12:55 AM Eastern
So it turns out the Blue Jays don’t have to make every one of their games eye-bleedingly frustrating to watch. They can actually play, and win, a regular-type baseball game. Who knew?
It appeared as though the black cloud that has been following this team around for the better part of a month had gone away, or at least hadn’t been able to seep through the inflated-roof wonderworld that is the Metrodome, as early as the first inning, when the Jays caught a massive break.
First, Aaron Hill gets a hit - a swell achievement seeing how he was hitting just .189 over his last 74 at-bats going into the nightcap of last night’s doubleheader (when he went 2-for-3, he’s coming out of it!). It was just an ordinary single to centre, Hill didn’t even make a big turn at first, but Carlos Gomez came up firing somewhere in the general direction of second base, over one cut-off man, past another and all the way into the Twins’ dugout. Massive break for the Jays. Now, just push the free run across and you’re off to the races.
It didn’t quite work out that way, as both Alex Rios and Scott Rolen struck out with Hill at third to end the inning. You could be forgiven for thinking that getting out of this funk might be a lot harder than we anticipated (or just as hard, depending on your level of anticipatoritude).
How about the trough that Rios is in, by the way? He’s 0-for-his-last-11 and 5-for-his-last-42. Yuck. Still didn’t stop Ron Gardenhire from intentionally walking him to pitch to Rolen in the 7th, though.
So the Jays gag on their first opportunity to get the lead, and the Twins open the scoring with a solo shot by Gomez (seriously?) - and a no-doubter at that, with two out in the 3rd.
But then, what’s this? The Jays actually responded! And had some luck along the way. With two out and nobody on, Matt Stairs drew a walk - his second of the night and only the second given up by Kevin Slowey all season. Lyle Overbay (I told you so) then ripped one of his patented shots into the gap in left-centre to score Stairs, his 5th double in the last eight games. Shannon Stewart was next, and he hit a fly ball to deepish right field. Michael Cuddyer gently glided back on it, put up his glove, and didn’t catch it. He had needed to add a little sprint to his glide, and didn’t get back quite far enough, by inches. RBI double for Stewart, and the Jays had the lead.
In all, the Jays scored four of their runs with two out, and the fifth came on a sac fly with the bases loaded and none out. That’s something rarely, if ever, seen from the 2008 Jays, and yet it was their second straight game with a bases-loaded sac fly. Things are starting to turn around.
In case I haven’t mentioned this before, Scott Rolen is the Best Blue Jay Ever. It’s a title well-earned, illustrated once more by his at-bat in the 6th inning. With Slowey on the ropes, Rolen delivered the set-up for the knockout punch. It wasn’t the lay-him-out uppercut to the jaw, but it was a series of good, hard jabs. Rolen fouled off NINE two-strike offerings in that at-bat, and finally grounded to shortstop on the 15TH pitch of the sequence! Two pitches later, Stairs put one in the seats, and Slowey was done. Tree-freakin’-mendous job by Rolen. He goes 0-for-5, and still makes a huge contribution at the plate, never mind with the glove, which is peerless at third base.
The questions came on The JaysTalk - why did John Gibbons take Jesse Litsch out so early? Litsch had only thrown 70 pitches when, with two out in the 6th and the tying run at the plate, Gibbons went and got him for Jesse Carlson. Of course Litsch had enough gas in the tank to pitch to Justin Morneau, and even if Morneau had taken him deep, the game would only be tied. For those reasons, if it were up to me, I would have let Litsch keep going.
But when you have four lefties in the bullpen, you can play the match-up game that early. It didn’t work out, because Carlson gave up an RBI triple off the baggie in right-centre, but so far this season has it ever been a mistake to bring in Jesse Carlson? He hadn’t given up a hit to a lefty since Eric Hinske took him deep back at DisneyWorld on April 22nd - three weeks and 12 appearances ago. Since when did Carlson become a LOOGY, though?
We got to see Armando Benitez make his Jays’ debut, and we got to see Jason Kubel hit his first-ever pitch as a Jay about a hundred miles into the upper deck in right. He rebounded by striking out Gomez on a nasty slider before walking Brendan Harris and giving way to Snakeface, who REALLY earned the save by retiring both Joe Mauer and Morneau on ground balls. It was a nice spot for Benitez’ debut. Three-run lead, three righties in a row, and even as he has slid into mediocrity (or worse) over the latter stages of his career, he’s still been a guy who can get righties out. Downs was ready for the bailout, and up to a very tough task.
In the 9th, we saw B.J. Ryan pitching on a second straight day for the first time this season, and but for one pitch to Mike Lamb, he looked great. Lamb came within about eight feet of taking Ryan deep down the right-field line for a game-tying homer with two out, but he wound up getting him on a grounder to third on which Rolen made a particularily pretty play. Best Blue Jay ever, after all.
Side note - does anyone else remember that game a few years back when the Rangers ran out of catchers against the Jays and they had to stick Lamb back there for the first time in his career? I don’t have the inclination to Retrosheet it up, but hilarity ensued, that’s for sure. Poor guy.
Remember, there’s another pre-pre-game show Wednesday, and some late night J.P. action as well, though with Roy Halladay pitching, the game might well be over around the usual 7:07 PM Eastern start time time.
Comments are welcome, as always, let’s keep The JaysTalk going 24/7!
I don’t remeber that game specifically, but it was against Texas so I’m assuming that they lost.
MW: They did.
- AlexWhats wrong with Rios? Who does he think he is?Troy Glaus? Hes striking out like a mad man lately. He should just do what makes him successful and not worry about power. Would you rather trade Litsch or Purcey to Pitt for bay? If the Jays traded Lind and Litsch the Pirates might jump at it b/c Litsch has a decent major league track record. Im not sure how keen they would be for Purcey. Hes a guy with control problems.
MW: I would probably do Litsch and Lind, but I’m not sure the Pirates would. Litsch isn’t a “stuff” guy.
- aviMike the thing is that while most people want to trade TJ Ford, Calderon will yield the biggest return and therefore I want him gone.
MW: Glad to hear it. Wrong blog, but OK.
- JohnHey Mike,
With the Vernon Wells injury, do you think it would be a good idea to sign Jim Edmonds to play CF and Rios can go back to RF, of course if they did this it would lead to Wilkerson getting released. Obviously this is not for just defensive purposes because over Edmonds career he has been a way better hitter than Wilkerson.
MW: Edmonds has been in serous, serious decline over the last three years, both offensively and defensively. I don’t think he gives you more than Wilkerson does at this point - and I don’t think Wilkerson gives you much.
- NathWhat would it take to get Jay Bay?
MW: See above.
- Eriknice effort from all facets of the game. Strong starting pitching, half decent relief and some quality at bats, which actually made this game somewhat enjoyable to watch. and a homerun for the love of God! How bout that! Like I said yesterday, I just cant give up on these guys just yet. Halladay tonight and the offence better support this dude, or I could see him walking soon! The frustration has got to be getting to Halladay, no?
MW: I don’t know why everyone seems to think that Roy Halladay is a step away from walking out on this team. He’s not a fan, he’s a player.
- daveMike,
- GeoffJust wanted to let you know, that I enjoy your very realistic and knowledgeable comments on The Jays. I’m quite frustrated with The Jays situation so far this season. But I’ve been a big fan, since 1977 and I’m not about to abandon them now! They need all the support they can get! Keep up the good work!
