4:59 PM Eastern
Sorry about the lack of bloggage for the last couple of days, but some things can’t be helped. I commented on Thomas on Saturday (though I said he’d be released within a week or two – oops) so I hope you were able to tide yourselves over on that and all the other fine bloggageness that’s out there!
My reaction to the quick trigger on Thomas? He wasn’t happy, so it made sense to get rid of him instead of letting him twist in the wind for a week or so. The fact that he didn’t come out for the post-game self-congratulatory handshakes after Saturday’s win didn’t mean a whole heck of a lot to me. I mean, it’s not like you cut the guy immediately for that move, but it did seem to show that he didn’t feel like he was part of the team anymore. There was no major distraction having him sit for one day, there could very easily have been a major distraction if he was still around for a few days, angry and vocal about not being in the line-up. And no, trading him was NOT an option.
I think Thomas will resurface relatively soon, with one of Seattle, Tampa Bay or Baltimore, and as he always has, have a terrific last 2/3 of the season. I know that no matter what, people will be talking about Thomas around these parts for at least the rest of this season.
I just want to re-iterate that I really like Thomas. He’s a friendly guy, not shy at all, always willing to talk and give honest, thoughtful answers to good questions. He came here with a reputation of being a malcontent and tough to deal with but from a media perspective, nothing could be further from the truth. Among his teammates, though, I don’t think he’ll be missed much.
Now, onto the game. This hitting with runners in scoring position thing is getting ridiculous. They were 0-for-8 today, missing out on some pretty big opportunities early in the game. When the Blue Jays have lost this year, they haven’t gotten the big hit when they needed it. That’s a pretty obvious statement, though, because you’d figure that if they got big hits every time they needed them, they’d rarely, if ever, lose a game. You’d also figure that a team would hit better in games that it wins than in games it loses, but check this out:
In the Blue Jays’ 10 wins, they have hit .301 with runners in scoring position. In the 10 losses, they have hit .180. That’s a pretty massive difference, and one you’d expect will even out over time. If it does, they’ll win by fewer runs than they have been, but they should also be able to win the majority of their one-run games (they’re currently 2-5).
It all comes down to offense with this bunch, which is why I’ve been pounding the Barry Bonds drum since we first found out about Matt Stairs’ bad hip late in Spring Training (nice to see everyone else pick up on that now too, – welcome to the party! We’ve already been here for a month or so). Stairs seems to be fine now, and he’s hitting well, too, but without Frank Thomas that opening for Bonds has been created anew. The Blue Jays aren’t interested in the baggage and the circus that accompanies Bonds wherever he goes, so they won’t sign him even though his presence in the line-up would help the team immensely. What they’ll do instead is hope that Adam Lind is ready for the majors, stick him in left field everyday once he’s recovered from his stiff neck (by the end of the week) and hope that having him and Scott Rolen in the line-up instead of Thomas and Marco Scutaro/Joe Inglett, the offense will get a boost, and it should.
Remember, we’re talking about replacing what Thomas HAS done this year, not what he WILL do. There will no doubt be a time later in the season when Jays’ watchers will wonder just how good the team could be if only Frank Thomas were still on it. That thought, though, should be mitigated by wondering just how big the hole they’d have to dig out of would be if he’d still been here, batting 5th and not hitting for another month.
It should be a fun road trip – 3 in Orlando against the Rays, 3 in KC and then 3 in Boston. At some point on the trip, the Jays should have all hands on deck for the first time this season, and we can start to see what kind of team this really is.
Comments continue to be encouraged, especially given the shortitude of today’s JaysTalk (hey, I understand – McCown and hockey drive the bus that is The FAN590, and I’d have to be an idiot not to recognize those things. I’m happy to make room for The Bobcat whene’er I can.), and I think I’m’ back in the swing of full comment respondage.
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We have been wondering hoiw many pitches it typically takes in the Bullpen for a pitcher to get ready to enter a game (mid-inning). Does the number vary materially from pitcer to pitcher?
Thanks,
MW: Yeah, it does. I think it might be more about time than actual numbers of pitches. Some guys can warm up in a real hurry, others need Joe Torre as their manager.
- Mel NortonMike, I love your use of the “age” – bloggage, respondage, etc.
Keep it up!
- Navin VaswaniJust to tackle a different topic for once, what do you see as the Jays’ plan for SS beyond this year? Of all the spots on the field, this one seems to have the most question marks going forward, without any good prospects close to the majors at this point. Will they try to keep Pluckstein around? What about taking a run at Furcal and/or Cabrera? I’m guessing they’ll never really give Johnny Mac the full-time job.
MW: I don’t think Mac ever gets the full-time job, either. With the money freed up from Thomas and A.J., they could make a run at Furcal, but Justin Jackson may be only three years away, so I don’t know if you want to tie it up that long. Still, they’re going to need a guy there next year, and there isn’t one banging on the ceiling in the minors.
- darrenDo you think Lind will get the full time job in Left with Stewart subbing in on occasion and Stairs at DH or will it be a platoon. If so what kind of offence can we look forward to and, since you’ve seen him much more than me, how is he defensivley?
MW: Lind will get the full-time job in left, and Stewart and Stairs will share the DH role. Defensively, he’s fine. Not spectacular, but certainly average at the very least, and improving. He needs work running the bases, based on his adventures of last season. He has hit everywhere he’s been, with the exception of last year’s first big taste of the bigs. I don’t expect him to rake, but I think that it’s not unfair to think he can hit at least .280/.350 with at least 20 homers if he plays every day from here on out.
- NickHi Mike,
I was down at the game today and it was pretty apparent that we weren’t going to be winning this getaway day. There was a listless feel to the game that showed not only with the lack of big base hits but in a couple of misplays in the field. Hitting and defence are contagious, but who is the leader on this team that is going to step up and set the tone? It’s not Eckstein, he tries hard but his popgun bat and limitations on defence aren’t going to earn him the respect of the clubhouse. So who is it going to be…
Monty
MW: There doesn’t have to be a leader. If they start winning, the media will make one up.
- MontyYou mentioned that Frank wouldn’t be missed in the clubhouse. Is there any way you can expound on that?
RE: Bonds, I find myself thinking that the Jays signing him wouldn’t be the horrendous cataclysm that many people assume it would be. That said, I still don’t think they should… but if this hitting with RISP thing doesn’t turn around, I may change my mind. It’s not good when the opposing team gets a three-run lead and you start thinking “we’re toast.”
MW: Yeah, that’s not good. I can’t deny that feeling exists, though it shouldn’t. I can understand it, though. I can’t go into detail on the Thomas thing without revealing confidences, but I have spoken to more than two players who were not fans of his as a teammate.
- TonyMike,
We saw the Jays lock up two of their good young position players earlier this season with the extensions given to Rios and Hill. If they continue to progress, do you think they Jays will do the same for Marcum and McGowan in the offseason?
MW: I certainly think they’ll try, those would be the next two guys on the list. It’s up to Shaun and Dustin as to whether or not they want to lock up.
- David SakamatoI won’t be questioning the release of Frank Thomas no matter how well he hits elsewhere. It’s his original signing I will remember as just another of J.P.’s bonehead moves.
- MarvinHi Mike, you mention Bons, why don’t the Blue Jays just sign him, for the good that having his bat in the line up will bring,rather than worry about the off field stuff which he will bring along with him? Like you said a couple days ago,Bons’ trial date might be pushed back even further, so I’m definitely for signing Bons.
MW: It’s Bonds. Barry Bonds. I’m all for signing him, too.
