Game #60: LA-LA Land pregame
Greetings from the pressbox at Dodger Stadium. Over the left-field wall is the famous "Think Blue" sign and below the Dodgers are running through some BP while Jays play catch in right field. L.A. isn’t that far away, but you wouldn’t know it from here, tucked away among the California hills. I was surprised to find that a few other writers, and even Jays manager John Gibbons, weren’t aware of the origins of the name "Dodgers." Before they moved out to L.A., the team got its moniker due to the Brooklynites need to "dodge" the trolleys that ran throughout the borough. Out here in L.A., smog and traffic are two things you’d like to dodge — but can’t. Anyway, I’ll post some pics of the stadium later this weekend. Here’s today’s pregame:
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Toronto (28-31) at Los Angeles (34-26)
at 10:40 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium
BLUE JAYS
Alex Rios, RF
Matt Stairs, 1B
Vernon Wells, CF
Troy Glaus, 3B
Aaron Hill, 2B
Adam Lind, LF
Jason Phillips, C
Royce Clayton, SS
Dustin McGowan, P
DODGERS
Juan Pierre, CF
Rafael Furcal, SS
Nomar Garciaparra, 1B
Jeff Kent, 2B
Luis Gonzalez, LF
Russell Martin, C
Andre Ethier, RF
Tony Abreu, 3B
Brad Penny, P
NOTES: Jays C Gregg Zaun was activated from the 15-day DL, but is only available as a pinch hitter. He said he believes he’s another week away from being able to catch, because it’s taking time to build his arm strength back up. … Wells was moved back to the three hole after spending three games as Toronto’s No. 2 hitter. … Yes, Toronto is carrying four catchers. And it appears that will be the case for a while longer. C Sal Fasano tweaked his groin a few games ago, but Gibbons said he was available off the bench. … Towers was available out of the bullpen if needed, but would throw in a side session if not used. He’s slated to start for the Jays on Monday against the Giants.
Major League Bastian 
I actually stayed up till almost 2am watching what seemed to be a decent game…actually most of it was terrible when you think about it because no one could hit, Phillips cant throw out a 90 year old women stealing , and Accardo is losing everything he had at the beginning. This is the third game he hasn’t come through in a very short period. I think its time to change it up. He walked the first batter then gave up a home run to blow the save. I think they should put that De Jong guy in as a closer and see what he can do. His stuff was rediculous. Very confident and no one could get a peice off him. The Jays have nothing to lose. I loved Accardo but I think he pooched. And Vernon…Hes producing like that 90 year old women that Phillips can’t throw out.
It’s getting ridiculous how this offense continues to struggle. Just when you think Frank and V-dub is getting out of it Frank has to sit out and Vernon stops producing again (although he did smoke the ball last night on a couple of those outs). It’s very frustrating to watch because of the fact that the offense was supposed to be the teams strength.
Instead the jays are putting some decent to great pitching performances to waste and it’s a shame. A.J. Burnett should be amongst the american league wins leaders instead he’s stuck where he’s been most of his career (a .500 pitcher)
I’m at the point now where I personally would put Wells at the lead-off spot. I know he doesn’t take nearly enough pitches but I think that his first pitch swing would benefit him more if he were leading off (more likely to see a fast-ball to start the game). Just trying it for a game or 2 wouldn’t hurt.
Vernon Wells
Matt Stairs
Alex Rios
Troy Glaus
Aaron Hill
Adam Lind
Jason Phillips
Royce Clayton
Pitcher spot
That sounds like a good idea actually…let Vernon work on the first couple pitches since many pitchers are adjusting with there first couple throws. Put Rios in those clutch spots for now. Reed will be back before you know it…they say two weeks maybe. Anyone else heard any updates on his return date?
These bats are terrible, Vernons got his money,almost like he couldn t care anymore,Thomas is a waste of skin!!great pitching is not getting the support it deserves,tho it is great to see Mcgowan performing so well.
All I can say right now is that Vernon DOES care. You can see it every time he walks off the field after an out. Thomas too. They know they have been given the deals they got, due to how well they play/hit. I think they are more frustrated than anyone at this point. I try not to be discouraged by the lack of runs, as I am a FAN and all I can do is hope they turn it around.
Here’s another one I would try:
Aaron Hill
Vernon Wells
Alex Rios
Matt Stairs
Troy Glaus
Jason Phillips
Adam Lind
Royce Clayton
Pitcher Spot