7:15 PM Eastern
And then there were three. Casey Janssen, B.J. Ryan and now Scott Rolen will all likely open the season on the disabled list after Rolen fractured his right middle finger during a fielding drill before the Jays’ loss to Philly. It’s a non-displaced fracture, which is the best kind, if you’re grading fractures. It’s the same fracture in the same finger as Alfonso Soriano suffered at the beginning of this month, and he only missed five days. The Jays can only hope for the same news about Rolen, but that seems very, very optimistic. If Rolen can’t answer the bell next Monday, Marco Scutaro will be the third baseman, which is a heck of a lot better than the options they had last year when Troy Glaus went down.
Hey, we all thought the Jays were healthy at the end of spring training last year, maybe they’re getting all the injuries out of the way early this year.
Two things stood out about the Jays’ loss that kept their record at 0-0 for the season. How badly A.J. Burnett pitched, and how badly Brandon League pitched. Results-wise, that is. For League, it was his first poor outing of the spring. After I went on the radio and raved about how well he had been pitching all spring, and how he could very well do for the Jays this season what Casey Janssen did for them last season, and how nobody was hitting the ball in the air off of him this year, he went out and gave up rope after rope.
After walking So Taguchi, Rey Olmedo hit a line-drive ground-rule double into the Phils’ pen in left, then Jason Donald took League out of the yard for a three-run homer. That was it for the hits (which was enough), but over an inning and two-thirds, League only got one batter to hit the ball on the ground. I’m looking forward to see what he has next time out.
As for Burnett, he was in remarkably good humour given the fact that he’d allowed seven runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, and the first curveball he threw all spring was deposited on the other side of the right field wall by Chase Utley. I went down to the clubhouse to talk to him before any of the other reporters (because I’d missed his scrums the last two times he’d pitched thanks to radio duties), and one of the first things he did was smack me playfully in the chest and say, “Hey, how about that first curve of the spring?” I asked him if that had been his first change-up of the spring and it got hit out, would that be it for that pitch, and he laughed.
I swear, if I hadn’t covered Burnett for the last two seasons, I would think that he’s one of the nicest pro athletes I had ever met based on his behaviour this spring. He’s been approachable, happy to talk, has poked fun at himself, he’s been great. He even showed me the fake fingernail - fine work by the anonymous Florida esthetician. I certainly hope this is the A.J. we continue to see once the bell rings, but given the past couple of seasons, I’m not holding my breath.
He obviously wasn’t happy with the results today, but he was pleased that he’d stuck to his game plan and continued to pitch, as opposed to just throw. He struck out Ryan Howard twice, on change-ups, and threw a wicked curveball to Chris Snelling in the second that he swung through. It would be amazing for the Jays if Burnett has finally “gotten it”. The sky has always been the limit for him with his stuff.
The ball found Shannon Stewart in left field twice on the day that Reed Johnson was released to make room for the weaker defensive player. Stewart had two opportunities to throw out runners at the plate - on a Pedro Feliz single in the 4th (Geoff Jenkins running from second with two out) and on a Snelling sac fly in the 5th (the very speedy Shane Victorino running). The first throw was over the cutoff man and way offline, the second was late. Yes, if Reed Johnson was playing left, neither of those runs score. Jenkins would have been thrown out, and Victorino wouldn’t even have tried to score. Still, Stewart provides more offense, and a much better option to be an everyday player if that’s needed (Frank Thomas doubters rejoice).
Lastly, in talking to J.P. Ricciardi before the game about Reed’s release, he was pretty emotional. Those of you who think he is a soulless number-crunching robot may want to take note of that. He had tears in his eyes when he explained how difficult it was to release someone who “represents everything (I) believe in.”
Ricciardi also gave us some insight into the bullpen situation. He said in deciding who’s going to come north, he doesn’t want to lose anyone. That means, welcome to the big leagues, Rule Fiver Randy Wells! The last spot will be between Brian Wolfe and John Parrish, neither of whom would be lost to the ballclub if he doesn’t make it. Parrish is out of options, though, so if he does make the team and then has to go down to make room for B.J. Ryan whenever he comes off the disabled list, they’d have to expose him to waivers then. They can send Parrish down now if they want to, though, because he’s on a minor-league contract.