- DanMike,
I have not been listening to the Fan590 for my baseball feed basically because I think that you’re a J.P shill, and you spend too much time trying to kiss his — then anything else. However, I am surprised that I agree with your sentiment that Barry Bonds is the best option for the Jays. I have been on the Bonds bandwagon well before the year started.
My question is do you think there is any possiblity of Bonds coming to the Jays? If the Jays don’t sign him do you think anyone else will? If no team signs him, do you think that it’s hypocritical that MLB allows players like Giambi, Sosa, Tejada and even Zaun to be allowed to play, but yet have blackballed Bonds?
MW: I think it’s terribly hypocritical, but sadly it appears to be reality. I don’t think that there’s any possibility that Bonds comes to the Jays, and I think that’s just wrong. He’s a perfect fit.
- BobbyI am very upset about the way the Frank Thomas situation has been handled. I don’t like the front office “spin” that this was in any way by mutual agreement. Benching FT was not by mutual agreement. Last year, they could have benched him, or Vernon or Overbay, but they didn’t. As a fan and someone who pays his cable bill every month, I don’t care one bit about how much Ted Rogers is/was paying Thomas. I want a winner. Coming out of Spring Training, FT was supposed to bat in the middle of the order and drive in 100 runs. On April 19th it was decided that this won’t be happening. Well there had better be a plan B and I don’t mean Rod Barajas playing DH and batting 5th, because this was not the plan in March and it will not translate into more wins. If all the team cares about it saving money, why the hell should I waste my time watching this team play? I can assure you, the Yankees or Red Sox would have made this sort of decision BEFORE the season started.
MW: Why would it have been better to make the decision before the season started than to wait three weeks to see if he would have a better start this year?
- Jeff RechtshaffenHey Mike, I think Lind might be back quicker than that, as he’s in LF for the chiefs today. Also Snider is the DH in New Hampshire, probably not permanent, just until Rolen is finished his rehab.
Is Marcum ok after pitching today? Ashby was thinking it looked like he had a stiff/sore back by the way he was pitching and falling off the mound.
MW: Marcum didn’t complain about any physical issues after the game, and the way he picked up his own game from the 3rd inning on showed, to me, that he’s fine. Just had a really bad inning.
- clintDo you think Rolen will come back and not play the field for a bit, get his rips as DH while his throwing hand continues to recover or do you see him playing defense immediately?
MW: He was supposed to play third in Dunedin tonight, but didn’t. I think the plan was to give him another game or three and then get him up here to play third, but now I’m not sure what’s up.
- Scott BHey Mike,
Glad you’re back to blogging.
What is the possible downfall of bringing Bonds to Toronto? Is it only the steriod/trial thing? I think all the press might actually be beneficial for the Jays and the Rogers Corporation. The attendance would increase for sure, no doubt, and more cell phones would definitely be purchased.
Is it Ted Rogers that’s halting this much needed improvement to the lineup??
MW: It’s not Ted Rogers, he’s not that hands-on an owner. The Jays (Paul Godfrey, J.P. Ricciardi et al) have decided that bringing Bonds in would involve too much off-the-field mishegaas, and they don’t want to deal with it.
- KarmanOK, obviously it’s too early to panic now. But at what point do you make a move or three to turn the hitting around? And if that time comes, what moves are available? Trades, releases, firings?
I was and still am a huge fan of Frank Thomas. But after his comments, saying he was upset about being benched, I can’t say I’m too say to see him go.
MW: Didn’t you want him to be upset about being benched?
- DaveRMike,
Frank Thomas stated on the day he found out he would be benched that: “There are some things going on around here this year that I haven’t been happy about.” What is he referring to? Is it the fact that he is hitting in the 5 spot or is there more? Also, I read that he wont be missed by his teammates, is this true?
MW: I’m not sure what he meant, he didn’t complain about being the 5 hitter in Spring Training. And see the answer to an above comment for the teammate thing.
- JamieAny chance Diaz gets a start in the near future? I’d rather see him at DH and Stairs in LF right now as stewart isn’t doing much of anything
MW: I think he’ll get a start before he gets sent back to Syracuse.
- PeeWeeI know you don’t take issue with it, but I’ll say it anyways. What on earth gives John Gibbons the impression he has the luxury of giving his under-30 stars a day off? Our lineup is bad enough, Vernon and Rios shouldn’t be resting at least until Rolen and Lind are around and the roster has some stabilization.
My other point is about Eckstein. His .286/.367/.371 is basically exactly as advertised, so people should be happy with the production we have gotten from him thus far. The problem, however, is his defense. I think it’s IMPERATIVE that McDonald comes in as a defensive replacement in the 9th inning and I don’t think David Eckstein is someone you need to worry about insulting by taking him out for an inning. He has pretty questionable range and while he tends to get the job done it’s with an arm that makes Zaun look like a flamethrower. I wonder if in today’s game, in the 2nd inning, JMac turns 2 on the soft liner hit to SS and changes the whole course of the game ; it’s funny how important one bounce can be.
MW: Well, it wouldn’t have mattered on that play in the 2nd, McDonald wouldn’t have been in for defense then. There were at least three plays on the homestand that McDonald would have made, relatively easily, that Eckstein didn’t, but Eckstein is hitting as well as can be reasonably expected and that’s why he’s in there.
- AriIt doesn’t matter who’s in and who’s out of the line-up, they’re human brings, they need a day off once in a long while. And remember, Vernon is 3 for his last 20.
Hey Mike,
Sad to hear about Marcum’s turn out today. I didn’t get to watch the game so i was wondering if something was up with Marcum ? Prob nothing, but i didn’t see him so just checking.
Also, about the open DH job: Why don’t they just alternate Stewart and Stairs ? I mean to say on days when the Jays are facing right handed pitching. Stewart doesn’t really have a poorer showing against righties, and if anyone needs to get more swings in it’s him. Im not saying he’s hitting bad, it’s just that his slugging % is at .263, and thats well under his .433 career slugging average.
Thanks Mike !
MW: Why would you take at-bats away from Stairs against righties, though? And Marcum just had a crappy second inning, nothing more.
- DaveMike, we already know what kind of team this is with or without Rolen. Another 500 club. I don’t see Boston struggling to get hits without Mike Lowell, do you? Even without Ortiz being a factor for a while hasn’t stopped them. You look at the Jays line up and it dosen’t have what it takes. You can put your spin on it but your track record is as bad as the Jays. Things need to change and change in a hurry before The Jays are way back in Bostons rear view mirror and its over, your seeing it now.
The big problem is management, JP especially. His contracts and trades for the most part have been terrible or stupid. Wells has a 40 homer contract and its not happening. Trading within our division last year was insulting even a tid bit player. I’ve never seen him so nervous while being interviewed about the Frank Thomas release. What a mistake, the worst in franchise history in terms of dollars. This team needs a change really bad a breath of fresh air a new direction thats why Gibbons and JP have to go. Is it to early to talk about trading AJ Burnett he’s going to opt out and it doesn’t look like The Jays are going to need him anyways. Bring up Purcey, lets see if he can help the team. We can only hope JP doesn’t screw this up he needs to do the right thing for the team not for himself. He knows he’s play for his job now.
MW: How do we know what kind of team the Jays are with Rolen? Because Boston has played well without Mike Lowell?
- brunoMike, as it stands the FAN has a daily hourlong hockey show, a weekly two-hourlong basketball show, a weekly hourlong soccer show, and a weekly hourlong MMA show, but only a half-hourlong weekly baseball show which, I think you’ll admit, takes a different, slightly more rushed format to the others. Plus most of the aforementioned ones are podcast.
