So close. I thought he was going to get it going into the ninth.
Magnificent!
I only hope this is a sign of things to come, because this is the Dustin McGowan we've been waiting for. Marcum and McGowan in the middle of the rotation for the next 5 years is looking better and better every day.
McGowan looked as disappointed as I'd ever seen someone after pitching a complete game, one-hit shutout. It was nice to see Halladay rush up and be one of the first to pat him on the back.
Far more experienced pitchers have fallen apart after losing a no-no. McGowan showed a lot of poise finishing off the game. It was one hell of a performance.
Far more experienced pitchers have fallen apart after losing a no-no. McGowan showed a lot of poise finishing off the game. It was one hell of a performance.
I'm sorry, it was my fault. I changed to the bigger TV... my wife watched the ninth... I turned up the volume.. I wasn't wearing my lucky socks. Whatever it was, I did something to jinx him. I apologize.
Great game Dustin!
Great game Dustin!
Fantastic performance today. This is going to give him a boost of confidence for the rest of the year.
Not to put a damper on things, but Barfield might be as bad as Carter. I take back anything I've ever said or thought about Mulliniks/Tabler/Fletcher. :)
Not to put a damper on things, but Barfield might be as bad as Carter. I take back anything I've ever said or thought about Mulliniks/Tabler/Fletcher. :)
You can't blame this one on me! (I was in the park for the Roberto Kelly game and the Bobby Higginson game.)
I'm usually there on Sunday afternoons, but not this week. I'm not sure whether I should be relieved or disappointed.
I'm usually there on Sunday afternoons, but not this week. I'm not sure whether I should be relieved or disappointed.
From the little bit I've heard Barfield, I like his commentary. I liked how he yesterday picked apart Thomas' different swing over last year, he did fail to mention Thomas is about 20 lbs heavier than last year...
I was there and it was a fantastic game, but it was so disappointing to see him lose it. I try to not get ahead of myself when seeing pitchers with no-hit lines through four or five innings, but I saw McGowan was on today and began to note the scoreline after the fourth. I wouldn't say I thought he was going to do it, but I was very hopeful after Clark's diving play and after McGowan got Holliday and Helton. While you obviously can't dismiss anyone in the ninth, I was far more concerned with Taveras and the heartbreak of it being broken up with two out in the inning than with Baker. Anyhow, it was a heck of a performance.
I like Mulliniks as a commentator. I was able to come home and watch the ninth inning and heard Mulliniks talk about how McGowan got Baker in both previous at-bats with fastballs, which made me see why McGowan came back with a fastball with an 0-1 count after, I believe, throwing him a slider where he didn't look comfortable.
I like Mulliniks as a commentator. I was able to come home and watch the ninth inning and heard Mulliniks talk about how McGowan got Baker in both previous at-bats with fastballs, which made me see why McGowan came back with a fastball with an 0-1 count after, I believe, throwing him a slider where he didn't look comfortable.
I love the three man attack in the booth. There's a far less chance of saying something stupid as a colour commentator when you have someone else chiming in when you've got nothing. I thought Jesse did well and would like to see some more of him before I committ an opinion. He seemed to give micro analysis of things in the game, whereas Rance had more macro analysis.
Marcum has one more start this month with a reasonable chance at pitcher of the month for June:
22.2 IP, 2W, 0L, 1.15 WHIP, 2.78 ERA, 7.54 K/g
Another win and solid outing on Tuesday, must put him into consideration - not knowing the competition.
You have to give Barfield some time. With very few exceptions, it generally takes years for most former players to become good broadcasters. Even Buck Martinez was pretty lame when he started out. Barfield does provide some useful insights on hitting, as you'd expect from someone who's spent most of his time since retiring working as a hitting coach.
I think we should trade him while his value is high.
yeah, I'm kidding and poking a bit of fun at the people who wanted JP to trade him for almost anything.
Great game and I think we are only seeing the tip of the iceburg. This kid has great stuff and is learning how to harness it. With any luck on the health side I think it's another nice piece to the starting roation puzzle that the Jays left spring training with.
