12:35AM Eastern
You would think that after six-plus seasons of doing a post-game call-in show, I would learn. But it still surprises me how incredibly knee-jerky (another new word) so many of you are out there. It really is amazing, and I continue to blame the Maple Leafs. They have ruined sports fandom in Toronto with their 41 years of futility, alternately teasing fans and just being bloody awful. People now expect the collapse, because that’s what they’ve always gotten.
Anyway, to have someone call in and say that unless Overbay, Zaun, Stewart and Scutaro sit out tomorrow’s game, to make them accountable for tonight, all is lost and we might as well just pack up, really threw me for a loop. I didn’t think anyone could be that reactionary, but I have learned my lesson.
Overbay dropped a throw from McGowan as he moved across the bag at first and tried to avoid a sliding Daric Barton, who probably beat the throw anyway. He should be benched.
Zaun didn’t call out the Jays’ defensive assignments with runners on the corners and one out in the 9th. He also didn’t yell out instructions to Scutaro on the Emil Brown grounder on which Scutaro made an incredibly bad decision. He should be benched.
Scutaro made an incredibly bad decision on Brown’s grounder, whirling and twisting and trying to make an impossible throw home to stop the go-ahead run instead of trying to start a double play and at least assuring one out. He should be benched.
Stewart, ummm, Stewart singled and walked three times. He should be benched. Elsewise all is lost!
Oh, and it’s John Gibbons’ fault that Jeremy Accardo has given up RBI triples in the 9th on consecutive nights and the Jays haven’t had a reliable closer since before Miguel Batista got here.
Can you believe that there are human beings who actually think this way? I wouldn’t if I hadn’t heard it myself. But there it was, live and in colour moving left to right across your radio.
Look, this one was ugly, as was last night’s loss. But very rarely are there pretty losses, and everybody loses at least 50 games, usually plenty more. Football is the only sport where you’re within your rights to live and die with every win and loss, because there are only 16 or 18 games in the season. And heck, it wasn’t so long ago that an NFL team started 0-4 and wound up in the Super Bowl, or the Argos sat last in the East at the midway point and still played for the Grey Cup. Bear in mind that the baseball season is six months long, with a game everyday. The Jays have 154 games left.
Plenty of stuff went wrong tonight. The Jays completely let Greg Smith off the hook when they could have ruined him in the first inning with everything falling apart. They let him regain his composure and shut them out for five innings afterwards. Dustin McGowan threw 57 pitches combined (by my unofficial count) in the 4th and 5th innings, necessitating plenty of work from the bullpen. He also walked a man with the bases loaded, this after dominating the A’s over the first three innings.
Accardo was awful, and unaccountable - not showing his face in the clubhouse afterwards to talk to reporters and through them, you.
And that play by Scutaro - what on Earth was he thinking? Wait, I can tell you, because he actually did come out to speak to reporters after the game. According to the intrepid Jordan Bastian of mlb.com, Scutaro said that he was thinking of throwing home from the get-go, that he didn’t think he could get a double play, and that it was a really tough play.
In case you missed it - the score was tied 3-3, Oakland had one out and runners on the corners. Emil Brown hit a grounder hard to Scutaro’s left, he went to get it, and with all his momentum carrying him toward second base, where he ought to have tried to start a double play, he instead twisted himself around to try to make the aforementioned impossible play, opening the floodgates for the big inning. Bad decision. So bad that it caught Gregg Zaun completely by surprise, for the simple reason that Scutaro had no business trying it. If he goes to second, at least they get one, if not two, but he was never going to throw out Mark Ellis trying to score.
All of the above said, if the grounder up the middle that Zaun hit in the 8th doesn’t hit the pitcher (Fernando Hernandez), it’s an RBI single and it’s probably all academic, because the Jays likely win. Then no one would complain, the sky wouldn’t be falling, and we would once again be in the land of rainbows and happy unicorns that we were in on Monday.
I will continue to try to be the voice of reason on the air, but I fear that before this season is out, I may go insane. But that’s part of the fun, right?
Tomorrow, it’s Shaun Marcum’s turn to try to right the ship, against lefty Dana Eveland. The Blue Jays’ offense should swallow left-handers whole, but it didn’t happen tonight. We’ll likely see Barajas behind the plate, but I think that’ll be the only change from today’s line-up.
A couple of other notes - after the game the Jays designated Randy Wells for assignment, which means they have 10 days to trade or waive him. If he passes through waivers, he must be offered back to the Cubs for half the $50,000 Rule Five fee. He threw one shutout inning with the Jays and made it onto one pre-game show. I couldn’t give him his Fazooli’s certificate, though. Hopefully he makes it back to town at some point. In Wells’ place arrives Jesse Carlson, who could make his major-league debut as early as Thursday night, seeing how Scott Downs and Jeremy Accardo will both be no-gos because Downs threw 2 2/3 innings tonight and Accardo has pitched poorly on consecutive nights. Accardo might actually be available, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Carlson is a 27 year-old lefty who was on fire at Syracuse, allowing only one hit and no walks in two relief outings totalling 3 2/3 innings. It’s his seventh pro season, he was a 15th-round pick of the Tigers back in 2002. And he was born in New Britain! Go Rock Cats! Carlson was one of the last cuts this spring, having thrown 10 Grapefruit League innings, allowing only one run on five hits, walking one and striking out seven.
Also, in response to the idiots who don’t know what to do with themselves after throwing down a couple of beers, so they just start fights in the stands, the Jays have announced that they will no longer be selling alcohol in the $2 ticket sections on Twonie Tuesdays. They also said they’ll be more vigilant about people sneaking their own booze into the ballpark, which I’m sure some of my more loyal readers will be pretty upset about (I have faith in you guys nonetheless). I’m fine with all these measures. People need to be free to have a good time at the game, but they also need to respect others’ rights to have a good time as well. Like your mother once said, certain things are privileges, not rights, and if you can’t handle having the privilege, you lose it.
Speaking of losing it - if the Jays get swept by Oakland tomorrow night, we may see The JaysTalk hit a brand-new low. I’m frightened. For my sake, Jays, if for nothing else, screw your courage to the sticking place, gather up all the grittitude and hustleness you can and damnit, show some leadership out there!
Comments are encouraged as always, and if you’re not reading the comments, you’re missing out. It’s like a mini-JaysTalk down there!
Mike,
Whatever happened to Armando Bentitez? I remember him being signed to a minor-league contract, but where is he in our system and does he fit into the Jays equation at all this year, if he has anything left in his arm? Can you update us on him. thanks
joe
MW: Benitez has been tearing it up in A-ball, and he’s on his way to Syracuse with B.J. Ryan. He’ll be up in the bigs at some point to help out, but not to close.
- joeI laughed my butt off listening to the show tonight (like I did in many other losing nights).
And I wonder what the exact set of fans would do if they are in Detroit, Anaheim, and maybe Chicago at this point.
In Anaheim - K-Rod is hurt (and today that news was out) and blew a game or two, so did 4.5mil/yr man Speier. And Scot Shields is just coming off DL. Yes, Anaheim had its bats going to come back in some of these games, but come on, the pen blew it more times than the Jays’ pen did.
Detroit - has no bullpen at all. They’re 1-7. I’m in Michigan right now and it is somewhat depressing listening radios these days.
Chicago - yes they won some games, but didn’t they blow like a 8-0 lead two days ago, and Marmol blew a good Dempster-night tonight?
