Jays Defense Appreciation Thread

[BigCecil]

Thought we could use a thread to fap on the solid D plays of the Jays. One of the things on this Board I like is that even the trolls seem to appreciate the value of D. I don't think that most casual fans understand it.

 

I cant quantify it like some of the better numbers guys on the Board can (which Id like to see), but it seems to be that the addition of Tulo; Smoak playing more 1B; Revere in LF ; Goins filling in very well has been a major factor in propelling this team to 1st. The addition of Martin has been an anchor for the D all season.

 

It allows the SP pitch to more contact without trying to be too fine and they can go deeper which helps our pen stay stronger.

 

If there is such a thing as momentum in baseball it provides it. I leaped off the coach watching Tulo to Smoak from deep in the hole last night. My 1st thought after was what if that was Reyes to Colla?

 

This is a different team because of the D.

[Followthelight]

Such a privledge watching Tulo after Reyes, no longer the feeling if dread when a tough play is hit towards short. The D has a whole is great now. Goins is a beast on the field.

[nextyear]

I absolutely love the new defensively competent Blue Jays. Earlier in the season I had posted that I couldn't bare to watch the Blue Jays play since it seemed like the focus was purely on offense and outscoring the opposition with little thought of defense. I love the way the Blue Jays are now playing. Both offensively and defensively they are a treat to watch.

 

I have gone from a lukewarm Blue Jays fan to a very happy one who doesn't miss a minute of any game (even if I have to PVR a game) ;). Actually I PVR all games so I can go back and watch any replay that I want (I just don't keep the games for long).

[Deadpool]

If this board has accomplished nothing else, it's having a guy who just turned 50 (happy birthday, again, Cecil!) use the word "fap" like it ain't no thing.

[BigCecil]

If this board has accomplished nothing else, it's having a guy who just turned 50 (happy birthday, again, Cecil!) use the word "fap" like it ain't no thing.

 

Thanks. That's funny cause I sooo learned it from this Board lol.

 

Read GDs and others sabermetrics stuff too a fair bit. Ed-u-macating this old school guy.

 

Congrats on mod!

[MaxPower]

Such a privledge watching Tulo after Reyes, no longer the feeling if dread when a tough play is hit towards short. The D has a whole is great now. Goins is a beast on the field.

Unfortunately I am a fan of the Rockies. All I see is the box score and Tulo is not hitting, but the Jays keep winning, and having watched him his whole career, I know how special he is defensively. I'd love to hear how he's doing? It must be great to have owners that would rather win than worry about the bottom line. Go Jays!!

[dineke]

This forum is way too positive. What happened to the good old days?

[TheHurl]

Unfortunately I am a fan of the Rockies. All I see is the box score and Tulo is not hitting, but the Jays keep winning, and having watched him his whole career, I know how special he is defensively. I'd love to hear how he's doing? It must be great to have owners that would rather win than worry about the bottom line. Go Jays!!

 

pretty funny comment at the end considering they have corporate owners. However, the Rockies ownership is awful so I understand your sentiment. Personally I'm a fan of a team that has a payroll a full $27M below your Rockies, but that is what I love about them too.

[TheHurl]

This forum is way too positive. What happened to the good old days?

 

All anyone ever wanted was meaningful games in September...until next month when it's World Series or rage.

[nextyear]

pretty funny comment at the end considering they have corporate owners. However, the Rockies ownership is awful so I understand your sentiment. Personally I'm a fan of a team that has a payroll a full $27M below your Rockies, but that is what I love about them too.

 

I can't blame you. One reason that I liked the Montreal Expos was that they were usually considered to be underdogs and got by with players that they could afford.

 

Based on the team salaries - http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/salaries/_/name/tor/toronto-blue-jays , 27 million below the Rockies would make you either a Tampa Bay Rays fan or Houston Astros fan?

[BigCecil]

This forum is way too positive. What happened to the good old days?

 

My apologies lol. Been a fan since day 1 and starved for this over 20 years. May be guilty of some "irrational exuberance". It's just so much fun.

[MaxPower]

pretty funny comment at the end considering they have corporate owners. However, the Rockies ownership is awful so I understand your sentiment. Personally I'm a fan of a team that has a payroll a full $27M below your Rockies, but that is what I love about them too.

Agree small market teams can win, but the Rockies payroll is a little deceiving, 3 players account for 52% of the money (Cargo, Reyes, De La Rosa) I imagine Cargo and Reyes (please God) will both be gone after the season. We have the worst owners in professional sports, your ownership is exponentially better. We signed Kyle Kendrick for 6mil because he throws lots of innings, who cares if he gave up the most HR's In the NL last year, Coors Field is a pitchers park. From the outside looking in, your ownership wants a World Series, mine is trying to not lose 100 games. Be thankful you have a shot, because the only way the Rockies do is if they go 37-4 the rest of the way. Go Jays!

[BigCecil]

Haven't seen much on the board today on this...maybe because we lost.

 

But I just wanted to mention those throws (and the JD and Navvy tags) were some elite baseball plays. Awesome to watch.

[500LevelSTH]

Looks like Joey Bats arm is strong as ever. The throw to home was brilliant, and also to 3rd....but that turning tag by JD, just his awareness and agility, incredible

[flafson]

Looks like Joey Bats arm is strong as ever. The throw to home was brilliant, and also to 3rd....but that turning tag by JD, just his awareness and agility, incredible

 

Statcast had the throw measured at 93mph, pretty impressive.

[BigCecil]

Statcast had the throw measured at 93mph, pretty impressive.

 

On that Brunt piece, Russ Martin said he played with Jose in the minors with Bautista and back then he was throwing 95 off the mound when they mucked around with pitching