SOFTBALL UPDATE at the bottom of the post
8:00 PM Eastern
Nope, I checked it out with other sources just as reliable as Jerry Howarth and Alan Ashby, and it turns out the Jays actually did score a dozen runs in Oakland this afternoon.
It’s amazing! The series that was a fait accompli Oakland sweep turns into the Jays taking two of three and outscoring the A’s 15-4. Don’t get excited, though – these aren’t exactly the Kansas City Royals.
Jesse Litsch did his thing again, brilliantly, and Alex Rios sounded great in centrefield (which is a good thing because otherwise, yuck), and the offense was spectacular.
The Captain had a big day with three doubles, Shannon Stewart added three hits as did Kevin Mench, who raised his batting average 66 points and even contributed an extra-base hit! Every starter had at least one hit save for Rios, who grounded into three double plays and would have had a fourth had Mark Ellis not dropped Bobby Crosby’s relay throw in the 3rd.
Honestly, though, how cool would that have been? The Jays score 11 (the 4th DP would have eliminated one run) while Alex Rios grounds into four double plays. That would have been a brilliant karmic payback by the baseball gods.
There’s really not that much to say about this one, especially since I didn’t get to see much of it (other than the mlb.com highlights). But here are a few things:
-The Jays are 14-1 in day games so far this season
-The Jays are undefeated when they score in double digits (credit that great pitching staff!)
-David Eckstein has reached base safely in 7 of 9 plate appearances since coming back from the disabled list
-The Blue Jays are 2 1/2 games out of the wild card in the American League, which sucks because as we all know, the season ended on May 10th when the Jays lost 12-0, proving that they wouldn’t be able to do a thing without Vernon Wells.
That collision between Eckstein and Aaron Hill looked pretty serious. It seemed like Hill took Eckstein’s elbow right in the cheekbone as they came together on a 7th-inning pop-up by Rob Bowen. Hill had to leave the game, but Eck was fine. Hopefully, Hill wasn’t concussed, because that can have lingering, very unpleasant effects (I speak from experience). If Hill has to sit a while, Joe Inglett certainly won’t do any worse offensively, though Hill looked to be coming out of his rough patch by going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks.
Finally, let me pre-empt anyone from whining that the Jays will now get swept in Anaheim because they should have “saved” some of these runs today. The stupidity of that statement is self-evident but regardless, they’ve been “saving” these runs all season long! They might get swept in Disneyland, by the way, but they might sweep the Halos. It’s likelier that they’ll drop two of three, just because, but anyone who claims to know what’s going to happen is either REALLY self-important or an idiot.
I have a softball game tonight that I’m leaving for right now, I’ll update you afterwards.
SOFTBALL UPDATE – Since so many of you seem to care so much, I went 2-for-5 tonight with a ground single to left and an opposite-field triple, and we won 17-5. No errors at short, with one terrific defensive play on a slow roller up the middle. The defensive play of the night, though, was turned in by their left fielder, Jeff Myers (sp?) on a drive I hit down the line. He made a sensational leaping catch on the dead run towards foul territory. Why he was there I’ll never know, since I had tripled down the right-field line in my previous at-bat. The game ended when one of their guys hit a shot down the first-base line that hit the runner on first in the left hand, and just hearing it from shortstop it sounded like the guy broke at least three or four bones in his hand. We also had one of our runners hit in the face by an uncut throw from the outfield, but he’s fine.
Comments are encouraged (there was no JaysTalk today), though I’m not sure about Neil anymore.
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I’m so happily stunned by this series in Oakland. I am convinced that the ‘sweep prediction’ brought the Jays good luck. I am also convinced that a 162 game baseball season is by far THE wackiest, most unpredictable thing in all of sports. I laugh following the Power Rankings on some well known websites. How dizzy one must get writing those columns!
MW: Indeed.
- Wong Kar WaiHey Mike,
Is anyone calling about Reed these days now that Shannon has an Ave. 20 points higher?
I know that people have said that Jays weren’t tight in the club house when no one could hit adn they couldn’t score a run, but I am wondering if you know what the club house is like now the Jays have best record in baseball for May?
MW: As I said in April, things you hear about the clubhouse and leadership and all of that depend almost solely on on-field results.
- JWMike,
Aaron Hill has been kinda roughed up lately. Two days in a row he’s been absolutely drilled in the noggin! Yesterday by his own foul ball and today by the one man Ecking Machine. Brutal. Anyone who says baseball isn’t a tough game should talk to Mr. Hill.
Mike, you always seem to have your ear to the ground… any rumblings about an Adam Dunn deal in the works?
MW: Nope. It’s way too early for that sort of stuff.
- Scott BHello Mike, hope you’re well and that softball was good fun. Get any hits? No concussions, right?
So, I was just reading through the posts from the last blog, and, my goodness, it’s getting like family around here. You’ve got your smart-arses, your arguers, your peacemakers, and Neil. Doesn’t every family have a Neil?
Just a couple of questions today. I know Wells and Johnny Mac have gone to Florida to start their rehabs; any news on how they’re doing? Has Johnny Mac played any games down there yet? Also, Wolfe was due to do a rehab game wasn’t he? How did that go, if it’s happened?
And finally, I always say/type “hope you’re well” because I do hope so, but since you have an aversion to being asked how you are, I was wondering if the “hope you’re well” bugs you too. Does it? I don’t mean to irritate you in your own house, so to speak. Thanks, Mike.
MW: I don’t have an aversion to being asked how I am, I have an aversion to two things in that realm: A – “how are you” as a greeting or a conversation starter, when an answer isn’t wanted, waited for or expected, and 2 – “how are you” when the last eight people I’ve spoken to have asked the same thing. No news on Wells and Johnny Mac yet, Mac hasn’t played in a game; Wolfe has thrown a hitless inning each for Dunedin and Syracuse.
- kitaHow great was that! And did the Oakland station not broadcast the game? Is that why we couldn’t even get it on 399? Because I surely would have loved to have seen that one. Oakland’s had our number for years.
(I’m tellin’ you. Something is radically wrong with Rios and I can’t believe it’s all in his head!)
MW: You think he’s hurt?
- reyesWow, I cant believe how much Barajas isn’t anything like Fasano. Just goes to show you cant judge a player just by his stats.
MW: We’ll see, but it certainly seems that way.
- ChrisMike,
Love your blog, love your positive attitude towards the Jays (something lacking overall in the Toronto media for all Toronto teams, in my opinion, especially a certain Toronto daily) and I especially like your very subtle sarcasm at the expense of some of the “knowledgeable” fanbase. Keep up the good work and good luck in your softball game!
P.S. Great game by the Jays today – I really like the makeup of this team – they didn’t panic when they got off to a slow start to the season and now it’s paying off.
MW: Why would they panic?
- WayneGreat to see Litsch still rolling and everyone getting some hits before LA where they will need it. I’m a J.P. fan but I couldn’t believe he said Lind will be the everyday left fielder next year. He better find a leadoff hitter to replace Stewart before he puts another player on that merry go round.
MW: The leadoff spot is definitely an issue.
- The ChadOne more cool result of that game: The Jays are now tied with the As for fewest runs allowed in the league… and they’ve played 2 more games.
MW: Swell.
- paulfPlease publish Neil’s comments. They’re funny.
A few questions for ye:
1. Is Halladay Superman?
2. Are The Simpsons still culturally relevant?
3. Do you think Litsch’s 3.18 era is flukishly low?
4. Do you think the charge that J.P. is ‘arrogant’ is warranted?
5. How long will the Royals’ losing streak last?
MW: Without question – you’ve never seen the two of them in the same place at the same time, have you? Yes. Yes. Only to the extent that anyone in that position would have to be arrogant, but is he Gord Ash arrogant? No. Into the next century.
- Flaming Moethe captain? come on mike HOT ROD is a WAY better nickname.
MW: A little too obvious, though, no?
- TSCorrection Mike, the Jays are 2 game back of the wild card, not 2 1/2. Mike, even you would admit that Jesse Litsch is playing way over his head right now. The Blue Birds are getting more production from Jesse Litsch then they ever imaged. Do you think they should dangle him out on the market since his value may never be higher?
MW: Damn me and my cursed sometime inability to do math. I don’t think anyone would bite on Litsch, at least to the extent that you’re thinking.
- andrewSince the Jays won 12 -0 there is not much to complain about with the birds so how about the issue of instant replay in baseball for homerun calls? Replays should definitely be used on this limited basis. Enough with the field of dreams sentimentality and resistance to progress. Change is a part of life, even in baseball. Former Jay Carlos Delgado was robbed of a homer – imagine if that was in the World Series or in the playoffs. It’s a no brainer – Bud Selig should bring in instant replay as soon as possible.
