12:45 AM Eastern
Matt Stairs couldn’t have come up with a better 31st birthday gift for Roy Halladay if he’d tried. Never mind that Halladay wound up giving all the runs of Stairs’ first-inning slam back, it’s the thought that counts.
The Blue Jays team that has played the last two nights in Minnesota looks not a thing like the crew that dropped three of four in Cleveland. They’re scoring early runs, taking advantage of breaks, clinging to late leads instead of desperately trying to overcome one-run deficits. Right now they actually look like a very good baseball team. That just shows to go you, as they say (and if they don’t, they should).
A team is never as bad as it looks when it’s playing poorly, nor is it ever as good as it looks when it’s playing well. I’d say let that be a lesson to those of you who spout ridiculosities like “there’s no way this team is good enough to string three straight wins together” or “the Jays will never be able to get back in the playoff race” or “they can’t get back to .500 until the middle of June, at least” or “there’s no way they’ll be able to do better than 2-8 on this road trip”. I’d say that, but it wouldn’t work. All it will take is a three-game losing streak for those people to think (and say) that again. I guess that goes with the passion of being a fan, but honestly, think about what you’re saying before you open your mouth (or hit your keyboard).
Is this a championship team? Want the honest answer? Because here comes some more TRUTH, coming right at you from the studios of The FAN590. The honest answer is NO ONE HAS A CLUE. And no one will until they’re either eliminated from contention or they win the World Series. Can they get back in a playoff race? I’m not sure - seeing as they’re four games out of first place with 120 games to play. I’m thinking maybe they’re in a playoff race right now, despite the fact that they’re in last place.
They just won three games in a row. Can they win three more games in a row? Of course they can! Can they just as easily lose four of the next five? Absolutely! That’s why they call it baseball.
Still, how great is it to see the Jays actually catching some breaks? Gregg Zaun hustles down the first-base line to cover the bag on Delmon Young’s 4th-inning looper to shallow right, and Brad Wilkerson nails Young having rounded too hard with a terrific throw on the run and a great block of the bag by Zaun. Textbook 9-2 at first base, just like they drew it up.
Jesse Crain remembers his home and native land and gives the Jays a gift run on Halladay’s birthday, having Scott Rolen dead to rights when the Best Blue Jay Ever took off too early from second, but throwing the ball past Mike Lamb and down the left-field line. Rolen looked all Mosebyic going for third, turning around, falling, and turning back around. At least (for Marty Pevey’s sake) he didn’t look all Kenny Williamsish, though judging from some of the comments, some of you wouldn’t have minded that - which is not nice.
Halladay helped himself out as well, being aware enough to go to third in the 7th when Carlos Gomez took off from second on Matt Tolbert’s one-out comebacker. That was the last hitter Halladay would face, and the bullpen picked him up enough to get him back to within a game of .500 at 4-5. At one game under .500, Halladay has worked himself into a position where he’s now the same pitcher as the 3-4 A.J. Burnett. Maybe, if they both work really hard, someday one or both could be as good as Jesse Litsch, who is 5-1.
Is it time for Jesse Carlson to get a day off? He has now pitched in six of the Jays’ last seven games, and the only day he didn’t work was the rainout in Cleveland on Sunday. He got Joe Mauer on one pitch to get out of the 7th, but gave up a single to Justin Morneau on the 9th pitch of a terrific battle in which Morneau fouled off three straight two-strike pitches. I mean, he’s no Rolen, but it was close.
And yes, there’s that Rolen fellow again. A 15-pitch at-bat preceding a Matt Stairs homer last night, an 11-pitch at-bat preceding the Stairs slam tonight. Man, he’s really good and stuff.
Big ups to the Jays’ last two lefties, too, on a night when B.J. Ryan was unavailable after having pitched Monday and Tuesday - Brian Tallet struck out Brendan Harris looking to end the 8th with the tying run on third, and then Snakeface came in and didn’t miss a beat, getting the Twins in order in a pretty anti-climactic ninth inning. Kevin Mench played that 9th, coming in defensively for Shannon Stewart - honestly, I didn’t get that. I think that even when you factor in the difference in their arms, Mench isn’t a better defender than Shannon.
It’s Wednesday, so J.P. Ricciardi stopped by on his way back to the hotel, and other than him almost getting run over by a car midway through the show (good save, Manager of Team Travel Mike Shaw!), it wasn’t terribly controversial. You can hear the whole show by clicking on the link on the front page of this very website, but here are some things that stood out to me:
-Ricciardi agreed with me about the Jays hitting rock bottom in the 9th inning of the nightcap in Cleveland on Monday, which I thought was nice.
-The Jays have no interest in going after Mike Piazza - which is to say they’re happy with Mench as the right-handed half of the DH platoon with Stairs.
-Ricciardi bristled at the notion that his living in Worcester has any sort of detrimental effect on the team (and I think he’s right). He mentioned Pat Gillick, who lived in Toronto while he was the GM of the Mariners and who now is the GM of the Phillies and lives in Seattle. Also Kenny Williams, the White Sox’ GM, lives in Arizona. Ricciardi added that he has never missed a Jays’ home game throughout his tenure, and travels to many more road games than the average GM.
-Despite the release of the Mitchell Report in the off-season, J.P. thought that no one could have prepared for the downturn in offense this season - even if teams had thought it might happen, they would have had to guess at who the guys who would fall back would be, which is a pretty unenviable position. He added that the drop-off is going to make it hard to evaluate players going forward, because track record won’t necessarily mean as much.
-Ricciardi thinks that Alex Rios belongs in the three-hole for now, and that his last couple of at-bats looked very good (I thought the last three, but he pulled the first one, and J.P. likes him going up the middle and the other way). He also mentioned that because Rios is pulling off everything and not staying through the ball, he’s totally eliminating the outer half of the plate, which is suicide for a hitter.
-Yes, Ricciardi wishes he had drafted Troy Tulowitzki.
It’s a quick turnaround, so make sure you’re back in front of your radio Thursday afternoon for the finale - Dustin McGowan against lefty Glen Perkins - we’re on at 1:00 PM Eastern and no, the line-up won’t be the same as it’s been the last two nights.
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I’ve got to say Mike, this 3 game winning streak has me a little turned on.
MW: That’s all it takes for most fans who are willing to write the team off after three straight losses.
