11:30 PM Eastern
Obviously, this is the essence of the Jays’ problems this season. Canadian-born players are hitting .333/.362/.500 and accounted for all the scoring in tonight’s loss at Disneyworld. The shame of it all is, they only have one - Matthew K. Stairs, who hit two moon shots and belted two more fly balls that wound up being caught on the warning track in the opposite field. Stairs is on a 12-game hitting streak over which he’s 15-for-37, and still doesn’t appear to have lost any of his terrific bat speed despite hitting the Big 4-0 in Spring Training.
Still, even with Stairs providing all the scoring, the Jays could still have pulled this one out save for one bad inning from Roy Halladay. It’s amazing, isn’t it? Every time Halladay doesn’t dominate, people automatically think there’s something physically wrong with him. There isn’t, the Rays just got to him in the 6th for four runs on five hits and a walk. He almost got out of it, striking out Carlos Pena with the bases loaded and only one run in for the second out, but Evan Longoria ripped a hard line single to right to score two to tie it, and Eric Hinske (they NEVER should have traded him) followed with another hard line single to right to drive in the eventual winner. Outside the 6th inning, Halladay gave up a run on four hits in seven innings, walking none and facing two batters over the minimum. Too bad you can’t drop your best and worst innings. Of course, if you could, it would have been a 1-1 tie.
The Jays were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position tonight, making them an abysmal 8-for-their-last-69. It’s embarrassing already, and something that very obviously has to change in a hurry in order for the team to bust out of its current 2-6 slump.
Alex Rios has picked up the flu that’s been running around the team lately, so he got his second straight day off. Turns out that the illness is what kept Vernon Wells out of the line-up Monday afternoon against the Tigers. Lyle Overbay was scratched with a twisted ankle - he hurt it on the wretched surface at Disneyworld slide-diving home in the second inning last night, though he was available to pinch-hit late in the game.
Scott Rolen will join the team tomorrow and take batting and fielding practice, then likely get on the plane and be activated for Friday night’s opener in Kansas City. That’s kind of cool, because if you go back in the archives of this blog to the day we found out about the extent of Rolen’s injury, I figured that April 25th was going to be his return date. That kind of stuff makes me happy, I don’t know why.
It was nice to finally get a look at Robinzon Diaz, who I assume will be sent down Friday to make room for the roster move or moves - Adam Lind could join the team then as well, though J.P. Ricciardi was hugely non-committal on when he’ll be called up. Diaz put the first pitch into play in each of his first two at-bats, grounding out hard to second and hitting a clothesline to centre that B.J. Upton caught. He grounded out and struck out to wrap up his night, but hit the ball hard three times, and fouled off a pair of two-strike pitches in his third AB.
Also, J.P. Ricciardi made his first appearance of the season on the post-game show, taking your phone calls. Evidently the segment is up on the site, so you can listen to it now if you want to. The frustration in J.P.’s voice was apparent, and he was his usual candid self. Among the things he said was that the lack of offense from the team with runners in scoring position is unacceptable, that despite the high team OBP, the poor slugging is preventing them from scoring all those baserunners, that Lyle Overbay is hitting a soft .270 and has to improve, that John Gibbons is doing a fine job and that if anybody should be taking the blame for the poor start it should be J.P. himself, and that if the offense doesn’t improve, he screwed up in putting this group together because that would mean “they’re not the hitters we thought they were.”
J.P. also called out Frank Thomas for not joining his teammates in the post-game handshake after the win over Detroit Saturday afternoon, implying that that might have been the tipping point that led to The Big Hurt(Feeling)’s release the next day, that it showed that Thomas didn’t think enough of his teammates to go out and congratulate them for a job well done, and that it indicated that the Jays had become a team of 24, not 25.
He also had very good things to say about Gary Denbo and the way he prepares his hitters, but that neither he nor Gibbons can go out and swing the bats for them. Not that anyone would want to see that.
Of course, there was lots of Barry Bonds talk. Maybe it’s me, but as the night wore on, I got the distinct impression that J.P. would like to have Bonds in the line-up, but that his bosses won’t go for it. He said things like:
“We’re still thinking about (signing Bonds) in the sense that we’re talking about a lot of things.”
“We would really have to do a lot of homework to make sure that it’s the right fit in a lot of ways.”
“We have to get a lot of sign-offs on a lot of things on this.”
“There’s a lot of things with this guy that this organization is not ready for in a lot of ways.”
To me, that doesn’t sound like a guy who has closed the door on the idea of signing the all-time home run king. He did say, though, that he doubted he’d be able to knock on Uncle Ted’s door to ask for more money with the team performing as poorly as it is right now, which is a bit of a Catch-22, and he also said “I really don’t see us going down the road there (pursuing Bonds).” Like I said, though, I got the distinct impression that HE wants to, at least, and he didn’t argue with me when I suggested that even if Bonds is here and on his own program, The Barry-style, the guys on the team wouldn’t care so long as he was helping them win.
Remember, the Raptors play Game 3 Thursday, so they take over the FAN590 from us, perhaps for the final time this season. If you’re in the Toronto listening area, you can catch us on AM610 CKTB (not that you care what the call letters are).
Comments are encouraged, as always, just please keep them clean - I’ve had to do a lot of cleaning up of comments the last couple of days.
wow, i was shocked to see that the blue jays are .116 with RISP. i though they were doing worse then that, the way they are hitting i think i can come and play for them, ive been playing baseball for 8 years now.
MW: Trust me, you can’t.
- ImranGood to hear that its the flu that has kept the few decent batters we have on the bench and not an asinine manager.
did you get the impression that a deal was in the works, leading to JP being very non-commital on when Lind would get the call?
MW: Not quite, but it did seem as though there was something beneath the surface.
- PeeWeeCmon, Mike, it’s the last week in April, the Jay’s are in last place in the AL East, the mighty Roy Halladay can’t deal with the Rays lineup, and your spinning that they’re only x games out of a wild card spot.
Right now this team is horrible and to suggest anything else at this point is ridiculous.
Go ahead and quote stats, rip me for not being a believer, but I’ve been living and dying with this team since 77.
Right now they’re terrible and fans have a right to be frustrated.
MW: Fans absolutely have a right to be frustrated and right now, they are playing terribly. But that doesn’t mean that they’re terrible. If you’ve been living and dying with this team for 31+ seasons, then you should know that 22 games doesn’t mean anything. And yeah, they’re in last place - two games out of second.
- BrentGlad to hear that there was a good reason for Rios to sit the last two games (Why can’t a low-order hitter get the flu?). Also nice to hear JP taking pressure off Gibby for the recent struggles.
Is it too early to be worried about Overbay? His “good contact” numbers are way down (line drives and fly balls %s) while his ground ball % is way up. Worst of all, he is walking more which Bill James would take to mean that he is being pitched around. He’s also striking out way more too. Basically, the exact opposite of 2006. Should he be moved up in the order for protection?
With Lind and Rolen, I’d like to see Gibby try out this lineup:
Eckstein, Overbay, Rios, Rolen, Wells, Hill, Lind, Stairs/Stewart, Zaun/Barajas
MW: I don’t know why you’d want to move Stairs down to the 8th spot. Personally, I’d lead Overbay off right now. He’s got a .439 obp against righties and he isn’t hitting for power yet, so that’d be the perfect fit for him. But yes, it’s too early to be worried about Overbay. He still has more doubles at this point in the season than he had in 2006, when he wound up with 46.
- ShawnHey Mike, long time listener, first time blogger.
I have no idea how you can call JP “candid”. He did not answer any of the real questions cleanly, dodging around each question with cliches. He didn’t give a reason for not signing Bonds. Yes, we realize there is baggage ; tell us what you perceive it to be! He squeaked his way through the contract answer, and you had to bail him out by. He had to be about as aloof as possible regarding Lind.
I appreciate the fact that he comes on, but to pretend he is very informative on anything is silly.
I had the very same thoughts about the Bonds responses from JP. What I don’t understand is that despite your nightly fantasies for Bonds, you don’t come out and flat out ask JP if it’s Mr. Rogers/Godfrey that doesn’t want him around. And what irks me most is that you can’t pretend that money is an issue with Bonds until you actually field calls from his agent. Nobody has even offered the major league minimum, and sooner or later he is going to be happy to take whatever offer he gets and probably make some serious concessions on certain issues to assure any interested GM. If Frank Thomas gets signed soon, I can’t see any reason for him remaining unsigned other than collusion involving Selig.