I had butterflies from about the 7th inning on and I was pretty sad when the hit was given up. So close! And Frank Thomas' homer was a moonshot. He looks very comfortable at the plate right now (to quote Rance Mulliniks) All in all this was an excellent series of Blue Jays baseball.
Absolutely outstanding. If ever this team is going to go on a small win streak, now would seem to be the time. We've won the last 3 with our #5, 6 and 3 guys pitching -- and now we face Minnesota without Santana or Morneau. Yeah, Mauer's heating up, but we've also got AJ coming back this week. It's time to feel good. Heck, if the Giants hold on, we'll even be back ahead of the Yankees!
As for the CBC broadcasts, Hughson's clearly a little rusty but he remains one of that network's biggest assets. Nobody calls a better hockey game, as much as the sentimentalist in me loves hearing Bob Cole get excited. The three-man approach, too, is excellent. Without a third man, Rance rambles too much. With Jesse in there, he keeps it concise and colourful. Jesse was an asset in this series because of his knowledge of the NL West, presumably from having watched Josh a lot last year. At Jesse's worst, he recalls Joe Morgan but, thankfully, that didn't happen often. And he's colourful, too. "Time to get the golf swing out" was a favourite of mine this weekend.
And in terms of sheer vocal dynamics, these three are awesome. Hughson's got that rich, matter-of-fact-without-being-heavy quality; Rance has the twang and Jesse brings the bass with a casual cadence. The latter two play really well off of each other -- Way better than Rance does with the ultra-safe Campbell.
As for the CBC broadcasts, Hughson's clearly a little rusty but he remains one of that network's biggest assets. Nobody calls a better hockey game, as much as the sentimentalist in me loves hearing Bob Cole get excited. The three-man approach, too, is excellent. Without a third man, Rance rambles too much. With Jesse in there, he keeps it concise and colourful. Jesse was an asset in this series because of his knowledge of the NL West, presumably from having watched Josh a lot last year. At Jesse's worst, he recalls Joe Morgan but, thankfully, that didn't happen often. And he's colourful, too. "Time to get the golf swing out" was a favourite of mine this weekend.
And in terms of sheer vocal dynamics, these three are awesome. Hughson's got that rich, matter-of-fact-without-being-heavy quality; Rance has the twang and Jesse brings the bass with a casual cadence. The latter two play really well off of each other -- Way better than Rance does with the ultra-safe Campbell.
Ever since his starts in Cleveland and Philly where he was sailing through 3 innings and ran into problems in the 4th, I've noticed a more confident Dustin with a little bit of attitude on the mound. I love how he's throwing off-speed ptiches on any count. Like Big Frank said after the game, his stuff is awesome and he can be a studd pitcher in the future.
As for the 3-headed CBC monster, I loved it! It's great hearing the different insights of Rance and Jesse and I love it when they bring back memoris of the '85 Jays!
I'm looking forward to the road trip!
Regarding the commentary crew, I'd say this is by far the best team the Jays have put together this year. I've always been a fan of Rance's, but there's no denying that he's too introspective to carry the colour man load by himself. That said, I find him to be the most insightful analyst the Jays have; and I've long thought that putting a third man in the booth with him would loosen him up. Barfield in and of himself was ok, I thought. Hughson was the best play-by-play guy they've had this year, much as I like Jamie Campbell-Hughson's an immense improvement over the days when the CBC broadcast meant listening to Brian Williams stumble through nine innings.
As you can tell, I liked the broadcast today-I'd like to see the Jays try to get twenty games a year or so on CBC-I think it would help build the fanbase to have a fair number of games go out over the air.
As far as the game itself went, well, what can you say? I was sweating all through the eighth, though the hit came too quickly in the ninth for the tension to really start building again. I really like what McGowan's done this year, excepting his saloonkeeper sideburns-the rotation's really gone from being a question mark to a strength in just a few weeks' time.
As you can tell, I liked the broadcast today-I'd like to see the Jays try to get twenty games a year or so on CBC-I think it would help build the fanbase to have a fair number of games go out over the air.