- AndyI was reading a story by Tom Verducci on SI.com today that specifically mentioned 1) Shaun Marcum (and how he appeared from nowhere, tho didn’t he do pretty well last year?), and in another major point said “Think you get a break with Toronto’s four and five starters? Jesse Litsch and Marcum would disagree. “Toronto’s got the best pitching in the league,” Maddon said.” Sounds like Litsch is getting some respect at last
It was a pretty good article, and he even made a joke at the Leafs’ expense, however since it’s on Sports Illustrated, I don’t think anybody will understand it.
I’ve started to respect his opinion almost as much as yours, Bobcat’s and Jerry’s
ps, apologies for the torturous use of the apostrophe in my postings,
MW: People who think Marcum came out of nowhere weren’t paying attention last year, and there was nothing wrong with your apostrophe use.
- Sam McLeanMike,
I gotta admit this past weekend was the low point. After Sunday’s rain out, I was watching the Red Sox versus Twins game Sunday night thinking that if the Sox won, the Jays would be 7 games out and with eight games remaining on the road trip, could very well go home ten games out. Ah but 72 hours changes a lot of things doesn’t it? Suddenly three straight wins and the Jays are only four out, facing a rookie pitcher today and heading to Philadelphia where Matt Stairs really made ‘em pay last year. Suddenly the world seems to tilting more properly on lts axis. I suppose the entire Dominion of Canada is jumping back on the bandwagon. Welcome back people.
I sat here and watched the Indians and A’s the last couple nights while I listened to the Jays and Twins. The Indians pitchers have shut Oakland out the last two nights and to be honest, maybe the Jays were not that bad. Maybe the Indians were just that good. Maybe the Jays just keep running in to teams at the wrong time. Gotta tell ya though, Frank Thomas looks awful. I was neutral about his release, after all, it wasn’t my money. He’s is not driving the ball, has yet to hit a home run and to top it off, one of the A’s announcers (I don’t recall his first name, but his last name was Kuiper) said he did not understand the pick up of Thomas because Mike Seeney had been their best hitter prior to Frank’s arrival and now his bat was out of the lineup and the club was struggling to score runs. That sounds familiar.
- Jim BranscomeMike, I was shocked to hear JP say that we’re going to see a new era of offense where speed will be more important than power, yet the team he built has no speed. But anyways, what is your reason for the dropoff in offense leaguewide? JP implied that it was due to steroids. So robinson cano was on roids? I don’t believe it. There has to be some other reason. Maybe they’ve changed the ball again. I remember during the home run era, the balls were a lot harder than in previous generations. Maybe now they’re softer?
MW: I don’t think they’ve changed the ball, and I don’t think a lot of juicers have stopped juicing. Honestly, I think it’s just one of those things. There’s a lot of good, young pitching, but I don’t believe that guys like Cano and Travis Hafner and Aaron Hill, etc., etc. just can’t hit anymore.
- roccowill matt stairs drive in a 100 rbis? he’s pretty good eh?
MW: He is pretty good, eh. I wouldn’t bet on 100 RBIs, though.
- Paul OBunting foul with two strikes = an out. Why? Because in the early 1900s that’s how everyone tried getting hits and the game would have dragged on forever?
MW: Is that a question?
- David WeissMike,
What is up with Halladay? I know you’re gonna say he has been very good, but Halladay is usually not very good, he is one of the best, and has not been one of the best in some time. Let’s take a march down memory lane, in 2003, after April he was dominating, and won the CY Young. 04 was a wash because of injuries. In 05 he was just downright nasty before the injury, he seemed like he already had the cy young locked up at the all star break. His era was almos a full run less than it was in his cy young season! But then in the spring of 06 we heard how he was going to change his approach, and pitch more to contact. While in 06 he was very good, he was not as dominating. Furthermore 07 was one of his worst seasons in some time, and it seems to have carried on to some extent this year. I realize he does this to reduce his pitch count, so he can pitch more innings. However, my problem with this is, even when he was more of a strikeout guy, he was still extremely efficent. He was a complete game machine in 03 and 05, before he changed his approach. His pitch count still was never astronomically high either. What gives? Why would a guy so dominating re-invent himself. When you give major league hitters something to hit nearly every pitch, they are gonna score some runs, no matter how good you are.
MW: If you throw out the 5 starts around Halladay’s appendectomy last season, he was just as good as ever. This year he’s been shakier, but it seems to me he’s still had a few innings in every game in which he still looks like his old, dominant self. I think, honestly, that people expect too much from him.
- TerryIs it just me, or has Doc given up runs the inning after getting runs like every game this year? Is there anywhere to see that sort of stat? I also feel like he has one poor inning per start and the rest are perfect, although I’m sure you can say that about most top pitchers.
MW: Usually with the great ones, you get one chance to get them, and sometimes you do. Halladay has given runs back immediately after getting some three times this year, including yesterday.
- AriOkay, I think I just put some pieces together and figured out why Litsch was pulled earlier than we usually see Gibby pull guys. Purcey and the off day mean that the rotation will start with Doc and DMac on 5 days rest starting May 20th, and then if you want to keep Burnett and Marcum on their regular schedules they would get the next 2 starts (22-23). That means Litsch won’t get his next start until May 24th, which leads me to my point. If I assume correctly, pitchers’ throw days are on the 3rd day after a start, which means that it’s possible Gibbons will try to give Litsch an inning or 2 of work so that he doesn’t go 11 days between appearances. If that is the case, it makes sense that Gibby wanted to limit Litsch’s pitch count in his last start. If that’s the case, way to go Gibby that’s some good foresight, and I apologize for cursing at him and the TV for the 70 pitch pull.
MW: Gibby can’t win with the fans - either he takes guys out too early or he leaves them in too long. All the losses are his fault and he gets no credit for the wins. I don’t know if they’re going to use the off-day to skip Litsch, but I’d like them to.
- AriI know someone mentioned this last night, and I regret I did not think of the question before you had a chance to talk with JP tonight, but I do hope that you let us know, as soon as you get a chance to ask Gibby about it, what the plan is for the off day. Will they skip Jessie (not that he has done anything wrong) so as to keep Doc and dusty from pitching on the seventh day?
If so will they slot him back in in front of Burnett so that AJ and Marcum get the extra day of rest or will they just hold him back until his regular turn came up again (presumably with a side session or something to make up for the missed turn)?
MW: I dunno. I guess we’ll find out on Sunday.
- WillRainReply - talk about an almost instant replay with Scott Rolen wearing out the pitcher for Matt Stairs - then bang Stairs just sends a rocket into the right field stands - yikes I was chuckling away to myself during that one.
When Stairs came home and the celebration was on you could see him saying something to Rolen and then Rolen smiling ear to ear - likely a thanks for wearing out the pitcher again for him - it was great to see. What a sweet swing Stairs has for sure.