Instead of midday ESPN simulcasts and other filler material, is there any chance the FAN might expand its locally-produced baseball content? Even if it’s just in the form of a “Giganto-JaysTalk” (my preferred name, as it’d be longer than the Extendo variety), it’d be well worth it. I mean, baseball’s #2 in ratings in this country (and #1 in blog popularity on this site), yet in last place as far as shows on the FAN go.
MW: Don’t forget, the FAN also has 162 four-hour baseball shows a year. Plus the playoffs.
- TylerHi Mike,
I’m shocked that everyone seems to think that cutting Thomas was the right move. On a team that can’t hit, to get rid of your, in your words, “arguably the team’s best hitter”, is stunning. You yourself said that Thomas will turn it around and if we had better options, then yes it’s a good move. But when those other options are some combination of Stairs, Inglett, Stewart, Barajas, Diaz, Scutaro and Lind, this team is scary. Lind may not hit and Rolen will probably struggle for a few weeks, which likely would be the same time Thomas would have started hitting too.
Everyone seems comfortable with Stairs being the full time DH, but he is also 40, and has a bad hip. And he’s only had two seasons when he’s had over 500 ABs meaning he’s probably always been in a platoon situation. And regardless he’s nowhere near as good as Thomas overall.
I would rather have Frank Thomas, and his potential upside, go 0 for than having Barajas going 0-3 or Stairs 1-4 or Lind struggling. And I really can’t believe that a professional ballplayer wouldn’t be open to dropping down one or two spots in the batter order while he works through a slump. Today it was Scutaro batting .189 was in the 7th spot. I rather have Thomas there. I honestly don’t trust J.P. gave him any options. It seems it was all or nothing. I just can’t believe there was no room for a compromise over the team’s best hitter. If you’re willing to pay him 8 million to go away this year, than pay him 10 million to go away next and see how he does.
Sorry for the length. One last thing that scares me is that Thomas is signing with either Tampa Bay or Baltimore. If he has a monster year (and he’s going to be motivated) with either of those clubs, he could keep the Jays out of the playoffs by helping clubs that have the potential of playing better than expected.
MW: First of all, Baltimore sucks with or without Big Frank. I think it kind of had to be all or nothing. I agree with you that I’d rather see Thomas in there over Barajas, Scutaro or Inglett, but that’s not the choice. The Jays think Lind is ready, and that if the line-up as a whole is more versatile, they’re better off. The Jays may think, as well, that Thomas is finished, though I certainly don’t believe that for a second.
- michael sI don’t think Stairs will be getting 500 ABs, though, he’s still in a platoon situation.
Hi Mike:
You said “Among his teammates, though, I don’t think he’ll be missed much.” Did a current Jay tell you that? Or is it a vibe you picked up from being around the team? Thanks.
MW: Look upstairs for the answer. In the comments, I mean.
- SkipI am a little curious about the Thomas situation. Basically he is getting $8 mill for playing in 18 games this year and somehow he deserves our pity.
Against right handed pictures won’t the Jays do almost as well with Stairs as DH? The Jays hadn’t beat a left hander this year with Thomas.
MW: Why does he deserve our pity? And Stairs was already in the line-up against righties. It’s not an exchange of Stairs for Thomas.
- JayMike do you know if Rolen had a set back yesterday, on the jays website he was supposed to play Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, he’s not playing at all today and was pinch hit for in his 4th at bat yesterday.
MW: If he had a setback yesterday, they didn’t tell us. Of course, he was supposed to play third yesterday and wound up DHing. Chances are they felt the three at-bats yesterday were enough. Today’s another story, though.
- clintMr Wilner
Would you think it would have been a good idea if the jays platooned Mr Stairs and Mr Thomas until the Big Hurt got back on his feet? Also I’d like to say that many hitters (including Mr Thomas) have hit the ball really hard this year but have little to show for those hits, and unfortunately I think that those situation cost Mr Thomas his job.
MW: I don’t think that situation would have been acceptable to Mr. Thomas, but I’d have been happy to try it.
- gregMike, I don’t believe we should sign barry bonds. As much of a great hitter as he is, he a steroid cheater and we can’t cheaters on our team or else they will destroy our clubhouse chemistry.
MW: Like they destroyed the clubhouse chemistry in 1992 and 1993?
- andrew“Among his teammates, though, I don’t think he’ll be missed much.”
Why do you think Frank was not well liked amongst his teammates. As you mentioned, he was a delight to deal with from your perspective. What makes you think he had a different relationship with teammates than he had with media personalities???
MW: I hear things.
- RobHi Mike
always love to listen to, and read your comments when i get the chance. Firstly about Thomas, it seems to me his unwillingness to take the hit to his pride, and accomodate the benching proves he didn’t have the Jays best interests at heart, surely he could except we’re already 3 and a half back of Boston after the Detroit series. I think they did the right thing. Secondly, pitching is a strength of this team, but recently this trend of starters (Doc excepted) only managing 5 or so innings has got me worried, the Oakland series was a prime example where we saw hitters stretching out at bats, high pitch counts early in the game and starters done after 5. The pen recently is having to cope with a huge workload at the moment often 4 frames a night. Am i right here? How can we hope to compete if this continues?
MW: i can only think of one game where the bullpen had to take over prior to the 6th, though there might have been one or two more. Marcum has gone deep, Halladay has gone really deep, the other three not so much. But there are seven pitchers in that bullpen, and most of them are really good. The ‘pen doesn’t often have to deal with pitching four frames a night.
- Phil SmithSo is there really no way we sign Bonds? I caught some of the post game and Gibby and Wells gave non-answers while both Zaun and Accardo were all for it.
Put Stairs/Stewart back in left with Bonds at DH and then Rolen back at 3rd and this lineup will no longer have to trot out the sorry excuse of a lineup that we had today. It was pathetic.
So if the players are for it, and it makes sense on the field, then why is there so much hesitation? Surely the Jays brass have more stones than this!
MW: You’d have to ask them. I did, and they said they’re not interested.
- Matt SMike,
I am glad that you are finally ready to contend that the upcoming games are beginning to mean something. I wish that someone would have told the Red Sox that April baseball was not a big deal, maybe they wouldn’t have won so many ball games. With the Yanks and Sox in tough in their up comming series’ hopefully the Jays can take advantage of the lesser teams they have to face. Think the Doc makes it 3 consecutive complete games on Wednesday?
MW: I hope not.
- KeithClearly a horrible game. Marcum bounced back nice, but other than that, it was pretty painful. Once again, we couldn’t hit a rookie starter and a collection of questionable middle relievers.
But on to my question/comment. You commonly say: “You can’t control when you hit.” This would seem to suggest that pitch selection and location are the same with the bases empty as when they’re full. I’m not an expert, but don’t pitchers and catchers approach at bats differently when there’s people on: looking for strike outs instead of contact, etc?
Also, a lot of hitting is mental (obviously) in that it requires a weird blend of concentrating and relaxing. The expression hitting is contagious is true (I think) in that batters tend to be more comfortable at the plate when they don’t feel like they have to be the ones to get the big hit. They just have to pass the baton. When nobody’s hitting, everyone knows it and tries to do to much.
None of this means that anyone can ‘control’ when they get a hit, but some people seem to have a better knack at handling certain types of situations than others. Right now it seems our guys are holding their bats a little too tightly in pressure situations.
I think Inglett (for example) gets pretty freaked out with runners on. I don’t blame him. He’s a rookie. Personally, I’d crap my droors.
MW: Remind me not to be around you when there are runners on base.
