Bluebird Banter
Roster moves R Us.
Total reads
2,910
This week
0
Rank
#80 of 465
Published
1,037 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Eight Blue Jays Become Free Agents
The Toronto Blue Jays announced eight players entering free agency on October 29, 2026: Shane Bieber, Patrick Corbin, Yimi Garcia, Max Scherzer, Paul Sewald, George Springer, Jameson Taillon, and Luis Urias. Only six clubs have more free agents, with the Braves and Yankees each listing ten names, and the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, and Diamondbacks each posting nine. The post also notes other departing Jays such as Chris Bassitt and Travis d’Arnaud, while Bo Bichette opts to remain with the Mets via his $42 million option. Fans are invited to suggest which free agents the Jays should pursue.
Happy Birthday Jesse Barfield and R.A. Dickey
The Bluebird Banter piece celebrates two former Blue Jays—right‑fielder Jesse Barfield’s 67th birthday and knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey’s 52nd. Barfield, a 1977 draftee who spent nine seasons in Toronto, ranks near the top of several franchise leaderboards, earned two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and an All‑Star nod, and was famed for his cannon‑arm and outfield assists from 1985‑87. Dickey, acquired from the Mets in a blockbuster trade, logged four Jays seasons (49‑52 record, 4.03 ERA) with mixed starts but helped the club reach the 2015 and 2016 playoffs, posting notable postseason outings. Both players are remembered for their unique contributions and remain active voices in baseball lore.
MLB Off-Season Important Dates
With the Brewers win of the World Series (last night), the off-season starts this morning.
Open Thread World Series Game Five
Ben Williamson’s walk‑off single gives the Tampa Bay Rays a 2‑1 edge over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. The blog notes the thrilling finish and previews Game 5 lineups, with Drew Rasmussen on the mound for the Rays and Jacob Misiorowski starting for the Brewers. The author also shares personal plans for a vacation in Huatulco, Mexico, and hopes to catch potential Game 6 or 7 elsewhere. The post captures the excitement of the series and the anticipation of the next decisive matchup.
Happy Birthday Juan Guzman
Juan Guzman celebrates his 60th birthday. The Dominican right‑hander debuted with the Toronto Blue Jays in June 1991 and posted a stellar rookie season (10‑3, 2.99 ERA) before helping the Jays win back‑to‑back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, earning All‑Star honors and multiple ALCS wins. After a decline in the mid‑90s, he rebounded in 1996 with a league‑leading 2.93 ERA, but injuries and a shoulder tear ended his career after a brief stint with Tampa Bay in 2000. Guzman finished 91‑79 with a 4.08 ERA over ten seasons, remembered for his high strikeout ability and wildness.
Open Thread: World Series Game Four
The Milwaukee Brewers head into Game Four of the 2026 World Series with a 3-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The post lists both teams' lineups, featuring Brewers hitters like Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and William Contreras, and Rays stars Yandy Diaz, Junior Caminero and pitcher Dustin May. The author notes the streak of three straight Brewers wins and predicts the series may end tonight, ushering in the offseason tomorrow.
Tuesday Bantering: Jays Potential Free Agents
Tonight could be the last game of the World Series. Which means the off-season could start tomorrow morning. If the Brewers win tonight, free agents could file at 9:00 am Eastern tomorrow. Come on Rays, win one. There are several Jays who could declare: Which ones do you think will be back?
Open Thread World Series Game Three
The 2026 World Series shifts to Tampa for Game 3 as the Milwaukee Brewers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 2‑0, though both wins were tight. The article lists the starting lineups, highlighting Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich and William Contreras, and Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz, Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero. It also notes the birthday of longtime broadcaster Joe Siddall and commemorates former players Frank Wills, Dominic Leone and Francisco Liriano. Fans can gauge the matchup and the festive atmosphere at Tropicana Field on Oct. 26.
Question Time: Which Jays Player Surprised You By Being Better Than You Expected?
Bluebird Banter asks fans which Toronto Blue Jays player has exceeded expectations, spotlighting Marco Estrada as a surprise success. After the Jays traded Adam Lind for Estrada, the pitcher—once a middling reliever with a 4.11 ERA for Milwaukee—thrived in Toronto, posting a 4.25 ERA, 9.6 bWAR over four seasons and a dominant 2.16 ERA in six playoff starts, including two near‑no‑hit games. The post contrasts Estrada’s rise with Lind’s declining performance after leaving the Jays, inviting readers to share their own underrated Blue Jays stories.
