Toronto Blue Jays (73-59) @ Baltimore Orioles (71-62) - September 5-7

[spykelee]

The ball was in the air. He was literally just trying to move in front of the ball.

Could be argued that Sanchez was doing the same thing last month.

The rule is ridiculous.

Sanchez gave exactly no part of the plate tho. Kirk moved back right off the plate entirely.

[SharoneWright]

He had the ball in his glove 2 steps before the runner got there!

Next thing you know they will be prosecuting pre-crime!

It’s funny, because you are always allowed to make a play on the ball on the base paths. If the runner runs into you while you are going for the ball, the runner is out for interference.

At home plate, if you go for the ball 10 feet before the runner meets you, he’s safe! YOU interfered!!!

[xAIRNESSx]

Sanchez play was pretty different to me. He blocked the plate the entire play and he also blocked Merrifield’s foot on the slide before tagging him.

[linery88]

They should let the players decide what the rule should be.

[TOStateofMind]

Looked liked kirk had go get the ball on that play which led him to the plate. So basically by the rule he was screwed either way which is ridiculous.

[Randle McMurphy]

This seems more against the intent of the rule to me than Sanchez, but the rule is ridiculous (largely because it can be interpreted any way these umpires want it to; see tonight) and I've always thought so.

[linery88]

As soon as they challenged it,I knew we were screwed by Nelson.
Manoah -no hitter next game,and scrape these **** from the bottom of our shoe.

[hst420]

Whatever, White lost the Jays this game. Guy has not given the Jays a chance to win. It seems as though all year 2 of the 5 starters do not give the Jays a chance to compete.

[Corinne]

Definitely one of the most frustrating games in recent memory.

[Madvillainy2004]

Idk how Siddal can blame Kirk's game calling. White was bouncing breaking balls and his fastballs weren't even close all 3rd inning. Yadier Molina wouldn't be able to get White out of that with pitch calling.

[linery88]

Idk how Siddal can blame Kirk's game calling. White was bouncing breaking balls and his fastballs weren't even close all 3rd inning. Yadier Molina wouldn't be able to get White out of that with pitch calling.

White forgot how to throw strikes.
Siddal can be arrogant sometimes.

[bluerap23]

8,411 in attendance. Great fan base

[Randle McMurphy]

Based on the way that the rule was just interpreted, you're going to have every team the rest of the season challenge now any time a catcher isn't directly in front of the plate now to catch a ball.

Ridiculous times.

[SharoneWright]

Idk how Siddal can blame Kirk's game calling. White was bouncing breaking balls and his fastballs weren't even close all 3rd inning. Yadier Molina wouldn't be able to get White out of that with pitch calling.

White forgot how to throw strikes.
Siddal can be arrogant sometimes.

He's a great guy. With an awful burden to carry.
But he's been promoted a tad beyond his scope. Sometimes I wonder if he's playing a role now.
Just like I sometimes wonder if Jamie's pretend questions that fade out going to commercial actually finish the sentence.
"The thing that fascinates me about Bo...." SN TM

[linery88]

Maybe Walker has awakened us.Manoah had a look like he wanted to start the game right now.Orioles tried this garbage with us before,and it backfired.
Bo was talking to Vladdy earlier in the game,after his 2nd groundout of the night,then in his next 2 abs,Vladdy went deep in the air on a couple of well hit balls.If Vladdy joins Bo,noone can stop us.

[Randle McMurphy]

(2)  Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher
cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting
to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher
without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the
runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe.
Not withstanding the above, it shall not be considered
a violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the catcher blocks
the pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field
the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or
the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw
that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder). In
addition, a catcher without possession of the ball shall not
be adjudged to violate this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the runner
could have avoided the collision with the catcher (or
other player covering home plate) by sliding.

This is the rule as it is written currently in the 2022 rulebook. Even if I buy that Kirk was "blocking the pathway of the runner" without possession of the ball, I think both exceptions to the rule (legitimate attempt to field the throw and runner avoiding the "collision" by sliding) would apply.

If what Kirk did is blocking the plate, the umpires don't understand the rule at this point.

[Lateral Quicks]

Guerrero Jr. now has an OPS of .827, and to my eye he's put back on a lot of weight. Gah! Both he and Bichette have disappointed this year, but much would be forgiven if they can both get hot the rest of the way. Bichette is red hot, so hopefully that can continue...

[Randle McMurphy]

Guerrero Jr. now has an OPS of .827, and to my eye he's put back on a lot of weight. Gah! Both he and Bichette have disappointed this year, but much would be forgiven if they can both get hot the rest of the way. Bichette is red hot, so hopefully that can continue...

Bichette's 122 wRC+ is a career high, tied with last year's mark, right now.

Vlad also hit 3 balls over 95 MPH (including 2 over 106) that all were outs yesterday. He was just unlucky.

[Raider917]

Moreno is back?

[bluerap23]

It continues to amaze me that Tapia gets to bat so high in the order. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.