As far as the game itself went, well, what can you say? I was sweating all through the eighth, though the hit came too quickly in the ninth for the tension to really start building again. I really like what McGowan's done this year, excepting his saloonkeeper sideburns-the rotation's really gone from being a question mark to a strength in just a few weeks' time.
Terrific outing by McGowan. I'm sure this will go down as the best start by any Jay this season.
Due to the schedule/pitching rotations, the Jays are missing the other teams ace. Jeff Francis didn't pitch this series. After the next 4 game set with the Twins, that makes it 7 games vs. the Twins this season without facing Santana (who hit a triple today!). The Jays avoid Danny Haren vs. the A's and the Jays will avoid Sabathia during the final homestand before the all-star break.
Due to the schedule/pitching rotations, the Jays are missing the other teams ace. Jeff Francis didn't pitch this series. After the next 4 game set with the Twins, that makes it 7 games vs. the Twins this season without facing Santana (who hit a triple today!). The Jays avoid Danny Haren vs. the A's and the Jays will avoid Sabathia during the final homestand before the all-star break.
I, too, will take some responsibility for the Baker hit; shouldn't have
told the Mrs. she might want to come down and watch the end of the
game with me... Sincere apologies to Mr. Burns!
I agree with those who laud the 3-man approach in the booth. I'm mostly pro-Rance and aside from the frequent grammatical weirdness ("should've went" comes up often, unfinished sentences...) my only knock against him is the excessive amount of dead air. Having Jesse around eliminates that, and I think he does have some potential for improvement. And... it was pretty funny when he (rightly or wrongly) contradicted Rance's claim to have been a no.2 hitter for most of the 1985 season.
I agree with those who laud the 3-man approach in the booth. I'm mostly pro-Rance and aside from the frequent grammatical weirdness ("should've went" comes up often, unfinished sentences...) my only knock against him is the excessive amount of dead air. Having Jesse around eliminates that, and I think he does have some potential for improvement. And... it was pretty funny when he (rightly or wrongly) contradicted Rance's claim to have been a no.2 hitter for most of the 1985 season.
This must be the toughest four weeks of the season coming up - three home games.
Minnesota, Seattle and Oakland make up a ten game road streak. Come home for three against the mighty Indians. Then we go to Boston and NY (8 games) coming out of the All Star Break. That's 18 of 21 against playoff contenders on the road, and three at home against the Indians. We'll have to play good ball to end July at .500.
it was pretty funny when he (rightly or
wrongly) contradicted Rance's claim to have been a no.2 hitter for most
of the 1985 season.
They were both right. Mulliniks hit either second or third in 1985, but he had a couple (literally!) more at bats hitting second.
But Moseby, who played every day, both batted third a few more times than Mulliniks and had roughly twice as many at bats as Rance in the two spot.
They were both right. Mulliniks hit either second or third in 1985, but he had a couple (literally!) more at bats hitting second.
But Moseby, who played every day, both batted third a few more times than Mulliniks and had roughly twice as many at bats as Rance in the two spot.
Stuff was great, poise was just as impressive, so many times after losing the no-no it tends to go wayward from there. He's shown flashes of promise leading up to this only for it to be derailed by some not so good starts, which I personally didn't feel he pitched all that poorly in (combination of few adjustments, better luck.. happens to more experienced pitchers than him). I think in a lot of ways this performance puts him back on track as a future top of the rotation starter. Way to go D-Mac.
If you look at the next month, the next 27 games are all against the teams the Jays have to pass to make the playoffs. They're about to start the make-or break section of the schedule-I'm really looking forward to it.
Maybe I missed one, but I believe that prior to the hit the only close play to becoming a hit was the ground ball that Clark made a diving stop on. Everything else seemed really routine.
I think you're right, Pistol. And Jesse pointed out on a couple of times that, until the hit, nobody had hit his fastball hard.
Already a lot of great obsevations on McGowan's game today. Here's what I picked up on.
Even on hitters counts, 2-1 and 3-1 he threw his pitches, just like Doc would do. Low and away and one slider nearly in the dirt inducing swings and K's.
He was masterful today.