MW: Why just on homers, though?
- DanielDo the Jays players need to go back to little league to learn how to callfor a ball or does Eck need to have his hearing checked?
Seriously though, really hope Hill is ok save for what must be a really nice shinner by now.
MW: Or even a shiner. Chances are they both called at the same time.
- jamiePaging the dude who promised us Monday night that the Jays would, indisputably, get swept by the A’s. since he couldn’t call in I eagerly await his appearance in this thread.
Also…The Jays have the best record in Baseball in May.
They are first in baseball in fewest runs allowed per game.
They are now averaging 4.6 runs per game since the offense woke up which is a pace that, if they had maintained it all season, would have them at 3rd in the AL for runs scored.
Finally, we have not allowed more than 3 runs in a game for eight straight games.
If one looks back at the Jay’s performance this season, it is now crystal clear that the Fortnight From Hell that was the second half of April was a total abberation from the rest of the Jays season.
They were scoring more runs before that stretch than since it ended. It’s true that the offense was still struggling in the first 11 games in May but they were 6-5 in those games because the other aspects of the game were successful.
There are still concerns – today aside most of the key bats have badly under-preformed against LHP (though I have to wonder how much of that weakness occurred in the midst of the strange invisible offense period) – and Wilkerson is still Wilkerson but there is still WAY more to like about this team than to worry about.
MW: Yeah, except you know that’s not the way it works. People who are happy tend not to call in to radio shows or leave comments on blergs.
- WillRainToronto 12, Oakland 0! and it’s not April 1st. Nah, can’t be true. so I emailed MLB.com and told them about the typo. Just can’t be right. Nah! Noway! 30-26! Who would have thunk that after the first three games in Cleveland.
Enought about Jays. so Mike, tell me about the pitchers in your softball league. What do you think is the speed of the pitches? And do you dive for the balls while fielding?
MW: I don’t dive a lot, it’s not worth the risk to my ever-achin’ back. And speed of the pitches? I’m thinking 50, tops, but mostly a lot slower. And don’t you remember? I told you there was nowhere to go but up after the first nine innings of that 4th game in Cleveland.
- Beburgof the 8 rank them from first to worst (and they’re all great pitchers)
mcgowan, marcum, jesse litsch, jon lester, phil hughes, clay bucholz, joba chamberlain, ian kennedy
here’s mine
1. Jon Lester
2. Shawn Marcum
3. Dustin McGowan
4. Clay Bucholz
5. Joba Chamberlain
6. Jesse Litsch
7. Ian Kennedy
8. Phil Hughes
MW: Why do people always ask me to rank things?
- SunkenDPr0Stewart is garbage. If the jays had Reed Johnson Bud Selig would have called the season and handed the jays the world series.
MW: That would have been sweet.
- Terry<sarcasm>They scored 12 while leaving 11 on base – obviously they’re doomed since they were unable to convert 11 runs. Horrible, absolutely horrible. </sarcasm>
Way to go for Litsch. Too bad the entire US baseball media completely writes off the Toronto pitching staff because of where they play. I’m tired of being bitter becaues of Canada’s inferiority complex.
MW: Then stop being bitter. Who cares if the Americans notice?
- Sam McLeanHey Mike,
Just wanted to leave a tip for readers who want to catch Jays Talk after the game: if you have Rogers Digital Cable, you can just flip the channel to 904, which carries a direct feed of The Fan 590. I’ve seen/heard a lot of people upset that there’s no post-game show on TV, but at least this way you can get your fix without even having to stand up and turn a radio dial.
Also: I know all the other Jays beat reporters believe Jesse Litsch is just “another Gustavo Chacin,” but as I recall, Chacin won a LOT of games by virtue of the team’s impressive offence that year, while Litsch is entering June with 7 wins, even though he’s been pitching for a team that has been struggling to score runs.
The guy has pitched two shutouts in a row. I know he’s not going to be anybody’s ace, but he also doesn’t have an ERA over 5, so I don’t really get the Chacin comparisons. I can understand a bit of skepticism, but why do some people seem to have such a hate-on for this guy? He’s been pretty effecctive so far.
MW: The hate-on is a combination of the general pessimism among the crowd that frequents this place, the out-of-nowhereness of Litsch’s ascendance, and the fact that his overall stuff is pretty underwhelming. I have disputed the comparisons to Chacin, it’s apples and oranges as far as I’m concerned. But is Litsch going to go 21-3? No.
- TyMaybe you can spice up Neil’s entertainment value by throwing in some plays on words or subtly using clever combinations of understatement, sarcasm and hyperbole? You’re good at that.
MW: Who, me? Never in a million years.
- XiaoGreat win today. 12 runs?? how very un-jays that was. I love it. Spanking the A’s like that was a nice statement. especially after the series sweep earlier this year. O K BLUE JAYS. Keep it rolen (ha)
By the way, huge fan of jays talk. Love the way you handle some of the winners that call in.
MW: Thanks.
- Mr.CazYou know, I really like Rios but wouldn’t it be sweet to have Lincecum in this line up! Just looking at his numbers on mlb.com.
MW: Yes it would, but it’s not like he’d be more successful than Litsch.
- MarkActually Mike, I enjoy your show by the way on the Fan, I totally agree with you about Burnnet. This guy is good. BUT, I think he is a bite tempermental. For some reason he seems to have a brain cramp in the middle innings OR the baseball Gods don’t shine on him like they seem to do for Roy. I do think they need a bat though. I know that is easier said then done. This summer I will be trecking out to T.O. for my first Blujays game ever. Hope to maybe get a hand shake or hello from you. Take care.
MW: Enjoy the trip!!!!!!
- Dean FortinI prepared the response below three days ago as it seemed like a foregone conclusion as to what was going to happen this series after reading the comments from your loyal readers:
Well it figures, the Jays go on a west coast trip and get swept again by the A’s. When is this offense going to wake up? Same old Blue Jays I guess.
They should fire Gibbons and J.P. and trade Vernon Wells and Alex Rios while they’re at it. We all know the season was over in April, time to start rebuilding.
MW: I can’t believe they got swept, they’d been playing so well.
- Derekyou’re a complete moron Mike!
MW: Fair enough
- Sammy JalazaMike I love the relationship you have with the fans through your blog and radio show. Thanks for the hard work you’re obviously putting in.
I’m just wondering if you have any insight into the relationship between Brad Arnsburg and the pitching staff. Somebody deserves a medal for instilling in the staff it’s current philosophy. Is that Arnsburg or is everyone simply following Halladay’s lead; pitch to contact, don’t walk anyone.
Thanks.
MW: It’s a little bit of everything, I think. Arnsberg, Halladay, Marcum and Litsch both throwing strikes and pitching to contact (even though Marcum has a boatload of strikeouts), everyone trying to outdo the last guy, all kinds of things.
- Jasoni was just looking at pitching numbers, because that really fun with the jays, and i saw Tim Lincecum’s line. Imagine that trade had happened, so we had him pitching rather than someone, i guess at this point it would be AJ but realistically, litsch. Still…..woulda been AWESOME!!!
too bad though
MW: See above.
- Dave JHey Mike,
What is up with Bengie Molina? The guy is hitting .340 and its nearly June!
Remember what a sack this guy when he was in town?
Also, have you been paying attention to what Arencibia is doing in A-Ball? Is it time to start anticipating the arrival of a legitimate major league catcher to the blue jays? (Ie. someone who might OPS+ over 100 for more than 2 years?)
MW: When was the last time the Jays had that? Did Fletcher ever do that?
- soupmanBig deal, another series victory. I guarentee the Jays get swept next series. It’s what they do. Just kidding!
Loving Rios in CF, what a cannon and that catch Thursday was the best I’ve seen in years, I thought that was dropping in for sure (memo to Jamie Campbell, Rios caught that, you can’t talk again). I remember watching him live and couldn’t believe his arm, it’s like he’s throwing line drives, very low, hard and accurate. My question is should Rios’ arm be a factor in staying in CF when Wells is back? (I know Wells is more than pencilled in as CF but if Rios gives us an advantage there we should exploit it, just like Jmac being a defensive sub late in games)
MW: I love how Rios is playing CF, but don’t forget that Wells is one of the best in the business, and that Rios arm in right is swell.
- bmacWhat the heck is up with Adam Lind? Didn’t play again tonight, and JP sounded strange when he was answering that question.
