12:15 AM Eastern
For 8 2/3 innings, that was one of the single greatest pitching performances I have ever seen, maybe the best one I’ve ever seen live. I tend to use the word phenomenal a lot, but in this case, I don’t think even that word is strong enough. Marcum had the Rays eating out of his hands all night long, giving up just one hard-hit ball through the first 27 hitters he faced, and winding up one batter away from pitching a complete game one-hitter while facing only one hitter over the minimum.
It was phenomelievable, incredisome, I can’t even make up enough words to describe how good he was. And there was no New Kids music.
I’m loath to put too much on a small sample size, as most of you well know, so Marcum’s season so far, having pitched less than 50 innings, can’t have me set to get his Cooperstown plaque ready. BUT – since joining the rotation 51 weeks ago, throwing six no-hit innings against the then-Devil Rays, here are Marcum’s numbers over 32 starts:
15-6, 3.68 ERA, 1.149 WHIP. 190 2/3 IP, 160 h, 59 bb, 144 k
Them’s numbers is pretty good.
Marcum seems to have raised things to a whole ‘nother level with his performance this season, and I completely understand those of you who are ready for the coronation. I’d like to see him keep it up for an entire season, and I’m really looking forward to watching him try.
He does so many things so well, and John Gibbons was bang-on in the spring when he said that he will overpower hitters without being overpowering. Today, there were two ground balls right down each foul line for two of the four hits he allowed, as well as an infield chopper. The two hard-hit balls were Akinori Iwamura’s belt to centre that Vernon Wells hauled in with a great effort in the 7th, and the B.J. Upton double to right-centre that sent Marcum to the showers in the 9th. Two hard-hit balls indeed, but he faced 30 batters. It was, almost by definition, a “holy crap” performance.
The offense finally woke up, too, though it sure took its sweet time. Still, it was great to see four hits in a row, a big home run at the right time by Scott Rolen, a bunch of hard-hit ground balls getting through, and how about that Lyle Overbay? A double for a second straight game, along with a walk and a hard-hit fly ball to the warning track of the opposite field.
Great news about both David Eckstein and John McDonald before the game, too! The MRI on Eckstein’s hip flexor was clean, and he may be back by the weekend or the beginning of next week. McDonald came in feeling great this afternoon, and will take full batting practice tomorrow to test the ankle injury that I thought was going to put him out for about six weeks, at least. He thinks he might be in the line-up for the series finale!
It was a good session after the game with J.P. Ricciardi, as well, the first one where we were actually face-to-face. It didn’t get as heated as it did last week, but I guess that’s what happens when the team goes 6-1 between appearances. Among the things J.P. said were that he expects to complete his contract, which expires after the 2010 season (so no falling on his sword if the team doesn’t compete this year, though who could reasonably have expected that he would), and that he would be amenable to trading a prospect or prospects for a big bat if the deal was right later on in the season. I’m pretty sure you can hear the whole show somewhere on this very website, if you’re so inclined. If you’re not, you should be.
Comments are encouraged, but in an effort to decrease the now huge potential of me burning out from spending so much time here, I’m not going to repeat myself in the comments section. There are some questions that I have answered twice, some I have answered five times, some I feel like I have answered over 100 times.
I completely understand some of the repeat questions in the comments section, because the comments only go up two or three times a day, and often 30-70 at a time, but if there’s a repeat question in there, I’ll simply reply with “asked and answered” or something along those lines. That’s not me being rude, I’m just pointing out that you’ll find the answer somewhere else on the site, either higher up in that day’s comments or the day before or so on.
Lastly, I don’t get the seemingly unrestrained glee about the fact that Reed Johnson’s numbers have come back down to earth after his hot start. Sure, it’s beginning to show that those of us who think Johnson is a pretty average hitter are right, but come on. I don’t want to get all Griff on you, because I don’t believe you keep a player around because he’s a “good guy” if you can get someone who is a better player, but Reed’s a human being, and a really terrific guy, who is struggling pretty badly right now. It’s pretty unseemly to actually be happy about that.
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Wilner
I commented on whether you thought Marcum has been a top 5 pitcher in the al since he joined the rotation last year, and you didn’t respond. I was actually curious as to what you thought, so I will drop the hogan act, and read your thoughts. Furthermore, if you remember, Chacin also posted a 3.7 era, or something close to that, in his rookie season. He looked very promising, and like Marcum, he didn’t even have the greatest stuff. Do you think Marcum can sustain it, unlike Chacin? Lastly, if the jays don’t make the playoffs, do you think this would be one of the best pitching rotations in the last 20 years to miss the playoffs?
MW: Sometimes I miss a comment as I’m going through them, sorry about that. No, I don’t think Marcum has been a top 5 pitcher in the league since he joined the rotation. Too high an ERA, too many homers, though he’s certainly knocking on that door. And if they don’t make it, the answer is an emphatic yes.
- TerryYou’re right you’ve pretty much answered all of the possible questions about the Jays’ season so far, so here’s an off-topic question for you. What other sports do you follow and do you have any favorite teams or players?
I noticed you ended today’s JaysTalk with some HoopsTalk and you very astutely pointed out that Chris Paul should be the MVP. I agree and have thought so since January. I have seen Paul in person since his college days and think he’ll eventually go down as the greatest point guard ever. I love Kobe but a guy who just this season was whining about his team and asking for a trade can’t be the MVP.
By the way, I take great joy in Reed’s recent struggles. Not that I hate him, I loved him as a Jay, but now the Chicken Littles will finally shut up about Reed v Shannon.
MW: I follow most other sports peripherally, but in the baseball season this is usually all I concentrate on. I’m kind of hockeyed-out, too. But I used to cover everything when I worked up the dial. I hate the fact that the “it’s Kobe’s year” thing has been going on most of this calendar year – that’s a horrible way to choose an MVP.
- ShawnI was interested to hear Alan comment on the broadcast that the umpire addressed Marcum as he was sent to the showers. Apparantly the umpire got his attention and complemented Shaun on a great game.
Just wondering if that’s something you’ve seen before ? I realize that umpires are humans (sometimes with poor eyesight) but couldn’t that get an MLB ump in trouble during a game ?
Imagine if Ozzy Guillen heard an umpire complement an opponents pitcher on the field ?
thanks.
MW: It may not have been a compliment, might have been an apology for missing a pitch, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with an ump telling someone he did a nice job. You’re right about Ozzie, though.
- Ian CI actually like Reed Johnson and my little boy loves the way his bobblehead moves.
After reading your post I hope you’ll answer this one:
It “seems” that Gibby is managing a lot more proactivly this year. I see more stolen base attempts and movement on the basebaths this year than previous.
Your comments and thoughts, please.
Thanks for the great posts and for entertaining us!
