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Wednesday Bantering: Liriano arrives

By Tom Dakers
MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The big news today is that Francisco Liriano has arrived, sending Mike Bolsinger Buffalo.

The Jays say that Liriano will start Friday and Aaron Sanchez will start Saturday. The Jays seem to have backed of the ‘Sanchez will definitely be going to the bullpen’ line. Maybe because the players aren’t happy about it.

Russell Martin, among others, didn’t seem thrilled with the plan. Players do tend to be in the ‘win now’ camp, without much regard for the career consequences.

The pitcher called up with Bolsinger, Danny Barnes, did a great job last night. He might end up staying around for a while (at least until we have another game where the entire bullpen is used up). Also nice to see R.A. Dickey have a great start when we really needed one.

In other news, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats benefited from 3 new team members last night. Shortstop Richard Urena moved up from Dunedin and had a 3 for 5 night, including a triple. Harold Ramirez (3 for 4 with a walk and a double) and Reese McGuire (1 for 4 with a 3-run double) all helped the FC to a 9-6 win. I would love to be able to get to a few of their games, they have a bunch of our best prospects.

If you missed it, Ken Rosenthal wrote about the Jays (and Angels) deadline deals. He said that the Jays were ‘relentless’ in trying to get Rich Hill from the A’s (though they failed) and that Shapiro/Atkins seemed to be enjoying the greater financial flexibility they have with the Jays, compared to the Indians, adding $12 million to the payroll at the deadline.

USA Today has a ranking of the MLB Parks. It likely won’t surprise you that Rogers Centre doesn’t fair well, ranking 27th of 30, with only U.S. Cellular (White Sox), Tropicana (Rays) and Oakland Alameda coming in below it. I kind of liked U.S. Cellular. I also think that Rogers is pretty ok, with the roof open and a full house. Top of the list is Petco Park (Padres), one that’s on my to do list.

Bodog sent an email with it’s new odds on the World Series and the top awards. Not surprising, the Jays odds are improving:

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