7:30 PM Eastern
Sorry about the lack of bloggage the last couple of days, but we had some technical issues on our end.
So, Frank Thomas can’t get around on a good fastball anymore, huh? Well, seems he was just warming up in the 4th, when he took a 97 mile-an-hour heater from Josh Beckett and ripped it to the wall in left, with Manny Ramirez picking it off the wall with a leap (did anyone else wonder how on Earth he made that play? I don’t think he’s ever made a better catch). The next time up, Thomas simply hammered Manny Delcarmen’s 95 mile-an-hour fastball into the seats in left field, and the smell of salami permeated Rogers Centre for the first time this season.
I have been trying my best to convince fans not to bail on The Big Hurt, there’s a lot left in that bat, and hopefully people are now starting to come around. Yes, he’s 39, yes, he lumbers around the basepaths - though he’s been moving a bit this year, a couple of first to thirds on singles, tagging and going to third on a fly to right in New York - but the man can hit. He’s a Hall of Famer, and he led this team in on-base, homers and RBIs just last year. Come on, people.
Also - he’s a pretty smart hitter. He knew that Delcarmen was going to come first-pitch fastball after Thomas had taken his change-up into the gap for a two-run double on Friday night. He sat on the heat, and crushed it.
And hands up anyone who thought the Jays would be 4-2 at this point with Roy Halladay having given up the top two run totals of the entire pitching staff? Halladay pitched great in New York, but was victimized by that 315-foot homer and the two defensive miscues, and today he gave up three leadoff homers, but each time retired the next three hitters he faced. And that fourth run, of course, scored only because of that horrible-looking collision between Vernon Wells and John McDonald.
I don’t know about you, but my heart was in my throat when I saw the two of them smack into each other at full tilt, a tangle of heads, shoulders, elbows and knees. Wells looked like he took the worst of it at first, but it was Johnny Mac who couldn’t get up for a while. Remembering the Beltran-Cameron collision of a couple of years ago, it wasn’t hard to imagine that one of them had a severe concussion and the other one had torn up a knee or dislocated a shoulder, but it turned out that the worst of it was that McDonald had the wind knocked out of him, and both of them stayed in the game. Amazing.
We got to see two patented McDonald gems in his first appearance of the season, one on the first play of the game, although on that one Mac bobbled the exchange for just a half-second and Pedroia was able to beat it out. It’s so much fun watching that man play shortstop, but don’t expect the fact that he was in there today to mean that he’s going to be Halladay’s personal shortstop again, which is a shame.
A couple of comments on what happened while the blog was down:
-How about Aaron Hill? If you listened to The Blue Jays This Week (and if you didn’t, shame on you), you heard him say two things about his flashy new contract. He talked about fairness in salary, relative to the market, then stopped himself and said “We’re talking about millions of dollars and we’re talking about fair” as he rolled his eyes at himself. And when discussing whether he could have gotten more if he’d waited another year or two to lock up, he said “how greedy can you be?” I love that. Hill, to me, is the ultimate “ballplayer”. He could care less what’s going on around him, he just wants to go out and play. When he made his major-league debut, instead of having stars in his eyes, he told me that his impressions of the majors were that he now had nicer pants, now let’s go play ball.
-Shaun Marcum was outstanding Friday night. Just like he did for what seemed like all of last season, he took a shutout into the 7th inning. He’s the one I’m most concerned about among the Jays’ top four starters, not because I’m not confident in his ability, but just because it’s so hard to avoid that post-breakout setback. But he showed me something all spring, and he did it again in the home opener. One bad pitch, but a one-hit shutout into the 7th against a fantastic offense.
-Jesse Litsch was terrific on Saturday. A starter’s performance can get lost in what wound up a 10-2 game, but that was a game that could easily have gone either way up until the bottom of the sixth, by which time Litsch was gone anyway. He got hit VERY hard early on, as both Dustin Pedroia and Sean Casey hit absolute scorchers that were turned into three outs combined, and Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew rocked him for hard line doubles, but he only gave up two runs in five-plus innings. He works quickly, doesn’t back down from anyone, and uses the defense behind him. I’m not saying he’s going to win a Cy Young Award or anything, but as 5th starters go, he seems to be a very strong one.
Yes, the Red Sox were at the end of a very, very long road trip, and they were probably as vulnerable as they’ll be at any point this season, but a sweep is a sweep. The fact that the Jays didn’t let them off the hook should serve notice to all those fans out there who don’t believe this club has a “killer instinct” (something that more likely than not doesn’t exist in pro sports - not too many teams “want it more”, they all really want to win).
The Oakland A’s are in Tuesday for the first of three, and we get to see Victoria, B.C.’s Rich Harden up against A.J. Burnett. If Harden can stay healthy for a season, he could be great, and how do you like him, Erik Bedard, Jeff Francis and Adam Loewen as Team Canada’s starting four at next year’s World Baseball Festival? Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up with him for a TBJTW segment.
Tomorrow, the Super G turns three, so you probably won’t hear from me, but I’m always checking the comments and doing my best to answer them. If you’re not reading those, you’re missing out - it’s like a mini-JaysTalk down there!
Oh, also, Wednesdays with J.P are a go again this season, I just don’t know if they’ll start this week or next. There’s a Raptor game this Wednesday night, so we might push it back to Tuesday or delay it a week.
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Do you think Frank Thomas is going to hit the most HR on the blue jays because he just ripped that ball off of Manny Delcarman? Also I see a different approach to Alex Rios game. He seems to be patient to get himself into a good hitter count. I saw Rios OBP and was shocked to see it at 520 or something like that. Do you think this makes him the perfect #3 hitter on our team?
MW: If he keeps the obp over .500 then yes, he’s the perfect 3-hitter, but I’d like to see him show for a longer period of time that he’s going to be able to be a high on-base guy. I think Thomas and Wells will both hit over 30 homers, but I don’t know who will hit more.
- andrewMike
Where is Brandon League, I thought he would have gotten into Saturday’s game for sure, but Gibby pitched everybody else. Also the 8th inning today would have been a good opportunity for him (being up by 4), but I guess Halladay wanted to keep going. Is there anything to his lack of appearances or he just hasn’t been fit in yet? Does this make him the logical choice to go down when B.J. comes back? If not League… who?
MW: I thought he would (and should) have gotten in Saturday, as well. I figured one inning each for League, Frasor and Wolfe, but Gibby had Wolfe up in the 6th, before it got out of hand, and I guess that since he got him up, he wanted to use him. Today’s 8th inning wasn’t the time, though.
When B.J. comes back, Wells is the natural choice to go, though the Jays would love to keep him. Maybe they can make a deal with the Cubs.
- SteveMike, just wanted to say that I love your show.
I think that this “stealing of bases obsession” that some writers and fans have is a little frustrating. I think base stealing should be situational at best and that u don’t need to run or green light everyone just for the sake of a stolen base. Yes, the Jays in the past have been very reluctant to put men in motion in almost any situation, but that’s not to say u need to steal or hit and run when you have hitters like Rios, Wells, and Thomas batting with favorable counts unless the score and/or inning absolutely require you to scratch out a run.
Keep up the good work and thanks for an entertaining Jays Talk program.
- BrentBullets are awesome…
-My first thought after that collision in the shallow centre: “Vernon is one dense dude”. I wasn’t worried about Vernon at all, but Johnny Mac must be really good at hiding pain cuz that must’ve hurt like crap because Vernon is built like a truck.
-Regarding your comments about Hudson and Hill after the game. I totally predicted the whole race angle. I was like “here it comes…yep”. I agree that a lot of people make that mistake in their heads but in this case Hudson is definitely more athletic simply because he jumps higher and runs faster.
-Did you really say Hudson is Alomar’s equal at defense? Sure O-Dog has 3 straight GGs but Alomar had 10 and would’ve had 11 (in a row) if not for injury in ‘97. That’s the most for a 2B ever and he’s probably the best fielding 2B ever.
-I am really pumped to see the Jay’s patience at the plate so far, especially Vernon. I’m guessing the players are buying into whatever Denbo is preaching. This includes Barajas who had a great AB today despite striking out thrice.
-I’d like to see Aaron Hill permanently placed at the 2-hole. A hitter like that shouldn’t be batting 7th.
MW: Hudson jumps higher than Hill, but they’re both great athletes. Maybe I’m oversensitive to that sort of stuff, but it seems to me that FAR more often than not, black players are regarded as “athletic” and white players as “smart”. It’s wrong on so many levels. I do, however, think that there’s not much difference between Hudson and Alomar defensively, if any. Both are ridiculous, and Hill’s charging close behind.
I’m reluctant to give too much credit to Denbo, Brantley was preaching patience as well, and everyone seemed to think Mickey was brilliant in Year 1, then a moron in Year 2. I don’t get that.
