Friday, September 30, 2011

MLB Playoff Predictions - LDS

American League Division Series

Tampa Bay in 5
Detroit in 5

National League Division Series

Philadelphia in 3
Arizona in 5

*Haven't forgotten about the Blue Jays' season. Those thoughts will come soon.

- ER

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Blue Jays 2011

Thoughts on the season will come Friday. Meanwhile, here are my season "awards" for the Blue Jays.

Team MVP: Jose Bautista

Great first half. A slightly cooler second half. Regardless, it was another fine year for Joey Bats. As long as he hits 35-40 homers, collects at least 100 RBIs and makes significant contributions over the next few seasons, I'm happy.

Best Hitter: Jose Bautista

See above.

Best Pitcher: Ricky Romero

His best season, by far. Would've picked up some more wins if his teammates scored more runs for him.

Best Reliever: Casey Janssen

Was outstanding almost every time he was summoned from the bullpen. If he keeps it up, he could be Toronto's next set up man or closer. His current role is perfect too.

Best Rookie: Brett Lawrie

The kid adapted the majors in mere seconds. Great production and this is only the beginning.

Honourable mention: J.P Arencibia, Yunel Escobar & Henderson Alvarez

And a special mention to Mike McCoy. The guy went back and forth between Toronto and Las Vegas many times. McCoy never complained once and helped the team when needed.

- ER

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Brazil on Film

Episode 61 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition previews the 5th annual Brazilian Film and TV Festival of Toronto (BRAFFTv).

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com 

NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 7, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

5 More Personal Training

Need help maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

These are the people to call: 5 More Personal Training

Fully certified fitness trainers. Exclusive personal training rights to the Town of Markham's Fitness Centres.

- ER

Friday, September 09, 2011

Go Fly a Kite

Episode 60 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features WindFest - Toronto's Waterfront Kite Festival.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Sept. 23, 2011

- ER

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Re. Dustin McGowan

Dustin McGowan last threw a Major League pitch in 2008. Then he hurt his shoulder and was unable to play for three years. Last night, after many procedures and rehab stints, he returned to the Majors - 4 IPs, 3 ERs, 5Ks. 74 pitches (44 Strikes). Congratulations, Dustin! Welcome back! Sometimes, heroes aren't always at the top of the stats sheet.

- ER

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Wade Belak

I can't believe this has happened again. RIP Wade Belak. I hope the pain is gone. A somber reminder: If you're struggling, please think of those who love you.

- ER

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Try Veg

Episode 59 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition previews the 27th annual Vegetarian Food Festival.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

Next episode: Sept. 9, 2011

- ER

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Re. Kelly Johnson et al.

Once again, my head is spinning. After much digestion, here's what I've got:

- I don't know much about Kelly Johnson. Looks like he either swings for the fences or swings and misses. He's similar to Mark Reynolds: A player who's more about his power than his average. That power might lead to some intentional walks. Regardless, Johnson's time in Toronto will be an audition for 2012.

- It's sad to see John McDonald and Aaron Hill leave. However, they are going to a good team. They'll also have a chance to play in the playoffs. Plus, AA said there's a chance both players could be back next year. I wouldn't hold my breath though.

- Hopefully, a chance of scenery will be good for Hill. You can't help but feel sorry for the guy. He was on top of the world in 2009  and then lost his groove. He hasn't been the same since. Hill's trying as hard as he can, but hasn't been able to regain his form. It's a shame. He's a good person.

Of course, trades can't be evaluated until a significant amount of time passes.    

-ER

Monday, August 22, 2011

Jack Layton, 1950-2011


In his own words.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

Rest in peace, Jack Layton.

- ER

Friday, August 19, 2011

It begins...

In the last few days, I've had calls from "Peter Shurman" and "Bernie Farber."

There must be an election on the horizon.

- ER

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Passionate Playgoer (Part two)

Episode 58 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition is the final part of a two-part series featuring theatre critic Lynn Slotkin.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogs​pot.com

Next Episode: Aug. 26, 2011

- ER

Friday, August 05, 2011

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Re. Bobby Cox

Found this on YouTube and thoroughly enjoyed it! A calm Bobby Cox. Very rare ;)



- ER

Friday, July 29, 2011

Passionate Playgoer (Part one)

Episode 57 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition is part one of a two-part series featuring Lynn Slotkin, theatre critic and publisher of the widely-read Slotkin Letter.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogs​pot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Aug. 12, 2011

ER

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Re. Colby Rasmus et al.

I cannot remember a trade made by the Blue Jays that involved a number of players. My head is still spinning. After much digestion, this is what I have to say:

- Not happy about seeing Zep go. He was the kind of pitcher that could easily transition from bullpen to rotation and back. Had a few rough patches this season, but was stable.

- Not happy about seeing Zach Stewart go. Young arm that had potential. I know the Blue Jays have some depth when it comes to pitching, but I was hoping they would hang on to Stewart a little longer.

- Patterson and Dotel were meant to be used as trade bait. They were short term solutions.

- Mark Teahen is also a short term solution. The only way he remains with Toronto is if they trade Encarnacion.

- I'm indifferent with Frasor. He did his job (most of the time).

- Colby Ramus certainly has potential. Could be this year's Yunel Escobar. I guess he'll rotate between DH and OF. There's some overflow in that area right now.

- Don't know a lot about PJ Walters. Trevor Miller seems to be the type of pitcher that comes in to face one batter before being removed. Brian Tallet is back. If you can get a few decent innings out of him, then it's worth it. But he's hurt, so I'm not holding my breath. 

ER