MW: He didn’t sound strange so much as he didn’t know, which means he’s not concerned enough about Lind making an impact on the major-league team for a while to be worried.
- AriHey Mike just thought I would offer a few comments on todays events. First off great game. Normally I don’t enjoy blow outs whether by the club I cheer for or the opposing team. I just generally find them not as entertaining. I suppose great for struggling offensive players who are looking to finally make solid contact and more importantly find the holes. However this club was over due for an offensive explosion so my interest level was maintained and overall enjoyment was high. I certainly believe this club has turned a corner offensively and its great to see. Are they an offensive juggernaut?? Obviously not. But is that what one should be concerned with? I don’t think so. This club is competent with handling the stick. I see a fairly balanced line up with Vernon Wells back (hopefully around beginning of July). One that is capable of producing enough runs when taking into account our tremendous pitching staff. Would I like to see JP go after Adam Dunn?? Hell ya!! But that will have to wait until the first trade dead line. You can’t force someone to be a dance partner before there ready. Prospects should be all that is necessary (I hope). Anything off our starting rotation should be out of the question (that means A.J. Burnett people). 30-26 guys, not bad considering how April was. I think 90-93 wins are definitely attainable and with that a wild card spot. 106 games to go. Wow it is a long season isn’t it.
MW: Sure is.
- TroyMike,
Was brutal not being able to watch today’s rout, can’t believe the game wasn’t even on in Oakland. How often would you say that happens over the course of an MLB season (a game is simply not televised whatsoever by either city)?
In response to your comment about the Jays being 2 1/2 out of the wildcard, I will say that I never thought they would blow up without Vernon, but am cautious to be optimistic at this point. Its one thing to go on a roll in May, its quite another to win the games that count in August and September. Does this team have what it takes (rhetorical question since none of us actually knows!)?
Oh and what happened with the phones for Jays talk today? I tuned in and heard you say there wouldn’t be any, but missed the reason why.
MW: You can’t complain about winning in May if you think that wins in April are as important as wins in September (which they are). The deal with the phones today was that we were on at the same time as Prime Time Sports, which airs on some stations on the network as well as on Sportsnet even when the Jays are on the Fan590. They have to use the main studio, because it has the cameras in it, so we get pushed to a secondary studio in which we have no access to the phone lines.
- BryanHey Mike,
You might want to direct our good friend Neil to http://www.baseballanalysts.com and a story from May 29, 2008 called “The Most Impressive Draft Haul of 2007″ by Marc Hulet about a team that’s near and dear to all of our hearts. Of course he’ll probably accuse Hulet of being one of “J.P.’s bodyguards” or friends or write it off because J.P. had so many picks that he was bound to have a good draft. I guess that old line: “… Some people, you just can’t reach” is apropos here.
It’s nice that Mr. Hulet thinks highly of them right now, but I’ll wait to see what happens as they get closer to the big leagues. Probably the best policy- kind of like not writing off Ricky Romero or David Purcey just yet. Let’s just remember how much of an incredible crapshoot it all is, or have we all forgotten St. Pat Gillick’s swing-and-a-miss draft of 1980? (www.thebaseballcube.com/draft/teams/1980_30.shtml)
Even the greatest can have a down year people. It would be better not to, but sometimes it just happens.
MW: It’s an UNBELIEVEABLE crapshoot, which is the main reason that I just don’t get into it beforehand. And remember, among Pat Gillick’s first-round picks: Jay Schroeder (the Raiders’ and Redskins’ QB – 1979), Garry Harris (2nd overall – 1980), Augie Schmidt (3rd overall – 1982, ahead of Dwight Gooden and Duane Ward). Just to name a few that went awry.
- TomMike : “…if the team starts to hit” one caller said. Ta-daaa! Nice to see a laugher go the other way. This team doesn’t need a big bat.Not right now. They just need to “do what they are capable of doing”…so sayeth JP, and truer words were never spoken.
What are your thoughts about instant replay? In the 5th inning Wed., Barajas was called out on a foul-tip strikeout. The video showed he checked his swing and never touched it. Shows how fallible these guys are. Do you think this should be brought in to MLB?
That SOL can pitch, and another shutout at that!
MSN Sports had a poll 2-3 days ago…”Should J.P. Ricciardi be fired?” The vote was 79%YES…they should have waited, the nos. would be reversed…..(they also stated that VW had a broken right wrist)…….Go Jays!!!
MW: It’s almost impossible to determine whether a ball was fouled off or not by replay, it happens so quickly. The umpires rely on the sound for that, and they should. I love the idea of instant replay. As I have stated before, I’m all for robot umpires.
- JackInstead of “Hot Rod” or the “Captain” he should be called “B.A. Barajas” in honour of Mr. T’s critically acclaimed role on the A-Team.
MW: That’s a good one.
- GI wish people would stop suggesting trading Litsch. You would never get the value back in return because GM’s drool over hard throwers (like Burnett or McGowan), while tend to underrate the value of guys like Jesse Litsch. Forget his impressive win/loss record, but look at his consistency since getting to the bigs. He gives the team a chance to win even if he is not “lights out” and may give up a few big ones. We are not talking about the staff ace (although he has pitched like one) but a 5th starter who has a career ERA under 3.50 I think keeping him to see what else he can do is better than hoping you can find another arm through the likes of people like Ohka, Thompson, or Zambrano.
MW: People suggest trading him because they think some G.M. somewhere will overpay due to his hot start.
- Jim BRegarding Jays backstops: “When was the last time the Jays had that? Did Fletcher ever do that?”
Quick answer, yes Fletch did so 99/00. I’d forgotten how good Ernie Whitt was (I blame my misbegotten youth): a 100+ OPS seven straight seasons 83-89.
It seems like we’ve got a while to worry about it, but with Diaz, Jerolman, Arencibia and Thigpen all in the minors, Scott Campbell blocked at second by Hill, Ahrens at third by Rolen, not to mention our absurd bullpen depth (Accardo, League, De Jong in addition to our current seven), when do we come to the point where we should swing a trade or two to strengthen the major league team? Even Lind and Snider are essentially competing for 2 of the 3 LF/1B/DH slots in a year or two.
MW: Time will tell with all those things. You never know what you have until you get to see it, though Pat Gillick was a master of trading the too-highly-touted stuff before we got a chance to see it in the bigs.
- gabrielI don’t give credit to JP for Litsch because even a blind acorn turns into a nut once in a while.
MW: There are acorns that can see?
- Jay MoneyScoring 2 runs in the AL means you win 66% of the time, thats nuts. Imagine if we had an impact bat what the record could be.
I say go get Bay as soon as he’s available… would Lind, Accardo (assuming he comes back sometime soon in good health with a splitter) + (some other quality farm arm) get it done?
MW: Probably.
- ErikI have to disagree with you about instant replay. One of the great parts of baseball is its connection to its past and this would a huge change to the game.
I love seeing different umpires call games differently and I don’t really care if some plays are called incorrectly. After all this is just a game.
I also think that if the umpiring was perfect that you would also lose one of those fun aspects of watching the game (especially at the park). I think that most of us have enjoyed the discussions with friends about whether the umpire got it right or not.
I really think that once we say that we NEED to have every call made perfectly that we have started taking this game a little too seriously.
MW: One of the huge parts of baseball’s past was that black people weren’t allowed to play. Do you want to keep a connection to that, too?
- AaronSelfish, selfish, selfish. If you’d been trying to lay down a bunt on the play where the leftfielder robbed you he’d have never had the chance. Hope you’ve learned your lesson.
When I left for work the score was only 4-0, I couldn’t believe it when I turned on the Pirates – Reds game and heard it finished 12-0. I know I’ve said it before, but it is worth repeating, if the club had lost the second game of that Cleveland doubleheader via the shutout then I believe you were correct in saying Gibby probably would have been fired. The irony being that had that happened the club would have won 13 of 17 and the new manager would have been praised as a genius and Gibby would have been castigated for not getting his players to play to their capabilities. Gibby seems so likeable when they interview on the morning show. I’m glad he’s still around.
Speaking of the Pirates – Reds game, the Reds took Adam Dunn out of the game Thursday night with Pittsburgh batting in the top of the fourth inning. The speculation ran rampant. The Reds announcers figured Dunn had been traded. They began speculating as to where he may have been sent. In the end they decided it was either the L.A. Dodgers, N.Y. Mets or maybe the Yankees. I had to listen to the Reds call in show after the game to find out Dunn had been removed from the game because of a family emergency. I’m glad I listened that long though because Reds announcer Tom Brennaman actually said during the post game show that the upcoming schedule was reason for optimism for the Reds “because they get to play a bunch of sub .500 teams………..like the Blue Jays”. Too bad ignorance isn’t painful. Albert Einstein once said “The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limitations”. He was absolutely correct.
