Reds @ Jays pregame
Chatted some with Roy Halladay today about his decision not to take part in the World Baseball Classic, even though Team USA tried to bring him on board. Halladay has been camped at his locker, watching the tourney’s early games and he said he’s definitely a fan of the event.
As far as taking part in it, well, that’s a different story. Given the timing, Halladay prefers to stick with the Jays. His spring schedule usually calls for him to gradually add in his various pitches at different points throughout the month, and pitching in the WBC would mean he’d have to use all his pitches earlier than usual.
That, in short, is Doc’s main reason for staying in camp. Asked if he would consider taking part if the Classic was held at a different point in the year, Halladay said he just wasn’t sure. As a pitcher, it’s tough no matter when it’d be held. At this time in spring, he hasn’t worked on all his pitches. During or after the season, and you risk injury due to being overworked.
Team Canada can count its blessings, though. Doc probably would’ve been on the mound today at Rogers Centre if he was suiting up for Team America.
Pregame items: Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said havign catcher Rod Barajas playing for Mexico in the WBC is actually good for the club. It’s helped Gaston find more playing time for the catchers who are vying for the backup job. … Reid Santos, Fabio Castro, David Cooper, Brandon Fahey, Wayne Lydon and Kyle Phillips have all been returned to Minor League camp. The Jays now have 60 players in camp, 36 on their 40-man roster. … Making the trip to Sarasota tomorrow: J.P. Arencibia, Michael Barrett, Joe Inglett, Lyle Overbay, Scott Rolen, John McDonald, Adam Lind, Travis Snider and Adam Loewen, among others. Brett Cecil and David Purcey will pitch. … On Monday, Brad Mills and Casey Janssen will pitch.
Today’s lineup:
REDS
Norris Hooper, CF
Jeff Keppinger, SS
Jay Bruce, RF
Brandon Phillips, 2B
Lance Nix, LF
Todd Frazier, 3B
Daryle Ward, 1B
Alex Gonzalez, SS
Ryan Hanigan, C
Homer Bailey, P
BLUE JAYS
Joe Inglett, SS
Aaron Hill, 2B
Adam Lind, DH
Kevin Millar, 1B
Jason Lane, CF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Travis Snider, RF
Curtis Thigpen, C
Russ Adams, LF
Jesse Litsch, P
Ricky Romero, P
Matt Bush, P
~JB
Major League Bastian 
It looks like team USA has a loaded lineup, Canada has no chance.
Litsch was great today and so was Romero, Looks like Romero still has a chance if he keeps pitchen like that.
Its Great to watch baseball at Rogers Center again! Wouldnt it be great if the Jays could fill out a line up consisting of Morneu, Bay, Votto, Martin etc. I hope we can eventually land a big name Canadian. oh well till then cant wait for opening day. April 6 cant come fast enough
Emaus and Campbell continue to impress. It will be a interesting year for both these 2nd baseman. Hopefully, Emaus is turned into a 3rd base guy. His performance so far this spring is starting to make his breakout last year look like the real deal.
These two guys just might raise the question again of Hll going back to short.
Nice outings from Litsch, Hayhurst, Romero and Wolfe and of course Snider.
Whenever you have Ryan braun batting 7th, fear that lineup.
and US had a stacked bullpen too.
Look at Venezula’s pitching staff, its a combination of the NL and AL allstar pitchers.
This was a close game though, Votto really impressed
I think Canada has the ability to beat Venezula
Blue Jays add another reclamation project in signing Wade Miller to a AA contract.
If this guy can ever get healthy, he’d be a help, particulary if he regains the “stuff” he had with Houston in 2001-2003. On the other hand it could be the rotator cuff injury in 2004 does him in. Good luck to him.
Canada played very well, you have to give them credit they never gave up, I for one am proud of them.
Go Canada.