Comments on: It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/ Covering the MLB with a focus on the Toronto Blue Jays Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:15:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.4 By: Jason C http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-3773 Jason C Wed, 07 May 2008 18:30:35 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-3773 Hey Mike, I was wondering...I'm a hardcore baseball fan not just a Blue Jays fan... I've been watching a little of the Red Sox lately and I am beginning to wonder if they are stealing the opposing teams signs. Is that possible? I know sometimes in spring training it isn't uncommon to see Bill Bellicheck hanging out in the dugout with Francona. It could just be a consipracy theory but when Papelbon picked off Johnny Mac a few weeks ago, I began to wonder. Also, you guys do a fabulous job on your radio and SportsNet broadcasts...What are the chances we can get Buck Martinez back for a guest appearance sometime, possibly on a Flashback Friday? Keep up the good work Mike! MW: I didn't know I did anything on the Sportsnet broadcasts, but thanks. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sox were stealing signs, everyone tries to, but that's not why McDonald was picked off. That was because Papelbon balked. Hey Mike,

I was wondering…I’m a hardcore baseball fan not just a Blue Jays fan…

I’ve been watching a little of the Red Sox lately and I am beginning to wonder if they are stealing the opposing teams signs. Is that possible? I know sometimes in spring training it isn’t uncommon to see Bill Bellicheck hanging out in the dugout with Francona.

It could just be a consipracy theory but when Papelbon picked off Johnny Mac a few weeks ago, I began to wonder.

Also, you guys do a fabulous job on your radio and SportsNet broadcasts…What are the chances we can get Buck Martinez back for a guest appearance sometime, possibly on a Flashback Friday?

Keep up the good work Mike!

MW: I didn’t know I did anything on the Sportsnet broadcasts, but thanks. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sox were stealing signs, everyone tries to, but that’s not why McDonald was picked off. That was because Papelbon balked.

]]> By: Jim B http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2958 Jim B Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:33:22 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2958 Reed Johnson's catch was all heart and grit. Many more talented centre-fielders do not even attempt that grab. Reed Johnson’s catch was all heart and grit.

Many more talented centre-fielders do not even attempt that grab.

]]> By: Ryan http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2934 Ryan Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:39:00 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2934 Mike, Maybe I'm bored, but Les has to be heard. He sounds without any doubt like a 100% idiot...but people do have that first amendment to be that way... MW: This country doesn't have a first amendment. Mike,

Maybe I’m bored, but Les has to be heard. He sounds without any doubt like a 100% idiot…but people do have that first amendment to be that way…

MW: This country doesn’t have a first amendment.

]]> By: Ryan http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2928 Ryan Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:10:33 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2928 Wilbowski (gotta make this stick), David Purcey - Real or not? Keith Law (who I have a ton of respect for regardless of the differences with him and JP) thinks Purcey is overrated. Please give me your opinions as opposed to thoughts on Purcey and his future. Thanks Wilbowski! MW: As much as I like Keith, he's seriously biased when it comes to the Blue Jays, whether it's conscious or not. I have only seen Purcey pitch three times and he's been OK. He was terrific in Arizona and has been very good in Syracuse, but he has to find his control again, walking seven in his big-league debut, then four more in his last start for the Chiefs. Now that he's healthy (he had a bunch of cysts removed from his arm last season) he may be ready to come into his own. Wilbowski (gotta make this stick),

David Purcey – Real or not? Keith Law (who I have a ton of respect for regardless of the differences with him and JP) thinks Purcey is overrated. Please give me your opinions as opposed to thoughts on Purcey and his future.

Thanks Wilbowski!

MW: As much as I like Keith, he’s seriously biased when it comes to the Blue Jays, whether it’s conscious or not. I have only seen Purcey pitch three times and he’s been OK. He was terrific in Arizona and has been very good in Syracuse, but he has to find his control again, walking seven in his big-league debut, then four more in his last start for the Chiefs. Now that he’s healthy (he had a bunch of cysts removed from his arm last season) he may be ready to come into his own.

