Unexpected Changes

I've been away for a few days, basically unable to watch the games the way I'd like. But following along as best I can nonetheless. I can't say I was surprised to see Doc stay in Toronto, and I'm encouraged that Ricciardi didn't settle for less than premier value for the ace. But I was surprised to see Rolen go. And a bit disappointed. Rolen's a guy I never bought into when he first came over. Starting last season on the DL didn't help his cause. I felt at the time that we had traded one fragile third baseman for another. And the new guy wasn't going to hit for Glaus' power.

But this year Rolen proved me wrong. Not only was he hitting nicely over .300, and had that long hit streak, he was absolutely outstanding in the field. He was an integral part of the Jays amazing defensive core this year. I don't know much about Encarnacion, but I will try to give him the benefit of the doubt, knowing he's been hurt part of this year. He's young enough to have some room to develop, and for the money savings if he can even be average maybe this move will allow us to spend a bit more on some veteran presence in the winter.

And maybe that will help us sway Doc.

Extra Problems

Sigh. Today looked like a lock. Tallet looked great through six innings, and the Jays managed to pound runs in at a rate of two per inning through the first four. But with a 9-0 lead heading into the seventh the wheels came off. Tallet seemed to fall apart, needing League to bail him out. Even then we managed to get to the top of the ninth up two. Then our closer gave up two home runs. Tie game.

Both teams managed to hold each other off until the twelfth, where once again the visitors proved superior. A great come from behind win if you're a Rays fan. Sadly, I am not.

And now reports are coming in that the Jays sent an offer to Philadelphia regarding Roy Halladay, which was rejected as being a bit too much for the Phillies to give up. It looks like the tension is ramping up over the next few days. It'll be interesting to see where Halladay, Vernon Wells, Scott Rolen and Marco Scutaro are in a week. Personally I hope they're all still in Toronto.