- ShawnMike,
Not going to lie, but I was a Frank Thomas doubter, and I am glad he proved me wrong.
It is still early though, but what impresses me about what has happened so far is the knack of everyone getting that big two out hit with runners in scoring position, something they could not do last year. I also think that the way Eckstein has played will probably make everyone kind of forget about Johnny Mac. He may not be strong defensively, but he brings that spark offensively that Johnny Mac brings defensively. It is too bad you could’nt morph them into one player.
And one more thing…..the BALIMORE ORIOLES are in first place! hahaha
MW: Don’t count your chickens.
Maybe they might win 50 games after all!
- MarkOh, man! Didn’t like the way Vernon’s shoulder got smashed by Johnny Mac. My heart was also in my throat and I had to do some laundry. Just amazed that they both not only got up, but stayed in game! After AJ stayed in the other night after twisting his knee, maybe our injury luck is turning (knock on wood).
I’m with you on Frank the Tank. He looks in better shape this year and less “gimpy”. I’ll call him for 30HRs and 110 RBIs this year.
Doc looked strong, as did Accardo. I know Accardo is the closer and Gibby wants to get him his stats, but why not Doc face Lowell, go to Downs with the two lefties and then bring in Accardo to finish it off (if required). This could have hurt us with a hot JD Drew. If any case, I’m stoked with the sweep.
Looking forward to continuing this streak this week with a thin Oakland line-up coming to town.
I like the fact that Gibby is getting the bench guys in lots. I think this contributes positively to the team atmosphere and helps these guys stay prepared for the times they’ll be called upon in tighter situations.
Any thought on why Barajas started today though? Anything wrong with Zaun?
MW: I don’t think there’s anything up with Zaun. Barajas was 4-for-7 lifetime against Beckett (like 7 at-bats matters), and it was a chance to get Zaun two straight days off. As far as the Accardo thing, no reason not to bring him in to start the inning. You’d far rather bring a reliever in with a clean slate, nobody on, and it’s a three-run lead against 5-6-7. Granted, it’s the Boston 5-6-7, but if you can’t trust your closer in that situation, when can you?
- ToddHow much money do you think the jays saved by locking up rios to a 6 year deal because it’s not that backloaded as I thought it would be. I look at his free agent years where he was supposed to be a free agent after 2010 and he making 12 million in 2011, 12 million in 2012, 12.5 million in 2013 and 2014. I think they saved about 12 million dollars. What do you think?
MW: More than that. Look at what Torii Hunter signed for. In two years, Rios would have gotten as much or more.
- gregHi Mike,
I find JaysTalk both hilarious and informative. Keep it up. My question is about Bonds: why do all thirty teams refuse to sign him? I have heard all sorts of supposition about it, none of which convinces me. I’m no conspiracy theorist but I think there is something going on that we don’t know about. Your thoughts?
P.S.
Did you just use “And” to start a sentence only to follow it up with another “and”? Maybe not grammatically incorrect but it looks a little “whack” as the kids say. You dig?
MW: I think what the kids say is “wack”, but I could be wrong. It’s been a long time since I’ve been a kid, sadly. My thoughts is that Bonds could help exactly 30 teams be better than they are now, and could help most of them be much better. Yeah, something’s up.
- AlexYou said that David Eckstein should be batting 9th and not be leading off. Well I don’t think there are that many true leadoff man in mlb. How many true leadoff man can you think of that are playing in the game right now?
MW: Does Reggie Willits count? He’s one, but he’s not playing so that the far better hitter and defender, Garret Anderson, doesn’t lose any playing time. Kenny Lofton is one, but no one will give him a job. Michael Bourn might be one, if he can get on base like he did last year. Derek Jeter is a very good one, but he doesn’t lead off. Hmmmmmmmm. Brian Roberts fits the bill nicely, so does Dustin Pedroia, and Brian Barton of the Cardinals (young and unproven, like Bourn, but potentially marvy). Willy Taveras, maybe Rafael Furcal if he gets good again. And that’s just off the top of my head.
- johnMike,
I noticed in the first starts for both A.J. Burnett and Dustin McGowan that the runners weren’t even trying to steal bases? Did they change their delivery or work on something else over the offseason to try and fix this problem from last year?
Thanks,
Mark,
MW: I know that McGowan worked on a slidestep all spring, and really got his time to the plate down. Burnett was working on one, but didn’t seem comfortable with it. Bottom line is that if worrying about baserunners is going to reduce your effectiveness at getting the hitter out, forget about the baserunner. The Padres were WAY worse than the Jays at throwing out runners last season, and they got to a tiebreaker for a playoff spot (and had the lead in the 13th!).
- MarkJust for the record, though, Bobby Abreu did try to steal second during A.J.’s start, but Rod Barajas threw him out.
Who would have thought we’d have a team era of 2.83 after 6 games. Solid atarting pitching and great bullpen efforts.
Frank Thomas’s efforts of the last 3 games, in which he drove in the winning runs in two, show again it’s not about batting average it’s about hitting with runners in scoring position.
We did something we haven’t seemed to be able to do for the last few years. Boston came in hurting, and we waxed them. And yes, MW, that’s what I call the killer instinct. Good teams get it done when given an edge, bad ones don’t.
Overall, a lot of positive signs, let’s hope it continues against Oakland.
Our potential 6th starter, David Purcey got off to a great start in Syracuse, throwing a 2 hit shutout over 6 innings, 7 k’s and only 2 bb’s.
MW: It’s so funny that you would think I would direct something I wrote in a post specifically at you.
- GerryBrent,
I agree that there isn’t a very large need to steal bases, but I think the best thing about the fact that the Jays have been running is that the pitchers they are facing are definitely aware of it, and it could be in their heads.
For that reason I am torn on the issue because I love watching them run, but also wouldn’t be upset if it slowed down. At the same time I think having opposing pitchers thinking about that runner on first is invaluable.
I would love to hear what Wilner thinks about this.
MW: I don’t think having opposing pitchers thinking about that runner is invaluable. What I hope is that the Jays continue to pick their spots as to when to run (that is, NOT when Mike Mussina is pitching and Jose Molina is catching). You do need to have at least that threat there, but you need to be smart.
- AdamMike you said we are the 4th largest market for baseball, but why can’t we spend like a big market team since we the richest owner in ted rogers?
MW: You’ll have to ask Mr. Ted.
- andrewMike are you shocked that the detroit Tigers are starting off 0-5 and might be 0-6 since they trailing chicago 5-1 last I checked?
MW: Nope. Nor am I shocked that the Orioles, the worst team in the American League, are 4-1. Detroit did wind up losing, so they’re 0-6. The Tigers will be fine, they just won’t make the playoffs.
- garySomething that bodes very well for Rios’ maturing as a hitter. Rios had his 6th walk today. It took Rios 29 games to get to 6 walks last year, and 35 games the year before. Hat tip to user “King Ryan” of battersbox.ca for pointing this out.
MW: So you’re just taking something you saw on battersbox and copying it here? I mean, nice of you to give credit where it’s due, I guess. And yes, I love Rios’ patience at the plate so far this year.
- Eric HEasy there Mike, it’s April 6th, I wouldn’t be bustin’ out an “I told you so,” regarding the Big Hurt, just yet. Although, you are right, he is undoubtely one of the smarest hitters in the game today. I think Mac knows he messed up, and could have easily sidelined a 10 million dollar man, but it’s tough to be upset with him agter the effort he gives. Great news about Hill, Marcum looked really great, Litchy got really lucky, but he’s a gamer.
I was wondering: with the day off tomorrow will Litch not pitch in his regular spot? Or will they just give doc an extra day this early in the season?
Ps. I think the phrase you are lookin’ for is “couldn’t care less,” as opposed to “could.” Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Cheers
MW: It’s not too early for the “I told you so” on Frank. People were assuming that he’d start the season in a huge slump before the season even started, it’s ridiculous. You have to let a guy suck first before you complain about him sucking.
The Jays seem intent on sticking with the five guys, in order, so Litsch won’t get skipped.
And you’re right on the colloquialism there. I fell into the trap, it happens.
- JamieRe: the stealing discussion. How is stealing not a good thing? No, I should rephrase that - how is stealing with two out not a good thing? Assuming you’re not talking about Thomas, Zaun, Overbay, etc., you should always be stealing with two out. With two out, a guy on second is worth far more than on first - and it’s worth the risk. Chances are - I don’t care if you’re talking Wells or Johnny Mac here - if there’s going to be a hit, it’s going to be a single. Those are the odds. So, effectively, you keep the guy on first with two out, you’re hoping for two base hits, not one. You send the guy and if he’s safe, a base hit will score him. If not, you probably weren’t going to get two hits, anyway.
