Game Thread: Blue Jays (8-13) @ Orioles (12-8)

Apr 23, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) is out at second base as Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Munenori Kawasaki (66) throws over to first base but cannot complete the double play in the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Jays 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

I really thought that with the NEW LIVE GAME THREAD we launched yesterday here at Jays Journal, that it would really have an impact on the game.  I mean, I REALLY ACTUALLY THOUGHT that the Toronto Blue Jays were going to win last night, because I knew this LIVE GAME THREAD would be a success.  Well, that was it… that was our last chance.  The season’s over.  Last night’s 4-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles was a heartbreaker.  This game is meaningless.  R.A. Dickey pitched well enough to win for 4 innings.  Unfortunately, a 4-run 2nd inning cost him the game.

Today the ball is in the hands of flame throwing and knee-buckling pitcher, Brandon Morrow (though it’s tough to make anybody break quite like Dickey broke Nate McClouth at 1st base last night.)  Morrow’s flame throwing ability seems to be a bit of concern since he was mostly throwing his fastball around 90-91 MPH in his last start.  It made even the tortoise say “Damn!  What’s wrong with this guy?” (If you don’t know the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, read a book will you!)  So I think we’re all looking for Morrow to flip the switch and get back to throwing the 97 MPH missiles with which we’re accustomed.

Speaking of things with which we’re accustomed, wouldn’t it be great if today’s the day the Jays bats get back on track!  The opportunity is there as the Orioles send RHP Josh Stinson to the mound.  Stinson has been a mostly career minor league player since 2006, making only 20 appearances (1 start) over the last 2 seasons.  He’s been very hittable at every pro level.  So essentially the Jays are facing a batting practice pitcher.  Let’s hope they treat Stinson as such and less like making him look like an All Star (a la Chris Tillman.)

So please feel free to comment below and hopefully enjoy the game with me… or feel free to shred me apart, forcing me to trap myself in a glass case of emotion.  Either way, it will be a great time for YOU!  If you can’t follow live because you have something better to do (YOU’RE NOT A REAL FAN!  Just kidding… but really… you’re not a real fan) direct the fury at me on Twitter (@JayOnJays)

News & Notes

RHP Ramon Ortiz was designated for assignment so that the Blue Jays could activate recently claimed LHP Aaron Laffey.

RHP Josh Stinson makes his first start as a Baltimore Oriole.  This is his 2nd Major League start.

Toronto Blue Jays

LF Rajai Davis (R)
2B Emilio Bonifacio (S)
RF Jose Bautista (R)
1B Edwin Encarnacion (R)
DH Melky Cabrera (S)
C   J.P. Arencibia (R)
CF Colby Rasmus (L)
3B Brett Lawrie (R)
SS Macier Izturis (S)

Brandon Morrow RHP

Baltimore Orioles

LF Nate McLouth (L)
3B Manny Machado (R)
RF Nick Markakis (L)
CF Adam Jones (R)
1B Chris Davis (L)
SS J.J. Hardy (R)
DH Nolan Reimold (R)
2B Ryan Flaherty (L)
C  Taylor Teagarden (R)

Josh Stinson RHP

Things That Are Happening

I’ll be posting updates of what’s happening throughout the game below.  Anything of major interest or might happen to be hilarious, might find themselves embedded right here on this thread… If I can handle that  (Cut me some slack!  I’m new!)