Geoff
BROTHER
LISTEN MENE GENE, I NOTICED A PATTERN. THE JAYS WERE 1-6 IN THE FIRST GAME OF A ROAD SERIES. THEY WON TONIGHT SO NOW 2-6. REST OF GAMES THEY ARE 17-16. I ADDED BY HAND CUZ I DON’T HAVE A BIG COMPUTER LIKE YOU MIKE. ALSO BROTHER, STEWART IS HITTING BALL GOOD NOW. LISTEN TO THE SOUND. BALL MAKES NICE SOUND WHEN HE FOULS IT OFF. DID YOU HEAR IT? LIKE THE SOUND WHEN THE HULKSTER SLAMS A GUY FROM THE THIRD RAIL. SWEEEET. GOTTA GO. THANKS BROTHER
- TerryThese guys - they lolligag around the infield, they lolligag down to first, they lolligag in and out of the dug-out… do you know what that makes them??
MW: Lollygaggers?
- Paul OHi Mike,
It occurs to me that MLB, by keeping the Jays in the *American* League East, is telling Canada that we’re small potatoes and that we can’t win in the big game unless we get lucky.
It’s worse than you getting all that space to pontificate and me having to expose the latest Expos here in a list box.
(The Expos having also been used to send messages like, ‘ok Queebec, you don’t want to play by the rules? -First we’ll call the game when you’re winning, then we’ll turn you into the farm team you really are so that you can embarass youselves with your little charade, and then we’ll, um, separate ourselves from you completement.)
Anyway, following the first train of thought, your eventual boss Mr. Rogers, is more or less an accomplice in this new set of insults if he doesn’t either spend as much as the Steinbrenners and the Sox owner’s or threaten to and then sell the team unless it is moved to the American League Central Division or the National League.
Having heard that ‘Uncle Ted’ actually laughed at the general public recently because he paid so little to buy the Skydome, and in light of his involvement with the Buffalo Bills coming to town I think that his sense of loyalty to and concern for this country in general are not what we would like them to be as Canadians. -The Canadians he seems to be so in contempt of when he laughs at us from whatever high branch he thinks he’s sitting on…
Sincerely,
Dave Menard
P.S. I don’t know what I expect you to do with this little diatribe exactly, you seem like a smart guy on the radio: yell at people, break things, I’m counting on you Mike ;-)
P.P.S. Collusion, obviously, vis-a-vis Bonds. I also suspect racism. Thanks for calling it the overall load it is on air.
MW: It’s not racism, Frank Thomas signed 30 seconds after he cleared waivers. As for the diatribe, what is MLB saying to the Orioles and Rays?
- Dave MenardMike, if the Jays are sort of semi-in-it (i.e. 5-ish games back of the playoffs) come July, would they consider moving A.J. anyway, or are would they be happy enough taking a draft pick when he leaves? Does Purcey have a chance to influence their thinking on this by pitching well Friday (and whatever other opportunities he might get in the next while)?
MW: Purcey and Litsch both have the opportunity to influence the decision. If Purcey is ready and the Jays can get a couple of game-breakers back for A.J., that’s something they’d have to pursue.
- darrenMW….wow..a regular game indeed. couple comments followed by a couple questions.
i dont remember the game when lamb caught for the rangers, but i DO remember a game years ago against baltimore (when they were good) when the O’s had to go to Len sakata to catch..and THREE blue jays were picked off in one inning as each guy that got on was salivating at the chance of running on the emergency catcher.
im not gonna kill benitez for giving up that dinger on his first pitch. i mean the twins are down three late and need base runners..why on earth would a pinch hitter be swinging on the first pitch against a guy seeing his first action of the year? i found that very weird.
gibbons pulling of litsch was not good use of the penn. its not this one game that im referring to..but rather the eventual toll on the penn that could occur as the season drags on (esp with interleague coming up). i know people complain about gibbons leaving guys in there too long, and what not..but there is a happy median.70 pitches is hardly breaking a sweat.
question: What on god’s green earth was shannon doing squaring to bunt with TWO strikes with runners on first and second? i mean i hes struggling but hes a major league position player with a career 298 avg! trying to bunt with two strikes is the domain of pitchers and desperate banjo middle infielders of the 80’s. he lucked out and it was a ball..but Man o Man that was weird.
MW: It was very weird to see Stewart trying to bunt with two strikes - I didn’t get that, either. As for yanking Litsch early wearing on the ‘pen, the starters are taking it into the 8th with regularity, the bullpen (for the most part) is atrophying. There’s no problem with giving them some work once in a while. And it’s happy medium.
- sammyRays have won 6 in a row and sit atop the division. Worried?
MW: Check the calendar.
- Brett VGibbon’s decision to pull Litsch is puzzling. Perhaps they saw from the dugout that he was tiring and did not want to take a chance on him pitching into a loss. That would have hurt confidence for Litsch and the team which badly needed this win. Also, the pen needs to work to stay in the game and with theexception of Carlson’s pitch it worked fine.
The two most interesting parts of this game: 1. we finally caught some breaks 2. Rolens at bat which set up the Stairs home run.
- George AndersonHello Mike, hope you’re well. Now wasn’t last night just plain refreshing? It looked like a real ball game or something. I know people will be yelling about how terrible it is to have the bases loaded, 0 out, and still only score one, but I say, for this team right now, that one run is a masterpiece. I know a big breakthrough inning is nice, but I’m actually encouraged quite a bit by seeing them manufacture opportunities in multiple innings, and then following through on some of them.
I have two questions, but I’m going to save one, because I always seem to end up writing a novel. The question I will ask you is a bit of a doozy though. While I am known watch TV with the mute on and listen to the radio during the game, I was listening to the TV last night. Pat Tabler and Jamie Campbell were forwarding the thought that this is not just a Blue Jay’s issue (the lack of offence and power) but the birth of a new, post steriods era. Now, I don’t automatically believe something just because a number of people say it, but I’m not so stubborn (not quite) that I won’t listen and consider. I have been thinking that there might be something to the idea that we might be going back to an older style of small ball play, and AL teams especially, that tend to be set up for the big slugger saving the day, are having a tougher time adapting. However, I also think that a large part of the batting ’slumps’ that we’re seeing around MLB also have a lot to do with the astonishing talent of newer young pitchers. it seems there is a move away from flamethrowers and towards multi pitch pitchers, and so we seem to be seeing a bunch of new pitchers with three and sometimes four quality pitches (ala Marcum) instead of a 100 mph fastball and a curve (ala Burnett, who I like and am impressed with his developing changeup) What do you think, new era, good pitching or both? Thanks Mike, and aren’t you glad I saved the other question?
MW: I am. It’s mostly good pitching, I think, and slumping hitters in the early, cold-weather part of the season. I don’t believe that anyone who wants to be on steroids is off steroids - the cheaters will always be ahead of the testers, and they still can’t test for hGH, so I don’t by any means think the game is clean now.
- kitaHi Mike,
We’ll we are back in the race. But I think you can forget about the Indians, they should win the Central, with the Tigers being the team we need to beat out over there for the wild card.
What I don’t like about taking out a “hot” starting pitcher to bring in ANY relief
pitcher is that you never know, no matter how good the relief pitcher may be, he could be off that night and then we end up losing the game. I’ve seen it happen a few times, fortunately with the Jays great bullpen I can use the word “few”, it is a lot easier on the nerves too if you have the kind of great bullpen that the Jays have.
What is wrong with the Yankees besides aging starting pitchers, and do you know what ails George Steinbrenner?
I heard he has been sick for at least two years now. Do you know what is wrong with him? I heard that just before he got too sick he wanted to turn the team over to his son-in-law, but I hear now one of his sons is running the team.
