CanuckofChicago

Did you get a hotel already? We're looking at a campsite with RVs and bringing the wife's car with us, because no rooms are available. Coming in from Chicago. Looking forward to it.

We went for the Ron Santo induction - my FIL is a big Santo fan - after he passed and it really wasn't depressing. The Cubs did some nice tributes around town. Plus the hall of fame parade is always a cool thing. This would be our third introduction. We went to see Thomas get in two years after. My wife is fine with going as long as it isn't the same year Jeter gets in she doesn't want to hang around thousands of obnoxious Yankee fans.

Is anyone planning on going to Cooperstown if Halladay gets in? Btw, I have been following the hall of fame ballot tracker. So far so good for Martinez, Halladay, Rivera, and Mussina. http://www.bbhoftracker.com/

I think with everything else going on this off-season with the Blue Jays, a managerial change was the last thing we needed.

Anyone read this good piece on Nikki Huffman? Never knew much about her. The funny part of the article is the banter between her and Devon Travis. Of course, this article was immediately overshadowed by the news of Gibbons not returning in 2019. https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/nikki-huffman-toronto-blue-jays-trainer-profile/

One of the best parts of the catch was the female Blue Jay fan who was super pumped after the catch. What a superb catch that was. As soon as the ball was hit, I was thinking not again. Every time I turn the game on there Oh giving up an HR.

I never really listened to him before, so I gave him a chance. He has started to get really annoying with his southern accent saying "Listen..." or "My point is..." and Jeff Blair who I never really have an issue with never pushes back. It would be nice if Davidi or Nicholson-Smith, would actually have a daily show. I don't even mind Wilner. It always seems like we get the less than desirable/mediocre ex-ballplayer to these types of shows.

Hey guys. I saw Martin isn't in the lineup today. I understand that he is on a schedule to keep him healthy throughout the season, which I do not have an issue, but I was wondering what the group thinks. Note: I have been listening to Baseball Central (waiting for the razzing) since At The Letters is only released once a week, there is little Blue Jays news in Chicago, it is has been come a hot topic. My bad: It was a cursory glance, so I must have missed seeing his name there.

Your right!! Those in the US media love to show RH in his Phillies uniform. Case in point, when this news came out, Jake Tapper from CNN tweeted out his sympathies but it was video of him during his time with the Phillies. I shouldn't be nitpicking during this dark time, but come on he spent only 3 or 4 years with the Phillies. I don't think people here in the US realize how much RH meant to the city and country.

It goes without saying I share everyone's words. He was a total class-act. I even have the letter published in the Toronto Sun that he wrote to the public. My best friend bought me a Halladay signed ball from his All-Star game appearance. Him and his wife did great things for the city. It is sad to know that he will never throw out another first pitch or be there the HOF or the Level of Excellence. To one of the previous posters, lets retire his number, wear a patch. I wonder if the Jays will do something on Opening Day, if so I am flying up from Chicago (hoping on Porter). Maybe they will replace the Rogers statue with a Halladay one. Just so many thoughts going on right now.

I have not tried Reddit. I have certain sites that I enjoy reading. In regards to "Shatkins", I did not fully welcome them on-board, I waited until after a year into their tenure to see how they would operate and now I can say I like them. I personally do not see them doing a full Houston/Chicago rebuild considering how it would kill the goodwill created by the past couple of seasons and alienate the fan base, even if they are casuals (I know some of you despise casuals).

Hey everyone. I made the mistake of watching the presser, which I must admit I become a fan of Atkins more and more when I hear him speak, but the comments by people on the SportsNet board were just awful - not a single positive note. All just a bunch of negative Nancys. From now on just going to avoid reading them.

If you or next time visit Chicago, make sure to check out Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a great zoo in the middle of the city, it has a Gorilla and Penquin enclosures and it is close to the water as well. Just so easy to walk around and very clean.

Question. What is wrong with a SP that focuses on pitching to contact rather than trying to strike everyone out? I am saying avoid the strikeout altogether, but wouldn't we want our SP's to stay in the game longer? That is why I did not understand all the mockery Stroman got when he said he wanted to focused on pitching to contact.

I expect the Jays FO to attempt to remain competitive while replenishing their farm systems through some deals, the draft, and international free agents, but I do not see a complete rebuild any time soon unless you are playing The Show. We shall see though, I am trying to remain positive for 2017 that the team still has one last run left in the tank.