Some people work very hard

But still they never get it right

Well I'm beginning to see the light

The mid-season point is upon us and the Jays are not where we wanted them to be. The Jays have a losing record, are 4.5 games back of the Yankees and 4 games back in the wild-card. The Jays have played 91 games, they have 71 left. The Jays will need to go 45-26 to finish with 90 wins. Fangraphs projection system believes that 82 wins will get a team into the wildcard game. That seems to be overly optimistic or pessimistic, depending on your point of view. Baseball reference has the same numbers. Both systems give the Jays a 26%-28% chance to make the playoffs. A 40-31 finish will give the Jays 85 wins a decent shot. If the Jays can live up to their pythagorean record from the first half they can do that. But they need shutdown relief pitching and fewer errors.

Full slate of affiliate baseball. No prospects traded, yet.

Eventful day in minor league baseball for the Blue Jays. We had a trade, a major signing, and some encouraging performances down on the farm. Your affiliates went 4-3.

One affiliate was able to clinch a playoff spot, one had an off day, and 4 were able to win.

An ugly start for Jesus Tinoco turned into a memorable night. Dunedin swept a double header. And a look at possible reinforcements for the stretch run.

Now remember the story, we're newly weds hitching a ride to Earth Capital...

Some strong pitching performances overshadowed a lacklustre night for the affiliates hitters. A few players who have been in the MLB had nights to show that they may be back before long. There were several close games, though only one that seemed particularly exciting. Here is your minor league update.

It was Jeff Hoffman night in Dunedin, as the 2014 first round draft pick made his professional debut. I’m telling ya folks, this is the kinda night you circle on a calendar as a minor league baseball junkie. However, like this minor league update, it leaves a lot to be desired.

It seems a lot of us are thinking the same thing right about now...

Box contributor Eephus, who just happens to have my cellphone number, has sent me a text message. In which he asks a question aimed at Older Fellows like myself.

"Did 1999 Doc Halladay look anything like Aaron Sanchez now?"

A whole pile of quick ball games on Wednesday for the affiliates, with some top pitching prospects taking the hill. The affiliates went 2-3. Some bonus stuff as I chatted with Keith Law about a prospect he thinks will be a big leaguer for the Blue Jays. I tried to cleverly weave some Bob Dylan references into this one, but most likely you'll roll your eyes (and I'll roll mine).

The affiliates won two out of three Thursday as Buffalo stormed back for a come-from-behind victory while Lansing stayed ahead from inning one on. Both the Bisons and Lugnuts share identical 14-7 records. New Hampshire had the night off.

The affiliates batters struck out 29 times in 3 games, but managed two wins. Strong pitching performances for both the good guys and the bad guys, as only 11 total runs were scored on Wednesday night. Three right handers in the high minors showed up with strong outings that have them knocking on the Blue Jays door. Here is your minor league update.

Allow myself to introduce, er, myself. My name is Al (better known here as acepinball), and today I’m making my debut on the Batter’s Box roster. It’s a pleasure, as I’ve been a reader here for over 10 years, and it’s good to contribute to what I view as the premiere site for Blue Jays prospect discussion. Thanks to the bauxites who’ve greeted me already. Please forgive any growing pains I have publishing my first few stories. Now let’s PLAY BALL! Or, y’know, WRITE about minor league BALL.