MW: We don’t know that nobody has even offered Bonds the major-league minimum. I think, from what J.P. said (the stuff I quoted especially) that it pretty easy to infer that it’s Rogers/Godfrey who are standing in the way of bringing Bonds here, both financially and otherwise. If it’s not J.P., who else could it be? I doubt very much that Bonds will ever make serious concessions on any issues in order to sign, that doesn’t appear to be the way he operates. I believe he’d be fine walking away from the game if he feels that he’s not getting the respect he deserves.
- James BaldwinHey Mike:
Another loss to Tampa Bay Wednesday night and once again you’re not concerned about it in the least. As you say, everyone loses to them but have you noticed that they have had the worst record in the league for the past 2 seasons so that really isn’t true … EVERYONE ELSE IS BEATING THEM MORE OFTEN THAN NOT.
If the Jays want to make the playoffs they’re obviously going to have to beat some teams more often then they lose to them and Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Kansas City, Texas and the like are the good candidates to do it against.
Once again you’re off and running with your “it’s early in the season” dialogue and so my question is when do you consider it not early anymore … mid July? early August? That mentality is crazy and has gotten this team nowhere the past few years so maybe some urgency early in the season will keep them in the hunt rather than expecting to turn it up and play 600 baseball for the last month of the season in order to try and make the playoffs.
Also, seems as though your prediction that if this team hits with the pitching staff they have they would be fine. Well they’re in the top 5 in hitting and OBP I think and the pitching staff is in the top 5 so I guess 2 games under 500 is fine? They’ve even been stealing bases and that’s not even helping … but I guess all will be corrected when Scott Rolen returns as he seems to be the saviour.
I talked to you early in the season and said that adding 10 wins to your total from the previous season is not easy (especially when you essentially have the same core lineup) and so far that looks to be the case with this team. Looks like 80-85 wins and a battle for 3rd in the division and double digits back of the wild card race.
MW: Ladies and Gentlemen, Chicken Little. The Blue Jays beat Tampa more often than not the last two years, and this year they only have 16 games left against them, so all is not lost. Yes, the Jays are top 5 in batting average and OBP, but also bottom 5 in slugging, which is why they’re hitting but not scoring any runs lately.
- Peter B.The problem is that it’s early in the season, but people like you take that statement to mean that I think wins and losses don’t matter at this time of year. That’s not true. Obviously, a win in April is just as important as a win in September. But here’s the thing - EVERY team goes through a 10-12 stretch during which they make their fans tear their hair out. Playoff teams do it every year. When it happens in the middle of August, it doesn’t stand out as much, but when it’s the first 22 games, it’s time to head for the hills.
I was listening to the post game show and it did come off that JP wants Bonds here but higher ups didn’t.
When he was talking about “a lot of people have to sign off” do you think JP was refering to the likes of Paul Godfrey and Mr. Rogers or do you think this goes deeper into the thought that Bud Selig doesn’t want Bonds back in Baseball ?
Another thought came to me as i watched the Mets over the past few days, do you think it might be a possiblity that Delgado gets bought out or released ? If he does do you think the Jays could look to him to maybe fill that spot that Bonds most likely will not and finish his career as a Blue Jay ?
MW: If Delgado is going badly enough that the Mets would want to release him, and his overall numbers are worse than Thomas’ right now, why would the Jays want to bring him in and put him in the middle of the line-up? And I think that J.P. was only referring to Paul Godfrey and Tony Viner or Ted Rogers, or maybe all three. If he was insinuating that it’d have to be OK with Selig, and that was discovered, he would be in HUGE trouble.
- MikeMikie’s ironclad law of baseball: if you’re the epitome of incompetence hitting with runners in scoring position, you is gonna suck — big time.
MW: This is undeniable, though I don’t think 10-12 is sucking big time.
- MikieI’m of the belief that the Frank Thomas release has gone as smoothly as possible. I think he will hit very well in the second half of this season somewhere else and I think the Jays made the right move right now, especially with Lind knocking on the door.
When people complain to me about the Jays making a bad signing I’m the first to say “what do you care it’s not your money.” However sometimes it’s hard not to push that thought process aside and wish they spent the money on the safer gamble with more potential to pay-off in a BIG way. The gamble named Rick Porcello.
$7 million for 6 years of an elite pitching prospect (who is apparently not much more than a year away) vs. 2 years of a DH (The ‘07 draft and the Thomas signing both happened during the same off-season, the same off season that the Jays were also facing a ton of pitching questions).
I know retrospect is 20/20 but isn’t that what baseball management guys are paid for?
P.S. I am aware of the discussion taking place about the Jays not over-paying slot prices due to the commissioners office giving them money, but I mean, man, whatever!
P.P.S. I know Kevin Ahrens could still be great but Porcello is closer to the bigs and hes a pitcher!
Looking forward to your comments Mike.
Also just wanted to say the lineup has looked very mediocre lately, especially on paper, but with Overbay walking, Zaun grinding out some good at bats, Rolen on the way back, Lind on the way up and Rios hopefully getting over the nasty bug he has, this team CLEARLY still has all kinds of hope to string some hits together and put some significant wins up before the end of May.
MW: Yes, it does. Your argument about Porcello is a great one, although all young pitchers are Tommy John surgery waiting to happen, but if the Jays won’t pay above slot they won’t pay above slot, so it’s a useless argument because it’s not going to change.
- AdamHey, Mike! Rough spot we’ve been going through but I’m excited about the addition of Rolen, possibly Lind, and dare I say Bonds? I too thought that it wasn’t an open and shut case from the way he sounded but I don’t think we’ll get him regardless. It’s so frustrating as a fan though to know that Bonds is just sitting there waiting to be called and that we can’t do anything about it. Also, did you see the article about Bonds and his agent recently? His agent made it seem like he’d be willing to entertain offers to play for peanuts!
- Matt SI meant Overbay taking a lot of walks by the way, not walking away.
MW: I knew that.
- AdamIt is my impression that the JaysTalks haven’t been going as long as in year past. Is this just an early season blip (because of the Raptors possibly) or is this more by design because of things such as this blog?
I’m curious because my memory is that in years past you tended to do a JaysTalk after a Wednesday with JP which was absent today.
Anyway, I enjoy your work on the radio and hope all of this is just an early season blip (like the April play of the Jays).
Best,
Chris
ps. I was told recently that you are a U of T alum - is this correct?
- Christopher Taylorhi mike, it’s funny how you keep saying I am always wrong but gee didn’t I tell you 2 weeks ago that the offense was going to go cold and they would start losing, when you were praising the team for losing those close games? god I am good but you know what there is only one player on this team who always has his game face on, who is not intimidated by any pitcher, who is the first one on the field in a brawl, who doesn’t hang his head when he strikes out, who doesn’t throw cream pies, and I would say is the most feared hitter on the team because if you make a mistake and throw a fat one down the middle it’ll end up in the seats. and that guy is matt stairs. this team has very bad body language, personality etc. I really think that intangibles like I mentioned above have a lot to do with the confidence of a player and resulting success. shannon stewart has the WORST body language. he always hangs his head and to me looks afraid in the batters box. to me vernon, rios, hill all seem to have more stewart than stairs in them and THAT is a big problem.
MW: Until they start winning some games, and then they’re all great, gritty leaders.
- lesactually mike, the REAL reason you won’t see bonds here has nothing to do with the baggage. it has everything to do with frank thomas. I completely dispute jp’s contention that the money was already spent. no the money was actually wasted because the jays are paying a guy NOT to play, along with hinske and koskie. so JP cannot in good conscience go to rogers and say hey I just paid another guy millions not to play here so gimme some more money so I can go after bonds. trust me, I know what I am doing this time. you see mike, that wouldn’t fly and jp knows it. I think JP is having a saddam hussein moment. the time is coming…
MW: A Saddam Hussein moment? You’re too much.
- lesOne of the callers tonight asked about the catching position beyond this year for the jays. I like the way Diaz was aggressive at the plate and made solid contact. Would you say hes the front runner for the job next year? And if he is would it make sense to bring him up mid season to start to become accustom to the jays staff?
MW: I do think he’s the front-runner for next year, but barring either an injury or the Jays falling right out of it, I’d say Diaz isn’t back until September.
