Blue Jays Morning Brew: Three weekends to go!

Time flies when you’re scoring runs. The Blue Jays enter play this afternoon against the Boston Red Sox with just three weekends remaining on their schedule and a full slate of AL East division rivals. R.A. Dickey takes the rare 4:07 ET start against Wade Miley today, but to get you set for another great day of Blue Jays baseball, we round up the best news and stories in the Morning Brew.

The great value of Estrada  –  Marco Estrada‘s value to the 2015 Jays has become a hot topic since he turned in another fantastic start against the Atlanta Braves, and Joshua Howsam dives in to the reasons behind Estrada’s success in this great article over at Blue Jays Plus.

Also on Jays Journal: Could Aaron Loup steal a playoff roster spot?

There’s lots to unpack here. With some of Estrada’s peripheral stats, some have expected the right-hander to regress to his career numbers, but I’m with Josh in believing that these improvements are no matter of chance.

While his excellent changeup, fastball usage and the emergence of a cutter have helped, the article highlights one pivotal change that Estrada has made: his release point. This has meshed beautifully with the spin rates of his pitches, thus turning the Adam Lind trade into a fantastic move. Yes. I admit it.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King
• Toronto Blue Jays: Has the Shift Killed Kevin Gausman’s 2022 Cy Young Hopes?
• Blue Jays: What Yusei Kikuchi’s latest stumble should mean
• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet tells us

that

‘s push for 200.0 innings pitched in 15 straight season could still have some legs. If Buehrle is able to pitch 7.0 innings in each of his three remaining starts, he’ll pass the mark, but manager

made an interesting comment in regards to helping the veteran over the hump.

“You could see him again if it meant a shot at that,” Gibbons said. “That’s an incredible milestone. I don’t want to be the guy that he misses out under.” Buehrle seems like the last man who would want to be spoon-fed a statistic, but it’s possible!

T-Swift meets Blue Jays  –  If you haven’t already, here’s your opportunity to check out the Blue Jays song that’s gone somewhat viral over the past 24 hours. Adam Jesin takes Taylor Swift’s hit “Blank Space”, rewrites it to fit the blue and white, and the results are… Decide for yourself!

Oh My Goins  –  Richard Griffin of The Star examines the incredible defensive performance of Ryan Goins in the absence of Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop, which provided some highlights in Atlanta. His bat has been a surprise, as well, but Goins highlights an idea that has become more prevalent for the Jays in 2015: A run saved is just as good as a run earned.

“In the big leagues, you’ve got to take away hits, too,” Gibbons told Griffin. “It’s not always just good enough to make routine plays unless you’re just a big bopper or something. If you’re really known for your defence, you take away hits.

Next: Prospect Watch: Sean Reid-Foley one to watch in 2016

More from Jays Journal

• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King
• Toronto Blue Jays: Has the Shift Killed Kevin Gausman’s 2022 Cy Young Hopes?
• Blue Jays: What Yusei Kikuchi’s latest stumble should mean
• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role