Could you imagine if the Jays during that rough stretch had been in the senior league with no dh - yikes I hate to imagine that thought.
Yip - good things a happening for sure - scoring runs and hanging on to a 1 run lead with the bullpen! Definately time to give Jesse a night off.
Rios looks awful at the plate - he swings with both his arms and his head - looks like a “bobble head” for sure. No way can he make solid contact pulling off the ball as he is doing right now. It really looks like it could be an easy fix for him if he would just start to stay on the ball.
I had mentioned a few comments ago that some of the guys struggling at the plate need to sit down with Stairs and pick his brain - looks like Rios did just that last night - albeit he is not a good student. I watched as Matt Stairs was giving him instructions in the dugout on how to do “track” the ball - follow it from the pitcher into the catchers glove - you could see Stairs showing Rios that in the dugout by looking straight ahead and then having his head follow an imaginary ball all the way back while holding on to an imaginary bat.
So I watched intently after that when Rios came back up to hit - nothing - just nothing as to following Stairs instructions - he again had his head waving around almost as much as the bat. He is doing a great job in center field but at the plate it sure is painful to watch him.
Nice to see Doc have things go his way for a change - well I mean it was nice to see the rest of the team hand Doc a win for a change.
Things are a looking up again - and I see no reason why this team can’t keep it going now!
Thanks
- BobFor all the Zaun critics out there who complain that he can’t throw a man out at second base think about this:
1. It’s not all his fault. Our pitchers who are slow to deliver the ball to the plate share the blame.
2. Think about that play he made at first base last night.
How many times have we seen this from opposing catchers?
3. His grit and hustle are needed on this team.
- George AndersonHello Mike, hope you’re well. I don’t have too much to say, but I don’t want to be just a fair weather (bad weather?) commenter.
It was a nice game last night. It’s so great to just enjoy a baseball game without wondering what sort of agonies you might have to suffer throughout. The Jays are obviously not quite bizarro free yet, that was one weird situation for the go ahead run, but hey, bizarro’s ok when it’s going your way.
On the Jay’s website they had an article saying that Eckstein’s hip is coming along nicely, he’s on schedule to come back. Any word on how Johnny Mac’s doing? Is he healing up all right? Thanks Mike, have a good one.
MW: I’ve heard nothing about Johnny Mac, but from the looks of him the day after the injury, I’d be surprised if he was out much longer than the minimum.
- kitaHey Mike,
Nice little three gamer! Hope they keep it up.
On another note, Manny isn’t just making spectacular catches against the Jays. Did you get a chance to see what he pulled against the O’s yesterday?
MW: I did. The high-five was far more spectacular than the catch, but it was pretty good nonetheless.
- ReitzWhy JP doesn’t buy a small condo on the Queens Quey instead of living in a hotel? It’s cheaper and after all there’s no place like home(or condo). Can’t believe he has been living in a hotel for all these years.:)
Back to the birthday boy, Happy Birthday to Doc. The best right handed pitcher in MLB since 2002, period! Could you see him pitching so well into his late 30s? If he averages 15 wins/season for the next 9 years until age 40, he’ll be past 250 wins. In this day and age, that’s a ticket to the Cooperstown in my opinion. I am very optimistic about that. He’s the reason I hooked up to Blue Jays after all.
MW: I think he could be one of those bubble Hall of Famers, and if he stays healthy he has a good chance. Why does anyone care where JP lives?
- Beburg1. A good day for the whole organization as every team won yesterday. (Syracuse scored 18 runs! Adam Lind continues to dominate AAA and Travis Snider’s definitely heating up in AA.)
2. Doc’s had more difficulty pitching with the lead so far this year than in (most)previous years. Also, he seems to be getting a bit more rattled this year when things aren’t going well.
3. Speaking of rattled, Alex Rios looks downright mental sometimes these days. Yesterday, it looked like he actually skipped down to first on a ground out. Do the Jays have a sports psychologist?
4. As for the hitting coach, I think a small part of their struggles can be attributed to the changeover in philosophy. But I also think that Brad Arnsberg is the best pitching coach in baseball. If coach’s don’t have an effect, why was A.J. so adamant about his desire to reunite with Arnsberg. I haven’t checked the stats, but I would wager that Arnsberg’s career staff era is pretty frickin’ stellar.
5. Micky Brantley, I believe, really helped Alex Rios’ development from a singles/doubles guy into a 20-30 homerun guy and I think that a lot of Alex’s struggles came when he started to get conscious of the fact that he wasn’t hitting as many homeruns as he would like to be.
6. Don’t you have a undergraduate psych degree and why aren’t you helping Doc and Alex? Your boys need you Mike.
7. In essence, I am arguing that good coaches are good arm chair psychologists and have the capacity to help guys get stuff out of their heads.
- peteI note that John Parrish is 6-0 at Syracuse with a decent enough ERA. I don’t know much about him - do you think there’d be any interest in him from other teams? Is he good enough to be a 5th starter in the ML? Would we get anything good for him?
MW: I wouldn’t think that Parrish has much, if any, trade value. He was a minor league free agent and likely will be again in the off-season, and he has always been a guy who has the total package with the exception of being able to throw strikes consistently. This year, in AAA at least, he’s giving up more hits per inning than he tends do, and though his walks are down, they’re still up around 4.5 per nine, which is not good.
- bgHi, Mike:
In the last two days, I’ve posted quotes pertaining to the Indians. Here’s another one, pertaining to a different club, which is ??? (Answer at the end):
“I am a lifelong ___ fan who is also very frustrated by this team. In 2007 after the brutal start, the experts predicted the veterans were merely “slumping” and would reach their career averages, but they stayed bad all year. This year is shaping up the same way. Unfortunately, I have reached the conclusion that our “studs” (__________) are simply getting older and are on the downslope of their careers. What you see is what you’ll get all year.
The pitching has been a pleasant surprise, especially ______, and to a lesser degree _____….
Unfortunately, the lack of hitting is going to continue to cost them. I agree the best we can expect is a record somewhere around .500 and no playoffs again this year. But other than _____, there is no one in the minors ready to step in and help out anywhere…”
***
Here are the names that go in the blanks, in order:
1. (White) Sox; 2. Thome, Konerko, Dye; 3. Danks; 4. Floyd; 5. Field.
If you go back a bit in these blogs and substitue names — Blank #2 Wells, Rios, and Overbay, #3 Marcum, #4 Litsch, #5 Lind. — voila! the Blue Jays.