- peteHi Mike, long time reader, first time poster.
Any thoughts on why it seems like when the Jays face starting pitchers they’ve never seen before (ex. Galaragga, Eveland) the offence struggles? Do the scouting reports/video they have not help? Do the stats prove me wrong?
Also, if you could PLEASE ask J.P. on Wednesday the thing that’s on everbody’s mind… now that Frank is gone, will the Jays think about Barry?
MW: He’s been asked, and he’s answered, but you all are welcome to ask him again on Wednesday.
- SherryHey Mike. The Fan should make more time for you and Jaystalk! It’s my favorite show. Anyways I’m starting to think that the Jays need hypnosis regarding this hitting with runners in scoring position. I remember when the Jays had Catalanotto, he would just take it like any other at bat and swing like he could. Do you think that it is just bad luck that the Jays are hitting like this in these losses or can they not handle the pressure? This is a lineup that should be hitting and if they had lost today 5-4 then there wouldn’t be as much to be worried about. We both know that OBP is important but the Jays need to be able to turn those base runners into runs. The one thing I will say about Thomas is that it actually makes JP look bad for even signing him in the first place. It appears that Jays fans are losing confidence and patience with him faster now!
MW: Eventually they’ll turn those baserunners into runs on a more regular basis. The thing about it is, in the games they win, they handle the pressure just fine.
- Matt from BCPerhaps this horse has well and truly bolted, but Reed Johnson currently hitting 367. Looks like he’s back to 06 Reed as opposed to 07 injured Reed
MW: It’s April 20th.
- Phil SmithWhat is the deal with Lyle Overbay? He hasn’t been the same since 2006. When he does hit, it seems it is always singles. Can the Jays compete in the AL East without some power from the first base position?
MW: Yes, they can, and if Overbay continues to get on base 40% of the time, I don’t think people should be having a problem with his production. Maybe he should be leading off.
- ZackIts clear to see that cutting Thomas loose was clearly about the money. I dont understand why JP continues to lie to the fans about trades, injuries, and situations like this.
As Jeff Blair wrote, “The Big Hurt couldn’t put up enough good numbers to keep the bad numbers – the ones with dollar signs in front of them – away. So now he’s gone.”
MW: If Thomas had produced, money wouldn’t be an issue.
- Brett VThe “it’s still early” excuse is going to get old real quick Mike. Speaking of “it’s still early”, it appears you have something against Reed Johnson. Was he a surly bastard to deal with, or do you just not think he’s that good? You keep pointing out that it’s April 20th when people point how how good of a start he’s off to.
MW: That’s because it’s April 20th. Three weeks does not a season make. I expect Reed to finish the season being Reed, which is about .265/.330. And no, not a surly bastard at all, Reed is an awesome guy!
- YardI believe certain teammates didn’t like the fact that Hurt was the only one to talk to former Senator Mitchell’s investigators. Frank made no bones about going against the union and for putting down players using drugs, past or present. Do you think that coupled with the fact that he is kind of a larger of life presence that the media gives alot of attention to (this is not directed at you) is the real reason players privately takes shots at him. I believe a lot of these players feel very uncomfortable about being called out for not ‘manning up’ and speaking to Mitchell’s people. As you know when people feel bad about themselves they take it out on others. I would not be surprised if players rank Frank a not too distant second to Canseco as far as having a great deal of disdain for both. You probably remember when FT was asked to comment on Zaun’s name being raised in the Mitchell report early on in spring training. Rather than saying ‘you should talk to Zaunie’ he made a comment that certainly could have and may have made Zaun uncomfortable and therefore upset with FT. Although I really doubt it was Hurt’s intent; he is just not skilled in diplomacy as he should be by now.
MW: He’s not about being diplomatic, it’s true, but a lot of the Blue Jays have put down players using drugs, past or present. They just didn’t all go talk to the Mitchell committee. I think it’s a stretch, though, to think that that, coupled with his larger than life presence, was the reason that he didn’t seem to fit in well with the team.
- SkipWhere’s the winning streak? That has killed the Jays in the last few years i.e lack of decent winning streaks. You have got to have some of those in order to be around 94, 95 wins. This team just can’t put it together despite a very good line-up. Can they this year?
MW: Well, they only have 142 games left to make one happen.
- Beburg Zehriyou are the WORST whatever you are that I’ve ever seen, heard or read.
you make such useless points and you cut people down.. it’s like you hate the world.
MW: I’m so bad that no one can figure out what call me!
- Danny HeinsteinMike,
I would like to start off by saying that cutting Thomas was the right move to make. He seemed to make it clear he wanted everyday ABs and the Jays can’t afford to give them to him. When your only job is to produce at the plate and you are batting .167 with an OBP of .305 in the 5 spot its obvious you are not earning your keep. People say that they let him fight through it last year but last year we missed the playoffs. Having him not hit in the 5 spot until June would be killing the season. Good move by the Jays.
That being said i have heard and seen suggestions on other boards that we should sign Lofton which i don’t believe would be the right move. In mind my Bonds will not sign with us so i wont bother saying that. I guess what I’m asking is if you see any other options on the market that are better than what we have in house?
MW: Bonds is actually interested in the Jays, the Jays just aren’t interested in him. I’d rather have Lind than Lofton right now, and if they’re not going to sign Bonds, I don’t mind going with in-house options so long as there’s an eye towards changes if Lind doesn’t turn out to be ready.
- ChadHypothetically speaking, if Stairs hip gives him more trouble or if he sustains a long term injury will the Jays sign Bonds out of necessity? i mean, I hope Stairs stays healthy but what would happen in this scenario?
MW: I hope so, but they say they’re not interested.
- aviI thought Overbay’s comments after Sunday’s game were telling about his feelings regarding Thomas in the club house. What did you think of his interview?
Also, not asking you to comment specifically on Frank, but can you give an example of the type of stuff a supposedly “bad team mate” (or whatever euphemism you choose to use) does that would upset his team mates in this manner?
MW: There are all kinds of different bad teammates, and all kinds of things they can do. Just think about where you work or go to school or whatever, and the “bad teammates” there, and what bugs you about them.
- omurchuAre you disappointed with the 10-10 start to the season? Is Gibbons? Is JP?
Also, is there any likelihood that either of these men will be —ed this season? Not saying they should be — just asking how safe you think these guys are.
MW: Don’t use that word anymore, it’s offensive, even though most people don’t realize it. Everyone around the Blue Jays is disappointed in the 10-10 start, and if they don’t start winning, no one is safe.
- YardHey Mike
Hope you had 2 good Pesach dinners this weekend. Glad to see you’re back…It was hard enough for me to get to the game on sat and rush to a family dinner so I think your decision to hold off the blog until you had time to answer each accordingly was one all your fans respect (or should anyways!)
My question is why have the Jays been reluctant to spend above-slot money for prospects (you’ve mentioned Rick Porcello in a previous discussion with me)?
I can’t see pleasing the commissioner’s office to be the most influential reason for decisions to hold off committing to, granted high risk but, high upside talent.
It seems more cost-effective to take greater risks on highly touted young talent than paying market value in the free agent market for inferior pick ups (see Eckstein)…agree/disagree? possibly give me some insight into the rationale
MW: I read recently (I think it might have been Griff) that the reason the Jays don’t spend above slot is that the Jays are reluctant to cheese off the Commish because of those equalization payments that he gave them and only them, even when the dollar started rising. It’s as good a theory as any I’ve heard.
- Ryan SHey Mike,
I guess what i meant to say was do you think now when a the Jays are facing a righty that Stwart will DH and Stairs will play Left ?
