THEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!

Don't you hate it when the most probable outcome happens?

Game 5 goes tonight ...

so do you have the nagging feeling that Burnett will show the world that he's so ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... clutch?

Post Halloween considerations mixed with general Yankee dislike ...

Which is scarier - the walking dead, or the return of Cito Gaston? Or the inability to tell the difference?

With the World Series about to begin ...

... does it feel like winter where you live too? Brrrr.

ALCS Game 5. What would you give ...

... to see AJ Burnett let the first 4 Angel batters score runs?
What? Really?

Angels make quick work of PapSox

Is it ok to gloat when your favourite team has a sub-.500 record?
Yes, yes it is. Thanks Paps, for giving your worst show when it mattered most.

Yanks in 11

??????????????!!!!!!!!!!! #$#$%@#$&%@

Dodgers 9th inning, 2 out, come-from-behind win

Have you ever been happier to not be Matt Holliday?

Twins are in

'Twas the night before playoffs, and it provided all the excitement possible. 2 things: (1) were you happy to see Raburn get the assist at home to keep the game going? and (2) do you really want Rodney throwing almost 50 pitches over 3 innings?

2 final days (Jays 3 - Orioles 6) (Jays 4 - Orioles 5)

What looked like a very solid end to the season 4 days ago now looks like ... something very NOT solid. So with a sweep at the hands of the mighty Orioles fresh in your mind, who (beside Brandon League and his inability to throw a baseball ... twice) is not coming back?

(Jays 7 - Orioles 13)

So, ... this is a bit of a surprise ... what do you do about all that?

(Jays 12 - Red Sox 0)

True or False - An exact or reasonably similar version of the following exchange definitely occurred before game time today in the Sox locker room:

Boys: What's the broom for?

Francona: Just ... helping the cleaners out. Look, boys, most of you don't even belong in the bigs, but we clinched a playoff spot last night, and the guys who do belong here have played their hearts out trying to win a game over the past week. So since Halladay's up, you'll just have to take one for the team.

Boys: You think we're all getting plugged tonight?

Francona: I didn't mean literally. He might plunk Ortiz -- that Lind thing was a bit obvious. But Roy Halladay probably wouldn't even waste time spitting at most of you.

Boys: He's gonna no-hit us, hey skip?

Francona: We might get lucky ... Youk can shout "swing" for anyone who just wants to close his eyes.

(Jays 8 - Red Sox 7)

Can you think of any better way to send the Sox on their way to the playoffs than by handing them their 5th straight loss (especially when it involves taking their rising star to the bleachers 5 times in the process)? Good luck boys.

(Jays 11 - Red Sox 5)

Ain't it great how no team can match YOOOOUUUUR (late September) 2009 Blue Jays?

(Mariners 4 - Jays 5)

How did this team suddenly get the ability to come back and win close ball games? Am I going to be waiting till next September to see this again?

(Mariners 4 - Jays 5)

What more can you say about that, other than the gibberish that flows from pure adoration?

(Mariners 0 - Jays 5)

So, what, am I supposed to be crying here?

(Mariners 5 - Jays 4)

Do you get the impression that if Wells could actually play into October he'd be worth every penny (though he may never play well enough in June and July to get there)?

(Orioles 3 - Jays 7)

Yes the season has sucked, and yes it's the Orioles, but doesn't that sweep give you a lot to be optimistic about?

(Orioles 5 - Jays 6)

Who'd have thought getting sweet on Encarnacion would pay immediate benefits?

(Orioles 2 - Jays 9)

Hmmm -- I'm not saying he's necessarily the future or anything -- but are you starting to come around on Encarnacion, or is it just hard to dislike a guy who is out there everyday and doesn't have the initials VW? (and I missed another JMac Jack)

(Jays 1 - Rays 3)

1 run over the past 2 games - does this team just suck away any hope of finding some happiness in late September?

(Jays 0 - Rays 4 / 1st inning)

Anybody wanna let me know what happened after the 1st inning?

(Jays 4 - Rays 11)

Dreams of 3rd place crumbled to dust? Also, what the heck happened to ol' reliable Richmond?

(Jays 4 - Yankees 5)

How much more did you like Snider after he put that bunt base hit past Rivera?

