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The Jays finally got to 2013 nemesis Hiroki Kuroda and did so in a big way. Edwin Encarnacion hit his 34th home run and Ryan Goins continued to be the best offensive performer of his generation on the way to any easy win last night and a rare series win against the Yankees.
JAYS LINKS
Jays' bats strike early to take series vs. Yanks - Sportsnet.ca
"Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer and Ryan Goins scored twice as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 7-2 on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre."
Young Blue Jays working hard on defence | Blue Jays | Sports | Toronto Sun
"Early in the afternoon, hours before the start of batting practice, the Blue Jays had their young outfield trio of LF Kevin Pillar, CF Anthony Gose and RF Moises Sierra on the field for outfield throwing practice."
John Gibbons’ future uncertain despite Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos’s support: Griffin | Toronto Star
"Rogers ownership has the ultimate say in whether Gibbons is the 2014 manager, Richard Griffin writes."
Hayhurst: Morneau should be on Jays' radar - Sportsnet.ca
"The Blue Jays do not appear likely overhaul their roster this off-season, but a small move like replacing Adam Lind with Justin Morneau could make a world of difference." No.
Toronto Blue Jays - Draft Day Dreaming - Jays Journal - A Toronto Blue Jays Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
More reporting on the Jays tanking.
Blue Jays stress fundamentals after vote of confidence for John Gibbons: Griffin | Toronto Star
"Blue Jay coaches work with young outfielders on art of outfield throwing, a drill Colby Rasmus could have used this season." Fundamentals. How come they never thought of that before? What a new strategy.
AL EAST LINKS
Jacoby Ellsbury rumors: 'Starting point' as free agent is 5 years, $75 million - SBNation.com
"The price for Ellsbury this winter is expected to start at B.J. Upton and go up from there."
Jon Lester's break shows potential benefit of pitcher vacations - MLB - Tom Verducci - SI.com
"For years I have believed that a smart general manager -- one who is also secure in his job -- would one day pass around a sign-up sheet to his five starting pitchers in spring training: Each one gets a two-week vacation during the season, though never two pitchers at the same time. The theory is that the grind of pitching every four or five days for eight months (spring training and postseason included) requires a mental and physical respite."
What's wrong with Jeremy Hellickson? - DRaysBay
"Jeremy Hellickson matched his career low for innings pitched yesterday afternoon, 2.2 IP with five earned runs. On first glance, Hellboy's had a rough season, spotting an ERA above 5.00."
How do the 2013 Orioles stack up against the magical 2012 Orioles? - Camden Chat
T"he Orioles got lucky, then they got good. Now maybe they're good, but not lucky."
2013 Yankees and baseballs in play - Pinstriped Bible
Vernon Wells really does pop the ball up a comically large percentage of the time.
THE REST OF THE BASEBALL UNIVERSE LINKS
Yasiel Puig effort questioned in Dodgers' win - True Blue LA
"The rookie right fielder was removed from Wednesday's win after just four innings for a lack of preparedness on defense."
The Pirates and History Before History | FanGraphs Baseball
It's hard not to cheer for the Pirates.
On Allen Craig, the Magic Man | FanGraphs Baseball
The man defies logic, so far.
Surging Cardinals still have the same shortstop problem - Baseball Nation
You are allowed to have 1 black hole position player. It's 2-4 that's a problem.
Justin Morneau and the Pirates’ First Base Platoon | FanGraphs Baseball
It's refreshing to read about Morneau but not the Jays.
NON-BASEBALL LINK OF THE DAY
BBC News - University of St Andrews scientists create 'fastest man-made spinning object'
"A team of researchers claims to have created the world's fastest-spinning man-made object."