Sunday Open Thread
The post opens with a photo of Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick’s solo home run in Game 2 of the 2026 World Series, a highlight that sparked fan celebration in Milwaukee. With no Toronto Blue Jays news to report, the author invites readers to an open discussion thread, reflecting on watching sports without a rooting bias and sharing personal anecdotes about family fandom and umpire frustrations. The invitation extends to any sports topic, from the latest NFL game to the Houston Texans’ new jerseys, encouraging community conversation.
Open Thread World Series Game Two
The blog recaps Game One of the 2026 World Series at Milwaukee’s American Family Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays faced the Brewers on October 23. The author notes the game was entertaining, especially the close score, and lists the full lineups for both teams, highlighting players like Yandy Díaz, Christian Yelich, William Contreras, and Jake Bauers. Though the writer missed Game Two due to being out, they express a wish for a seven‑game series.
Happy Birthday Chris Colabello
The post celebrates former Blue Jays first baseman/DH Chris Colabello’s 43rd birthday while recapping his brief MLB resurgence. Acquired from the Twins in 2015, Colabello burst onto the scene after an injury to Michael Saunders, hitting .368/.417/.568 in spring and finishing the season at .321/.367/.520 with 15 homers in 101 games, though his defensive value was limited (0.7 bWAR). He performed well in the 2015 ALDS (.375/.412/.688) but struggled in the ALCS and began 2016 in a slump before an 80‑game PED suspension halted his career. The article traces his post‑MLB journey through the minors, Italy, independent leagues, the WBC, and Mexico, noting his love for the game.
Open Thread World Series Game One
The Bluebird Banter Open Thread covers Game One of the 2026 World Series, pitting the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 22. While the author leans toward the Brewers, the focus shifts to upcoming games, noting that Ernie Clement will provide "player‑first coverage" for Games 3 and 4. Full lineups are listed, featuring stars like Yandy Diaz, Christian Yelich, William Contreras, and Jake Bauers, setting the stage for an exciting series kickoff.
Today in Blue Jays History: Jays Win Second World Series
On October 23, 1993, Joe Carter capped the Toronto Blue Jays' comeback with a dramatic three‑run walk‑off home run in the bottom of the ninth, clinching a 4‑2 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 at Exhibition Stadium. The Jays had surged early, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding key hits from Paul Molitor, Roberto Alomar and Ed Sprague. After a Phillies rally sparked by Lenny Dykstra, Toronto’s bullpen held firm, and Mitch Williams faced the tying run before Carter’s historic blast. Molitor earned series MVP with a .500/.571/.1000 line, while Carter finished .280/.250/.560 with eight RBI. The post reflects on the moment’s lasting impact 33 years later.
Whither Vladimir? (Part 2)
In Part 2 of “Whither Vladimir?” the author dissects why Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s power dropped dramatically in 2026. Despite a career‑rare slump, the analysis shows his pitch mix barely changed—sinkers and four‑seamers are now split, but his OPS against sinkers remains solid. The real issue is timing and contact quality: his bat speed stays elite (76.3 mph, 92nd percentile) while contact rate hits a career high of 82%, yet his attack angle shifted lower, he meets pitches too early or late, and his “squared‑up” fraction and 90%+ contact quality plummeted. These subtle swing‑metric shifts explain the loss of exit velocity and barrel rates, suggesting a path to recovery if corrected.
Question time: Which player in Blue Jays history didn’t live up to your expectations?
Bluebird Banter asks fans to name a Toronto Blue Jays player who failed to meet expectations, spotlighting former top prospect Travis Snider. The post highlights Snider’s early promise—hitting .301/.338/.466 in 24 games at 20 in 2008 and a solid .767 OPS at 22—but criticizes the Jays’ inconsistent playing time and reliance on veterans. After limited use, he was traded to Pittsburgh in 2011, where he posted modest numbers before stints with the Orioles. Readers are invited to share their own under‑delivered Blue Jays picks.
Happy Birthday George Bell
Toronto Blue Jays legend George Bell celebrates his 67th birthday. The former MVP, who earned the award in 1987 after a 47‑home‑run, 134‑RBI season, spent a decade in Toronto (1981‑90), winning three Silver Sluggers and helping the Jays reach their first postseason in 1985. Bell’s career began as a Rule 5 pick in 1980, and despite early struggles, injuries, and a fiery reputation, he became a centerpiece of the franchise’s historic outfield alongside Jesse Barfield and Lloyd Moseby. Highlights include catching the AL East‑clinching out in 1985, a three‑home‑run opening‑day performance in 1988, and a final strong year in 1989 before retiring in 1990.