KK
MW: Gibbons has always loved the hit-and-run, and still uses it to swell effect, but they were stealing more bases earlier in the season. Now, not so much.
- karim kanjiDuring the game broadcast, you facetiously mentioned that you wondered how the Rays could employ a reliever whose surname starts with Doh! I’ve often told a friend in Seattle that the M’s will never win with a closer named Putz.
Your mike was off, but we all heard you scream when Hill went up to bunt in the 7th, especially after almost taking one in the noggin on the first pitch. I like the bunt a tad more than you do, but I thought that was idiotic. You’re going to give up one of your better hitters so that your 8 and 9 guys can drive in the run. Right-o. It worked out despite itself, but it was still idiotic.
I’m sure I saw an explanation for this somewhere, but why is Marcum wearing what looks to be a hockey/football teeth guard while he’s pitching?
MW: I agree with you on Hill. Completely. Marcum wears the mouth guard to align his jaw properly so that his entire body works more in sync.
- Jason MHey Mike,
Wondering about Brian Wolfe and Armando Benetiz. When is Wolfe back and now that Benetiz is back throwing what do you think the club has in store for him?
MW: Wolfe is still a week or two away, at least. He hasn’t even gone on a rehab assignment yet. Benitez has had one appearance in a month, so let’s see how he does at AAA.
- CameronFantastic game tonight, Marcum is really shaping up and i was happy to see him finish the 8th and almost make it through the 9th. The only major deficiency in his game i thougt was not going deep enough in games, and hopefully he’s going to prove that he can do that as well.
On the offense front, everybody kicks around possible trades, but how about Juan Rivera? He’s cheap, buried in LA and has shown some great potential. Do the Jays have anything the Angels would want? Is he the kind of player JP would be interested in?
MW: Rivera is talented and blocked, but Ricciardi doesn’t want to bring in a guy that he’s going to have to give up an asset for.
- Brampton FanToo bad that Scutaro doesn’t have Johnny Mac’s defence, though he hasn’t been really tested. He certainly showed the offence side.
Marcum was hitting his spots beautifully….kudos go to the catcher as well.
Tough series coming up with Cleveland. Hope they can keep the momentum.
Does it sound like JP has changed his tune about Bonds? I missed WWJP, so just wondered.
Great blog…..Go Jays!!
MW: No, JP has most certainly not changed his tune on Bonds.
- JackMike,
When Marcum was coming up the Jays’ system, was this type of greatness ever envisioned? Was he ever a “can’t miss” prospect type of guy? Or is this as much of a pleasant surprise to the boys up top as it is to me? Cuz, man, I love this guy. What a competitor on the mound.
thanks.
MW: He was a 3rd-round pick, so they certainly thought of him highly, but I’m sure no one imagined this level of success to this point.
- eyebleafLet’s play the trade game.
Given J.P.’s comments do we have to assume that Lind is available in a deal? What does that get you? The problem is there doesn’t seem to be many potential impact bats who are a) due to be free agents in 2009 while simultaneously b) playing on rebuilding squads. (Manny, Vladdy, Chipper all get there options picked-up. And even if the Braves fall out of contention, it’s not like Lind gets the Jays Mark Teixeira given it cost the Braves there own version of Lind [who as a sometimes catcher was even more valuable] and more to get Big Tex in the first place.)
We’re left with, what, Dunn for Lind? And would the Reds even go for that?
That brings us to our best chip… gasp… Snider? I’d be cool with trading Snider as part of a Marlins-Tigers style deal that’s trading future potential for current performance, but there aren’t many other 25-year-old superstars up for grabs that would make giving up Snider a reasonable gamble. (As great as it would be to see Lance Berkman in a Jays uniform [who happens to be under contract for another year], I don’t like the idea of trading a promising kid for a guy in his early 30s.)
So other than a role player like Botts, who do you think might be available and what do you think it would cost?
MW: I think it’s a little too early to look for major guys who might be available, save for someone like Jason Bay who wants out of Pittsburgh. Whoever the Jays go after will cost them pitching. Everyone will be asking for McGowan and Marcum, Purcey and Cecil, guys like that. Lind and Snider may be big chips, but the Jays’ trade partners will look to take advantage of the great pitching. I guarantee you that Dunn doesn’t get moved without a pitcher or two coming back.
- MichaelMike,
Great post. I was wondering if you’ve been noticing the lights out pitching of Lincecum in San Fran – he’s even more fantabulous than Marcum. I didn’t like that proposed trade when it was festering in the Spring because I see us needing his bat in a big way and was confident in our arms. It is really encouraging though that J.P. recognized this solid talent (although most acknowledged Lincecum as a legitimate potential ace) and made a solid play for him. Thoughts on Lincecum and how you felt about that potential trade?
Also, which prospects do you see the Jays potentially moving for the Frank Thomas big-bat replacement (although Stairs is doing an above average job)?
Rolen is rapidly becoming my favorite position player on the Jays. I just love his dead-on aim throws that look like they would blast through Lyle’s chest. This guy is special and JP looks like a genius for having the guts to pull the trigger on this one. Glaus, although I thougt he was great (despite losing the O-Dog for him), looked like a much older player than he really was. Rolen looks like he’s good to go for years to come, finger-be-damned. I loved that 8th inning tonight – definitely need more of those. Seeing Barajas and Scutaro producing where Fasano and Clayton KILLED us last year down in those 8 and 9 spots brings joy to my heart.
MW: You’re being a little harsh on Big Sal, he only had 45 at-bats last year. As for my thoughts on Lincecum, check the posts from back in December, there are a few.
- ToddMike,
We’re not happy about Reed struggling, it’s just a response to those who kept saying that keeping Stewart over a Johnson was a mistake.
I hope he does well in Chicago. (well, maybe not well, as I have Felix Pie in my deep keeper league) :-)
MW: You may not be happy, but you can’t speak for everyone.
- GregJPHi Mike,
It looks now that we are almost in the middle of May that those young surprise starting pitchers of last year will avoid the second year jinx and are for real!
- Larry MurrImagine how many games the Jays would have lost last year and so far this year if those young pitchers would not have blossemed last year. Thanks to our pitching the Jays will battle for a wild card spot and if they make it to the play-offs, PITCHING is what wins in October. Even if our hitting only gets mildly better, our pitching will keep us in the wild card race. The 1954 Cleveland Indians won 111 games with a much weaker offense than we have this year. Of course they lost out to the Yankees in 49, 50, 51, 52 and 1953, so they felt they HAD to win 111 games to beat the Yankees out. The YANKS won the World Series those five years in a row. A feat that will never be repeated because of all the play offs that preceed (and undermine)the World Series today. I’d want to keep J.P. around next year and 2010 as he has learned a LOT in his seven years here that will only make him better than any new GM we hire. I hope Paul Godfrey and Ted Rogers KNOW this when this season is over.