- TSCan somebody tell Paul Godfrey to stop being a politician and starting running his major league baseball team with some kind of desire to win? Paul, seemingly, is the one who’s going to have to make the decision, and I simply don’t think he has the guts to make a controversial move.
As for Lind, did it not seem strange to you, Mike, that JP seemed to avoid talking about him? He was brought up several times during calls, and JP never really gave a straight answer. It was just really weird.
MW: It was weird, indeed. We’ll have to see if anything come of anything, because I expect Lind to be with the team in Kansas City tomorrow.
- SteveI’m sorry mike, you make excuses forever. it’s actually not 22 games in. because this is the same pattern we saw last year is it not? the same players, same offense, same not hitting with risp. what exactly is different this time? last year you made the injury excuse, so what’s your excuse this time? this offense is simply not very good. keep in mind also that last year they won at least 12 games when scoring 2 runs or less. they have not done that once this year. the pitching will not be as dominant so those 12 wins become a bunch of losses this time around. I am actually starting to think they should scrap the small ball and just take the royce clayton approach. at least last year they were hitting homers. and I think stairs should bat cleanup. he is the most consistent hitter and the only guy who isn’t afraid to hit with risp
MW: Dare I ask - what’s the Royce Clayton approach? It actually is 22 games in, by the way.
- lesThe way I see it, the offense was bad last year and that was with Thomas pitching in 26 HR and 95 RBI. Is it realistic to expect Lind to replace that kind of production? No, so that’s a downgrade. We’ll call Glaus for Rolen a wash for now, so the only real upgrade from last year is Eckstein at short. If we’re going to expect the offense to be any less crappy this year we’re going to need another big bat, and Bonds is the biggest one out there. He’s such an obvious fit for this team, it’s painful knowing that it has very little chance of happening.
MW: Such an obvious fit indeed. But i would also say that having a healthy Wells and Overbay and Rios and Hill continuing to develop are some other upgrades from last year’s offense.
- RobertIt is nice to hear WWJP’s back. I only caught a couple minutes of it while I was in my car, and was glad to see it was online!
Shame to see Banks picked up. I am curious why they never tried him out of the pen. I always thought that his slider/split combo would work well. Especially if he could add a mile or two per hour. Best of luck to him, seems he’ll get more of a shot there than here.
- TJ CainoMike,
I listened to your show with JP and I also got that distinct impression that I think JP is handcuffed here by those above him.
He couldn’t and there is clearly no doubt that Barry would make a great impact on the middle of our lineup and its too bad JP doesn’t have a Collangelo type situation where he could just go out and make this happen.
From a team standpoint, i think the intense scrutiny and media that will follow Bonds on a daily basis might actually be good for a team that is used to playing 2nd fiddle in this market and i think the impact would be in effect quite positive.
While I know when the Rocket was here in the mid 1990’s his presence didn’t do much for the attendance but i do feel that Bonds will bring a substantial amount more people out to the ball games as fans love the long ball and Barry mania will definitely put more bodies in the blue seats at the dome and that will be good for Mr. Godfrey and his superiors from a cash standpoint.
I almost hope this offensive swoon continues for another week or so as the pressure will then mount on management to do something but the Red Sox are awfully hot and another week of losing might push us back even farther in the standings but a bad weekend of offense in Kansas City might be the final straw to bringing what you, myself and many Jays fans out there would love to see.
Can’t wait to see how it unfolds…..
I remember watching Barry crush one here in 2002 and hopefully he can make the charge to 800 in a Jays Uni.
PLus 6 of the last 7 years the guy has lead the NL in OBP….
think about Barry hitting after Rios infront of Vernon.
It would do huge things for all 3.
MW: It certainly would. I still don’t get why so many people are so hung up on the fact that the Red Sox are hot right now.
- CaryAlso, it seemed like weird timing for Snider to get promoted, being as he wasn’t exactly dominating high A. I was expecting that they would at least let him to demonstrate improvement on his 22k/5bb and maybe get on base a bit more, before bumping him to AA. Hopefully he’ll be able to feel his way through it in NH.
The decisions to promote snider, and not to promote Lind make an odd juxtaposition.
MW: There’s been no decision not to promote Lind. Not yet, anyway. He got hurt, and he’s only been back for 4 games.
- TJ CainoMike, what was the deal with letting JP off the hook with regard to calling up Adam Lind? I asked him three questions, and he answered two - the third being “why aren’t you calling Adam Lind up now?”
He even goes and says “we aren’t losing anything by not having him up”. Seriously? We’re just as well off with a guy absolutely demolishing the ball like he never has before, as we are when we’re trotting out guys like Joe Inglett in the corner outfield and making Rod “.288 career OBP” Barajas our designated hitter? That’s the kind of stuff you’d pounce on a caller for saying!
I mean jeesh, I know J.P. sounded depressed and all, but you can’t just let something like this slip - there is no legitimate reason why Adam Lind is not on the team right now - no legitimate reason why he wasn’t on it days ago even!
MW: The legitimate reason why he wasn’t on it days ago is that he was hurt, and I’m very confident that’s also why he hasn’t been called up yet, though there very well may be something up. I don’t remember J.P. saying that the team isn’t losing anything by not having him up, I’ll have to go back and listen. Thing is, Lind was hurt. He didn’t play for four days and he’s been back for four days. I’d have had him up by now, but not before yesterday.
- TylerSalutations Mr. Wilner,
I have a quick comment and question. Regarding the current state of Jays, I have to say quite obviously, they are better than what we have seen so far, but as most teams do appear when going through slumps or rough patches that glaring weaknesses do tend to be that much more glaring and winning generally tends to cover such deficiencies or at least they become less worrisome. If they can end up winning 60% of the time over the course of a 162 game season, I suppose none of it will matter.
As for my question, I’m not clear as how this works in the MLB. Is it at all possible to orchestrate a buyout with players like you see in the NBA, or else be designated for assignment and if the player doesn’t report then be suspended by the team without pay until some sort of agreement can be reached?
It seems like either way the team has to shell out the cash so why not try to save some money however much or little. I know they have one of the better player unions in sports so I imagine there must be something written somewhere about this. Sorry this turned out to be not so quick! But I appreciate your time and it’s always a pleasure! Thanks!
MW: After a player spends a certain amount of time in the majors (5 years? I’m not sure) he can’t be sent to the minors without his permission. He can be designated for assignment, but if he isn’t traded and clears waivers, he can refuse the assignment and become a free agent. That’s pretty much the only way that a team can get out from under. You can try to orchestrate a buyout, but if the player knows that you don’t want him and that he gets 100% of his contract if he’s released, why would he agree to one?
- RyanI know it’s only three weeks into this season, but already this team is doing a repeat of last year. I don’t think there’s a team in all of baseball that gets less production from it’s corner outfielders and infielders. The fan on “Jays Talk” was right about Overbay. Since he broke his hand 11 months ago he has only hit one home run (in Oakland last August). I heard him say on “Blue Jays This Week” late last season that ha was not able to hit home runs in batting practice either. Where did the 20 home run 45 doubles hitter go? It must stress the pitchers out knowing they are working with little margin for error everytime they take the mound. J.P. said himself last weekend they can not afford to give up games this early. Its absurd to waive Thomas and then keep marching guys like Scutaro out there everyday. It’s like a course in Crazy 101.
- Jim BranscomeJPknew he had a problem at spring training, but refused to act. A fresh start would have better.Stairs proved a better DH and every day player at a lower cost. I want to see his plan in writing. He doesn’t have one. Why sign 3 shortstops?
MW: 3 shortstops? J.P. knew that Thomas was likely to start slow, but it would have been foolhardy for him to release him before seeing whether he actually did or not, given that he led the team in so many important offensive categories last season. I’m kind of glad he doesn’t have a plan in writing, he’s always willing to make a move when something better comes along, and that’s a good thing.
- Don TurnerYes more canadians! lets get Larry Walker out of retirement! He is younger than Barry Bonds, maybe we have a chance! HA HA HA
- The RatO.K., now what ? Can’t blame
Frank Thomas anymore. If this continues, how long before Gibby gets the axe ?
May 15 would be my guess.
MW: Jeff Blair said May 18th when he was on the pre-game show during Spring Training.