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This team is starting to feel cursed.
At least J.P already has built-in excuses.
- Chris JonesHi Mike,
Jays line up look like there getting ready to go no where fast. This team doesn’t look more optomistic than last years team. The way you discribed Stewarts defence today, its going to be a long year like last but worse.
MW: Wow, I love this. A week before the season even starts and people are already bailing on the season. Man, the Leafs have done a number on you fans over the years, huh?
- brunoRolen is injury prone, I FEEL FOR Reed, Shannon couldn’t hot the Ocean if he was on a Boat.
MW: Breaking your finger in a fielding drill is a complete fluke. Injury-prone has nothing to do with it. If it were his back or his shoulder, I’d agree with you. That’s like saying Roy Halladay is injury-prone because one year a line drive broke his leg and last year he had appendicitis. Total flukes.
And as for the Stewart comment, I’m assuming you’re talking about the throwing arm, because you can’t be talking about Stewart’s ability to actually hit.
- JimIf you had to guess, when would Rolen be back?
MW: Seeing as I’m not a doctor or anything, and haven’t heard anything about the injury from anyone who would know, this is a complete and total guess. But judging from Alfonso Soriano, I’d say mid-April at the very latest.
- Ericthe jays better not use injuries as an excuse this year. If they really have depth, injuries should not be a problem. Teams like the Yankess have had key injuries over the last couple of years and still managed to win 90+ games.
MW: Teams like the Yankees also spend $200 million a year on their payroll. I seem to remember the Red Sox suffering some pretty key injuries in 2006 and finishing third. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do, but the season hasn’t even started yet, so I’d save the pre-emptive shots for now.
- aviI don’t think JP was emotional about dumping Reed Johnson. I think after watching Shannon’s great throwing capability he realized he screwed up, and now thinks it could be one of the moves that grow into an aggregate that costs him his job.
Seriously, how can anyone believe anything JP says or how he acts, with the way he lies.
Get ready to have some balls rolled in on the ground. Imagine if he has to make a throw from deep left center field, it might take a week to get the ball back to the infield.
Of course he could throw to the cutoff man-Vernon Wells.
Pathetic decision and one we will regret.
MW: The emotional display came before today’s game. But Gerry, can I just get you to put out there that you’re going to disagree with every move that Ricciardi makes regardless of what it is? It would just make things a lot easier, I think.
- gerryI understand the reasoning for keeping Stewart, and I am torn between who I would prefer in LF, but today’s showing defenitly didn’t help Stewart’s case. I mean if Stewart can’t make such throws (which as mentioned Johnson would) which cost the team 2 runs today, how many cumelative runs and wins will he cost us during the season on routine plays like singling to LF and cashing in runs from second base? Maybe 3 games a month… is that too harsh? On the other hand, how many more runs can he cash in at the plate… enough to offset 2 or 3 runs a week as a result of his defense? Now if an injurry occured… I can see how the offense in that case could offset the defense, but I defenitly can’t see doing that in a platoon role.
MW: There is zero chance that Stewart costs the Jays 3 games a month with his arm. 3 games in the entire season? Maybe. But the bat will offset it.
- DeanLove reading the Blog Mike !
Can’t wait for you show to start up again after each of the games. Oh but in regards to the bullpen,
Ha !
I sure did call it on Randy Wells ! Check the archives !
#1 scout right here lol
- DaveMike, care to defend J.P after reading this answer by Keith Law on a question about the 2005 draft? It’s the last question…
http://www.richarddansky.com/index_2.htm#FFWKL
MW: Well, it’s not as though Keith Law is an unbiased source there, but that’s an old story. I think that comes down to Russ Adams more than anything, sadly. If the Jays hadn’t taken shortstops in the first round two years in a row, Ricciardi would probably have been more inclined to take Tulowitzki over Romero. At the time, the Jays wanted to stockpile a bunch of arms, and I’ll wager the overwhelming majority of the scouts in that room thought Romero was the best arm in the draft, regardless of whether they’d have preferred Tulowitzki.