B.T.W. I find it strange that “immediately” after the game on Rogers TV, they switch to another topic. They own the Blue Jays, so why don’t they televise your post game show like they often show Bobcats show on TV?
MW: It’d be fine with me if they wanted to televise The JaysTalk, but they don’t. The Yankees problem is a combination of aging starting pitchers and young starting pitchers who weren’t as ready as they thought they were, as well as long-term injuries to Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada gutting their offense a bit. Steinbrenner is ill, and his family prefers to keep it private, and we should respect that.
- Larry MurrCan you tell if these guys are hall of famers and why? Curt Schilling, Manny Ramerez, Mike Mussina,, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez. Also would you vote for A-rod if he decided to retire right now?
MW: As far as I’m concerned, they’re all Hall-of-Famers. Johnson and Pedro can make claims to be the best pitchers of their generation, at least, Johnson may be the best lefty ever. Schilling and Mussina have a high enough winning percentage and enough wins (in this era) for the voters to put them in, and Manny is simply a monster. He may hit 700 homers before he’s done. Yes, to A-Rod, as well.
- andrewTwo-out RBI hits with runners in scoring position? Who are you and what have you done with the Toronto Bluejays?
Maybe you’re right Mike, and the worst is over. Perhaps that triple play tore a hole in the fabric of the bizarro world the Jays’s hitters have been trapped in this season and they’re starting to escape back to reality. We can hope.
- ScrimHey MW,
To my question yesterday about regression to the mean (RTM), you felt the Jays were undergoing random error and not systematic error. I disagree. Random error (statistically speaking) is more like flipping a coin; it (ideally) arises from repeated measurements of the same test on a single subject with zero external influences, i.e. a closed environment. Instead, I feel baseball is a much more complex interaction including group dynamics and can be considered more of an open system undergoing systematic error. In short, this means I get your drift that “things should get better than this”, but I’d say using RTM theory as the reason isn’t enough. I think there’s a lot to be said about the system; and while I’m hesitant to use the word ‘intangibles’, I think there is more to the sport (and slumps) than what is represented by BA/OBP/SLG/etc.
MW: Then don’t be hesitant to use the word intangibles.
- BrandonSomeone mentioned a couple of days ago on Jays Talk that Rios was constantly in motion at the plate. I’ve paid attention to that since, and the caller was right. He just isn’t quiet up there and he always used to be. Could he be nursing an injury? I can’t otherwise explain why the hitting coach hasn’t given him a strategy to maintain his stance properly.
MW: There’s rather a large chance that he’s not listening to the hitting coach.
- reyesHi Mike,
I enjoy the 24/7 JaysTalk, and my question is this..
You seem pretty confident that things are NOT THAT BAD as the Jays are only 5 games out of it with ABSOLUTELY NO HITTING.
However, aren’t you failing to take into account that as certain as it is that the hitting can’t continue to be this poor, that the pitching can’t continue to be this good?
As such, I think that it’s quite evident that this is a .500 team - which is too bad.
Thanks.
MW: The pitching can’t continue to be good, and I’ve said (and written) that dozens of times. But the pitching is far closer to this good than the hitting is to this bad.
- TCMW “Lyle Overbay (I told you so) then ripped one of his patented shots into the gap in left-centre to score Stairs”
Come on Mike people aren’t coming on here rubbing it in your face every time overbay has a bad game which there are lots of. Plus maybe you should just wait until he’s not slugging .369 before you start bragging.
And you never said who these first baseman are who can’t pick balls out of the dirt? can you give me a couple names?
MW: Jason Giambi, off the top of my head, there are plenty of others that I’ll point out when I see them. Overbay has five doubles in eight games - that’s a 100-double pace. He’s coming around.
- Dan M.For those fans (as I) who subscribe to the “it’s about staying close to Boston and NY” theory - this morning the Jays are .5 games behind Yankees and 4.5 behind the Red Sox, and we will play these teams a lot before September ergo a lot of good things can still happen. Further-if you (as I) are thinking/hoping playoffs, of course this approach assumes the O’s, TB and a couple of wild card contenders will fall back at some point. But when you consider how brutal the Jay’s hitting has been so far, not a bad position at all, IF things are finally turning around.
Paul Ryan
MW: Considering how the first quarter of this season went, it’s a terrific position.
- Paul RyanHi Mike,
Our sample size is slowly getting larger…
You touched upon 2 points I wanted to ask you. First, what’s up with Mr. Rios? Is it the pressures of his first big contract? Has somethign happened to his swing? Does he need to go Joey Votto and get laser eye surgery (half kidding on that one…)? I would assume its some combination of the above?
Second, I don’t want to turn this into an anti-Gibbons rant, but do you find sometimes he might “out-coach” himself? I’m speaking with regards to him pulling Litsch so early in the game when he had been on a roll, and had plenty of gas in the tank? I understand where you were coming from with the match-ups, but pulling the game of musical relievers in the 6th seems a little too early for me, and it almost hurt us. I’d like to think that sometimes he’d have enough faith in his starter to leave him in there and try and get his Quality Start. Rios is having a bad couple of weeks, very bad. Happens to a lot of people. It was happening to Aaron Hill before Sunday.
Overall, good game for the Jays… hope we can continue to build off it.
MW: You’d like to think that sometimes he’d have enough faith in his starter to leave him in there and try to get his quality start? Are you serious? I mean, aside from the silliness of putting an individual’s stats ahead of a team’s win? In the last 19 games, a Jays’ starter had failed to pitch into the 7th inning only three times, including last night.
- KevinMW “They’re five games back of the division now (closer to the w/c) and, as you say, on pace to score less than 600 runs. If they get back to where they should be, why wouldn’t it be enough?”
I don’t think it will be enough because where they should be is on pace to score 750 runs which isn’t very many And their on pace to give up just 616 runs which like you’ve said many time Theres no way they can keep that up. I hope they do but I just don’t think they can.
- Dan M.Mike that 6-49 analogy was very good. Obviously its not the same thing but the princible was the same. Just because you have bad luck one day it does not increase your odds of having good luck the next.
MW: The principle isn’t close to the same. You could play the 6/49 every day for your entire life, and you’d never be due to win it.
- Dan M.Mike, please don’t use the phrase “late night J.P. action” again. Isn’t this a family blog?
MW: I knew someone would do something with that.
- TylerSomebody pinch me. But maybe. Just maybe they’ll start hitting like people who are paid to do so. For some reason, however, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Bizarro World just yet.
I’m scared Mike. I don’t want this dream to end.
- peteSounds like luck with the sticks might be turning around. Get Rios out of his funk, and things should start cooking!!
Good W on the road against one of the toughest home teams in the MLB. These next 5 road games are going to be tough.
Is it me, or have the Jays stopped stealing bases like at the beginning of the year? I know part of the key is getting on base, but I am just curious.
MW: They have stopped trying to steal bases at that early-season rate, yes. Which is a good thing.
- Aaron KerNice to see Overbay starting to heart up…now if only he can start hitting a few homers as well. Why take Litsch out that early when he was stillp pitching well?
MW: Did you read the post to which you’re commenting?
- JeremyBetter add some air to the “band wagon” tires for some of the doubters and nay sayers before they “hop” back on again!
Nice to see - I was also a bit surprised at first to see Gibby pull Litsch so early - however given the fact the Jays finally had a lead and the history of late - I could understand. Jesse is looking better also every time he goes out there. Does anyone have a better 5th guy in their rotation?.
