It was, as always, a pleasure to watch Roy Halladay, this time from my perch in section 521, at the SkyDome yesterday afternoon. No, I don't believe it was the last time I'll see Doc in a Blue Jays uniform. And, yes, let's conveniently ignore the fact that, like my hero George Costanza, every instinct I have is usually wrong.
If it was, in fact, goodbye, Doc went out in typical Halladay fashion: a complete game six-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, in which he retired 20 of the final 21 batters he faced; seven strikeouts, nary a walk, and 78 of 105 (74%!!1) pitches thrown for a strike. Vintage fucking Harry Leroy Halladay III.
For a moment, early on in the game, I doubted Halladay. Ridiculous, I know. (I'm an idiot.) After giving up five hits and a run over the first three frames, I wondered if Doc's post-D/L stint struggles would continue. The answer, after innings four through nine, was an unequivocal "no." Halladay was sublime; save for a David Ortiz single to centre field, he was unhittable the rest of the way. It was quite the performance, one I've honestly grown accustomed to witnessing. Doc has spoiled us; he's definitely spoiled me.
There were some ominous signs: Brandy Halladay's comments, and Doc's tip of his hat to the crowd. It may really have been goodbye. A goodbye I'm not ready for. One thing's for certain: we, as baseball fans, have been tremendously lucky to have been able to watch Doc do what he does in Toronto for the past 10 years. Thanks Roy. It's been a pleasure.
If you haven't read my post on the forever popular J.P. Ricciardi - A Tale of Three GMs; Part II: J.P. Ricciardi - please do so. I'd love to know your thoughts. If Rogers was willing to spend money enough to compete in the AL East, none of this shit would be going down, plain and simple. If the plan is to continue to tighten the purse strings, Ricciardi's got no choice but to make a deal.
Interesting times, to say the very least.
See you on Friday, Doc. Maybe. Hopefully.
UPDATE: The Tao of Stieb has us covered on this most depressing Monday. And he's right:
"Oh, Roy. We're not sure what we're going to do without you. But no one - not Philly fans, or Dodger fans, or whoever - is ever going to love you like Blue Jays fans do."
True that. I need a drink.
Also, I'll be live blogging Thursday afternoon's matinee between the Indians and Blue Jays for The Score. Stay tuned for some links.
8 comments:
Classiest athlete to ever play in the city of Toronto? If not, he has to be up there for consideration. What a guy.
I wasn't able to make it to the Dome yesterday. Trading Roy will be bad for me, but trading him before I get a chance to say goodbye on Friday would be a little bit devastating.
its the sign of the times... I personally wouldnt mind trading Doc if we get some incredible prospects but I would rather not trade him. Watching him pitch is unreal... there isnt a pitcher in baseball that has so much movement on his pitches like Doc does.
If we do keep him, can we compete in 2010? I guess thats the main question that all of us are wondering. In my opinion, I think our success lies with Travis Snider. We desperatly need a monster lefty to accommodate Adam Lind. Seems like we were winning alot of games when Snider was batting well.
With that being said, I hope Doc stays because we have the pieces to compete... but I guess that raises the questions of... what of Scoot, Rolen, and Barajas ?
After yesterday, the whole atmosphere at that game seemed like it was the end of an era. The hat tip, Brandy gushing live on the radio ... it had the feeling of a goodbye, but I really hope that it isn't. Toronto just wouldn't be the same without the Halladays.
*sniffs*
No, Doc. Don't go! PLEEEEEASE DON'T LEEEEEAVE!!!!!!!!!
*cries*
I was hoping you would have been at the game and I'm glad you were. Not only was I thrilled that he pitched so well, I was thrilled he beat the Red Sox. I sincerely hope he stays right where he is. But who knows what will happen.
I was reading Tao of Stiebs' article and it made me realize why the connection with Doc.....he was actually a Toronto drafted player that carried the team on his back year after year like the hero that he is. His family loved to be here and are actively involved in the community. When he had a chance to bolt previously, he didn't; he chose to stay. It's just heartbreaking to think we couldn't even make the playoffs....maybe that one glimmer of hope would be all that Doc needed to stay. He is my favorite, most respected athlete in all sport, period. I'll miss you Doc and a hat-tip to you as well for being a hero to Blue Jay fans everywhere.
@ Jason: Doc wouldn't want us to cry.
@ Loosh: Beautiful comment, mate.
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