Here’s a thought – Armando Benitez for any one of…
Kevin Mench
Bobby Kielty
Josh Phelps
?
Trade of one superfluous minor league reclamation for another, what’s not to like?
MW: I don’t think any of those guys would get moved for Nando, but I don’t think the Jays would have to give up that much to get one of them. Except Kielty, of course, he had surgery on his hand a week or so ago.
- WillRainMIKE What were you thinking!!!! Ive been begging you to ask JP about Scott Campbell in AA!!!! A real prospect!!! and you ask about Armando “done as dirt” Benitez? Come on…you are too good for that. Also, nice sneak attack and ground work laid down by you asking Jp about his relationship with Jockety in Cincy..we know where that is going (hello Dunn or Griff) should we stay close come deadline.
MW: Haven’t noticed any begging, you could have called to ask.
- sammyWhat’s up with Brandon League? Looks like he is sort of a 2nd starter on days that Davis Romero pitches down in the Cuse…or is that just coincidence? Maybe he can become the 7th starter!
MW: It seems like there’s some piggybackage going on.
- jamesHi Mike,
Any chance of getting John Gibbons to do a regular phone in like J.P. Riccardi? I heard him on with Norm Rumack and he was an absolute pleasure to listen to. He said he really enjoyed it. Maybe twice a month or something.
Also why’d they dump Thomas, how are you and why’d they cut Reid Johnson for Stewart?
MW: Thanks, Mike. I think J.P. once a week is good, and Gibby every so often with Stormy works nicely, too.
- michael sSalutations Mr. Wilner,
I have to give you major props for your blog! I’d say you’ve reached the status of a Doug Smith, Chuck Swirsky type following, which in these parts is as close to a cult following as you get unless you’re a puck-head( unfortunately).
It’s even more unfortunate there isn’t a comparable fan base in Toronto for the Jays like there is for the Raptors.
I think part of the reason of course is winning and making the playoffs which obviously is more difficult to do in baseball. Is there any chance of the League coming up with another round to the playoffs while shortening the season or any such combination where more teams can make the post-season? I was also wondering what you thought about Richard Griffins comment on Aaron Hill “obviously” having a mental block when hitting near the top and middle of the lineup and perhaps being the reason he started to go into a slump.
Always a pleasure and thanks for your time.
Postscript: too bad you don’t have more time on your hands to perhaps take over a vacant spot in broadcasting albeit in a different sport! Thanks again! Take Care.
MW: There are already more than enough teams in the playoffs in baseball for me. And I don’t buy the mental block thing. Hill sees himself as a top of the order hitter.
- RyanMike,
Amazing game all right. I am sick as a dog, should have gone to bed and wouldn’t. The nice part was when I started to doze off despite myself, the boat horn woke me up after Rolen’s blast. And Marcum, I love that guy. What a little bulldog he is. Every time he pitches I pay super close attention, because I know the no hitter’s coming sooner or later.
You said it was ok for me to like New Kids because I’m a girl. I have to disagree, I don’t think it was ok at all despite my gender, but at least I got over it. Musically, I now tend to refer to myself as one of the rarest of breeds, a female Rush fan.
As for the not answering redundancies, good call. I have questions, but nothing urgent, they’ll keep. We love your blog here because you do make such an effort to address everyone, but I’ve been looking at the hours they go up on the site, and it’s crazy. I have a toddler and I keep better hours than you do. I think you’re due for a day off or two. Thanks for all the work, but don’t burn out that voice of reason!
MW: Thanks. I have a toddler, too, and often I’m posting these comments with Hi-5 or the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playing in the background. Oh, Toooooodles!
- kitaHey Mike!
What’s your favourite baseball movie of all time?
I go between Field of Dreams and Bull Durham, however sometimes Ferris Buller’s Day Off sneaks right up in there!
:D
Aneez
MW: Bull Durham was pretty awesome. I think that’s it.
- Aneez KanjiDo you ever see Marcum or McGowan receiving a Cy Young later on in their careers?
MW: They could, for sure.
- ZacharyHowdy Mike
Just wondering what website you go to to see what the blue jay prospects are doing in the minors. I like to check out baseball America and see who they they rated as the top 10 prospects. It is obviously not the bible since Marcum was never a “top 10″ prospect though they did note he had the best changeup among prospects in 2006.
MW: I usually use milb.com
- MatthewQuick question, Mike:
I know that Velandia came up and Lind went back down, but my understanding was that Velandia was not on the 40-man roster, so I’m wondering if there was another roster move made, to allow him to come up?
MW: Nope, they had room on the 40-man to add him.
- NormThe only other performance I saw live that was like Marcum’s was a Dave Steib 1-hitter. Can’t recall the opponent but same idea-forget about it!! Have only been at the dome twice with Rolen in the lineup. He seemed to play most TB hitters way in close to the ‘grass’ vs other third basemen (almost like a bunt orientation). Sort of like Devon White – in his case trusting his speed to go back quickly. In Rolen’s case, it’s his reflexes which are truly amazing going side to side and back .. to wit those two plays in 9th. Mike -have you noticed this? If so, was it due to Marcum’s off speed stuff, is it that Rolen is that quick side to side and back, or was I just seeing stg that wasn’t there last night?
Thanks
MW: Rolen plays shallow for some guys, but certainly not for everyone. It’s not the same as an outfielder, because you can’t go back on a ground ball. Rolen is just plain awesome.
- Paul RyanMike,
Awesome performance from Marcum last nite.
- Rob H.Right now it seems like Burnett is the 5th starter. It’s frustrating to see the guy with the best “stuff” pitch so inconsistently. Ideally he should be a guy that Marcum, McGowan and Litsch look up to and learn from. But it seems to be the other way around. I hope A.J. was taking notes last nite. Unfortunately the vibe I get is that he thinks he is much better than he actually is (I realize I don’t know him, just a feeling).
Love the infield depth this year. Nice to be able to plug a guy like Scutaro into SS after TWO go down in the same game!
Mike,
great show with J.P. last night. It was really nice to see a crooked number up there. Although I maybe be stealing the idea from the Angles of La of A, I’ve come up with a way to improve the Jays hitting with runners in scoring position. Thats right, get Marcum his ralley monkey.
J.P. sounded like he was looking for a DH to platoon with Stairs….but didn’t tip his hand. What do you think he is up to?
MW: I think he’s up to something, check the next post.
- JWLove this pitching staff!I knew going in that the pitching would be their strength but I think it is even better than predicted.Shaun sometimes reminds me of a right handed Jimy Key.Not overpowering but consistently keeping hitters off balance with control,changing speeds and using all of his pitches.As Reeds numbers come back to earth,I think we’ll see Stewarts improving by playing every day.