The article on the Twins hitting (posted as a comment on your previous post) does sound a lot like the Jays - with a couple of huge exceptions - the Twins are in 1st place in their division - and the one thing the Jays are miissing as you stated Mike - they are hitting but not with RISP - Twins are hitting with RISP something like .320 in that department - wow - could you imagine with the amount of base runners the Jays have left on this year if only they were doing the same!
1st base open and an intentional walk to Rios with Rolen on deck - yikes I thought - then up popped Rios’ numbers against Gardenhire - something like 4 for 7 with 1HR and 1K! A good call!
On your side note Mike - I remember the game with Texas a few years back with Mike Lamb catching - however I seem to remember him starting the game due to injuries to others on the Rangers and being replaced later in game when the hilarity started (can’t remember who came in for him - but it was that guys first ever at catcher)? Lamb did catch a couple of MLB games before that game with the Jays and was a 3rd base/catcher in college.
Things last night sure looked like the start of what we have been expecting and waiting for a long time - and will continue to get better - keep the faith guys - Gibby is doing a fine job - Go Jays Go!
Thanks
MW: I think the last 35 ABs for Rios are a better indicator of what he’s going through at the moment than seven career AB’s against a particular pitcher, but that’s just me. No, no one has a better 5th starter than Jesse Litsch - well, maybe the Indians (Cliff Lee is their 5th, remember?).
- BobYou’re right about Lamb, he started at catcher (Apr. 25/02) after having played an inning behind the plate in two other games that year. And yes, Texas won the game 11-9, coming back from 6-1 down after Lamb was yanked.
Rolen the best Blue Jay ever? I remember you mentioned it a week or two ago but I thought you were just kidding. While I still think you are not 100% serious, I’d love to know the history behind your claim.
MW: Read the stuff I wrote his first week with the team.
- BeburgMike, I like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, It seems as though everyone may be in for a shock this year. They have good pitching stemming from the Elijah Dukes and Delmon Young move which I think was gutsy because Delmon young is a good peice of talent for the future. Baltimore not being far behind as they are currently a game over five hundred which is a big improvement, They to have made Gutsy moves unloading their two major contracts in their best hitter and best pitcher to bring in good young prospects for the future, Not to Mention Minnesota who allowed Torrie Hunter to walk,as a result they get the opportunity to develop a good young club which you are seeing now, Minnesota is on top in the central. If Jays move Vernon Wells Is there any potential takers that you think will give us a handful of almost ready prospects. J.P being here for seven years has only produced one decent hitter through the Farm in Aaron Hill, we need some good hitting prospects who we can control for years to come. I think major markets that buy their way into the league are always willing to part with prospects. Yankees,Boston,Anaheim,Houston
etc…
MW: If you want to trade Vernon Wells for a couple of months near the top of the division at the beginning of the season, be my guest. But trading him now would be selling exceedingly low.
- JohnHi Mike,
first I want to say that I really enjoy your show, great work, please keep it going !
i think that Jesse Litsch as the 5th started is by far better that Towers last year, what’s your opinion regarding Jesse’s potential?
also, could you please let me what is the status for Gustavo Chacin? is he still with the organization ? do you know what the Jays are expecting from him.
Regards
Carlos
MW: Chacin was designated for assignment on Friday when the Jays brought in Wilkerson and Mench. There’s no question that Litsch as the 5th is better than Towers as the 5th.
- CarlosGreat win last night!
I hope that means that the bats are finally coming alive. This will probably mean that the pitching will tank now. Wouldn’t that be our luck!
I was hoping that it wouldn’t take a Damaso Garcia-type explosion in the clubhouse to LIGHT a fire in this team. (Mike, you may have to explain the reference to the younger Jays fans)
Is there any plans to podcast Jays Talk on the Fan 590 website? I don’t have a computer at home.
I love your blog. It gives the fans an insider’s view of the Jays.
Ninety Six Jayzfan
MW: As of tonight, there will be a link to The JaysTalk with each of my post-game blog entries.
- Ninety Six JayzfanHey Mike,
I had a quick question. There is this kid pitching in Dunedin named Kyle Ginley. The kid is 7-0 this season with a 1.12 ERA. He is listed as 21 years old and 230 lbs. I have read about this kid and he reminds of of the guy out in Seattle Felix Hernandez. It seems like JP for as much criticism that he gets about the offense knows what he is doing when it comes to pitching. We are stacked in the major and Minor leagues with pitching. When you look at guys like Ginley who if he continues at this pace will end up in triple A by the end of the year the blue jays are well ahead of many organizations in terms of pitching. I would say they are sitting on at least 6-8 potential major league pitchers in the minors. I would include, Purcey, R.Romero, D.Romero, Ginley, Overbey, League, Cecil etc. However on the hitting side of things we are very shallow. The only real prospects, I can think of are, Lind,Snider,Ahrens and Arencabia. Aside from Lind, these guys are at least three years away from the big leagues. Would you not agree that in this years draft, the blue jays should pick up as many hitters as they can and if at all possible try to trade a guy like Burnett at the deadline for a load of hitting prospects. This team is banking on Arancabia as the future catcher. It is risky to go this route as we can remember what happened with future catchers such as Kevin Cash,G.Quiroz etc.
MW: The team isn’t banking on Arencibia as its future catcher. They have four very good prospects currently catching in the minors, with Robinzon Diaz, Brian Jeroloman and Curtis Thigpen. OK, maybe Thigpen isn’t a very good prospect anymore, but he’s only had about one bad calendar year.
- Moti BensalmonIf you have an eye towards good, young pitching, keep drafting it, because you can always turn good, young pitching into good hitting, and it doesn’t work as well the other way around.
Hey Mike,
What number would you be wearing if you were in my Toronto Blue Jays lineup, and why?
Aneez
PS - Of all the lame ops related going-ons during a game at Rogers Centre, I find it hard to believe that the foul ball sound effects got canned!
MW: 14. Was always my number from way back when.
- AneezAHA! You are CAUGHT, Mike Wilner! You CANNOT say “I told you so” about Lyle Overbay, just because he’s starting to pick it up. The END of the season is when you can say that (or at least the late middle of the season). Otherwise, you’re basing your “I told you so” on a miniscule sample size - something you are constantly chastising your callers and e-mailers about. (I happen to agree with you that Lyle will have a good season, though…) Love your show.
-Nick
MW: I can say “I told you so” whenever I want to. People were trying to run Overbay out of town because “he can no longer hit for power”. “he’s not over the hand thing”, “all he does is walk”. None of those things are true, very obviously, and I told you so.
- nickHey Mike,
Did you know that President George Bush would have Doc as his first pitcher if he has an MLB team again? And Chase “Ottley” would be his first position player.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080514/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_text
MW: Ottley’s a good one.
- BKAs tongue in cheek as I’m sure the “I told you so” was, Lyle could slug .800 the rest of the year and it still wouldn’t make you any more right for lambasting people who said he needed to up his production at a time when his VORP was terrible.
MW: They didn’t say he needed to up his production, they said he was terrible, wouldn’t ever hit again and shouldn’t be playing.
- Dan WWhat’s a LOOGY?
MW: Lefty One-Out GuY
- michael sMike,
Mr Ted Rogers if you read this PLEASE fire J.P. Richardi. Your ratings are falling and his draft picks for the past 7 YEARS yes 7 YEARS haven’t developed any hitting prospects to with stand injuries. SO PLEASE FIRE J.P. Richardi for the sake of your team.
MW: I couldn’t be more sure that Ted Rogers doesn’t read this.
