HELLO CANADA

A three-game series begins in Toronto with the Blue Jays tonight. Call me crazy, but this series has a little more meaning than most would consider this early in the season. Toronto lost two out of three with the Yankees to start the season and the Blue Jays don't want to waste an early opportunity to get their confidence boosted in the American League East.


Pitching wasn't the problem for Toronto in the Bronx. All three Blue Jays starters as well as their pen were effective against a powerful Yankees lineup. In this series against Boston Toronto will trot out Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.13 in 07) against Tim Wakefield on Friday evening, Jesse Litsch (7-9, 3.81) vs Clay Buchholz Saturday and follow up with staff ace Roy Halladay squaring off against Josh Beckett on Sunday. Many baseball officials consider Toronto to have as deep a starting pitching staff as any in the American League. The bottom portion of that staff will be put to the test early with their matchup against the Red Sox.


The Toronto lineup presents a tough assignment for the Boston staff. Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Frank Thomas are a better than average 3, 4 & 5 hitting combination. Rios is looking to continue his development as an offensive force and Wells is looking to bounce back after a sub-par 2007. The table is being set differently with David Eckstein leading off while Lyle Overbay and Aaron Hill can pick up the big boppers in the fifth and sixth spots in the lineup.


The Blue Jays are still waiting on closer B. J. Ryan to return successfully from the DL, but Jeremy Accardo continues to be a viable option. Accardo picked up 30 saves for Toronto in 2007 with a 2.14 era. Scott Downs and Brian Tallet are the pitchers in the pen who try and build a bridge to Accardo.


As stated earlier this April series might not be critical, but Toronto will be looking to build some early season confidence by taking a home series from the defending World Series Champions. Here's hoping the Red Sox are not loking ahead to next week's Ring Ceremony.


PHANTOM UPDATE


The Phoenixville High School Phantoms softball team suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday evening. Owen J. Roberts defeated the visitors 4-0. Runners left on base as well as two baserunning blunders doomed the Phantoms. Phoenixville will look to bounce back on Friday afternoon in non-league action against Harriton High School with a game back in Phoenixville. However, heavy rains in the southeastern PA appear ready to wash out the contest.