- TerryI know you say standings don’t mean anything until June 1 etc. and to a degree that’s right, but things are starting to take shape and I’m wondering, now ~40 games in, which of the teams do you see as legit wildcard contenders and which of the teams currently leading their divisions/second in their divisions do you think are destined to fail?
Specifically I’m wondering about where you see Tampa Bay, Oakland and Minnesota fit into the long term playoff picture?
Also Detroit, I know you have said many times they won’t make the playoffs, but do you anticipate them making noise and at least contending?
Lastly, a comment – you should promote your blog a lot more often on your show. Not overkill, but at least mention it once a show. I know I have been a listener to some degree or another for years but only just this season happened to stumble upon your blog. A lot of the more casual listeners might be simply unaware this blog exists and that you answer most comments here as well … You could always present it like “if you didn’t get a chance to get on the air, don’t despair, visit my blog and comment and I will do my best to answer, etc etc”. Just my 2 cents.
MW: You’re right, I’ll try to get the word out more about the blerg on The JaysTalk. As for where Oakland, Minnesota and Tampa fit into the long-term playoff picture, I don’t think they do. Detroit will finish over .500 and may make some noise, but as I said before the season, they won’t be in the playoffs.
- ColeThere were a few snickers around the table at my fantasy baseball draft this past March when I ponied up all of $7 for Marcum while many 4th starters went for $1 or $2. Shawn is sure making me look like a wise investor.
MW: Swell pick-up.
- LarryBMike,
One thing I forgot. We had another runner get nabbed between 2nd and 3rd. I have never seen this happen as much as it has this season. Is Peavey just not suit for being at 3rd?
MW: He’s definitely having a hard time.
- JWMike,
Does this team remind you of the Jays right before the Fernandez/McGriff for Carter/Alamar trade? If they don’t make the playoffs could we be seeing something as large as that again? Also, does Garza tip his pitches with the glove wave he does before every pitch?
cheers,
MW: If he tips his pitches, the Jays sure weren’t noticing. And no, it doesn’t remind me of that 1990 team. Remember, that year they weren’t eliminated from the playoff race until the second-last day of the season, thanks to that diving catch by Tom Brunansky in Boston.
- ChrisMike – How do you go from a high ankle sprain to being able to play in the next game.?
Sid the Kid should have been so lucky! He was out something
like 6 – 8 weeks with the same thing . Must be the good air in Hogtown .
George
MW: There are big-time differences in the severity of those kinds of sprains, but Johnny Mac didn’t turn out to be as ready as we all hoped he might be.
- George MarshallThis pitching staff is living up to its billing. No reason to think that the staff as a whole won’t be able to keep it going. They have the potential to have the best ERA in the AL at hte end of the season. When looking at a pitching staff, what is the highest ranking a Jays team has ever had? What is the team ERA in the month of May?
MW: Sorry – too much work for right now.
- Aaron KerIn case you missed it, I see that Jason Botts has cleared waivers and been outrighted by the Rangers to AAA Oklahoma.
MW: Yup, so the Jays didn’t want him.
- NormMike,
Towards the end of the JP show, it sounded a little like JP’s kids are Red Sox fans. What’s up with that? I know the guy is from New England, but how coulld you consider yourself “lucky to see 2 Red Sox World Series chanps” when your dad is running the blue jays?
MW: Yeah, it came off that way, but they’re always bedecked in Blue Jays’ regalia. I don’t think they’re Sox fans, but they have gotten the chance to see two baseball championships celebrated in their home town.
- SteveMike you said “There is plenty of utility in allowing a pitcher to complete a one-hit shutout”
Which im sure there is. but ultimatly your trying to win the game and with a 5-0 lean in the 9th you’ve already done that so why not save Marcum one of your studs for a few of the 134 games left in the seasoon? I’m not saying this because of the result of the 9th inning I said to my buddy befor Marcum came out that I would of rather seen Frasor.
This is not a big deal at all I’m sure Marcum will be fine. I would just rather see the jays focus on the win and not an individul accomplishment.
MW: I don’t think they weren’t focused on the win by sending Marcum out for the 9th. Different story if it’s 1-0 and he’s running on fumes.
- Dan M.Wednesday’s with JP had a much different tone last night than it did last week.
I’ve been following the Jays since 1989 and i’ve only seen 3 GM’s over my time as a Jay’s fan(i think). Knowone comes close to the job Pat Gillick did during the era of the late 80′s into the 90′s. But i think JP has sparked a bit of interest of the team back into the city of T.O and Canada (at least that’s what it seems) which has to be challenging especially when it’s a hockey first nation. People forget how low those years in the mid 90′s (except for 98/99) were after the strike. Based on the amount i hear the casual fan speaking about the Jays, it seems that he’s created interest in the franchise and has for the most part kept it going since 02. At least that’s what it seems from someone who does not live in Toronto? What do you think Mike?
MW: It seems as though he has people’s attention, whether they love him or hate him.
- AaronMike where do you think the Jays will finish in runs scored in the American League?
11th or 12th?
MW: The way they’re going? 15th.
- Dan M.I was at the game and was amazed by Marcum! I was also equally impressed with Gibbons for giving him a shot to go the whole 9!
- Hentgen FanHey Mike,
Look deeply into you magic ball. What direction do you think the Jays will be looking in the upcoming amateur draft with their 1st round pick? Any names pop out for you?
MW: I’m not going to be predicting who the Jays might draft.
- peteJeff Blair says the Jays are now actively looking for a RH bat. If you had to guess, who are the most likely candidates the Jays have their sights set on?
MW: Check the next post, I don’t think it’s going to be a righty.
- RyanMike,
Whew! Marcum – most definately on the road to becoming Doc’s successor as the “Ace” of the staff! Finding words to descirbe his perfomances is tough for sure.
What more is there to say about Scott Rolens – loved him in St. Louis he is one of those guys where the saying “a man’s man” came from! For some reason I see him and BJ Ryan being real pals as they seem to be built from the same mold as far as a warrior goes!
Nice to hear JP speak of his intentions of sticking around to fullfill his remaining 2 years in Toronto. I for one would love to see them keep him around longer.
Time for some Toronto fans to realize that buliding a team,becoming a playoff team and contender for a Championship is a heck of a lot tougher in Major League Baseball than it is in hockey!
Keep things in perspective out there fans – 16 teams make the play-offs in hockey and only a mere percentage of that in MLB get a crack at it. Especially when you think of the competition in the Jays division alone!
We should all acknowledge and appreciate that JP has brought some very exciting talent to Toronto over the years despite the end results – the young pitching he has drafted over his tenure so far is unreal.