That said, I think the thing - for me - that made Thomas’s grand slam twice as exciting as it normally would have been was that it all happened with two out. Hill singled and I made a conscious decision not to clap. Not that I don’t love Hill and appreciate the hit, but I guess I just didn’t want to let on that I was expecting anything. Nothing happens with 2 out when you’re starting from scratch. So when something DID happen it was that much more exciting because it shouldn’t have.
(By the way, yes, I know Hill took second in that inning. I don’t think that figures into my argument either way…)
MW: Stealing is always a good thing. But getting caught stealing is always a bad thing. I follow your argument, and you’re right, you’re far likelier to get one hit with two out, and for it only to be a single, then you are to get an extra-base hit or two singles. But you could get a walk and a single, or a wild pitch and a single, or all sorts of other things that would make it far more efficient to not sacrifice that final out of the inning. According to the super-duper run expectancy chart, a man on second with two out is worth about .093 more runs than a man on first with two out, and there’s way more than a 9% chance of getting nailed stealing, almost whoever you are.
- RussellI would much rather see halladay dominate than give up a hit per inning. If his lack of strikeouts is really intentional why would he choose not to be dominate. Isn’t that what an ace is supposed to be. Good offensive teams make pitchers throw a lot of pitches regardless. I dont think he saves many pitches either because of the missed opportunities of strkiking hitters out. Hitters just foul more pitches with his approach. He will never win another cy young with his “quick resolution” approach beacuse of the hits allowed and lack of strikeouts.
MW: OK. But I think you’re wrong. I’m happy to see him give up a hit per inning as long as he doesn’t give up that many runs.
- aviSorry, one more thing. Does Accardo’s WHIP scare you? It sure scares me. I thought I was in for another experience like we had last year in Detroit, although that may ahve been more Jansen than anyone if I remember correctly. My point is that when Doc wants to stay in the game you let him, how many 3 runs leads has he surrendered in the 9th in his career, if any? Gibby is famous for gettin that one wrong, it’s ahppened more than once which is once too often.
MW: Again, if you can’t trust your closer against the opposition’s 5-6-7 with a three-run lead, he shouldn’t be your closer. Accardo didn’t even pitch in that game against Detroit you’re remembering.
- JamieHey Mike,
I was wondering about the philosophy of mixing pitches. I know Jesse Litsch was the best in the league with mixing his pitches last year with: 19% fastballs, 11% sliders, 40% cutters, 16% curveballs, and 13% change-ups.
And that the next highest pitcher in terms of mixing pitches was actually Shawn Marcum.
I was just wondering if you thought the stress placed on mixing pitches — to the point where they are the best in the league at it — is a result of Brad Arnsberg ? or, could you maybe point to the influence of Roy Halladay as setting a precedent for how the Jays want their pitchers to pitch ?
I was just wondering what you made of this since both Litsch and Marcum are guys with not overwhelming stuff, but their well thought out approachs earn them boatloads of success.
MW: It’s an interesting question, and I’ll ask Arnsberg about it. I would think that the less you can rely on your fastball (or one killer pitch), like Marcum and Litsch, the more you’d mix up your pitches. Not that Marcum doesn’t have one killer pitch, but his is the change-up, and if you’re a starter and you throw 70% change-ups, it’s not really a change-up anymore so much as a BP fastball.
- CecilIt’s good to have your blog back, Mike. With yours and Jordan’s being down at the same time it’s hard to find people to talk baseball with in Brampton. I can tell you that I am very happy to be wrong about Frank Thomas. I had said a few days ago that Thomas should be batting lower in the order untill he gets going but luckily that has already happened. I have no doubt that he can sustain it. I just doubted that he would start this soon.
I was also very relieved to see that Wells and Johnny Mac. were ok after that terrible collision. Hopefully they don’t have any nagging issues afterwards.
Mike, out of the 4 you mentioned who would you have as your ace for Team Canada? Personally, i’d go with Rich. When healthy he can be as good as anybody in my opinion.
Also, I was at the game on opening day and I personally had a terrific experience. I’ve never been to Skydome/Rogers Centre while it was full, so to experience that atmosphere was awsome for me. The only “downer” was the streakers and being at the 500 level I did notice a few people getting kicked out for fighting but it wasn’t near enough me to ruin my enjoyment of the game. I know a couple of your callers had mentioned it on your show but I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in.
MW: Thanks for the two cents. I’d go with Bedard as my ace, Harden a very, very solid #2.
- DilsonMike, I would never do this if not for your consistent adherence to the tenets of good grammar.
On the post entitled “I Hate To Say I Told You So,” in your response to the first comment you use the word “who’s” when the word “whose” was proper.
I demand a full and public apology for the example you’ve set for our children, and our children’s children, as well as the various other future generations who will read the bestselling novel based on this blog.
MW: Ooooooooh, you’re right. That was a bad one. Yikes. I’m gonna go fix it now. I didn’t know there was going to be a book.
- TylerWhat happened to my last post?
In any case, do you think that Downs should have been used in the 9th instead of Accardo today?
MW: I probably hadn’t gotten to it yet when you checked (stunningly, I’m not at the computer 24/7) and all the comments have to go through me for some strange reason. Fear not, I don’t change a word, unless you come back a minute or so later with something that says “I meant this…..”, and I post them all unless they’re in poor taste or foul.
And on Downs? Nope, Accardo’s your closer, blah, blah, blah, see above.
- Toddyou said at the beg. of the season that Baltimore might not win 50 games. They are 4-1, would you like to change your prediction?
MW: Nope. Even a 48 win team has a four-win week. They’re still easily the worst team in the American League. The Giants might give them a run for the overall title, but they might not. I’m confident in saying that the Tigers will finish at least 25 games ahead of them, if not 30.
- Jerry CamberIf my memory serves me correctly, didn’t Frank pop a grand slam early in April 2007 against the Rays? It was a nice blast today, but it was a mistake fastball that ran low and inside. It’s going to take more than a couple of hits for me to be convinced about Frank this year, just like it was going to take a few more weeks of futility for me to write him off. I’m still not certain he’s anything more than a walk-taking, mistake-pitch hitter, and considering he’s painfully slow, that’s not what I’m looking for from our DH. Sure, it’s nice to keep the line moving, but with 2nd and 3rd 2 outs I want our #5 hitter going up there looking to drive in the runners, not for a walk. And while you like to quote often how he was our best hitter last year, that’s not what I remember from following every game of the season; Alex Rios and Matt Stairs were our best hitters. It’s ridiculous to use HR-RBI and OBP and just ESTABLISH that Frank Thomas was our best hitter. Alex Rios hit .297, and while hitting 2 less HR he had 13 more 2B and 7 more 3B. He also, coincidentally, had 44 more HITS. Matt Stairs had a 60 point edge in OPS, it’s not my fault if Gibbons refused to sit Thomas against RHP. For the sabermetrically inclined, Thomas had a 31.5 VORP 4.3 WARP to Rios’ 38.9, 6.5 (Stairs with a 29.5, 4.0 in his limited time). I think both of these players were more valuable to our offense. The fact that Frank took 2 months to get going and we were in a hole from which we would never recover ices it for me.
MW: Yeah, it’s Thomas’ fault the Jays went on that 9-game losing streak last May. I have to say, though, that I don’t recall ever saying Thomas was the Jays’ BEST hitter last year, just that he led the team in obp, HR and RBI. And regardless of whether he was 2nd or 3rd in OPS or VORP or WARP or MACH3, the point is that he was a very, very productive hitter last year, and the mere passage of five months and a crappy Spring Training didn’t convince me that that ability was gone, as it seemed to for most people until Friday night.
- AriMike,
What are your thoughts on where Rolen will hit in the lineup? I really like the jays 3-4-5-6 guys right now but i’ve heard that Rolen will probably fit into one of those slots.
Also who is more likely to see playing time in right field Stewart or Stairs?
Loving the vibe in the city of Toronto this week
MW: Rolen will probably hit fourth when he gets back into the swing of things, as Gibbons had planned before he broke his finger. Neither Stewart nor Stairs will see time in right, that’s Rios’ job, but Stairs is likely to see more in left unless the hip becomes more of an issue (in which case it should be Bonds time).
- ScottHi Mike,
I love the lack of greed from Hill. If I wasn’t already a huge fan I would be now.
Any word on when JaysTalk will be up as a podcast. I always miss it on my way home after home games because I can’t get radio in the subway tunnels.
Also, is there any chance of making TBJTW into a year-round deal? Even 1 hour a week dedicated to baseball would be awesome.
MW: It would be awesome, but I like having a little bit of time off in the winter! I don’t know when the podcast is coming, I’m doing my best to keep the pressure on, but maybe you should walk a few stops, and get on the subway later. That’d work!