- brunoHey Mike, I was just thinking about the fireworks that used to go off after every home run and home win. Why did they stop doing fireworks at the Rogers Centre? And why did they choose that stupid horn?
MW: I hate the air horn, too. I don’t know why they stopped the fireworks, but it might have had something to do with the smoke hanging over the field for 10-15 minutes after they went off.
- Sam McLeanI also have a Baseball 101 Question.
If in a hypothetical situation Say Boof Bonser was lit up for six runs in an inning (home runs), and then was replaced by a reliever who allows 2 more runs to score within the same inning (but only 6 are alloted to Bonser), followed by the Twins scoring 7 runs -
Does Bonser get the loss or does the reliever since he allowed runs 7 and 8 to score?
MW: Bonser gets the loss. The pitcher who gives up the runs that gives the opposition the lead it never relinquishes gets the loss. If Bonser gives up one run in six innings, gets yanked, and a reliever gives up seven in the 7th to put the Jays up 8-0, and the Twins score 7 in the bottom of the 9th to lose 8-7, Bonser still gets the loss.
- Sam McLeanI was feeling a tad discouraged about the jays chances of going anywhere this season but then I saw the standings: The Rays in 1st place? Not to take anything away from what Tampa has been able to do (so far) but to see them atop the AL East gives me (false?) hope. Love our pitching!
MW: The hope is not false.
- Chris in WhitbyIt’s amazing what a few wins will do to the “chicken-littles” as you like to clal them.
Any update on Vernon? Does he need to have surgery on his hand?
MW: There’s no update, I don’t think he needs surgery, certainly not on his hand.
- SherryHi Mike;
Looked up Lamb on baseball-reference.com (I’m sure I’m not the only one who has…). He actually got into 3 games as a catcher in 2002. He STARTED at catcher against the Jays on April 25, gave up a passed ball (and 3 wild pitches) and was pinch hit for by Bill Haselman in the 7th inning.
He was a defensive replacement at catcher in 2 other games that April and never caught again.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200204250.shtml
MW: Yup
- TylerMike,
Since people have been doing a lot of coach bashing lately, why isn’t anyone blowing Arnsburg’s horn?
MW: Because the good pitching is all because the pitchers are really good. The bad hitting is bad coaching.
- JWThe nice thing about this week is that the Jays get to avoid the top pitchers of both teams - Hamels and Hernandez. Hopefully the Jays can make the most of it despite some tough competition.
It’s likely to be Lackey, Garland, Saunders next week, so the Jays need to make the most of this week’s matchups (though at least they likely won’t face Santana next week).
What do you think, big matchups + rock bottom hitting and bad luck hopefully over equals BIG week?
MW: I’m loath to think about match-ups, because the Jays have made some pretty average pitchers look like all-stars this year.
- DarrenMike, you remind me of me. When you consistently insist that Rolen is the Best Blue Jay Ever I don’t know if you’re joking or not. (George Bell’s purple butt is still sitting on the THRONE!)
0-5. These are the facts. No hits. No nothing. Nada. Butkiss.
I agree that tiring out Slowey helped Stairs smacketh one outta the park, but I don’t know if there is any statistical evidence that proves that the batter following such an instance has a higher batting average or slugging percentage.
I’m sure Elias can help us out…
KK
MW: Butkiss?
- karim kanjiHi Mike
good win,
Finnally some productive outs and some clutch hitting in the same game.Was upset with Litsh coming out but like you said “if you got the bullets”,we still got the win.Any light you can shed on this “Seth” character in the rockies organization the jays are supposedely looking at.
mario
Go Jays!!!
MW: Seth Smith? Remember the 2007 playoffs!
- marioGreat game last night, yes the Jays can hit? With Purcey starting Friday night vs Phils, who will be sent down? Also, when Eck comes back off the DL, will he the leadoff hitter?
Thanks,
Jays Fan in Rhode Island
MW: I don’t think Eckstein goes back to lead-off when he gets back, but that depends on how well or poorly Brad Wilkerson is doing, though poorly is more likely given his last four seasons. I’m thinking either Inglett or Velandia gets sent down when Purcey comes up, and my money’s on Inglett, since Velandia is the far better defensive shortstop.
- tom stewartMIKE
CANYOU TELL ME HOW MANY INNINGS DOES A STARTER GEY IN THE MINORS PER START.ALSO ON THE SHOW TONIGHT CAN YOU GET J.P. TO EXPLAIN THE THINKING BEHIND WHO STAYS WHERE IN THE MINORS I WAS LOOKING AT SOME OF THE PITCHING IN LANSING AND THER WAS SOME PRITTY GOOD NUMBERS ARE THOSE NUMBERS COMMON OR ARE THE JAYS LOADED DOWN THERE.
THANK YOU
MARIO
GO JAYS
MW: Don’t yell at me. A starter’s innings per start in the minors are based on how many pitches he throws. They’re pretty strict with pitch counts down there. You can call J.P. yourself!
- marioMike I wonder if you could comment on something that is bugging me when it comes to the Blue Jays hitting. I have noticed that for example Alex Rios and Scott Rolen both stand very close to the plate. Now I don’t pretend to be a hitting coach but I have played baseball at a fairly high level. In order to drive the ball you have to get good arm extension.Pitches that are on the inside part of the plate and are strikes can’t possibly be hit on the fat part of the bat unless you are committing early in order to get the bat head out front. This leaves you vulnerable to offspeed pitches.I also can’t figure out the crouch for Rios. If you use Dave Winfield as an example he would strike the fear of god into pitchers with his ability to hit the ball up the middle from a very upright stance and standing well off the plate. I am not saying Rios doesn’t drive the ball at times but I wonder how much more he could drive it if he backed off the plate and got rid of the crouch.There are a few other players as well but this to me seems like a no brainer observation and when a team is not driving the ball (home runs and double totals are low).Am I dreaming or am I the only guy who can see this? Just another comment but I don’t see anyone on the Jays as a truly good hitter (some are OK but not great).Aaron Hill has the potential to be because he has the great ability to wait on a ball (doesn’t commit until very late therefore won’t be fooled as often similar to Paul Molitor).
MW: Look at their career stats and tell me again if you don’t think there are any good hitters on the Blue Jays. And as for Rios’ and Rolen’s stances, they’ve served those two pretty well over the course of their professional careers, so I’m going to have to side with them.
- Mike GlattHey MW,
Another quick question about front offices. Could you compare between: Godfrey, Ricciardi, and co. who have their faults; or the Steinbrenner clan? I find it hilarious that Hank makes statements such as “These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money.” Like father, like son? With this in mind, I’m ok with being only 0.5 games back of the Yankees.
MW: I agree with Hank, actually. Thing is, when things go wrong, everyone wants to jump down the throat of the manager, or the G.M., or the coaching staff when, in fact, it’s usually the players’ fault.
- BrandonMike, I want to start a new pro league up and here’s what I’d do differently. Instead of merely specializing with pitchers and the DH, EVERY position would be specialized. Like football, offense is offense, defense is defense. Fielders would only play the field. Batters would only hit. Base runners would only run. Imagine an infield full of Johnny Mac’s, an outfield with only Jim Edmonds’ (circa 1999), a line up consisting entirely of David Ortiz’s, every base runner as fast as Ricky. Imagine!
Naturally, if MLB were to adopt these rule changes, I’d happily forgo launching my league.
MW: Good luck with that.
- bgHi Mike,
When a run is scored, the word “plated” is used. Is that a recent baseball terminology? I don’t recall hearing it before until this year. maybe it’s just me….. still sounds kinda weird whenever i hear it.
