Catching the Cavalry

   The Australian Baseball League, according to a release on its website, is  "revolutionizing the way fans across Australia and around the globe will witness baseball Down Under," with live streaming of its games, and a youtube channel.

   Play in the ABL started yesterday, and continues until the league championship the first weekend of February.  The majority of its games area played from Thursday to Saturday.

   The Blue Jays have had a working agreement with the Canberra Cavalry for several years now, and the relationship has been quite successful.  The Jays send prospects who need additional playing time, and the Cavalry get a reasonably steady supply of players.

   This year, the Jays have sent perennial fan favourite (and former league MVP) catcher Jack Murphy, as well infielders LB Dantzler,  and Christian Lopes.  Outfielder Anthony Alford, who decided to forego his college football career, has reported to Australia, and will get an opportunity to accelerate his development with the Cavalry.  

  Every one of the Cavalry's 48-game schedule will be televised, starting with their season opener on November 6th.  Canberra is 15 hours ahead of Toronto, so watching games live will mean some early morning wake up calls for Blue Jays fans.