MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays

Recap: Rays 5, Blue Jays 3; Controversial Bullpen Management Aids in Jays Late Loss

In a similar fashion to last night’s game, the Blue Jays lost after holding the lead into the late innings. This game was not determined by a controversial umpires decision, but rather a controversial decision by John Gibbons. Josh Donaldson hit a three-run homer in the 3rd inning, which turned out to be the only offense […]

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Baseball is Back: Rays Series Preview

Toronto Blue Jays @ Tampa Bay Rays April 3rd – April 6th For the first time in 163 days, real Blue Jays baseball is back, and it’s so incredibly exciting. Even for this first series alone, there’s so much to look forward to: Marcus Stroman’s quick pitch, J.A. pppp’s return to the team, and Aaron Sanchez’s […]

MLB: Spring Training-Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays

How to Beat PECOTA With the Blue Jays

This season, Baseball Prospectus’ editor-in-chief, Sam Miller, will be curating an entertaining game called Beat PECOTA. If the idea doesn’t already appear self evident, allow me to explain. For the completely uninitiated, PECOTA is the projection system employed by Baseball Prospectus. PECOTA forecasts many things about a player’s future performance, including BP’s in-house stats: True […]

MLB: Houston Astros at Toronto Blue Jays

How the Blue Jays Can Keep Aaron Sanchez in the Rotation

Aaron Sanchez has officially made the Blue Jays rotation, as we (almost) all agree he should have. Yet no sooner than the announcement was made than it was swiftly followed by disclaimers about how his innings need to be closely monitored and it’s not certain he’ll remain in the rotation all year. I think it’s […]

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How the Blue Jays Can Emulate the Rays Pitching Success

The 2016 season opens for the Blue Jays in Tampa Bay against the Rays, and it’s an interesting coincidence, at least in the purview of this article, given the way that the new Toronto front office appears to be constructing its pitching staff. It’s certainly not a bad strategy to mimic; despite getting just 24 total […]

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Revisiting J.A. Happ’s Offseason Contract

When the Blue Jays signed J.A. Happ to a three year, $36 million deal in late November, the reaction from the fan base was mixed. Happ was a familiar face for Jays fans; they had seen him bounce in and out of the rotation over two-and-a-half mostly forgettable seasons. Both injuries and ineffectiveness kept him […]