If the hitting for the last couple of years and so far this year had been what we all (including JP) thought it would have been – even a couple of points lower than the hitters average – we would have been smokin the rest of baseball during that span. Nothing JP can do as to the actual swinging of the bat or the success of the opposition pitching.
Loose the hockey mentality as to how long a GM or coach/manager has been around – it just doesn’t fit in MLB.
Coaches and GM’s in hockey get canned in a shorter time frame than in baseball for good reason as the odds for making the post season are most definately in there favour Vs their counter parts in MLB.
This year it will all come about (hitting)- post season is dependent on so many things coming together so let’s be patient and for sure lay off the man who has in my opinion done well for the city and the Jays!
- BobNice to see Aaron Hill knocking the cover off the ball. with that .691OPS I guess im forgetting that HE’S ONLY 26 AND THIS IS ONLY HIS THIRD FULL MAJOR LEAGUE SEASON. lol yah your right Mike this guy is an offensive juggernaut.
MW: Yeah, five weeks says so much. At least you’re not on Reed Johnson anymore.
- Dan M.I was there. Marcum was extraordinary. If he hadn’t had to wait half an hour while his team finished batting around he probably would have gotten a complete game 1-hitter.
Can we talk about Vernon Wells? do you think his slump was partly induced by hitting before Thomas in the lineup for a month? As soon as Thomas went cold–and he went cold real fast–everyone pitched around Wells to get to him. So he really didn’t see anything to hit and went after some real bad pitches just trying to hit something. I think it had to have had some effect on him…
MW: Interesting theory, but Vernon was still doing pretty well for a good week and a half at least while Thomas was in his trough.
- isabella reyesI saw in the Globe where JP said he’s looking for a right-handed bat via the trade route. He also said (no surprise here) that everyone wants one of the M&M boys. What was noticeably absent from the story was a strong quote from JP saying that those boys weren’t going anywhere. Mike, please tell me the Jays wouldn’t be so crazy as to part with either of those two!
MW: They’ll deal anyone if it makes the team better, but it’d take a LOT to part with one of those two.
- Rob_NSAnother question – Burnett’s hugging of Marcum after his outing was a nice gesture and it seems in general the starting pitching staff are very supportive of each other.
I’m wondering, from your experiences in and around the clubhouse, who are the most “rah-rah” types on the Jays? Ie. First up on the bench to congratulate a guy or the guy who even when he’s not in the lineup seems into the game and onto every pitch?
Conversely, are there any Jays you have found or noticed are the least “rah-rah” teamwise?
Thanks.
MW: I’m not down there during the game, so I don’t really know who the big rah-rah guys are. It really does seem like everyone is relatively close, though, I’d imagine they’re all pretty happy when someone does well.
- ColeIf I could talk to JP, I would tell him that the team needs a veteran, right-handed bat with pop. You know, a guy who will take a walk but punish the pitchers with power when he gets a good one to hit? A guy who gets really hot down the stretch.
Then again, we could always go with Jason Botts. A guy who has struck out 108 times in only 282 at bats in his career. At least Ted saves a few bucks.
MW: As far as I’m concerned, you can strike out 250 times a season if you get on base 40% of the time and hit for power, which is what Botts has done in the minors. But it’s a moot point now. You can talk to J.P., though, every Wednesday night.
- Jim BMike,
Great news about Eckstein and McDonald.
Do you think that Gibbons should be looking to keep Marcum’s (and maybe Halladay’s) pitch counts down this season? I’m not talking about last night–Marcum was brilliant and deserved a shot at the CG shutout. But he did break down towards the end of last year, and it’s not clear that he can be a consistent 200+ innings starter. (His delivery also seems less mechanically sound, and maybe more conducive to injury, than that of some other starters.) If we’re going to contend, we’re going to need quality starts from Marcum in August and September, too.
Halladay looks as good as ever and is as well-prepared physically and mentally as any pitcher out there. But wouldn’t it be wise to back him off here and there–maybe give him some 90-100 pitch or 6-innings starts (assuming the offense heats up and gives him some 5-1, 7-2 leads for him to work with)?
MW: Sure, if they get some big leads, but otherwise no. Remember, too, Marcum needed knee surgery after last season.
- GeoffMike,
Great news about Johnny Mac. Can’t wait to see him in the lineup (hopefully tonight).
MW: Turns out reports of Mac’s good health were a little premature.
- Bernard“I don’t want to start off on a sour note, but you really need to be careful about using big words if you’re not 100% sure what they mean”
Re-read the blog and couldn’t quite find a word that I thought you would consider big. Then again, I’m sure what we consider as part of the everyday lexicon is significantly different, especially considering the fact that I am a mere layman.
Could it be “strong hypothesis”. If it is then sorry for mis-using the term. becuase statisticians never say to themselves when testing or making a hypothesis that their sample spaces are too small for their educated guesses to be strong ones. That would be ludicrous….
Anyways, on to important matters. Was at the game last night and again, liked what I saw. Marcum is becoming a dominant starter. I must admit I was worried about the one run issue going into the 8th but that was all settled by the bottom half. Was 9 rows up from first and thought that Hill cost Marcum the CG Shutout by not making that throw to first. Agree with the decision in a tight game…not when you’re up 6-0. Good interview with JP last night. I especially liked how he described his day as GM and how he stressed it’s not the job that he likes, just the fact that the Job simply provides him with a direct avenue to talk about baseball all day. What a lucky guy….then again, your job does the same thing….lucky guy.
Thanks Mike, take ‘er easy
MW: You know, I did re-read it, and “hypothesis” is the only word you used incorrectly. I’m sorry for the snark, it seemed to me that there were three or four more – must have been because I was getting steamed about all the Leaf comments that preceded yours. Lucky guy, indeed though, and don’t I know it!
- Christopher MarinoniMike,
It’s starting to look like Scott Rolen really is the best Blue Jay ever!! Also, maybe I was just tired, but snake face looked intense lastnight on the mound, even without the tatt…
MW: What do you mean without the tatt?
- Tommy ScholczDo you think Brett Cecil and Curtis Theipin will be enough toget Adam Dunn? Also on a side note, have you been watching basketball and who do you think gonna meet in the nba finals and win it?
MW: Brett Cecil and something might be enough, but I don’t know if that something is Thigpen. I’d love to see the Celtics over the Lakers in the Finals, but I don’t know if New Orleans will let that happen.
- andrewWere you aware that the Jays scored five runs or less in 20 straight games according to the Elias Sports Bureau. No team in the majors has had a streak like this for longer than 6 games. The last team to accomplish that was the 02 Tigers and they were a brutal team, but did not have the Jays pitching. I cannot believe you would never mention that. Regardless, the hitters of the Jays should be ashamed of themselves for a pathetic performance like this.
