Another day at the ball park!

I must say, it is really sad and disappointing that the Toronto Blue Jays are just spiraling and just can't win now. The team is now made up of mostly Triple-A players. They might as well go ahead and temporary rename the Toronto Blue Jays to the Toronto Las Vegas 51s.

The game wasn't fun for the Jays fan. But when you have a team that lost 3 starting picture, your All-Star Home Run champ and a energy spark plug, it is really hard to still compete.

But that's not the point of this blog.

The Blue Jays had a bobblehead doll promotions. I had 2 and of course must complete set. I had a spare ticket and offered it to a twitter friend from Australia. It was actually her second game but who doesn't love getting swag? I asked if she wanted to go to the bobblehead game and she said "what the heck is a bobblehead game?" I should have said "do you want to go to a game where they give out bobblehead."

Yes, I love swags... I am a sucker for freebies...

What's not to love?

You may remember this post from last year...

If not... you just need to see this picture

So, this year's bobblehead promotions were:
Brandon Morrow, Yunel Escobar and Ricky Romero.

First nicely inside their boxes...

Now out of the box

And of course, the back view.

They really made fun of Ricky and his flat brim hat and even Little Ricky Ro had the flat cap and his squinty eyes!

Now I wait for next year's promotion!

UPDATE: I was also reminded of the foul ball we got during the game. It is the first time that I got a foul ball after going to so many games!

How do Yu do?

Have a look at Richard Griffin's blog regard the latest Japanese sensation, Yu Darvish.

Now, it has been reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have won the posting bid for his services.

I am agree completely what Griffin said and here's why...

1) The Blue Jays have gone Back to the Future with the jerseys and they are HOT and SEXY! The Blue is back in BLUE Jays!

2) Darvish is only 25 years old and he will fit in perfectly with the young Blue Jays core of; Ricky Romero, Brett Lawrie, JP Arencibia etc. Win together, lose together but most importantly, building a winning team together.

3) Impressive record in the Japanese league; 93-38... Now, I don't expect Darvish to actually pitch something like 20-5 in 2012 but I think if he pitches 15-10 with an ERA of 3.45 and finishes somewhere in Top 15 in statistical records in AL. That is a win. A rookie of the year award would be the cherry on top.

4) The Blue Jays needs some stability in the 3rd or 4th pitching slot. Ricky is Ricky; defacto numero uno. Brendon Morrow (if he can find consistency) fits nicely right behind Ricky. Then we had Brett Cecil and Kyle Drabeck who both struggled and sent to triple-A. I do hope these guys will be better in 2012. Out of nowhere came Henderson Alvarez and in a short audition looked really good. You can't forget Dustin McGowan. You hope 2 shoulder injuries are behind him and he can regain to 2008 form. If Darvish can be a consistent 3rd starter and get around 15 wins. The Blue Jays may find themselves in the wild card hunt.

5) The most important part is getting the fans back into the seats. The regular 20,000 fans will show up every game but now with Darvish, the Jays can market the team like Seattle Mariners did with Ichiro Suzuki. But the most intriguing part of this is that not only can the Blue Jays capitalize on marketing Darvish to the young Asian community; Japanese, Chinese (including Taiwanese) and Korean, it's possible to even market into the Persian community. Two birds with one stone. It's the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the Blue Jays young and exciting core. Homerun king, Jose Bautista. Home-grown Canadian talent, Brett Lawrie. Home-grown drafted talent, Ricky Romero. So forget the 80s or 90s night, let's go with cultural night. Toronto really is such a vibrant city with many cultures; Japanese (or Asian) Night, Persian Night... There is a large Japanese community that will go and support. Darvish Night special... 10 tickets in the lower bowl for $450 + tax that includes an autograph photo or photo-op. (You say photo ops? Trust me... with his mixed heritage, there will be plenty of girls at the stands! Remember the Eric Hinske commercial?) Hey Rogers!! Are you listening? I've got plenty of ideas! Hire me! Send me a private message on twitter!!

Last year was the wait the Brett Lawrie's arrival... This year is seeing how quick Darvish adjust to MLB and possibly dominate. If the Blue Jays staff manages the way they have been in these past few years, 2012 edition of the Toronto Blue Jays will be quite exciting!