And then when they are facing a lefty, Barajas (or Diaz?)will get put in as the DH and Stewart will play left ?
I just don’t like the idea of the Jays using Barajas as the DH.
MW: When the Jays are facing a righty, Stairs will DH and, for now, Stewart will play left. Then Lind will play left. When they’re facing a lefty, Stewart will play left and either Barajas or Diaz will DH. They’re not facing any lefties against the Rays, though, so that may all be moot because Rolen and Lind might both be up by Friday.
- DaveMike, you mention that you’d “rather see Thomas in there over Barajas, Scutaro or Inglett, but that’s not the choice.”
Why not? It’s JP and Gibbons who boxed themselves into that corner.
Joe Sheehan brings this up in his recent Baseball Prospectus article: why dump Thomas and his .639 OPS when the team seems perfectly content with Stewart and his .635 OPS–that is when Stewart’s actually healthy enough to take the field. (If it’s to be part of a DH platoon with Stairs, well, Stewart has hit LHP worst than RHP of late.)
If Stewart’s not healthy enough to field, put Stairs out there. If Stewart is healthy, put Stairs at 1B until (if?) Overbay figures it out. But keep Thomas at DH if otherwise your choice is relying on Barajas or Inglett.
So Thomas was unhappy. Maybe this puts a fire under him. Or maybe he continues to suck and 299 PA later you decide to dump him. You’re making it sound like no team has ever had to deal with crap like this.
Torre is making things work with two veterans and two kids in the outfield in LA. Scioscia seems to find a way to work things out with too many players for too few spots with the Angels every year. And Girardi is having to juggle his lineup to keep Damon, Matsui, Giambi, and Posada happy and productive. This isn’t rocket science. This is what managers are paid to do, and players shouldn’t be released just because the manager can’t do his job.
MW: I don’t think that the issue with Thomas is that John Gibbons can’t do his job. I don’t believe that if Gibbons acted differently in giving Thomas a deserved benching he would have been a happy camper and agreed to play 2-3 times a week. Thomas is a proud guy and believes he should be in the line-up everyday. Yes, he had a .639 OPS, but outside those four games from April 4-8, his OPS was .412, and that’s significant. He deserved to be sat for a few days.
- MichaelHey mike,
I really love the blog and jays talk, and also a huge fan of Jeff blair. Kind of a random question, but is it possible that you and him and a couple other baseball analysts have a roundtable and talk blue jays? Or even just once a week you and blair host a show together? Thanks for take the time to answer.
MW: I like Blair, too, and I had him on the pre-game in Spring Training and try to get him on the Writers’ Round Tables whenever I can. Us having a show together is up to management, not me.
- TSWhy does Aaron swing at every pitch? Shouldn’t he be a tad more patient in the two hole? He’s reallt whacking the ball early, but he swings at so many bad pitches and is constantly behind in the count.
MW: He doesn’t swing at every pitch and he’s not constantly behind in the count (though when he’s sent up to bunt and fouls it off, he is). Right now he’s on pace to walk about 50 times, which is low but would be a career high.
- JamieI don’t get why we’re giving Thomas a free pass to another team.
The Jays are still on the hook – so why not just keep him on the shelf in the minors or something, until a) he wisened up or b) to prevent a division rival from signing him for ML minimum?
I’m pro Bonds, too – but why is it that we only have a problem with Thomas’ clubhouse presence when his production is an issue?
MW: I didn’t have a problem with Thomas’ clubhouse presence, I just informed you that he didn’t seem to have been a popular teammate. He couldn’t be sent down to the minors without his permission. And if you think he’s finished, like the Jays do (mistakenly, I think), then you don’t care about him going to a divisional rival.
- AndrewMike, I feel that if the Jays really want to compete this year – they NEED to sign Barry Bonds. This offense even with Adam Lind needs more of a boost. Accardo, Zaun and Wells when interviewed all seemed very enthusiastic about Bonds. The fact that it won’t be done is ridiculous! The clubhouse is big enough now for Bonds and his HDTV and 6 lockers.
MW: More than big enough now.
- RenegadeHey Mike
I for one have no problem with the release of Thomas. Takes alot more than one bat to win 90+ games over a season.
Which brings me to my question. Why is Gibby changing the line-up on an almost daily basis? Not just in a platoon situation but major bats missing (Rios, Wells, Eckstein…) These players are supposed to be the core/heart of the line-up. Just wondered what your take is?
MW: My take is that very, very few players play 162 games and there’s never a good time to give someone a rest, but you have to do it. Even in April, especially when the team is in a stretch of 20 games in six cities without a day off.
- JasonHi, Mike:
I’ve just checked the box scores for the 20 games the Jays have played thus far, and found the following:
1) There have been six games so far that the BJ starters went less than or exactly 5 innings (thus, bullpen took over in 6th or earlier)
2) Rather surprisingly, all six of these were HOME games (what’s up with that???), meaning that the Bullpen had to work at least 4 innings.
3) Starters involved: Litsch (2), Burnett (2), McGowan (1) and Purcey (1).
4) Two of the above six ended up as BJ wins — April 5, Litsch vs. Boston; and April 20, Burnett vs. Detroit
5) In addition, there were two other extra inning games where the BP went 4 innings or more (Apr. 10, Oakland, lost 3-2 in 12, Marcum went 7; and Apr. 13 @ Texas, win 5-4 in 10, Burnett went 5.2)
6) Note — The infamous 14 inning Burnett loss in relief is included in the original 6 (Litsch 5 innings only)
Summary — In 8 of 20 games (40%) bullpen works at least 4 innings — a ratio that seems to support Gibby’s desire to have a 12-man staff (7-man bullpen).
- NormMike I think when you say things like like “the line-up as a whole is more versatile without Frank Thomas” is just a fancy way of you saying “Frank clogs the bases”
MW: Nope, not what I meant at all. Versatility has nothing to do with speed on the bases. If you’re on the bases, you’re not out, so clog away. What I meant was that everyone can now play defense, so you can mix and match better, and you’re not married to anyone HAVING to hit anyone in a particular spot in the line-up whether they deserve it or not.
- Dan M.Mike I rarely disagree with. Thats why i find it so hard to believe that you actually think replacing Thomas with Barajas was a good move.
MW: I didn’t say it was a good move long-term, but sitting Thomas for a bit while he’s not producing at all is a good move.
- Dan M.one more thing Mike. I think Lyle overbay is the safest bet for a come back year that there is, but he’s slugging .338 Like please stop saying Lyle is doing fine because he’s not. He’s an american league first baseman and he’s hitting like Shannon Stewart.
MW: It’s fine. You know he’s going to come around, and he’s getting on base 39% of the time while he struggles. That’s not bad at all.
- Dan M.When the Jays call up Adam Lind, should we feel sorry for the people of Syracuse? (I mean, they have Russ Adams batting clean-up.)
MW: Feel sorry for the people of Syracuse because they might be losing that team.
- peteAttached is a link to a Syracuse Chief report that Russ Adams was named IL Player of the week for this past week — interesting!
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080421&content_id=387717&vkey=pr_t552&fext=.jsp&sid=t552
- NormReed is a part time player.
At season’s end, his BA will
be below .300. It’s no
surprise he had his best season platooning with the Cat.
Reed & the Cat are gone, so lets get over it. If Mr. Lind turns out to be the real deal, I can live with
Matt & Stew being the
4th outfielder/DH.
MW: I like that you write in haiku style, but you don’t write haikus.
- LoboHaha that haiku comment was great. Good to have you back Mike.
