Summing up the Blue Jays’ “regular” season with three haiku poems

Many injuries.
Unfortunate losing streak.
Got a playoff spot.

Hard-working bullpen
saved their backsides many times
but it took a toll

And there were moments
where potential was witnessed
with a bright future

***

Time to hand out the “awards.”

Best hitter: Teoscar Hernandez

Best starter: Hyun Jin Ryu

Best reliever: Anthony Bass

***

One other item:

It has been a very unique season. It has featured a new, expanded playoff format, which I personally love and hope will continue.

Yes, they only played a third of what they would usually play. Nevertheless and circumstances aside, it is playoff baseball and the Jays are part of it.

Regardless of how far they go, make sure to savour it and do not take it for granted.

ER

Retro Blue Jays: When Buffalo was The Natural for Expansion

Posted by nitroradio99.

Turns out Major League Baseball was always destined for Sahlen Field.

According to a 1989 Buffalo News article, plans were drawn up to expand the seating capacity of the stadium – originally known as Pilot Field – to 41,530 seats.

It was all part of the Queen City’s attempt to land an expansion franchise in the early 90s.

While unsuccessful, we are left with this promotional video hosted by Larry King.

The talk show host – who was also an investor in the Buffalo bid – touts the city as “The Natural” for big-league expansion. A fitting nod to the famous Robert Redford film, which was filmed in Buffalo.

The video is what you would expect from something produced at the time. There’s upbeat, electronic music mixed with fast-paced montages.

30 years later, Buffalo finally got what it wanted under very unique circumstances.

However, if being the 2020 home of the Blue Jays continues to be a positive experience, perhaps the city will be inspired to take another shot at landing an MLB team.

ER

Jays Journaling: Halfway through what’s usually a third of the season

The last thing you need is another mid-season review. So, I’ll save you the trouble by using point form notes.

You’re welcome.

Things I’ve liked

– The powder blue uniforms in action. They can wear them every day for the rest of the season. I won’t stop them.

– The gaiter face coverings that go from the neck up. Stylish and safe!

– Sahlen Field’s transformation into a near-replica of Skydome. Kudos to those who made that happen.

– Jordan Romano and most of the bullpen arms.

– Teoscar Hernandez and Randall Grichuk putting up great numbers at the plate. Can’t forget about what Bo Bichette was doing before getting hurt.

Things I haven’t liked

– Injuries to Bichette, Ken Giles and Nate Pearson. Trent Thornton’s elbow is worrying me, as is Matt Shoemaker’s shoulder. You can add Romano’s finger to the list.

– Players touching or not wearing their masks properly. I know it’s silly, but I cringe when Charlie Montoyo touches his face covering or Pete Walker pulls his mask away from his face to say something. Saw Ryan Borucki do something similar and Vladdy once wore a mask below his nose. There are possibly a lot of school-age kids watching right now; so, it would be nice if the Jays set an example when it comes to proper mask etiquette.

– Fake crowd noise. Don’t know if it makes a difference for the players, but it feels like an insult to my intelligence.

– People declaring Vladdy and Pearson busts. This was happening earlier in the season. Still, is nobody patient anymore? The same goes for those demanding Montoyo be fired. Chill out.

– Games postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks. A bubble setup is clearly a safer way to operate. I pray reports of MLB using a bubble or two for the playoffs are true. Also hope the participating teams are sequestered in warm climates. Don’t like seeing players freeze their butts off.

Things I’m on the fence with

– Seven-inning doubleheaders. I know it’s standard practice in the minors. Truthfully, I’m simply accustomed to day-night doubleheaders.

– Starting with a runner on second during extra innings. I know I shouldn’t like it, but it’s comforting knowing the match will conclude sooner than a typical extra-inning affair with its unpredictability.

– 6:37 pm starts. Figured it would lead to earlier finishes; like 9:00-9:15 pm. Ironically, it seems these start times have yielded the longest games; closer to 3-3.5 hour matches

One other item and it’s an important one

I applaud and fully support all athletes and teams that chose to protest the heinous shooting of Jacob Blake.

Sports do not matter. Jacob Blake matters. Jacob Blake’s family matters, especially his children. Black lives matter. Victims matter. Racism is a horrific disease.

The final word goes to former Jays reliever LaTroy Hawkins.

ER