The Blue Jays Played a Game Today (Sort Of): Tuesday, March 14th
By Cam Lewis
7 years agoDespite their ninth-inning rally, the Jays came up short against the Red Socks today. You know the drill: Since they lost it totally doesn’t matter and is just a bullshit spring game, which absolutely isn’t the case when they win. So fuck it!
Here are some of the things that mattered:
- Joe Biagini got the start today, though he isn’t going to be used as that sixth starter in Triple-A like some figured he might. Anyways, Biagini had himself another strong outing, going two innings, scattering a couple of hits, a walk, collecting two strikeouts, while giving up two unearned runs thanks to a Melvin Upton error. He’s now thrown 7 2/3 innings over spring, while surrendering just one run, picking up right where he left off last season.
- I mentioned above Biagini isn’t going to be used as a starter, but the team has suggested they’re going to stretch him out and have him pitch multiple innings in more of a swing role rather than the predictable seventh or eighth inning slot. That makes sense considering he has a starter’s arsenal, and as he’s shown so far in spring, he can do more than just come in with one or two pitches like most traditional relievers.
- Casey Lawrence came in and pitched a sort of clean inning, allowing a walk and a hit but no runs. For the spring, he’s tossed nine innings while surrendering just one run. Good enough to crack the team? Maybe! But probably not. Lawrence has showed good enough to be a depth, innings muncher in the bullpen this season, but unfortunately for him, Alex Anthopolous isn’t running the team anymore, meaning there’s actually bullpen depth to work with. That said, Lawrence has certainly worked his way into the conversation for a mid-season call-up, which is a great accomplishment for a guy who was recently considered a non-prospect.
- Ryan Borucki continues to impress in his pursuit of the second lefty role in the Jays bullpen. He had yet another spotless inning with a couple of strikeouts, and still hasn’t allowed a run in spring. Unfortunately for him, Aaron Loup has also looked solid, and the Jays will likely roll with experience. Though, based on Loup’s last couple of seasons, he’ll have a short leash, and either Borucki or lefty Tim Mayza could scoop up that role and run with it mid-season.
- The only guy who had a rough outing, to speak of, was Danny Barnes, who allowed three hits and two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. He had some nice stints with the Jays last season, including a surprisingly-clutch save against the Astros, but hasn’t impressed in spring, and likely won’t make the cut come April.
- Barnes picked up the “L” in the game today, as the Blue Jays ninth-inning rally came to an end when someone named Emilio Guerrero who apparently exists struck out on three pitches with the bases loaded.
- Kevin Pillar didn’t get a hit today, but he picked up TWO walks in three plate appearances. Not one, but two! Two walks! In one game! For Kevin Pillar! *cop siren emoji*
- Pillar stated a few weeks back that he was trying to work on his approach, and wants to cut down his swings and misses, and as much as we all gawked about it from the safety of our marble pedestals (basements), he has done exactly that. Pillar has had an excellent spring, and has probably done enough to deserve a shot in the leadoff hole. Better than Zeke, right?
- Melvin Upton Jr. hit a solo home run in the first inning. Hopefully he can run into a few pitches come regular season? He also struck out once. Speaking of strikeouts, Justin Smoak ONLY struck out once today! And he got a base hit! One-for-three with only one strike out? That’s like hitting for the cycle for a normal player!
- Anthony Alford clubbed a triple, displaying both his extra base pop and speed in one sequence, which was probably exciting but it wasn’t on TV so I couldn’t tell you.
- Otherwise….. Bleh! Pretty dull day on the offensive side of things. The Jays only had seven hits, almost rallied in the ninth inning, but didn’t, and ultimately fell to 5-11-1 on the spring.
- Oh! Elsewhere in the swamps on Florida, Devon Travis and Josh Donaldson each appeared in a minor league game today, in which they were the DH, didn’t field (obviously), and didn’t run the bases either. But here are some clips and pics for your viewing pleasure:
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