I mean to hear something like “No leadership, no hearts” and “MORE INTIMIDATING LOOKING RELIEVER” (Downs never smiles — except in this year’s photo –I think he is intimidating) are just laughable.
Compared to what’s going on in other “contending cities” the Jays are doing ok (was good LAST WEEK).
So I want to say calm down and if the Jays are .500 for another two-three weeks, then let’s worry. They didn’t even play 10 games yet.
MW: Yeah, I had totally forgotten about the caller who ripped Scott Downs for not being intimidating-looking enough. That was right up there with the all-timers.
- BKThere are many, many stupid myths in baseball. One of the most annoying for me is the 100 pitch count for starting pitchers. What an insane rule of thumb and a completely unproven myth. Also, 100 is such a conveniently nice and round number too, eh?
Well, tonight Dustin McGowan was cruising along quite nicely for the most part until the 5th when he got into and out of that bases loaded and no out jam beautifully. He got out by staying calm and throwing absolute heat (98 mph). So he hadn’t lost anything, he just made a couple mistakes.
Next inning, what do you know, Frasor and Downs come in to “relieve” him because he had thrown 101 pitches. I guess if he threw even one more, his arm would’ve fallen off right? I mean, what are starting pitchers (and a really good one at that) for? Gibbons has a history of yanking his starters and overworking the bullpen. While the bullpen was stellar in recent years, it has been because of depth, but he shouldn’t make a habit of it. Using a good bullpen is fine, but trying to patch up 4 inning worth of bullpen relief is pretty hard to do consistently, I would think.
Trust your starters Gibby, and get that 100 pitch nonsense out of your head!
MW: McGowan wasn’t yanked because he hit the magic 100-pitch mark. He was yanked because he struggled in the 4th, and was then life-and-death to make it out of the 5th with the lead. If it was me, I’d probably have yanked him after he walked Daric Barton to load the bases with nobody out in the 5th.
- ShawnI wouldn’t be saying things like “can you believe humans actually think like this”..you are thone that said Wins and Losses have nothing to do with a pitcher’s value…that’s about as ludacris as they come as far as statements regarding baseball go. You’re right, it isn’t everything, and it would be just as dumb to put too much emphasis on wins and losses, but to say it is nothing, thats simply laughable. I hope you were kidding.
Ps. I jokingly set the over/under at 4.5 in terms of blown saves by Accardo before BJ gets back…now it doesn’t seem like such a funny thing to say. yikes.
ps. I jokingly
MW: Yes, I am thone. Sounds like a warrior name, I like it. All I’m saying is that if you look only at won-loss record, it tells you NOTHING about how good a pitcher is.
- JamieI think that the first 10 days of the new season have further convinced me (not that I needed any more convincing)that best of 5 and 7 baseball playoff series are completely and utterly pointless.
Orioles 6-1, Tigers 1-7, Royals 6-2, and Cardinals 7-2.
I’ve been watching the game for 35 years, and at times it’s very frustrating being a fan. You figure that there are certain games and matchups that are near certain victories, but it just doesn’t happen that way in this sport.
In hockey if you try harder and have more intensity you can usually be a more effective player. In baseball no matter how hard you want to get a hit the nature of bat to ball contact is just too fickle. There is just a huge amount of luck involved in the short term.
In a way all of it makes MLB the greatest sport (especially the stats that are generated), but in another way it’s a sport that is sometimes almost pointless to watch from a day to day perspective.
I actually have a great deal of respect for all of the hitters you fail 65-75% of the time and keep coming back for more and more. It takes a lot of resolve to be able to do that.
- GregJPI applaud you, sir, for your calm composure as you stare nightly into the face of madness. Your resolve shall not go unheralded. Question: How did Brandon league get into Gibby’s chair-in-the-corner that was occupied by Frasor last year? Were we misinformed about his impressive spring? Did he commit some heinous clubhouse offense? How is it that we need to call up a reliever already yet he only has one IP?
MW: They needed to call up a reliever because they need a lefty right now, but I don’t know how League made it into the “forget-about-you” seat. He had a very good spring, but his last two outings weren’t good at all. That might be it.
- WillRainHey Mike,
I agreed with your stuff yesterday on burnett and McGowan was at least mentally strong enough to get through the 4th and 5th with minimal damage.
The problem fans have with the Jays is that we need to beat these teams. Yes it is still early and there are a ton of games still left. These mental errors need to be brought down at the start of the season. That is what good teams usually do, other than this years tigers.
MW: Good teams lose series to bad teams all the time, and everyone always acts like the end of the world when they do. It’s baseball, not hockey, basketball or football where the best teams beat the worst teams 90% of the time.
- Brad S.Do the
Jays continue to stivk with Accrdo till B.J. comes back?
MW: I don’t know. He won’t pitch tonight, I’ll tell you that much.
- simonHey Mike, I know you’re going to disagree with me on this one, but I just can’t take anymore Vernon Wells defensive bobbles that give away runs: if Buck Coats isn’t starting in centre field tomorrow I’m never watching a Jays game again.
In all seriousness, don’t you think Johnny Mac should be given a shot at 3rd base soon?
MW: No, I don’t think John McDonald is an answer at third base. I do think he should be starting against all lefties, though.
- ChrisI think fans probably get a little too up on the wins and a little too down on the losses in April because it’s easy to forget, over the off-season, just how long the season really is. I’m not freaking out personally, but just offering a theory…
I’m curious what you think of how the Jays are looking on defence. I’m guessing you’re not worried, but it sure looks to me that, even when it’s not a clear cut error, they’re missing opportunities to make plays. I was particularly bothered by the missed 3-6-1 double play last night. In the inning before, Tallet was terribly slow getting over to 1st on a grounder to Overbay, and just barely beat the runner to the bag. It looked like he was similarly late getting over on the double play ball, and that time it came back to bite him. You’ve seen all these games, so you can probably guess some of the other examples I might come up with. Do you think this is going to be an ongoing issue?
MW: No, I don’t think it’s going to be an ongoing issue. The Jays were the best defensive team in the league last year, and while they’ve taken a step back at short and a step back in left (when Stewart plays), they’re still a very, very good defensive team. You’re bang-on on Tallet, though.
- darrenCalling B.J. unreliable in 06 is ridiculous, he was arguably the best closer in the league. Personally I get nervous whenever Accardo is called in since he’s started relying on pretty much a single pitch, but it doesn’t matter how I feel if he gets results, and 2 bad outings isn’t time for panic. It’s hopefully a non-issue shortly when B.J. returns.
In the meantime, if there is a save situation tomorrow and we assume both Downs and Accardo are unavailable, who do you call and who do you think Gibbons will call? Personally I think that I’d take Frasor because seeing as how I have no experience running a bullpen I’d want to chose the guy who I know does have experience at the job.
While I’m disappointed with the decision to stop the sale of alcohol in the $2 sections, my disappointment is in the idiots who felt it necessary to destroy everyone else’s good time. Nobody should have to worry for their personal safety while enjoying the game (not even Red Sox fans).
MW: I think it’ll probably be Wolfe.