- Brett VI’m on the Bonds bandwagon. And baseball playing is only half the reason. maybe less than half.
IF you are going to be competing in a division with the US TV leaders Boston and NY, why not bring in the guy that’s going to get Jays logos and the “Rogers” centre name on TV EVERY NIGHT?
Bring on the circus! It will put fans in the seats, and dollars in the pocket. And if he hits a couple homers in the fifth deck… ? I want to see him hit one THROUGH windows restaurant. Glass shattering awesome-age…
MW: I believe that would be awesomeageness.
- USELESS MANHi Mike,
I think it is important for everyone to remember Lyle didn’t start 2006 with much power either. I remember waiting most of April for his first double. As we all know, he ended up having an excellent year.
MW: It’s true. Overbay’s first double of 2006 came on April 21st, and he wound up hitting 46 that year. He’s already two ahead of where he was then.
- WeezGood morning Mike: I believe we all have only so many keystrokes given to us.-:) To save some of yours, how about using a ‘signature’ for yourself at the end of each reply that says ‘Jays’ management is NOT interested in signing Barry Bonds’.
MW: It’s a wonderful idea.
- SkipHey Mike,
Will the Jays ever be on Sunday Night Baseball? Especially now that they have a pretty good team, isn’t it time to get them some national exposure in the U.S?
MW: If the Jays get on national TV in the U.S., whatever network they’re on loses a local audience, so they’re reluctant to do it. But the Jays were on ESPN twice in the spring and were supposed to be the Opening Day 1:00 game there, too.
- JonYo Mike, Some one in the blue jay’s organization believes the Big Hurt aka the Big walk cannot hit a fastball or maybe it was the contract? I think it was both…John
MW: More than one person in the Blue Jays’ organization thinks Thomas is finished.
- John ArtisMike,
I agree Thomas could maybe stand to be benched for a couple of games. Maybe you platoon him with Stairs as Matt rotates into LF and 1B as well. Maybe that means Thomas is not happy. Maybe he complains to the media.
But how did that so quickly escalate into Gibbons saying he’s only going to play 2-3 games a week? That’s bonkers, especially when so many of the guys around him are putting up similarly crappy numbers. If that lead to Thomas being released, well, that’s where I think JP and Gibbons failed.
You can’t have it both ways. You can’t aruge, say, Reed Johnson’s AB with the Cubs aren’t meaningful because of the small sample size (I happen to agree with you) and then turn around and say that Thomas’ AB are.
(By the way, it’s great that you’re doing this blog and answering comments. It takes the sting out of never being able to get through on JaysTalk.)
MW: I’m not saying that Thomas’ 60 AB are significant. Every time I’ve talked (and written) about him, I’ve said I believe he’s going to have his typical (read: monster) last 2/3 of the season. But he was killing them, hitting .114/.298/.114 outside the big four games April 4-8, and I don’t think sitting him for a few games was too rash a decision. He wasn’t willing to accept that.
- MichaelOkay so you don’t like the move of releasing Thomas Mike.
Just from listening to you the last few days I thought you were. Sure sit down Thomas for a few games while he’s struggling but for the love of god don’t release him when you alternative is Rod Barajas.
MW: The alternative is not Rod Barajas. The alternative Sunday was Rod Barajas.
- Dan M.Why didn’t J.P. try trading Thomas before releasing him? Who knows what we could have got for him.
MW: I know what he could have gotten for him – nothing. No one would be willing to take on that contract when they know that: A) it’s got a $10 million vesting option attached to it, and 2) the Jays were probably going to release him anyway.
- O.L.Mike,
Is it safe to say that this road trip is a crucial one for the Jays?
The Red Sox are running on all cylinders and coming out of the road trip with a 5-4 record or worse may put them in a bit of a hole for the AL East anyways.
MW: Every game is crucial, every trip. Just as long as you don’t say something like “unless they go 7-2 on this trip, the season is over.”
- MarkThis should be required reading for every single baseball broadcaster and print journalist who quotes batting average when discussing a hitters effectiveness. (not to mention hitters clogging up the bases by walking)
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/04/22/how-not-to-score-runs/
- GregJPHow big is the Jays window for success. After this year, Burnett will likely be gone and that will leave a whole in the rotation. Will the Jays try to replace him with another free agent no.2 starter? All the U.S analysts seem to think that this is the year for the Jays to make the playoffs. They don’t say much after. Of course, they may be biased and that would not be surprising.
MW: Or they just might not be all that familiar with the Jays. The only significant players they lose at the end of this season are Burnett, David Eckstein and Gregg Zaun.
- aviMike,
With regards to Barry Bonds, I agree he would help out on the field but other stuff would make all teams think twice. Wouldn’t that always over shadow the player on the field.
Do you think the Jays would ever take that chance, it would drive up the excitement aorund the team. I would love it, but can’t see it.
Will they wait to see what Lind does first and then decide, if its not too late?
Have you heard any other team expressing interest in him?
I really enjoy your work.
Brent
Burlington
MW: It doesn’t matter to me if the other stuff overshadows what’s going on on the field, because the wins will count just as much. As good as Lind could be, he’s not going to be close to as good as Bonds.
- BrentMike,
There’s a link on the SI.com website to an interview between Dan Patrick and Frank Thomas yesterday. Frank said he expected the vesting option to become an issue at some point this season, he just didn’t expect it would come up this early. Frank goes on about how he just wants to play baseball. Patrick then asks him if he just wanted to play baseball and knew this was going to be an issue why didn’t he just go to Jays’ management and rip up the contract. Frank’s reply: “I would have been open to that in spring training.”
I’m calling a big fat lie on this one. Knowing what we know about Frank Thomas there is no way he agrees to void that portion of the contract.
- MattHey Mike, I normally really respect your opinion but I really can’t believe you are pushing the idea that the contract had nothing to do with Thomas’s release. You mention the date and small sample in regards to Reed Johnson and other players numbers (and rightfully so), but when it comes to Thomas’s small sample size (The last 10 games!) you have no problem riding the numbers. Not to mention the fact that Thomas has hit as equally crappy the last two Aprils only to put up a .900+ OPS the rest of the year. If Shannon Stewart had a 10 mil vesting option for next year he would be released too, and if Frank Thomas didn’t have that vesting option, he would be on the team right now. I know it is 300 at bats early but the Jays avoided any grievances by doing it now. Which is probably the most forward thinking move they have made in a while.
MW: If Thomas wasn’t a black hole in the middle of the line-up for the entire season, save four games, the Jays would have been happy to keep playing him. Of course the vesting option has something to do with it, money has something to do with everything, but they would have been pleased to pay it if they thought he’d earn it.
- MarkIf A.J. opts out (which you think he will) they’ll have over 20 million to spend next year and come in with a relatively similar payroll. C.C. would look nice after Doc, don’t you think? Maybe Texeira (although he too is a slow starter) batting clean up between Rios and Wells? If A.J. doesn’t opt out, they could still use Frank money on Furcal.
2009 looks great in my imagination already!
- peteI am by no means a J.P. hater or supporter but i do think, and i said this when they signed thomas, that this has to be one of the moves J.P. is judged by. This was a big money gamble that didn’t work out. It wasn’t a total failure however as J.P.’s boss i would be unhappy with 20 million for the production they got.
- jeremyI think that the release of Frank was the best decision they could make, JP realized that Frank would be a cancer in the locker, that should o without saying, but this says more about the Jays. The team is so weak mentally and obviously theres no leadership that this team could of completely fell apart. It just shows that the only this team is going to be competive is if everything continues to go well, no more injuries and and as long as the stay near the wildcard and dont fall behind too many teams. So although Barry Bonds bat could be used now at DH, but can they risk to bring in another polarizing figure.