- Jim Branscomeit seems to me that rios, this season, has outperformed Wells as a centrefielder. he has an absolute hose and I think is beginning to strike more fear among baserunners than wells has ever done. that being said, he looks hopeless at the plast. I think his swing looks longer and loopier
Mench could be a real good pickup
MW: Mench was hitting .190 before yesterday, so I’m sure you didn’t feel that way Tuesday, but yes, I like his bat against lefties a lot.
- Paul Oand p.s., you really blew it on your barajas = sal call earlier this year… shake it off big guy
MW: So far, The Captain is making me look bad. Good for him!
- Paul OHey Mike…
If this team is doing so good now, do you think that the return of Wells, Accardo, Wolfe, J.Mac, and Zaun could come at a bad time for the Jays? Is that possible? Or do you think that they will add to their (relative)recent domination?
Do you think that Wilkerson has a chance of returning to his 2003-04 cababilities? He has looked better and better these days, and sometimes can all it takes is the right time and/or place (circumstance)for a player to get back on track?
Thanks for the responses!
MW: I don’t think the return of players better than the ones they have will be problematic. Wilkerson is just 4-for-his-last-17 without a walk, but over that stretch he has scored four runs and driven in seven, so his hits happen to be coming at the right time.
- andrew - KWIf Barajas continues, throughout the season, to produce offensively do you see the Jays getting rid of Zaun and bringing up Thigpen or Diaz to backup?
MW: Nope.
- Zacharyp.p.s
rosenthal has said cc for dunn – yikes! don’t think the jays would be in that playground
MW: I don’t know why the Reds would do that.
- Paul OHello Mike,
When will JaysTalk make it’s TV debut on Sportsnet?
Aneez
MW: Sportsnet has yet to ask. I don’t know how good a TV show it would be, though.
- AneezHey Mike. Your going to think I’m crazy but I just spent the last 5 hours digging through previous comment sections in past blogs looking for Neils ranting. For me it’s hilarious but I can imagine it getting very tiring for you very quickly. You can only lead a horse to a pond so many times before you give up trying to make him drink. If he’s been a Jays fan since Bobby Cox maneged, then he should know by now that 8 out of 30 teams play post season baseball! Arguing with him is pointless yet so hilarious!
MW: I’m glad SOMEONE is enjoying it.
- Matt from BCMike – A basball purist like yourself going for “instant replays – robotic umps”! No way – tell me your just teasing to get others going on this. Instant replay in babseball would take away that good old “human element” – we would never see a manager come racing out of the dugout to argue and jump around, kick dirt on shoes, throw down ball caps etc! We would never see players flipping out or doing their best not to flip out on calls – having IR would just take too much anway from the game.
Jesse Litsch in my opinion is no fluke – he is a dedicated young man – a student as to his job – so cool and focused while on the mound and throws with great accuracy. That’s one of the big difference for him – he “throws/pitches to his catcher – doesn’t aim”. He realizes and appreciates he has a defence behind him and is not afraid to put the ball in play. His hand “point of release” is always within the same area with respect to the extension of his arm – great signs of success for a young pitcher. If I had any negative comment as to him – it would be to have someone put a bend in the bill of his ball cap – flat cap bills look odd – ha ha! Go Jesse!
Barajas is doing a fine job out there filling in for Zahner – for all you Zahn bashers – you know very well in a big game Zahn is the guy you would rather have behind the plate – he calls a fantastic game and is very likley the best the Jays have had as far as blocking the ball and keeping it in front of him.
Sure nice to see the Jays playing like they have been of late – patience is a virtue and pays off huge! Stay positive!
Thanks.
MW: I believe in the purity of baseball, and that includes getting as many of the calls right as possible, which is why I’m all for robot umps. I don’t think Litsch is a fluke, I think he’s a terrific bottom-of-the-rotation starter, but I don’t think he’s a 3.20 ERA guy.
- BobGood morning Mike!
i just checked out the AL teampitching and the Jays are leading in almost every major category:
BAA .234
ERA 3.32
WHIP 1.20 (2nd)
OBP .301
OPS .665
SV% 88%
How sweet is that? When the May stats are looked at in total it will likely be their best pitching month ever,I figure.
- GerryMike the Kingston, ON affiliate dropped the Jays coverage this year. I subscribed to mlb.com to get games on radio but they cut out just as JaysTalk is starting. Can I get a link to a podcast
MW: There’s a link to each night’s edition of The JaysTalk on each night’s blog post, as well you can hear it live right here on the website or on Rogers Digital Cable Channel 904.
- Davey BoyMike,
How was your softball game?
Did you hit into three and a half double plays like I did last night??
I will hit a massive home run in Anahiem for you to prove that my power stroke is still around
MW: OK
- Alex RiosIm looking forward to the Joba vs halladay matchup come tuesday. Please write about that! That could be one for the ages!
MW: Nah, that’ll be the one game this year that I don’t write about.
- DaveMike! How are you? lol… You mean to tell me you had all those injuries in your softball game and David Eckstein wasn’t in attendance? Funny how different the Jays look without Wells. I don’t know if it proves it, but it does suggest the Jays could part with him unscathed, and that the numbers on his over-the- top contract were completely unneccessary. I must admit to liking the look of this team alot better without Wells. Mysteriously, all their problems suddenly evaporate. I think it would be a good time to deal him for something of a greater need. And Mike although I originally started out believing the Jays would get swept, I did have the good sense to unabashedly reverse that notion and called the last two wins for ya. Turning to possible developing patterns something about the Jays still makes me wary when they score a plethora of runs the game previous. Mainly, they stink after putting up those big numbers, but as the song says, don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone. Let’s hope they “extendo” the runs for tonight!
MW: I don’t think the Jays are a better team with Brad Wilkerson in the line-up instead of Vernon Wells.
- Vito From HamiltonMike,
Congratulations on the big 17-5 win. Have you given any thought to maybe covering for Aaron Hill if he’s injured??
MW: I could barely walk today, so a big no to that.
- BernardMike,
ILB (I Love the Blog)
I saw your comments concerning the crapshoot that is first round picks.
You mentioned Jay Schroeder was a first rounder in 1979.
I saw him when he played for the Florence Blue Jays in the early 80′s.
He was a fair-fielding third baseman but couldn’t hit the curve ball.
Here’s another name from my youth. Florence had an infielder by the name of Rocket Wheeler. He later became a long-standing minor league manager in the Jays organization.
Is your softball league a fast-pitch league?
Just wondering.
96 Jayzfan
MW: Not fast-pitch, but not old-man slo-pitch. No arc, but no windmill.
- Keith BanksWho would have thought that McGowan would have the least amount of wins on the staff to this point.
Jerry and Alan mentioned about run support, has Litch received the most?
JP and the management has to be given credit for the depth on this team. Injuries like the Jays have had this year would have been the death knell in their season (see last year).
I’m betting Hill gets the night off tonight and either Inglett or Scutaro at 2B tonight. Has there been any talk concerning the All-Star game and BJ Ryan? His stats to this point get him there, but would the Jays be hoping he goes to enjoy the experience, but not actually pitch in the game?
Jays could potentially send 4 pitchers without much argument from anyone (Doc, Ryan, Marcum, Litch) I don’t see any position players going this year.
MW: Yes, Litsch has received the most run support pretty easily. He’s been on the mound for two of the three double-digit affairs. I’m with you on the four pitchers, but Marcum needs a few more wins to get noticed (unfortunately) and Litsch needs to keep this up another month. Of the position players, I could see Rolen going. Since there’s an off-day before and two off-days after the all-star game, I’d wager the Jays would want Ryan pitching in it if he goes.
- Aaron KerMike, its hard to pick on the Jays after a 12-0 win so I would like to ask a baseball, non related Jays question.
How come when ever an umpire calls a runner out on a tag play, especially at home, they do it with an agressive ticked off body language? The truth is I kinda like it, but I am just wondering if they are ever trained this way, or it just comes naturally?
MW: It’s not ticked-off, it’s authoritarian. At least, I think that’s how it’s supposed to look. Thanks for changing your handle and, by the way, are you upset that you didn’t get to pick on the Jays?
