More on The Move



More on the Move, because that seems to be all anyone wants to talk about on sports radio and on the internet.


I agree with something Sid Seixeiro tweeted. Don't think I've ever said that before.

John Gibbons massaged and finessed his way to a Game 4 victory. He watched what happened in Houston before the Blue Jays/Rangers game and how a big lead suddenly evaporated. Gibbons decided he wasn't going to mess around and made the call.

I don't think it has anything to do with Gibbons not trusting the knuckleball. (No, Rosie DiManno, it doesn't matter how many different people you ask or how many times you rephrase the question, neither Dickey or the skip are going to answer that question the way you want to. Stop trying to manufacture a narrative when there is a good story presenting itself organically.)

I also don't think it means he doesn't trust David Price in a Game 5 situation. Yes, Price laid a bit of an egg in the first game, but he's still David Price. Does it matter that much if he contributes to a win in Game 4 over Game 5? Both are elimination games. Not winning Game 4 means Game 5 never happens.

And some callers into The Jeff Blair Show this morning were concerned with what kind of impact this would have on Price re-signing. If this makes Price not want to play for Toronto, Toronto was never going to sign him. He's just not that into them.

These guys aren't so fragile that they don't understand what is at stake. It means checking your ego at the door and doing what leads to winning.

Grant Brisbee, usually my favourite writer around, wrote something I didn't agree with completely. (I don't know what's going on....agreeing with Sid? Doubting Brisbee?)

It's not that weird a decision to make because of Marcus Stroman. Stroman's performance since coming off the DL has allowed Gibbons to be a little creative.

Also, I'm a little sick of the "Jays emptied the farm" narrative. They shed key pieces to get Price, but there is a lot of talent left. They still have Alford, Pompey, Vlad Jr., various arms. And (hello!) Marcus Stroman, who was rumoured to be the price for a lot of front line, established pitchers.

Yeah, it's all a little scary and a little weird, but when moves like this work out, isn't this how legends are born?

Of course, it could all blow up in Gibby's face on Wednesday, but I've decided to trust in Stroman.

By the way, here's Stroman's presser about his Game 5 start.  This kid has worked so hard to get to this moment. (Side note, the boy's hair is amazing here. A-ma-zing. Also, saying he has a chip on his shoulder while sporting that hair.)


I know the Toronto Maple Leafs have ruined pro-sports discussion in this city, but I do wish we could all come together (hashtag). 



Best news:
At least he knows we grow up playing baseball in Canada.

Speaking of the Harold Reynolds silliness,  everyone knows how dumb it was. When I went to the Canadian Baseball HOF induction ceremony in the early summer, something really stood out. The museum itself is up on a hill and baseball fields are in the valley below. The induction ceremony was in a tent in the valley, too.  The event celebrating baseball in Canada and acknowledging how both Canadians and foreign players (in this case Puerto Rican and Dominican) influenced the game in this country was surrounded by kids playing baseball on those surrounding diamonds. Before, during and after.

Also, hi Darrin Fletcher. (and Pat Borders.)

I miss Fletcher in the broadcast booth. He used to describe AJ Burnett's changeup as "down right unneighbourly." He also used to say "hee haw" when someone struck out looking and I enjoyed imagining him saying that to himself when he was catching.