There's some good rotations in baseball, but this rotation at the very least challenges for top three in baseball. And two months ago, you'd be shot down for saying such a thing.
This is the exact type of series, the Jays had with the Yankees last year, before they kicked off The Roadtrip From Hell.
The next week and a half will say alot about the team. But the future of the Jays seems to look positive. You can always buy offense, but having a solid 1-4 and bullpen can't always be bought.
This is the exact type of series, the Jays had with the Yankees last year, before they kicked off The Roadtrip From Hell.
The next week and a half will say alot about the team. But the future of the Jays seems to look positive. You can always buy offense, but having a solid 1-4 and bullpen can't always be bought.
The first at-bat of the game was close-Taveras hit a soft grounder to McDonald, who made a great play of it. In the seventh, I thought Lind had misjudged Helton's fly ball, and that it would fall for a hit. Other than those three plays, and obviously Baker's single, McGowan was in complete command.
Funny thing, I listed to the first inning while driving the car and thought wouldn't it be funny if that grounder to short that was almost a hit was as close as they got today? FYI: I think that a lot so it doesn't really mean anything, but still...
I think it was a good thing to lose the no-no for McGowan. He showed he could recover from a major disappointment by finishing it off. Halladay running to him quickly was very good - many of us remember Halladay being one out from a no-no in his rookie season. I'm sure the two of them will talk a bit about it. Wonder if Dave Stieb was around the park today?
I think it was a good thing to lose the no-no for McGowan. He showed he could recover from a major disappointment by finishing it off. Halladay running to him quickly was very good - many of us remember Halladay being one out from a no-no in his rookie season. I'm sure the two of them will talk a bit about it. Wonder if Dave Stieb was around the park today?
So where does this rank in Blue Jay history. Steib's no hitter number 1. Steib's two 8.2 innings without a hit (one perfect) are 2 and 3. Doc' rookie debut was 8.1 innings no hit. What else am I missing?
Royce Clayton is unhappy.
Hard to have sympathy for someone when they're getting outhit by John McDonald.
Hard to have sympathy for someone when they're getting outhit by John McDonald.
On the OPS watch....Thomas up to .817....Vernon cracks 700 at .705....JMac keeps the heat on Vdub at .704.
Steib's two 8.2 innings without a hit (one perfect) are 2 and 3
Stieb actually pulled that off particular trick three times. There were the back to back one-hit shutouts lost with two out in the ninth to close the 1988 season (the Julio Franco game and the Jim Traber game). The following August saw the Roberto Kelly game (retired the first 26 batters) before allowing two hits and a run. Earlier in his career, when he was the best pitcher in the game, Stieb had taken a no-hitter into the ninth against the White Sox, before losing it on back-to-back homers by Law (Rudy) and Little (Bryan).
We also ought to remember September 28, 1982, when Jim Clancy took a no-hitter into the ninth against Minnesota (the Randy Bush game).
And maybe Jimmy Key's game against the Tigers (lost the no-hitter when Brookens singled to lead off the ninth.) Key went 10 scoreless innings for one of the great no-decisions in club history. The Jays won in the 12th when Buck Martinez hit a two run walkoff homer.
Stieb actually pulled that off particular trick three times. There were the back to back one-hit shutouts lost with two out in the ninth to close the 1988 season (the Julio Franco game and the Jim Traber game). The following August saw the Roberto Kelly game (retired the first 26 batters) before allowing two hits and a run. Earlier in his career, when he was the best pitcher in the game, Stieb had taken a no-hitter into the ninth against the White Sox, before losing it on back-to-back homers by Law (Rudy) and Little (Bryan).
We also ought to remember September 28, 1982, when Jim Clancy took a no-hitter into the ninth against Minnesota (the Randy Bush game).
And maybe Jimmy Key's game against the Tigers (lost the no-hitter when Brookens singled to lead off the ninth.) Key went 10 scoreless innings for one of the great no-decisions in club history. The Jays won in the 12th when Buck Martinez hit a two run walkoff homer.
Halladay's near-miss (the Bobby Higginson Game) was 8.2 innings of hitless ball, like Stieb's three nearest misses. It wasn't his debut, though. He'd made that a week earlier against Tampa.