MW: Everyone thinks it’s just their team, but it’s not.
- NormOn another subject, Mike, I’m not sure I understand how Scott Rolen was credited with a SB of third on that Crain overthrow play. Looked to me like a clean “2-base error”.
As they would say on Chuck Swirsky’s program, “What’s up with that?”
MW: People get too worked up about official scoring - in the big picture, who cares?
- NormHi Mike
- TPNice game last night.Stairs is rolling along making the release of Thomas look pretty good.Too bad big Frank didn’t have to leave some of that $7mill behind for Matt.
Anyway, I agree totally with you on Rolen.He’s always doing something to make things happen.Those tough ab’s that wear on a pitcher,and always hustling.I like the fact that he is agreessive on the bases.Sure he may get caught from time to time but the odds run in his favor when he puts pressure on the defence just like last nights error.Great heads up play by Zaunny and Wilkerson to nail Young at first!It’s called “making your own luck” always thinking ahead to what may happen.It’s the teams that play aggressive(but not stupid),wear opposing pitchers down and play heads up defence that are exciting to watch and will eventually go places.
Mike re your reference to J’s base running follies. That old Kenny Williams “baserunning” event was an absolute classic, and though I can still recall bits and pieces, the details are fuzzy. He was the hitter, right, or was he already on 1st base when it began? I do recall him being trapped a few times mostly between 2nd and 3rd where most of the hilarity occured. He must have gone back and forth 3-4 times sometimes slipping, accelerating, turning around, stopping, before finally being safe. Throws were missed, tags not applied. It was hilarious. Do you recall the details?
MW: I don’t think it was nearly as involved as you seem to remember, but maybe some folks out there have a better memory of it than I do. I thought Williams started at second, something happened between second and third, he re-accelerated and ran over the third-base coach on the way home.
- Paul RyanMIKE PIAZZA LET’S GO YESSIR WOW MIKEY IS A BLUE JAY
MW: A - I don’t know why you want that; 2 - don’t hold your breath.
- LillyMike
Do you really think there is a correlation between the Mitchell Report and the generally poor offensive numbers this year? If so, that would suggest that hitters benefit more from “Vitamin S” than pitchers, wouldn’t it?.
MW: It would, which is why I seriously doubt there’s a big correlation. Unless the hitters stopped but the pitchers didn’t.
- DanIt was great to hear that J.P. thought that the caravan idea that one caller suggested was a good idea.
With the loss of Canada’s Minor League teams and the Expos I think that the Blue Jays should try something like this to promote the game across the country. When I was young I hardly watched the Jays (even though they were awesome for most of that time) because I was too busy going to Welland Pirate and St. Catherine Jays games, not to mention actually playing throughout the summer.
I never even knew that the Jays had gone on this Caravan before. When was this and what did it entail?
You mentioned on another Blog that the Syracuse team might be moving, any prospects of that team moving to Canada?
MW: I would bet on the Chiefs going to Buffalo if they moved, as opposed to somewhere on our side of the border. I don’t know how long the caravan ran, but they used to go cross-country with Tom and/or Jerry and a bunch of players over the winter. It was pretty cool.
- AaronMike seriously all the guy was trying to prove with the 649 analogy is that having bad luck one day does not increase your odds of having good luck the next day. I’m sure the guy new that playing baseball is different then playing the lottery and I’m sure you know that having bad luck one day does not increase your odds of having good luck the next day and you just don’t want to admit it now.
When Wilkerson threw to third and the runner advanced to secound. Hill was chasing the ball into right feild and Scutaro went to the bag (secound) I’d take Allans word aswell that the throw was low enough to cut but there was no one there to cut it.
How bad did Marty Peavey look when Rolen scored on the bad throw by Crain? Peavy looked couldn’t deside weather to stop rolen or waive him in, thankfully Rolen paid no attention to him and just decided for himself.
Do you think they should replace Peavy Mike, I don’t like seeing someone loose their job but this is the major leagues and he seems to be a terrible third base coach.
MW: I don’t know about Pevey yet, but he has made coaching third base seem like more of an adventure than it should be at at times. Regardless of the point, the 6/49 analogy was a terrible one. Luck is luck, though, and your odds of it being good are the same as your odds of it being bad on any given day.
- Dan M.Mike if people said Lyle can’t play anymore or Lyle should be released they probally didn’t really mean it. I’m sure what they meant is they don’t think he’s anything more then a replacement level player and not someone anyone should be paying 7 million dollars a year to which they will be doin in 2009 and 2010.
MW: Why does everyone think they know what other people mean?
- Dan M.I know my view of what I’m about to point out is skewed based on paying FAR more attention to the Jays more than any other team, but nonetheless it concerns me.
Over the past 3 or 4 seasons the Jays have seemed to be one of the worst teams at “giving back” runs the half-inning after scoring them (ala Halladay in the first inning last night). Obviously it’s noticeable because Gibby brought it up in late April saying that the pitchers need to do a better job at ‘keeping the momentum’ and turn the inning right around and get the offense back onto the field.
It just one of those subtle things (along with no prolonged winning streaks) that has always burned my butt about this team.
But on a brighter note, let’s sweep a FIRST PLACE team today Jays!!
MW: They’re not a first-place team anymore. And I guarantee that if you do the research, you’ll find that the Jays are not one of he worst teams at giving back runs. You just remember it more when it happens.
- JJOkay let’s sweep a team that WAS a FIRST PLACE team. Still progress :-P
MW: OK
- JJWhat do you mean you don’t get the substitution of Mench for Stewart? Have you been watching the games this year? Watch the game last night? Stewart looked ridiculously terrible on that double that scored the 5th run. Stewart has looked completely lost out there all year. Please find me a worse defending LF in baseball and don’t say Manny Ramirez because Stewart should aspire to play Manny calibre defence (and I’m not just saying this because of yesterdays catch). Terrible reads, terrible jumps, terrible routes and a terrible arm. What exactly does he do well out there? Thank God he brings his stick with him every day …. oh wait…..
MW: Stewart is fine. He looked terrible on the double because it short-hopped the wall? Rios was right there, as he should have been, there was no problem with that. He’s no Gold Glover, not even close, but Mench isn’t exactly a world-beater out there, either.
- MattMike,
First - I really appreciate the time you put into the blog – helps break up the work day.
I see you have it mentioned here but what a great play by Zaun covering up first base in the 4th inning, maybe that an indication of the coaches keeping the players focused – nah that can’t be it.
Also I find it funny that a lot of Jays fans want to have the same problem the Leafs have – ie no GM and no Coach – how’s that working out for the Leafs?