- ColinGreat 3 games by the Jays - yes it is early but 3 wins now or in August are all important. Any word on why Brett Cecil has yet to pitch yet this year? Oh, and Lind is scortching the ball.
MW: I don’t know why Cecil hasn’t pitched yet, but I’ll try to find out. They’ve only played four games, and they’re getting some work for B.J. Ryan and Armando Benitez. That might have something to do with it, might not. I have no idea whether Lind is scorching the ball or not - he has four singles and a homer in 13 at-bats, though. There’s no question that the guy can hit, and he’ll get his opportunity.
- CameronHey Mike,
Just wanted to show my appreciation for you throwing the name BONDS out there in your blog.
Out of everyone who talks baseball on this page you are easily the only one with any kind of significant voice.
Matt Stairs or not, Shannon Stewart or not Barry Bonds is a hitting machine who will get on base as many times as he gets out.
Thankfully the one person who’s voice matters is preaching the fact that Barry Bonds would put this Blue Jays team in front of EVERY team in the American League (yes I’m talking to you NYY and 0-6 Det).
The team is playing great right now, but you can always improve, and when it costs you nothing but money, you should make it happen.
If Barry Bonds put on a Blue Jays uniform I would go to AT LEAST 5 more games this year.
I’ve never seen him hit in person and I wont unless it happens this year. Please for the fans, and more importantly for the chance at the ring, make it happen.
Deliver the greatest Toronto Blue Jays baseball team ever assembled,
combine great pitching with ELITE hitting,
sign Barry Bonds,
sincerely,
Toronto
- Adammike, I don’t recall what was your opinion on the rios/lincecum deal? it seems every bonehead toronto writer said they would do the deal because pitching wins (no one told griffin/blair that you have to score runs to win too). there were some interesting sf articles. the writers there would do the deal not because they didn’t like lincecum but because the deal was so lobsided in their favor they had to. one writer questioned why toronto would get rid of their best hitter when they had no hitting and already were #2 in era. and funny how on jayszone, jp keeps saying rios is still here because in the end HE DECIDED that it wouldn’t help the team! and he also said that when he visited russia he was under sniper attack and had to run for cover too!
MW: I didn’t see JP on Jayszone, but he did say at the State of the French Fries that Rios is still here because in the end the Jays decided it was best to keep him. I don’t believe that to be an accurate depiction of events. That said, I would have traded Rios for Lincecum, no problem. It’s a lot easier to replace Rios’ production than it is to find an arm like Lincecum’s that’s cheap and still under control for six more years.
- leshas anyone noticed that we haven’t seen any cream pies???? I was never a fan of this and thought it was pretty juvenile. I hope we don’t see this or the nerf guns either. I think winning is much more fun! oh and you know the apocolypse is coming when boston and ny are in last place and kc and baltimore are in 1st place!
- lesExpected runs with a runner on first and 2 out is .251, and with a runner on second and 2 out is .344, and with no runners on and 3 outs (the caught stealing case) is obviously .000, so the rate at which you need to succeed to make a 2 out steal of second worthwhile is .251/.344 = 72.9%. (Maybe a shade more if you add in the possibility of the ball getting away and allowing the runner to make it to third, but third isn’t much more valuable than second with 2 outs.)
MW: Whoa, higher math. I just looked at the 9% increase. But, see about 73% is the point at which you should be stealing in any given situation, not just that one.
- TorgenIf I were opposing teams I would constantly bust Frank up inside. I’m not saying he cant get around on the fastball, but he does much more damage when he can extend his arms on outer half pitches.
Similar to if I was dealing with Stairs I would throw him few fastballs. As Clay Buchholtz showed on Friday, Matty struggles hitting the breaking ball.
MW: Matty struggles hitting Clay Buchholz - he’s 0-for-5 lifetime with five strikeouts. Small sample size alert, yes, but the fact that he’s never even put a ball in play stands out.
- Brett VHey Mike I wouldn’t write Litsch off as a possible Cy Young winner. Look how Doc started out and then turned out to become. It barely ever happens but Litsch is showing some flashes of a potential finesse pitcher in the making… but I said the same thing about Towers once. Hope you enjoy the birthday party.
- Matt from BC“I have to say, though, that I don’t recall ever saying Thomas was the Jays’ BEST hitter last year, just that he led the team in obp, HR and RBI. And regardless of whether he was 2nd or 3rd in OPS or VORP or WARP or MACH3,”
Mike, I think you have said this approximately every single show since people started calling back in September worrying about Thomas’ vesting option for 2009. Mocking sabermetrics won’t help you deny it.
MW: I knew I’d get somebody upset with that. Anyone who has listened to me for any amount of time knows the respect I have for the sabermetrics and the new and innovative ways of looking at how the game actually works. The fact that I wanted to stick in the name of a crappy razor among the other stuff doesn’t change that.
- AriIf anything is certain after watching this team for the first 6 games, it’s that there is a great opportunity for the first time in years here to make the playoffs. With the rotation the Jays have, one that I personally believe is the best in the league, 90 wins this year is an easily accessible number for them if they play to their potential. They can be significantly better than that, though, and all it would take is the signing of one player, and I think you know who that left fielder is. The one big piece they are missing is a power hitting lefty, and that fact that likely the best one ever is sitting in FA with absolutely no suitors needs to be looked at.
It’s time to go back to the days when the Jays were willing to do anything to win like the Yankees and Red Sox are now. If you aren’t going to do everything necessary to win, then what’s the point? In my mind, the great rotation must be matched by a great offense. Injuries or not, Barry Bonds has to be signed for this team to take the next step.
MW: He doesn’t HAVE to be signed for the team to take the next step, but it would sure make things a hell of a lot easier.
- SteveI see something different in this club this year. This team wants to win and are showing it. I started re-watching the jays at the beginnning of the 05 season and this year I feel something that I’ve lacked. I dont know what it is, but look out, because even if we dont make the playoffs, its going to be close, mark my words. I have yet to miss an inning (thank you PVR) and dont plan on it either. What an exciting team to watch thus far!
MW: You want to know what you’re feeling? The fact that they swept the Red Sox this weekend. They don’t want to win now any more than they have in the past, they’re just better equipped to do so. Your words are marked, and they’ve appeared on this blog and on the air a bunch of times before, it’s just been me saying them.
- DaveHi Mike I suck a spelling so maybe i’ll use point form because spelling and grammer don’t matter as much in point form right
- Dan M-great weekend
-can’t help but feel good for thomas
-having never seen barajas catch before i’ve been very impressed with him behind that plate and at it
-love rios patience early on how much do you think it is a result of him being patient and how much is a result of the pitcher respecting his hitting ability?
-can’t wait till tuesdays game.
ps
- Dan M-can’t wait for rolen to get back
double ps
-Mike I don’t think the Tigers are the best team in the division either but what makes you think they they wont make the playoffs i think they have a solid chance at the wild card.
MW: As I’ve said well before they started the season 0-6, they don’t have enough pitching.
- Dan MReferring to someone’s earlier comment re: Brett Cecil not starting. He had issues with mild shoulder discomfort and didn’t pitch in a spring game after March 20th, but received a cortisone shot and is cleared to pitch the first 2 innings tonight in Dunedin.
MW: Good job, JJ!
- JJMike,
I was at all three games this weekend and had a blast.
Sooner or later the idiots that tarnished the home opener will either get bored or plunked with a well placed foul ball and then everyone can enjoy themselves.
It is certainly refreshing to see them trounce the Sox even if the Sox are coming off a long road trip.
Quick question concerning Jesse Litsch…
I was keeping an eye on the speed and variety of pitches he was throwing on saturday and noticed that not only did he throw a large amount of cut fastballs but I didn’t see a single pitch break the 85mph mark. He seemed to get hit hard out of the gate (however not resulting in any serious damage)
Has Litsch always thrown sub-90s fastballs? and if so does this concern you?
Keep up the good work
MW: Litsch did throw mostly cutters and sliders on Saturday, but he topped out at 93 on his fastball. He stopped throwing the pure heat pretty much after the second inning, though, which isn’t a concern yet. Let’s see what he does on Friday night in Texas.
- PatMichael:
What kind of baseball activities do the Jays’ engage in during off days? Are there mandatory team work outs, or do the keeners just sometimes come in for extra BP & fielding practice if they so choose? Would the team ever be told to just take the day off?
Also… would it be unheard of for coaches and players to fly home for the off day and return for the night game Tuesday? I know Gibbons & Peavy in particular have young children; would they go back to Texas and Georgia respectively just for the day?
MW: They tend not to, but I don’t think there’s anything stopping them. They can always come in and hit in the cage if they want to, I don’t know about using the field on an off-day, but most just take the day off, there are so few.
- JCLOops, I misused an apostrophe. I was so enthralled by your being impresssed with someone using ‘ Jays’ ‘ correctly that I keep trying to use it, even if it’s the wrong situation.
