2:30 AM Eastern
Off the top, I want to apologize for not getting the comments up sooner. Seems my achin’ back was knocked out of joint by that astounding defensive play I made in last night’s softball game, and I was unable to sit comfortably most of the day. Luckily, it de-flared itself by the time I had to get into work. Mmmmmmmmmmm, Advil.
So, it appears these Blue Jays can hit the ball a bit, huh? They have become the proverbial offensive juggernaut, with 22 runs in their last two games. This is a team that, earlier this season, went THREE consecutive weeks (Sunday to Saturday) without scoring as many as 22 runs in any one week. The worm, it seems, has turned.
Hey, you HAVE to win a game if Brad Wilkerson gets three hits, right? Can’t waste one of those.
I’m not saying the Blue Jays are going to score in double-digits every night, or even on a regular basis. But it must be something for the non-believers to see that they actually have it in them to do so. I really hope that all the April whiners remember this in the future, but I know it won’t happen. To say things early in the season like, “this team isn’t capable of scoring eight runs in a game” or “there’s no way these guys can put together a long, winning run” or “the season is over” is patently ridiculous. Even the worst of the worst can run off eight or nine in a row, or win 10 out of 13, and the Jays are certainly not the worst of the worst. Nor are they an historically awful offense. Water rises to its level, and that’s what the Jays have spent the month of May doing. With a game to go in the season’s second stanza, the Jays are 20 up and 9 down for the month. Are they this good? Not even a little. Are they as bad as their 11-17 April would indicate? Even less so.
Right now we have a much better gauge of where the Jays belong in the baseball world, and right now they sit with the fifth-best record in the American League.
Nice little run they’re on, too, having won seven of eight, 14 of 19 since they hit rock bottom that Monday night in Cleveland.
Tonight, Dustin McGowan hit the mound at Disneyland rocking the protective/corrective eyewear. I’m not sure which it was, but it didn’t help him on that Gary Matthews, Jr. bunt in the 3rd that he threw into right field. Still, six innings, eight baserunners, three earned runs. Unspectacular, but certainly not bad, and only one walk, which was great. McGowan has now walked just one (unintentionally) over his past 17 1/3 innings, this from a guy who has had a 4-, a 5- and a 7-walk outing already this season.
Marco Scutaro did a fine job filling in for the mildly-concussed Aaron Hill at second base, and picked up a pair of hits in the bargain. It turns out that, apparently, the Hill-Eckstein collision on Thursday afternoon was Hill’s fault. As John Gibbons explained on the pre-game show, Eckstein called the ball first, but Hill called it later because, as Hill said, “it was on my side of second base.” The golden rule in the game, of course, is that if the shortstop calls it, every other infielder should get the heck out of there. Hill is expected to be back in the line-up for Game 2 tomorrow.
The Jays’ 16-hit attack featured three safeties from Scott Rolen and Lyle (Two-Bomb) Overbay, as well as Wilkerson, and Alex Rios had two hits to go along with Scoot’s. Rios also struck out in the 1st in a really nice 10-pitch at-bat.
Overbay’s first homer was a towering, majestic, no-doubt beauty, and his second was blasted as well, looked gone from contact, but only made it out by about a foot and a half. Still, the Jays’ “powerless” first baseman is now second on the team with his five big flies, and drove in three today to up the RBI total to 21. Didn’t I bet someone on here a million dollars that he’d get to 30 by the all-star break? Where is that guy?
The one bad thing about this game was The Captain’s poor effort on McGowan’s wild pitch in the 4th that allowed Torii Hunter to go first to third. Hunter was moving on the pitch, but after the ball got by, Barajas sat in his crouch for a couple of beats before getting up to chase it, then Hunter barely beat the throw. I’m not sure what was going through his head there, but that’s a hint as to why we heard the Phillie fans booing him so steadily a couple of weeks ago.
OK, there’s one more bad thing - why was Matt Stairs sent home on Wilkerson’s 9th-inning single to centre, when he would have been out by 10 feet if Mike Napoli had been able to hold on to the throw? That’s not a chance you take with a 5-run lead.
Some other quick things to consider:
-Since Scott Rolen was activated off the disabled list, the Jays are 21-13 (a 100-win pace).
-The bullpen hasn’t given up an earned run since May 18 (11 games!) and has only allowed ONE HIT on this road trip, a span of 8 1/3 innings. And that with only one inning out of B.J. Ryan and no appearances by Snakeface!
Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
The Friday night JaysTalk was swell, though I think I let a couple of callers go on too long - sorry about that, I get kind of loopy late at night. You can enjoy it for yourself right here:
Comments are encouraged, as always, and try to keep them below book-length. The 24/7 JaysTalk rocks!
Mike,
The Jays are tied with only 2 other teams (Dodgers & White Sox) in the Bigs to have a winning record at home and away… Not sure this is a stat that is worthy of analysis, but perhaps an encouraging statistic nonetheless…
MW: Definitely encouraging.
- KeithMike,
A while back on the rain delay show in clevland you shared a story about sending a tape into Jerry back in your CIUT days. Just remembered that and wanted to mention how cool I thought that broadcast was and hope you can have Jerry and other members on the more often.
Last year I remember Brian Butterfield interviewing someone from the Angels organization - could you post that, or maybe have him back on this year? It was hysterical.
MW: It was Rex Hudler interviewing Butterfield, and it was hysterical. Post old interviews, huh? Interesting thought.
- soupmanMichael,
Don’t you ever bring up an error of “In Rod we trust” Barajas. Seems like you went out of your way to bring something bad out about Barajas when he has clearly been awesome.. Also, I know how you feel about Wilkerson, and I understand the arguement against him, however, although his average has been less than stellar, he still comes up with some big hits. I like Lind, but I really don’t think he would have provided what Wilkerson has in terms of RBIS and runs scored as Wilkerson has thus far.
MW: “Don’t you ever bring up an error of Barajas’”? Excuse me?
- B.ViddyThere’s a lot to love about the Jays right now. I was glad to see things didn’t fall apart after giving the Angels the early inning gifts to tie it at three. Instead they poured it on more. Double digits two nights in a row!
The league’s best pitching staff is such a joy to watch night after night. It almost an embarrassment of riches, especially considering last year’s closer and two prime relievers on the shelf.
Did you happen to notice that John Gibbons was wearing the wrong hat tonight? While the boys were wearing the ‘T’, Gibby was rockin the bird. What a rebel.
MW: I didn’t notice that, but maybe he’ll continue it.
- locomotive breathMW, great run by the jays. i think pitching is the more likely commodity to remain somewhat consistent over a year vs hiting, which means the jays are likely gonna be around for a while, as other teams that rely more on offense to win will be more up and down.
interesting stats on Doc that you made reference to on the show tonight. i went back and looked at Docs pitches per innings pitched stats for his career and have found some interesting stuff.
this year he is averaging 13.6 p/ip wiht a 7.18 k/9 inning.
in the previous two years, when his k rates have been the lowest of his career (5.4 and 5.55 k/p 9 ip) his p/ip have equaled 13.9 and 14.8 p/ip.
his career low in p/ip was in 2005 at 13.5 with a k rate of 6.86 k/9 .
his career high in k/9 was 2001 with 8,2 with 14.8 p/ip.
so these numbers may seem to be a bit all over the map, however i think that overall one can begin to deduce that in general, aside from 2001 (when he was just starting to gain form), the more k’s /9 doc can get, the trend suggest the FEWER pitches he needs to throw.
this is simply a function of facing fewer hitters when he strikes more people out. As an extreme grounball pitcher, when balls are put in play against him, they do find holes and lead to often times weak singles. this prolongs innings and necessitates more pitches, even if not ultimately leading to more runs.
i would draw the conclusion that the “pitching to contact” concept is a rouse. it only take three pitches to strike someone out, if you have the stuff do it..and he does. he should try to maximize his strikeouts and minimize his pitches and the numbers
would argue that these two things are not directly related but highly associated.
MW: It’s an interesting study, but I’d like to see you check the WHIP of Doc’s in each of those years to see if you “fewer batters faced” theory holds. I have my doubts.
- sammySomeone said to me today that Burnett is the weak link in the rotation. They also talked about him being a .500 pitcher (and it wasn’t the first time either). I don’t agree with that, and all the .500 pitcher stuff. He played on some pretty crappy teams in Florida, but his career stats are actually very good, but this guy I was arguing with wouldn’t listen.
I’ll tell you something though, if Burnett is the weakest link on a 5 man rotation, I would take it any day of the week, and to borrow a comment of yours from Jaystalk tonight, twice on sunday.
Oh, and people need to stop talking about trading him. Provided he stays healthy this year, his numbers will be where they should be come October.
MW: I think so, too.