- Shmuel Yitzchok“I think. Arnsberg, Halladay, Marcum and Litsch both throwing strikes and pitching to contact (even though Marcum has a boatload of strikeouts), ”
- What about Halladay? When I checked yesterday he led the AL in strikeouts!
MW: I meant Arnsberg 1, Halladay 2, (Marcum and Litsch) 3.
- Stevie HHey Mike,
I love reading your reviews of Jays games but the whole sarcastic “The Jays Season Is Over” stuff is getting old. We all know that some Jays fans are Chicken Littles (must be some Leafs fans amongst them), but you’ve made your point with them. Just let them settle into their little holes until the next three game losing streak…Other than that, you’re doing a great job. Keep it up…
MW: Sorry, sometimes I can’t help it.
- DarrylSee i was totally right, Jays take 2 of 3 in Oakland. Damn i’m good!
By the way Mike love the blog keep up the good work.
MW: This is a different Neil, everyone.
- NeilI don’t understand you people. The season is so long. It’s a lesson that should be learned every year. I see people now posting “The Jays don’t need a bat,” “JP shouldn’t be fired”… etc. It’s too early to say anything. Just chill and enjoy the fact that the Jays have found some sort of groove. Lets pass judgement in Late August/September and see where this team is at. If they don’t make the playoffs this year, JP needs to go, period.
On an unrelated note, it would be a travesty to not post Neil’s comments. He is entertaining and exactly what Jays Talk and this blog needs. Long Live Neil!
MW: Neil is exactly what this blog needs? I beg to differ.
- AKSo, Mike, of the three kids in the rotation, which do you think has the most potential to be the future ace of the staff?
(I’m assuming from your comments that it won’t be Litsch.)
MW: McGowan has the best stuff, and maybe now that he’s wearing glasses, his season will turn for the better (I don’t know if they’re prescription, but it’s hard to believe they’re not). Marcum is the best pitcher of the bunch, though.
- reyes1. In the name of Otis Nixon, that is a fine looking box score!
2. Although the Simpson’s certainly maintain a cult following and a significant degree of sub-cultural import, the Simpson’s Era, is thoroughly in decline. Syndication, as a whole, does this to anything. Classic Information Theory suggests that the more a message is repeated in any enclosed system, the further the message is subject to entropic erosion, eventually becoming indistinguishable from the background noise that surrounds it. The Simpson’s is pretty much part of the noise of culture now, having lost it’s sense of large scale cultural significance. It did, however, have a really great run. Anyone interested in such stuff should definitely see Calgary writer Chris Turner’s “Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented and Era and Defined a Generation”. (I’ve never read it, but I hear it’s great.)
3. Playoffs!
MW: Your second point is well-taken and nicely presented, but sadly, you seem not to have the faintest idea how to use an apostrophe.
- peteI would like an NFL instant replay put in place, where a team is given a challenge (or two) per game, if they use the challenge and they are wrong it costs them a ball or a strike depending on whether they are hitting or pitching. Of course it wouldn’t work for balls and strikes but could be used for homeruns, trapped balls, and close plays on the bases.
About the lack of a leadoff hitter for next year…lets just hope its a SS currently on the DL(no not Jmac).
MW: I don’t like the idea of a penalty for a challenge. I think that’s too much. But I do like the idea of two or three challenges a game. So you want Furkle here, huh? Not a bad idea, but I think he’d be REALLY expensive and has had an obp under .350 five of his eight big-league seasons.
- PeeWeeHey Mike,
I agree that it should not bother fans that the Jays are largely ignored is the United States, however, do you think that it bothers some of the players.
The one aspect that I am thinking of would be endorsements. The only commercials that I’ve ever seen a Blue Jay in are for Bad Boy Furniture (and, I guess, Alomar in McCain Punch commercials in the early 90s). Do you think that some of the Jays (i.e. Halladay, Rios, Wells) are giving up endorsement dollars by playing outside of the U.S.?
MW: Maybe, but not huge endorsement dollars. What baseball players have major ad campaigns in the U.S.? Jeter does Gatorade, anybody else spring to mind?
- JasonDear Mike,
I don’t want to rag on you, because I enjoy your show (and the blog even more, but I think replying to comments is stretching you a little thin as you’ve become more terse in your answers recently) since one of my favorite things about your show/blog is that you call out people for things that aren’t true, I’d be remiss if I didn’t do the same. I think calling the entire draft a crap shoot the draft is just wrong. Citing Gillick’s draft record from the 1980s meaningless and the draft wasn’t approached the same ways as it is today; back then it was a bunch of cigar chomping men who were convinced they could tell how good a ball player would be from their facial features.
When isn’t the draft a crapshoot? In the first few rounds, year after year, organizations are able to get players who contribute to the major league club. Chiefly these players are from college. Look at the Jays specifically, Aaron Hill, Shaun Marcum – they weren’t projected to be stars (and they aren’t) but people were pretty sure they could contribute to a major league roster. Today, now that people are focusing on the right numbers (for pitchers, the defense independent pitching stats and hitters the three true outcomes) players in college stats have made them much more projectable. Sure there still are crapshoots in the draft (high school pitcher, in particular) but to call the entire thing a crap shoot is to sell it short. There’s some variability sure, but taken in the the aggregate instead of looking at individual players, it is easy to see that some of the draft is like counting cards at the blackjack table, rather than rolling the bones (to borrow a simile from Moneyball).
The draft matters, Mike, College players don’t (and shouldn’t) take 7 years to make the majors. If they’re not contributing in 3-4 years, they’re a bust. The draft of college players in baseball (in the first few rounds) quite like the draft of basketball and football. Those players are (rightly) seen as the future of the organization, they might not all be starts, but if an organization is not at least batting .300 on them, they’re either the Yankees or not going to contend. High school draftees on the other hand, you’re completely right about. Oh Todd Van Poppel where are you now?
On the other hand, I understand why you dismiss the draft, there are so many players on draft day who go unheralded that go on to be significant contributors. However, if an organization treats those first few rounds like the 50th; they’re going to either have to spend a whack of cash buying free agents or be buried like the O’s or Royals.
Then there’s the Boras effect… which has turned the draft into the domain of the monied (see the Tigers with Porcello) but that’s another matter.
I think you’re selling the draft (the first few rounds at least) a little short. In fact, I think you’d start a great discussion with JP if on a Wednesday you asked him whether he thinks the draft is a crapshoot (I’d try but I’m never able to get through).
As always, great blog, great show…keep up the great work (but maybe respond to fewer comments, quality Mike, not quantity! Also, I’d hate to see you burn out over something like a blog, not worth it).
Best,
CPT
MW: Burnout is definitely approaching, but the answers are just getting shorter, not more terse (I hope, unless it’s deserved). I don’t think the draft doesn’t matter, nor do I think it’s worthless, and I’ll analyze what goes on as and after it happens, but I just can’t get into it beforehand. And I do think it’s still a crapshoot, because if you come out of a 50-round draft with three significant big-leaguers, you’re ecstatic and you should be.
- Christopher TaylorHey Mike I can’t see how you don’t put anything into Prospect Projections I find your taking Richard Griffin/Joe Morgan stance on this one. There have been incredible advancement in scouting over the last ten years. Scouts are using numbers to evaluate propectus more then every before therefore Projects are alot more accurate. Take a player such as Roninson Diaz for example who has been playing professional baseball in the united States since 2002 and is playing his age 25 season. With all the Date and Scouting projections they have on him how can Scouts not have a good grasp on the player he is and will be???
You say you don’t put any weight into these projections but you seem to know little about them and you seem to make Projections about players as well Carlos Quinton and Adam Lind come to mind. So how is it that you can make these projections without seeing these guys play much or checking their minor league numbers but when someone who talks to Scouts watchs these players and checks their minor league track record and sees how old these guys are while playing at what minor league level make projections about them you think its crap?
Seems odd to me!
MW: I don’t make projections. I don’t say that this guy hitting .xxx in AA is equivalent to hitting .yyy in the major-leagues. That may be so, but no one knows what the guy will do once he gets to the big leagues, regardless of how much they think they do. I was (and still am) crazy about Carlos Quentin because of the ridiculous numbers he put up in the minors, but was that a guarantee of major-league success? Absolutely not. Just ask the D-Backs.
- Dan Mis there anyone else out there that reads Richard Griffins articles to get a lauph and notices that he has been saying J.P. should be fired for putting together a team that can’t compete and at the same time he’s saying Gibbons is doing a horrible job because he’s managing a team that capable of 90 wins and their only four games above .500.
I guess he doesn’t notice how contradictory this is.