(Jays 9 - Yankees 3)

How about if we insert Overbay and his .370 OBP into the #2 slot now, and let Hill and Lind get used to #3 and #4 for the rest of the season?

(Jays 5 - Tigers 6)

According to the good folks on the Tigers broadcast (Rod Allen and Mario Impemba), Cito recently said he would like to protect his best players like Hill and Lind by giving them more time off at the end of the season, but he also feels it's important to field a good team whenever playing contending teams - so which is the priority if he feels one of his players could use a break?

(Jays 2 - Tigers 7)

Did our little 3-game winning streak (it's been more than a month) leave you feeling PUMPED?

(Jays 8 - Tigers 6)

Is Barajas pointing out to Cito that he plans on playing here for a bit?

(Jays 6 - Tigers 4)

True or False - An exact or reasonably similar version of the following exchange definitely occurred before game time today:

Gaston: I'm afraid your numbers have dropped off a bit, and I've got these young guys who are the future of the club sitting on the bench, so I'm dropping you to fifth in the order to send you a message, son.

Millar: And what message is that skipper?

(Twins 2 - Jays 3)

I don't know what to make of this ... was there some "managing" going on there?

(Twins 4 - Jays 1)

Something in the stars causes Jeter to tie Gehrig's hit record at almost the same instant that Halladay gives up a 2-run double in the ninth inning, or could these two once-in-a-lifetime occurrences happening together possibly be a coincidence?

(Twins 3 - Jays 6)

How did I know JMac would get a jack, and why do I always miss them when they happen?

(Twins 6 - Jays 3)

Congrats to Aaron. Have you or your significant other ever had to leave the ball game due to being in labour?

(Yankees 8 - Jays 14)

Do you find it weird that a split series at home against the Yankees can feel so satisfying (a sunny island in an ocean of despair)?

(60 - 75??) (Yankees 6 - Jays 4)

When is the last time you looked at the Jays regular season record and realized it was bad enough to be at the same standing position (or worse) in every other division in Major League Baseball?

(same game)

Did you manage to hear David Cone showing some love for the ol' Dome and Jays on YES?

(Yankees 0 - Jays 6)

Disappointed or overjoyed?

(Yankees 10 - Jays 5)

Hmm, with all that needs attention next year, is there room on the credit card for a closer?

(Jays 4 - Rangers 6)

Jays purist, baseball purist, sports purist ... - Do you watch all 9 innings of the home team's games, switch to the playoff races for some excitement, or simply move onto other sports at this point?

(Jays 2 - Rangers 5), (Jays 2 - Rangers 5)

Is it alright to see the Jays lose so long as Texas gains on Boston in the card race, or would you rather see them play spoiler no matter which team benefits?

(58 - 70)????

Just got back into town ... did the Jays win any while I was away? Oh ...

(Rays 9 - Jays 6 - 8th ... ya, i know)

What happened? No seriously, what happened?

I've gotta get out early tomorrow (it's later here) and will be off for a few days. So I had to skip out early on this one, but I saw the whole mess up to this point. I think I want to quit ... everything ... now.

(Angels 3 - Jays 8)

Did you expect the Jays could take a series against the 2nd best team in the AL? (Now to sweep the Rays ...)

(Angles 7 -Jays 4)

Are you finding it a bit hard to care at this point, or are you fully engaged in hopes that the Jays don't go 10 games below .500 ?

(Angels 4 - Jays 5)

While we knew that you just can't leave League in there with baserunners (thanks Blue Jay Hunter) -- what must that home run against Janssen have felt like in the Dome?

(Red Sox 8 - Jays 1)

When is the last time you watched a Jays game in which you wished the 3-4-5 hitters could all be replaced by good players?

(Red Sox 6 - Jays 1)

2 Questions: Have you ever turned off Halladay before he was done? AND ... Who knew Frank Viola sounded dumber than Mayor Quimby (and yet, still more interesting than Jamie Campbell)?

(Red Sox 10 - Jays 9)

Have you seen the future?

(Jays 2 - Rays 5)

Hmm ... ditto last post? Also, don't you wish we had a solid hitting catcher like Gregg Zaun on our team? Oh, and what's with the extra "g"?

(Jay 3 - Rays 8)

Should this one be about how bad League was or how good Janssen was?

(Jays 5 - Rays 2)

Jason Frasor - in command, or on a roll and trying not to lose it?