MW: I did know that they’d gone so long without scoring more than five runs, but I didn’t know about the 02 Tigers thing when I put the blerg post up. You’re right, it’s embarrassing.
- aviThanks for the update Mike. I was busy and missed the game! Figures I’d miss a great outing!
Great news about Johnny Mac’s apparent overnight recovery! I hope he is really healthy and able to return ASAP. Eckstein should take it easy though…maybe a 15 day stint on the DL would be a good idea for him…;o) At the very least maybe the two should platoon for a week or so just to see what’s what. Dagnabbit! MacDonald has earned some playing time! He deserves to get some at bats too.
In regards to Reed Johnson who is IMO a fairly average streaky hitter, who still manages to put together a better than average OBP a lot of the time.
Reed, when things are clicking for him, seems to make things happen. He bunt’s for base hits, takes one for the team to get on base and works 0-2 counts to 3-2 and in many cases for a walk. Sadly things are not clicking for Reed right now. I hope that changes for him soon and wish him continued success in his career,(except if he’s playing the Jays);o). To think otherwise would be un-sportsman like, to say the least.
Regarding my pet subject, Ernie Whitt. Mike I agree that having a career and managing a team are not one and the same. I do think that a major league career can’t hurt either.
Does Joe Carter have any managing or coaching experience? Joe was a great player but I wouldn’t choose him as a manager. I actually like catchers as managers. That is excepting Buck of course. That is one of the things I like about Gibbons. Currently things seem to be turning around a bit and that is calming my ire somewhat. I’m seeing Gibby doing some of the things I have thought he should be doing so that encourages me. Lets see how the next few weeks go. Maybe John can keep his job a little longer.
J.P. Has done so many good things for the team and prior to this season if someone had suggested getting rid of him I would have balked at the idea. What changed my tune so quickly? It has seemed to me, and my family that J.P. was kind of lost at sea. That he had no plan. He claims to have a plan. But it hasn’t seemed that way to us. It still seems like they are making knee jerk moves at time…I’ll site the Lind situation as my example.
Ok, I’m starting to get novelesque here so I’ll shut up and move on. Thanks as usual for the article and the opportunity for discourse.
- Kevin from AvonleaHey Mike,
Shaun Marcum is pitching fantastically, but he’s also rocking a .184 BABIP right now. Over the rest of the season, he’s going to face a ‘correction’ of, most likely, at least 100 points. What he’s doing right now is simply unsustainable.
Luck has been the dominant factor in the Jays season so far. If you’re willing to acknowledge its role in the Jays’ RISP woes, you have to also acknowledge its role in Marcum’s pitching.
MW: I have been steadfast all season in saying that the Jays’ pitching can’t possibly continue to be this good.
- DanSS’s are out – when are we calling up Justin Jackson? Every time I look this kid is going 3-4.
At least, when are they gonna move him up to New Hampshire?
MW: He’s still pretty young. Given how much Snider has struggled at AA, it’s not a terrible idea to keep him down there.
- AndrewJust finished up the podcast of Wednesday’s with JP and in the beginning he made it seem like he’s trying to find a platoon partner for DH sooner rather than later. Nothing big but just somebody who can hit lefties. Did you get that same feeling, Mike?
MW: Yup, and I expect the move to happen very soon.
- Matt SMike! You wouldn’t know that the MLB season has started or the NBA playoffs are in full swing because all I hear on the fan is hockey talk. Even when hockey hasn’t been on for 3 days thats all I hear on the station.
Unbelievable.
MW: Except that without it, we wouldn’t have an all-sports station.
- Brandon in TorontoHi Mike,
Great job on all you do, amazing how the callers moods changes on the Jaystalk with JP after a winning streak eh.
Anyways, what the heck does Marcum have in his mouth while pitching? A mouthguard of some sort? Is he afraid of taking a liner in the chops? I just thought it strange for a pitcher to be wearing a mouth guard.
MW: See above.
- BoldstarMike, I have what they call “Toronto Sports Complex”…. Is our pitching staff reallllly this good? We have to be top 2 in the league! Should I be waiting for the collapse or are they legit?
MW: You’re The Rat, remember? Your job is to think they’re not legit.
- The RatHey Mike,
I know its been brought up before but I don’t believe youve addressed it.
There has got to be a Jays Talk podcast. In your most recent post you say “I’m pretty sure you can hear the whole show somewhere on this very website, if you’re so inclined.”
Well where on the website? Could you provide a link?
Thanks, I love the work you do.
MW: Thanks. I don’t know how to link and stuff. Sorry about that.
- rickThis has probably been asked and if so sorry. Do you think Marcum should have gone in for the 9th even with a good lead, he knew he was comming out of the game. I wonder if that took him out of his rythm and caused the hiccup in the 9th, or was that just the rays finally getting lucky.
MW: I didn’t see a hiccup. I saw four ground balls – he should have been out of it.
- NickI can’t even think about how awful this offense would be without Rios right now, but on the other hand….can you imagine if this rotation had Lincecum? scaryfying….
MW: Indeedly.
- peteHi Mike,
Love the JP podcast – now let’s get them to extend it to all JaysTalks – I can’t always listen in and enjoy them.
So, one caller rightly gave JP props for doing WwJP. There has been some garbage lately regarding GM’s not living in their towns being somehow less suitable than live-in GM’s. Hmmm, would that be like ‘in cito’? ;-) Anyway – the Q:
Are you aware of any other GMs, any top-level sport/league, who take the time to talk directly to their fans (not just media types), on a regular basis, in good times and bad, throughout the season? Taking the wacky with the wonderful, etc. I certainly can’t think of any recent local examples…
Regards,
Charles
MW: I’m not, and I can’t think of any local examples, for sure.
- CharlesHey Mike,
I was just wondering how you classify each sport for a pitcher..
How do you define a number 1? Is it simply one of the top 30 starters in baseball?
And would that make a number 2 fall between 30-60?
Because if you did that, Im sure you could make a case the Jays have a number 1 and 3 number 2s…
MW: I’ve never thought that far along as far as a definition is concerned. It’s one spot I go with “feeling”.
- SteveOh ya I forgot to ask,
How are you doing?
- SteveHey Mike,
Does “les” still write in to the blog, even though you banned him?
MW: I’ve only seen one attempt since the ban.
- JasonHey Mike,
I thought that was going to be another 1-0 game last night. It’s remarkable how fantastic their pitching has been, and how anemic the offense has been. The last week has been fun to watch though.
Hey, how good does the Rolen for Glaus trade look at this point? Rolen now has more homers!
I had a real bad feeling about Glaus last year. It seems like a lot of alleged former steroid users just fall off a cliff performance wise.