Wednesday Open Thread
On October 15, 2026, Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio lifts the NLCS trophy after a 6-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 4, sending the Brewers to the World Series at Dodger Stadium. The championship series thread saw six correct winners, with user “Whodad” closest on game count. The World Series kicks off Friday in Milwaukee at 8:00 PM Eastern, and fans are invited to post predictions for games, runs, and MVP. The post also opens a general discussion thread for the community.
Today in Blue Jays History: The Catch
On November 6, 1992, Devon White made a game‑changing catch in Game 3 of the World Series, preserving a 3‑2 win over the Atlanta Braves and giving Toronto a 2‑1 series lead. The article recounts the fourth‑inning play, the ensuing scoring drama, and how the Jays ultimately clinched the series in six games. It also highlights White’s heroics in the 1993 World Series Game 5, his two‑run triple in a 15‑14 slugfest, and mentions later franchise moments like John Farrell’s 2013 departure. The piece celebrates White’s defensive brilliance and its lasting impact on Blue Jays lore.
Whither Vladimir? (Part 1)
The Blue Jays’ 2026 collapse hinges on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s historic offensive dip: his wRC+ plummeted from a 139 average (2023‑25) to 95 this season, despite 144 games, solid baserunning and defense, and only modest injuries. An analysis of 1,852 four‑year player clusters finds only 11 comparable declines, with Guerrero’s 45‑point drop driven largely by a loss of power (ISO accounted for 69% of the slump). Historical comps suggest a modest rebound of 10‑15 wRC+ points over the next three seasons before age‑related decline sets in. The piece argues that while a return to peak form is possible, expectations should be tempered for 2027.
Open Thread ALCS Game Six
The ALCS reaches Game 6 with the Rays leading the Guardians 3-2, and fans hope for a Game 7 showdown. The post shares tonight’s lineups, highlighting Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez and the Rays’ Yandy Diaz and Victor Mesa. It also notes Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato entering the posting system after a .306/.383/.609 slash line and 39 homers with the Hanshin Tigers, drawing interest from several MLB clubs, and confirms Aaron Boone’s return as Yankees manager next season.
The Season That Was: George Springer
George Springer’s final year with the Toronto Blue Jays proved mixed. At 36, he posted a modest .249/.321/.405 line, 0.6 WAR (Baseball‑Reference) and a $7.1 million value, far below his 2025 .408 wOBA. His power dipped to 15 homers in 126 games, with a notable drop in fly‑ball and line‑drive rates. He excelled against left‑handed pitching (.265/.337) and at home (.271/.354), and rebounded in the second half (.288/.344/.444). Defensively he appeared only twice in left field. Springer stole 12 of 14 attempts and contributed solid baserunning (1.0 runs above average). Over his six‑year, $150 million contract he added $124.8 million in value, ranking 22nd in Jays WAR history and topping the franchise in stolen‑base success (87.5%).
Happy Birthday Jose Bautista
On his 46th birthday, Jose Bautista throws the ceremonial first pitch before Game 6 of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. The piece celebrates Bautista’s impact on the Blue Jays from 2008‑2017, highlighting his 288 home runs (second in franchise history), iconic Game 5 blast and bat flip, and top‑5 career rankings in OBP, slugging, runs, RBI and walks. It notes his on‑field intensity, teammate support, and 2023 Level of Excellence honor, while also recalling teammate J.A. Happ’s birthday and career highlights. The article blends stats, memories, and anecdotes to underscore Bautista’s lasting legacy in Toronto.
Open Thread Sunday Rays @ Guardians
The ALCS reaches a pivotal Game 5 as the Tampa Bay Rays face the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026. With the series tied 2-2, the winner historically claims the series about 65% of the time. Both teams announce their lineups, featuring Rays' DH Yandy Diaz and Guardians' LF Steven Kwan, among other starters. The game proceeds in mild 16 °C weather, and the series continues with games scheduled for the following two days. The post also notes a tragic fire in Wainwright, expressing condolences.
Today in Blue Jays History: Ed Sprague’s Home Run
34 years ago Remembering a Classic Blue Jays Comeback: Game 2 of the 1992 World Series 34 years ago In the ninth inning, with the Blue Jays trailing 4-3, Ed Sprague delivered a dramatic pinch-hit home run, propelling Toronto to a thrilling victory in Game 2 of the 1992 World Series. Game one saw the […]
Displaying items 1-25 of 1037 in total