There’s no question it was a mistake to draft Romero over Tulowitzki, given the two players’ first few years as pros. Romero could still turn into something, but the odds that he turns into as much of a something as Tulowitzki are way low. But it’s not like Ricciardi ignored the suggestions of his entire staff and went out on his own (like that Dad on Family Feud who overruled his whole family and went with “orange” in “food that starts with the letter A”). Some of the guys in the room preferred Romero.
- Chris JonesLet’s put an end to these unbe-leaf-able comments.
I’m sure Reed was a great guy. But he was barely above the Mendoza line last year when it comes to hitting righties.
Considering the amount of righties the Jays are bound to face this decision is clearly a smart one.
- JRMThanks again for the great posting and commenting, Mr. Wilner. I really appreciate you cutting up posters with weak arguments, so please keep doing it. In regards to Rolen, I am sure glad Scutaro is on the team. Last, I am really going to miss Reed Johnson, but I hope to see Lind forcing the club to find him a spot.
- brentJudging from the way you have been describing AJ so far, it looks like viewers will be able to tell relatively early weather he has his “stuff” or not. Sort of like how we knew when Josh Towers was on or not. When AJ is on I think he can go through the batting order 2wise effectively or give 6+ good innings. When he’s off, the bullpen is going to be drawing straws.
MW: Have you watched AJ? When he’s on, he throws complete-game 3-hitters with 12 strikeouts.
- Matt from BCOn the Rolen/Soriano injury comparison, does anyone know whether Soriano also lost his nail? It seems to me that the loss of the nail on a key “throwing” finger could be a lot more significant than “just a few days”.
As to the Reed/Shannon controversy, I posted my comments on the original story, but just to reiterate, I think JP has made the wrong move here — see the other story for my reasoning.
- NormMW
What’s the problem, does everyone have to agree with JP’s moves or face your sarcastic comments? Last time I checked, it was still a fans privilege to agree or disagree with moves made.I suppose you agree with each move he makes and that’s your right, sorry I don’t.
You happen to believe dumping Johnson is the right move-I don’t. Let’s see how the year unfolds and look at the same descison in August or September.
Also, I find JP’s habit of lying to the fans has become a lot more consistent and apparent this year than previous years.That isn’t a knock on JP, it’s simply a fact.
MW: I’m not saying at all that people have to agree with what JP does or face my blinding wit. What I’m saying is that people should evaluate each move on its own merits, not simply be prepared to criticize it regardless of what it is.
- gerryhey mike
does cutting johnson mean anything for adam lind?
thanks
MW: Nope
- Jeff CostenMike, you may want to just remind people of Tulo’s #s away from Coors : .250/.325/.381
- AriMW
Well, your comment to me was because of my disagreement on the Johnson decision. I have not and do not knock JP for all moves-only the ones I disagree with.
I think last years draft will be remembered as a particular good “move” by JP. I think his long term contract signings with Halliday, AJ and BJ and his trades for Glaus and Overbay will be remembered as good moves. I have complimented him as such.
I think 2 years to Stairs, and 3 to Downs will be viewed as bad moves; as well as this move on Johnson. Time will tell on all 3.
What really bothers me about JP though, is his consistent lying. Case in point-The BJ Ryan episode. Last year when BJ went down, JP released statements stating BJ had a lower back issue, then it was an elbow issue, then he went under the knife.
JP stated quite clearly that BJ would be ready for this spring, in spite of the fact most guys don’t come back from this injury that fast. Now he says he never said any such thing.
Was BJ rushed to make JP’s statements true-who knows? What we do all know is JP lied consistently on BJ’s situation.
This year it appears to me that JP has shown a clear tendancy to lie to the fans every time he gets the chance.
- gerryMike,
Who do you see as the defensive replacement for both of the left fielders and your comments on their ability.
