My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: If it seems like Russell Martin has hit a lot of clutch, late-inning home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, that’s because he has. Thirteen of the Montreal native’s 19 homers have come in the sixth inning or later. Thirty-two years ago today,... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Jose Bautista, Goose Gossage, Jesse Litsch
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Rule No. 1 of Canadian baseball blogging is don’t criticize Jose Bautista unless you’re prepared for an onslaught of vitriol from his online supporters. I’ve learned this the hard way over the years. So on Thursday, when Goose Gossage called Bautista “a disgrace to... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Jose Bautista, Brandon Morrow, Ken Robinson
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • On Monday, when reporters asked Jose Bautista what it will take for the Toronto Blue Jays to re-sign him after his contract expires at the end of the season, the slugger said that he had a dollar amount in mind (rumored to be at... Continue Reading →
Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Doc Younker passes away
Long-time baseball trainer and 2005 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Harold “Doc” Younker passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. Younker served as a trainer in amateur and professional baseball for more than 50 years. “Doc was a kind, dedicated man who selflessly looked after players in Canada and the United States... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Tim Raines, Bartolo Colon, John Olerud
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • If you’re not convinced that Tim Raines should be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame after reading this Sporting News article, you’ll never be convinced. This story shares many of the former Montreal Expo’s supporting statistics that were up dug up by... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Josh Donaldson, John Hiller, Brett Cecil
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson is on pace to post a 9.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) this season. WAR is an all-encompassing statistic that measures the number of wins a player (taking into account their offensive and defensive contributions) adds to their... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Mark Buehrle, Chris Colabello, Tyler O’Neill
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Among the pitchers that Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Mark Buehrle has passed on the all-time wins list this season are Roy Halladay, Orel Hershiser and Hall of Famer Rube Marquard. But while I agree with the sabermetricians that say that wins aren’t a defining... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Minnie Minoso, Dayan Viciedo, John Hiller
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Just 35 days after Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, died, Mr. White Sox has also passed away. Legendary outfielder Minnie Minoso died early Sunday at the age of 90. The trailblazing Cuban, who suited up in major league games in five different decades, played parts... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Justin Morneau, Ryan Dempster, John Axford
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • For Blue Jay fans lamenting the fact that Melky Cabrera has reportedly signed a three-year, $42-million contract with the Chicago White Sox, consider this, Cabrera’s 2014 WAR (an all-encompassing statistic that measures the number of wins (taking into account both offensive and defensive contributions)... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Russell Martin, Andre Dawson, Jim Henderson
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported on Friday that the Pittsburgh Pirates intend to extend a $15.3-million qualifying offer to free agent Russell Martin. Coming off one of his finest big league seasons, the Canadian catcher reportedly declined a multi-year offer by Pirates during... Continue Reading →