Play ball!

JP Arencibia Autograph Rookie Card

So, last week on twitter, Toronto Blue Jays' rookie catcher JP Arencibia tweeted a contest that Topps, the trading card company, was giving away an autograph rookie card signed by JP himself.

I saw that on my blackberry and though "hey, why not?" and followed Topps... 2 days later, I received a mention from Topps that said I won...

My first thought was, "seriously? I won? Really? Of the 7000+ followers that Topps have, I won?" then I just laughed and replied "Omg... I just won a @jparencibia9 autograph card!! Thank you @toppscards how do I get it now?? Lol"

Well, no joke. I send them my address and today... I saw a package on my door step.


Yes, it was a bit dirty. But that's ok, it's what inside that counts...


Package within a package? UPS? How dare they just leave it at the door step... what if someone just took it?? Topps didn't use the signature required option which would cost an extra $5? But I got it, that's all that matters...


Woah! Talk about a package within a package within a package! Now THAT'S security!


We're finally here!! One autographed JP Arencibia rookie card!

What's really nice about this is that the picture on the card was his first game and his curtain call!

This was his line for the game:

4-5 (2HR, 2B, 1B, 3RBI)

Now, I have a piece of JP... at least, his autograph.

Go Jays Go

Hey, I am not a bandwagonner... I do cheer and watch the Blue Jays. I think the only reason why the Blue Jays can draw no more then 23,000 average is the economy of baseball.

How do you expect to be competitive when you are in the same division as 2 teams that who just buy what they need? But the Jays are moving in the right direction. Oh man... Bautista and Lawrie are the biggest names RIGHT now!

But that's not what this post is about... There have been talks about ways to expand the Blue Jays' fandom. When there was the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Expos, it was Montreal is Quebec's team and Toronto is English Canada's team. Remember 1992 to 1994? I would have LOVED to have seen both the Jays and Expos in the playoff. I wonder if 92 or 93 Jays vs 94 Expos, who really would have won? I really sucked to see the Expos leave...

So, according to the Ottawa Citizen, there is a possibility of a AA team in the nation's capital by 2013 or 2014. And you know this has probably been talked for a while but very likely that Mr. Brett Lawrie is the catalyst of bring the issues to the light.

The Blue Jays have already placed a single-A affiliate in Vancouver and it only make sense to have minor league affiliate in other major Canadian cities.

Previous Blue Jays minor league affiliate in Canada were: Medicine Hat Blue Jays, and St. Catharine's Stompers or Blue Jays.

There had also been Canadian cities that had minor league teams not affiliated with the Blue Jays: Calgary Cannons, Edmonton Trappers, and Ottawa Lynx are the ones I can name off the top of my head. A list of defunct teams here.

So, as mentioned, an AA team in Ottawa I think it's a great idea and why not revive the Lynx? Though I've never seen an Ottawa Lynx game... but why stop there? I think if it's possible, the Blue Jays should find an owner who would purchase Las Vegas 51s and move them to Montreal. But I wouldn't call them the Montreal Expos, unless they're a major league team. So, why not Montreal Royals? I think Bell Media should consider making a purchase and move the team if not Montreal then Quebec City.

Some people might ask "why would Bell work with a rival company like Rogers?" Simple. Just look at the Olympic Consortium. It worked, didn't it? And how did the broadcast of 2010 Vancouver Olympic go? Near perfection. So, why not? And if Bell Media doesn't want in on the action, I'm sure a Quebec company like Videotron might (Although, I'm sure they want the Nordiques back first... I agree).

I don't see a down side. You will have a sound financial backing and have the opportunity to showcase future major league stars. Imagine an AA in Ottawa and an AAA in Montreal/Quebec and baseball fans in Canada would have had the opportunity to see future stars like Kyle Drebek, Brett Lawrie, and Adeiny Hechavarria.

And while we're on the topic of an affiliate in Quebec, the owners would be wise enough to at least teach the players a little bit of français.

I think this would be neat:
AL Toronto Blue Jays
AAA Montreal Royals/Quebec Metros (AA 1971-77)
AA Ottawa Lynx
A Vancouver Canadians

If you can have another team or two in Alberta in the Rookie A ball, then the organization will truly be coast-to-coast.

