Living in the lower mainland we get spoiled by watching Toronto Blue Jay’s Single A affiliate the Vancouver Canadians and many of today’s stars on the mound at Nat Bailey.
It’s not uncommon for myself, Laird and Markus to attend games and when we do, it’s important to both act and look professional, so the first stop is at our “favorite” shop – Nordel Barbers at 84th and 112th.
Given the recent success of the Blue Jay’s, it’s only fitting that we should address the talent that has entertained thousands when stopping albeit long term or short term.
Players passing through have taken the time to become “one of the Family” by signing autographs, taking selfies or just chatting, so now it’s time to recognize some.
The Blue Jays rookie closer has continued his impressive first season into the playoffs. In four appearances in the five-game ALDS, Osuna worked 5 2/3 innings, giving up zero runs on zero hits.
He came into Game 5 with a three-run lead and five outs to get and struck out four batters en route to his first post-season save.
Jay’s pitcher David Price told the media following the win “For a 20-year-old kid to be able to do what he’s done, to get the last three outs of the game, those are the toughest three outs to get in Major League Baseball, and that’s incredible and for him to be able to step up the way he has, that’s special.”
Osuna made his pro ball debut with Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League in 2011.
In 13 appearances totaling 192⁄3 innings, he pitched to a 0–1 record, with an ERA of 5.49 getting 12 strikeouts and in August/2011 he was acquired and signed by the Jays for a measly $1.5 million
He began the 2012 season with in the Appalachian League with the Bluefield Blue Jays but was promoted to the Vancouver Canadians after posting a 1–0 record with a 1.50 earned run average in 7 appearances (4 starts)
He made his Canadians debt on July 28, 2012, striking out a franchise-record 13 batters over 5 innings pitched.
In total, Osuna pitched 432⁄3 innings in 2012, and posted a 2–0 record, 2.27 ERA, and 49 strikeouts.
He quit school when he was 12 to help support his family picking vegetables with his father (also named Roberto) who pitched in the Mexican League for 22 seasons and taught him to pitch after work.
His Uncle Antonio was a pitcher in Major League Baseball for 11 seasons, mostly with the LA Dodgers.
Stroman was born to in Stony Brook New York, whose parents separated when he was in the 5th grade, but that never deterred him as he went on to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classis.
He was drafted by the Jay’s 22nd overall and became toe first Duke player to be selected in the first round.
He began his career with the Vancouver Canadians playing at the “Nat” and was billeted by a local family, with whom he keeps in contact with.
After a “cup of coffee” with the C’s he was promoted to Double-A and played for the Fisher Cats in August 2012.
He was suspended August /2012 for 50 games for testing positive for methylhexanamine a banned stimulant, then returned and pitched five scoreless innings getting a win in May/2013.
He was ranked the #3 prospect in the Jay’s organization and invited to attend the Jay’s spring training camp in 2014.
It wasn’t until May/2014 that he was called up, earning his first MLB victory May 6th when he pitched 1 1/3 innings in relief of Drew Hutchinson.
When the season began it wasn’t expected that he would play this season as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee following his surgery he stated he would return and to the shock of everyone he would return and the rest is history.
Not only has Stroman lived up to his promise, he’s exceeding just about everyone’s expectations.
Stroman started the decisive fifth game of the ALDS, giving up two runs on six hits, a walk and four strikeouts.
He also pitched the second game of the series, a 6-4 extra-innings loss, where he went seven strong innings, fanning five and allowing four runs (three earned).
At the end of last season he announced that he would change his number from 54 to 6 in honor of his Grandmother.
Interesting enough he is listed at having a salary of $514,700 and no doubt his Agents “The Legacy Agency” will be asking for a raise.
Let’s not forget that the Jay’s have a strong BC connection on the club with Delta’s Jeff Francis and Victoria’s Michael Saunders on the roster – just not in the line-up.
Its not uncommon for Rob Fai to grab interview with stars such as Roberto Alomar as well as do the play by play, but this is now a thing of the past as he has left for a “gig” at UBC.
Sad – but true!!
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