]]> By: andrew http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2927 andrew Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:34:10 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2927 Who do you think will be the better player in your mind when it's all said and done. Barry Bonds or Alex Rodriguez. Also Im just wondering why you would send Barry Bonds to the Hall of Fame when he used steroids? MW: I think when it's all said and done, it'll be Rodriguez, provided he continues to stay away from major injuries. There are a few reasons why I would put Barry Bonds in the Hall of Fame, aside from the fact that he's one of the greatest players of all-time. One, it's a museum dedicated to the preservation of baseball history. Visitors to the Hall go there to soak in all that is baseball, the good and the bad, and Bonds' plaque in the Hall should note that he was implicated in the steroids scandal. Two, Bonds was the best player of his era. His era was filled with guys who took steroids, he was still the best. Three, you can't pick and choose who goes in and who goes out based on what we know about who took steroids, because new information is coming out all the time, and there are guys who juiced but we'll never find out. It's unfair to only take the 100 or so guys we know about and leave them out, but put in dozens of people who might have juiced. After all, if Roger Clemens hadn't been named in the Mitchell Report, he might have been a unanimous first-ballot guy. Who do you think will be the better player in your mind when it’s all said and done. Barry Bonds or Alex Rodriguez. Also Im just wondering why you would send Barry Bonds to the Hall of Fame when he used steroids?

MW: I think when it’s all said and done, it’ll be Rodriguez, provided he continues to stay away from major injuries. There are a few reasons why I would put Barry Bonds in the Hall of Fame, aside from the fact that he’s one of the greatest players of all-time. One, it’s a museum dedicated to the preservation of baseball history. Visitors to the Hall go there to soak in all that is baseball, the good and the bad, and Bonds’ plaque in the Hall should note that he was implicated in the steroids scandal. Two, Bonds was the best player of his era. His era was filled with guys who took steroids, he was still the best. Three, you can’t pick and choose who goes in and who goes out based on what we know about who took steroids, because new information is coming out all the time, and there are guys who juiced but we’ll never find out. It’s unfair to only take the 100 or so guys we know about and leave them out, but put in dozens of people who might have juiced. After all, if Roger Clemens hadn’t been named in the Mitchell Report, he might have been a unanimous first-ballot guy.

]]> By: Ryan http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2926 Ryan Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:55:54 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2926 Also...forgot to give you props for the "mind bottling" I made a promise to myself to use that phrase after I saw "Blades of Glory" but forgot. Now it's back in the vocab. Wilbowski (former writer called you this and I LOVE it.) What do you give that movie 1-10? MW: I can't go much higher than a 7, but it was the first movie I ever saw in Argentina, so that was cool. Also…forgot to give you props for the “mind bottling” I made a promise to myself to use that phrase after I saw “Blades of Glory” but forgot. Now it’s back in the vocab.

Wilbowski (former writer called you this and I LOVE it.)
What do you give that movie 1-10?

MW: I can’t go much higher than a 7, but it was the first movie I ever saw in Argentina, so that was cool.

]]> By: Ari http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2925 Ari Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:41:25 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2925 Last game JMac started, Jays won. Today JMac started, Jays won. Free JMac!!! Loved the batting order today, it was a copy of the one I posted here recently. While you may not like Rios at #1, recognize the fact that he's been hitting in the #3 behind Eckstein and Hill, so switching to have him leadoff means he's hitting "behind" Zaun & Eckstein, and Zaun's ability to get on base rivals Hill's. Giving the most ABs to our best hitter (and best base stealer) is a good idea, and Rolen-Stairs-Wells can handle the heart of the order adequately without Israel. MW: In case anyone is wondering, Israel is Rios' middle name. I still don't like him leading off, for all the reasons I mentioned before. Last game JMac started, Jays won. Today JMac started, Jays won.

Free JMac!!!

Loved the batting order today, it was a copy of the one I posted here recently. While you may not like Rios at #1, recognize the fact that he’s been hitting in the #3 behind Eckstein and Hill, so switching to have him leadoff means he’s hitting “behind” Zaun & Eckstein, and Zaun’s ability to get on base rivals Hill’s. Giving the most ABs to our best hitter (and best base stealer) is a good idea, and Rolen-Stairs-Wells can handle the heart of the order adequately without Israel.

