Star could start the sixth game of the season, on April 12 at Cleveland.

Verlander is 28-24 is two seasons since starting a $180-million US, seven-year contract, slowed by core muscle surgery before the 2014 season. Winner of the 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, Verlander was 124-65 before the deal.

Detroit said reliever Bruce Rondon also will start the season on the DL because of tendinitis in his right shoulder.

Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

2015 Toronto Blue Jays: Team on the rise?

The sun has been shining over the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training facility for the better part of four weeks, their pre-season performance has been encouraging and the manager believes it's a more talented group than recent years.

So, that must mean the longest current playoff drought in baseball at 21 years will end in September, right? Well, they must still play the games.

With Toronto's April 6 season opener at Yankee Stadium in New York approaching, we offer a look at a Blue Jays outfit that will try to improve upon last season's 83-79 record and third-place finish in the American League East.

Young starters

Pitchers Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez will open the season in the starting rotation after fellow youngster Marcus Stroman was lost for the season in early March after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

Norris, who turns 22 on April 25, has had an outstanding spring coming off arthroscopic surgery last October on his left (throwing) elbow, posting a 2.41 earned-run average in his first five starts with four walks against 21 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Norris has only 6 2/3 innings on his major league regular-season resume but he fanned Boston slugger David Ortiz for his first strikeout (see below) and appears ready to make an impact in 2015.

Early in spring training, the 22-year-old Sanchez appeared destined for the-then vacant closer's job, but the Stroman injury thrust him in the mix for a starting role. The right-handed fireballer has looked sharp in exhibition play, limiting the opposition to a .217 batting average and issuing only four walks over 18 1/3 innings covering five starts through March 29. In a late-season audition with the Jays last September, Sanchez flashed a 1.09 ERA, albeit in 33 innings, allowing just 14 hits.

Cecil the stopper

Brett Cecil seems to have put an inflamed shoulder from earlier this spring in the past, appearing in minor league games and blanking the opposition in his first two spring training innings as he will take over the closer's role to start the season after Casey Janssen signed with Washington as a free agent in the off-season. Cecil possesses a borderline unhittable curve that allowed him to post a 2.70 ERA in 53 1/3 innings in mostly a set-up role last season.

Managers tend to have a righty bias with stoppers – only six lefties have notched 20 saves the last five years – but the 28-year-old Cecil is fit for the role. In each of the past two seasons, he is one of only four lefties to work 50-plus innings and boast a least a 50 per cent groundball rate and 25 per cent strikeout rate. Cecil converted five of seven save chances in 2014.

Bullpen overhaul

Toronto ranked 25th among 30 teams in bullpen ERA last season at 4.09, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a different look in 2015. Closer Cecil is a lock, as is Aaron Loup as the left-handed setup guy, and likely Todd Redmond as the long man. Former Milwaukee hurler Marco Estrada, who could spot start, pitch in long relief or the seventh inning, will break camp with the Jays. Others in the mix include lefty Colt Hynes and righty Liam Hendriks along with 20-year-olds Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna.

Castro and Osuna, at camp as non-roster invitees, have emerged. It wouldn't be far-fetched to see Castro, who has reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun this spring, get save chances this season. Osuna, who had Tommy John surgery a little more than a year ago, could be the first Mexican pitcher on the Toronto roster since Esteban Loaiza in 2002.

Canadian content

The Blue Jays will open the season with three Canadians on the roster after third baseman Brett Lawrie (Langley, B.C.) was dealt to Oakland over the winter in the Josh Donaldson trade: catcher Russell Martin (Montreal) and outfielders Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) and Michael Saunders (Victoria). Martin will become the 21st Canadian to play for the Blue Jays after Pompey appeared in 17 games last September. At 386 games, pitcher Paul Quantrill of Port Hope, Ont., holds the record for most games played as a Blue Jay by a Canadian.

Other new faces

Pompey and second baseman Devon Travis could make it six rookies on the roster with Norris, Sanchez, Castro and Osuna. Then there's waiver claim Justin Smoak, formerly of the Seattle Mariners, and Donaldson. Smoak started slowly this spring but has swung the bat better since March 20 and could be used in a part-time role as a first baseman/designated hitter. Donaldson takes over from Lawrie at third and is coming off a second consecutive 158-game season in which he hit 29 home runs and 98 RBIs after 24/93 totals the previous campaign.

Toronto let Colby Rasmus walk as a free agent (he laters signed with Houston) and traded Anthony Gose to Detroit because it envisioned Pompey playing in centre-field each game. The 22-year-old hit .317 across three minor league levels last season and was promoted to the big leagues in September. He has shone at the plate in 18 games this spring with a .327 average and .364 on-base percentage through March 29. The switch-hitting Pompey can be a big asset in steals after recording 43 steals in 50 attempts in the minors last season and is considered an above average fielder who covers a lot of ground (see below).

Rookie 2nd sacker?

A groin injury to Maicer Izturis and a strong spring at the plate opened the door for Devon Travis to start the season at second base. Acquired from Detroit in November for outfielder Anthony Gose, the 24-year-old Travis hit .352 in his first 54 at-bats this spring and appears to have beat out defensive stalwart Ryan Goins for the job. Travis hit .298 with 10 homers for double-A Erie last season and was named the Tigers' minor league player of the year in 2013.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More