Tony
MW: It’s just you. The term has been around for a long, long time.
- tonyWow, it felt like a dream to look at the scoreboard and see a “5″ beside the “TOR”…I thought we might never see that again.
The two most encouraging things: Hill and Stewart each picking up a couple hits.
Oh, and as an example of how much you (Mike) are in my head, (and probably others too) when Lyle hit that double, or any double for that matter, there appears a little Wilner angel on my shoulder and says, “See, I told you so.”
MW: That’s a little scary.
- B-rad from CalgaryMike,
Do you think that if the Jays are below .500 at the All-Star break Gibby will still have his job? (just out of curiosity)
MW: It depends how they got there, too many variables to just say yes or no.
- JordieMike I when team X gives up two of its most promising prospect to get Adam Dunn at the trade deadline and takes over whats left on his contract for this year instead of signing Barry Bonds for nothing but money does the players association have a Collusion case?
MW: I don’t know why that would seal it if they don’t have a case now. Dunn is younger and has actually been playing all season.
- Dan M.Mike,
Where are the Jays picking in this years draft?
MW: 17th - in the first round.
- Tommy ScholczMike lamb catching is no big deal. Why heck, I remember back in the first week of May in 1988, the Jays were in Seattle and Nelson Liriano had been sent down and Manny Lee got hurt and who had to play second base for our beloved Blue Jays? Cecil Fielder. This is no lie, I saw it with my own eyes. I guess they figured with Cecil’s girth he might not be able to field the ball, but he might keep it from getting by him like a hockey goalie.
MW: Fielder had great, great hands. Pat Borders actually played second a couple of times back then, too.
- Jim BranscomeIt’s the players’ fault they aren’t playing well but it’s Ricciardi’s fault that morale is probably really low. He makes bad choices and then panics and then makes some more bad decisions. I’m not talking about Thomas–who shouldn’t have been signed in the first place. I’m talking about bringing both Mensh and Wilkerson in when one would have been ok in the cirumstances. The team isn’t hitting, but bringing in a guy who also isn’t hitting and a guy who used to hit but doesn’t hit so much anymore isn’t going to help. And what happens when Wells comes off the DL? We would have been better off, in my opinion, to wait until further along in the season to see what was available through trades. Yes, a contending team is going to want pitching, but a team that’s ditching contracts mightn’t be so picky. Ricciardi is the worst of both worlds. He dithers and panics and then he over-reacts. Make Johnson a good contract and then ditch him. Bring Thomas over on a good contract and then ditch him. Who gets ditched next? I’m not in favor if coddling players. Especially this bunch of underachieving relaxos. They need a bomb up their collective a**. But this is not the way to do it.
MW: Hmmm, so don’t coddle players, but don’t get rid of them when they don’t perform or when something better comes along?
- reyesIn regard to my above post: Now that I think about it, that was the series where they had to rotate Cecil Fielder and Kelly Gruber between second and third base according to who the batter was. The next night they did the same thing with Gruber and Pat Borders.
MW: Yup, I loved that.
- Jim BranscomeYou got a JaysTalk podcast?? Kudo’s to you. Me and the other 3 Blue Jays fans here in Alberta are very excited about this.
As far as Rolen goes, with each passing day the joke of “best Blue Jay ever” becomes less a joke and more reality. I love having him on the team. JP deserves a lot of credit for making that trade.
- B-rad from CalgaryMike,
Who do you like more. Bad Wilkerson or Jacque “no more” Jones
MW: Bad Brad, for sure.
- JWWhich team would get a better deal in your opinion?
J. Bay for S. Marcum or D. McGowan
MW: The Pirates, every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
- JordieListen here Mike, get your head out of the gutter, the jays are headed for a downward spiral, they just cant seem to get it together. Your just like a typical Leafs fan, you see a glimmer of hope and all of a sudden the jays are headed to the world series. They have to do a lot more than beat the twins a couple of times to get me back on that banwagon.
THE RAT OUT!
MW: When did I say the Jays were going to the World Series?
- THE RATI was reading above and a poster mentioned that we are looking into getting Seth Smith, is there any truth behind this? Do you know anything about this Mike?
MW: The commenter mentioning it was the first I’d heard of it.
- RyanMike,
Have the Jays research the idea of playing official games in other Canada cities as Montreal or Vancouver ? The Rays played in Orlando 2 or 3 weeks ago so why not the Jays ?
Regards
MW: The Rays draw, like, 9,000 people per home game.
- CarlosHi Mike, better, hope they keep it going. I was listening to Chuck this aft and he was discussing his role on his show, stating that he was just a fan chatting, not a journalist. I think I have been too rough on you regarding your opinions. Right or wrong being not as important as the talking itself. Your passion is certaily appreciated. Cheers.
MW: OK, I think.
- JasonThis is very nitpicky but…Did you notice that the past two games Alex Rios has caught fly balls for the final out of the inning, yet he prepared to throw it in like there was only 1 or 2 outs. Not a big deal but if I’m getting paid multi-million dollars and one of my requirements is to stay focused for 3-4 hours a day (on a game!), I think I could do that. I realize it’s not just Rios who is guilty of this lack of focus but athletes in general. It is like there are more mental mistakes then there used to be. It seems the Jays often get caught in rundowns because someone missed a sign or things of that nature.
One thing I haven’t seen this year is the infamous pie in the face routine, courtesy Burnett/Wells etc. I don’t remember Paul Molitor or Dave Winfield playing that game when the Jays were winning championships.
Bitter in TO, but still hopeful for the playoffs!
MW: Lots of teams stay loose and have fun and manage to win Championships at the same time, I thought people got way too upset about the whole pie in the face thing last year. As for mental mistakes, I don’t think there are that many more now than there were in the past, we’re just seeing way more games than we did before.
- Rob H.Mike, are you kidding me? MIKE PI-AZ-ZA *clap* *clap* *clap-clap-clap*.
The fact of the matter is this man dominated the majors and is truly an all-timer. He didnt’ get a fair shake last year in Oakland with the emergence of Jack Cust. Jack Cust, really????? MIKE PIAZZA BRO. HE’S WHAT WE NEED! Get Zaun out, throw Barajas away, and bring in that 215 lbs 6′3” beast to lead us to the WORLD SERIES BABY!!!!
He hit .360 with 40 homers once! TRULY amazing. On top of all that he’s a cold-blooded clutch hitter. Let’s go baby!
MIKE PI-AZ-ZA *clap* *clap* *clap-clap-clap*
MW: Believe it or don’t, I’m much happier with Kevin Mench, thanks.
- LillyBaseball is a funny game, no? If I had told you at the beginning of the season that by mid May, Litsch would have as many wins as Doc has loses,perhaps you would have guessed that number to be 1 or 2. But Jessie at 5-1, wow! One must hold on to positives!
Also, I figure if any pitcher gets ’short-shifted’ to give the BP some work, it should rightly be the #5.
MW: Yes, it should. But that’s just another indication of why I think that a pitcher’s won-loss record is no indication of what he’s actually doing.
- Skip LaBoefHey Mike,
Do you buy into the talk by Mike Toth and those guys that the Jays need to get Jason Bay? They cite his Canadianness, and his once vaunted offensive skills, but mostly, just the fact that it is change for change sake.
If the Jays were in contention do you think they should trade prospects (Lind,Cecil) for Bay ? Or do you see Bay as a poor fit for Toronto ? Personally im just glad they are talking about Bay and not Dunn. Dunn is definetly hitting the decline of his career (if you subscribe to the Bill James arguement).