MW: That’s the problem with grammar, and why people do stuff like use “I” when they should use “me” - they think it sounds better. As impressed as I am by the correct use of the apostrophe, I’m equally unimpressed with the incorrect use, but at least you used it in a non-traditional incorrect way.
- JCLSorry Mike, But your exact words in the rain out show vs the Yanks this spring “Frank was the teams best hitter last year”. It made me chuckle because that same show you said Reed Johnson made his name off the half season he had two years ago. I just hope Frank keeps it up & come AB # 378 he doesn’t come up limp with a mysterious back problem. Some time stats don’t tell the entire story. Marco is hitting .176 & seems like he has been a spark in almost every game so far.
MW: OK, well maybe I did, but you can’t blame me for getting riled up with all the Frank-bashing that’s been going on for the last month and a half. Scutaro is hitting .176, but batting average is a bad stat. His on-base is .364, 4th on the club behind Wells, Rios and Hill.
And it’s plate appearances for Frank, not at-bats. He vests with PA # 377.
- Justin EdwardsMike,
Do you see Rios batting third all year? From your comments above I know you like Rolen in the four spot, but why not the two? His career OBS is .372 and it doesn’t seem like you’ll be wasting a ton of power. At this point I really like the Rios-Wells-Thomas as the heart of the order and I don’t know that I would change it.
Great to have the blog back.
MW: I like Rolen in the two as well, all I said was Gibby liked him hitting fourth. If Rios can keep drawing walks at a reasonable rate, he’s a terrific fit at three.
- omurchuSay Frank is up and a runner gets caught stealing for the third out. When Frank returns to the plate at the beginning of the next inning is that two plate appearances?
MW: Nope
- AlexRegarding the discussion of letting Doc finish his games…I was watching the TBS broadcast and they put up a graphic that said he is 56-0 when he leaves the game with a 4 run lead. So yea, I trust our bullpen. If your bullpen can’t hold on to a 4 run lead, your team has some problems. Now if it’s a 1 run lead, I’ll stick with Doc and trust him to finish the job because I’ve see him burned one too many times by the bullpen in that scenario. Leaving him in with 4 run leads, though, is damn near irresponsible.
MW: Gibby can’t win. Either he yanks his starters too early, or he leaves them in too long.
- ShawnMike I’m as big of jays fan as the next guy but I agree with the earlier blogger saying that Bonds must be signed for the Jays to make the playoffs I just think there is too much that can go wrong with this offence for them to make the playoff this year. They need the big boost for that Bonds would give them to score enough runs. I know it doesn’t seem like it now after the sweet but the jays wont have enough offence as it stands now to get into the post season.
MW: Respectfully, I disagree. And it has nothing to do with the sweep. With the pitching the Jays have, they have more than enough offense if Hill and Rios continue to improve and Wells and Overbay get back to their career-average levels.
- Dan M.Mike:
Yesterday on JT, a caller asked why there is no “Jays TV,” as there are dedicated channels for the Laughs and the Raps. And the “Baseball TV” option does not come close to a dedicated channel.
The Jays need to create a buzz in order to take it to October, in my opinion, and if Rogers can only present them on gamedays, with no TV pre or post-game coverage, and NOTHING in between, can this buzz truly be created?
I nominate you to host a 24hr Jays channel. You won’t need any rest, as you breathe, eat and sleep Jays already anyway!
DOWN WITH THE SOX AND YANKS!
MW: I appreciate the nomination, but buzz doesn’t really help a team win on the field.
- andrewWhen Rolen gets back and replaces Scutaro, do you think that will spell the end of the Jays wild fling with the stolen base ?
MW: Considering that Rolen is probably faster than Scoot, I don’t think so.
- DaveFrank Thomas ccannot hit a fastball against a good pitcher. Manny Delcarment is PATHETIC. that fastball was right through the heart of the plate. Perhaps you didnt see what Joba did to him?
MW: I did see what Joba did to him, and it was ugly. But I also saw him take a 97 mile-an-hour heater from Josh Beckett to the wall on a clothesline. Manny Delcarmen had a WHIP of 1.02 last year with 41 strikeouts in 44 innings. If that’s pathetic, what’s Roy Halladay?
- StevenMike: What is the projected batting order once Rolen returns?
MW: I don’t know. I know what it would have been had Rolen stayed healthy, but over the course of a month, things change. We have to see where the Jays are and how everyone is hitting when Rolen’s ready to come back.
- BirnsyI notice that Cecil’s name no longer appears on the Dundedin roster, perhaps the injury is more serious than originally thought. Do know anyting about this Mike, I’m not sure where you can check the minor league disabled list.
Mike, I don’t really see the jays signing Bonds, but if they did I see Thomas having a problem with that, do you think the two would be able to play on the same team?
MW: Why would Thomas have a problem with that? He’s played with dozens of guys who have done the juice, allegedly or otherwise. I’ll look into the Cecil thing before Tuesday’s game.
- Clintmike, so if lincecum was here then adam lind or reed johnson would be playing right. so according to you a combo of lind/lincecum is better than rios/litsch? since rios is clearly better than anyone they could replace him with, then your assumption is that lincecum will outpitch litsch. I will tell you right now that the jays would not be 4-2 if rios was not here since litsch already won his game.
MW: I love those sweeping statements. Again, it’s easier to replace Rios’ production than that of a Lincecum. And who’s to say that if the Jays had made the trade they wouldn’t have gone out and gotten a decent free agent outfielder to make the team better. Look, I like Rios a lot, he’s a good hitter with a good chance to become a great one. But if he winds up a .320/.380/.500 guy, I’ll take my chances with a .285/.370/.450 to replace him if I can get an arm like Lincecum’s.
- lesBoy, amazing what a few wins over a team like the Sox can do for the tone of the posts on here ;) We go from jumping off the CN Tower to having the victory parade start there. Let’s remember our joy “just in case” they turn into the pre-2008 Jays and trip up against the lesser A’s and Rangers.
Wouldn’t this be a nice time to put together a 6+ game winning streak or even an 8 & 1 stretch! Like Halladay said, let’s make these games no less urgent than the ones against the Sox & Yanks.
- JJFor anyone who missed those plays, I love to plug my video clips…
This one is of the Wells/McDonald collision:
jayscountry.ca/video-138-MacWells-collide.html
This is the Mac play that we nearly had (if he didn’t bobble it for a split second):
- Erikjayscountry.ca/video-144-McDonald-the-glove-wiz.html
Thanks JJ - was wondering when he was taking to the hill.
MW: Except he didn’t.
- CameronHey Mike .. How are you doing ?
I dont know if youve answered this yet, but will we ever see Thigpen come up this year for anyone. And if so, does he backup Zaun or play first base?
MW: We might see Thigpen, and who knows where? The Jays say he’s only going to catch at AAA, but I’ll wager he sees some time at first, if not second, third and left.
- AndrewHello Mike, thanks for the blog, it’s great to great to be included in the obsessive chat of Toronto sports fans (proudly/shamefully one of them) even from my home in Ecuador. It’s been interesting to witness the outpouring of support for Reed Johnson. I’m sure it speaks to his character and apparent approach to the game. It’s hard not to like a guy who leads the league in HBP’s. I can’t remember the exact details but I recall a piece Bill James wrote about George Bell. I guess he did an arbitration case for George during a time in which all (Toronto fans and media) were down on George because of his defense. He was able to show how of all George’s gaffs only a few led to actual runs, none of which affected the outcome of the game. From a statistical standpoint there is no case to be made that Reed Johnson is more valuable in left field than Stewart. In general though, wouldn’t you say the decision of Stewart over Johnson probably holds less meaning then the extent of the discussion seems to credit it with? After all, the Jays won in 92 with Maldenado as the primary left fielder - not to mention Borders, Gruber and Lee.
Actually, I know it’s a different era and a much different competitive landscape, but just for fun I’d love to see your comparison of the 92 and 08 Jays. I would argue that the current squad is superior at catcher, 3rd, short, left, centre and maybe even right. I would also argue that the 08 Jays are at least comparable at 1st and DH. I suppose the big difference at this point is pitching. Despite the strong start I’m not sure you can yet compare the current squad to the 92 starters (especially after the Cone trade) or bullpen. Seems clear then that pitching will determine the success of the season. I look forward to your thoughts
MW: Wow, that’s a lot of work. Offensively, I’ll take Zaun over Borders (easily), Olerud over Overbay, Alomar over Hill, Eckstein over Lee, Rolen over Gruber (even more easily), Stairs/Stewart over Maldonado (Candy did almost all his damage against lefties), Wells over White, Rios over Carter and Winfield and Thomas are a wash. That doesn’t speak well for the ‘92 squad. Defensively, Alomar, Lee and White win from the ‘92 team and left field is a wash.
