Opening Day Running Diary

The Jays rallied in the 9th to score 3 runs off of Frank Francisco. Vernon hit his 4th (4th!!!!!) home run of the season to ensure the blown save. This one was damn clutch. Ricky Romero pitched seven unreal innings and deserved better than a no-decision.

Now that we're all feeling good about the Jays winning their first series of the season, let's re-visit Opening Day (who cares if it's a little bit of a buzz-kill?).

Turf of Dreams has its first guest blogger: Jhonny Walker Red!
Some fans watch the game while drinking, some watch the game while taking notes... he does both. Here's his running diary of the opener:

BLUE JAYS 2010 OPENING DAY RUNNING DIARY

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. With that said, here is a Bill Simmons inspired running diary.

1:31 PM- I’m setting the over/under of Roy Halladay references in this broadcast at 8.5

1:34 PM- Alex Anthopoulos seems to be saying all the right things.

1:35 PM- The Roy Halladay count is already at 3. It appears that Jamie Campbell took the over.

1:43 PM- It appears as though Aaron Hill’s hairline is afraid of the front of his head.

1:45 PM- Watching Jamie Campbell introduce Buck Martinez, in his old position, seems kind of cruel. Much like watching a Jamie Campbell broadcast.

1:48 PM- A nice replay of David Eckstein’s only relevant contribution in a Jays uniform. Too bad it was him knocking Aaron Hill out for the majority of the 2008 season.

1:50 PM- Not only are we inundated with constant Halladay references, we get to see highlights of him in his first Phillies start. It seems like Rogers is having a hard time letting him go.

1:54 PM- Ron Washington is the type of manager the Jays should target once the Cito Gaston farewell tour is over.

1:55 PM- Halladay reference count is up to 7. This is the Blue Jays season preview right?

2:02 PM- I already like the Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler combination. Now we need to come up with an appropriate nickname for these two.

2:07 PM- With 1 at bat under his belt, Jose Bautista has made it clear he will frustrate me all year long.

2:11 PM- Nice start to the season for Vernon. Lind set the table and Vernon did the dishes. Jays 2, Rangers 0.

2:13 PM- I know I am not the only one hoping that Overbay rakes everything this year so AA has an easier time flipping him and getting Wallace some at bats.

2:17 PM- If Guerrero can return to his old form, this Texas Rangers lineup will be scary good. We have also had our first in game Halladay reference.

2:20 PM- Marcum is looking sharp early. Good news for Jays fans.

2:25 PM- They have put an end to the fireworks display at the end of Jays wins at the Rogers Centre, out of respect to Encarnacion.

2:33 PM- I have never understood why most baseball experts don’t see Snider as a fit in the outfield. He seems like he is more than competent out there.

2:39 PM- Feldman seems to have some jitters early on, and the Jays need to capitalize.

2:43 PM- I guess the new contract suits Lind just fine as he hits a solo shot in his second at bat of the season.

2:49 PM- Marcum is really proving why he earned the number 1 spot on this young staff.

2:52 PM- Jays 3, Rangers 0 as Marcum finishes the 3rd off by striking out Andrus.

2:57 PM- Encarnacion provides the first Greg Zaun of the year as he hurls his bat into the first row. Good distance.

2:59 PM- Alex Gonzalez would look more comfortable at the dish with his glove.

3:06 PM- After Encarnacion and Overbay boot a ball around the infield, Wells makes a nice sliding catch in the outfield. This defense is going to fun to watch for better or for worse.

3:09 PM- Snider looks a lot more comfortable at the plate this year. He’s being a lot more selective and not just hacking away.

3:10 PM- Of course he then watches a called 3rd strike sail right down the heart of the plate.

3:19 PM- Shaun Marcum works a quick 5th and the Jays continue to lead by 3.

3:22 PM- Lind starts the season 3 for 3 as he lines another single into right field.

3:27 PM- Marcum’s being efficient as he has only thrown 54 pitches through 5. He’s keeping his changeup low and he continues to nibble on the corners.

3:33 PM- Marcum has quietly racked up 6 K’s through 6.

3:40 PM- The bottom part of the Jays lineup looks very tame. Hopefully Snider can add a much needed spark in the 9 hole.

3:46 PM- First real blemish of the day for Marcum as he walks Hamilton with 1 out in the 7th.

3:47 PM- The first hit of the day for the Rangers Guerrero lines a pitch into right field. Now Marcum needs to bear down.

3:50 PM- Just like that it’s tied. Nelson Cruz lifts, what appears to be a lazy fly ball over the right center field wall.

3:53 PM- Jays 3, Rangers 3 through 7. Tough going for Marcum, he deserves better.

3:55 PM- That’s it for Feldman as the Rangers bring in Neftali Feliz. Feldman did a good job of limiting the Jays to just three runs while he didn’t really have his best stuff.

3:58 PM- Let’s see if somebody other then Lind and Wells can get something going today.

4:00 PM- Naturally Bautista draws a walk and Hill rips a double into the left field corner. 2nd and 3rd with Lind and Wells coming up.

4:02 PM- The Rangers make the smart decision and walk Lind. Let’s see if Wells can deliver in the clutch and earn some or that contract.

4:04 PM- Wells come through in the clutch. Let’s hope we can say that at least a couple more times this year, because we certainly didn’t get to say it last season. Jays 4, Rangers 3.

4:10 PM- Overbay and Buck keep there perfect starts going with a K and a Vernon Wells special (Infield fly).

4:13 PM- Marcum is done, we have the first Scott Downs sighting of the season.

4:14 PM- Buck Martinez has just referred to the bullpen as the strength of the team. That does not sound optimistic.

4:16 PM- Downs works a clean eight inning. The same can’t be said about his hair. Call me nervous anticipating Jason Frasor in the 9th.

4:20 PM- Frank Francisco into the game for the Rangers. He comes in to face the murderer’s row of Encarnacion, Gonzalez and Snider

4:25 PM- With Gonzalez at first, Snider strikes out for the third time today. At least he’s working the count.

4:27 PM- Bautista whiffs on a breaking ball. I guess Texas read the scouting reports. Let the Jason Frasor era begin.

4:31 PM- Michael Young continues to haunt the Jays, quickly doubling to lead off the 9th.

4:34 PM- Frasor catches Hamilton looking and he is only 2 outs away from salvation.

4:37 PM- Hill saves a run by knocking the ball down and holding Guerrero to an infield single. He really is underrated as a defender.

4:38 PM- Before the ink was dry, Frasor coughs up a double to Cruz and we are in full blown mayday mode. Paging Billy Koch.

4:43 PM- Saltalamacchia ends it before I can read his name. There goes the perfect season. 161 to go. Final score Rangers 5, Jays 4.

4:44 PM- Nice start for Marcum he was a little unlucky.


Thanks to Jhonny Walker Red!