MW: I love ‘em both, Bay and Dunn. I’d deal Lind and Cecil for Bay, but it has nothing to do with the fact that he’s Canadian.
- DaveWithout taking too much solace in the failings of an ex-Jay…The Big Hurt hasn’t really done that much in his 60 ABs with Oakland. He still hasn’t hit a bomb and has fewer RBIs than he had in T.O. in the same number of at-bats. I bring this up now because I see Yahoo Sports has a campaign to send Thomas to the all-star game. Based on the way he left the team (not coming out of the dugout to shake hands for that last victory and whining to the media), his desire for personal success, and the way his teammates feel about him (watch the clip of his 500th HR where nobody cared or the fact that nobody cared when he was released), I couldn’t think of a worse guy to campaign for. Guys that play important but thankless roles should be campaigned for, like John McDonald, or even Snakeface. Okay, thats it for my rant.
MW: Frank Thomas has no business being in the all-star game this year. None whatsoever.
- JeffHey Mike:
I sat beside JP while at the Disney World games a few weeks back. A real “class act”. I specifically mentioned I love to hear him on JaysTalk (and he smiled).
Since some callers to JaysTalk were referring to Stewart’s, “below average” throwing arm, I have noticed Stewart making some good throws. It leads me to the conclusion that Stewart’s potential benefit to the Jays should not weigh heavily on his arm.
Stewart did not “run out” the (unusual) play in the 2nd inning, when he lined to 2nd, and the ball was dropped, then turned into an easy double-play. Perhaps he would have been out, but however unlikely, you never know.
Shouldn’t a major league player run out every play, “just in case”. Not to pick on Stewart, because I know this is a common occurrence in the Major Leagues. Is this laziness (attitude), conditioning or “other”?
- Scott Brown (Waterloo)
MW: It’s the fact that he saw a line drive get caught, so he slowed up. I do think everyone should run every ball out, but hardly anybody does. It’s sad, really.
- Scott BrownI’m sure Brandon in post #19 should’ve indeed used ‘intangibles’. Would’ve made things a lot funner for you because then you could’ve just dismissed his whole post and laughed at him.
#26: “The principle isn’t close to the same. ”
Yes Mike, it is. The principle that past events cannot effect future events applies in both cases. I’m baffled by your reluctance to acknowledge this.
#40: “They didn’t say he needed to up his production, they said he was terrible, wouldn’t ever hit again and shouldn’t be playing.”
Some people said that. Others argued that to date he hadn’t been very good, while you said they wrong and pointed solely to his OBP, a measure which you continue to overrate.
MW: Regardless of when you play the lottery, your odds of winning are approximately 1:14 million. When a guy with a .360 lifetime OBP comes to the plate, he has about a 36% chance of getting on base, even if he’s just hitting .220/.310/.330 at that point. VERY few people argued that Overbay “hadn’t been very good” - check the archives. Most were arguing that he was killing the team and shouldn’t be playing - this while he was getting on over 40% of the time against righties!
- Dan WI heard on espn that greg Maddux could be the best pitcher of this era. He said that he think Greg Maddux is better then Roger Clemens is because he said that they have both the same e.r.a and their win totals are close and the steroid cloud that hanging over Roger Cl.emens. Who do you think is the best pitcher of our generation? Greg Maddux or Roger Clemens and why?
MW: Apples and oranges, they were SO different in the way they went about their business. I LOVE Maddux, because he’s a scientist on the mound. Clemens was a bully.
- andrewBah, hate to post twice in a row like this, but just noticed something I thought fans should know:
The Jays 1-2 hitters in the lineup are reaching base at a .307 clip for the year. Yikes.
Certainly makes you think there’s more wrong with this team than just the RISP thing.
MW: Except that the RISP thing is pretty huge. But yeah.
- Dan WThird times a charm:
Leading off an inning, they’re also reaching base at a .287 clip. There’s nothing unlucky about that.
MW: You don’t think so?
- Dan WRef. post 8
- TroyHow did the “Hulkster” get back on here???
Hi again Mike,
A couple of points in response to your response to my earlier comments.
Unlike Baltimore and Tampa Bay, Toronto is now the only foreign MLB city. I realize that the Jays won 2 WS in the same division but that was before the Yanks and Sox went haywire spendingwise. MLB should follow the NBA’s example and do what it can to nurture this market, (Colangelo).
And where’s T.R.’s leadership on this? Why is he satisfied with the status quo? I see none of the same willingness to be second or third best in any of his other business dealings…
Concerning Bonds: Frank Thomas isn’t the home run king so there’s no need to limit his potential to hit more home runs.
- Dave MenardMike,
Based on AJ Burnett’s performance so far this year and whatever other teams still perceive as a player with unrealized potential, do you think he it would be wise for him to opt out at yearend? Is it worth keeping him around for the 10+ mil that he would be due next year in your opinion. Assuming he continues at his current pace this year, would it not be wise to trade him at the deadline so as to not have to deal with another underperforming contract ala Frank Thomas?
MW: A.J. will absolutely be worth $12 million next season and the year after, so the Jays would be ill-advised to trade him for that reason. But he’s opting out regardless.
- Wally M.Mike,
A bit off topic, but MLB-related all the same: Do you think that MLB will ever put another team in Canada? I know expansion isn’t on the agenda in the forseeable future for MLB, but what are the odds for a second MLB team here in Canada, and which cities do you think would fit the bill? I’ve only read your blog recently and I’m not sure if you’ve covered this already. Thanks for reading.
MW: I don’t believe there are any plans at all to put another MLB team in Canada.
- JonahDo you think the jays will go for a high schooler in the first round of the draft. I hope so. JP’s stupid low risk low reward draft philosophy only brought Hill, Marcum, and Jannsen to the team. I guess Overbay too since he was traded for prospects. The Jays have had a horrible farm system under JP. They have to draft potential impact players. Snider was a high schooler and is now one of the best prospects in the minors.
MW: Ricciardi’s stupid philosophy has also brought guys like Adam Lind, Jeremy Accardo, Jesse Litsch, Brian Tallet, John McDonald, plus the kids like Purcey, the Romero brothers (no relation), Kyle Ginley and a few other good ones. I have ZERO idea who the Jays will take in the first round.
- aviHi Mike,
Would Jesse Litsch be eligible for rookie of the year, or did he pitch too many innings last year? Pitures can win ROTY, right?
MW: Of course pitchers can win rookie of the year, just not pitchers who had 20 starts the year before.
- DAWGI was just reading a Tom Verducci article online, which contained a quote from John Maddon saying Toronto has the best pitching in the league. Sometimes I think my opinions regarding the Jays are warped by virtue of exposure to these guys night-in-night-out. But it’s nice to hear that particular opinion echoed by an objective, knowledgeable source like Maddon. The Jays’ pitching, while it probably won’t be this spectacular all year long, is still pretty damn solid. Now if they can just keep making progress with the bats…
MW: John Madden?
- Rob_NSHey Mike in 2005 Bob Mccown said that the Jays were not a good team because they didn’t have 5 above average players on their roster. You went on to list all the Jays that you thought were above average and stated, “Gustavo Chacin is an above average #3 and Josh Towers is an above average #4.”
What were you thinking?
MW: In 2005, they were.
- Johnit is a compliment, and I wasn’t implying that you are wrong and it is ok, just that your opinion is valid regardless of mine
MW: Huh?
- Jasonre: Comment 42
Bruno, Ted Rogers cannot fire J.P. Richardi. Not because he doesn’t have the authority to do so or because he doesn’t want to but because (I believe) he doesn’t employ anyone by that name.