MW: There are no defensive replacements for the left fielders. One of Shannon Stewart and Matt Stairs will always be in left. They can both hit, and they’re both average defensive outfielders. Throwing-arm wise, Stairs is average, Stewart is awful.
- HadleyI hope this is the last bite from the injury bug this spring. It’s annoying that spring training has to go for a month-and-a-half. Geez…
MW: Personally, I’d rather have Rolen miss seven fake games and five real ones than 12 real ones, but I see your point.
- JeremyThe Blue Jays decision to let Reed Johnson go is a joke!!!
As is your about face opinion on the value of Shannon Stewart. It’s amazing how you have forgotten that you constantly complained about Stewart’s lack of a throwing arm in his last tenure with the Jays ( go back and listen to the tapes)And back the Jays for originally letting him go because of his pathetic throwing arm.
Reed Johnson is a much better all-around player. Opposition runners will challenge Stewart’s arm at every opportunity presented. You can’t hide poor defence over 9 innings. This move is going to haunt the Jays over and over again, especially in late inning situations when the game is on the line. Can’t believe you support this decision?
At least with the Eckstein move, they have an incredible defensive backup. Who plays left field for the Jays when they need some defence - Matt Stairs??
MW: There’s been no about face on Stewart. He can’t throw. Plain and simple. He never could. Back when the Jays traded him in ‘03, I wasn’t leading the charge to have him moved out of town (check the tapes). At the time, the Jays couldn’t afford to resign him, and he was about to become a free agent, so obviously a trade from a team that wasn’t contending was a better move than letting him walk for nothing. Turns out, the Jays wound up getting Ted Lilly for him - good move.
- MikeIt’s time to let JP go. He lies to the fans and fills holes when he doesn’t even have them. A very confusing and ineffective general manager with little integrity.
- RoberJ.P. has done a lot of things that have annoyed me but this isn’t one of them.
Reed Johnson exudes a lot of qualities I & others like in a ballplayer but this was clearly a baseball (we are talking baseball, right?) decision that was undoubtably tough to make.
The Jays pitching staff can hold their own with the Yanks & Red Sox but sadly, the Blue Jay bats aren’t on par with their competitors…hence the decision to keep Shannon Stewart. The Blue Jays must find a way to close the gap that exists on offense & this is what’s being addressed - plain & simple.
I’ll miss watching Reed Johnson play for the Jays but he’ll find work soon.
Go Jays.
- ColeHi Mike
I’m sure that JP was genuine in his feelings about releasing Reed. Those are the hardest guys to let go because they work their tails off earning everything that they’re given. I think that’s why so many Jays fans are sentimental towards Reed and critical of the move. But I feel like in that way they’re not giving Shannon enough credit either.
Onto a question: I understand that this is a business, but I’ve wondered why JP has handled some of the moves the way he has. For exapmle, as you wrote, why sign Reed in the first place if you know you’re going to get someone else (when Patterson, Stewart, Lofton etc. were still FA’s). They sign Barajas even after last year’s debacle. There have been numerous third basemen over JPs tenure all with some sort of job security only to be moved for someone else in subsequent years (I’m thinking Koskie signing then being moved). Is this a bad pattern? Does it enter into the minds of players or am I totally looking for something that’s not here?
MW: I don’t know how much players actually think about stuff like that. Every time someone has been brought in to replace a player who seemingly has job security it’s because that player is better (Glaus over Koskie, for example). I think in general the players would like the fact that their team keeps improving (or the front office keeps trying to improve the team) around them. Why sign Reed? Because the replacement wasn’t there yet, and you’re never sure if you’re going to get one (Corey Patterson? Please! That’d be worse than the guy who suggested Juan Pierre last night), and because it would only cost a half-million dollars.
- robThe Jays have BOTH Rios and Wells to fill in with the arm. At least Stewart can get to fly balls opposed to that pant load known as Matt Stairs who could possibly lose to Benjie Molina in a race.
MW: A ridiculous assertion.