MW: It’s still early to judge, but I believe you’ll find that I said if they were both healthy, it’s a win for the Jays. They laughed at me at the institute!
- JamesFirst off I wanted to say after listening to this weeks installment of Wednesday’s with JP, that the man deserves respect. I’ve always liked JP and am impressed how he makes himself available to the fans and media and is about as forthright and open as a GM can be. Just wondering, do other GM’s do call-in shows with fans like JP does? When he first started doing it, it struck me as odd for a GM but a great idea to keep connected with the fan base. Kudos to JP for doing it.
As far as rumours go, things seem to be starting to heat up a bit. Concerning the Pirates, I’ve heard both Xavier Nady and Jason Bay mentioned. In your opinion which one is more attractive to you and which one do you feel is more “gettable”? I believe Nady has Boras for an agent which makes me want to not touch him with a 10-foot pole, existing contract or not. Thoughts?
MW: I like them both as lefty-killers. Bay would cost more because he can hit righties, too.
- B-rad from CalgaryMike,
It’s so nice to see that the scoreboard can actually display more than a single run in ahome inning. I was convinced that the had to be some sort of equipemtnent failure or bug in the software preventing this. I’ve listened faithfully to JaysTalk and while many of your calllers claimed that the Jays would never hit I knew that that couldn’t be true.
All joking aside it was nice to see them open up a lead in a tight game.
Nice to see Lyle Overbay improving as far as slugging goes.
I like Lyle, certainly more than some of your callers, not nearly as much as one fan of his I saw last year.
The Jays were playing the D-Rays last May snf I’m in the 500s behind home. With Lyle at the dish, the count 1-0, a young woman to my left yells out “Lyle I want to have your baby!”. Just then Lyle looks back and upwards. The young woman much more quietly says to her friend, “Oh my god! Do you think he heard me?”
The moral of that story is that know matter what your callers say you are not and never will be Lyle Overbays biggest fan.
MW: Indeed.
- PRBHey Mike:
Before the season started, I wondered if there would be a connection between major leaguers quitting steroids and the amount of power hitting (particularly home runs) this year (after all of the high profile scandal).
I wonder if you could comment on how the number of Home Runs in major league baseball compares to the same time last year.
The Jays are certainly seeing a decline in home runs, and I wonder if this is part of a larger trend.
Of course, I realize, if there is a decline, there are other factors which could explain this.
A big fan … Scott Brown (in Waterloo, Ontario)
MW: I heard today, though I haven’t checked it out, that there have been 300 fewer home runs hit this year than at the same point last year. That’s 10 per team, about 1.1 per starter.
- Scott BrownMike,
Fully agree with you about McDonald and Eckstein, but I would take it a step further. I would have McDonald playing full time. Here’s why:
Look at their offensive numbers – no argument that Eckstein is a better offensive player, but by how much? The difference in their career slugging % is .046 points. This also happens to be the exact difference in their career batting average, meaning that any difference between the two players’ on-base percentage is entirely attributable to singles or walks (i.e. they have the exact same career isolated power).
Now looking at their OBP, Eckstein for his career is at .350, while Johnny Mac is at .279, a difference of .071. Over 600 plate appearances, this works out to 43 extra times that Eckstein would reach base over the course of a season, but keep in mind these are all singles or walks. This is basically one extra time on base for every 4 games played.
This becomes a very simple question then – does McDonald’s defence save you one baserunner or more over every four games when compared to Eckstein’s defence.
Uhm…yes.
MW: Good work. Sadly, though, I’d take the one baserunner every four games the way this offense is going.
- James FiremanSince both Eck and Mac are on the DL but they only called up Inglett, should we assume that Jason Botts is on his way to meet up with the gang in Cleveland?
MW: Nope, Botts cleared waivers and is in AAA Oklahoma.
- darrenWait, I just heard you say on the radio that Eck will go on the DL tomorrow. Why would you wait a day to do that? Is that just so that they have 25 (and not 24) guys on the roster? Would it be against some rule to only have 24 guys on the roster? I assume both will be on the DL retroactive to Wednesday anyway…
MW: I’m not sure why they’re doing it, but they don’t have a guy here anyway (because he’s more than likely not in the organization yet).
- darrenHey Mike,
I’ve always wondered, who is/are your favourite Blue Jay(s) of all time? Pitcher and position player if you have time. Keep up the good work!
MW: As a player or as a person?
- Scott BHi Mike,
Thanks for the opportunity to contact you.
I have a question regarding the Blue Jays uniforms.
The novelty of the black tops has worn off. They look good occasionally. But, now wearing them for the majority of the time is hard for me to take.Home & away.
I’m a traditionalist. The white at home is classic, and the gray on the road looks good. I’d even like to see the old logo somewhere. The powder blues are a nice touch on Fridays.
Can you tell me what’s the logic behind the selection of the uniforms.
Thanks for you time.
Tom from Port Dover.
MW: Asked and answered.
- Tom MorrisonMike….
We really need to sign a lefty-masher to hit off the bench/DH.
Who, when and how much?
Don’t the Jays have the $10,000,000 Big Frank would have made in ’09? Could they use that for a deal on someone good? How much would Sammy Sosa cost?
Any trade/deal rumors?
Thanks!
MW: See above.
- andrew - KWSo Ricciardi wants to add a right-handed bat. Do you have any leads on who they might go for, and who they might have to give up?
MW: It’s up there somewhere.
- TyMike,
I was just listening to the Arizona game on the radio and heard the guy say ‘touch ‘em all’ as his home run call.
Which begs the question: who was the first to say it? I always thought it was Tom Cheek. Am I wrong? Say it ain’t so!
MW: Sorry, but “touch ‘em all” predates Tom by a long, long time. It doesn’t take a thing away from the call, though.
- bgYou think Marcum’s performance was better than McGowan’s one-hitter last year? It was a beautiful performance, phenomenal even, but Dustin McGowan’s one-hitter was pretty damn spectacular as well.
MW: Yeah, they both were. It’s tough to say which was better, I was blown away by both. I’ll have to check my scoresheet from the Dustin game to remember what my impressions were at the time.
- JasonMr Wilner
Nothing to do with the article but, do you think with a good start, will Oakland be in playoff contention, or will they be a big tease and just die out in the middle of the season?
MW: See above.
- gregI think Blue Jays are well on their way to be the worst hitting team in baseball and best pitching team in baseball. Not good enough bats out there, if there are, they are quiet most of the time. This team plays on two extremes and it won’t be long when the pitchers will give up in frustration. You are not supposed to lose 5 out of 6 games against the Rays. C’mon JP, we need some RBIs, make a trade, do something or I’ll go bald at age 24. Enough of my rant!
MW: I don’t foresee the pitchers giving up.