- SongofWarHey Mike, first off, great comment on the pre-game show to Jerry Howard: “First of all where are you”?, referencing how many times the Angels have changed their names.
Speaking of changing things, how many times have the Jays changed their uniforms/hats in the last 10 years?
MW: Too damn many. And it’s Jerry Howarth, by the way.
- JamieMuch thanks to Alex Rios
taking “batting practice” on
Jared Washburn last night raisng his pitch count and help get Washburn out of the game early.
MW: Jered Weaver, but close enough.
- Mark TrainGo Jays Go!!!
- Justin H.You’re so right about the law of averages catching up in the hitting department. They wee hitting so many line drives that were caught, or being victimized by great fielding plays before. What’s really crazy now is the number of bloops and bleeders that are going between the infielders and the outfielders. Is there some way to patent those, d’ya think?
MW: That’d be swell.
- GerryHi Mike, sorry about the back.
Just a follow up, but what about Vernon to Texas or Houston is it that you “don’t get?”
When he signed his current deal, Vernon refused to rule out ever playing in Texas and he has his own “opt out” after 2010!
Texas has too much outfield
and could use his right hand and power bat numbers and that’s why I would suggest a 2 for 1 even if they wouldn’t deal Hamilton.
Houston has Michael Bourn’s 24 stolen bases and Erstad’s .304
batting (although he’s getting older, he could DH but maybe not enough power numbers) average but it might have to be a 3 for 1 with them.
And with respect to Jerry Howarth’s comments about KC and their infield during a
broadcast, I thought it humorous/curious that he was
inferring that KC could use
Scutaro or even Inglett as alternatives to KC’s existing
group! That’s why I was wondering about Gathright as
a #9 or #2 PH/Pinch Runner,etc
I see the Jays as a team with
5 infielders,maybe one too many.
MW: Jerry was talking about dealing McDonald to the Royals, but I don’t see that happening, either. I wouldn’t take 10 Bourns or 100 Erstads for one Vernon, but the opt-out thing isn’t an issue for him, unless the market changes very drastically. Whereas Burnett will walk away from $24 million over two years, Wells would be walking away from $63 million over three years, and it’s highly doubtful Vernon could do better than that on the open market.
- BRick in OakvilleHow did you manage to resist saying something to the caller who compared Overbay’s hand injury last season to a hockey player’s groin injury - and then said “it’s like you’re taking away their tool”?
You demonstrated remarkable restraint there, Mike.
Love the show & the blog. Keep it up!
MW: Sometimes the best course of action is to say nothing.
- HaroldWhat’s wrong with our Shortstops? Johnny Mac and Eckstein get hurt in the same game and now another gold glover, Mike Wilner, has a bad back? That’s just too bad.
I am having fun with this team, who wouldnt after a terrific top of the 5th. I thought that innings would go on forever. Even though Overbay had an RBI against a lefty(very rare), it’s painful for me to watch Overbay against lefties. He’s clueless. Which brings me to my question.. Why left handed batters struggle more against left handed pitchers than right handed batters against right handed pitchers? Being a lefty myself, that’s important to me. Is it all mental?
MW: It’s not mental, it’s just that they tend not to see a lot of lefties. I really think that’s all there is to it. I’ll wager that if there were as many lefties as there are righties, and vice-versa, righties would struggle a lot more against righties than they do now.
- Beburghey mike,
The best thing about this nice run is that when Vernon comes back, it’s like we are acquiring a gold glove centre fielder at or after the all-star break.
What my concern is, is that when Vernon does come back, how do you think he will hold up offensively? It took Overbay a good year to really come back from his hand injury. A wrist is really important in the mechanics of hitting and Vernon uses his upper body, especially his wrists?
MW: I think Vernon will have a hard time offensively when he gets back, much like Overbay did last year.
- andyHi Mike,
I thought I’d write in and criticize all those “Power” (doesn’t actually rhyme with Lyle, but just go with it) Overbay haters who seem to have crawled back under the rocks they were under throughout the rest of this guy’s career with the obvious exception of last year when his hand had to have been bothering him. Everyone goes though slumps, and his was the first four weeks of this season. The guy can flat out hit, and I look forward to his continued resurgence. My question is in regards to batting Stairsy and Power back-to back…while Overbay isn’t particularly bad against lefties, Matty is. What would be the best way to split them up in the order to avoid having the other team’s lefty specialist come in to take care of the both of them at a critical time in the game? How about 3-4-5-6 Rolen-Stairs-Rios-Overbay? Thanks Mike.