MW: In case anyone is wondering, Israel is Rios’ middle name. I still don’t like him leading off, for all the reasons I mentioned before.

]]> By: bruno http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2924 bruno Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:23:45 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2924 Mike, Do yourself a favour and admit Richardi made a mistake, a big mistake picking Stewart over Johnston or lose baseball respect. One gets more respect when they can admit to a mistake. Your line in this matter sounds dumb. Its not better to have .340 for a month or 2 and superior defence all year long. Its better .212 for a month or 2 and very weak defence all year long. ITS A MISTAKE one of many J.P. has made and can't admit and one of many reasons its time for him to go. MW: Yes, it's much better to have .212 for a month and poor defense than to have .340 for a month and good defense. Mike,
Do yourself a favour and
admit Richardi made a mistake, a big mistake picking Stewart over Johnston or lose baseball respect. One gets more respect when they can admit to a mistake. Your line in this matter sounds dumb. Its not better to have .340 for a month or 2 and superior defence all year long. Its better .212 for a month or 2 and very weak defence all year long. ITS A MISTAKE one of many J.P. has made and can’t admit and one of many reasons its time for him to go.

MW: Yes, it’s much better to have .212 for a month and poor defense than to have .340 for a month and good defense.

]]> By: Ryan http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2923 Ryan Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:19:40 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2923 Mike, I guess someone has to ask this question. Why should the Jays sign Barry Bonds after they just released Thomas? They are very close (at this point in careers) to being the exact same player. Aside from his walks and OPS (I think Bonds OPS is just north of 1.000 and Thomas is just north of .850...man that is good for Bonds) they still hit the same amount of HR's, get on base at ALMOST the same rate (I know, I know, Bonds is better in this category...maybe way better) and drive in same runs and score the same amount of runs. So, why eat a guy’s contract who is making 9+mill a year that will hit 25+ and drive in 90+ to sign a guy that will do the exact same thing for similar money. I write this knowing that if healthy, Bonds is still the scariest hitter in the game. Ah..Did I just answer my own question? MW: You probably did. But Bonds hasn't declined the way Thomas has the last two years, the difference in their OPS is VERY significant, and Bonds hit his 28 HR last year playing in one of the worst hitters' parks in the game. Mike,
I guess someone has to ask this question. Why should the Jays sign Barry Bonds after they just released Thomas? They are very close (at this point in careers) to being the exact same player. Aside from his walks and OPS (I think Bonds OPS is just north of 1.000 and Thomas is just north of .850…man that is good for Bonds) they still hit the same amount of HR’s, get on base at ALMOST the same rate (I know, I know, Bonds is better in this category…maybe way better) and drive in same runs and score the same amount of runs. So, why eat a guy’s contract who is making 9+mill a year that will hit 25+ and drive in 90+ to sign a guy that will do the exact same thing for similar money.

I write this knowing that if healthy, Bonds is still the scariest hitter in the game. Ah..Did I just answer my own question?

MW: You probably did. But Bonds hasn’t declined the way Thomas has the last two years, the difference in their OPS is VERY significant, and Bonds hit his 28 HR last year playing in one of the worst hitters’ parks in the game.

]]> By: DR http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2922 DR Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:14:12 +0000 http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/2008/04/27/its-always-darkest-before-the-dawn/#comment-2922 It was good to see Jays win. Maybe you mentioned it in postgame show already, but interestingly they did it without having a hit in RISP situation, meaning that their problem was still there for today. Do you think this win will take some pressure off them and make them perform better with RISP from Tuesday? MW: They were actually 1-for-7 with RISP, the Rios pop-up that fell in counts. It was good to see Jays win. Maybe you mentioned it in postgame show already, but interestingly they did it without having a hit in RISP situation, meaning that their problem was still there for today. Do you think this win will take some pressure off them and make them perform better with RISP from Tuesday?

MW: They were actually 1-for-7 with RISP, the Rios pop-up that fell in counts.

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