Go Jays!
- Dave GI was just listening to Wensdays with J.P. podcast. and I’m just not with him on the whole offense is down because of banned PEDS. Sure offence is down but only in the American league, so what J.P. is saying is that only players in the A.L. are off PEDS or only people in the AL took PEDS in the first place.
That just seems like illogical thinking to me. I’m sure theres a reason that offence is down in the AL but the testing of PEDS isn’t one of them I’m sure of that.
MW: And only the hitters in the A.L. are off the drugs, not the pitchers.
- Dan M.MW,
Just wanted to say Kudos to Jesse Litsch for volunteering to start on Friday as he only threw 70 pitches Tuesday night. Just wondering though if you think that if Purcey pitches well Friday, will he get a few more “look sees” in the next month or so, in order to see if they could move Burnett earlier than July? I know you’re saying that Burnett’s value is higher later on, but JP hasn’t exactly been patient lately. Also, wanted to point out that Thigpen has had 4 hits since you wrote that he may be done as a catcher option for the big club. Can you maybe say that about a few others in the system?
MW: I still think Thigpen is done as a catcher option, and J.P. all but confirmed that last night. I didn’t say he was done as a prospect. It’ll be hard to fit in the Purcey “look-sees” unless someone gets hurt, and I don’t think they’re really interested in moving Burnett unless they fall out of contention.
- MasterclarkHi Mike!
I’ve not been to the Hall of Fame but when I do finally get to go, I hope by then they have introduced a category for MLBloggers.
With your resolve to respond to 100+ messages everyday and to keep JaysTalk going 24/7 you would be a first vote entry fo’ shizzle!
What are your thoughts on Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe being excluded from the Hall? Do you see a time when Mr Rose’s performance as a player is finally recognized or when Mr Jackson’s name is finally cleared?
Aneez
MW: I think it’s a shame that Jackson and Rose aren’t in the Hall. It’s supposed to be a museum of baseball history, and that should mean the good and the bad.
- AneezI dont think the question is if the Jays can go on 3 game winning streaks or win 2-8 on the road. If the jays want to compete they have to go on 6-8 game win streaks and play atleast .500 on the road.
As for Carlson, I think it’s time for a day off, but can they afford to make the move? I would hate to see Camp out there and Benetiez is questionable to say the least. Hopefully they get a good game from McGowan today and Carlson can rest.
As for Rolen I do agree with you in the, Best Blue Jay Ever tag. Thanks
MW: They don’t have to go on 6-8 game win streaks, nor do they have to play .500 on the road in order to compete. It would be nice, and it would certainly help, but it’s not a necessity.
- RyanMichael of the Ballyard:
I really think the Jays need to run the wheel play a bit more often if they’re going to contend.
MW: I think you’re right. They should also do more of the fake-to-third-throw-to-first move.
- JCLI agree with your Thigpen assessment Mike, if he makes the majors it will be as a super utility guy. I think Diaz is the catcher of the future, until Jeroloman or Arencibia arrive. Speaking of Diaz is there any kind of return date for him off the DL? Do you see him being called up before September at all?
MW: I heard that when Diaz went down (a week ago) that he’d be out three weeks. I don’t see him back before September, barring injury.
- clintMike
I don’t think this post will go over but I believe the time has come to give Gibby as extension he is not a bad manager and is better than availalble people but he needs to manage not try to keep his job. Everyone can disagree with decisions but most of his work out.
Thanks for the chance to spout off.
MW: You’re welcome. I think that, since Gibby was probably REALLY close to being fired on Monday, an extension isn’t in the offing.
- DougMike,
Really appreciate the blog, good to see someone from the Welland Pirates making good in the game still!!
I use your blog as the first thing I check after a game to get a recap.
We still have to get over the .500 as a team hill, then we can see where we sit in the playoff race. Nice to see the bats coming alive. Matt Stairs is the MAN!! Taking advantage of Rolen wearing the pitcher out.
Let’s keep the breaks going. I heard the play that lead to the winning run with Rolen, what exactly happened? How does someone leave that early, and I think things are about to turn around in a major getting a break with what sounds liek an airmailed throw?
Keep up the good work!
MW: When the Jays are four games back, they’re in a race whether they’re over .500 or not. With Rolen, I think he thought he had timed Crain, and Crain just changed his timing.
- Aaron KerChuck Norris fears Mike Piazza
- LillyMike, will you take the over or under on Overbay getting to 30 RBI’s by the All-star break?
MW: Over, though it really has more to do with the guys ahead of him than with him.
- MarvinPeople get too worked up about official scoring - in the big picture, who cares?
That would be me and my fantasy baseball team.
Here’s a random question I have wanted to ask someone for a while.
I know baseball, and i know if you foul off a bunt with 2 strikes, you are out. However I dont understand why we dont see some individuals try bunting with two strikes a little more often. I mean if your Juan Pierre(crappy hitter with speed) and your down 1-2 in the count your odds of getting a hit are going to be say 18%. However if the third baseman goes back to normal position your chances of getting the bunt down fair have and thus getting on have to be better than the odds of getting a hit when your down in the count. Basically I think ball players who are in a tough situation down in the count against a tough pitcher have could use the strategy 4 or 5 times a years simply as a suprise tactic.
MW: You know, it’s not a terrible idea.
- PeeWeewe should be able to edit our posts somehow.
MW: You can edit in the next post, and I’ll go fix it. I’m helpful like that.
- PeeWeeLast 3 years (excluding ‘08):
Mench: 1,291 at-bats
46 HR
178 RBI
0.266 BA
= 28 at-bats/HR
= 7 at-bats/RBI
MIKE PIAZZA: 1,106 at-bats
49 HR
174 RBI
0.268 BA
= 23 at-bats/HR
= 6 at-bats /RBI
On top of ALL that, Piazza is an extremely nice guy who would be an asset in helping hitters who may be struggling. He’s a classy gentleman and career .286 BA with RISP and 2 OUT and crushes both lefties and righties.
WE NEED YOU ON THE BANDWAGON MIKE. WHY WOULD YOU POSSIBLY WANT MENCH OVER PIAZZA?
MW: Have you ever met Piazza? Hung out with him? I don’t know how else you would know that he’s an extremely nice guy. As for the actual hittingness, Piazza is going to be 40 in September, he hasn’t played since last season, and didn’t do any crushing of any sort last year. Sorry, I’d still rather have the Gantze Mench.
- LillyI know that Litsch has been incredibly fortunate in going 5 and 1 but why do you want to skip him in light of the off day?
