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The Kiddie Korps got it done today. Dalton Pompey, the homegrown kid from Mississauga, continued to impress with a great catch, two triples and a double.
I'm encouraged (but nervous) about the strong showing of a couple of kid pitchers so far this spring: Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro. So far this spring, they've pitched a combined 18 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run while striking out 16 and walking 2.
Yeah, it's early. But it might take some of the sting out of losing Stroman. Castro may well make the team out of spring, probably in the bullpen. The talk is, that Osuna will likely start the season in the minors but could well become an option before the regular season is done.
From what little I've seen thus far, Devon Travis is making a strong bid for the 2nd base job. Though not as good a defender as Ryan Goins, he's got some pop in his bat and is making the routine plays. It's looking like the preseason front-runner for the job, Maizer Izturis, may not be ready for Opening Day due to a groin strain. Bad luck injury-wise seems to be following Izturis around. He missed the entire season last year.
I'm quite surprised the Dioner Navarro hasn't been traded yet. With the acquisition of Russell Martin, Navarro is expendable. He's coming off a very good season. He's a fine hitter and works well with the pitchers. I'm thinking Anthopolous simply must be underwhelmed with any offers so far. I hope he doesn't feel the need to give him away. Even if he comes north as primarily a DH, sooner or later, some team is going to need a good catcher -- and AA can make them pay.
So, Jays break camp with six (6!) rookies on their 25-man roster: 2 starters, 2 in the pen and 2 in the outfield.
GM Anthopolous knows his Godfather, Jays President Paul Godfrey, is gone after this year. And unless the Jays make the playoffs, so is he and Manager John Gibbons. The kids sure look good. But everybody knows Florida in March is a far cry from Toronto in April.
I love that the two final exhibition games are being held in Montreal's Olympic Stadium in front of crowds of 40,000+. I lived and died with my beloved Expos and it's a treat to see that big old morgue full of baseball fans again.
During yesterday's game they honoured Vladdy Guererro. It was great to see that million-megawatt smile of his again.
Final tune-up is today at the Big O. Monday it starts for real against the hated Yankees. Most tall baseball foreheads seem to think only Tampa is likely out of the American League East mix this season. Baltimore is probably the favourite to win with the Yankees, Jays and Bosox scuffling for a wild-card spot.
We'll see.
Bring it on.
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