McGowan is the fifth Blue Jay to take a no-hit bid into the ninth (Stieb five times, Clancy, Key, and Halladay). I didn't see Clancy's game, but I did see all the others, generally on TV although I was in the house for two of them (Stieb's fourth near miss against the Yankees, and Halladay's game.) I thought McGowan's was the most impressive of them all, including Stieb's actual no-hitter - with the sole exception of the Roberto Kelly game, which was the most overpowering pitching performance I have ever seen. By anyone. Ever.
McGowan is the fifth Blue Jay to take a no-hit bid into the ninth (Stieb five times, Clancy, Key, and Halladay). I didn't see Clancy's game, but I did see all the others, generally on TV although I was in the house for two of them (Stieb's fourth near miss against the Yankees, and Halladay's game.) I thought McGowan's was the most impressive of them all, including Stieb's actual no-hitter - with the sole exception of the Roberto Kelly game, which was the most overpowering pitching performance I have ever seen. By anyone. Ever.
The Jays are ahead of the Yankees! Happy dance!
I am impressed by Rance Mulliniks' colour commentary. He could be a coach or manager somewhere if he wanted to do it.
McGowan is becoming something special. It's a long way from when I saw him on Blue Jays Camera Day in 2006 - I was able to get great photographs of him because virtually nobody noticed he was there.
I think the sideburns help - they make him look like Dustin McGowan, Dominator, instead of Dustin McGowan, Kid Pitcher.
I am impressed by Rance Mulliniks' colour commentary. He could be a coach or manager somewhere if he wanted to do it.
McGowan is becoming something special. It's a long way from when I saw him on Blue Jays Camera Day in 2006 - I was able to get great photographs of him because virtually nobody noticed he was there.
I think the sideburns help - they make him look like Dustin McGowan, Dominator, instead of Dustin McGowan, Kid Pitcher.
Oh, and Magpie: was Stieb's Roberto Kelly game even more dominating than Kerry Wood's 20K start? If so: whoa.
I think Clemens has also had a couple of starts that might be in the discussion.
Starting pitchers in all of baseball 25 and under. Who has the best pure stuff?
1. Verlander
2. ?
Lincecum? Hughes? Cain?
McGowan? I think so.
1. Verlander
2. ?
Lincecum? Hughes? Cain?
McGowan? I think so.
I dunno-Lincecum's stuff is pretty special, even though I think it's just a matter of time before he gets hurt.
But Dustin's up there, no question. And he appears to be putting it together.
But Dustin's up there, no question. And he appears to be putting it together.
even more dominating than Kerry Wood's 20K start?
I didn't see the Kerry Wood game, so I dunno. I'll bet he threw 130 pitches, though.
Stieb needed just 89 pitches for a complete game with 11 strikeouts. He was ahead 0-2 all night, because a) every pitch was a strike, and b) every pitch was so obviously unhittable that the batters weren't even bothering to swing. There was no point in even trying to hit stuff like that. All sliders and curves (he hardly threw any fastballs that night), and all just absolutely filthy.
As for Clemens, I'd say the highlight of his first season in Toronto was his return to Fenway - after a shaky start (single, single, hit batter) he got out of that early jam allowing just a single run and fanned 16 Boston batters over eight innings, and put the glare on the GM who didn't want him as he left the game. Although his two hit shutout against the Rangers in September, with 16 Ks (new team record) was none too shabby. Gonzalez singled in the 4th, Greer in the fifth.
In his second season, he ran off three straight complete game shutouts in August. In the second of those games, he struck out 18 Kansas City batters in a three-hitter (all singles - Sutton in the 4th, Palmer in the 7th, Dye in the 8th). In his next start, he threw a two-hitter (Ochoa singled in the 1st, Walker singled in the 7th). He only struck out seven that time.
But yeah, that game against the Royals has gotta go up there. Along with Pat Hentgen''s marvellous battle with Kevin Appier in 1994 (14 Ks, 2 hit shutout - Lind singled in the 3rd, Jose doubled in the fifth.) White singled to lead off the fourth, stole second, and scored on a Carter single. Appier struck out 10 himself, but lost 1-0.
