Bics vs. Jays II

Good signs for the struggling Jays offence. Rios doubled into the left field corner in the first. Overbay doubled to left-centre in the second. Wells lined a single over second base in the third and Rolen showed his tremendous baserunning instincts in the same inning, lining a ball that was cut off before it got to the corner in left, but hustling into second base when McCutchen looked too long at Vernon heading to third. Rolen didn't hesitate around firstt, making it into second without a throw. Unfportunately the Big Hurt struck out with runners on second and third and one out. His average is now approaching right calf status. Stairs doubled in two runs.

Stairs was ecstatic about Canada's Olympic quialifier, as both a New Brunswicker and a teammate at the World Baseball Classic of Stubby Clapp and some of the others. He knew the team's won-lost record and that they finished first in Taiwan, but wasn't aware how they just edged past Germany 2-1 in 10 innings in the finale. Perhaps the boys had been celebrating the win over Korea all night, which would be understandable.

Speaking of Cuba, it's interesting that Livan Hernandez has signed with the Twins and is facing the Jays tomorrow. Years ago, when Livan was fresh off the raft, he was feted and wooed by Gord Ash in Toronto. Gord took him to the best Cuban restaurant in T-O, which didn't quite cut it with the highly sought after free agent. He chose the Marlins and Miami where Cuban cuisine is on every street corner.  Now late in his career, he signs with Minnesota. I'm not sure the Cuban population is much bigger in Minneapolis or St. Paul than it is in the GTA. But in the words of another Toronto columnist, "It's a living."

Halladay completed his five innings in an efficient 63 pitches. In his final frame, Aaron Hill dove to his right on Neil Walker and to his left on Brian Bixler, coming up with no ball but a mouthful of dirt. Then Doc made the defensive play of the game, fielding a bunt on the third base side, spinning and throwing to Rolen for the force.

Gotta go talk to Doc. Blog at ya later.