MW: No question that Frank would be a cancer in the locker room? Cancer is a pretty big word. And I love how people who have never been around the team say stuff like “obviously, they’re weak mentally and have no leadership.” Come on.
- Adam GTotally different subject:
Is anyone in the Jays organization concerned about Travis Snider’s strikeout numbers? This year, he’s struck out 25 times in 66 ABs (and not very many walks, either).
I know power guys strike out, and I’m sure he can bring them down, but does JP really think this guy is only a year or two away? I wonder about his ability to hit ML pitching if he’s striking out this much. (Look at Jason Botts for an example of a power hitting prospect who just strikes out too much. Or Russell Branyan, back in the day.)
- MattMike, I think it is totally hyprocrital for fans to say that they would not support the blue jays if Bonds were to come here. I didn’t hear anyone say anything when Jose Canseco the same guy that tried to run his wife over with a car and the same guy that admitted to seriods, came here in 1998 and hit 46 home runs and drove in 107. I think that all players are in question as to what drives their performance. I believe everyone in the MLB is in question, because this is a very competetive game with limited opportunities, therfore there will be cheaters. At this point a fan must make a decision about Wehter thet want to support baseball or not because the cheaters are not only the guys who got caught but also guys that haven’t been. If one does
- alexandernot support a great player because of steriod allegations then wha about the many that have not been caught yet. Believe me there are many.
Mike,
As much as I too was a fan of Reed Johnson, and am disappointed when he was released, people need to realize that this was the right move for the organization. Although he is off to a hot start, Johnson will soon be a utility hitter used late in games substituting pitcher’s AB’s once Soriano comes off the DL. He is also playing in the NL where some assume pitching is not up to par compared to the AL. There have been several pitchers that have moved from the AL to the NL and performed.
- ScottCase study: Ted Lilly last year.
Hey Mike,
I can understand why they parted ways with Frank Thomas but did he not have any trade value? I can’t for the life of me understand why JP didn’t make a move for Frank or Reed. Even if they got a box of baseballs in return, they would have been off the hook for Thomas’ remaining salary. Glad to see Reed Johnson is tearing it up in the NL. I was always a big Reed Johnson fan.
MW: No one would have taken on Thomas with that contract, not even for a box of baseballs, and the Jays couldn’t get anything back for Reed without paying a significant portion of his contract.
- Tim HMike
When the Jays signed Frank – you were a big supporter (I heard you on the radio say as much). When people questioned Frank’s ability to hit the fastball, you defended Frank citing that he turned around on a few already this year (even if he was guessing). Now that Frank is gone it appears (at least to me) you take the side of the Jays.
Do you think it was a good move to get rid of him? If so, why were you not suggesting this before the Jays actually did so and why were you constanly defending Frank before his eventual release?
MW: People really have to listen to and read what I say and write if they’re going to criticize me for things. I loved the signing of Thomas, I defended Thomas to people who assumed he’d start the season in a slump before the season even started, and I always said that I thought he would turn his season around in mid-to-late May, like he always does. I still believe that he will, just somewhere else. I also believe that the right option for the Jays was to sit him for a while, given just how horribly he was going, and once that option was presented to Frank and he reacted to it the way he did, they had no other real option but to release him.
- DCMW can’t hit a fastball either…maybe Frank should come answer blogs with MW.
MW: Fine with me!
- The Ratmike–
I think everyone needs to calm down. its a super long season and the fact the jays are running into these “problems” now is a good thing. I think once we get establish our offence and when are pitchers get a few more innings under their belt we should be more than fine. Seriously, everyone stop writing about Thomas, he was not helping us, and lets see what happens when Lind comes up. I think Thomas getting cut will be a move that will be beneficial in the future.
thanks,
cayle
- cayleHey Mike.
What’s the deal on Adam Lind. Why haven’t they called him yet. His neck appears to be fine as he went 2 for 4 in yesterday’s game and is 1 for 1 with a walk in today’s afternoon game.
Scott Rolen: When will he get called up and why did he not suit up last night?
MW: Lind hadn’t played in four days, so it’s not unreasonable to give him a couple in the minors to make sure he’s right, Rolen had the stomach flu.
- ChrisI was disappointed to see Thomas go because he is just a fun guy to watch. Even a Thomas strikeout is exciting. I watch Baseball to have a good time and I would watch it if the team was awful anyway. I just love going to the park with a my wife and having a conversation and enjoying the in and outs of the game.
That being said it was somewhat painful to see Barajas at DH on Sunday. My question is was Diaz aready up at that time? If not, why put a Catcher in the DH spot? If Zaun was hurt then they would in all likelyhood lost the DH. Was there a bench player that can emergency catch?
Keep up the great work Mike.
P.S. The other people that have mentioned this are right. We need more baseball on the radio. I really could care less about Hockey in the Spring and Summer.
MW: Diaz wasn’t up yet, and you can’t run a game based on fear of a guy getting hurt.
- AaronHi Mike, just wondering if you saw the Scott Carson blog/article on the sportsnet website. Carson states that, “By the way, there’s an urban legend going around — mostly on the post-game call-in show — that Thomas was a notoriously slow starter. That, in fact, is a myth. Over his 18-year career, he’s a .281 hitter in the month of April. The only three seasons where he started slow were his last three. Remove those from the equation and Frank is a .298 career hitter in the month.” Was wondering what your response to that was? For me I feel as though that is a pretty good indicator that his career is winding down, other than the obvious which of course is his age. For atheletes around or over the 40yrs decreased production can happen rather quickly for the most part unfortunately. Probably was the right move. Don’t think the Jays could have afforded to wait for the Big Hurt to warm up a third of the way into the season again if ever. Especially considering the place in the batting order that he occupied. Love the blog and the post-game show. Keep up the great work Mike.
Take care
Troy
MW: My response is this – Thomas has had exactly ONE good April in the last six years, and he was limited by injury to playing only half that month. It’s fair to say that Thomas is a notoriously slow starter in the 21st Century, if not his whole career. So fair, in fact, that Scott himself said that exact thing (without the 21st Century part) in an earlier blog post of his.
- TroyHi Mike, thanks for the quick response and for clarifying Scott’s point. That makes perfect sense. Hopefully when Rolen gets in there he can help offensively, I know he’ll be terrific in the field. Maybe a batting order of;
Eckstein
Hill
Rios
Wells
Stairs
Rolen
Overbay
Lind
Zaun
With of course Steward and others platooning when required. I still have confidence this line-up can get the job done. Yes no Frank Thomas, but a healthy Wells, Overbay, Zaun, and additions of Eckstein and Rolen and possibly a good first “full” season from Lind should provide decent offense. Not to mention the outstanding pitching we have come to almost expect night in and night out (which of course distorts some of the fans overly harsh responses to a poor outing by either a starter or bull-pen pitcher) still gives me reason to believe that a wild card or even division crown is not out of the question. I still think a 95 win season is possible with this roster. We are after all only 20 games in and yes it has been a disappointing start, but things can still fall into place. Again great work Mike, and oh ya I should introduce myself. I’ve been a long time fan and listener to BlueJays broadcasts and this is my first foray into this kind of forum. Love the insightful comments and quick wit on your part. This blog has become a regular part of my day and look forward to continued dialogue.
Thanks again Mike
MW: No, thank you!
- TroyHey Mike,
Thanks for offering a reasonable explanation for the F-Thomas affair. Seems like a weird move until you think about it and see that it was necessary for a team like the Jays. The Angels don’t have a big defenseless DH and their doing fine — i thought he might get released when we saw the running game staying in the Jay’s repetoire.