I didn't see the Kerry Wood game, so I dunno. I'll bet he threw 130 pitches, though.
Stieb needed just 89 pitches for a complete game with 11 strikeouts. He was ahead 0-2 all night, because a) every pitch was a strike, and b) every pitch was so obviously unhittable that the batters weren't even bothering to swing. There was no point in even trying to hit stuff like that. All sliders and curves (he hardly threw any fastballs that night), and all just absolutely filthy.
As for Clemens, I'd say the highlight of his first season in Toronto was his return to Fenway - after a shaky start (single, single, hit batter) he got out of that early jam allowing just a single run and fanned 16 Boston batters over eight innings, and put the glare on the GM who didn't want him as he left the game. Although his two hit shutout against the Rangers in September, with 16 Ks (new team record) was none too shabby. Gonzalez singled in the 4th, Greer in the fifth.
In his second season, he ran off three straight complete game shutouts in August. In the second of those games, he struck out 18 Kansas City batters in a three-hitter (all singles - Sutton in the 4th, Palmer in the 7th, Dye in the 8th). In his next start, he threw a two-hitter (Ochoa singled in the 1st, Walker singled in the 7th). He only struck out seven that time.
But yeah, that game against the Royals has gotta go up there. Along with Pat Hentgen''s marvellous battle with Kevin Appier in 1994 (14 Ks, 2 hit shutout - Lind singled in the 3rd, Jose doubled in the fifth.) White singled to lead off the fourth, stole second, and scored on a Carter single. Appier struck out 10 himself, but lost 1-0.
So where does this rank in Blue Jay history.
I'm not sure, but here's Halladay's top 5 game scores:
I always liked the 10 inning game, but that was the awful Tiger team. The Yankee game might be the most impressive of the bunch considering the quality of opponent.
I'm not sure, but here's Halladay's top 5 game scores:
* 2-0, 3 hitter against the Yanks (against Johnson in 2005 when Hinske took him yard). Game Score 89.
* 4-0, 2 hitter against the Twins one month later. Game score 93.
* 1-0, 10 inning, 3 hitter against the Tigers in 2003. Game score 90.
* 5-0, 2 hitter against the Indians in 2001. Game Score 91 (and only 83 pitches).
* 2-1, 1 hitter against the Tigers in 1998. Game score 89.
I always liked the 10 inning game, but that was the awful Tiger team. The Yankee game might be the most impressive of the bunch considering the quality of opponent.
I didn't see the Kerry Wood game, so I dunno. I'll bet he threw 130 pitches, though.
Close - 122. I can remember the highlights from it and the break he was getting on his pitches were insane (which may have caused his injuries).
Close - 122. I can remember the highlights from it and the break he was getting on his pitches were insane (which may have caused his injuries).
Dustin's Porkchops are the shizzle!
Oh btw, Congrats Dustin!, on your first career complete game shut out. You can get the no hitter later, lots of time :D
Oh btw, Congrats Dustin!, on your first career complete game shut out. You can get the no hitter later, lots of time :D
Stieb actually pulled that off particular trick three times. There were the back to back one-hit shutouts lost with two out in the ninth to close the 1988 season (the Julio Franco game and the Jim Traber game).
I (vaguely) remember these games. To get 26 of 27 outs and lose it is really tough. Then to do the exact same thing the very next time out is unbelievable. Of course, that made the actual no-hitter a couple years later a little sweeter.
Just imagine McGowan going out in his next start and carrying a no hitter into the ninth and then losing it again. Then imagine it with 2 outs both times. Unbelievable.
(and Julio Franco is still playing!?!)
I (vaguely) remember these games. To get 26 of 27 outs and lose it is really tough. Then to do the exact same thing the very next time out is unbelievable. Of course, that made the actual no-hitter a couple years later a little sweeter.
Just imagine McGowan going out in his next start and carrying a no hitter into the ninth and then losing it again. Then imagine it with 2 outs both times. Unbelievable.
(and Julio Franco is still playing!?!)