MW: Because he’s not as good as the other four guys.
- ReitzWell said. It’s refreshing reading a media piece that’s level-headed and rational. The sports world needs more writers like you and fewer who are just irrationally passionate (or passionately irrational) fans with a loudspeaker. It’s only May 15, the season is far from over, and nobody can actually predict the future.
MW: Why thank you.
- ShmuelGiven the Jays’ unique situation of being the only MLB team in the country, I think it would be really cool to see them play a series a year in Vancouver and Montreal. (I would say Halifax, but we just don’t have the facilities.) I suspect the players would hate it, but what a way to spread the gospel. Have a series with the Mariners in Vancouver and one with a division rival or an NL team in Montreal. Play them on the shoulders of a road trip to minimize the extra travel. I’m sure they could do well at the gate with both Jays and opponents’ fans, and maybe create a few new fans and a little more excitement outside the GTA. Think anyone would go for it? Aren’t the Mariners talking about playing some games in Vancouver anyway?
MW: The last time the Jays and Mariners played a series in Vancouver, Edgar Martinez blew a hammy and missed almost a whole year.
- Rob_NSSenor Wilner,
Can’t remember if it was postgame Tuesday or pregame Wednesday, but you rebuffed a caller who suggested trading Marcum or McGowan for Jason Bay for reasons I agree with. I’m curious as to whether you would you oppose moving Jesse Litsch or Adam Lind for him?
Also, from the way back file… During that week in December last year when Brian Sabean was waffling on the Rios-Lincecum deal, would the addition of someone like Curtis Thigpen (who has now forgotten how to play baseball) have tipped the scales and led to a blockbuster? MLBTR implied something along this lines at the time if I’m not mistaken.
Cheers,
JW
MW: If by blockbuster you mean Rios and Thigpen for Lincecum, then maybe, and if I was J.P. I’d have done that. I would trade Lind or Litsch for Bay, I think, though I’d feel better about dealing Litsch if Purcey doesn’t walk the house tomorrow night.
- johnny wasJust thought I’d point out that pitching velocity is down a significant amount this year as well(thus far), not just offense. Take from that what you will.
MW: Velocity = speed + movement.
- Dan WDo you there is a trend about locking up young players before they go to arbitration like Troy, Tulowiski, Ryan Braun, Scott Kazmir,Evan Longoria and Fasuto Carmona and can you tell me why?
MW: Because people are realizing that if the players work out, it’s cheaper in the long run, and players would rather give up some potential earnings for security. You can include Aaron Hill in that group too. Interesting use of commas and spelling, by the way.
- andrewHey Mike,
Great win .
The bullpen did a good job picking itself up when it had to.I thoght “Doc” struggled but battled and deserved the win.I guess your right we expect perfection from “Doc” and anything less panic sets in .He spoiled us.This crap about J.P. not living in TO.Haven’t we heard of all the great communcation technology we have to let a g.m. do his job from anywhere.I guess if you don’t like someone you think of anything to put them down.On drafting its unfortunate J.P. s crystal ball doesn’t work as good as his naysayers.I think J.P. has done a good job to give this city a team with a chance to compete for the world series and that’s all we can ask for.
Go Jays!!!
sorry for yelling yesterday.
MW: Thanks.
- marioHey Mike,
According to some dude Marty York, the Blue Jays are going to fire Gibbons and rehire Cito Gaston. Also, there will be peace in the middle east too?? Also, good to see Stairs schooling Rios, he needs a wake up call.
Thanks,
Jays Fan in Rhode Island
MW: I’m always hopeful for peace in the middle east, but so long as there are countries in the region with a stated goal of “driving Israel into the sea”, I don’t think we’ll ever see it happen. There’s not a chance that Cito replaces Gibbons if he should get fired.
- Tom StewartHey Mike!
I’m at work so can’t watch or listen to the game. Do you know where I can see a play by play write up of it as the game is played?
Also, is that you in the Life brand cereal commercials (Give it to Mikey, he’ll eat anything!)??
KK
MW: Seriously?
- karim kanjiYup Stewart is so “fine”, Mench is starting in left today with Stewart DH’ing. It had nothing to do with the ball short hopping the wall … it had to do with the fact that it should have never hit the ground in the first place. Just like countless other balls hit to left this season.
MW: Like I said, he’s no Gold Glover, not close, but I still prefer him to Mench defensively. Obviously the manager doesn’t agree, but there are a few things that he and I disagree on.
- MattMike, sorry to keep bugging you about this, but have we heard yet is Burnett has been working a cutter into his repertoire? You may have answered my question in a past post, but if so i’ve missed it
MW: He toyed with it a few times a couple of starts ago, but I haven’t heard much about it since.
- RyanSo since you think Thigpen is done as a catcher what is he now? Is he projected as a corner man now either 3rd or 1st or a ultility type guy who can fill in at catcher?
MW: Did I ever say that Thigpen was DONE as a catcher? What I said was that I don’t think he fits into the Jays’ plans in the future as a catcher. He’s looked at as too athletic to stay back there, and will be a super-utility guy if he makes it in this organization.
- Nick3 things:
Many people seemed to think the Glaus for Rolen was a wash but come on!!! The numbers may be similar but Rolen brings some “intangibles” to the table that Glaus lacked. Like wearing out pitchers, defense, baserunning, general intensity.
Do you think JP wishes he had sweetened the pot a bit more for Lincecum? Man our rotation would have been awesome with him, but then again our outfield would have been pretty thin considering the Wells injury.
You don’t mention any teams in the West when discussing the wild-card. Is Oakland not a possibility?
Thanks as always,
Rob H.
MW: I have mentioned that I don’t buy Oakland for a long time now. Seeing a lot of pitches, defense and baserunning are not intangibles.
- Rob H.Hey Mike,
Did you hear President Bush’s comments about how if he owned a franchise again, his first position player would be Chase Utley and his first pitcher would be Roy Halladay?
MW: Asked and answered.
- Andyhey mike,
what does the “C” in TC stand for on the Twins logo?
MW: “Cities”. Minneapolis and St. Paul are the twin cities.
- RandyHas anybody pitched a no-hitter and lost? I realize you can’t have a perfect loss.
MW: Lots of pitchers have thrown a no-hitter and lost. The most recent examples I can think of were Matt Young (Indians, I think, maybe Red Sox) and Andy Hawkins (Yankees).
- Sam McLean1) Are the Jays going to sign Barry Bonds?
2) When are the Jays going to sign Barry Bonds?
