The Toronto Blue Jays were expected by most analysts to be a contending team, but once again they disappointed their fan base. They spent their offseason chasing free agent Shohei Ohtani to no avail and allowed third baseman Matt Chapman to depart for San Francisco. They focused on building a team that emphasized pitching and defense, but not caring enough about the lineup cost them. The Blue Jays rank 25th in home runs, 27th in stolen bases and 16th in OPS. After a dismal last-place finish, the pressure is on their front office and field staff more than ever before.

Why the Blue Jays Fell Short

The Blue Jays' struggles can be attributed to a number of factors. Their lack of offensive firepower was a major issue, as they failed to hit for power or manufacture runs consistently. Their pitching staff, while strong, was not dominant enough to overcome their offensive deficiencies. The team's lack of depth also contributed to their struggles, as injuries to key players exposed their weaknesses.

The Impact of the Pitch Clock

The introduction of the pitch clock in 2023 significantly impacted the pace of the game. Some argue that the pitch clock helped to make the game more entertaining, while others believe that it negatively affected the game's quality. Data suggests that the pitch clock has successfully shortened the length of games, with a dramatic reduction in the number of games exceeding three hours and thirty minutes.

• 2021: 391 games were longer than three hours and thirty minutes.
• 2022: That number dropped to 232 games.
• 2023: Only 9 games were longer than three hours and thirty minutes.
• 2024: There were 7 games longer than three hours and thirty minutes through September 26th.

The Future of the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have a number of questions to answer heading into the offseason. They need to decide whether they want to continue to build around their pitching staff or whether they need to make a significant investment in their offense. They also need to figure out how to create more depth on their roster.

The Blue Jays have the talent to be a contender, but they need to make some changes in order to achieve their goals. They need to find a way to get more offense and they need to add depth to their roster. If they can do those things, they will be in a good position to compete for a playoff spot in 2025.

Farewell to Oakland

The Oakland A's played their last game in Oakland, where they have been since 1968 (before that, they were in Kansas City and Philadelphia). As a former Expos fan, I feel for the A's fans. Like the Expos, the A's have an owner who was determined to kill them. The Oakland Athletics, a team that has a rich history, will be playing in a new city, Las Vegas.

It is a sad day for baseball and for Oakland. The team has been a part of the city for over 50 years. And while I doubt we’ll see the A’s play in Vegas in my lifetime, it is a new chapter in their story.

The End of an Era

SB Nation started with Athletic Nation. Tyler Bleszinski ran it and brought together a group of bloggers who started this all up. Tyler was at the last game. His presence at the final game in Oakland marked the end of an era for the A's and for SB Nation.

The A's final game in Oakland was not just a farewell to the city, but also a farewell to a group of people who helped to build the team's fan base online. It is a reminder of the power of community and the impact that fans can have on a team's success. The A's move to Las Vegas will likely be a long and arduous one, but the team can take solace in the fact that their fans are still with them.

Beyond the Diamond

David Singh, at Sportsnet, has a long story on anxiety issues that Spencer Horwitz has dealt with. Horwitz, a promising young player for the Blue Jays, has struggled with anxiety, often feeling like he is going to pass out. He wonders if he is having a heart attack, or if he is going to die. The uncertainty magnifies his panic. Though he can’t figure out what’s going on, he knows he can’t just continue to stand in the outfield. This story is a powerful reminder that athletes are human beings who struggle with the same challenges as everyone else. It is a story of hope, resilience and the importance of mental health.

It's important to acknowledge that baseball players, despite their seemingly glamorous profession, are human beings who face personal struggles just like everyone else. While they may be able to hit a home run, they are not immune to the debilitating effects of mental health challenges. The Blue Jays organization has shown commendable support for Horwitz, a testament to their commitment to player well-being beyond their on-field performance.

A Final Word

The Blue Jays may not be the dominant team they were expected to be, but they remain a team with potential. While the journey has been challenging, the future remains bright for this team. With the right moves, the Blue Jays can once again become a force to be reckoned with in the MLB. They may not be stars, but the players are all dedicated to the game and to the team. They will continue to battle, and perhaps, in the future, we will see them reach the top of the league once again.