- Colin[…] Big Cat Country :: An Unoffical Jacksonville Jaguars Blog wrote an interesting post today on There Will Be Two-Game Losing Streaks; Conduct Yourselves…Here’s a quick excerptAnd heck, it wasn’t so long ago that an NFL team started 0-4 and wound up in the Super Bowl, or the Argos sat last in the East at the midway… […]
- Nfl » There Will Be Two-Game Losing Streaks; Conduct Yourselves…Hey,
Just want to know what you think about Accardo, is this just a fluke two games or is there something to it? Last year when he got into a mini-slump, we saw Gibbons bringing in Janssen to do some work in the 9th for save opportunities (if I remember correctly) but with Janssen out and Ryan not quite ready yet, who do you think we’d see if Gibbons decided against Accardo in the 9th?
Thanks
MW: See above - cool how that works out, huh?
- LukeMike,
Assuming salary is not an issue, Hill or Kendrick for the next 5-7 years?
MW: I haven’t seen enough of Kendrick on defense to know how good he is, but he’s going to be the better hitter.
- GregJPwell in all fairness Mike, I do appreciate the fact that people are putting pressure on the Jays to come out focussed early. We’re .500 due to a lot of silly mental mistakes, or lack of mental fortitude (Accardo looks totally shattered out there) - which is inexcusable. If the past few seasons taught us anything we need a winning streak early as the Yanks and Sox seem to be slow ’stahhters’. And hey, how come this Scutaro dude sucks so much? Hector Luna he ain’t.
MW: Damn right he ain’t Hector Luna, but that’s a good thing. Remember three days ago when everyone was saying how the Jays weren’t missing Rolen at all because of how well Scutaro was doing?
And they’re not 4-4 because of a bunch of silly mental mistakes, they’re 4-4 because they couldn’t get big hits at big times in two games in New York, because they couldn’t overcome a brutal start by A.J. Burnett on Tuesday, and because they couldn’t touch a soft-tossing lefty making his major-league debut after the first inning last night.
- Paul OMike,
Oakland baseball combined with a tight strike zone (Crawford I think) makes for some really brutal games. I was frustrated last night at how Oakland almost refused to swing (Jack Cust excepted).
I don’t want to be reactionary, but do you think something is physically wrong with Accardo? He didn’t pitch well at the close of last season, nor at the beginning of this one.
MW: I don’t think there’s anything physically wrong with him, he just doesn’t seem to be throwing his splitter anymore.
- omurchuMike, I love the sense of humor you bring to your blog! You really are great at what you do and nobody can dispute your knowledge about the Blue Jays. That said, I agree with the tone of the callers about Accardo…he scares me. I understand he gets the job done a lot more oftem than not but it just seems like he’s never 1-2-3. Will he be our 8th guy when Ryan comes back? Also, do you know Reed Johnson has played for the Cubs so far? Thanks.
MW: I do know that Reed Johnson has been playing for the Cubs. Last I saw, he was 6-for-16. And yes, Accardo is rarely 1-2-3. Just like pretty much every other closer in the game.
- AlexanderHello Mike,
Not surprised to read your response on the blog tonight, and I can only imagine the callers you have gotten over the past couple days. My condolonces.
There’s no doubt that games like the past two suck, and they’re the ones I’m happy to miss while I’m over here in South Korea (though I’m pleasantly surprised by the amount of live games on over here btw - great morning TV when one’s chillin/recovering).
I’ve read of countless players and managers saying that ‘a win in April is as important as a win in September,’ but I would gladly take these losses in April as opposed to September when it’s potentially down to crunch time in a penant race.
Admittedly, I’m happy to be away from the ‘chicken-little syndrome’ in Toronto. I have faith that this team will work out the kinks and will be a well-oiled machine, ready to make a run at the playoffs this year - I really like this team and regardless of these past two games, the hitting and pitching are both looking very promising, in my distant eyes anyways. Thanks for even-keeled analysis.
MW: I appreciate the kind words, but I’m also going to issue a friendly reminder that a win in April is, indeed, as important as a win in September. The more games you win in April, the fewer you need to win at crunch time, all things being equal.
- GrahamHi Mike,
Big Fan here, love the post game show - and wow are you right about the hand-wringing that goes on in this town.
I heard you the other night say that despite their good start the Orioles will still lose >100 games. Do you still think that? (I’m asking because if gambling were legal I may have already put a small wager on that…)
Thanks,
TC
MW: Yep, I still think that.
- TCForgive me, Father Mike, for I have had impure thoughts. There were definite here-we-go-again thoughts creeping in last night. Yes, it’s early and there are going to be some hiccups, but that game had a uncomfortably familiar feel about it. At least Tuesday they were hitting.
Anyway, kudos on doing your part for the English language. The Internet and text messaging have made a sorry state of affairs much worse. Be prepared to be persecuted for your faith. (Sorry, I’m not sure how this post took on such religious overtones!)
Also, one quick complaint — you need to cap the number of comments to each blog post. It’s 9:43am and I’m just now getting around to doing some actual work. Your blog is going to cost me my job if you keep getting this many replies to your posts.
MW: There will be no cap!
- RobHey Mike,
Thanks for the headshake - the chicken littles are out in full force.
It’s a long season, the team isn’t even whole yet and there’s been promising things in every game, even the losses.
People forget that even the best hitters have trouble with brand new pitchers that have little-to-no video available and that Houston Street is a closer for a reason - he’s hard to hit!
Tonight should be the bellweather - if the boys in blue can pull one out, even a squeaker, it’ll show the get-up-and-go that we need to see as fans.
Positive mental attitudes only please!
GO JAYS GO!
David
MW: But tonight won’t be the bellwether, and I think that’s part of the problem. People want to take so much from one game, a win here means they’re fine, a loss there means they’re in serious trouble. If the Jays lose tonight, they’re still fine. If they win tonight, they’re still fine.
- DavidBad nights happen. It looked to me that Accardo didn’t throw a split finger all night. Is there a reason for this?
Hill should be batting second, not Stewart. Put Stewart farther down in the lineup until he atsrts hitting.
And what is it with League-why is it he’s only been used once so far this year. His velocity and movement looked good. All he needs is game time to get confidence back.
MW: Why would you rag on Stewart the night after he reaches base in all four of his plate appearances?
- GerryHey Mike,
Do the Jays have to work something out with the Cubs before he can clear waivers so they can send him to the minors, or does he have to clear waivers first? You’d have to think the Tigers would use their last place standing to make a claim on him. I wonder, too, if they’re talking, about a possible Inge for Accardo deal.
Thanks.
Michael
MW: There’s no chance that they’re talking about Inge for Accardo. I mean, the Tigers would want to do that, for sure, but that would be an incredibly stupid trade for the Jays to make. The Jays would have to offer Wells back to the Cubs if he clears waivers before they could send him to the minors.
- MichaelWell that was really a game the jays didn’t deserve to win. Sloppy feilding, I don’t no what you want to let overbay off the hook on that play Mike I know he was running and the running when he caught the ball but a major league first baseman has to make that play. I thought Scutaro made the right descion its a tie game they weren’t going to turn the double play he didn’t want the go ahead runner to score I thought it was the right play he just made a bad throw.
The one positive you could take out of this game was that the jays continued to show patience at the plate.
MW: The fact that you think Scutaro made the right play takes away any credibility you might have had for being upset with Overbay.
- Dan M.Mike: Totally in agreement with you on all counts about the fans who think the sky is falling. I would however like you to knock some sense in Scutaro as that was pure bonehead. I don’t buy his answer as I think he realizes he made a dumb play and tried to cover up with the lame “I was going home all the way”. 12 year old kids know better than to try to cut down the runner at home when you have a shot no matter how little of an inning ending double play. Love the blog and maybe you should take a page from Jim Rome if the fans are driving you insane….More talk from you less from them.