3) What number will Barry Bonds wear as a Blue Jay?
MW: Evidently you haven’t been listening to the General Manager.
- JohnMike would you agree that when J.P. Says Thigpen is too athletic too be a cather he’s really saying “We have better catchers in our system then Thigpen”
MW: Yes, but he’s also saying that he doesn’t want to wreck Thigpen’s legs behind the plate, much like the Astros didn’t with Craig Biggio.
- Dan M.Considering both SS are on the DL, do you think the Jays have any interest in Andy Cannizaro?
MW: No, why him?
- Lex“MW: I’m always hopeful for peace in the middle east, but so long as there are countries in the region with a stated goal of “driving Israel into the sea”, I don’t think we’ll ever see it happen. There’s not a chance that Cito replaces Gibbons if he should get fired”
Don’t make this a forum for you to vent your feelings about issues which have nothing to do with baseball.
MW: It’s my blog - if you don’t like it, feel free to change the station. And I didn’t bring up peace in the middle east.
- LillyMW: Velocity = speed + movement.
No. I don’t want to get all nerdy here, but check Wikipedia for what velocity means.
MW: D’oh! I knew I should have taken OAC physics back in the day. I guess I was misled by the part of the definition about “direction of motion”. But you should use the dictionary, not wikipedia.
- darrenCan we please get the Jeter cutoff throw against Oakland replaced (with Zaun’s play) on every “Best Damn Top 50″ list?
MW: That’d be swell. At least Zaun had some business being where he was.
- DesmondMike,
How do you blog and watch the game at the same time?
MW: I don’t. I just answer some comments between innings and throw them all up when I’m done.
- SteveJust wondering if you think it was coincidence that Vernon went down and all of a sudden the Jays started playing again? I won’t knock what Vernon was doing this year (the numbers were pretty close to his career) but it seems like Stairs and Rolen in leadership roles has loosened everybody up a bit. Just a thought.
MW: The night after Vernon went down, the Jays lost 12-0. They didn’t score for the first 30 innings after he got hurt.
- DaveHey its the Jays 3rd straight series ending in extra innings.
MW: Cool!
- SteveMike,
I find it very interesting that when the Jays win, it’s all on the players and when they lose it’s that lousy Gibbons, Denbo, Pevey, or Ricciardi’s fault. Arnsberg, of course must be a genius because the pitching staff has been solid as a rock.
One of the disappointing things from my point of view is that the majority of fans don’t seem to acknowledge the contributions of Zaun and Barajas to the awesomeness of the pitching staff. The next time one of you yokels calls in to whine about the (back) catchers (had to do it Mike) and their various throwing issues, which tend to show up more often with Halladay, Burnett, and McGowan on the mound, stop… compose yourself and think (I know it can be difficult) about how many times their names are brought up with great reverence particularly by the 3 younger starters and realize that perhaps, just perhaps they are making contributions that don’t stand out and that just because they don’t stand out doesn’t mean they aren’t there and they aren’t happening every single freakin’ game. Honestly, Zaun has to do something freakishly insane, like a 9-2 putout at 1st base before some people will notice him.
So endeth the rant and I apologize for the timing as it is a little bit behind when the complaints about catching were at a fever pitch, nonetheless I think it timely because all it will take is let’s say 3 stolen bases by the opposition (care to give me an over-under on that Mike?) before the rabblerousers will crawl out of the woodwork and decide that the Jays can’t win blah blah blah without addressing the “catching situation”.
Regarding the term “backcatcher” Mike, I’m about your age and I remember that term being used while playing Softball and then Fast Pitch in Willowdale back in the late ’70’s and early ’80’s. Some of us just held onto it longer than others I guess. It hasn’t ever been used in the pro game as far as I know, but probably kids like me would’ve used it when referring to their Johnny Bench or Carlton Fisk cards way back when. You can probably blame the “backcatcher” virus on us Willowdalers, except that I’m sure it was elsewhere. So there you have it a rant and an etymology lesson all in one. Enjoy.
MW: I’m sure it was more than just Willowdalians (that’s where I grew up, too, I wonder if we played against each other), but that and “Decker” are terms that make American baseball people raise an eyebrow. You’re right on Zaun and The Captain, by the way - as I often say, Zaun never has any trouble throwing out baserunners when Marcum is pitching.
- TomThis is my first time on the blog, I was annoyed enough to send this.
I received a letter on Friday from the Jays stating in the first paragraph ‘Our offense is showing great potential early on.” I almost puked. Please forward on to the Jays Mgt and have John Santana fired. It should not take 5 weeks from letter creation until a customer receives it.I can’t wait to see the next outdated letter.
JM
MW: I don’t know who John Santana is, and I certainly don’t have that kind of power. That is pretty funny, though - you should frame it, or at least send it back with the team’s run production attached.
- JMJust have few thoughts, Mike, while I’m waiting for my job to start.
1. How long did it take last year for the Blue Jays to sweep a series, and how long to win 4 games in a row?
2. People were talking about the rarity of 4 game sweeps on the regular season - I remember one not that long ago where Jays swept a much better Baltimore team in Baltimore - was this the most recent one before the Jays swept the Sox?
MW: The Jays’ first series sweep last year came April 23 & 24 at Boston, the first four-game win streak was June 22-25, sweeping the Rockies and then taking a game from the Twins. I think the Jays had a four-game sweep against the Yankees a few years back, 2006 or maybe 2003, I can’t remember. And I also can’t remember the last time that the Orioles had a much better team than the Jays, it’s been at least 10 years.
- Sam McLeanWith pleasure.
Regarding my comments on the previous blog entry (I wasn’t sure when you stop addressing an older blog), re John McDonald: they let Reed Johnson go even though he was also signed to a two-year contract. Didn’t stop them then, won’t stop them now. And they wouldn’t be “keeping” Joe Inglett instead of McDonald, because Inglett won’t be on the 25-man roster in any case. They won’t send McDonald down to the minors, so they’ll have to get rid of him.
MW: Reed Johnson wasn’t signed to a two-year contract, therefore your entire argument is moot.
- ShmuelRegarding Jays’ Talk: I’m so disappointed! I (and we) don’t get to enjoy a new, kinder, gentler “Machine Gun” Mike today! Guess we’ll have to wait till Friday.
MW: Sorry about that. Who said anything about a new, kinder, gentler me?
- Rob (your favourite hayta)Mike, do you know why baseball analysts thought that the St Louis Cardinals got the better end of the Troy Glaus-Scott Rolen deal? Because it seems like the blue jays got the better end of that deal. Also, has a pitcher ever won his first 9 starts before since Brenden Webb is aiming for his 9th win?