Pitching-wise Guzman and Key stack up with Halladay and Burnett, but McGowan and Marcum blow away Stottlemyre and Morris. Cone makes things closer, but this team wins in the rotation. Henke and Ward, though.
- Grahamhello Mike
can you give me your definition of a “quality start” ? I’m inlcined to say Litch had one on Saturday not just because he won, but by the much improved way he played the position. He hustled to 1B on every grounder and DP. It showed that he has learned from the veterans and wants to do everything he can to contribute.
Can you recall any point in 2007 or even 2006 when the Jays had 6 consecutive quality starts ? It should make any Jays fan smile to think about our 3-4-5 starters this year vs the C-O-Z triad we had last year.
One other question - Toronto games may be a TV ratings non-starter in the US, but if the Jays can keep up this kind of exciting baseball, do you think ESPN might pick up some Sunday night game with the Jays ? This summer they have Sunday dates with Cubs, Braves, Indians, Yankees and Red Sox.
MW: It’s possible that ESPN might pick up some Sunday games if the Jays are in a race with the Yankees or Red Sox, but they’d always prefer to show Boston vs. New York.
A quality start is defined as at least six innings allowing three earned runs or fewer. The Jays have only had four of those this season, but I’ll bet there was a time last year when they had six in a row.
- Ian CCan you what the jays opening day payroll is and do you think our payroll might be in top 10 soon?
MW: According to a payroll survey done earlier this month by USA Today, the Jays’ payroll is slightly above $97.7 million, which ranks them 13th, about half a million dollars under the Phillies. I don’t think they’ll crack the top 10 all that soon.
- andrewWhat is the latest you are hearing on B.J Ryan and Scott Rolen and when you think they maybe will be back?
MW: I think Ryan will be back by the end of the week, if not sooner. Rolen maybe the last week of April. I had said when he went down to look for April 25th as a return date.
- mattMike- got a Russ Adams question for you! What happened to this guy? i know his arm is weaker than most guys in single A, but do you think he will ever get back to the big league because he has some pretty good power. I see he is playing outfield, any chance we see him up with the jays, or has his time with this club come to an end?
MW: I wouldn’t say he’s got good power, he’s only reached double-digits in homers once in his pro career over a full season. I don’t think the Jays call him up unless there’s an absolute emergency unless he’s lights-out for a while in AAA and shows some major gains in confidence in the field.
- cayleHey, Mike
When BJ comes back don’t you think Frasor will be the odd man out in the bullpen. You don’t want to offer R. Wells back to the Cubs.
MW: They don’t want to offer Wells back to the Cubs, but Frasor can pitch more high-leverage innings than he can. If think when B.J. comes back, the Jays try to work out a deal with Chicago to keep Wells, but if not, probably offer him back. Although Brian Wolfe still has options, I think.
- BenMike,
What do you have against the Detroit Tigers? I remember in 06 when they were in 1st place for the balance of the season you continuously preached that they would eventually hit the wall. They eventually won the AL pennant.
An 0-6 start doesnt mean anything. Once they get some bullpen help and that unreal lineup comes together, the Tigers will own the AL Central.
MW: I don’t have anything against the Tigers, I just don’t think they’re as good as other people seem to. I agree with you completely on the 0-6 start. In ‘06, I didn’t think they’d be able to hold on to a playoff spot, and I was wrong - but they were a losing team in the second half and couldn’t hold a 13 1/2 game lead in their division, losing it to the Twins. They don’t have an unreal line-up. They have some very good hitters in Granderson, Cabrera, Polanco, Sheffield, Ordonez and Guillen, but Guillen isn’t a good bat for a first baseman, and the rest of their line-up is just OK. And beyond Verlander, they don’t pitch well.
- Brett VDo you think Barry Bonds is not that much of a ass as people seem to think? Also would you vote Barry Bonds into the Hall of Fame even though he allegedly used steroids and can you list your reasons why you think/ don’t think he should?
MW: I would absolutely vote Bonds into the Hall of Fame, no question. He was the best hitter of his era, competing mostly against people who were using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. And no, I think he’s just as much of an ass as most people seem to think.
- andrewWhat do you think a true leadoff man needs to have in order to leadoff?
MW: The ability to get on base at least 38% of the time.
- daveAny idea what the pitching matchups are this series?
I heard harden might get pushed back to Wednesday and we’ll see Gaudin tomorrow?
MW: Yes, it’s Chaddrick Gaudin against A.J. Burnett on Tuesday. McGowan on Wednesday, Marcum on Thursday, and with Harden a scratch for the opener, the rest of the A’s plans are up in the air. Gaudin was originally scheduled to pitch the finale, and Justin Duchscherer the middle game.
- ChrisI don’t think we’ll see Chacin back anytime soon.
He started for single A+ Dunedin tonight, went 2 innings, gave up 7 hits, 4 runs, walked 2 and struck out 3
B.J. Ryan on the other hand had a clean inning with no hits.
- GerryMike, I’ve listened to you disrespect callers and readers for a while now. Grow up and act like a professional.
Don’t you have aspirations for your career? You think you’ll make it anywhere with the attitude you have towards your callers and readers?
Why don’t you talk to Jerry and Alan the same way you talk to the “little” people who call your show or post on your blog? Answer that for me?
MW: Jerry and Alan are reasonable, rational people who know the game inside out. They tend not to overreact to what happens in one game or one week, or even one month, and they don’t call for the manager’s head every other night. You hear what you want to hear, but I don’t disrespect any caller who doesn’t disrespect me first.
- Steven Tylerp.s. Why do they call him the “Big Hurt?” Because that bat is legendary. He uses a piece of rebar for practice swings for gosh sakes.
- andrewHi Mike,
I’d like to make a couple of comments and then have some questions (just thought I’d make it seem like I am calling in):
I keep wishing everyone would calm down every year until mid-August. A sweep of the Bosox in April doesn’t necessarily mean that the Jays will be in the playoffs (neither does being swept mean they won’t).
I think a lot of the opinion that Frank Thomas is getting washed up was created by the media last year. Every time I heard about Frank last spring, it was about how he always gets off to a slow start. When he did, I don’t think most of the fans thought it would be as slow as it was. Not too much was mentioned about the fact that he was coming off an injury. I think if that was the emphasis of the story last year, more people would have been expecting him to get off to a quicker start this year and would have thought last year was more of a blip (which I believe it was).
I have always wondered why teams in baseball don’t use the pitching coach the way a football team uses an offensive coordinator. I believe that the pitching coach would be able to read a pitcher way better on a visit to the mound since they work with so closely with them. They also should be able to have a better handle on how a pitcher would perform in different situations.
My opinion (without any inside information) is that Gibbons does not really know how to handle a pitching staff properly. It seems to me that he tends to overwork certain pitchers and more often than not makes bad decisions on when to leave a pitcher in and/or take him out.
Do you know how much input the pitching coach gets into game time decisions? Would you have any idea how often Gibbons goes against opinions of the pitching coach? What is your opinion about letting the pitching coach handle most if not all game time pitching decisions?
Thanks.
MW: I have no idea how much or how little input Brad Arnsberg has into the in-game pitching decisions, but I’m sure Gibbons leans on him quite a bit. You’re not the only one who thinks that John Gibbons doesn’t know how to run a pitching staff. Amazing that they still managed to finish second in the league in ERA last year.
- GlennNever mind that.
Looks like Gaudin Tomorrow and DiNardo Wednesday as Harden has been scratched? Quite the break for the jays although these anonymous guys always tend to no hit them.
MW: Yeah, I can’t tell you how many no-hitters I’ve seen thrown at the Jays by these no-names who come out of nowhere and can’t beat anybody else. I’ll tell you, though, I’m interested to see what the Jays do against the lefty DiNardo, if he goes Wednesday. They should terrorize left-handed starters all year.
- ChrisAndrew, I think Big Hurt was Frank’s vanity plate in his early years in Chicago.
- TorgenOther then Harden, is there any starting pitcher on that oakland staff good because I see no names after Harden?
MW: No names you recognize, is what I think you mean. Joe Blanton is very good and Justin Duchscherer had a great few years as a reliever and is now in the rotation.
- daveAlso amazing how may Jays pitchers get blown elbows.
Do you think that is just by luck or overwork?
MW: I think it’s the ones who don’t blow out their elbows who are lucky.
- Glenn WaddenMike,
If Barry Bonds gets into the Hall of Fame, do you not think it is bogus that Pete Rose is banned from Baseball. When he received his ban, he had illegilly (I know he has admitted it now) bet on baseball. He bet on his team to win all the time. He didn’t throw a game, or cheat to win one. Would you not consiter the Bonds and Rose situations to be basically the same? No one will ever break Rose’s hit record. A-Rod will break Bonds’ record.