- BradHi Mike,
I heard you on the radio last night and I think you are right we have to wait and see what the Blue Jays do in the next couple of weeks with teams like Tampa Bay and Kansas City. I never bash on the Jays but if they can’t manage to take 4 or 5 out of 6 from TB and KC combined then I see the Jays having a problem this year, and the fans will definitely let the Jays have it then.
Is it just me or the Jays can’t seem to beat pitchers that are making their debut, what is with that?
MW: It’s not just you, it’s everybody. And when Greg Smith left the game last night, he was the pitcher of record to take the loss.
- AhmedOMG The season is over!
Jays suck!
I thought i’d throw in some over reaction just because you love it Mike.
Anyways, some real baseball talk. Did you feel the strike zone yesterday was really small? I thought some of the borderline calls didn’t go in favour of the pitcher at all. Maybe it was just me?
-Ak
MW: It wasn’t just you.
- AKMike, excellent column. I wasn’t able to catch the game last night (don’t get the channel it was on) but I followed the ticker. Everything is magnified when the season starts. I think a key that I expected was the momentum from the sweep of Boston to carry into this series. Rod Black mentioned on the broadcast on Tuesday night that last year the Jays were 5 games over .500 against teams with records of .500 or below. It just seems that the Jays play to the perceived level of competition. Getting up for the Sox and playing well, adn taking the breath against the A’s. The more you win in April, the less you have to win in September. I was really impressed with the game on Tuesday and how they didn’t quit. Hopefully tonight, the best #4 pitcher in the majors can give his bullpen a rest, and the offence lights up the opposing lefty on the hill.
- Aaron KerAs for Arron Hill in 2007 Hill’s best offensive year. In the AL last year he was 10th in OPS in road games (like many Jays his offencesive numbers are proped up by a hitter friendly home park) So I don’t call that an offensive force at all, and Hill isn’t going to match the 42 doubles he hit last year I would suspect some decline from that number.
Out of the 17 secound basemen that that got over 500 PA last year Hill was 13 in VORP.
Anyone who I have talked to who gets paid for their baseball opinion besides you Mike doesn’t think Arron Hill is anything more then an avg major league hitter (for a secound basemen) and I couldn’t agree with them more. The media in Toronto seems to have a crush on this guy im guessing its because he’s short and white.
With all due respet Mike when you say you’d bat Hill in the Two spot instead of Overbay and Stairs even though they are better hitters then him because he is “better suited” that just sounds to me like something a bearded columist would say. Overbay and Stairs get out less and have more power then Hill give them the extra 30 at bats a year you know that Mike.
MW: Should I just continue to repeat myself, or do you just want to go back up and read over my last answer?
- Dan M.Hi Mike. Ugly game last night, the A’s were knocking on the door all night, I was not too surprised they finally got through. People will jump all over Accardo, but if Toronto had hit earlier in the game it wouldn’t have even come up. That’s baseball….. One quick question, was there something up with Jason Frasor when he was removed from the game? It looked like he was reacting badly to being taken out, just wondering if we missed something there other than a pitcher being competitive and disappointed about being removed…..thanks!
Mike M
MW: I don’t think there was anything up, I think Gibbons just wanted to go with the lefty. And I think Frasor thought that he could have finished the inning, and he probably could have.
- Mike MI know your going to tell me that Hill hasn’t peaked yet and I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on that one but I’d love to be proved wrong but I just don’t see it.
MW: Wow, you read up fast.
- Dan M.I was at the game and I thought that last night was one of those games where Jonny Mac may have been the difference…. I’m confident that a healthy Scott Rolen would have made a huge difference…
Why didn’t Scutaro get charged with an error? It looked like they could have given him two tonight… I’m not calling for his head.. Just wondering in the logic of the scorekeep..
MW: Scutaro didn’t get the error because no one moved up an extra base on his awful throw.
- SteveI was wondering and no one really mentioned it - at the home opener Robbie Alomar threw the opening pitch to Johnny Mac when it seemed like the logical choice would have been Aaron Hill who had just signed a big contract earlier in the day and plays his position…
I figured maybe Robbie asked for JM because they’d played together in Cleveland - can you offer any insight?
Also, were you aware that Sandy Alomar is STILL playing? He’s a freaking catcher, man!
MW: Sandy Alomar isn’t still playing, he’s the bullpen coach with the Mets, but he did play a bit last year. I’m sure the Alomar-McDonald thing was because they’re former teammates, but the symbolism would have been nice if it had been Hill.
- Andrewone more question Mike, in regards to designating Randy Wells for assignment. correct me if i’m wrong but didn’t he pitch like 9 scoreless innings in spring training then pitch one scoreless inning in the regular season. If your not going to hang onto a guy after he does that why claim him in the first place?
was he simply injury insurance? It just doesn’t make sense to me?
MW: He was a Rule Five flyer, but I’m very surprised they cut bait on him as quickly as they did.
- Dan M.Mike – Brutal game followed by brutal callers. I don’t normally agree with some of your comments but last night was an eye opener. I don’t envy you on nights like that. However as you said, it makes for interesting conversations. Callers saying half the team needs to be benched because of errors, that over the course of a full season we can expect to see at least 20 more times, blaming Gibbons for Accardo’s debaucheries, and of course the coup-de-gras, Downs isn’t able to pitch to guys like Ortiz and Giambi because he doesn’t look scary of intimidating. Maybe you can suggest to Scott that he may be more successful if he were to tattoo his face and perform the Haka Pokarekareana on the mound once he enters the game.
As for the game, I can’t say that the Jays never had their chances. This series had all the makings of a sweep or at least an easy 2 out of 3. The A’s had no Harden, no hitting and going up against a team that had just swept the champs WITH DISTINCTION. As it turns, what should have been has turned into what could have been.
I think a couple of bad outings by the defence and relief pitching is forgivable. Bottom line is if the Jays win tonight it’s a 4 for 6 homestand. Not bad if you ask me.
Prepare yourself for a lot of mouth breathers if they lose tonight. Maybe someone will blame Jerry for something if things fall apart again.
MW: Nah, it’ll probably be my fault. But I’m definitely suggesting to Downs that he shave his head, grow a long goatee and tattoo his face.
- KelvinAs a fan, I look back to the World Series year to measure the Jays chances. In the 1992 season, if memory still serves this Useless Man correctly, the Jays did not lose a series the entire year. They may have lost two in a row, but never lost a series. Here we are just 8 games into the season, and they have lost two out three series.
I don’t expect perfection, but you MUST demand more series wins in this division to contend in the end.
Just my thoughts. Call me Useless.
MW: Fair enough. But you do realize that the 1992 team was the only one in baseball HISTORY never to have lost a series, right?
- USELESS MANHi Mike!
I’m concerned - ONCE AGAIN - with the way Gibbons is managing his bullpen, which is to say, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Why do they keep so pitchers in the bullpen if he doesn’t want to use them? And why aren’t we seeing Brandon League in the 8th inning? I mean, DUHHHH, you goofy Texan.
MW: Yeah, that brutal bullpen management rears its ugly head again. It’s unbelieveable that the team was 2nd in ERA last year, and that the bullpen had given up one whole run going into Tuesday’s game. Gibbons really has to figure things out.
