Comments on: “A Grand Slam? Just What I Always Wanted!”

By: Steven

Steven — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:32:56 +0000

Mike,
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.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:43:28 +0000

The 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.

By: Dan W

Dan W — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:53:54 +0000

And 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.

By: andrew

andrew — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:28:17 +0000

Im 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.

By: Norm

Norm — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:04:54 +0000

A further comment re Matt Holliday — he’s also a right-handed hitter, so would not address the perceived imbalance in the lineup.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:30:33 +0000

“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!

By: andrew

andrew — Fri, 16 May 2008 03:03:08 +0000

Mike, 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.

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:21:33 +0000

re: 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.

By: DAWG

DAWG — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:09:01 +0000

Hi 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.

By: Dan W

Dan W — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:06:52 +0000

#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.