April Fools Blue Jays fans

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special “Hey” goes out to Hazel Mae if she is checking in.


I am resisting all urges to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs today, especially after having read thoughts and opinions of one Damien Cox of the Toronto Star – no more Leafs talk until the June entry draft or Brian Burke’s official appointment as GM of the Leafs. It’s baseball season now.


“If ‘its and buts, were candies and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas” or in the case of the Toronto Blue Jays, a playoff berth in October. The Chickenhawk’s five-year plan (currently in year 7) is getting rave reviews from media types in Hazel’s old stomping ground.


A number of notable media personalities have gone on record as saying the Jays are legit in the AL East; if not to win the division, then certainly for post-season play. While many of you will laugh this off as misguided optimism (yours truly would be part of this group) the Jays “legit playoff hopes” are based on a bunch of “ifs”. The thinking is as follows:


IF Roy Halladay pitches the way he is capable of pitching

fF AJ Burnett is healthy for the whole year and pitches the way he can

IF Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum duplicate their second half performances

IF Vernon Wells rebounds from an off year

IF Frank Thomas gets off to a quick start

IF they don’t suffer any major injuries


Then they can certainly compete for a playoff spot. If you think that is a bit much to ask for (especially with Burnett) the “ifs” don’t stop there. Even if those things were to happen – the Jays would need to see a few more “ifs” come to pass.


IF the Boston Red Sox suffer a catastrophic injury or TWO

And

IF the Yankees suffer and injury or their pitching staff falters


THEN the Jays are legit.


Did I miss something? Has the Chickenhawk expanded his role as GM to become the team’s PR guy – feeding the party line to the media in Toronto? With that many “ifs”, can a team really be considered legit? I think not.


MONDAY’S STAR

Los Angeles Dodgers P Brad Penny started the season off in fine form throwing 6.2 innings of shutout ball in a 5-0 win over the hated Giants. IF Brad Penny wins 25 games, and is able to pitch 3 games in the NLCS, the Dodgers have a legit shot of making it to the World Series.


TUESDAY THREE PLAY

Tonight’s suggestions:


Toronto over New York – while I’m not subscribing to the “IF” theory, history says that Roy Halladay gets off to good starts, he’s worth taking a flyer on over Wang. Lay $100 on the Jays + $140.


New York Mets over Florida – Pedro Martinez has been getting good reviews this spring – you have to like him tonight against the Marlins. Lay $100 on the Mets - $210.


Los Angeles over San Francisco – IF Derek Lowe pitches like he did last year at Dodger Stadium, they’ll win. Lay $100 on Big Blue - $155.


That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in. Special thanks to Tilt for posting for me.


Hazel, here’s hoping things are groovy in your world.


I’m Out!