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Mark Hendrickson is going to make two or three starts (at least) in Syracuse. Jeff Tam is also headed to AAA, and Doug Davis has been "designated for assignment," but it's doubtful there will be much interest in him from other teams. Josh Phelps is on the 15-day DL with back spasms. Jayson Werth returns to the Toronto bench as the seldom-used 25th man, until Mike Bordick rejoins the team, but three pitchers have been called up, and they all have a decent chance to stick.

I think they're going to give John Wasdin, one of the best starters in the PCL so far this year, an audition in the rotation beginning tomorrow, while Corey Thurman and Dan Reichert will work out of the bullpen. One of them (or Scott Service) will give way when Pete Walker is reactivated. The Jays will need effective relief tonight, as it's unlikely that Cory Lidle, in his present form, will pitch a complete game. In fact, six decent innings would be a very pleasant surprise.

Ramiro Mendoza isn't going to pitch a shutout, either. He was a shocking winner over his former team in his first start, but still has a 6.02 ERA and questionable stamina. With the roof closed, this one could be a shootout. The Sox are relaxed and confident, with nothing to lose as they go for a huge road sweep. After two heartbreaking losses, we'll see how the Jays bounce back. One minor lineup change -- Tom Wilson's behind the plate; I'm sure Greg Myers was shaken up by last night's collision.
Game 92: New Faces | 8 comments | Create New Account
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_Spicol - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 08:01 PM EDT (#97984) #
One minor lineup change -- Tom Wilson's behind the plate; I'm sure Greg Myers was shaken up by last night's collision.

Cerutti confirmed that he's got a bum thumb.
Coach - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 08:24 PM EDT (#97985) #
Lidle got shelled in the fourth (another walk, his fourth of the night, followed by four straight hits) and the Red Sox now lead 5-1. Wells' 22nd HR is the bright spot so far for the home team.
_Jabonoso - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 08:55 PM EDT (#97986) #
Is Lidle hurt? I bet somebody in the 500 level will notice it before they stop giving him the ball...
_Spicol - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 08:57 PM EDT (#97987) #
To be honest, I had a second when this thread was first posted where I misread the title and thought Coach called it "New Feces". Oddly, that's exactly what this game is turning out to be. Or, maybe more accurately, "New Faces, Same Feces".

I'm normally a positive person, I swear. But lately, I'm seeing sloppy play and I can't excuse sloppy play.

Corey Thurman looks pretty good. Intense. Sweaty. Nice movement on his pitches.
_Lurch - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#97988) #
I don't think the Thurmanator will be back to AAA if he pitches like that.
_Edward Butcher - Thursday, July 10 2003 @ 10:37 PM EDT (#97989) #
I see definite room for optimism after tonight's loss, thanks mainly to the performance of the bullpen. Service has actually been an effective pitcher this year, as he was again tonight, and if Thurman can pitch like he did tonight then the Jays have two pretty good set-up men to go along with two lefties (Kershner and Miller) who have at least been effective in getting left-handed batters out. Lopez isn't bad either. All they're really missing is a closer, which Politte might solve if he can come back and pitch like he did last year. I'm not saying this bullpen is great or anything, but it might be decent enough to keep the Jays in contention.

I'm also waiting to see how the new rotation (with Wasdin and probably Walker) works out before counting the Jays out of the playoffs. After getting swept tonight things might not look so good, but somehow I think Toronto is still going to make one more run at the Red Sox and Yankees.
Coach - Friday, July 11 2003 @ 08:10 AM EDT (#97990) #
At the risk of disappointing those for whom bashing Richard Griffin is a reflex, the Star columnist has penned a reasonable and informative piece about the bullpen and the latest roster moves.
_John Neary - Saturday, July 12 2003 @ 11:28 PM EDT (#97991) #
You know, I was defending Cory Lidle on a recent thread, but I'm going to retract that.

Lidle's 2003 stats:

IP $H $BB $K $HR
April/May: 81.1 .276 .047 .162 .018
June/July: 44 .347 .078 .097 .041


That's a walk rate up 65%, a home run rate up 134%, and a strikeout rate down 41%. Could be a fluke or a slump, but...

Jabonoso, I'm with you. Considering how many Blue Jays have mulishly tried to pitch through injuries this year and last, my index of suspicion is heightened whenever someone's effectiveness falls off. I think Lidle's hurt.

On the other hand, Aquilino has looked sharp recently, so perhaps we were all wrong about him.
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