Something most forget is that early in 89 Stieb had another close call. Early in the game a ground ball to Gruber was dropped by Kelly iirc and the scorer called it a hit. That was the only hit all game. So in a one year window Stieb came within one out of a no-no 3 times and could easily have had a 4th. If he had done that then I bet he'd have gotten a few more HOF votes (although he still wouldn't have made it).
Great game.
Was nice to see Wells get a 3 run homer. I think he needed that.
The commentary didn't do anything for me. Too "aggressive" maybe?
I don't like hearing predictions about what the next pitch will be. I'd rather hear what the next pitch should be.
It's probably because I'm used to having a pitcher commenting.
This was great pitching no doubts and against a lineup with very intimidating numbers.
Was nice to see Wells get a 3 run homer. I think he needed that.
The commentary didn't do anything for me. Too "aggressive" maybe?
I don't like hearing predictions about what the next pitch will be. I'd rather hear what the next pitch should be.
It's probably because I'm used to having a pitcher commenting.
This was great pitching no doubts and against a lineup with very intimidating numbers.
Notice that McGowan came into today minus the 'stache and soul patch...
I like that. It shows that McGowan is conscious of his own mojo. It's as if, following the Dodger debacle, he said to himself, "okay, I need a change, but nothing too drastic."
A few strokes of the razor and voila! No hitter mojo locked and loaded.
I like that. It shows that McGowan is conscious of his own mojo. It's as if, following the Dodger debacle, he said to himself, "okay, I need a change, but nothing too drastic."
A few strokes of the razor and voila! No hitter mojo locked and loaded.
I get the impression Steib is still pretty bitter about having so many no-hit bids slip away in the ninth inning. I don't blame him, either. At least he threw one, but to be a couple of bounces or one bad pitch away from throwing three or four must be tough to stomach, especially for someone like Steib. John's right in that he probably wouldn't have made the HoF anyway, but his career would be viewed in a very different light by many if he had an additional two or three no-hitters on his resume.
To get to who was resposible for jinxing Dustin, I have to nominate Hughson for introducing the top of the ninth with the line "Dustin McGowan hasn't allowed a hit throught 8 innings" (or words to that effect). I suspect the 2 ex-players in the booth with him were shaking their heads in disbelief
Nah, it wasn't Hughson. He'd been doing that on and off for several innings. Plus, he has to do that-people might be just tuning in.
No, with regret, I have to turn myself in. I woke my roommate, who been working a night shift the night before, after the Rockies eighth. While I was careful not to spell out what was going on verbally, I did show him the row of zeroes on my scorecard, thus ensuring that I'd be marking a few unwelcome ones on it before long.
My humblest apologies.
No, with regret, I have to turn myself in. I woke my roommate, who been working a night shift the night before, after the Rockies eighth. While I was careful not to spell out what was going on verbally, I did show him the row of zeroes on my scorecard, thus ensuring that I'd be marking a few unwelcome ones on it before long.
My humblest apologies.
I have to blame Howarth (I forgot the game was on CBC). Up until the 9th, he and Ashby were very good about simply highlighting the overall line without directly referencing McGowan's No-No. Then, either coming away from the 8th, or going into the 9th, Jerry exclaimed that McGowan hadn't allowed a hit through 8... I new it was done at that point.
I have to blame Howarth (I forgot the game was on CBC). Up until the
9th, he and Ashby were very good about simply highlighting the overall
line without directly referencing McGowan's No-No. Then, either coming
away from the 8th, or going into the 9th, Jerry exclaimed that McGowan
hadn't allowed a hit through 8... I new it was done at that point.
I thought that was "allowed." The accepted rule is that announcers can't actually say the word "no-hitter."
I thought that was "allowed." The accepted rule is that announcers can't actually say the word "no-hitter."
Fair enough. I was just so amused with the way they were dancing around even uttering the phrase "no-hit" that it came as almost a shock when he said it.
agreed, even in the other sports, no matter how much of a "personality" a player is, it takes them a while, I personally enjoyed the Cerutti/Faulds combo, although maybe it was because it was what I grew up with