- Marc LosierHang in there Mike. If we get swept don’t be shocked to hear Leafs nation loyalists call in to recommend the Jays needing a new GM/President like a Colangelo. Or them recommending recruiting Sundin for the summer b/c if his golf swing is good then his batting swing can’t be that bad either. Didn’t Johnny-O once pitch in college? Maybe bring him out of retirement to be our new closer. You throw that type of funny stuff out there and you’ll see supporters.
I will offer up a few words of valuable advice for you that were passed onto me once when my head was going to explode…”Take two Tylenol and get some rest”
Good luck my friend.
- AKHi Mike,
If you think you have it bad, you should have heard the calls to the Detroit sports station yesterday…
MW: I feel SO bad for those guys.
- ShawnYou know Mike, maybe it isn’t knee jerk. Maybe we have all seen this for the last decade. You seem to quote stats and have all this info to back up why the Jays are better than they are. Then tell us all, why do ‘we’ continually lose to team and pitchers like we did last night?
Sure, it’s only a two game losing streak. Sure Accardo had lots of saves last year. I will remnind what or who stats really are for.
So I for one am not reacting without thought. I have been watching this exact same thing happen for years. Great teams take the Oakland AAA’s and send them away with a good spanking. The Jays are incapable of rolling over weak teams. Until we learn to do that, we will have to be content with 3rd place.
Please, enlightenen me how I am wrong. I too have ten years of stats, more importantly results to back up my statements.
MW: You’re wrong. As I’ve said higher up in the comments section, good teams lose to bad teams all the time.
- Ian JGlad to see the Jays being proactive about the drunken fights.
MacDonald must start for rubber match. Eckstein’s range is horrendous. Scutaro’s decision just didn’t make any sense. And his excuse… if you can’t make reactionary decisions after the ball is hit at the major league level, you shouldn’t be starting. “I was throwing home from the get-go”???? He also had a ball go off his glove in a leaping line drive earlier. He also was lucky that his decision to let a grounder bounce off the bag earlier in the game didn’t cost them. His bat doesn’t warrant him taking 3rd over Johnnie Mac.
MW: So wait - McDonald should play short or third tonight? And I don’t know about yanking a guy after one bad game, I think you probably throw him right back out there so as not to play with his confidence. He knows he screwed up.
- MikeMike, I guess I’m helping you get to 100 again. Just another thing I was thinking about when you tell people over and over again that a pitchers win loss record doesn’t mean anything. Well I forget who said it but it was the best metaphore I had heard in regards to the topic and it was: “judgeing a pitchers ability by his won loss record is like trying to to tell if someone is wealthy by the size of their T.V. you may get the right answer but your going about it the wrong way” I guess that is a simily not a metaphore but i thought you might like that one.
- Dan M.Hey Mike!
It was certainly a disappointing loss, but certainly not the end of the world as there is still so much baseball left to be played.
Something I’d like to ask: I read recently in the Toronto Star that initially, Ryan and Accardo are going to split the closing duties for the team for some time. Barring an injury or a dramatic spike (upward or downward), how long do you envision the team having a dual closers?
All the best! Keep up the great work!
MW: Until the Jays are confident that Ryan can pitch on back to back days.
- Dan McKinnonMike, listening to the radio broadcast last night and I recall Jerry and Alan commenting that Accardo has been relying almost exclusively on his fastball early on this season. That he hasn’t been going to the other pitches that made him successful last year. Any further insight on this?
MW: Nope. Accardo didn’t show up to talk to reporters last night, so we couldn’t ask him. That’s unusual for him, he’s usually a stand-up guy. I’ll try to ask him today, though.
- JJCome on, Mike. I think you need to understand a few things:
1. The Blue Jays have lost 2473 games in their history to date. Each loss was the result of either managerial incompetence or malingering by certain players.
2. By my count the Blue Jays have grounded into 3817 double plays in franchise history. In all 3817 cases, the batter should have been bunting. Had he done so, a large number of those 2473 losses would have been avoided.
3. Jeremy Accardo used to be a good pitcher (you know, like when he saved 3 games against the Yankees and Red Sox). However, he is now a bum and should be released.
4. The Blue Jays should have used every first round draft choice in their history to draft a superstar, but didn’t due to the stupidity of the GM / scouts.
I hope this helps clear a few things up.
MW: Damn, why didn’t I think of those things? It all seems so simple now.
- FrankMTo support your point that the season is a long grind, The Orioles are at the top of the division.
It seems like the Jays bullpen is struggling more then expected without Janssen and Ryan. Do you see them making any moves to bring in a bullpen arm or just go with what they have and experiment with guys like Carlson?
MW: The bullpen gave up ONE run in the first six games.
- Brett VHi Mike,
- ScottThank you SO much for these comments! Let’s be honest, last night’s 9th inning was horrible.
Frustrating….yes. Demoralizing (for the fans)….perhaps.
A sign that this team can’t win….(absolutely not!)
I was as upset as the next guy, but today’s another day and another game. I guarantee we’ll win a few the same way that the A’s did last night.
Hang in there everyone. I look forward to hearing about the parade route after tonight’s win!
Hi Mike,
I know you’re a company man and you love to defend Gibbons but can you please give me one good reason for bringing Downs out in the 8 th with 2 right handed batters leading off the inning? You have a guy in your bullpen that in his career has held right handed batters to a .150 average yet you extend a guy who excels as a situational lefty for his third inning of work. In his career right handed batters have hit Downs at a .288 clip while lefties have been held to .237. Gibbons often claims to set his lineups based “the numbers” and how well certain hitters have faired against a pitcher. The sample sizes of the stats he spews out of his mouth are often laughable. I realize that Wolfe hasn’t been in the majors for long but his innings worked blow away the 2 for 5 or 3 for 8 sample sizes Gibbons often uses to justify setting his batting lineup. I don’t know that there is a manager in baseball who given the same circumstances wouldn’t have brought out Wolfe in that situation. Just because it didn’t cost a run doesn’t mean these mistakes are excusable. The Jays were very very lucky to get out that inning without giving up any runs.
This was very reminiscent of the move he made in New York bringing out Wolfe to face the bottom of the Yankee order loaded with lefties and switch hitters who hit righties better, then bringing in Downs to face the only 2 righties in the lineup.
MW: Nope, I can’t defend that move. It’s not Gibbons, though, it’s the whole role thing. Until Ryan gets back and Accardo is pushed back an inning, Downs is the Jays’ “8th inning guy”, so he gets the 8th inning. He hadn’t pitched in a while, so he was strong enough to take things into a third inning of work, even though that meant losing him for today, and it did wind up working, but you’re right.
The New York thing was also about roles. It’s something I don’t like, at all, but it’s something all managers do. The fact that Gibby brought in Downs in the 6th went against the book, though, so maybe we’re seeing a small step towards change.
- Mattmike,
tough loss yesterday like all home losses are.Have you heard any talk about the cubs wanting wells back or is there a possible trade in the works?
Go Jays!!!
MW: I haven’t heard anything, but I can’t imagine they wouldn’t want him back.
- marioMike i was listening last night to the guy who said the Blue Jays need a “tougher, scarier Closer”, and i couldn’t disagree more with him or you.
I think what makes a #1 closer is a guy who looks like a trickster ! Like Dennis Eckersley. I am sure that guy was very good at solving crosswords and backdooring his slider to get that third strike at the same time. The old, “Five across strikeout routine.”