Just a small question. Who do you see as catching for the Jays next year ? Barajas has never been a starter as far as i can tell. Well he was in Philly until he bombed out. Do you see the Jays going after a guy like Johjima ? Or sticking with their young guns Thigpen or Diaz with Barajas teaching them ?
MW: I see Diaz as the starter next year, but I don’t know who will back him up.
- DaveI love the idea of signing Bonds, although I know it will never happen. The only thing I’d be worried about if they did sign Bonds would be post-game callers wondering why he didn’t drop down a bunt to move the runner over with less than two out … :)
MW: There’s no question that with runners on first and second and none out in the 4th, Bonds should be bunting.
- RobDrag bunt or push it down the 3rd baseline?
- DJJAYMike,
I’ve been watching baseball for over 30 years, but it’s only been in the last 5 years that I’ve gotten into stats like OPS+, VORP, and EqA.
At this point it’s just very annoying to me when I’m watching a game and it’s the same old BA, RBI, ERA, and W. I know that OBP is mentioned more frequently, but that’s about it.
I caught Joe Garagiola Sr. doing some colour commentary on a D-Backs telecast the other day and he was talking about contact rate and BABIP. If an 82 year old baseball lifer can do this, why not some of the younger commentators?
Have you ever talked to Jerry and Alan about incorporating a more Sabermetric slant to their analysis of how certain Jays’ players are performing and overall game strategy like stealing bases and bunting?
MW: I haven’t talked to them about that, it’s not really my place, though I’m trying to get some of those ideas into the forefront on my show, at least.
- GregJPInterview with Ernie Whitt on SportsNet before the game.
Ernie was asked what the Jays hitters could do to improve their performance with RISP.
His response…they are trying to do too much, back when Rance and I played we played the game “the right way”
Crap, I thought I was listening to Joe Morgan there for a second.
I would have had a heart attack if we have had said something like it was a small sample size anomaly.
Mike, what did Ernie mean about playing the game “the right way”?
MW: I think he meant winning. When you win, people think you’re doing everything the right way, and that you have good leadership and stuff.
- GregJPMike I am still waiting for a response on my comment from #26 No Bloggage This Weekend.
In your short response you said, “I have a VERY hard time believing that they all improved after their breakthrough seasons”. But earlier you said, “almost all young pitchers take a step back after their breakthrough seasons”. Which one is it? Do they have to improve or do they just not have to take a step back. You’re not allowed to change the rules in the middle of a debate. This is reminding me about one of my earlier comments about your credibility. Can you please make up your mind before you respond this time?
MW: I certainly don’t want to change the rules, and thanks for reminding me. It should be noted, though, that if I remember correctly, almost all the pitchers you brought up were a tier or two ahead of Marcum. I’ll go with just not having to take a step back, and I’ll try to find time to do some good research on it tomorrow.
- SteveOK, I agree that Gibby needs to give his regulars a day off now and then, and I agree Scutaro and Inglett are good utility guys to have on the bench. What I don’t agree with is giving regulars like Wells and Rios days off when it means both Scutaro and Inglett will be in the line-up. In other words, tough it out until Rolen and Lind arrive, then give the other guys a breather. Wouldn’t that make a little more sense?
MW: It would, but right now the Jays are smack-dab in the middle of a 20-day-6-city run without a day off, so you have to do what you have to do to keep ‘em fresh.
- Robyou morons who are comepletely against bunting have no business commenting on the game of baseball. absolutely cluless. so obvious you never played the game competitvely, or even care to learn how the game has always been and will always be played. you people are a few and far between in the baseball world.
MW: You’re really out of line there. See, people think I’m a jerk, but I would never get personal like that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion (especially ones that the math proves are right), and having an opinion that differs from yours doesn’t make someone a moron. In fact, it kicks them up a notch in my book.
- JamieHey Mike,
I completely understand that someone in your position has to build and maintain trust with the players, otherwise they may stop talking to you. But can you not give us some tidbit about WHY some of Frank’s teammates will not be sad to see him go?
You don’t have to give any names, I just want to know some of the stuff that Frank did to annoy/alienate/anger the other players. Isn’t there some code about keeping the public fully informed that you have to live up to as a member of the media. Please, Mike, give us something.
MW: I have to keep the public as informed as I can without giving up some things. I’ll tell you this, though – when I polled the players last year about who was their MVP for the season, Thomas (club leader in HR and RBI) didn’t get a single vote. And there were a couple of guys who noticed that and expressed VERY mock surprise about it.
- JasonMW:
“I like that you write in haiku style, but you don’t write haikus.”
THAT IS THE MOST HILARIOUS COMMENT I HAVE EVER READ. LMAO.
- andrew - KWare you kidding me? are we in church? suck it up.
MW: Church?
- JamieWorst 100th comment ever.
- Tylerare you trying to pretend you have never heard that expression?
First, what kind of math proves that it is wrong to sacrifice bunt late in close game? Seriously though, I’d like to hear it.
Second, how does having an opinion that falls so unbelievably short of the truth knock someone up a knotch in your books? What sense does that make? I guess you aren’t concerned with the truth or history or what is best, hmmmm?
Third, where do get off saying I am out of line? Are you actually claiming you do not make “personal” comments yourself? You are basically giving me heck for crossing an invisable line that you have drawn. You are being hypocritical not to mention illogical, is it wrong for me to expect more from someone in your position?
MW: First of all, you have to reference your comments if you’re going back to comment on a comment of mine on a comment of yours. There are too many coming in to keep it all straight. But, to make you happy, I went back and looked.
Here’s where I get off saying you’re out of line. It’s my blog, I make the rules. I have never called someone a moron for an opinion that they hold. I have never been so full of myself to tell someone they have no business commenting on the game of baseball for simply disagreeing with me. I’ll call someone an idiot if they’re being an idiot, not because they hold an opinion with which I disagree. You were out of line. It’s not unreasonable to expect more from me than you expect from you, but you get more from me.
- JamieYou call people a moron for thinking bunting is wrong. Therefore, when people disagree with you, my opinion of them goes up a notch or two.
Run expectancy math proves that bunting is a losing strategy in all but a very few situations, almost all of which are VERY late in VERY close games. The 7th inning doesn’t count, unless you have a pitcher hitting.
You aren’t disagreeing with me, you are disagreeing with the truth, so yes, I personally think that is moronic, but that’s just my OPINION.
MW: The assertion that bunting is a good thing is not the TRUTH, it is an OPINION.
- JamieSee this is my point. You think it’s an opinion because you don’t know any better. If you understood the game you would concede that sacrifice bunting is a part of winning, not simply an opinion on how to win. Of course it doesn’t guarantee a win, but when used properly it certainly gives CERTAIN teams the best chance to win, if not the win itself, the 2008 Blue Jays are one of those teams.
MW: Again, that’s your opinion, it’s not a fact. A FACT, for example, is that the team that finished next-to-last in the majors in sacrifice hits last season won the World Series. And four years ago, the team that finished last in the majors in sacrifice hits won the World Series. Those are facts. My opinion is, in general, that bunting is not a good idea.
- Jamielol. nevermind, you are impossible. you do realize what you just wrote right?
MW: Um, no. Like I said, you have to reference what you’re talking about in these comments. You can’t expect me to remember.
- Jamiehow much does it cost to remove stretch marks
Many blogs have stopped using trackbacks because dealing with spam became too burdensome. Six Apart started a working group in February
- Jessie