- BeburgMike,
Who do you take, you have to choose one or the other Marcum and McGowan or Carmona and Lee?
MW: Why do I have to choose one or the other? No question it’s Carmona over Lee, though.
- SteveNot to get greedy but both if you have time.
- Scott BHey Mike just stating the obvious. They blew it in the bottom of the 10th with Rios lead-off triple and failing to score the winning run. Really really frustrating. Like it needed to be said.
Take care.
- TroyFollowing up on my call tonight, Jacques Jones hit 27 HR in 2006, typically scores 80 R a season, and is projected to hit a bit better than Stewart this year over the season. He’s a left handed bat, can spell any of the OF, and can run a bit. He had a rough year in Detroit last year, had a bit of an injury, and hasn’t bounced back, and stinks this year. Still, he’ll hit for a little more power than Stewart, and play MUCH better D (think Gary Pettis with a better arm).
If we can find the room on the 40 man roster, and in case we can’t get Wilkerson (who admittedly has a lot more power upside), I think that it is worth the risk to at least sign him to a minimum or at least non-guaranteed contract (Detroit pays him his 6 million for the year once he clears waivers) and try him out in a ‘platoon’ situation, where he sits against lefties, can come in as a late inning defensive replacement or pinch run, and see if he can get a bit of his mojo back. Worst case scenario we release him if he doesn’t play well. Problem with this is we may be fighting with Florida who are looking at him as a temporary bandaid until Maybin comes up.
Anyways, if not Wilkerson, he’s likely the best we’re going to get.
Unless of course, we trade Snider or Purcey (OR Marcum…eeeep), or sign Shawn Green or Barry Bonds…but I guess that’s not happening… (someone will need to explain that to me someday…its not as if the Jays clubhouse has that ‘winning edge’ right now anyways, how bad could Bonds be?)
MW: I’m with you on Bonds, but it ain’t going to happen. Jones isn’t an altogether bad move, but he can’t hit lefties and doesn’t help with the fact that they need someone to share time with Stairs at DH. He’s no Gary Pettis, though, not close. You’re forgetting just how awesome that guy was with the glove.
- ScotAnd by the way, just since you said “winning edge” – had the Jays been able to score Rios tonight, they’re a .500 team coming off a 6-1 homestand with seven wins in their last eight games. It wasn’t a lack of a “winning edge” that failed them. It was a lack of contact.
Mike,
A few posts ago (around the Thomas dump and before their mini-hot streak) I characterized the Jays’ lineup as “mediocre”. You bristled, and I amended my comment to “average”.
The very pleasant surprise of watching Rolen hit like it’s 2004 after several years of suckitude, however, has made it clearer what I think I was trying to say.
All the Jays regulars have had very good seasons over the course of their careers. (At some point, I think they were all considered average or above-average bats relative to position.) The problem is that none of them can really be counted upon to produce that way in 2008:
-Rios seems to have all the potential in the world, but every year there’s a reason why he doesn’t reach it and settling instead for “merely very good”.
-Vernon Wells’ upside is .300/.350/.550, but apparently he’s just as likely to hit .260/.330/.470.
-Stewart’s a career .300/.360/.430 hitter, but hasn’t come close to that since his “MVP year” with the Twins.
-Hill was great last year, but the early returns on 2008 remind us that he’s still far from a sure thing.
-Eckstein’s clutchitude is ever dwindling, and his 2004 season is looking more like the anomaly in his career.
-Stairs out-produced his career rates at age 39 last year (something only thought possible of the Bondses of the world), and isn’t likely to continue at age 40. (Just look at Frank Thomas.)
-Overbay’s first year with the Jays was also a career year, and now 31 the odds seem longer that he’ll repeat and find that power stroke.
That leaves Zaun, what, as perhaps the one regular I’d be comfortable meeting or beating his 3-year averages…
All these guys at their best would clearly be a formidable lineup. But while there’s clearly a lot of talent 1-9, there isn’t a lot that you can take to the bank.
This isn’t a case like the Tigers where we still don’t know whether it’s a historically great lineup or just very good. (And clearly the Tigers hitters need to be historically great in order to compete.) There’s a real chance the Jays lineup just isn’t very good at all, and the odds all of of them (or even most of them) finally clicking at the same time looks ever more improbable.
Every fantasy player knows crossing your fingers and hoping all your guys have career years is no way to manager your roto roster if you hope to win.
It’s not about batting orders or firing Gibbons or the hitting coach. This is JP’s problem to fix.
MW: I really don’t think that it’s about all the Jays having career years at the plate. If they all just have their career AVERAGE year, they’ll be fine. But most importantly, they have to start getting hits in the right situations. No matter how average or below-average you think the Jays’ hitters are, you’d have to agree they’re not HORRIBLE, but they’re hitting horribly when they have the chance to drive in runs.
- MichaelI don’t think there is anyone in baseball right now with comparable range to Gary Pettis in his prime – Hunter is probably the closest there is.
- Robert DudekI agree they aren’t HORRIBLE.
But given these guys are a) aging, b) injury-prone, and/or c) just inconsistent, it may be much to expect even their career averages.
I think I said in the original post that if you squint you can maybe see the 2002 Angels–good defense, lots of starting pitching and a strong bullpen, with a some of very good bats with little dead weight (but also no superstars). My fingers are crossed…
MW: Everyone in the game is aging, and most players are inconsistent. I’ll give you that Rolen and Eckstein are injury-prone, but none of the other hitters are.
- MichaelYes, everybody is aging and most players are inconsistent, but there’s a difference between a) the Jays’ “aging” lineup and, say, the Rays’ or Diamondbacks’ core of guys in their 20s who are just getting better, and b) the Jays’ inconsistent hitters compared to the inconsistent hitting of teams whose baseline is already really really high (like the Boston Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers).
Only Rios, Wells, and Hill (well, Lind too) are in their 25-30 primes, and over the past three seasons (ie. what should be in the non-Bonds, non-Stairs universe their BEST years) they’ve all had at least one year with an OPS below .750.
There’s a bit of hoping to catch lightening in a bottle in the way JP has constructed this roster. That’s not necessarily a bad thing from a GM that’s been unable to draft much hitting talent and whose ownership is unwilling to go above $100M. But it shouldn’t be a huge surprise when those same guys don’t get it done, either.
Looking at the lineup a part of me hopes that Rogers has been developing some kind of time machine, and JP will transport Wells, Rolen, Overbay, Stewart, and Stairs all back to 2004. (If that’s the case I’ll even take 2004 production from Hill, Rios, and Eckstein for the bottom of the lineup.) Fortunately, it won’t matter either way for Zaun-y.
MW: If you extend the prime to 31, Overbay is in there, too. This isn’t a bunch of old guys. You say “aging”, people think mid-30s or later.
- Michael