Title: 3-on-3 On The Raptors and the Lockout
Date: November 16, 2011
Original Source: Raptors Republic
Synopsis: As part of ESPN’s True Hoop network, Raptors Republic was allowed to borrow the 3-on-3 article format. I participated, and we discussed a trio of lockout-related topics.
Read the full article!
Title: On J.P. Arencibia’s Rookie Season
Date: September 13, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: I still love JPA, but looking back this piece was a bit hyperbolic about his rookie season. While I didn’t nominate him for Rookie of the Year honors, I basically just gave him the “I like this guy” approval and disregarded things like, oh I don’t know, OBP. That said, he’s shown improvement in 2012 so maybe it wasn’t so misguided after all.
Read the full article!
Title: Holy Hell, Nestor Molina! Prospect Watch
Date: August 25, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: The Blue Jays’ relatively unknown pitching prospect Nestor Molina was destroying the minors, so I took the time to look at his ridiculous numbers and whatever scouting reports I could find online. Molina would later be dealt to the White Sox for Sergio Santos and as of this writing (May 2012) is struggling for Chicago’s AA/AAA affiliates.
Read the full article!
Title: So You’re Bored With the Lockout, Late Summer Edition
Date: August 25, 2011
Original Source: Raptors Republic
Synopsis: This Raptors Republic article provided some ideas for how basketball fans could satiate their appetites while waiting for the NBA to negotiate a labor agreement.
Read the full article!
Title: Jays Trade Aaron Hill and John McDonald for Kelly Johnson
Date: August 23, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: The Jays sent fan-favorites Johnny Mac and Aaron Hill to the desert, but I felt good about the return they got in high-OBP keystone-man Kelly Johnson.
Read the full article!
Title: The Impact of Not Having Summer League
Date: August 13, 2011
Original Source: Raptors Republic
Synopsis: This Raptors Republic article looked at how a lack of Summer League, due to the lockout, could have an impact on the Raptors’ players and plans.
Read the full article!
Title: Henderson Alvarez Gets the Call, Will Start Wednesday
Date: August 10, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: The Blue Jays’ called up rising pitching prospect Henderson Alvarez, so I took a look at the 21-year old and where our expectations should be set.
Read the full article!
Title: The Jays Steal Signs?…C’mon Son
Date: August 10, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: When news broke that the Blue Jays’ were notorious sign stealers with no talent who only won by cheating (source: ESPN), I briefly reacted and linked to some more elaborate reaction pieces from around the internet.
Read the full article!
Title: The Post-Lockout Raptors Roster
Date: August 8, 2011
Original Source: Raptors Republic
Synopsis: This Raptors Republic article looked at what the Raptors’ roster and cap situation might look like if the current lockout caused a cancellation of the 2011-12 season.
Read the full article!
Title: Brett Lawrie’s Debut Weekend, Play-by-Play
Date: August 7, 2011
Original Source: The On Deck Circle
Synopsis: Mega-prospect Brett Lawrie finally made his much-anticipated Blue Jays’ debut, and what a weekend it was! This was the somewhat tongue-in-cheek recounting of the events.
Read the full article!
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 