John MacDonald Hits a 3 Run Homer and Jays Win. Two Very Unusual Happening.

by Tom Dakers on Sep 8, 2009 11:47 PM EDT in Toronto Blue Jays Game Recaps

When we were at the games in Seattle during batting practice John McDonald was pulling every pitch down the left field line and most of the balls went over the wall. Safeco isn't a small park and I was impressed that he could hit the ball out so consistently and generally all within 15 feet of the foul poll. Anyway, tonight he did the same thing I watched him do in Seattle, but it was when it counted, with 2 guys on base.

We only scored in one inning tonight, 6 runs in the 6th. McDonald had the big hit but there were other big moments. Jose Bautista and Adam Lind singled. Vernon Wells fouled off 4 pitches before walking. Kevin Millar walked. Edwin Encarnacion slugged a single right through the third baseman and Johnny Mac homered. 5 hits and 2 walks that inning. I read somewhere that most times winning teams score more runs in one inning than the loser scores in the game, I believe it.

Mac had 3 hits on the game but the other two were bloop singles that were lucky to fall. Bautista and Encarnacion had two hits each. Randy Ruiz was the only one in the team to go 0 for. But he did drive home a run with a sac fly.

Ricky Romero had to fight through a rough first three innings 3 innings, but he went 6.2 innings, gave up 7, 3 walks and struck out 4. He left with a runner on but Jesse Carlson got the 3rd out on a strikeout. He's been great lately, used too much but pitching great. Scott Downs pitched a good 8th and Jason Frasor got the save.

Jays of the Day are Johnny Mac (.319 WPA) and Edwin (.157). Bautista and Millar get the honorable mention. Millar did well with a hit and a walk. And in consideration of that I will make no editorial comments about him. Suckage Jays are Ruiz (-.129) and Scoot (-.120). I don't think it is fair for either, Ruiz had the sac fly and Scoot singled and stole a base, but numbers are numbers.

E5 made as nice a play as you are ever going to see at 3rd today, if he keeps making plays like that we are going to have to find him a new nickname.

Tomorrow Carl Pavano (11-11, 5.09) goes against the Jays and Roy Halladay (14-8, 2.98). Let's score some runs again guys. I really really would hate Doc to lose to Pavano.

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Where is Hayhurst and Roenicke

I recall that Roenicke pitched many good innings recently, why was he not activated by Cito in the past few games? Also what happened to Hayhurst? Why is he not pitching?

by Jason Z on Sep 9, 2009 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

Hayhurst pitched the day he was called up.

Has been a few games for Roenicke, not sure why. Cito has his favorites and he runs with them. Joe Torre does the same thing, picks the guys he likes and runs them into the ground. I can understand why, but I’d like him to share the innings out.

by Tom Dakers on Sep 9, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions

It may be a case of confidence returning for E5 (or perhaps it’s the Butterfield effect). I thought the first few games with the Jays he was jittery. It would be nice if he could have a hot streak with the bat to finish the year. It would give the Jays options.

by siggian on Sep 9, 2009 12:27 AM EDT reply actions

It might be Butterfield. I thought the first time I saw him that his feet didn't always seem to know what to do once it got the ball

today he was perfect.

by Tom Dakers on Sep 9, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

The key with Encarnacion is that he’s got an accurate arm, but it’s as strong as you’d normally want in a 3B. So he really needs to use his whole body to power the throw. The first few games, he seemed to be throwing off his heels a lot, which makes it really tough to be accurate and quick to the bag. Vaguely, he reminds me a little of Russ Adams in the sense that he’s got a pretty good glove, and seems to have good range, but needs to compensate for the arm. Adams never learned how, Edwin might.

I also wonder if the wrist problems are factoring in more than we think. He might be gripping the ball a little differently, which can really throw off your accuracy until you adapt to it.

by dexfarkin on Sep 9, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions

sigh

And another edit: but it’s not as strong as you’d normally want in a 3B

by dexfarkin on Sep 9, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

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