Thoughts?
MW: Someone will break Rose’s hit record, eventually. The Bonds and Rose situations aren’t the same, at all, but I have always thought that it’s very wrong that Rose isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Even though Rose ha admitted the betting, it’s still illegal, and the fact that he never bet on his team to lose isn’t important. He didn’t bet on his team to win EVERY game, so what did that tell people about the games he didn’t bet?
- ChrisWhat kind of path can we expect Benitez and BJ Ryan to follow. Couple innings A, then a couple in AA, few games in AAA and majors? Will Armando’s path be slower than BJ’s. He’s throwing the ball really well?
Also… What can we expect from Curtis Thigpen. Started the year 0 for 15. Where does he rank on the depth chart.
And just a congrats to the kids at Lansing. Their annihilating the ball right now with Jackson and Ahrens.
MW: Please don’t draw any conclusions from less than a week of results. Even a month is nothing to go on, but a nice start is nice. Curtis Thigpen is the most major-league ready on the minor-league catching depth chart, but I think he’ll soon be surpassed by Robinzon Diaz and Brian Jeroloman, and J.P. Arencibia will be a factor soon.
Benitez’ path will definitely be slower than Ryan’s, because they’d have to put him on the 40-man if they wanted him up, and the bullpen is very good as it stands. Ryan will likely rejoin the big club sometime this weekend in Texas.
- ChrisHey Mike,
You’ve heard this plenty of times, but your show and blog is excellent. You’re a credit to the organization and the fans. You’re not at all rude or unprofessional, but frank, and that’s a good thing.
Any plans to get on McCowan’s show - they need some baseball education (excepting when Shulman takes the mike)
Question for you. What’s with the fan590 morning show protraying you as a sleepy head? It’s pretty funny, but a somewhat odd characterization.
Thanks for your efforts and keep it up.
MW: Thanks for the kind words. I’ll go on McCown’s show whenever they ask. The morning show thing is because a few years ago they used to have me on reasonably often and they used to wake me up to come on the show. It’s not so easy to sound bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (as it were) at 7:45 AM when you got home from work around midnight the night before, hence the fun they’re having. But I think the last time I was actually on the morning show was before the All-Star game in Detroit and that was what, 2005?
- RBHey Mike you definitly need to go on Primetime the bobcat drives me nuts everytime he talks baseball I remeber him saying five or six months ago that he didn’t think Cal Ripken was a hallafamer can you believe that! I wanted to throw my radio.
- Dan M.and have you heard the morning show guys have a-rod call in and ask if everyone is sleeping well? lol that is the funnest thing i’ve ever heard I’d like to know how they thought of that.
Mike,
I can’t ever see Rose’s record for hits being broken. No one has even come close. It took over half a decade for Rose to reach Ty Cobb, and I’m sure a lot of people thought Cobb would’nt be caught. But, someone would have to have 200+ hits a season, for 20 years. Only 8 players had 200 hits last year, and only 1 has averaged over 200 hits in each of the last 5 seasons. I have seen records that no one thought would be broken, be broken, but this one seems beyond reach
MW: Never say never. Someone will do it. Maybe not for another 50 years, but someone will do it.
- ChrisMike,
I’m hoping Cecil not starting yesterday is not a serious thing. The Jays young lefties have had some serious arm issues the past couple of seasons. Romero, Purcey, D. Romero, Ryan (not young), and now maybe Cecil.
MW: Righties have had problems, too. J.P. once said that all pitchers should have Tommy John surgery the day after they’re drafted, just to get it out of the way, and he was only half-joking.
- CameronJays’ sweep of Red Sox was nice, but let’s not get too excited on that account. Remember the Sox were a weary bunch, and yet they gave the Jays as much as they could handle. In the last game they outhit us 10-5. We still aren’t hitting well. Johnson’s slam saved us from defeat. But, so far, so good.
MW: It was actually Thomas’ slam. But hey, you can’t give the Red Sox an excuse unless you’re willing to accept the Jays’ legitimate excuses for falling short last season.
- Jim ReidAnyword on Rolens’ surgery to remove the screw? Is his finger still together?
MW: Boy, I hope so. I should find out at the ballpark this afternoon. And the Jays only have one Rolen, I wouldn’t know about any other ones who have had surgery recently.
- WeezMike,
I believe it was in the first Boston game. Eckstein, Stewart and Rios punch outside pitches the other way. Then Wells comes up and yanks a ball to third for a double play. It was a pitch that busted him inside but I’m sure he had an outside pitch in that at bat. I know he’s doing well but this is just one example of him not utlizing the whole field. Do you think he will develop that part of his game or will he always be considered a pull only hitter?
Why don’t teams play a infield shift on him with the second baseman playing behind or slight to the left of the bag?
MW: I’m guessing that teams have studied his spray chart and don’t think it’s worth it to put the big shift on, it’s rarely used to for right-handed hitters anyway, partly because it leaves the first baseman with a long way to go to get back to the bag on a ground ball. I hope Wells is going to use the whole field more this year, it worked for him really well in Spring Training, but he seems to have abandoned it. That’s not to say he won’t still have a very good year, he has before.
- AKI just have to say i really like how you handle people on the radio and the blog.
People seem to like to challenge you because you are such an accessable authority on baseball, and there seems to be something about baseball(and i guess sports in general) that inspires couch potatoes to believe that just because they watch the games that they are qualified to coach professional sports teams.
I think people get upset when they realize that just because they can look up stats and turn on their tv that their opinions on matters are never anything more than just subjective opinions based mostly on beliefs.
- DaveWhat’s up with League? Are they going to try to get him into a game shortly or…
Seems like either him or Wolfe will be sent down this weekend.
My bad before about DiNardo starting. It’s actually a LHP i have never heard of before taking the hill… A Mr. Greg Smith
MW: I thought they would have gotten him into the game on Saturday, hopefully a situation comes up tonight in which they trust League, so he can get in. This Greg Smith fellow of whom you speak was one of the players who came over from Zona in the Danny Haren deal, and he made quite an impression on the Oaklanders this spring.
- ChrisHi Mike,
Totally agree with your assessment of Frank.
I was wondering about Brian Tallet. Do you think that he could be a potential starter if someone goes down with an injury. Does he have a durable arm or will be be a perennial middle reliever? I think he looks great this year.
MW: He has started in the past, and could again.
- MikeWrite up a new blog would ya. 88 comments on this one already
MW: Pretty cool, huh?
- ChrisHey Mike,
Do you have any idea when they might start opening the dome?
I know it’s cool out, but it’d be great to see tonight’s game with the roof open.
MW: I’ll bet it doesn’t happen until May, but if we get an 18-degree night before that, then maybe.
- Jameshi Mike the fact that there are 94 comments on this blog and you’ve responded to almost all of them is wicked cool.
if you were commissioner for a day whats the first thing you do.
If i were commission for a day this is what i’d do. I’d call the players association and say “Hey we are going to test players for every performanceing enhancing drug under the sun and if you don’t like it you can go on strike for ever good bye’
MW: Thanks! If I were commish for a day, I’d balance the schedule and get rid of most of the cold-weather home games the first two weeks of April. I also might abolish the divisions. Oh, and make the World Series a best-of-31 with no off-days.
- Dan M.How much do you know about purchasing tickets for jays games?
I go to about 15-20 games a year in person but have never found a way to purchase these seats that are “in the action” or the “premium dugout” ones. Do you know anything about this?
MW: Nope.
- ChrisOn Another note…
Man-ram just hit a somewhat inside the park HR with the help of a shocking polanco error.
Secondly… Luke scott and the orioles are on the verge of becoming 6-1 with him batting .558.
Wow…. no chance they lose 100 games… They’ll be last in the division but not 100
MW: They’ll still lose 100. Maybe not 120, though.
- ChrisMike I know its early but the O’s have won five games already and the Giants 1.
I thin its time you admit that im right and the O’s will win more games this year.
MW: Nope. Season’s just a week old, it’s not even close to time.
- Dan MHey Mike,
Speaking of records (from above question)…Which 3 records would you say are likely never to be broken in MLB and why?
P.S. Please keep your edge on the radio. I prefer the host to be clear and concise without trying to be everybody’s friend. Seems as though a fairly new host tends to do that way too much.
MW: Hmmmm, three records. Cy Young’s 511 wins, Cy Young’s 316 losses, Larry Yount’s career (1 APP, 0 batters faced).
- AKyou’re so RUDE! why does it bother you so much if ppl have bad grammar?
The way you responded to the question from Weez was SO rude and uncalled for.