- LoboMike,
I thought the most interesting comment made by JP last night with regards to Bonds was where he said “There’s a lot of things with this guy that this organization is not ready for in a lot of ways.” To me, this suggested that there is even more to him than his attitude, steroids, and all the other baggage that is KNOWN to come with Barry. Did you get the sense that JP may know some even more odd stuff about Barry than the rest of the general public, or am I just reading way, way, way too much into that?
MW: You’re reading too much into it. The stuff you mentioned is enough, no?
- RyanFirst time bloger,
Just wondering if you think losing Banks is a big deal at all. I remember the last time we lost a young pitcher on wavers he turned out not bad for Oak. It just seemed like there might be better options to move off the 40 man. Adams for example, the 4th best utility guy on a 40 man roster. don’t we have a few too many of these kind of guys. I would think if in doubt you roll the dice on the potential of the pitcher. I know the last man on a 40 man roster is usually not the difference in making the playoffs, just wondering what you thought.
great blog Mike,
cheers,
MW: Banks was getting lit up at AAA after having gotten lit up in AAA last year and the year before, and was going to be out of options next spring. He was the right choice, I think.
- jackazzhey wilner do you really think the lineup is better with robinzon diaz in the lineup than big frank? diaz cant even spell robinson correctly.
give paul molitor a call and see if he wants to put the spikes on one more time!
MW: Great ideas!
- Alan PeransonHi, Mike:
Today’s Minor League report:
AAA — David Purcey, lost 3-1, went 6 innings gave up 2 ER, 4 BB and 9 K’s — ERA now 2.16. Chiefs got only 5 Hits (Lind was 0/4), and former BJ Lee Gronkiewicz picked up the save for Pawtucket. Loss snapped an 8-game winning streak for the Chiefs.
AA — Ricky Romero picked up first win of the year, 5 IP, 5 Hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K’s.
– Travis Snider now 2 (singles) for 11 in AA, with 6 K’s & 2 walks — struggling a bit to say the least!
– I note that SS Chris Gutierrez is now hitting .310 for New Hampshire — I haven’t heard anything about him — is he considered a prospect?
MW: It’s a very soft .310, only 29 ABs in, and he really hasn’t hit any other time since he’s turned pro. You never know, though.
- NormMike
Listened to Jays Talk last night and I got the same feeling as you that he (J.P.) is frustrated as well. Moving beyond the point that Gibbons and/or Denbo are not to blame for this lack of production, what action could they (the Jays) take to inspire this team to hit? I realize that managers can’t go up and swing the bat, but those type of moves (firings) are made to motivate teams. How long will they wait after Rolen arrives to make a change? He is really the last option for change, outside of a shake-up, or bringing in Bonds (not gonna happen).
MW: Firing Gibbons does appear to be the next option, but that doesn’t make it the right one. I like the fact that the Jays realize that changing managers wouldn’t do anything, so they’re not quick to pull the trigger.
- JasonI’ve thought this for a few years but never had anywhere to say it. Lets all thank J.P. for coming on your show every week, makes for great radio and lets the fans have their say.
- Dan M.It does seem funny Lind hasn’t been called up yet. Even with a stiff neck I’d rather see him in the jays lineup with a broken leg over Inglett or Barajas.
- Dan M.Hey Mike,
If, by chance, the Jays ended up signing Bonds today, how long would it take him to be in a uniform. To your knowledge has he been swinging the bat, working out etc? Would he play a few in the minors first?
Would be be strictly a DH, or would be get a start a week or so in LF?
MW: He can still play left field better than Manny Ramirez, so he’d probably be out there twice a week. I would think that once he signed, he’d be in the line-up within a week.
- Andrew NThese guys are pretty tough to watch right now. It must be tough for you also, but at least you’re getting paid to do so. I’ve got to pick up something new to follow, like competitive eating or something because this last week has been stupid bad. Gibby has got to be feeling the heat, which probably isn’t helping out the clubhouse atmosphere too much, big screen tv’s or not.I’m by no means a J.P. hater, but I really have to continue to question some of the recent decisions, mostly in regards to big Frank and the fact they’ve yet to call up Adam Lind. It seems strange to me that given the apparent ’sense of urgency’ that surrounds the club, they haven’t fielded their best team all week. I don’t understand why they have the Frank Thomas-playing-time-chat until after they’ve got a suitable game plan to move forward (like Adam Lind healty and ready to play.) I can’t help but feel that it really was all about economics and PR. Frank was probably at the lowest point of his season and they felt it was the safest time to cut bait on him from a PR stand point. If he’d have turned it on (maybe even against Nate Roberston), it would have been a lot harder to cut him. I understand why they wouldn’t want him next year, but they should have kept him around until Lind was ready to play. It feels like they’ve just given these games aways, trying to tread water until Rolen and Lind are in the line up. There’s just no real excuse for not having Lind here when he was healthy enough to play in Syracuse. The fact he hadn’t played in four days doesn’t really hold, ask John MacDonald. Robinson Diaz is a guy we should be seeing, but instead of Rod Barajas. Not that it means a whole lot long term, but Rolen doesn’t have a hit yet in A Ball (!). It does, however, suggest that he may not be the immediate answer to the Jays offensive woes. Help me understand Mike.
MW: I see where you’re coming from on the Thomas/healthy Lind thing, but the fact is the Jays think Thomas is finished, and they didn’t want him in the line-up anymore, even if they had to use Barajas or Inglett instead of him. If they’re right about Thomas, it’s a good call. If they’re not (I certainly don’t think he’s finished), then having him in the line-up another week before having “the talk” isn’t a horrible idea. The McDonald/Lind comparison doesn’t hold, though, because McDonald isn’t sitting because he’s hurt. It’s important to work your way back from an injury, and that seems to be what the Jays are letting Lind do.
- peteMike,
What did you think of Robinson Diaz’s performance last night? This is the first time I’ve seen him play and his swing is so violent! It kind of reminded me of Vladimir Guerrero’s swing. It also seems like Robinson takes the same approach to hitting as Vladdy as he goes up there a hackin’ First two at bats and he sees a total of two pitches. He made some nice contact in his second at bat screaming a liner out to centrefield. I’d like to see some of the other Jays get a little more aggressive at the plate in the short term to break out of the funk their in. Start taking some good swings at fastballs early in the count.
MW: That’s definitely Diaz’ game.
- DerekI wonder if JP is feeling heat about the Stewart over Johnson and the Eckstein over MacDonald decisions? At least he is man enough to shoulder the blame is saying he put the team together. Hopefully Rolen is the kickstart they need. This has to turn around in a hurry before everything gets away on them. If the theory of water always coming to it’s level, then this lineup should catch a groove and start lacing the ball with RISP. That will trigger a huge winning streak, just hope it doesn’t come to late. If the Jays are still in the thick of the division or wildcard race come the end of June (5 games back or less) then Ted will probably demand that JP go get Bonds for the rest of the season.
MW: I’m pretty sure Ted will never demand that Bonds be gone and gotten.
- Aaron KerI somehow submitted the previous comment prematurely. My apologies for the length, lack of spaces and all of the grammar stuff. The sentiments, however, are correct.
MW: Well, the sentiments are your opinions, so not necessarily correct. I think they have a pill you can take for premature commentization, though.
- peteI am ticked off, but the rational side says to me that Jays poor start is a fluke. Look at their on-base average, it is terrific and I really credit Gary Denbo (assuming he deserves it).
The abysmal average with runners in scoring position is a statistical fluke. Chances are, in baseball’s 162 games, odds even out so that could mean a hot streak for the club. If they just hit the league average with runners on, they score way more than most teams in the league.
I just hope they don’t listen to Rance Mullinicks, who was suggesting the last few days that the team was taking too many walks and not hacking with runners in scoring position!
MW: There’s no such thing as too many walks, unless you’re hitting in front of the pitcher.
- Jim BJohn gibbons is the problem with this team. There is malaise is the air around the Blue Jays and I think this flows from Gibbond. I don’t think it helps that Wells, Rios, Hill and Overbay are all low key guys. All you have to do is watch other MLB games to see the superior effort being put in by other teams. I noticed even Wells seem average in center field of late. Rios is a mess of defender. The urgency is not there and I think that is John Gibbons fault. This team is no different than last year, they had the same problem.
MW: Yes, because how could anyone blame the players for not playing well?