- Dan MWow Mike, 2-5, what does that make you on the season? 2-15 with a .210 slugging. hahaha, no really… what does it make you? I would like to see a running stat for your season. Let me know if you need a Big Bat in your lineup, I’m available.
MW: It’s sad, you know, I was thinking last night that I have to post how I do on the blerg, so I’d better do well. Right now, for the season, I’m hitting .444/.444/.778. Not good for softball.
- The RatHey Mike, love the blog! Keeps me busy at work. With some expiring contracts and the AJ opt out after the season, do you see the Jays spending that money? and if so, on a starting pitcher to replace AJ or a big bat. Also, how many wins do you figure a team would need to make the playoffs? 90-95? Thanks a lot Mike!
MW: It’s too early to start talking about free agents for this off-season. It surprises me how incapable some seem to be of enjoying a season as it’s happening without worrying about the years to come. I think a team will make the playoffs in the A.L. this year with fewer than 90 wins.
- GrantThe last – and only by my limited research – catcher the Jays have had to post an OPS+ over 100 for more than two years in a row was Ernie Whitt.
Fletcher had seasons of 107 and 115 before falling off the cliff to 65.
Its kind of ironic how in franchise history the Jays have had some incredible centrefielders and equally incredible (in the opposite direction) catchers. Just my two cents though.
MW: There certainly haven’t been many great-hitting catchers in the history of this franchise.
- soupmanWhy would they panic? There’s absolutely no reason they should – however, a team with less experience and veteran savvy might be swayed by some of the negative attitude from the fanbase and media.
MW: I would hope not.
- WayneWhat is you opinion on extending the netting behind home plate to cover up the baselines? Is this just more of an excuse for people to not pay attention at a game? Or is this long over due?
MW: I think people need to pay attention to the game, but you can’t legislate that, and plenty of people just come to a game to have a good time and relax. Extending the netting isn’t a bad idea, especially with all the broken bats that seem to be flying around lately.
- ChrisHey Mike,
Great game yesterday minus the mild concussion to Aaron Hill. Have you heard whether or not he’ll be playing today?
It’s good to see the Jays offense driving in runs and giving support to the pitching staff. Speaking of pitching, Jesse Litsch has been unbelievable as a starter and he will be intriguing to watch him over the course of the season.
Correct me if I’m wrong Mike, but the last bad start by A.J. Burnett was when the Jays were swept by Tampa Bay around May 6? If so, it’s really time more of the fans started to support A.J. Burnett as he’s been solid since that game.
Even though it isn’t June, I checked the standings this morning to find we are 3 games out of first and 2 out of the wild card. Then, I notices the Yankees are 5.5 games out of first. With Tampa Bay leading, it’s starting to look like this division could be a much more competitive then last season. I’d like your thoughts on that and I do realize there are 100+ games left in the season.
MW: Yes, Burnett has had four good starts in a row. I have always thought that the East would be a three-team race this season, and I continue to believe that.
- RyanMike;
4 quickies-
1) Your thoughts on the Jays being 13-1 in day games, whats up with that?
2) Has anyone in the media including yourself gone ahead and asked AJ Burnett what his intentions are for next season?
3) Do you think Alex Rios is severely under performing?
4) Will we ever see Carl Pavano again?
MW: 14-1, and I think it’s coincidence. Probably (not me), but I doubt it’s something that he’d address. Yes. Yes.
- Andrew NOne other tidbit for ya…
The Jays currently are number one in all of baseball in ERA!
MW: Also number one in WHIP and second in opponents’ OPS.
- Stevie HIs it safe to say that Litsch is Baseball’s best 5th starter at this point?
MW: Nope, it’s still Cliff Lee.
- RandyThanks for the link Mike I enjoyed reading that.
Mike what do you think of the the Yankees moving Joba to the rotation? Good move?
MW: Very good move.
- Dan M.Hi Mike,
You mentioned that you have not been impressed with Brad Wilkerson so far. However it seems that he has been producing even with his low average. Rios has been playing better defensively at centre than Wells.
MW: It does seem like Wilkerson has been producing, as I mentioned above. Many of you have forgotten just how good a centrefielder Vernon Wells is.
- brunoWinning is boing.
Oh, wins are nice to have but how do you expect loyal Blue Jays fans to find things to complain about. I’m sure some of the most dedicated Jays fans will come up with something such as AJ’s poor perfomance at the plate in interleague games ’cause that’s what you need to win back-to-back World Series just like old days. Or maybe they’ll gripe about how the starters are eating up too many innings early in the season when Gibby should be using the bullpen more so that the rotation is fressh for October. Or the pressing need to throw out more baserunners..oh if only Sid Finch was, dare I say it, a backcatcher. Gibby caught him while he was with the Mets.
Well at some point the the dream that we are living as fans will end and the Jays will loose another game or hit into a double olay and life will return to normal on JaysTalk. It might happen as soon as tonight so let us just enjoy the success of worst offensive team in the history of baseball “Your Toronto Blue Jays”.
MW: It’s amazing how awful this team is.
- PRBFor those not aware you can watch the games for free and yesterdays here:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080529.html
Or, if you want a shot of testosterone turn your speakers up and watch/listen to this-:)
http://www.windingroad.com/multimedia/issue-34/Ford-Shelby-GT500KR/
- SkipKMike, a few days ago I posted a partial roster of Canadian players, and had Joey Votto listed as an outfielder. You suggested putting him at DH, moving Matt Stairs to the outfield, and adding Adam Stern as a third outfielder.
However, I’m just looking for Stern, and don’t find him listed in a current Major League roster — looks like he played a couple of games for Baltimore last year, but none so far this year.
Is he still on Baltimore’s 40-man roster, or has he “moved on” to some other organization (or retirement)?
Also, I’m still “chasing” Canadian middle infielders — are there any currently playing?
MW: Stern is playing for Baltimore’s AAA Norfolk team, but he’s not on the 40-man. I don’t believe there are any Canadians currently playing in the middle infield in the bigs.
- NormHi Mike,
Jesse Litsch is not going to carry his winning percentage through the end of the season but that does not mean he is not underrated; even by yourself (“his stuff is underwhelming”- above). While his stuff is not overwhelming, neither is the stuff of a many of the great pitchers of the game. His ability to hit locations, change speeds and to pick pitches/set batters up has overwhelmed his opponent’s ability to get on base and will continue to do so. While Dustin McGowan and A.J. Burnett have great ‘stuff’ they do not have Litsch’s ability to consistently control the ball. This difference allows Litsch to more effectively use prior pitches to create deception for later pitches and to achieve more consistent results from outing to outing. I think that time will show that his current numbers have him accurately positioned as our third best starting pitcher in the Blue Jays rotation. In my opinion this is one of the worst times to trade him because people still undervalue him and consider his success so far a fluke. Who would want to trade a 15 -7 young starter with an ERA under 4.00, and who doesn’t believe that will happen this year. Jesse Litsch is for real.
MW: Lefties are hitting .294/.315/.441 against Litsch this year, and .308/.385/.478 last year. That’s a red flag to me. I think he’s a good pitcher, but I don’t think he’s the third-best on this staff.
- JeffSounded like Mench was really struggling in Left. Why not DH him and put Stewart out there? He has looked adequate defensively this season.
MW: I would do that.
- Brett Vhi mike
- marioI was happy with one win but getting two was great.Litsh has been a very pleasant surprise.Outside of the Indians and the Angels there isn’t a team in baseball that can match our fifth starter.What better pitcher to learn from than Doc. The bats will continue to hit.No pessimism here.
mario
Go Jays!!!
mike I have loved the way that the jays have been playing lately I got one question do you think that BJ Ryan can keep what he is doing up? thanks
Dave
MW: I think that Ryan will blow a save or three this season.
- DaveWith Wells starting rehab do you think he’ll loose some power when he comes back? Also say somehow magic happens and we trade for Dunn, manage to keep Lind, and grab Tex and Harden in the off season and AJ opts out. What do you think the lineup/rotation would look like?
MW: That’s not going to happen. But yes, I do think Vernon will have a power dropoff when he gets back – still probably be the same as last year, power-wise, though.
- NickHi Mike,
I’m speaking from a perspective of liking A.J. Burnett, even though i think a lot of Jays fans would love to love him if he wasn’t perceived as being a little inconsistent, possibly immature, injurys, rich with better results expected.
I was interested to check out his career ERA to see if that was in anyway consistent with a 74-71 career win loss record (and i understand totally where you’re coming from in regards to win losses meaning little when evaluating a pitcher) For his career he sports a 3.81 era, in 06 it was 3.44 in over 200 innings, in 07 3.98, and last year 3.75.
