AL East

I wonder what the opposite of a fist pump is or could it be a fist thrust downwards or possibly a fist bump? Either way, B.J. Ryan is likely doing the opposite of his trademark enthusiastic celebration after hearing he was released by the Blue Jays earlier today.

Even though Ryan is still owed $15 million dollars, the move was a smart one rather than parading him out there in the mop up role for the next season and a half. The Beej had two great seasons as the closer for the Blue Jays, with 37 saves in 2006 and 32 saves back in 2008.

It's something that no Blue Jay fan wants to envision, but with all this trade talk lately it's all I can think about. There is a possibility that Roy Halladay could be traded, and frankly it's breaking my heart.

In a somewhat surprising move today, the Toronto Blue Jays have cut ties with former All-Star relief pitcher B.J. Ryan.

The Blue Jays signed Ryan to a mammoth five-year deal, which was the largest ever for a reliever at the time, following the 2005 season.

Ryan, who was the Blue Jays' closer as recently as this year, has struggled mightily this entire season. In 20.2 innings pitched, Ryan posted an ERA hovering near seven, which is more than double his career ERA (3.37).

Yesterday, on our three hour ride back from the postponed Scranton AAA doubleheader, my friend Brent and I got into an argument about Alfredo Aceves.

I maintained that the best comparison for what he's done this season is Ramiro Mendoza. Brent suggested the 1996 version of Mariano Rivera. As you might have imagined, I laughed it off completely.

Then Brent got me the stats:

There's something to be said about a game where John McDonald hits a home run. For those who witnessed it live, be thankful because a Johnny Mac home run comes around about as often as Haley's Comet.

Tampa Bay recovered from an extremely slow start to the season to pull above .500 in the second quarter. With 83 games in the books, the Rays have passed the midway point in 2009, and we begin to gear up for the second half of the season and hopefully a stretch run.

When we looked at the team at the quarter pole, the Rays were a measly 21-22. Since May 21, the Rays have gone 23-17. At times they have looked like the champions of the American League, defending their crown. At other times, they've looked like the "Devil" Rays. Consistency remains elusive for this ball club.

Entering the holiday weekend, the Rays came in as one of the hottest teams in baseball. When it was over, the Texas Rangers were in first place and the Rays fell further behind in both the AL East Divisional race and the AL wildcard chase.

Texas swept Tampa Bay by silencing the red hot bats of the Rays, and taking advantage of uncharacteristic defensive lapses in their three game sweep.

New York Yankees backup catcher Jose Molina has been on the disabled list since May 8 with a strained left quadriceps. This is a significant injury for any player, let along a catcher. When he likely returns this upcoming week against Minnesota, Molina will have missed two months.

The 2010 schedule won't be officially announced until sometime in September, but the Associated Press has obtained at least a portion of the schedule, including the date of the first outdoor game in Minneapolis in twenty eight seasons.

Target Field is set to open on April 12, 2010 when the Minnesota Twins take on the Boston Red Sox. This was released:

Target Field has a target date.

For something completely different today, I decided to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball. How unlike me.

The Jays took on the New York Yankees in the Bronx, and I settled into my couch and took notes. For your reading pleasure, I have put them in chronological order. Enjoy!

Pregame

-The sky looks angry today. So does my cat.

-A.J. Burnett pitches for the Yankees and Brian Tallet goes for the Blue Jays.