- MathewJust a couple things I’d like your take on, with Diaz playing last night and looking pretty good if not a tad agressive which catcher do you think is better him or Thigpen? Also with Hinske doing so well this series, what would your top 5 bad trades, releases or signings made in the last 5 years?
MW: Hinske wouldn’t be one of the bad trades. Top 5 bad trades, releases or signings, huh? In no particular order, Kerry Ligtenberg, Billy Koch, Corey Koskie, Frank Thomas (great year, but they paid $18M for it) and dealing Chad Gaudin for a PTBNL.
- NickMike, what’s your take on why J.P. was so non-committal on when they will bring Lind up?
MW: I don’t know. It’s the thing that confused me the most about last night. Maybe he doesn’t want Lind to hear about his promotion on the radio first, maybe something’s up.
- AmMike, Rance is making excellent points on the TV broadcasts about aggressiveness. There is a difference between “working counts” (i.e. not swinging at pitchers pitches or balls for that matter) and “taking pitches” regardless of where they are thrown. It appears right now many of the Jays hitters are working counts in their favor (2-1, 2-0, 3-1) but then taking meatballs right down the middle. The walks are great and for some in the lineup, taking these cripple pitches might not be a bad idea, but it seems too many of the power guys are also allowing these pitches to go buy. It might have something to do with a lack of confidence right now at the plate as a team. Some guys right now would rather walk than take a shot at an extra base hit.
MW: There’s very definitely a difference between working a count and taking all the way. Once you have put yourself into a favourable count, you should always be looking for a pitch in a spot to hit REALLY hard.
- sammy1989 Blue Jays started 12-24, fired the manager and then we know the division. Maybe it’s time for a shake up.
MW: 10-12 is a whole lot different from 12-24.
- JustinLets say its mid June and the Jays are still struggling to score runs. What is the most likely scenario? 1. Ricciardi is fired or resigns. 2. Gibbons is fired. 3. Ricciardi makes a major trade to revamp the offense. 4. Jays sign Bonds.
Rank them in order from most likely to least.
MW: 2,3,1,4.
- aviMike - I’m not someone to bash the manager and call for his head when the team stuggles (for the record I don’t love Gibbons but think that by and large he does a good job managing the bullpen and to me that’s 80% of the manager’s in game duty in the AL). But, I think that if this holds up something’s gotta give. do you agree that it’s most likely the manager will get canned, if the other options are a major trade or turfing jp himself?
MW: Yes, I do. I don’t think it’s right, and I think it’s still WAY too early for that to be a real option, but that’s what generally happens to teams that perform well below expectations.
- benMike,
- marioThey can like or dislike J.P. all they want but I have never seen a G.M. come on every week through good times and bad times and take calls from the fans.I think J.P. deserves a whole lot of gratitude from Jay fans for letting us feel that we matter.Now if the jays can only hit with runners in scoring position we still might have a shot at the pennant.
Go Jays!!!
mario
Mike do you still think the Jays will make the playoffs without signing Bonds?
MW: It’s early, so I have to stick to my prediction.
- Dan M.Mike,
Is this the A-lineup as the Jays’ brass see the team moving forward?
1. Eckstein - ss
2. Hill - 2b
3. Rios - Rf
4. Wells - Cf
5. Rolen - 3b
6. Stairs - DH
7. Overbay - 1b
8. Zaun - C
9. Lind - Lf
I’m okay with this lineup. Or, do they intend to march Stewart out there with his groundballs to 3rd everytime he’s up?
Lets hope we see this lineup more than we have (not withstanding Rolen’s injury), and lets hope they start hitting. This is beyond ridiculous now.
MW: I don’t think that’s the line-up. I think it’ll be Stairs 5, Rolen 6 and Lind 8, Zaun 9.
- MichaelHere is what we know:
1) Jays are 4-5 games out in April. Considering our division this is not good, but not a trend of losing, either.
2) Our hitting has been untimely. In fact it couldnt be much more untimely. Will get better for sure.
3) Red Sox et all will have down periods too.
4) Overall the Jays have been erratic, not inconsistent. They win and lose series, not games. This will change-one way or other, and that when we’ll see what type of team we have.
..So I do believe the Jays can do well this year. Said all that however, to make the playoffs they will need to do a run or two with 10 wins of 12 or 12 of 15 games -something like that, and I look at this team and can’t see how that might come together. Could happen, but I just dont see the offensive driver or “energy” to make that happen, least so far. So my problem isn’t what they’ve done, it’s seeing where the offensive energy and synergy might come from to run together a string of wins.
MW: You won’t see it until they do it. The Devil Rays won nine in a row a couple of years ago, and they sucked. Winning streaks happen, and often out of nowhere, regardless of what a team shows even the day before they start. Just not for the Blue Jays lately.
- Paul RyanMike,
So if J.P. is backing Gibby and Denbo, what do they do now? I mean if there not going to send a message that way, what is the next realistic option? They can’t possibly sit and watch this go on. There’s got to be something to turn this around that’ll work faster that giving it time. I believe they can, but in this division there slipping fast.
MW: Why does everyone care so much about the division? Who cares whether they win the division or not?
- Scott44Mike, refresh my memory. At what point in the season was Jimy replaced by Cito?
Because I get the distinct feeling that if this team doesn’t show signs of a resurgence say 10 games after Rolen’s return. Then that may force JP’s hand to relieve Gibbons of his duties. It’s not his fault that these players can’t hit collectively, but this is the year that may require EXTREME actions like that. Thoughts?
MW: This is the year that an extreme action like firing the manager may happen, but it’s no more required this year than it was last year or the year before. Jim Williams was fired 36 games into the 1989 season (May 14th), when the Jays were 12-24. Cito moved in “temporarily” and the team won 5 of 6 on their way to coming back to win the division.
- JJHi Mike
If you were a betting man, what do you think is brewing “beneath the surface”? Is Lind to be dealt? Is he in the doghouse for something? Is another deal in the works that would allow Lind to stay put in AAA? What?
I’ve been a long time fan and understand it’s a long season, but watching this team it just looks dead and I don’t know if the offense is ever going to meet its expectations.
MW: I don’t think Lind is either in the doghouse or about to be dealt, the only other thing is that there might be some sort of trade in the works, or Kenny Lofton (though he sure as heck wouldn’t solve the poor slugging issue), but I wouldn’t bet on either of those things.
- DanHey Mike,
It was kinda strange how JP was choking on the whole bringing up ADAM LIND thing. I feel sorry for the guy(AL). He deserves to be up there with the boys.
Q:It was interesting to hear JP bring Ted Rogers into the conversation last night. Does he(Ted Rogers) have much say when it comes to performance of players and who should be starting and who should’nt or does he leave it entirely up to his staff to take care of matters? Do you think he would want someone like Bonds to come to Toronto?. Sorry if it sounds stupid but it’s interesting to hear your thoughts on things like this…
Anyways…Can’t wait for Rolen to be back!
Take care.
WO!
MW: Ted Rogers has all kinds of say into everything, he owns the team, but he doesn’t involve himself in the baseball side in the slightest. I think he would be fine with Bonds if Tony Viner and Paul Godfrey were fine with Bonds.
- Warren OwenAnyone thinking about tieing the can to Gibbons?
MW: See above - lots of people seem to be.
- JimI don’t recall if it was you Mike or a caller that asked JP if he thinks that Lind is ready to be called up. When he replied “… I think so..” i noticed some hessitation in his voice. It seems to me (correct me if i’m wrong) that he still doesn’t have much faith in Lind after his horrible season last year.
Hopefully Rolen’s presense will help rid this team of its bad vibe. As frustrated as I am, can you imagine how more frustrated the team is?
Mad props for getting the segment on the site as I was unable to listen to the entire show last night. Thank you.
MW: Don’t thank me, thank our night-time web dude Jon Levett. Then pity him, because he’s also Norm Rumack’s producer.
- DavidActually, we do know he hasn’t been offered the minimum.
“No team has made an offer at any price at any time. That’s a simple fact,” Bonds’ agent Jeff Borris told SI.com. “At this point in time, no club has even offered the minimum salary. And even though the minimum salary wouldn’t be a bona fide offer for a player of his stature, it’s beyond comprehension that no team [has made] such an offer.”