Do you think with a career 3.81 era in any fair world he deserves to be better than just 3 games over 500?
However at the moment a 4.57 mark for this year remains inflated and the worst in the rotation.
MW: And yet, this year, he’s not below .500 even with that ERA. No, a pitcher with a career 3.81 ERA isn’t an average pitcher by any means.
- ukJayI’m having a hard time agreeing with everyone saying how amazing our pitching staff would have been if we pulled of the Rios-Lincecum trade. Are we not satisfied to already have the best pitching staff in baseball? Do we want a 6-man rotation? We struggle enough with hitting, imagine how bad it would be if we didn’t have Rios, even with the slow start he’s had. I for one am very happy that trade didn’t happen.
By the way, I’m as happy as anyone that Shannon is turning it around. I was bitter when they traded him to Minnesota and I hope he ends up having a great year, number one for the sake of the Jays, and number two to silence the doubters and JP-haters.
- B-rad from CalgaryMike,
I’m assuming by your “Don’t get excited, though – these aren’t exactly the Kansas City Royals” statement you were referring to my comment that the real test was the A’s and this road trip that they hadn’t come out of their slump. Now, I will say that I was proven wrong in that the Jays did show some offensive ability in the one game this series. But, I’m going to stick with my comment and say that, although they did score 15 runs this series, they only scored 3 in the first two games and they are not out of this offensive slump altogether. It’s definitely apparent that we see some vital signs though,which is encouraging and the big hit did come when we needed it for the most part this past series . They’re not out of the fire from this road-trip yet though, I’m hoping we see some continuity in the offensive numbers throughout this upcoming Anaheim series instead of 1.5 runs/game for the better part of the series. I’m sure we’d all take 3 or 4 runs/game consistently instead of a 1 or 2 then 12 or 13 pace long term.
MW: I’d take 1, 2, 12 if it meant two wins in three games. And no, that wasn’t directed just at you, but all of your ilk.
- GregCan Cecil even be traded? Didn’t they used to have a rule that you can’t trade a kid within a year of drafting him?
MW: They still do, and it might even be a year after signing him. Cecil will be able to be traded by mid-June at the latest, and if they wanted to trade him sooner, he could always be dealt as a player to be named later.
- AriHey Mike I guess I am known to make stuff up as you say. Maybe Im making this up
Key Gord Ash Draft picks
Roy Halladay
Vernon Wells
Dustin Mcgowan
Reed Johnson
Shannon Stewart
Kelvin Escobar
Micheal Young
Orlando Hudson
Almost a decade after the Gord Ash firing Ash’s fingerprints are still all over the Blue Jays team in that, he is responsible for the ace of our pitching staff in Roy Halladay and our effective #3 starter Dustin Mcgowan. Ash put part of the nucleaus of our hitting in centre field and left. RIOS and Wells. Not to mention Shannon Stewart is a product of the Ash Regime as well. These player are indicative of Ash’s ability to develope players through the system. He drafted effectively knowing that interbrew after aquiring Labbats wanted nothing to do with a sports team as a result Later sold to Rogers Communication Inc.
Among Ash’s bad move’s were trading Micheal Young, A Carlos Delgado No Trade Claus, And a brutal Joey Hamilton signing which was also and Dave Stewart’s fault.
Among his good moves aquisitions were aquiring Roger Clemens with the assistance of Paul Beston,Trading Paul Spoljeric and Mike Timlin for Jose Cruz Jr., Signing Jose Canseco who hit 46 home Runs and drove in over 100 and Reaquiring David Wells Who went 20-8 in his second season back with the jays.
If JP were to be let go at the end of the season, In the event that Blue Jays don’t make the playoffs, Almost ten years later what in terms of Drafting hitters over six years can you say he has done that will keep us competative for years to come.
This was all made up.
MW: At least you’re not blatantly making stuff up as often. Reed Johnson was not a key Gord Ash draft pick. Reed Johnson was and is a very average major-league player. Shannon Stewart was signed as a free agent by J.P. Ricciardi after Ricciardi traded him five years ago for Bobby Kielty who begat Ted Lilly. Stewart’s current presence in Toronto has NOTHING to do with Gord Ash. Ash signing Canseco is a big deal, but Ricciardi trading for Troy Glaus (who hit 38 HR and drove in over 100) doesn’t count. Give J.P. a decade after he leaves and see who he drafted that’s still forming the nucleaus of the club. Again, though, I don’t get McGowan being part of the nucleus but not Marcum,who Ricciardi drafted.
- NeilIn the previous post
I meant to ask ten years down the road what will we be able to say that J.P has done to keep us competative In terms of hitting?
- NeilThrough the Draft.
- Neil‘Cardinals optioned outfielder Chris Duncan to Memphis.’
LOL. I wonder if you will still try to argue with me about his possible availability. It’s one thing to say that there’s nobody out there, teams aren’t looking to trade…but when people come forward with legitimate options, you have to be willing to accept them.
MW: Would you say that Adam Lind is more available now because he’s in AAA? Not quite the same thing, but close. You don’t often get controllable, pre-arb guys with good track records getting traded for nickels on the dollar.
- AriOne other thing I forgot to add to Ash’s good move’s was the signing of Tony fernandez. Who Bat .381 with 70+ RBI’s in 486 at bats.
MW: Or .328. But Ash also brought in Jacob Brumfield, Curtis Goodwin, Wille Greene, Dave Hollins, Norberto Martin and Brian McRae that year, among others.
- NeilWould Chipper Jones be a bubble guy to make the hall of fame or will he be a no brainer hall of famer if continues at this pace?
MW: At THIS pace? No brainer.
- andrewI have a female friend that waits patiently every week for the show “One Tree Hill” to come on, she anticipates it can’t miss it, discusses it at work etc,similarly, I know some women that do the same with “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey”s Anatomy” but they can’t understand anyone watching baseball. I explained to them that if you can imagine having one of these shows on for 162 nights, never knowing the outcome, with different subplots every night, and after 162 nights it might even get exponentially more interesting, would you like it? OF COURSE they say, well that is what it is like being a baseball fan I say, and of course I don’t have to bore them with all the sublime minutiae of the game, and games within the game.
- DanJI hope the Jays take me on a 162 night/day ride and then some. Love the game and really like your blog Mike, your blog is like the game, you understand the need to stay the course don’t get to high don’t get too low over a few wins or losses. Baseball is a game of failure and how you react to it, much like life, but i digress, for now
Mike in response to what you said about Pat’s drafting blunders
are you forgetting about
Moseby Bell and Barfield
and their contributions. They were also drafted around that time.
MW: Bell was a Rule 5 pick, but Moseby was a first-rounder and Barfield was a 9th rounder in 1977. It’s not fair, though, for you only to point out the bad things done by guys you don’t like and the good things done by guys you do.
- NeilI think the Jays should pick up Lenny Dinardo. Sure he’s a left handed Josh Towers, but he’d be great to have in replacement of Burnett, if, or when he is either traded/hurt/or needs some time off towards the end of the season in which he would have pitched some huge innings by his standard.
At some point in time the innings count is going to hurt this team.
Not Shawn Marcum mind you, but probably McGowan and Burnett.
Nothing beats Marcum … except rock, trusty rock, nothing beats rock.
MW: Lenny DiNardo? Seriously?
- DaveNothing drives me crazier than having to entertain the human element at the expense of the facts. In today’s technological age, there simply is no excuse for having to endure injustice, but on the other hand life is fraught with injustice and anybody who does not personally think so surely hasn’t lived on planet Earth for very long. Dealing with and accepting an undeserved loss, helps you to put lifes little injustices that we all must bare from time to time, into proper perspective. A reminder that life isn’t perfect. On the third hand, maybe the powers that be or the establishment, don’t want any detriments of their hold on power so they definately would not appreciate what instant reply represents to them in the socio- psychological sense. Namely an unwelcome opportunity to look fallible and a threat to their pecieved credibility and judgement. Authorities hate to admit they’re wrong and they hate to apologize even worse. Instant repay exposes their own human element of fallibility with runs in direct contradiction with their desire to cultivate a perception of authority and power. In other words, they retain power by making us believe in their superiority otherwise we would not relinquish power to an idiot but we did elect Brian Mulroney didn’t we? He really hoodwinked the Canadian public into thinking he was somebody special. And lastly if somebody had a video that would solve a crime and you being the victim or indirect victim of that crime, wouldn’t you want it to find the answers you’re looking for? Where’s the consideration of the human element by society for the criminal? I object your honour to the submission of the defence’s video that shows my client stabbing the victim on the basis of unfair exclusion of the human element. Absurdiosity!
