Series Preview- Lazy Vacation Edition: Toronto Blue Jays (62-52) vs. Seattle Mariners (61-55)
Your Weekly Reminder that David Purcey Exists
Only gaining half a game on the Red Sox to allow their fans some hope before brutally dashing them. I love the strategy. Let’s see if it pays off.
But, uh, let’s maybe beat the Mariners before we get too carried away with that. Hopefully Bichette and Dickerson come back soon, because FUCK, significant injuries are the last thing this team needs right now.
Since I’m actually on vacation right now, I’m keeping this series preview relatively short, much as I’d like to spend my time in the natural splendour of Jasper staring at a screen, contemplating men hitting things with sticks. Regular, non-stripped down series previews will return Tuesday, right before taking on the shitty, shitty Washington Nationals.
Before we get into the upcoming series against the Seattle Mariners, humour me as I plead for engagement. If you like what Jayslam is doing, please consider sharing this post with a pal who may be interested! Or an enemy! I’m happy with either.
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BEST BIRDS
Hitter: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2)
Marcus Semien, George Springer, and Teoscar Hernández all put together extremely strong cases for themselves, but in the end, I went with Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has had a nice second half, with 121 wRC+ since the All-Star Break.
Honourable Mentions: Marcus Semien, Teoscar Hernández
Pitcher: Alek Manoah (6)
Manoah is the clear and obvious choice, trucking along in a historic season among great young Blue Jays pitchers.
This might be the serotonin talking, but with all due respect to Edmonton Cracker-Cats legend Scott Richmond, Alek Manoah is setting a course to not only be better than the other four on the list, but to be something truly special.
Jesus Christ, David Purcey.
Honourable Mentions: Tayler Saucedo, Trevor Richards
BEST BIRD STANDINGS
Hitters:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.- 11
George Springer- 7
Bo Bichette- 6
Marcus Semien- 5
Joe Panik- 2 (now on the Miami Marlins)
Randal Grichuk- 2
Santiago Espinal- 1
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.- 1
Cavan Biggio- 1 (10-day IL)
Teoscar Hernández- 1
Pitchers:
Robbie Ray- 9
Hyun Jin Ryu- 8
Alek Manoah- 6
Ross Stripling- 4 (10-day IL)
Steven Matz- 4
Julian Merryweather- 2 (60-day IL)
Trevor Richards- 1
Anthony Kay- 1 (Triple-A)
Anthony Castro- 1 (10-day IL)
Ryan Borucki- 1 (Triple-A)
SCHEDULE/PROBABLE PITCHERS
Friday, August 13 (10 p.m. EST/8 p.m. MST): Robbie Ray vs. Chris Flexen
Ray:
Flexen:
Saturday, August 14 (10 p.m. EST/8 p.m. MST): Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Yusei Kikuchi
Ryu:
Kikuchi:
Sunday, August 15 (4 p.m. EST/2 p.m. MST): Steven Matz vs. Logan Gilbert
Matz:
Gilbert:
THE OPPOSITION
Pythagorean Record: 53-63
Run differential: -49 (483 Runs Scored, 532 Runs Allowed)
Season Series vs. Blue Jays: 1-2
Record since the last series vs. Blue Jays: 18-16
Last 10 games: 5-5
Best Players Thus Far:
Yusei Kikuchi, Starting Pitcher
Ty France, First Base
Kyle Seager, Third Base
Mitch Haniger, Right Field
Chris Flexen, Starting Pitcher
Under-Performers:
Dylan Moore, Second Base/Outfield
Jarred Kelenic, Center Field/Left Field
Marco Gonzales, Starting Pitcher