A Year To Forget For The Blue Jays

The year of 2017 looked like clear skies for the Toronto Blue Jays. The team was coming off two straight American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearances, the pitching seemed to be peaking, and the red-hot offence was considered the best in baseball. Even with the departure of Edwin Encarnacion, the Jays looked like a team that could go into the playoffs, and possibly the World Series. But the skies were anything but clear for the Birds this year. Every position on the roster has been hampered with the nightmare known as the disabled list. That list has robbed the Blue Jays of grade-A talent, with the likes of star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, second baseman Devon Travis, and ace pitcher Aaron Sanchez gone for extended periods of time. However, that's not the complete list of players who have been injured. Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson, and Marcus Stroman were on the DL for short stints, but when they were injured, the Jays possessed gaping holes in their lineup, leaving utility players such as Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney to try and fill the holes once occupied with star power. Therefore, the offence is not red hot as it was in the past two years, and the pitching has struggled mightily, with the exception of starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and closer Roberto Osuna. Yet, here the Jays sit, with a record of 61-72, last in the AL East division, and more than 8 games back of a wildcard spot. The team may create a miraculous run to a wildcard spot, but it's highly doubtful, as the team has struggled to find consistency now and the majority of this year. Fans and analysts alike may think it's time for the team to sell at the conclusion of this season, but this team still can be competitive next year if the players are in good health. Maybe 2017 was just a year full of bad luck and misfortune, a year deserving to be thrown in the trash. However, this team is aging, and it realistically has one or two competitive seasons left in them. The championship window is closing for the Jays, and if 2018 is much like 2017, expect the future to be full of turbulence and rebuilding in Toronto.

Vacation Time! Thoughts On Nova Scotia

The season of summer is a time for relaxation and breaks from a busy lifestyle occupying most of spring, fall, and winter. In saying that, I'd thought I'd take a break from writing about sports, and write about a 12 day vacation I took in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. I did all the touristy stuff that anyone might do, like eating fresh seafood, walking the coastline, and seeing ships, but the two main things that stood out to me were the ocean and the friendly people of the East Coast. Whether its looking at the waves crashing on the seawall, or daring to swim in the icy waters, the sea is quite mesmerising, and in a way, it's like a natural spa. On a day where almost nobody is on a particular beach, all you can hear is the wind, the gulls, and the waves rushing onto the beachfront. The sound of the waves clears your head, allowing time to move slower, and it gives a chance to appreciate the stunning scenery that is all around you, such as beaches, cliffs, and wildlife. This experience is truly like no other.

Moving on from the ocean, the people of the East Coast were a real treat. They didn't know me by name, but they always found away to greet me with open arms and say hello. Unlike my home province of Ontario, where the people might give bland greetings or could not care less who you are, Nova Scotians give a sense of belongingness to tourists. They have this wonderful ability to connect with random tourists such as myself and get a conversation going. I wish I could explain more in writing, but seeing these people is an experience that you need to take in yourself. Once you do, you will leave happier and with no regrets.

So when and if you get the chance, take advantage of the treasure that is Nova Scotia. It's simply another great piece of Canada that everyone needs to visit in their lifetime.