It’s well documented that I was very unhappy with the Jays when they failed to re-sign Edwin Encarnación. It was a little extra irritating when, a few days before Christmas, he signed with Cleveland.

The Blue Jays had been eliminated from the ALCS by Cleveland about two months before. Cleveland was already a better team and the Jays allowed one of their best pieces to be an asset to them. It felt like Cleveland was going one way and Toronto was going another.

Friday’s game, which I’ve titled “Edwin Will Have His Revenge”, was particularly rough. Cleveland needed hits and Encarnación delivered in a way Jays fans have become accustomed to. 

The different directions were very apparent this weekend.

Out hit, out pitched, out classed. Of the two, one of these teams is going to have "Meaningful September Baseball" and the other one is the Toronto Blue Jays.

What’s that, Gibby?

That about sums it up. 

Things are ugly in a way not seen in a good long while. Every day, new terrible stats are tweeted out.

Did you know that the Blue Jays’ run differential is -20303940? And that the run differential is the worst since the beginning of time?

You do now! It’s not just your imagination that this is bad! We are going to reinforce your negative thoughts with cold, hard stats! Wallow! And then complain about Troy Tulowitzki’s “bad attitude” on Twitter.

I get the media is trying to tell the story, but it is starting to sound like a relentless dirge. Find a new angle, fellas. You can do it.

I would like to put a hold on this idea that was circulating around Twitter yesterday:

This is not a hit on Mr. Chisholm, but I’m going to call bullshit on this. Regulars not on the DL does not equal healthy. 

I refuse to believe that Josh Donaldson is healthy. I don't believe it. I don't. 

He’s had calf issues to start the season and jammed his hand the other day versus Boston. And that’s just the stuff we know about.

Aaron Sanchez's blister issue illustrates how health can ebb and flow. 

And even if Donaldson is actually healthy, the time missed has an effect on his timing. Watching him, with my eyes, it’s clear he just isn’t right. He's missing pitches he normally crushes.

And that’s just Donaldson. That doesn't address the various others I suspect are walking wounded.

The only one I believe is feeling pretty good is Justin Smoak.

And “regular lineup” isn’t accurate while Devon Travis remains on the DL.

May has, by far, been the best month in this 2017 season. Travis was regularly in the lineup. He made all of them go and his absence leaves a hole. They can't seem to get it going without him.

I don't know why media and the fans don't want to acknowledge that health has been an issue, but it's key. These guys haven't mysteriously regressed towards terrible sucking. It's health. 

Hilariously sad Steve Simmons tweet:

Is the world missing a new Steve Simmons hot take? Does anyone care about this? 

Stoeten talks about how much fun Stroman is to watch this season for Vice Sports.

Arden Zwelling with a fantastic piece about Vlad Jr.

Some Stacey May Fowles Baseball Life Advice from Vlad Sr. 

Finally, Joey Votto delivered on his promise of a donkey for Zach Cozart. 

More donkeys. Less horseshit.