- BrandonMike, the thing I don’t get is if the Jays are so concerned with offence from the LF position why not plant Lind there? Lind will hit about 25 home runs and drive in 90 easily AND gives you slightly better defense than Stewart or Stairs.
My fearless prediction for the year is Lind is up here sooner rather than later and after tearing up the league (again) the Jays move Snider to first base for the future. An offence of Wells, Rios, Lind, Hill, and Snider for the future sounds great to me.
MW: Lind may in fact be able to do that, given that he hit 11 homers and drove in 46 last year in 89 games. But let’s not forget that he only hit .238/.278/.400.
- Chris JonesGive JP a break…
He actually goes on the radio and talks… Have you heard most GMs in interviews? They say nothing…
I dont care if JP lies to fans from time to time because why would he show his hand of cards to the other GMs?
At least he talks, and gives us something to listen to Wednesday nights.. He has made minimal big mistakes.. Everything you can dog him for are ticky tack things like signing Koskie (who he then flipped for Wolfe), or making a bad draft pick…
Its not like he traded John Maine for Kris Benson… Or signed Gary Matthews to a giant deal… Or gave Eric Gagne a one year 10 million dollar deal…
And the bottom line: look at the division…
- SteveHey Mike.
What really bothers me is that some so called Blue Jay fans try to act like they know baseball, and criticize a GM who has done a solid job with the team
Give me a break people, you’re telling me you’d rather have a guy who has had one good year in the major leagues over Shannon Stewart? Stewart since 1997 has had 7 rock solid seasons in the majors and has been the starting left fielder for 2 Twins teams that have won the A.L. Central. Reed Johnson has had 1 good season in the majors. Defense in left field eh? The Red Sox have Manny Ramirez in left. The Yankees have Johnny Damon. Enough said.
Simply put, I have never heard any rational, factual or logical argument from anyone, or any sports writer that can justify that J.P. Ricciardi has done a bad job with the Jays. For the few straight up bad moves he has made, he has made more straight up good ones. The Blue Jays are a competitive, exciting product that has the deck stacked against them having to compete in the division they are in. The response to people thinking Reed Johnson is somehow a better ballplayer than Shannon Stewart shows that a lot of people that are Blue Jay fans just don’t seem to understand baseball. Yes I loved Reed Johnson too, but I also love Shannon Stewart when he played here.
So in closing, for those who just refuse to face facts and still cling to the notion that J.P. is a bad G.M. for whatever reason, you might want to examine your knowledge of baseball because you are waaaaay out of your element. Read Peter Gammons, Buster Olney, or other baseball experts south of the border, and they often compliment the fine job Ricciardi has done under very difficult circumstances.
Ok. Rant over.
- Pete WarrenOne more thing.
Could people please get over the J.P. lying thing? Why do you care so much what he told a couple members of the media? I’m really interested in knowing why you care so much. Did it hurt them in the standings? Did it cost you any money? He was trying to protect one of his players from getting a media barrage of questions about his elbow ok? He knew full well that it would be revealed that it was BJ’s elbow, not his back that was the problem. Therefore, he left himself open to critcism as to why he lied. He wasn’t trying to hide anything from ANYBODY. He was trying to protect the players. I don’t see how people can get offended about that.
MW: I don’t quite get why so many people are so offended about the lies, either. Every GM of every team in every sport lies on a regular basis - to the media, to the fans, to his fellow GMs. Lots of other people lie all the time, too, including a great many of the people who are angry with JP for lying. BUT - I don’t know how you can say that he wasn’t trying to hide anything from anybody. He absolutely was. Playing his cards close to his vest and trying not to undercut any potential deals that he might have had going on, but he absolutely was.
- Pete Warrenone thing gord ash knew was that he was not smarter than his scouts and so he listened to them, which is why his regimed produced so many stud players. just pretending ricciardi thinks he knows more than anyone, he is the decider (heard that before), and so doesn’t listen to anyone. if he didn’t have 100 mil to spend this team would be a laughing stock. I guarantee gord ash would have taken tulowitski. god help us
- lesGlad to hear you admit that Stewart can’t throw-”plain and simple” Although you may have not been leading the charge to get Stewart out of town 5 years ago, you certainly mentioned many times that it was a problem the Jays had to address. So now J.P. brings back a problem that will haunt them every time they play in Yankee stadium.
