Monday Bantering: Brett Lawrie to host “50-foot slippery slide covered in ketchup” event

Baseball is odd. Actually, life is odd.

To celebrate National Ketchup Day and Canada’s 150th birthday, Pringles is introducing ketchup chips, finally. With a twist. Since it’s too hard to describe the event, here’s an excerpt from the company’s press release.

While Pringles may be late to the Ketchup Chip party, it's aiming to be the first to achieve a crazy, ketchup-covered world record. In the lead-up to National Ketchup Day (June 5), the Pringles Ketchup Slippery Slide will glide into downtown Toronto on Saturday, June 3, at the corner of Front St. W. and Simcoe St. Beginning at noon, Ketchup Chip fanatics will suit up in ketchup-resistant coveralls, helmets and goggles and hurl themselves down a 50-foot slippery slide covered in ketchup. In addition to expressing their love for Ketchup Chips, participants will help Pringles set a unique world record – "The Most Canadians to Slip Down a Ketchup Slippery Slide in One Hour.

But wait - there’s more!

The Pringles Ketchup Slippery Slide event will be hosted by self-proclaimed Ketchup Chip keener, enthusiastic slider and former Toronto Blue Jays star, Brett Lawrie. "Ketchup Chips are seriously one of my all-time favourite chip flavours," says Lawrie. "Playing in the show means spending a lot of time outside of the true north strong and free, and they're one of the things that I miss most. I'm amped up to see Ketchup Chip fans on the Pringles Ketchup Slippery Slide and be part of such a flavourful celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. It's slide time!”

This is officially the oddest event I have ever heard of. Ever.

J.A. Happ arrived in Toronto’s clubhouse yesterday, likely indicating that he will start Tuesday against the Reds, although the club has yet to confirm anything. He threw a side session Sunday afternoon. While speaking on Sportsnet 590, pitching coach Pete Walker said that the session was “very good. There’s a chance he could pitch (Tuesday).” John Gibbons is expected to make an announcement later today.

Francisco Liriano made a rehab start yesterday for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, throwing 72 pitches and giving up three runs on two walks and three hits. He struck out seven batters, including the first six outs of the game. Here’s what Liriano said after the game:

Gare Joyce of Sportsnet published an article entitled “The Introvert” yesterday, previewing Joey Votto’s career and personality before the Reds travel to Toronto. At just under 3,000 words, it’s a long article, but it’s extremely interesting and definitely worth your time.

In other Joey Votto news, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame will present the Tip O’Neill Award to Votto today.

Former Blue Jay Nolan Reimold announced his retirement yesterday, ending an eight-year major league career. Reimold spent a short 22 games with the Blue Jays, one of three teams he played for. He appeared in seven games for the Arizona Diamondbacks and 451 games for the Baltimore Orioles.

We’ve got another Fun(?) With Numbers article from Gerse (finally), and things are looking up. Now I can at least sound educated when talking about Toronto’s postseason chances.

Follow Mark on Twitter: @MarkColley.