The Blue Jays have already been coast-to-coast this winter to promote the Jays. I think it's time for the next step to return minor league pro team back to some cities.

Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Day

July 24, 2011 - Roberto Alomar was inducted into Cooperstown, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. He becomes the 3rd Puerto Rican born player and the 1st Toronto Blue Jays to be in the Hall of Fame. In his speech, he spoke fondly of the 5 years he was in Toronto.

July 31, 2011 - The Toronto Blue Jayes honours their great 2nd basement by retiring #12. The last player to wear #12 was Edwin Encarnacion (I did wonder why he suddenly switched to #10 at the beginning of the season... #10 was occupied by former-Jay, Vernon Wells).

Game attendence was 45,629... it was an atmosphere like no others.

Oh, and it was Roberto Alomar Bobblehead day!

So, some in game photos.



The dome was closed when we were getting there at 11am... at about 11:30am, they opened the dome on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.


Ace, the Blue Jays mascot... there was actually Ace Jr. too but was not able to take a picture...


The guests; Carlos Baerga, Cito Gaston, Paul Beeston, Devon White, Candy Maldonado, Duane Ward, Sandy Alomar, Sr., Mother Alomar (forgot her name), Jerry Howarth


Robbie doing it in style... walking onto the field through the crowds. My camera ain't bad... 16x zoom from outfield 3rd base seats.




On to the stage... with RCMP!


#12 is now officially retired.


No other player shall wear #12 in a Blue Jays uniform


He thanks the fans again and again.


We can't forget about the game...


Brandon Morrow was the day's starting pitcher


After a shaky 1st inning, he was on cruise control
7.0 6H 2R 2ER 2BB 11SO
Hm... I forgot about the free slice of pizza we were suppose to get when there's more then 7 strikeouts...


Rajai Davis warming up...


MacDonald and Bautista must be having a dinner conversation...


Just getting ready...


And sitting in the outfield 3rd base side... you can't help but to look at Bautista's ass... he bend down a few times...


And to finish off... Bautista at the bat. Unfortunately, he didn't hit a homerun in this game... but Edwin Encarnacion did and played like an All-Star at 1st base...

Oh yes... and the bobblehead...

That's what 45,629 people came here for... but only 1st 20,000 fans got it. And yes, I got it!

It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Final Boxscore:

FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Texas 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 9 2
Toronto 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 X 7 7 0

Pitchers:
WP - Brandon Morrow (8-5)
LP - C.J. Wilson (10-5)

Home Runs:
Texas - None
Toronto - Edwin Encarnacion (9)

Best Blue Jay ever...

First read: http://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/mlb/bluejays/article/916709

Now, the list/candidate:
Roberto Alomar (1991-95)
George Bell (1981-90)
Joe Carter (1991-98)
Carlos Delgado (1993-2004)
Tony Fernandez (1983-90, ’93, ’98-99, 2001)
Roy Halladay (1998-2009)
Tom Henke (1985-92)
Lloyd Moseby (1980-89)
Dave Stieb (1979-92, ’98)
Vernon Wells (1999-2010)

Next, who I can't comment on: Lloyd Moseby, George Bell and Dave Stieb

Since I've never watched them play, it seems unfair for me to say if they're the greatest or not... .

So, onto the rest...

Roberto Alomar... he'll beat you with the bat, legs and glove. The best second baseman ever to play in the major league and well deserved to be in the Hall of Fame and in a Blue Jays uniform. But when I think about Alomar, I always think of Joe Carter and Devon White. Alomar became the all-star, gold glove player when playing in Toronto and continued his dominance in Baltimore and Cleveland. If I had to pick a player to play second base. Alomar but you have to wonder what would happen if the Jays didn't have the bat of Carter and the leg of White leading off...

Joe Carter... I love Joe Carter. Who doesn't? That smile. That bat. That homerun. That jump. Always a threat to hit the big hit. Best Blue Jay? Best right fielder but there's no Joe without Robbie. They both lead the team to the world series. He was the club record holder and if someone is on base, he'll bring them home.

