2026 WBC / Blue Jays / Vancouver Canadians
 

Don't think Canada was expected to do anything, but they're still in the WBC.

How about those Italians? Beat the, favourite to take it all team, USA yesterday.

The Americans could have been eliminated if Mexico were to beat Italy by 5 runs or less today. Something like that. However, as nice as that might have been, Italy beat Mexico today 9-1.

This is Canada's first time qualifying for the semi-finals in the WBC.

This tournament is absolutely amazing and im so glad its happening near the tail end of the horrible Canucks season

Pool C and B had some really high stakes games leading to the very end.

Im shocked at how USA completely dropped the ball, i almost want them to be out of this lol.

expecting a USA/DR semi, and can absolutely see DR win that one. I think Japan will steam roll their side of the bracket, but of course, never look past those espresso drinking italians.

Please, baseball gods, let the amuricans eat humble pie.

I wouldn't even mind if the espresso boys win it all. Just no US win.

What a bullshit 3rd strike call to end the DR/USA game - not even close to being a strike.

Too bad the WBC doesn't incorporate the new challenge system the MLB has in place this year.

Not enough espresso power today. Venezuela beats Italy 4-2.

Fun fact............. only three players on the Italian team are born in Italy.

Anyway, it's USA vs Venezuela tomorrow for the championship.

Yes, Yes, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!


The fucking amuricans lost today to the Venezuelan Team!

Not sure if any of you watched, but those cocky amuricans came to the ballpark wearing team USA mens hockey jerseys. Led by Aaron Judge carrying the star mangled banner on a battlefield-type flagstaff. Big fucking grin on his face................

I love the Venezuelan team's celebration. Man, those guys deserved the win. All heart and determination. There were times I had to fight back some tears.

One silver lining for the American players was that they were spared having to walk into a shit filled, smelly dining room to have some Big Mac Meals, gulolololol.

2026 MLB New Rules.

In a nutshell............

Key 2026 Rule Changes:

ABS Challenge System: Players can challenge subjective strike/ball calls using "robot umpire" technology. A tap on the helmet or hat signals the challenge. If the umpire's call is overturned, the team retains the challenge.

Extra Inning Challenges: If a team runs out of challenges, they receive one additional challenge in extra innings.

Checked Swing Challenges: Players can use their ABS challenges on checked-swing calls. A swing is defined as the bat breaking a 45-degree angle.

Base Coach Regulations: Coaches must remain within their designated boxes while the pitcher is on the rubber to prevent sign stealing, according to MLB.com.

Runner Obstruction: Runners cannot initiate contact with fielders to deliberately draw an obstruction call, per MLB.com.

First game for the Blue Jays in the 2026 season will be a home game Friday, March 27th vs the Oakland Athletics. Berrios has been the starting pitcher for the last couple of seasons, but he's on the injured list, so it will be Gausman.

Buck Martinez has officially retired. Hazel Mae is still around.

As for players, some changes. Lost Bichette, but got Okamoto. Dylan Cease signing is a positive. Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward.

Addison Barger and Dalton Varsho are on fire in spring training.


Prospects: Still waiting on Arjun Nimmala.

https://jaysjournal.com/blue-jays-ca...on-hits-the-il

Yesavage starting the year on the IL. Seems that this is more about keeping his innings down than anything serious - he didn't ramp up much in spring training and they want to keep him fresh as last year was the most innings he's pitched by a mile.

Totally forgot about him. Hopefully he'll continue to pitch like he did last year in his rookie season. Is he considered a rookie still this year? I'm pretty rusty right now. Time to get back into the baseball (MLB) scene.

He's still considered a rookie as he only made 3 regular season appearances - playoff appearances don't count against eligibility.

Blue Jays looking good this year. Final spring training game today with 14-1 win over Tampa.

Jays are in their 50th year as an MLB team.