By the way, if the Jays lacked confidence in Reed bouncing back to his ‘06 numbers, why did they sign him to a raise? Even Reed mentioned on the Swirsky show that he was surprised that he got a raise. In truth, the raise handcuffed J.P. as no one wanted that contract. Finally, in what offensive categories is Shannon going to be that much superior in, that it makes it worth playing with 8 fielders instead of 9? Game winning hits? I’ll bet Johnson has more assists than Stewart has game winning hits. What do you think? Again, who is going to offer that late inning defence in the outfield when the Jays need it? Man, I thought you knew the game. This move was absolutely stupid.
MW: Just remember, the Yankees and Red Sox have left fielders who are worse defensively than Shannon Stewart. Wait and see how the year progresses. I’ll say it again - the Jays didn’t win last year because they didn’t hit. They pitched and caught the ball as well as anyone in the game and they didn’t hit.
- MikeI see that a lot of problems the people have with JP are that he seems like a jerk and that he lies. Neither of those things effect his skill as a gm… I’m just saying.
- EricJP with tears in his eyes? People think he’s soul-less? That’s so unfair Mike, that would presume he did have a soul at one point. I can only hope (once again) that this is the last year that we’ll have a charade of a GM in Toronto. Arrogance and bluster con only get you so far. The legacy of simply horrid signings, trades, coaching and managerial botches will follow him forever. Just so you don’t think this is completely one-sided, JP has proven himself to draft well. Maybe his next role will be evaluating minor league talent as an assistant to a real GM.
- DougHey Mike,
Is Buck Coats on the verge of replacing Adam Lind as the next Jay-in-waiting?
MW: No, Travis Snider has already done that.
- RobHey Mike
To add something to the comments on Keith Law from yesterday that Chris left, when J.P. Drafted the LHP (Ricky Romero) over the short (Troy Tulowitzki). In 2002 J.P. drafted a shortstop (Russ Adams) and the next pick was a LHP (Scott Kazmir). I know that there are hundreds of examples of drafts gone wrong, but these are two resent ones that could have exchanged a couple on minor leaguers for two really good young players. Other then Aaron Hill has J.P. made a good draft pick that has accomplished anything yet. Shouldn’t an ex moneyballer be able to identify talent a little better.
MW: Among the JP draft choices that have worked out really well: Casey Janssen (hurt now, but so is Kazmir), Shaun Marcum, Aaron Hill, Adam Peterson (turned into Jeremy Accardo), Zach Jackson (turned into Lyle Overbay, with help), Tom Mastny (turned into John McDonald), and that’s just off the top of my head. And yes, Russ Adams was a huge mistake, no question about it, but you can go back over every draft and find a crappy pick in the first couple of rounds, and a huge stud that everybody missed for 10 rounds.
- SteveHow does JP lying have anything to do with how well he does his job?
- StoetenWhen Boston & New York look at this line up their going to be trembling in their feet.
- brunoI agree with Mike. Can we please wait at least for the season to start before you drag everyone down. I have been waiting through a very long winter for baseball to begin am looking forward to a GREAT season !
- kimThanks for the blog Mike - it’s now my #1 site to follow the Jays!
Two questions (1) who’s the last man to make the roster now that Rolen won’t be there opening day? (2) with respect to the injuries, is there a sense of “here we go again” around the locker room?
MW: Buck Coats and nope.
- RyanPlease don’t start a whole year of injury excuses for poor performance.
All teams have injuries.
The time to plan for injuries and have contingencies in place is now.
Mike, don’t start down that
road. It just gets more irritating as the year goes on, and more desperate.
MW: Huh?
- John WMike sounds to me like to many of your readers have been reading Richard Griffin Articles
- Dan Moore