MW: Most people thought that Rolen was far less likely to rebound from his injuries than Glaus. I didn’t, but people just called me a homer and a Jays apologist. Andy Hawkins won his first 10 starts for the Padres in 1995.
- andrewAlso Mike, I read on a article by Ken Rosenthal that Matt Holliday could be traded. Have you read it and do you think he will be traded and do you think we could get him? Do you think he will command a Mark Teixeria type package?
MW: I haven’t read it, I don’t think the Jays are in the market for Holliday.
- andrewA Fox Sports link is reporting the Rockies are going to trade Matt Holliday? One team listed as a possible suitor are the Blue Jays? Any chance of that happenning? I would to hate give up Snider, Cecil or any other future star.
MW: Away from Coors Field, Holliday is a very ordinary hitter.
- tom stewartMike, how encouraging was it to see the Jays win these 3 games against the Twinkies with just enough of everything? Good pitching though not stupidly great and (some) clutch hitting!
And what’s up with the Jays being such generous confidence builders to random young unknown lefties? Kind of a ridiculous trend, no?
MW: It is. At least they open in Philly against a 63 year-old lefty.
- SimonHey Mike,
I can’t find your podcast on, “…the frontpage of this very website.” I’m sure I’m just blind, as another poster made reference to listening to it, but I just can’t find it. Any help?
MW: It may not still be there by now, I’m honestly not up enough on how our site works, but there’s got to be an archive section, no?
- MattA question for a gantser mensch from a gantser moedel: This is a streaky team. We just won 4 in a row which is great, but we lost 3 in a row just before that. I don’t have a problem with streaky teams, but should we go on another slide, how secure is Gibby? Will Ricciardi cut him some slack, or is he as good as his last winning streak and is out the 4th game of the next losing streak?
And if he goes–and I don’t think he deserves to–who do you think the powers that be in Jayland will go after to replace him?
MW: I think it depends on how the next losing streak goes, and where the Jays are record-wise when it happens. There’s a long list of potential replacements if Gibby has to go, but I think the Jays’ next manager will be someone with a major-league track record as a manager. They can’t go with four rookies in a row.
- reyes#48:
Umm ok. Super. Glad you pointed that out, because I was completely unaware. Mind explaining why the hell you thought it was necessary to explain that obvious truth? I’m guessing it has more to do with you being an ass and trying to insult my intelligence than you actually wanting to inform anyone, but if not please let me know.
Post 49: That last sentence is yet another example of how nice, as well as how hilarious you are. I mean, it was just so constructive and so professional of you. I mean, it’s not like you could’ve been nicer about it, or shown any more respect. I’m going to start using that attitude with the people who pay my salary. Hopefully I get to keep my job, cause Lord knows you deserve to when you act like that!
MW: Hmmmm, I think I touched a nerve there. I don’t think it’s unreasonable of me to ask people to spell correctly.
- Dan WHi Mike,
The underratedness of Greg Zaun is equal to the overratedness of Mike Piazza.
Willie Upshaw IS the best Blue Jay ever. When is #26 going to be invited to Flashback Fridays?
MW: It’s a good thought. He was the Giants’ first-base coach last year, but wasn’t asked back and is taking this year off, so I’m sure he could be available for a Friday.
- DAWGre: Comment 52
MLB’s Gameday offers a pitch-by-pitch analysis of the game including a strike zone graphic (although it’s often delayed behind the game). It’s free and you can link to it at Bluejays.com during games. It does require the flash player plugin.
- ColinMike, I’m just wondering if a AJ burnett for Ken Griffey Jr deal could work?
MW: I don’t think either team would be interested in that, and I don’t think Griffey would waive his no-trade to come to Toronto.
- andrew“Is this a championship team? Want the honest answer? Because here comes some more TRUTH, coming right at you from the studios of The FAN590. The honest answer is NO ONE HAS A CLUE. And no one will until they’re either eliminated from contention or they win the World Series. Can they get back in a playoff race? I’m not sure - seeing as they’re four games out of first place with 120 games to play. I’m thinking maybe they’re in a playoff race right now, despite the fact that they’re in last place.”
Yes, agree 100%. I can stop haranguing you now!
MW: Woo-hoo! And they’re not even in last place anymore, the Yankees are!
- MichaelA further comment re Matt Holliday — he’s also a right-handed hitter, so would not address the perceived imbalance in the lineup.
- NormIm just wondering why you think Matt Hoillday is a very ordinary hitter from cors field. Can you give me his stats at Coors field and away from Coors field?
MW: I don’t just think he’s an ordinary hitter away from Coors Field - his career OPS is over 300 points lower on the road, .780 to 1.090. Even in his near-MVP season last year, his OPS away from Coors was .860, compared to 1.157 at home. Not to say that an .860 OPS is ordinary, but you’re not necessarily getting what you’d be paying for.
- andrewAnd I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask you to know that the Twins play in the AL :)
In your defense for once Mike, I thought the way you defined velocity was fine, or atleast I interpreted it in a way that gives the correct definition.
And to Tom, I think a lot of fans have a tough time believing that the contributions Zaun/Barajas make towards the staff are anything special. I mean really, I can’t think of any examples of a young pitcher not giving anything but praise for their veteran catchers. Maybe Zaun really is that much better than everyone else at working with them, but personally I feel it’s too subjective of a measure to really put that much emphasis on.
MW: It is subjective, another one of those intangible things.
- Dan WThe Jays had a 4 game sweep in New York in 2003. That was around the time they went off in May and, really, was the last time they went on a prolonged winning streak.
MW: Ah-ha. I knew it was something like that.
- AlexMike,
That was great what Matt Stairs did. Grand slam first inning, that was awesome. On Halladay’s birthday as well, he sure would of liked that since the offense hasn’t stepped up for him. It was Mike Stairs I wanted to talk to you about. Should we trade him near the deadline if the Jays are being close to being out of it, or should we keep him. He is in his 40th year and probably won’t have much left in him after this year. I was thinking if the Jays are out of it near the trade deadline we could trade him to a team that has a shot and maybe get like a number 6 or 7 hitter for him. He has to be young as well not another old guy. I would like to hear your opinion please. Talk to you soon.
Steven
MW: It’s Matt Stairs, first of all. Second of all, why are so many people concerned with who the Jays are going to trade if they’re out of the race in July? They hit pretty much as badly as any team can over the first quarter of the season and are still just three games out of a playoff spot.
- Steven