A guy like Accardo is just all straight and narrow. No character, no tricks or sleight of hand. No, strike’em out pull a rabbit outta my hat deal.
Which leads me to my more serious question. I thought Accardo’s main weapons were the splitter and maybe a weak slider ? Other then that he just seems to pepper the plate with fastballs, i don’t even think he cuts his fastball.
So without the splitter, how does he expect any semblance of success ? I think thats why he seems overmatched at the plate, he just doesn’t have that outpitch for those guys who wont swing at bad pitches out of the zone and are simply content to draw the walk and prolong the ninth.
MW: He seems overmatched? He didn’t have much of a problem with the Yanks and Red Sox, and the three saves in those games were, I think, some semblance of success. But we need to get to the bottom of the splitter thing.
- CecilYou’re right Mike. It’s only 8 games in and there are bound to be some stinkers. But it is troubling that they dropped these two games when, on paper, they clearly had an edge, especially when they scratched Harden the other night. We SHOULD be looking for a sweep tonight, instead it’s the other way around. Despite the fact that Scutaro had the type of game that would get you benched in a slow-pitch league, he is a solid bench player. He has mostly come up large defensively in Rolen’s (likely perpetual) absence. He did, however, boot two other plays yesterday. One we got lucky on because of a truly heads-up play by McGowan. But the dropped ball in the fourth(?)was ridiculous. How the heck did that get scored a base hit?
It’s still early, but it’s remarkable how this team (like with every other Riccardi or even post-Gillick squad) can look so good and together against good opposition and then completely fall apart against weaker squads. For the most part, good teams play other good teams tough and then kick the living snot out of the weaker teams. Ultimatley it’s ironic that the Oakland triple A’s beat us on both nights with triples.
Oh well, only 154 to go.
MW: It’s not true that most good teams play other good teams tough and then kick the snot out of the weaker teams. Everyone would like to think so, but it’s just not true.
I’m not sure how Scutaro didn’t get an error on the Brown grounder in the fourth. The call wasn’t extremely obvious, so the official scorer decided against the error, but he shouldn’t have.
I’m going to let the perpetual absence of Rolen shot go - the guy had shoulder problems for four years and then took a line drive off the finger, it’s a natural progression.
- peteMike,
Love the show. You gotta stop letting so many morons ramble on for 10 minutes about idiotic things. Keep up the good work.
- DanAccardo has not been the same pitcher since the second half of last year. He used to have a very effective splitter as a strikeout pitch, but it seems to have left him. Now he is much more hittable. He has to figure things out before it gets worse.Also, when was the last time you criticized JP for any move he made because it seems like you are always defending him.
MW: Read my post about the signing of Rod Barajas.
- aviI would just like to thank the guy who called in saying Downs didn’t have the right look to throw out lefties. And that being effective wasn’t good enough.
I was walking home from meeting a friend for coffee and catching up on the game I missed. I was disappointed about the Jays losing, but that call put it all in perspective and made me feel better. I was laughing out loud and getting a few stares.
There was a call to Leafs Talk a few years ago after Belfour had just let in something like 5 goals in a game after having had 4 shutouts in a row. The caller said the coach shouldn’t have started Belfour “because he was due for a bad game”. Four shutouts in a row!!
Or another caller who said Pete Sampras was over rated because all he had was a good serve and volley. What more do you want a tennis player to have?
I hope everyone doesn’t mind the non-Jays content of this post, but that call made me think of them, and I had to share.
- michael sYa, you’re wrong. Two well pitched games in New York were lost (largely) by defensive miscues. But to some degree I agree that if the Jays scored more runs than the Yanks they probably would’ve won.
Btw: ….gather up all the grittitude and hustleness you can and damnit, show some leadership out there!
Should be: …gather up all the grittitude and hustleness you can, and damnit, show some leadership out there!
good punctuation is next to godliness :)
MW: It was an optional comma, and I use too many of them as it is.
- Paul OHey Mike, just so you’re aware, the fan590.com feed didn’t switch to JaysTalk at any point last night, even though the mlb.com gameday audio feed had long since stopped. Thus, those of us who rely on the internet to hear the full postgame show were out of luck. Obviously not blaming you or anything but I figure maybe you’d know whose fault/responsibility that is. It sounded like a fun one to listen to, and throughout the year they’d been switching the internet feed to the regular radio feed practically when the game concluded - I’d heard full Alan & Jerry postgame recaps in the past on fan590.com even before they’d throw it to you, so the sudden change is strange.
Perhaps ironically, the fan590.com feed was playing a repeat of McCown talking about baseball at that precise moment - I don’t much get how you can stand an employer who markets a man unable to say anything but “AJ Burnett is a .500 pitcher” as though that’s relevant, but there you go.
- TylerWell now that Wells is being sent down, what are the odds that he’s doesn’t go back to the cubs? Also since Wells went down I guess it means that B.J. is due back soon. So how short will Accardo’s leash be on BJ’s off days if he keeps having questionable outings.
MW: The odds are reasonable that he doesn’t go back to the Cubs - I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone claim him on waivers first. And if Accardo doesn’t start using that splitter to strong effect, the leash may well be short. B.J. is expected back sometime in the next homestand.
- NickOh yeah Mike, Brian Tallent and his stupid little socks is good pitcher.
PLEASE, this guy is a stiff.
MW: A stiff who had a hell of a year last year. And no one is saying he’s a shutdown late-inning reliever, but there aren’t many, if any, 11th and 12th pitchers on a staff who are as good.
- AceHey Mike…gotta say, I love JaysTalk. I don’t understand how some caller’s don’t catch your sarcasm…you could cut that stuff with a knife!
Anyway, a few nights ago a caller was asking about the things the players are wearing around their necks, but you weren’t quite sure about them…they’re made by a company called Phiten, and they have liquid Titanium in them. “This technology helps to control disturbances in the natural state of our body’s bio-electrical currents, and maximize our body’s potential energy and strength. By wearing Phiten products, you should feel relaxed and refreshed.”
MW: That’s it! Phiten! Randy Johnson is one of their spokespeople (again, note the irony). Their slogan should be something like “it keeps you in Phiten form”.
- Marlin LichtiHey Mike,
What’s the deal with pinch running for Shannon Stewart last night? I know he’s older, but come on. As the tailing runner, it did not make sense to me.
And I continue to think that Gibbons is a big problem with the Jays. He shouldn’t have brought in Accardo when the score was tied two nights ago; then maybe he’s not tired last night. Meanwhile, overusing Tallet and then leaving Downs out for 3 innings…and now suddenly we need to call up another lefty. Makes no sense.
MW: I don’t think he’d overused Tallet, but with Downs unavailable they needed another lefty, it’s true. Downs didn’t need to be out there for 2 2/3, but the starters should be able to pitch into the 6th, which no one has yet in this series. If he shouldn’t have brought Accardo in with the score tied on Tuesday, when should he have used him?