I mean honestly, if you’re going to try to appeal for the GM to be fired at least know how to spell his name. Although, the thought of protesters outside Rogers Centre with placards reading things like “Fire Richardi” and “No More Goffrey” does crack me up. Yeah, that’ll be taken seriously.
MW: A lot of people have trouble spelling people’s names, but the fact that they want them fired should show you how much respect they have for them.
- ColinWhen your post game show starts, I dim the lights, light a few candles and loosen up my clothing.
MW: I REALLY didn’t need to know that.
- VicSo once again, the fundamentals of baseball get overlooked by an outfielder. With a runner on first and Joe Mauer at the plate, a single is hit into right field. Wilkerson comes up throwing to third, but of course, it is miles about the head of the cutoff man, allowing Mauer to advance to second. With the subsequent strikeout of Justin Morneau, there should have been runners on first and third with one out, and when the next batter grounds out to Scutaro, the Jays would have had a chance to get out of the inning unscathed. Granted theres no guarantee that Morneau strikesout or the grounder still results, but, players around the league need to work on this more often, the little things like hitting the cutoff man….
MW: Alan Ashby said on the broadcast that Wilkerson’s throw was low enough to be cut, I’ll take his word for it.
- Matthew FabbricinoMike, comment 90 was a follow up to 71. Just to clarify.
MW: OK
- JasonHey Mike. Maybe you touched on this and I missed it, but why is Purcey pitching on friday? Also with monday as on off day why don’t the Jays pitch Halladay on tuesday and push Litsch back a day. If it were me I would have my Ace pitch every five days. Teams don’t seem to do this with off days why? Thanks a bunch. Scotty.
MW: Purcey is pitching on Friday because of the doubleheader they played on Monday. They need him to avoid throwing Burnett or Marcum on short rest. I’m with you on keeping Halladay on his regular day, a lot of teams do skip their 5th guy.
- ScottyPat Tabler was talking about driving in runners in scoring position and how crucial it is to change your approach at the plate in certain situations…so I decided to look into his career splits to see if the mouth matched the bat. Here’s what I came across, and it astonished me.
Bases Empty : .261/.324/.353
Men On : .305/.368/.408
RISP : .317/.388/.432
Bases Loaded : .489/.505/.693
A clutch hitter?!
MW: Tabler was patently ridiculous with the bases loaded, a fact well known when he played. I often wonder if now he raises his broadcasting to a different level with the bases loaded. I don’t know if his increases are statistically significant, but it certainly seems that way.
- AriIf anyone has found my swing, I’d appreciate it back. I’m lookin’ at you, Chipper!
- Alex RiosAlex Rios looks like he can’t hit t-ball the way he’s swinging right now. Maybe move him down to 8th and everyone else up a notch in the batting order?
MW: His last three at-bats today looked great, and MUCH different from about the last 50 or so. He may be starting to come around. Maybe a lesson from Matt Stairs was just what he needed.
- Jet LiI’ve been out of the loop for a while, and I have some things on my mind about what’s been going on lately with the Jays. But I saw this and couldn’t resist:
“When a guy with a .360 lifetime OBP comes to the plate, he has about a 36% chance of getting on base, even if he’s just hitting .220/.310/.330 at that point.”
That’s like saying that the Jays should have signed Julio Franco before he got a chance to call it quits. Or perhaps they should go after Hank Aaron and convince him to play one more season.
Not that I’m calling Overbay old, I’m just trying to show how faulty that line of reasoning is. On the contrary, I’ve got no problems with Overbay, I think he’s great, and I’ve felt all along and still feel that he’ll come around. I think he should be hitting 5th, in the heart of the order. I feel like he hits better in the middle, that Stairs will do whatever he’ll do wherever he is in the lineup, and that it’s better not to have a guy in the heart of the order who frequently gets taken out for pinch runners late in close games (and Barry Bonds is not a helpful counter-example).
MW: Sorry - I should have added that Overbay is 31. You’re just being contrary for the sake of it - you couldn’t for a second have thought that was what I meant. Thanks for adding to the debate, though!
- Shmuelre: Comment 88
I also read that article and I believe Rob_NS was referring to Joe Maddon, the Tampa Bay manager, and not John Madden the football analyst. John is, however, Joe Maddon’s middle name, although I suspect that is purely a coincidence.
MW: Ah-ha! Now that makes more sense.
- ColinSpeaking of Pat Tabler…he had a pure moment of prophecy during the broadcast tonight in the first inning when he said, “If you’re Matt Stairs you’re looking for one pitch right here, a fastball and you’re gonna try and put 4 quick ones on the board”…and 4.5 seconds later Stairs did that exact thing…grand salami.
MW: Swell. Ashby did that with Wilkerson’s go-ahead RBI single in the 4th, too!
- B-rad from CalgaryWell, it’s a day late, so I don’t know if you’ll comment on this (which we as fans, really appreciate, and realize how much work you put into this), but I thought it odd that you didn’t mention the fact that Litsch didn’t issue a walk - again! I know he only pitched five and some, but still, impressive.
MW: VERY impressive. Litsch has now gone 25 innings over four starts without issuing a walk. The last guy he walked was Nathan Haynes, on Arpil 22nd at Disneyworld. Litsch hasn’t actually walked someone in a real major-league stadium in over a month, not since April 11th at Texas.
- MattOops… Make that Joe Maddon! John Madden’s opinion might not mean as much.
MW: Right.
- Rob_NSI’ll admit, I enjoy being contrary for the sake of it. But while I get your point, I’ll add that even for someone in his prime, there are many factors that affect how a player performs, and so I really don’t buy into the idea that a guy’s chances of, say, getting on base are the same every time he comes to the plate, even within a narrow range when he’s healthy and at his peak. Somehow things seem to work out in the aggregate, but I’m not sure I’d make assumptions about any discrete data point. I think someone else might have pointed this out - that baseball is not quite as straigtforward as flipping a coin.
In any event, what I really want to say is that I can’t understand J.P. for the life of me. The Jays lose both of their shortstops, so he goes out and gets a couple of outfielders?!? That makes little sense to me, in and of itself. (Unless he only thought of it after Wells got injured, in which case it makes more sense, but still not too much sense; but I was under the impression that Wells got injured after they were acquired). But add the fact that the Jays have Adam Lind, who is better than both of them, and who the Jays gave up on way too early. Add the fact that (hate to bring this up) the Jays had so many outfielders they supposedly didn’t have any room for Reed Johnson. Now, as you pointed out, when all the injured players return there will be one player too many - but I wouldn’t be so quick to think that either Wilkerson or Mench will be the odd man out. Think about it: the Jays been after these guys for a few years, so they’re not going to just let either one of them go so easily. Personally, I think McDonald will be the guy to get axed; the Jays have repeatedly shown that they don’t understand the value he brings to the team. It will be a sad day in Toronto when Johnny Mac is left out to dry.
MW: I have trouble with the “two shorstops went down so J.P. got two outfielders” argument. Two shortsops went down for probably no more than 15-18 games each, and the Jays had a back-up with the big-league team in Scutaro and another in AAA in Velandia. They didn’t need to go out and get another shortstop. What they needed was a boost to the offense, so they took flyers on some freely available talent and brought in Wilkerson and Mench. Mench they needed, because they didn’t have a platoon partner for Stairs at DH. I’ll give you that the Jays don’t see McDonald’s value the way the rest of us seem to, but he has a two-year contract. I don’t think he goes and they keep Joe Inglett.
- Shmuel