Carlos Delgado... The player I love slightly more then Carter is Carlos Delgado. He was like a left handed version of Joe Carter without the jump. How could you not love Delgado's smile?? Delgado would be the best player developed in the Jays system. If money wasn't an issue, he probably would have stayed AND he did make Shawn Green and Vernon Wells pretty damn good players. Delgado needed no protector. You give him a nice pitch and he'll whack that baby out of the ball park. Remember that 500 level homerun? Funny how he only reached 42 homerun in a season but still, he's the club's homerun record holder.

Tony Fernandez... how many time has he returned to play for the club? 4 times and on the 2nd time, he got the world series ring. Got to love Tony. He never had the flash of Ozzie Smith but great duo with Alomar in 93. Great switch hitter too.

Roy Halladay... if there was a category for best pitcher in club history, I would put for Roy. Such a loyal and hard working guy. It's really too bad someone by the name of JP couldn't get it done. He should have won more then the 1 Cy Young in Toronto were it not for them injuries ie. ball of the leg. But every 4 or 5 days, you know Roy is going to shut down the opponent and he did it against the Beast of the East. He's already got one Cy Young from the AL and a CY Young from the NL, a perfect game and a no-hitter in his first playoff appearance. My hope is he get his world series ring (which is probably soon), and retire as a Jay (doubtful) and go into the Hall of Fame as a Toronto Blue Jays (hopeful).

Tom Henke... 9th inning, close game, one run lead, in comes Tom Henke. Enough said. Best closer in Jays history.

Vernon Wells... at this stage, I can't put him on the list of Jays elite YET. The last few years, he's been hampered by injuries and this past season, we saw what he can do when healthy. He is a consistent 30HR, 100RBI guy. He's already 2nd on the all-time Jays homerun list just behind Delgado. When Vernon Wells retires and holds all the club's offensive record THEN we can talk about how great he was. But right now, Wells, sorry, you're one of the best players to be developed and play on the Jays team but not great yet.

But you know what's interesting? This would make a great all-time Jays team (minus a 3rd baseman and a catcher but I threw 2 significant names in)...

My batting lineup?

2B - Alomar
LF - Moseby
CF - Wells
1B - Delgado
RF - Carter
DH - Bell
SS - Fernandez
3B - Gruber
C - Whitt

SP - Halladay
RP - Stieb
CP - Henke

UPDATE: Wells was traded to Angels... now he can put on the list of the Blue Jays Greats.

Roberto Alomar is now in Cooperstown

With 90% of the votes, former Blue Jays 2nd baseman, Roberto Alomar will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. One of the most exciting and entertaining players to ever play for the city of Toronto and in Major League Baseball.

He is the BEST 2nd baseman... He will hurt you with the bat, with his legs and with his glove. I look at today's 2nd baseman like Yankees' Cano and if it were not for Roberto Alomar, they would NOT be making amazing plays.

Alomar was the first player to run to the ball, jump, turn and throw in the same motion and he RARELY (almost never) miss where he was throwing.

Although, I think Alomar's finest moment was in the 1992 ALCS vs the Athletics and that homerun off Eckersley - that moment is engrave into Blue Jays fans. The homerun and the 2 hands raised signaled the monkey off the bank.

I never got to watch the 85, 87 or even the 91 Blue Jays. I don't even recall the big trade between the Jays and Padres that brought Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar to Toronto (I was just 7) but I remember being drawn to baseball around September (and probably because it was Toronto and nothing else was on, other then Maple Leafs training camp). I do remember watching the series versus the Atheltics (them with Dave Stewart and HoF Rickey Henderson whom we stole for 1993 run) and the series versus the Braves. It was an exciting time in Toronto.

Then it was the magical 1993 run... Olerud, Alomar Molitar finished 1, 2 and 3 in the batting race and then it was back to the fall classic... first the White Sox then the famous Joe Carter walk-off winning world series homerun.

When you think the best Blue Jays ever... Roberto Alomar comes to mind. And hopefully, he will be the first Toronto Blue Jays to be in Cooperstown.

Although, I personally have always loved Joe Carter more, it wouldn't be the same without Roberto Alomar. Time to get a retro 1992 Alomar jersey!