- GrampsJust a comment on all the freaking out going on. I understand how it would be annoying to have to deal with it, but you have to understand, there’s a real skill to being a baseball fan. It’s an entire change in temperment and expectations compared to hockey, basketball, and, especially, football. In those other sports, we sort of have the right to act like little kids who break a toy or don’t get desert because the wins and losses matter so much more. But in baseball, there’s so much patience involved. For baseball fans, this stuff is exciting - Tuesday’s game left me entirely dejected, just like any good sporting event. And so how do you express those feelings? By freaking out after one bad start (Burnett), one bad pitch (arguably, Accardo), etc. What else are we supposed to do? You go to the game, you have a few beers while investing your entire evening in a ballgame, and, if you really like the team and the players, you’re going to get pretty involved. I don’t think it’s about intelligence (I don’t know if you’ve said that explicitly, but it’s been implied). I think it’s more about the elation and frustration of the day-to-day outcomes. It’s healthy. Your job is to moderate it, bring people down… Mike Wilner, psychotherapist extraordinaire.
MW: I knew someday I would put my psych degree to good use.
- RussMike,
I don’t want to get on your case about the fact that you try to smooth over every loss, and I am certainly not one of the ones throwing in the towel. What I see here is that the Jays are putting a very good product on the field and the results should reflect it. We have hovered around .500 for a long time and when the team gets better you expect the wins to grow. Bottom line is, they are not just getting beat in good games they are giving them away, or finding ways not to win, and sorry but thats coaching.
You are only as good as your last win and if you’re not winning you’re losing! Sorry Mike, just the way it is.
All that said, I am not bailing and am looking forward to an exciting year. Look forward to your reply.
MW: If you’re not winning, you’re losing. That’s absolutely right. But you’re only as good as your last win? Come on.
- ScottOakland always seems to be a team that overacheives, and so far there is evidence that they might again this year. Maybe not to the playoffs, but at least above most analysts expectations.
That being said, there have been lots of good teams losing to bad ones so far.
Yankees to Tampa and KC
Seattle to Baltimore
Atlanta to Washington, Pittsburgh
Detroit to everybody
And that is just off the top of my head. People need to relax, but I can see the AL East only provide one team to the posteason..it seems that the Division will beat itself up amongst each other all year.
- MarkOnce this blog post reaches 100 comments, I think it should be pulled and replaced with a relief post. 100 comments is just way too much for one blog to handle; there’s a chance the page might crash or something.
See what I did there?
- ShawnHey Mike,
In reference to useless man, the Jays absolutely lost a series in 1992. They lost something like 17 series that year including 5 straight losses in May.
MW: Maybe it was 1993, then. One of those teams is the only one ever not to lose a series.
- MJWhat’s the deal with Accardo? I’ve gone back over his last four appearances (past two nights, and the saves against Boston) and he seems afraid to pitch right handers inside. Against lefties he is using both sides of the plate, and being rather succesful (aside from the Sweeney triple), but against righties he has thrown only one (maybe two) pitch inside. I figure with his fastball hitting 96-97mph that an inside fastball would be difficult to handle for hitters, and allow him to set up off speed pitches on both sides of the plate.
Also, in regards to the Gregg Zaun steal, I believe that Eckstein with all his heart at the plate, willed that steal.
MW: Accardo seems to have completely lost faith in his splitter, which was a huge weapon for him last year.
- BrendanHey what’s up Thone.
If you get a chance, try to gently remind Accardo that he has a splitter in his repertoire, and it can be used to get opposing hitters out.
MW: There’s a reason he’s not throwing it, whether it’s mental or mechanical, but I’d love to him him bust a few more of them out now and again.
- DerekMike,
Did you get a chance to do some interviews in the clubhouse after the game last night?
If so,
How approachable was McGowan and what did he have to say about last nights outing?
Thanks and keep up the good work
MW: I never get a chance to do any interviews in the clubhouse after the game. By the time my post-game show is done, they’re all long gone.
- PatYou people are crazy. AJ’s CAREER record is completely relevant. It’s not 20-25 starts, it’s his CAREER. Which means, at this point, it’s most likely not going to improve a whole lot. So yes, our 2nd pitcher is going to be 500 this year, and next, and next. If that makes sense to you, then albeit, but I would contend that we might be able to do one better
MW: His CAREER record includes a WHIP and an ERA that’s very close to Roy Halladay’s CAREER record. That’s what matters, not his win-loss record.
- JamieYou are right, getting down to the Accardo’s issue of the splitter, or lack there of.
I think the lack of the splitter is the difference between the Oakland saves vs. the other three saves.
Like i was saying Accardo is really just a two pitch reliever, and when he doesn’t throw the splitter, he doesn’t get the strikeouts that he relies on to put those hitters away that wont chase fastballs out of the zone.
Accardo seems to rack up almost a strikeout an inning, sometimes more, when he’s on and successful. But, when he flounders seems to be when he lacks his out pitch, and doesn’t strike out that one problem guy. And yes, it was arguably a splitter what he threw to Sweeney, but a splitter up in the zone belt high is just another fastball.
MW: He did lack it in the first three saves, though. For the most part.
Thats all im saying. I never said he lacked the splitter with his first three saves, i am saying in absence of it he is simply a one pitch pitcher.
- CecilMike I totally agree with the need tonight for the Jays to “gather up all the grittitude and hustleness”.
In fact I want to see the Jays bring some overall kick-assidness, clutch-hittingosity, and quality-startage. Throw in a few JohnnyMac-ulous plays and we’re all set.
(sorry couldn’t resist)
4-2 would be a great result for any home stand.
- Ian CSay Mike
Is it just me or are the A’s to the Jays what the Jays are to the Angels as of the past few seasons?
MW: Seems that way, Oakland has won seven straight here at the RC. Thing is, Oakland’s not the only team that has the Jays’ number, which is problematic.
- simonMike give your self a break. the score is tied its the top of the ninth a ground ball is hit that you can’t turn a double play on so you try for the guy at home! how is that not the smart play.
Your judgeing the play by looking at the result which is wrong
MW: No, you judge the play by looking at the possibilities and what should happen. There was a minute chance of turning a double play, and it probably wouldn’t have happened, but at least there would have been one out. There was NO chance of throwing out Ellis at the plate.
- Dan M.Mike I will bet you any amount of money that the O’s don’t lose a hundred games this year.
At the start of every year morons in the media say this team is going to lose a hundred games this team is going to score one thousand runs and it never happens. The O’s aren’t the worst team in baseball the Giants are and I doubt the Giants lose a hundred.
MW: Nobody’s going to score a thousand runs. But the Orioles will lose 100 games.
- Dan M.and Arron Hill IS NOT THAT GOOD AT BASEBALL the sooner you fiqure this out the less stupid you will look in four or five years
MW: Yeah. He sucks. Can’t even spell his name right.
- Dan M.I like when you “no one i’ve talked to about Arron Hill thinks he’s peaked yet”
let me guess who you have talked to about him
J.P.
John Gibbins
The scouting direct that drafted him
Richard Griffin
Vernon Wells
All unbias opinions
MW: How did Richard Griffin get in there?
- Dan M.Hey Mike,
Im not worried at all. Today is a Marcum day ! The losing streak will come to an end and the sky will stay secure where it is for another day. So no worries.
How do you think Jesse Carlson will do in the majors ? He’s got an interesting style.
Were you impressed with Greg Smith ???
All his pitches seem to come to the plate along the same plane, and one would think it would make it much easier for teams to begin to figure him out. Well, all teams except for the Jays.
Personally i wouldn’t be suprised to see him get rocked next time.
MW: I was pretty impressed with Smith. He could very easily have fallen apart, given the events of the first inning, but he did well and kept the Jays off-balance for the rest of his outing. Carlson could be an OK bottom of the bullpen lefty - he throws strikes and doesn’t walk many, which is good. And he has a good change-up.
