The Melky-less Jays try and win a game in Anaheim. Last Sunday Todd Redmond faced the Astros and recorded ten strikeouts. The Anaheim lineup will provide a different challenge tonight and a truer test for Redmond. With JA Happ almost ready to come back Redmond is competing with Esmil Rogers and Josh Johnson to see who keeps their spot in the rotation.

It was another pitcher named Josh who inspired this exercise, in the wake of another disappointing season of under-achievement.

Josh Towers. We owe him so much.

Ricky Romero was solid over six innings of work tonight. Right behind him was Sean Nolin who pitched well over five innings. Gabriel Cenas had two homeruns down in the GCL and Dwight Smith Jr. was on base eight times tonight as Lansing played a doubleheader. In all, the affiliates were 5-4.

Josh Johnson (29, RHP, 1-7, 6.08) tries to show his last 3 games were flukes (13 2/3 IP 19 ER 4 BB 17 SO 6 HR) while the Angels hope Garrett Richards (25, RHP, 2-4, 4.33) is Dr. Jekyll (2 of last 4 games were 0 runs allowed) rather than Mr. Hyde (other 2 of past 4 were 5+ runs).

The Jays affiliates were 2-4 on the final day of July, with Lansing's game being postponed due to rain.   Marcus Stroman had his second consecutive double digit strikeout game, but continues to be plagued by the long ball with New Hampshire. 

(Hey, it just sounds better than "Inside the Rogers Centre.")

Anyway, the Jays have been playing full-time at their current digs since the 1990 season. Certain trends have been established. But what Toronto's pitchers have been doing at the Rogers Centre this season hasn't been seen before.

The affiliates split their eight games on Tuesday but were 2-3 in games featuring shutouts. On the plus side, there was an inside-the-park home run that clinched a victory and another Canadian Canadians pitcher had a strong debut in a Vancouver uniform.

Can Buehrle continue his run as the Jays best starter? In April he looked like he was washed up.

The affiliates wound up on the right side of a 4-3 record Monday night. Triples were the key to two victories, including one that helped lead to a walk-off win.  A BC pitcher and a hitter tried to give the BC team a win but they came up short.

Off to the west coast and 10 PM (EST) baseball (ick).  Esmil Rogers (27, RHP, 3-4, 3.74) vs A.J. Griffin (25, RHP, 9-7, 3.84)

The farm was 2-5 on Sunday, with the only two wins coming from Bluefield.  Bluefield won both games of a double header, thanks to excellent pitching from Jario Labourt, and Alberto Tirado. 

Todd Redmond (28, RHP, 1-1, 4.43) for the good guys,  Jarred Cosart (23, RHP, 1-0, 0.60 over 15 IP 2 starts) for the Astros. 

Kyle Drabek was almost perfect as he set the stage for a Dunedin win. Ricky Romero struggled for his second straight start. The Bisons put together a comeback against Jose Valverde but couldn't get all the way back. Three Lansing pitchers combined on a three hitter as the Lugnuts won. The GCL Jays were held to three hits but that was enough for them to win. New Hampshire were blown out, the bullpen cost Vancouver and Bluefield were rained out.

The GCL Jays were no-hit in their first game but won 1-0. Blue Jays draft pick, Clinton Hollon made his debut in the game with two perfect innings.

It was a six and three night on the farm. Mauro Gomez had all four RBI's in Buffalo's win. Dawel Lugo had 4 hits in Bluefield's win. Dan Klein hit a home run and a double for Lansing as they won. Vancouver scored a run in the eighth to win a close one. Miguel Castro of the DSL Jays recorded 13 strikeouts.

New Hampshire lost in a rout. Dunedin were also well beaten. The GCL Jays were no-hit in their first game, but won, and didn't get a hit until the fifth in game 2.

A bit late, but better than never.  Dickey vs Lyles (4.78 ERA 26-58 BB SO ratio in 84 2/3 IP).