(Jays 3 - Yankees 4)

Is the fact that the Jays had a bunch of close games with the Yanks a reason to be optimistic about this group, or a reason to believe that losing is simply what this team does best?

(Jays 5 - Yankees 7)

That was predictable, right? Because they're the '09 Yankees and we're just the '09 Jays, right? I should feel OK about that 8th inning?

(Jays 5 - Yankees 4)

Hmmm ... what's more important to talk about: Rios, or 5.2 shutout innings by the bullpen (in Yankee Stadium, no less) ?

(Orioles 3 - Jays 7)

Do you sort of find yourself starting to like Vernon Wells - like, I'm not asking if you'd marry him or anything, but ...?

(Orioles 2 - Jays 3)

Are we doomed to a remainder of the season where we constantly feel we've taken as much as we possibly can, only to be tugged back in by an inspiring win?

(Orioles 7 - Jays 5)

Can the flightless Jays find a way to hold solid in fourth against the powerful Orioles?

(Yankees 8 - Jays 4)

Feeling somewhat depressed about ... well ... everything?

(Yankees 5 - Jays 3)

JP likes where the Jays are headed (mlb.com) - assuming you can tell where that is, do you?

(Jays 7 - A's 2)

Liking those new kids so far?

(Jays 6 - A's 5)

Did some higher power decide that the Jays deserve a win in spite of Cito's best efforts to not give them one?

(Jays 5 - A's 8)

Having Rolen for 1.5 seasons was great, and he will be missed more than most, but how solid is the basis (regardless of the amount of time he was here) for the label of Greatest Blue Jay Of All Time?

(Jays 2 - Mariners 3)

If Halladay is a 2010 Jay, is there then a key piece that makes the difference for this team to actually contend?

(Jays 3 - Mariners 4)

Where, oh where, is Jason Frasor?

(Jays 11 - Mariners 4)

Marcum and Richmond back in the fold - enough of an improvement?

(Rays 1 - Jays 5)

IF Roy Halladay is traded, do you (1) care which team, and if so do you (2) base it on being a team you like, or a team that will most likely put him in the World Series?

(Rays 10 - Jays 9)

Hmmm ... did you scream today?

(Rays 4 - Jays 2)

Did you cry last night?

(Indians 5 - Jays 4)

True or False - An exact or reasonably similar version of the following exchange definitely occurred before game time today:

Gaston: Y'know ... they'll call me crazy for batting you clean-up today, son.

Millar: Got it, skipper!

(Indians 6 - Jays 10 (ten ?))

Do you recall the last time you saw both Wells and Rios provide some offense? If so, when was the last time that they did so while Hill, Scutaro, Rolen, etc. were also providing offense? Or perhaps the last time that the #LOB was half the # runs scored (or even just less than the # runs scored)?

(Indians 2 - Jays 1)

Resentment toward Lee add to that sting, or just a great pitching performance?

(Red Sox 1 - Jays 3)

Series win against the mighty Sox to start the 2nd half enough to give you some optimism, or will it take something else (like a .500 record)?

(Red Sox 2 - Jays 6)

2 days off, and using Macdonald as a replacement in LF -- I know I probably just missed it, but what exactly is up with VW?

(Red Sox 4 - Jays 1)

Epstein - Lugo = Ricciardi - Ryan?

(2 days of Jays Post All Star Game)

Of the many injustices that exist in the game of baseball, which is the greatest?

(All Star Game)

More player votes ... less fan votes ... otherwise, run it as is?

(Day off : Pre All-Star Game)

True or False? : Season, Schmeason ... I want to see Hill in that derby no matter what.

(Jays 2 - Orioles 4)

Did the undeniable fact that the Orioles are actually an amazing team come as a bit of a surprise to you?

(Jays 3 - Orioles 4)

I remember winning, back in the day ... that was awesome ... any idea how we can return to the good ol' days?

(Jays 2 - Orioles 0)

Was there a moment, after that 3 innings of bullpen work, that allowed a single deep breath that you haven't felt for a loooooooong time (loaded question, i know)?

(Jays 2 - Rays 3)

I may be over-reacting, but was that 7th inning the most despicable piece of garbage you have ever observed in your entire baseball-watching life, or do you have anything worse? Please? Huh?