- SI.com
MW: Cool - thanks! Thing with Bonds is, though, that he’s kind of like the insanely hot woman at a bar. No one goes up to her because everybody assumes that she’s either taken or that she’s way out of their league. All the other crap aside, I would think that that would be why no one has offered Bonds the minimum.
- James BaldwinThe Reds fired their G.M. after 3 weeks (yes I know he should have been out long ago for that horrible trade with the Nats in ‘06). Seems like odd timing, but Jockety was available so I guess they grabbed him while they could.
The question is this: if the Jays continue to flounder around .500, how much time does J.P. have? After listening to the show last night, firing the manager is clearly not an option. Godfrey seems to think J.P. can do no wrong, so . . . where does that leave us?
Something just isn’t right with this team, and hasn’t been for a couple years. I think they need a shake up similar to the big trade that netted Robbie and Joe in 1990. Of course, contracts are much harder to trade these days.
MW: They tried that shake-up by trading Glaus for Rolen, it was exactly that same sort of trade, we just haven’t had a chance to see Rolen in action yet. The Reds’ ex-GM (Wayne Krivsky) was out as soon as they hired Jocketty to be a consultant in January, all they needed was an excuse.
- SteveLike you said, Godfrey loves J.P., so there’s your answer.
I’ve said from the very beginning that the refusal to consider Bonds is not of JP’s doing, it’s 100% Paul Godfrey. He was on Off The Record a month or so ago (I hate that show, but it was about the Blue Jays so I fought through it), and unlike JP he showed absolutely no inclination to even consider bringing Bonds aboard. JP wants him, the players want him, and the [educated] fans want him. One can hope it’s only a matter of time before Godfrey puts it all together.
Also, I’m pretty sure if we signed Bonds and were 47-33 at the All Star Break, no one would care who was playing DH. They’d be coming out to the ballpark because we’d be winning games. The fact is, fans are more irritated with 3rd place finishes and mediocrity than they could ever be with having Barry Bonds on the team for 5 months.
MW: True is true.
- KyleAdam Lind is not in the lineup this afternoon while Syracuse is facing a righty. Please tell me he is on way to Orlando for tonight.
MW: Could be, or maybe his neck is acting up again.
- ScottI think we all agree that Barry Bonds isn’t the greatest of human beings. But the Blue Jays have been out of the playoffs for 15 years. 15 years of mediocrity, other than the Pirates or KC who else has been that bad for so long. I don’t care what our record is over that span of time, the result is the same. When was the last time they played a meaningful game in September, probably ‘98. If signing Barry Bonds gives us meaningful games in September it must be done. The Rogers board needs to prove to the fans that they are committed to winning and not continued mediocrity.
MW: 2000, actually, not that that matters. I agree with you.
- Paul GillMike,
I’m surprised Kenny Lofton’s name hasn’t come up. He still hits for average and gets on base, and he’s unsigned.
I understand he has been asking more money then teams have been willing to play, but he would fit well in LF, and would add some punch to our batting order. Even if he insists on batting leadoff, I’d take him over Eckstein (not slagging Eckstein here). I’m not saying he’s THE guy to put the Jays over the top, but he could have a positive impact for likely less money and hassle than Bonds, don’t ya think?
- AsherMike,
I understand the players are not playing well and they know this but for the most part we are stuck with these players. If you can’t change the players then how do we get them to perform to their potential? Well that is the job of the coach…So we should change him. If you believe the coach is not important to how players play then no harm no foul. If you think it is then they can’t be worse than Gibbons. That’s a no-lose situation.
Like it or not…changing coaches usually always make some difference. We can’t wait for these guys to find their way. We need somebody to show them the way…soon.
BTW, what is your argument for keeping Gibbons?
MW: My argument for keeping Gibbons is that he hasn’t done anything to deserve getting fired. He’s not 8 for his last 69 with runners in scoring position.
- Mathewwell played sir.
- peteIts been reported that Frank Thomas apologized on ESPN during a phone interview Sunday I believe for not congratulating his teammates. So much for JP saying it was an amicable parting by bashing the guy after he apologized. I don’t have a problem with the release, just JP’s smoke screens trying to deflect attention away from his putting the vesting option in.
Reminds me of his B.J. Ryan injury misdirection comments last spring.
MW: Yeah, it’s completely the same thing.
- SkipKenny Lofton..god i hope not. would be just another example of buying multiple products to fill one need. this is something the jays have become masters at. get lind in there once he’s healthy, let him rake away…im pretty sure he will out slug lofton and stewart and unlike them, he actually has a future. if only sil campusano were still around
MW: If only. And I only threw Lofton out there because I wanted to cover most potential bases - I don’t believe for a second the Jays will sign him.
- sammy jalalzaiSkip: Reminds me of his B.J. Ryan injury misdirection comments last spring.
MW: Yeah, it’s completely the same thing.
You said its completely the same thing, I didn’t, did I?
FT was wrong and he apologized. Hurt haters here can stay bitter as usual. Enjoy it.
MW: I’m no Hurt hater, anyone who had read or heard me should know that, but my sarcasm was drawn from the fact that it’s about as similar to the B.J. Ryan thing last spring as, ummmm, the fact that Robinzon Diaz was the DH last night. It’s OK to still be upset with someone for something he did even after there has been an apology.
- SkipLooks like Big Hurt just signed with Oakland.
MW: Indeed he has. And I predict he’ll be a monster in the last 2/3 of the season.
- sammy jalalzaiMike I thought when people have been commenting that Gibbons needs to be fired to shake things up you would reply with something like “doesn’t cutting your best hitter from last year and your clean up hitter count as a shake up”
MW: And yet I didn’t.
- Dan M.How about his for a Trade proposal Mike (I know these things are unrealastic and pointless, but their fun anways)
Adam Lind, Lyle Overbay, Curtis Thigpen and Ricky Romero for Adam Laroche and Jason Bay?
MW: It’s unrealistic and pointless.
- Dan M.ESPN’s profile says Matt Stairs’ middle name is Wade. Where are you getting the initial K from?
MW: I made it up. Ps and Ks are funny, according to The Sunshine Boys.
- TorgenMIKE, IF JP IS GOING TO FIRE GIBBONS JP MUST MUST MUST RESIGN. GIBBONS IS PLAYING WITH THE TEAM JP PUT TOGETHER. HE MENTIONED ON JAYS TALK ITS HIS FAULT NOT GIBBONS. THEY BOTH MUST GO JP MORE THE GIBBONS.
MW: Why are you yelling at me?
- brunoIf the Jays were still struggling to score runs in mid June don’t you think a major trade would be more likely than firing Gibbons. Considering that Gibbons is not the one hitting and scoring runs. Granted, teams fire managers all the time for poor performance, but Ricciardi does love Gibbons. He even said that it is not Gibbons fault at all and the blame falls on him for the teams performance. Who would the Jays move though for offense? Overbay and prospects? Maybe. Wells? He makes too much money. Rios? Hes their best hitter. Lind would probably be the most likely candidate to be traded.
MW: It’s not always easy to find a dance partner for a big deal in June, especially when you’re looking to add a major bat for prospects, as ML-ready as they might be.
- aviSo by your theory coahes would stay forever.
4 seasons of not coming close to making the playoffs, having two public spats with players and obvious mismanagement of the pitching staff in most of his time here is not enough? hmm. and so far the season nothing different…actually I shoudln’t say that the early hit and running and bunting in the Boston series seemed to signal a change but I see know we back to wait for something to happen mode.
I’d hate to see a manager’s history that you would fire
He’s had plenty of time. I haven’t called for his job until now..been more than patient. Time to go
MW: I’ve said it before, but through the same point in all their managerial careers, John Gibbons has a better winning percentage than such genius managers as Jim Leyland, Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa and Terry Francona. Two public spats with players? Lou Piniella is a highly-respected manager and once threw Randy Johnson into a locker in Seattle. And the obvious mismanagement of the pitching staff led to the team finishing 2nd in the league in ERA last year. What’s he done to warrant losing his job? Why can’t it be the players’ fault when they play poorly?
- Mathew(in reference to comment #22, for your convenience)
Mike, he was legitimately hurt before, but then he came back and went 4-for-8. I think that’s a pretty clear signal that he’d be fine to call up, don’t you? They could’ve made this move as soon as he was cleared to play for AAA; surely this wasn’t the kind of injury that required a rehab assignment.
