I'm going to chose to talk about "The Catch" -- which was not only the best one that I've seen this year, but the best in baseball since Gary Matthews robbed Mike Lamb in 2006 -- rather than spending too much time going over the embarrasing 5-3 loss to the Nationals last night.
Now, I'll say it; I'm a shameful Blue Jays fan. And have been since the days that Gaston managed the team. So, watching more than a few of their games over the years, I've developed a fondness for Reed Johnson. I was estatic that they signed him, being convinced that he would be an impact player for the team. And last night I think will show alot of people why I think that. In a full-on sprint from right-center field (where were you Mark DeRosa; and why werent' you in on that play?), he not only makes it to the spot, but makes a diving grab on the warning track to make the play. I don't know if I have the words in me to fully desribe it, so I urge you to take a look for yourself.
In the meantime, Bob Howry was being Boob Howry (pun intended) in serving up a Wil Nieves 9th inning walk-off home run to end the game. Normally, I wouldn't be so troubled, but given that it was the first by Nieves in his major-league career; well, I think Howry is just not quite right. Last nights' debacle takes his statline to: 0-2, with a 7.30 ERA, and I would think put his position in the bullpen in something of jeoporady. Don't get me wrong; I don't think he'll be traded or released, but something tells me that he won't be entrusted with many more late-inning situations for some time. Shame too, as he ruined was was a very nice outing by Ryan Dempster. His seven inning, 2 earned runs performance was probably the best that I've seen all year from him. And given the fact that he actually was looking sharper in the later innings than the earlier, I was very encouraged.
Well...You can't win them all. On to tonight's matchup --Zambrano vs. Chico. Here's to a new winning streak.