Blue Jays AL East Recap: Toronto holds their ground

Each week, Jays Journal will take a look at the bigger picture of the American League East to help frame not only where the Blue Jays are in the standings, but why they are there.

Toronto Blue Jays: 70-54
Boston Red Sox: 69-54
Baltimore Orioles: 67-56
New York Yankees: 63-60
Tampa Bay Rays: 52-70

The Jays fought hard every game this week and battled to an even 3-3. After edging out close games in New York, the Blue Jays and Indians battled it out over the weekend as the Indians emerged as the series winners. Despite underwhelming results for the week, the Blue Jays maintained a thin half a game lead over the Red Sox for first place. The Blue Jays get a rest day on Monday.

The Blue Jays’ weekend clash in Cleveland looked and felt like a playoff series. Two division leaders were playing their all every inning.

Despite the heartbreaking late night losses suffered on Friday and Sunday, the Blue Jays have a lot to be positive about. Russell Martin continues to be as hot as ever and is providing ample offence for the Blue Jays. Fransisco Liriano looked excellent in his third start and no decision Friday night. Aaron Sanchez has been sent to the minors between starts in an effort to limit his innings, an unorthodox, yet creative way to keep him in the rotation.

Slugger Jose Bautista should return soon, providing Toronto with an extra offensive jolt, and Kevin Pillar is expected to return for tomorrow’s series versus the Angels.

Final Takeaway:

The Blue Jays will clash with the Angels of Anaheim for the first time this year to open the week, and then play host to the Twins to start the weekend. After a day of much needed rest on Monday, the Blue Jays will look to gain more ground against their AL East foes.

Next: Red Hot Red Sox are just inches behind...

O’s tumble out of first
Baltimore Orioles: 67-56

The Orioles began the week just a half a game out of first. They ended it it in third place and down by two and a half games. Despite the weekend losses to the Jays and Sox, the Orioles had their own problems.

Baltimore went on to lose all but the opening game in their series against the Astros. After an impressive road trip, the Orioles got into trouble by dropping both games against the rival Red Sox. Baltimore then proceeded to get hammered by the Astros who took three of four. In the four-game set, the Orioles were outscored 37-26. Including a 32-13 deficit during the weekend.

The Orioles’ main problem this week was their rotation. It was pounced on by two potent offences, and even ace Chris Tillman couldn’t stop the damage. The rough outings by the rotation only lead to strenuous workloads of the O’s normally top-notch bullpen.

Not counting Sunday’s start by Yovani Gallardo, the rest of Baltimore’s rotation combined for just over 18 innings in 5 games, an average of just over three innings per start. Baltimore will need much better production from their rotation to make it down the stretch.

Final Takeaway:

The Orioles are not out of the woods yet. They will play a home and away set against the NL East leading Nationals to start the week and end the week against the new-look Yankees. With both the Sox and Jays playing favourable matchups this week, the O’s will have to pull together to stay tight in the race.

Next: Baby Bombers still in the mix...

New look Yankees come down to Earth
New York Yankees: 63-60

The Yankees got off to an electric start after the trade deadline, with new talent providing for New York in spades. That spark died down a bit as the Yankees went 3-3 on the week.

Despite holding on to a close home opener against the Blue Jays, they were not able to hold on in a tough three-game set. They rebounded by taking two of three from the Angels to end the week.

New York still remains in the mix for the second Wild Card spot, trailing by only four games. that said Seattle, Detroit, Houston, and Kansas City are all ahead of them on the list.

The Yankees have yet again gotten more progress from their promising core of rookies. Chad Greene may have taken the loss on Sunday night, but the young 25-year-old went six strong innings. He’s just the latest in a line of “Baby Bombers” to make strides for the Yankees. Wild Card contenders or not, the future of the Yankees looks very bright.

Final Takeaway:

The youth movement is alive and well in New York. With so many promising young stars making excellent strides, the Wild Card Race is a mere afterthought when thinking of all the things these players can do for the Yankees in future campaigns.

Next: Raking Rays still making some noise

Tampa Bay shining as spoiler
Tampa Bay Rays: 52-70

The Rays were brilliant this week, sweeping the San Diego Padres, and taking two-of-three from the AL leading Rangers. Tampa Bay’s rotation lead the way, holding the opposition to an average of 2.5 runs all week, an impressive feat against the hard hitting Rangers.

Tampa Bay matched pitching with offence, raking an impressive 43 runs with a run differential of 43-15. The Rays have shown the ability to produce at this rate multiple times, but have failed to do so consistently.

Tampa’s season might be over, but the solid start from their young rotation and dominance of their offence painted a picture of what the Rays might look like in the future. Logan Forsythe returned from the disabled list, and provided immediate impact for Tampa Bay. Progress on all ends is a welcome sight for the Rays, and they will look for more as they build for the future.

The Rays have now played spoiler for two weeks in a row, they will have the biggest opportunity to ruin a rival’s hopes this week. Tampa Bay plays the Red Sox seven times in the next 10 days.

Next: Sanchez, front office handling unusual move well

Final Takeaway:

If the Rays look anything like they did against the Rangers this weekend, the Red Sox are in for a closer series than they think. With former Ray David Price taking the mound Monday, you can bet the Rays won’t make it easy.