MW: People who post over a half-dozen times in a day really need to back off and do some serious self-examination.
- Vito From HamiltonDiNardo just got DFA’d which is why i brought him up. He was 8-10 last year as a starter, he blows as a reliever, but a great starter at a better price.
Also i think people should vote for the Jays for the All Star game. I’ve already voted for Shaun Marcum like 400 times.
MW: You can’t vote for pitchers, and DiNardo is not a “great” starter, unless the definition of the word “great” has changed radically since I last checked.
- DaveHi Mike,
If there was an award for best blogger/post & pre game show person in the entire universe, you would deserve that award. Without you, I would still think every 5-10 pitcher is THAT much worse than a 10-5 one. Without you, I wouldn’t of understood the mechanics and strategies like I do now. You are my most important part of my baseball life, and since you opened up my mind to more things that make sense, you deserve the award.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
MW: Wow, I appreciate that a lot.
- joshMike, I notice that Lind is not playing again tonight. I know that JP said he wasn’t injured, I was wondering if you had heard anything. What’s do you think of Parrish if we need an emergency starter?
MW: I’s think Parrish would be a fine emergency starter. I don’t know what the deal is with Lind, but I’m trying to find out.
- SteveIs there any update on johnny Mac, jeremy Accardo, Brian Wolfe, and Gregg Zaun? Also, who do you think is going to win game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final?
MW: Zaun has been on the DL two days, what kind of update do you want? Updates on all the other guys are posted above.
- andrewI’m curious after McGowan’s throwing error led to a run in the 3rd. Do you think that if the Pitcher commits the error it should still be considered an earned run, I mean it was his fault that the run was scored after all.
I’m not sure if this’ll get a response since i’m leaving it on the day before’s column.
MW: All the comments go to one place for me to look at, as opposed to post-by-post. I don’t think it should be an earned run, pitching and defense are separate entities.
- Ewan“MW: DiNardo is not a “great” starter, unless the definition of the word “great” has changed radically since I last checked.”
No, your right Mike. I looked up “great” in the dictionary and saw Shawn Marcum’s picture, and yes, you are right, Lenny Dinardo looks nothing like Shawn Marcum.
- DaveIf the Jays started a playoff series today, what would your rotation be?
MW: Halladay, Marcum, Burnett, McGowan.
- AndyCan you please suggest to JP moving Overbay up in the order vs. RHP? He has the 3rd best OBP in the league against them, and is REALLY starting to look comfy at the plate. Great call on that one.
MW: Thanks. J.P. doesn’t make out the line-up, though.
- AriMike, you were right and I was wrong. The Jays are getting lucky breaks now in a way they weren’t before. Great game, great pitching, excellent defense and great hitting. I’m proud of them.
MW: As well you should be.
- reyesEasy Neil…..easy,,.
- PatYour man crush has gone beyond simple baseball anomalies and statistics…
Wilner is hitched (with kids)…now bow down (without the intention of wedding him) and at least pretend to be appreciative of Mike’s time and effort and dedication to the team we all love.
Oh so you’re a psychiatrist now, Mike? I take the time to contribute to your blog and I get a rude remark from you for it. I know I’ll never listen to your show nor post here ever again.
MW: OK.
- Vito From Hamilton“Hi Mike,
If there was an award for best blogger/post & pre game show person in the entire universe, you would deserve that award. Without you, I would still think every 5-10 pitcher is THAT much worse than a 10-5 one. Without you, I wouldn’t of understood the mechanics and strategies like I do now. You are my most important part of my baseball life, and since you opened up my mind to more things that make sense, you deserve the award.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!”
Despite my feelings being wounded, I agree with Josh.
MW: This comment was posted 15 minutes after Vito said that he would never listen to my show or post here again.
- Vito From HamiltonKey Gord Ash Draft picks
Roy Halladay
Vernon Wells
Dustin Mcgowan
Reed Johnson
Shannon Stewart
Kelvin Escobar
Micheal Young
Orlando Hudson
No argument on Halladay, Wells, Rios and D-Mac (though Ash kind of got lucky with Wells and Rios since they were both drafted for cheap signability and not pure talent).
But you can’t give Ash credit for drafting Michael Young when he traded the guy for a box of donuts.
Or Shannon Stewart, since he was drafted in ’92, three years before Ash took the helm.
Likewise with Escobar, who was signed by Gillick’s regime.
Johnson and Hudson were 17th and 43rd rounders, respectively. By the time the 17th round rolls by, the GM is usually not in the room (as I understand it, the GM is really involved in the 1st couple of rounds and then the scouting department totally takes over). By the 43rd round, Ash was probably at home with his wife and kids. Of course, along the same lines, it would be unfair to credit J.P. with drafting Litsch.
Neil, I suggest that you check out thebaseballcube.com or baseball-reference.com before praising Ash and slamming J.P. You just sound like a moron when you suggest that Ash should be given credit for drafting guys he didn’t draft, signing guys he didn’t sign, trading prospects away for nothing, and getting lucky with late round picks.
- mikeMike could it have possibly been that you were mistaking the Yankees for Tampa, I remember you saying Tampa will Tail off. They seem to be full steam ahead. Baltimore has calmed and the Yanks have just been .500 While Boston is right there with Tampa. It does not seem that Tampa is going to dwindle to the degree that you mentioned at the start of the season. It would have to take a serious callapse, furthermore at the deadline I think they will add a bit more punch to put them over the top to win the Wildcard, Tampa is due for a solid run after many losing seasons and a team that seems full of young exciting talent. Jays are on a great run at this point however I do not think they are totally past that horrible offensive showing as in the beggining, showings like that tend to resurface in pro sports partcularly at the wrong times. Jays as any team in the league have shown that when it rains it poors in winning and in loosing
You mentioned In the previous post that Shannon was signed by Richardi, Yes true, 5 years after his first stint with the Blue Jays. I believe he was drafted in the Gillick ERA and brought up by Ash to replace Shawn Greeen who was injured at the time. I don’t believe he was sent back since being brought up he took full advantage of the Shawn Green injury.
MW: I don’t know about that Green thing, but Pat Gillick drafted Stewart. Regardless, Stewart’s presence with the current club has NOTHING to do with the fact that he’d been here before. Tampa won’t be there at the end, and it won’t take a serious collapse to get them out of the race, just a 2-8, and I think they have that in them.
- NeilIs jesse carlsson’s delivery about the same as scott schoenweis (think i spelled it wrong)?? (the ex-Blue Jay lefty in the pen)
MW: You only missed by an “e”, and I don’t think so.
- SunkenDPr0I don’t care what I said. I read something after that post that I wanted to agree with but now I wish I hadn’t given you the satisfaction. At least I was man enough to give you a compliment after your personal remarks. I’m sorry I don’t know as much as you.
MW: You don’t have to be sorry about that. That has nothing to do with anything. You got upset because I made a remark after you posted a comment for the seventh time in one day.
- Vito From Hamiltonhttp://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/1995_bo.shtml
Shannon Stewart was a 1st round draft pick by Gillick, not Ash, as you originally suggested (and then tried to backtrack).
Shannon Stewart was a September call-up. As a former first rounder, the fact that he was “brought up” by Ash, is as relevant as giving credit to JP for “bringing up” McGowan, Rios, Wells (since he wasn’t a regular until 2002), Johnson, and Hudson, which I doubt you’d be willing to do.
And Stewart was replaced an injured Devon White, not Shawn Green, in the outfield.
So here’s my question: Are you EVER right? This took me about three second to research. Why don’t you try to do the same before leaving asinine comments.
MW: I’m hoping you’re addressing Neil with this comment.
- MichaelThat goes without saying, bud!
Mike, you’re awesome… you just need to brush up on your Rush history lessons!
:-)
- MichaelThanks for so graciously pointing out my abuse of posting priveleges, Mike and you’re more welcome to criticize me than I apparently am on your blog. I was only trying to show my humility by endorsing a compliment paid to you by Josh. I have alot of time and respect for you, Mike as do many others. You put a hurtin’ on me this morning Mike, but I don’t have time to delve into bygones, I only have 5 minutes remaining to come up with my next post before having to run to my appointment at the Outpatient’s Mental Health Clinc. But first, before I do, let me extend the olive branch of peace to you. Thanks. Go Jays Go!
- Vito From Hamilton