MW: See the comment above. That’s why some people like vanilla and some like chocolate. It bothers me when people have bad grammar because I would think, at the bare minimum, one should know how to speak the language one is speaking. It’s about respect. I answered Weez’s question honestly and thoughtfully and then took a shot at the misplaced apostrophe. I didn’t think that was so bad.
- HarryIs it a huge break that we don’t get to see Rich Harden in the series and is any of the pitchers that are playing in the series that good. We don’t face Joe Blaton or Rich Harden and after that I don’t see a guy who I regonize?
MW: I don’t know if you recognize any of Chad Gaudin, Greg Smith and Dana Eveland. I’m actually not sure why that was a question. You should probably recognize Gaudin, he was a Blue Jay - although not for long (the Jays traded Kevin Cash for him). But yes, it’s a very big break that they won’t have to face Harden or Blanton, which is not to say they’ll have an easy time with the three kids.
- andrewburnett sucks…. seriously… is he ever consistent?
MW: Seriously? Yes. And he doesn’t suck. He sucked tonight, but he doesn’t suck.
- ChrisMike, How are you ?
I was at the Jays game on Saturday, and of course it was a great game. In the top of the 9th inning, Jays are winning 10-2 and Boston has 2 outs, I am just being a fan making noise, and i was told to be quiet and sit down by the Rogers Centre staff. I mean this is rediculous, the place cant be a library ALL the time. Jays fans just stink! Any comments Michael ?
MW: I actually liked how loud they got tonight - not for long enough, but it’s a start. There’s no reason a fan just making noise, not being obscene or anything should be told to be quiet.
- AndrewI saw you on OTR today and you were discussing topic of Jose Canseco. Do you believe Jose Canseco comments that 80% of baseball players were on the juice in the mid to late 90’s. Also do you think steroid use has gone down?
MW: Yes and yes. But it hasn’t gone down as much as people would like to think it has. And hGH use has gone way up.
- andrewHey Mike, why do pitchers all seem to wear those funny looking necklaces?
MW: They think it helps them be centred, or feel better or keep the wellness going or something. I’ve seen ads for it in Baseball America, I think, Randy Johnson is their pitchman. Yes, the irony has been noted.
- David McQuistonmike, speaking of sweeping statements you constantly make generalizations with no basis in fact and keep repeating it as such (just like george w). ex chacin won a bunch of games because he sucked and the team scored a bunch of runs. actually that is not true. if you look at the box scores you’ll see he pitched some shutouts, 1 run games and was 6-0 against boston, I believe. his era was high because he usually only lasted 6 innings. give credit where credit is due. it’s not easy to just win games. you are right though, if your team scores 8 runs for your pitcher that’s an easy win, just ask aj burnett. and the reason aj is a .500 career pitcher or so is not because of run support. halladay wins a bunch of games for 2 main reasons. he pitches some shutouts which gives him a much better chance at winning, ie he can win 1-0, also he pitches complete games which means the bullpen can’t blow the lead. aj doesn’t do either of these very much which is why he doesn’t get more wins.
MW: You’re right, Chacin is 6-0 lifetime against the Red Sox. In those six wins, the Jays scored 45 runs for him, an average of nine per game. Chacin has never pitched a shutout in his major-league career. I don’t understand “his ERA was high because he usually only lasted six innings.” ERA is a ratio, an average - it’s a measure of runs allowed per nine innings pitched. If you give up two earned runs over six innings, your ERA is the same as if you give up three earned runs over nine innings.
Comparing A.J. Burnett to Roy Halladay is ridiculous. Halladay is the best pitcher in the league, and one of a handful of pitchers in the majors who actually throws complete games with any sort of regularity. But, since you brought up the shutout thing, which Halladay can throw but Burnett can’t, I just thought I’d point out that Halladay has thrown nine shutouts in his major-league career, while Burnett has thrown only…………….nine. In 45 fewer starts. Glad I’m the one who says things with no basis in fact.
- lesOf course. I stand corrected. I meant Thomas. And I extend clemency to 2007 Jays as well as the weary 2008 Red Sox.
But what are we to think of Burnett’s performance tonight?He deserved to take the loss rather than Accardo.
MW: Burnett definitely was the worst Jays pitcher on the night, but that’s not how scoring works. Accardo came in in a tie, and gave up the go-ahead run, so he gets the loss. Doesn’t mean he pitched worse.
- JimHow many home runs do you see rios hitting this year. I think 25-30 is reasonable. Also, is this the year he eclipses 100 RBI. That is, if he bats third all year.
MW: I can see Rios hitting 30 homers, but he has to hit the first one first. RBIs have way more to do with how many guys get on-base in front of him.
- aviHi Mike: I became a Big Hurt fan as I followed his comeback from those serious foot problems. His hitting style is very unorthodox, which I think I heard him mention in February when he was working with Walt Hriniak. Have you ever seen anyone else with a style like Frank’s?
MW: Yeah, lots of guys who played for the White Sox in the early 90s hit that that. Robin Ventura pops into my head immediately. Watch a tape of the Jays-White Sox ALCS from 1993, you’ll see plenty of Hriniakers.
- Skiphey Mike
while you’re busy being commish for a day - how about adding a cool twist to interleague play. When the game is in an AL park, make the pitchers hit, and use a DH in the NL parks.
Love it or not, interleague is for the fans and as long as it’s here, what’s the harm in making a change.
I fully support the balanced schedule. The Jays chances of a playoff spot would improve with more games vs lesser teams like KC and Detroit ; )
MW: I have advocated that twist to interleague play in the past, and I’d still love to see it. Add that on!
- Ian Cmike, I am not sold on accardo. he may be a good reliever but he is far from a good closer. you keep claiming his 30/35 saves last year was good, but that is not good for a closer. you’d like to see 90%. and you’d like to see 1k/inn from your closer which accardo doesn’t give you. we need ryan back asap.
MW: He was 30/34 last year, and he’s 3/3 this year. That’s good.
- lesmike, you keep bashing ash and praising jp. let’s get the record straight. most of the good players on this team are ash’s not jp’s (halladay, wells, rios). also you referred to ryan, rolen, etc as jp’s guys, but they are free agents not draft picks. ash didn’t have the money to go after big time free agents. if he had the money then guys like delgado, clemens, green, escobar would have stayed with the team and you would have had a monster team. also clemens was a stud free agent pick up by ash. yes ash made some bad free agent moves, but what do you call burnett and ryan injured for 1/2 their contract? a player who is injured is the same as a player who sucks, neither is contributing. also rolen is injured as well, the first of many I’m sure. and you can bash ash all you want, but the fact remains, despite jp’s alleged superior managing ability, 100 M payroll, all the players that ash gave him, he has still YET to beat ash’s win total of 88 wins.
MW: I love that you comment five or six times to every post I make, and that you’re generally very wrong. As we talked about on last night’s JaysTalk, a lot of the good players here were indeed draft picks of the Ash regime - Halladay, Wells, Rios, McGowan. A lot of the good players here are ones who J.P. drafted, such as Marcum, Hill, Accardo (via a couple of trades), Overbay (key guys in the trade were J.P. draftees), Litsch. Not the superstars, but some good players. And, of course, free agents like Thomas, Ryan, Burnett, Eckstein, Stairs, etc.
- lesBut the big mistake you make (this time) is bringing up money as the reason that Ash couldn’t keep guys like Delgado, Clemens, Green and Escobar. Ash gave Delgado the massive, anvil-around-the-team’s-neck contract that hamstrung Ricciardi for three years. Clemens and Green demanded trades, with Clemens exercising a secret (and illegal) out-clause. Green was traded for Raul Mondesi, and Ash picked up that stupid $13 million option for the fourth year, by which time Ricciardi had amazingly unloaded him to the Yankees. Escobar and Delgado left because RICCIARDI didn’t have the money to keep them around, not Ash.
If you’re going to disagree with everything I say just for the sake of disagreeing with me, at least get your facts straight ONCE in a while.
Let’s not forget that most of Ash’s draft picks didn’t become so good until after J.P. took over and gave them the opportunity to succeed. We have yet to see the true depth of J.P.’s draft picks, many of them may not become great until after J.P. leaves.
Also, this argument that the team should be twice as good because their payroll is twice as high is ridiculous, everybody’s payroll is way higher than 10 years ago and it’s not because everyone has better players. Players simply make far more money to do the same job.
- ColinSorry, Mike, but once again, in the interest of strict accuracy, I must point out a couple of errors:
1. Re G. Chacin — 45 runs of support in 6 games is an average of 7.5 per game, not 9 as stated.
2. Re J. Accardo — according to MLB.com stats, he was indeed 30/35 in Save situations in 2007.
(Neither corrections makes any significant difference to your basic points, however).
MW: Damn, how did I get nine? Oh, right, I divided 45 by 5. My bad. The Accardo thing has already been acknowledged, but thanks for the eagle eye!
- Norm