The only thing that could be “up” in my mind is that they’re keeping Lind down because they know he won’t be able to be the starting left fielder, because they’re going to sign Bonds to do that with Stairs. In that case they should still have Lind as a bench player, but I can see why they wouldn’t want to. Otherwise, there is no reason he shouldn’t have been up days ago helping this team instead of helping the Chiefs.
And I’d also appreciate your comments on JP’s remark that you didn’t remember - I’ve listened back now and the verbatim quote is “we really don’t have much to lose by uh, by not bringin’ him up, y’know?” Your response was “fair enough”.
Maybe you weren’t totally in the zone there because you were preparing that obusforme pillow joke - which I found funny, but evidently JP wasn’t in the laff riot mood that we’re all used to.
MW: Yeah, I can’t believe he didn’t laugh at that.
- TylerHey Mike, I was looking for your email address, however couldn’t find it on the site so I will send this question here.
Not realated to your blog, however as you know their are many pro-line players across Ontario. I realize the Fan 590 has the ” tipster” but I simply believe that those who play pro-line and wager on baseball would be far more comfortable reading or hearing your personal top 3, 4 or 5 baseball picks of the night. Seeing that once hockey is over baseball is really one of the only things to wager on with proline.
Something to consider, or perhaps something that strikes zero interest to you. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
MW: I appreciate the interest, but I’m not going to be responsible for people losing money. Three-team parlays are a loser’s game.
- RamNot gonna beat many major league teams with minor league players in the lineup.
Barajas,Diaz,Zaun,Inglett and
Scutaro, cant give you a winning performance.
MW: Only two of those guys are minor-leaguers, and one of them is hitting .323.
- Brett VMike, thank you for responding to my follow up.
However, again your putting words in my mouth. Did I say you were a Hurt hater? No I didn’t. I said Hurt haters “here”.
I agree with your being against sloppy posts, but lets be accurate in quoting the ‘posters’.
I’m less of a Hurt fan after his conduct on Saturday. That being said, if someone is sincere in their apology I believe in cutting them slack the same way I want to be cut slack when I do something that is wrong.
I believe any Jays fan being told by their employer that they are not skilled enough anymore to keep their full time position would react angrily.
I stand by my assessment of J.P.’s bashing Hurt to deflect the spotlight off the real issue. J.P’s constructing a bad contract.
MW: But I don’t know that the spotlight needs to be deflected. Everyone knows that the Jays wound up paying Thomas $18.12 million for a year and 16 games of work. It speaks for itself, and no one will ignore it because Thomas was petulant on his last day.
- SkipHey Mike, I agree, Frank will have a great 2/3 of the season with Oakland. That will be 60 HRS in two years in Oakland for like 1.3 mil. Gotta love Billy B.
- Justin EdwardsI have to admit, I’ve been hating on Barry for a long time, not so much because of the steroids thing, but because he seemed like such a jerk. But like one or two of the previous posts suggested, I’ve come to the point where I’d gladly ignore all that if the Jays could just stop being so damn mediocre. I went back and looked at the stats, because I was sure they had played meaningful baseball in September of 2006. Nope. It has been far too long. So if Barry’s what it takes, bring it on. Also, kudos to JP for having the cohones to face the fans by fielding questions on your show. You don’t have to like him or respect his moves, but you have to give credit where it’s due. I doubt all GMs would be so accomodating.
- Rob_NSMike, sorry if you think I’m yelling at you but I’m not. I just want to make my point. Thanks for sticking up for the Jays. I’ve been been hard on them. I just want them to do good and its been frustrating.
- brunowhat a joke, billy beane is making jp look like a schoolboy, signs ft for 2.6 mil in 2006 then jp pays him 18 mil for 1 year 1 month, now beane signs him again for 337k. that’s how a real gm operates. beane is never desperate. he is prepared to let guys go and find a cheaper replacement. jp freaks out and has to lock guys up right away and overpay everyone. can’t wait for this fool to get fired
MW: Name-calling? I would have thought that would be beneath even you. Guess not.
- lesShannon Stewart has been a complete flop.He was signed for his hitting because we all know he is a defensive liability.His BA is 205 with no power.Could JP be trying to dump him and this is what is holding up the Lind promotion?
MW: Why would that hold up the Lind promotion? If J.P. wants to dump Stewart he can release him, his trade value won’t go up on two or three good games. And 20 games doesn’t make for a complete flop. If Stewart goes 4-for-4 tonight, he’s hitting .271.
- Paul McCreathHi Mike,
Big fan of the team, but feeling mighty frustrated at the moment with the lack of wins/production. I don’t care if we win, but at least make a decent effort and not lose a lead.
That said, I have a few things to discuss….
The hitting coach is doing great re: OBP. At the beginning of the year we were working the count, making key hits instead of relying on the long ball, and also running more. Why have the Jays lost this pace? Your suggestions?
Also, if Ted Rogers came up to you and asked for your 100% honest opinion on what to do next - what’s your answer.
Personally, I think JP has to go. Not as a result of the month of April - but he has never truly attempted to build a contender here at Rogers Centre. Frank was a joke of a signing, and a lot of other things he has done is questionable. With third and last place finishes, two coaches, a bench full of players (supposedly the best signing since the Carter/Alomar deal) I think his time has come to an end.
Just my humble opinion. Your thoughts!
MW: First of all, they’re called “managers” in baseball. Since J.P. got here, the Jays have had as many second-place finishes as last-place finishes, why didn’t you mention that? Why was Thomas a joke of a signing? The team needed a DH and he’d come off a fantastic year in Oakland.
- David BrennanIf Ted Rogers came to me right now and asked me what to do, I’d say three words: “Sign Barry Bonds”.
Oakland is sure to get a great return on investment having picked up FT for the prorated portion of the ML minimum salary that they were able to sign him for while the Blue Jays just cut him the big cheque! Especially since they didn’t have to sit through most of FT’s brutal April.
- ReitzStill waiting for your next manager choice Mike.
MW: Yeah, it’s not an easy call. I’ve always been a fan of Tom Trebelhorn’s, to be honest. I thought he did some really good work in Milwaukee, especially having Chuck Crim relieve himself on the mound in one of the first games ever played at SkyDome. If Gibby is fired, whoever the next manager is will have to be someone who has done it before at he major-league level. Yuo can’t hire a fourth straight rookie manager. Buck Showalter? He’s worked with Brian Butterfield before, and probably Brad Arnsberg, too. Bobby Valentine? Davey Johnson? Mike Hargrove?
- Nath“I’m sorry mike, you make excuses forever. it’s actually not 22 games in. because this is the same pattern we saw last year is it not? the same players, same offense, same not hitting with risp. what exactly is different this time? last year you made the injury excuse, so what’s your excuse this time? this offense is simply not very good. keep in mind also that last year they won at least 12 games when scoring 2 runs or less. they have not done that once this year. the pitching will not be as dominant so those 12 wins become a bunch of losses this time around. I am actually starting to think they should scrap the small ball and just take the royce clayton approach. at least last year they were hitting homers. and I think stairs should bat cleanup. he is the most consistent hitter and the only guy who isn’t afraid to hit with risp”
I’m sorry you have to put up with complete nonsense like this. I don’t even know where to begin saying what’s wrong with this.
- WeezHere’s a thought:
The Jays don’t need Barry Bonds. They need his pharmacist.
MW: No, they don’t. (Alleged use of) Steroids didn’t make Bonds great. Hundreds of other players took them, too, and he still lapped the field.
- peteRecent games haven’t looked good, but Jays fans should take solace in the pitching problems in Bos and NY. They’re 4th last and 6th last in baseball in ERA, with weak run differential splits. I’d say that’s more ominous than bad numbers RISP, something that’s more likely to even out over the course of a season. Bad pitching in April can kill the bullpen for half the season.
- Grant(in reference to comment #76)
So do you honestly agree with JP that the Jays lose nothing by not calling up Adam Lind?
MW: We’re all assuming that Lind is going to come up and set the world on fire, despite the .228/.278 he put up last season, and Inglett (who appears to be in the line-up where Lind would go) is hitting .323/.371/.419, so maybe they haven’t lost much to this point. But the longer they go with Inglett out there over Lind, the likelier it is that they will.
- TylerTell it Mike! Tell it like it is!