- DaveI loved the guy yesterday who said we need a tougher closer, or was it Downs who didn’t look tough enough?
Regardless, in the spirit of giving credence to the non-causal factors which determine a baseball game, who do you think is the most intimidating looking closer ever ?
Goose Gosage i would say looked a bit like a magician with that facial hair of his.
I am pretty sure no one can hit Jose Valverde’s fastball because he looks like a pirate. Whats scarier then a pirate in a desert ? Have you seen him outta uniform ? When you dress like that action and adventure will follow you even to Houston.
I agree that Eckersley looks like a trickster, maybe of a lesser type then Gossage.
Papelbon seems to devour people’s souls with that death stare of his.
I personally blame Accardo’s blown save last night because he cut his hair, and just like Sampson, his god given closing abilities dropped with his locks.
MW: Not many people know this, but Accardo and Downs got tattoos of a snake on their faces after the game last night, in order to look more intimidating and, therefore, pitch better.
- Jacksonmike, I and others have caught you in 2 lies. I just caught you in another from a previous point. it is amazing how you give unfactual information as proof of your argument only for me to find out it is not true. 1st lie was avacado blowing only 4 saves. second lie was chacin’s run support of 9 per game. 3r lie is you claiming he NEVER pitched a shutout in his major league career!!!!! he has pitched 6 shutouts!! not complet games but shutouts nonetheless. stop behaving like JP mike and start telling the truth. you look completely foolish when you lie.
MW: You really need a dictionary. A lie is a deliberate untruth, meant to mislead. A math error, like dividing 45 by 5 instead of by 6, is a mistake. And a shutout is a complete game with no runs being scored, it’s not being lifted after 5 or 6 or 7 without having allowed a run. Gustavo Chacin has never pitched a shutout in his major-league career. Also, Avacado has never blown one save, never mind four. But then, I don’t know who that is.
- lesWho do you going to availble in the pen tonight and sorry to be offtopic or anything but you said you think that a lot of players take HgH. Im just wondering what it really does because I heard that it helps you recover from injuries faster? Can you give me a accurate description of HgH?
MW: I’m not pharmacist, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I can’t really tell you what hGH does exactly. But I’m told it beats back the effects of aging, and can improve vision, among other things. Steroids help you recover faster.
- andrewMike…
As for the beer situation… I was seated in 1st row, 107, above the A’s bullpen, and we were all having a great time over beers and heckling. There were plenty of “happy” ball fans, that didn’t need to cause a riot to enjoy a game (even though it was the most disappointing 9-8 loss of all time).
- andrew - KWHi Mike,
I’m a bit of a statistical nut but was wondering if there is a category for players left on base by a batter? If a batter can accumulate RBI’s should they not track when a player fails to cash in runs? Please don’t think I’m trying to be facetious, but this would show a batters “clutchabilty”.
MW: This would not show a batter’s clutchability (good word) but it would provide a better illustration of just how many chances the big RBI guys get to drive in runs. There’s an LOB column beside every batter’s name in every boxscore now, so I’m assuming the total is findable somewhere.
- JonGibby’s first mistake here.
Mike give me the reason as to why Frasor wasn’t left in and Tallet was brought in.
Lefty-Righty-Lefty hitters coming up.
I would have left Frasor in for the first 2 until any sign of trouble.
Thoughts?
Thank Mike…
MW:I don’t have a real issue with that one. We know that Frasor isn’t one of the trusted guys in the bullpen, and it certainly appears as though Tallet has become one. But yeah, I think the leash on Frasor is too short, especially when the bullpen is as depleted as it was tonight.
- ChrisI can’t believe Gibby left League in against the lefty instead of going to a lefty-lefty match up. It’s going to cost them the game, shame on you Gibby!
MW: It’s awfully tough to bring in a guy to make his major-league debut with the bases loaded in the 12th inning of a tie game.
- ColinHow about 3 Mike?
MW: 3 what? Oh, losses? Sure, here you go.
- kelvinmike i don’t think you have too many fans after reading the comments..
i would say about 50% of the masses approve of you.. that’s probably 50% at BEST..
i wonder why you’re so hated?
MW: Because people think I’m an arrogant, know-it-all jerk. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Oh well, love me or hate me, they’re still listening.
- HarryMike a bunt is a situational and discretionary play, called by the coach. You have constantly spoken against the bunt. I really don’t understand why. A bunt is contact meant to sacrifice a runner, Which has proven to be effective when put in place at the right time by the right individual.
I’m sure that with so many major league hitters on a team there is a least one player with success laying down the bunt.
MW: A bunt is a strategy to score one run at the expense of a potentially bigger inning, and it’s unsuccessful a great deal of the time, both in advancing the runner and in scoring the run. Unless a hitter is absolutely terrible (like a pitcher), or the situation is something like first and second, none out, bottom of the ninth or later and down by one, I would prefer to let my hitter hit and not give away the out. Allow the chance for something good to happen, either by hit, walk, error, hit batsman or productive out.
- NeilThe Jays have all the tools ON the field to win this division. Where they lack is in two categories. One, a decent bench. With a limited selection of quality offensive options (Scutaro, Stewart, Macdonald, Bajaras/Zaun) we get killed when one of our starters are out of the lineup. I mean, when you see that you 7-8-9 hitters are due up in the likes of Scutaro, Zaun/Bajaras and Stewarts things look bleek. The second area of concern is coaching. The Jays need a guys that’s going to make sensible decisions. Time and time again Gibby has made terrible moves while, not 100% of the time but pretty close, costing the Jays W’s. His management of the bullpen and the batting order have been questioned way too long. The sooner the Jays upper management realizes this the sooner the Jays will be in contention come September.
War to the Jays firing John Gibbons.
Mark
MW: Good thing Gibbons doesn’t know how to run a bullpen, otherwise the Jays’ staff ERA might have been 9th or 10th in the league last year. And just who do you think most teams have on their bench? There are no all-stars out there.
- MarkHey Mike,
Just to follow up on the Jays’ not losing a series in the early 90’s there…I’ve checked back and I can’t seem to find any year where they went without a series loss. I even went back to their best regular season ever in ‘85 and they still lost a few series.
Maybe I’m missing something or I just can’t find the information but I’d love to check that season out. Can you uncover any more on it?
Thanks!
- MJAnyone who says that our relief pitchers don’t “look intimidating” enough should first go to baseball-reference.com and look up a guy by the name of Tom Henke. Once they’ve absorbed his career numbers and gotten an idea of just how good that guy really was, they should go look at this: http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/henketom.shtml
Now THAT’s the “face of a closer”!
- DonHA. Good try, Mike, but you couldn’t be more wrong. It’s not ERA and WHIP that matter, it’s wins and losses. Are the Jays going to make the playoffs and win a title because their pitchers had low ERAs and WHIPs, nah, they ar e going to make it based on the number in the W column.
MW: Of course wins and losses are the only things that matter for the team. But looking at a pitcher’s win-loss record doesn’t tell you anything about how he actually pitched. Hell, Storm Davis won 19 games one season.
- Jamiei realize you cannot onlt look at wins and losses, but you have to factor it in there. otherwise, like you said Doc and AJ would be considered equal based on ERA and WHIP only, but we all know nothing could be further from the truth.
MW: Which I think has more to do with durability and personality than anything else.
- Jamie