(Jays 9 - Rays 10)

Ok, if you guys get Roy on your team, then we get ____?

(Jays 1 - Rays 3)

It seems that, over the past 2 years, either the absence of VW or the unproductiveness of VW correlates with the Jays winning more games (i.e. Jays best months in '08 were with Wells on DL. Wells in July '09 : OBS - 1.206. Jays W-L in July '09: 2 - 4). Is it simply impossible to be happy with both Vernon Wells and the Jays at the same time?

(Jays 7 - Yankees 6)

JMac goes yard -- is this: (a) a sign of things to come, (b) the last inspiring event in this Jays season, or (c) simply another day at the office?

(Jays 8 - Yankees 10)

Dual Q - Carlson back in acceptable category after last few appearances, and BJ now clearly a lost cause?

(Jays 5 - Yankees 6)

I hate to make more out of any single game than another - but was there something a little more "season-going-downish" about today's loss?

(Jays 2 - Yankees 4)

Anybody a little disappointed that Adams didn't get a good long chance this time around?

(Off Day - Also known at a certain address as "still building my fence" day)

Trying to generalize some elements of batting order psychology: Positions 1-5 mean a bad day will get negative attention, while 6-9 only mean a good day will get positive attention?

(Rays 0 - Jays 5)

Rather than hint at loving RR again, a follow-up on the previous game's question -- where (if at all) would you slot Vernon Wells back into today's line-up?

(Rays 4 - Jays 1)

Cito talking line-up change: Scoots, Overbay, Rolen, Hill, Lind, Barajas, Rios, Wells, Adams (variation based on use of Millar and/or Bautista, but not Chavez)?

(Rays 4 - Jays 1)

Despite the fact that they are AL East and all, do you (a) have a soft spot for the Rays, (b) simply not hate them as much as the Yanks and/or Sox, (c) hate them just as much, or (d) hate them more?

(Phillies 5 - Jays 4)

Despite his flashes of brilliance, is it possible that Brian Tallet is simply an average pitcher?

(Phillies 10 - Jays 0)

Hmmm ... uh ... how about the Prime Minister of Defense raising his average by 50 points today (yeah, that game just sucked)?

(Phillies 1 - Jays 6)

At the risk of sounding repetitive, (I just can't resist showing some love) RR Cool J > Pete Puma?

(Reds 7 - Jays 5)

Did any of the other 7 pitchers that appeared in that game actually pitch better than Shawn Camp?

(Reds 2 - Jays 8)

Many great performances that require attention, BUT, how about projections on one Russ Moore Adams who will turn 29 later this season?

(Reds 5 - Jays 7)

Bye bye Carlson? If so, who comes up?

Much needed off day

Any thoughts on having a form of Win-Loss statistic for non-pitchers that would provide a better measure of their contribution to each game, rather than their contribution in aggregate?

(Jays 9 - Nationals 4)

Which Jays non-pitching player contributed the most toward the team’s win, given the opportunities that he had to do so?

(Jays 3 - Nationals 5)

(Sorry for the exclusionary nature of this one, but it's that day.) Love baseball: (a) because of, or (b) in spite of, your dad?

(Jays 1 - Nationals 2)

Tired of watching this NL stuff yet?

(Jays 8 - Phillies 7)

What will need to happen before you can both (a) watch this bullpen take over a save situation, and (b) breathe normally, at the same time?

(Jays 7 - Phillies 1)

The unbearable light-headedness of being Rios - is being oblivious a net detriment overall?

(Jays 8 - Phillies 3)

Any lingering bitterness aside : Romero > Burnett ?

Off day - and a late start to it apparently

For anyone watching the Yankees in Boston last Thursday: tying run on second, go ahead run on first, none out, bottom of 8 - if you are the Yanks, do you go to Rivera now?

(Marlins 11 - Jays 3)

What to make of speculation that, opposite to Raul Ibanez, Vernon Wells is -- knowingly or unknowingly -- using PDDs (Performance De-enhancements Devices)?

(Marlins 6 - Jays 5)

(Ouch) Anybody got a silver lining?

(Marlins 7 - Jays 3)

In the end, which was worse - the shock of seeing Halladay go down to injury, or the long, slow and repetitive going down of Wells in each plate appearance?

Blame Overbay for last night's loss?

The inaugural question: Why baseball?