The Blue Jays should employ a similar management directive as the Montreal Canadiens, who favour french Candiens over other players when drafting becasue they know that they will be embraced in Montreal. Just as Canada’s MLB team should work towards gathering the best of the best Canadian talent!
I don’t think that’s too outrageous! Expensive… But not outrageous!
- USELESS MANHey Mike,
Do you think J.P. is waiting to see if he can get stellar offensive production from Adam Lind before he makes his mind up about going after Bonds?
Also, and I am by no means predicting this to happen, but if the Jays do finish 3rd place in the A.L. East this year, do you think J.P. will lose his job? Or at least should lose his job?
Thanks
MW: It depends on how they get to 3rd place in the East.
- Dan CThat’s absolutely true about Bonds. (I was just playing the easy basket.)
- peteHey Les, make some valid points if you’re going to make so many postings.
I don’t know why you even reply to him Mike.
- CameronHi Mike,
I love your blog and reading everyone’s comments. I have a couple of suggestions to make the comments sections flow a bit better: a word limit and some sort of summary of similar comments. It tends to get a bit repetitive. Maybe it’s because we can’t read each one before you moderate them. but maybe that’s just the price of this format.
- michaelre Barry–I think he and Roger will be pardoned by Bush (he’s a baseball fan and will say “let’s put this behind us”). If that’s a possibility BB becomes less baggage legally although not personally. Is it worth signing him to take this gamble? I’m of 2 minds. Your thoughts.
MW: It’s worth signing him. I don’t think the legal baggage extends to this season. His original perjury trial wasn’t slated to start until after the season anyway, and since then they’ve had to refile the indictment, so chances are the trial will start even later.
- gary siskind(in reference to comment #91)
Nobody’s assuming that, Mike, and lots of people have last year in the back of their minds. But last year Lind came up out of necessity and wasn’t mashing the ball at any level like he was in 2006 at all levels - now in 2008 he is back to that form and there’s more reason to believe he’s major league caliber this year than there was last year.
And surely you’re not the sort to award Inglett a regular job because of that small sample size performance (although if you are then you’d have to take his tangible lack of intangibles this year into account too). It’s not just him - the lack of Lind also means you’re throwing out career mediocrity in Rod Barajas and unproven skill in Robinzon Diaz at the DH spot. You’re clearly worse off without him than with him.
Really, he needs to be up there so we can shift Stairs to DH - it’d be both a defensive and offensive upgrade for the team. Plus Inglett would be great coming off the bench as a pinch runner or somesuch.
Again, you may very well be right that the longer Inglett’s out there, the more likely a callup is - but why on earth wouldn’t they have called him up already? They shouldn’t need weeks and weeks to realize that he’s the best fit for the team right now. And when you feel that JP’s just as frustrated as us fans, but is simultaneously unwilling to even consider any sort of change to the struggling offence, it just doesn’t add up. Why on earth is he not being pressed about his unwillingness to make a decision that any other GM in his place would make?
MW: I think you’re being unfair in saying that JP is “unwilling even to consider any sort of change to the struggling offence”, when in the space of a week he’ll have released his scuffling DH and brought up two other starters in Rolen and Lind. When I quoted the small sample size of Inglett’s tenure here (which is likely now over for the time being), i twas perfectly valid, because we’re talking about what has happened, not what will happen, which we all know would be Mighty Joe coming back down to earth in a hurry.
- Tyler“P.S. I am aware of the discussion taking place about the Jays not over-paying slot prices due to the commissioners office giving them money, but I mean, man, whatever!” - Pete
“…but if the Jays won’t pay above slot they won’t pay above slot, so it’s a useless argument because it’s not going to change.” - MW
Mike,
Hope you continue to be well. Could you just elaborate on the above quotes? I’m not sure what they mean. What is “above-slot”?
MW: “Slot” is the short form of “slot money” which is the amount of signing bonus designated by the Commissioner’s Office as fair for the point in the first-year-player draft at which a player is selected.
- mattRance was not saying the Jays walk too much or that walks were bad. He was simply stating that if you are a middle of the order power threat and you get a 2-0 fat one right down the middle, you better swing because there’s a good chance its the best pitch you are gonna see that at bat. Walks are fine. I dont believe in the assertion that a walk is as good as a hit however, since no one ever drove in four runs with a walk. walks are good when they come in the natural flow of an at bat, not when you sacrifice an opportunity to drive in multiple runs in a situation where you dont necessarily need a ton of base runners to tie. In fact, a few big name players were rather despised on their teams because they would rather have walked than try to drive in runs (jack clark comes to mind)
MW: Frank Thomas had that rap, too, but I’d rather have a guy walk than pop up or strikeout, to be sure. But like I said before, I like the idea of using a hitter’s count to set up getting your pitch to drive, but if you’re ahead 3-1 and looking middle-in and low and there’s a fastball belt-high on the outer half, I have no problem with you letting it go by.
- sammy jalalzai“I think they have a pill you can take for premature commentization, though”
That was hilarious.
To add to Michael’s suggestions, is there any way around the whole comment moderation thing. I know the other blogs on this site have that, so I guess it’s something you have no control over ?
MW: Zero control. But if I didn’t have to moderate the comments, I wouldn’t be able to answer them.
- DilsonMike, I have a real problem with the way the Jays use Halladay. I will bet you that his e.r.a. from the 7th inning onward is quite awful, yet he, unlike every other pitcher in the AL, is allowed to continue to pitch, regardless of fatigue or declining effectiveness, in games where his team is behind. It’s not so much a bad inning, but the extra run or two he gives up in the 7th or 8th that prevents the Jays from tying up the game. Why don’t the Jays just treat him the same way they treat the other 4 starters? We have a good bullpen, with guys who are going to pitch better than a gassed Halladay 4 times out of five.
MW: I didn’t expect to find this, but last year Halladay had a dramatic decline in effectiveness after pitch number 90, and even moreso after throwing 105 pitches. In ‘04 and ‘06 it happened after 75 pitches, but in ‘05 he was dominant through 105 pitches. Obviously, it’s who Halladay is that leads the Jays to treat him differently than the other 4 starters, and far more often than not, he comes through for them.
- Jeff RechtshaffenMike,
Is there any chance J.P. is still working for the A’s? First he gives Oakland two arms for Scutaro after the A’s have secured a new (younger) version.
Now this?
MW: Yup, he’s still working for Oakland, and Ramiro Mendoza is still working for the Yankees.
- MichaelAdam,
You’re true, but it was never signing Thomas or signing Porcello. The Jays could have drafted him at 16.
Porcello was there at 27 because Illitch is one of the few owners willing to go way WAY over slot for top amateur talent. Right now, that’s one of the best true “Moneyball” strategies out there. (I guess he and Dombrowski have the crazy idea that building the better ballclub, and not keeping the comissioner happy, should be their top priority. Go figure.)
MW: You make an excellent point. But seriously, “you’re true”?
- MichaelMike,
The TV crew is discussing the Jays “playing without a sense of urgency” I think that is a load of bunk.
Baseball isn’t like hockey. You can’t go out there with more adrenalin, skate faster, hit more, etc.
Baseball is a game where sometimes the results don’t come no matter how good you are or how hard you try. That’s why you play so many games because the results over a sample of a few games are completely unpredictable.
Mike, do you believe it’s possible for a baseball team to be playing “without a sense of urgency?
On an unrelated note, McGowan looked like Bob Gibson in the first two innings, I had to go out for a bit, and when I came home he was being pulled in the 5th inning. What the hell happened?
MW: I do believe it’s possible for a baseball team to be playing without a sense of uirgency, but I don’t believe the Blue Jays are one of those teams right now. They’re just not hitting, so it looks like they’re not trying, but they are. McGowan lost the strike zone, and did it rather dramatically. I thought after two innings that there was a good chance that he was going to throw a no-hitter.
- GregJPThis team absolutely sucks. Their play is not defendable. They suck. Period. They’ll be lucky to win 70 games. I can’t believe how crappy this team is, especially with the stick. How surprised are you by how brutal this team is?
MW: I’m very surprised by how brutal this team is playing, but I’d like to bet you a million dollars that they’ll win over 70 games. I’d like to, but obviously I can’t. I do, however, suggest that anyone reading this might - if he or she comes up with the idea completely on their own, with no input from me - offer that same wager to Rick here. And I want a cut.
- Rick