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Happy Canada Day GameThread

By Tom Dakers
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

A number of years ago I went with my parents to England. My dad had always said that he would never go back, it wouldn’t be the way he remembered it. And then, one year they said they were going to go. My wife said I should go with them (perhaps she just wanted to be along for a month). It was a good time, I got to see my uncles and a bunch of other relatives I didn’t know I had. My parents were the only ones from their families who left the country. I enjoyed the trip.

But, I came away thinking how lucky I was that my parents came to Canada to build a better life for their family. I came home with a much better appreciation for my home. Being fair, England was going through a bad economic time, and people seemed depressed. My one uncle had 8 boys, and all of them were either out of work, or working out at very low paying jobs.

Anyway, I came home with a greater appreciation for my home.

My dad says he knew within two weeks that they made the right choice coming to Canada. My mom? Well, it took her longer to decide she liked it.

Today we Glenn Sparkman starting for the Royals. Glenn has a 4.07 ERA in 15 games, 7 starts.

Clayton Richard starts for the Blue Jays. And, well, you know. Clayton had his best start of his season his last time out. Well, maybe not his best start, but his longest start, he pitched 6 innings for the first time this year. He also only walked one batter. Since he’s walked 11.3% of the batters he’s faced, more than he’s struck out, that’s a big step in the right direction.

Today’s lineup. Vlad’s back in. Smoak gets to sit after tiring himself out trotting around the bases yesterday.

Today's Lineups

ROYALS BLUE JAYS
Whit Merrifield - RF Eric Sogard - DH
Nicky Lopez - 2B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - 3B
Alex Gordon - LF Lourdes Gurriel - LF
Hunter Dozier - 3B Cavan Biggio - 2B
Jorge Soler - DH Randal Grichuk - RF
Cheslor Cuthbert - 1B Rowdy Tellez - 1B
Humberto Arteaga - SS Teoscar Hernandez - CF
Martin Maldonado - C Freddy Galvis - SS
Billy Hamilton - CF Danny Jansen - C

I was going to put up a poll guessing the number of bad jokes about Canada Day that Buck and Pat make but I don’t think there is a number high enough.

Poll

If the over/under on Blue Jays runs is 5 I’d take the

This poll is closed

  • 77%
    Over
    (31 votes)
  • 22%
    Under
    (9 votes)
40 votes total Vote Now

Poll

The Jays will score a run that is not driven in by a home run

This poll is closed

  • 84%
    Yes
    (33 votes)
  • 15%
    No
    (6 votes)
39 votes total Vote Now

Poll

Clayton Richard will pitch

This poll is closed

  • 12%
    1-3 innings
    (5 votes)
  • 39%
    3 to 5 innings
    (16 votes)
  • 41%
    5-6 innings
    (17 votes)
  • 7%
    6+
    (3 votes)
41 votes total Vote Now

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