MW: Actually, I’d put Overbay third, then go Rolen-Stairs-Rios (or Rolen-Rios-Stairs).
- ThomasWhoopee - another double digit game as to run production. Not counting on that all the time but man oh man it is sure nice to see isn’t it!
McGowan must have been in heaven with all that run support having gotten about 2.5 - 3.0 runs per game prior to last night.
Your right Mike as to Barajas and blocking balls - that is exactly why he was boo’d in Philly a couple of weeks back - fans have long memories - albeit most of the time for the bad stuff. Hence the reason why I said yesterday Zahn is so good at keeping balls in front of him and would be my choice back there anytime. No offence intended here but I think “the Captain” could stand to loose a few pounds - especially playing that position.
Going to be a great weekend for baseball on the radio again - working away outside in the yard with the ball game on and listening to you 3 guys do your thing is something I really enjoy - thanks.
MW: Our pleasure
- BobWhile understanding that different moves could have followed, i’m interested to know with the season playing out as it is, how do you think the Rios for Lincecum trade would look right now had it been made?
MW: Really good for the Blue Jays, at least. But it would mean Jesse Litsch would be in AAA.
- ukJayMike
Love how the Jays are playing right now. Great offense and defense and great pitching from the starters and bullpen. Few questions. Who do you think the best pitcher in the league is? Who is the best hitter? Do you keep playing Shannon Stewart in the outfield until he gets in a slump?
Thanks
MW: The best pitcher in the league? I’m still going with Roy Halladay among starters. Yes, Shannon Stewart should be the everyday LF from here on out, I think.
- StevenHey Mike, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Jays follow up one good hitting performance with another. I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I still don’t understand why Wilkerson is playing instead of Lind. Adam is hitting still over .300 in AAA. I understand he can’t hit lefties but still overall he’s producing well. Do you have an answer as to why Lind isn’t back up with the Jays because I’m left scratching my head everyday with this one.
As always keep up the great work!
MW: Lind hasn’t played for four days, don’t know why, though.
- DaveWhy shortchange them? I think you mean they’ve won 8 of 9 and 14 of 18 since hitting rock bottom. Call me a stickler about numbers… it’s baseball after all.
MW: You’re right, 8 of 9, 14 of 18.
- TrevorMy apologies, Overbay’s OBP is 2nd in the AL vs RHP, not 3rd! It was funny to hear you struggle on air, presumably with the same problem I had, in that you lost Overbay because he didn’t have enough PA to qualify when you searched for OBP vs RHP?
MW: Exactly. Why wouldn’t he be a qualifier, though? I don’t get that, that’s why I was struggling.
- AriRandom thoughts and comments for a Saturday morning:
1) Orthodox pitch rules. I hit homers from both sides of the plate once while playing orthodox. Never before or since have I approached that level of awesomenessicity.
2) All Star voting is a joke. At the very least, they should flip things around so that the fans choose the second-stringers and the people who have a clue choose the starters.
3) Halladay is not Superman, he is God. Were that I woman, that I might bear his children. At the very least, I’d love to go bass fishing with him sometime.
4) Kita sounds really cute.
5) The Simpsons are still relevant. Interleague play, nosomuch.
That is all.
- Rob_NSMike,
Not going to lie, but I had very closely written this team off close to the end of April, I still see that month as an opportunity lost with losses to some bad teams, but, here is my question:
Would you say that this team compares alot to the 2003 (I think) Angels?
They both had bad starts, outstanding pitching and so-so hitting. what is your take?
MW: I think this Jays’ staff is better than that Angels’ staff, and the hitting is probably better, too.
- MarkI read that Adam Lind has had a stomach virus and that is why he missed the last few games.
It is nice to see you are not being as hard on Wilkerson as you were earlier. He has made some nice throws after the initial error when he first got to the Jays. The one to the plate last night was a beauty even though he didn’t get the runner. Although not hitting for average he has knocked in runs and is very valuable on a team which couldn’t hit a sac fly or ground ball to the right side to score a run for weeks.
How do you think this year’s bench players compare to previous years? Do you think Scutaro can continue to play as well defensively and offensively as he has been?
It seemed after a few weeks at 3rd that his defense fell apart but the same hasn’t happened recently when he has been playing a lot.
MW: His hitting fell apart more than his defense, but that was after a week and a half, and here he’s been going strong for three weeks, so it’s different. I don’t know how long I expect it to continue. Wilkerson is definitely doing enough to keep himself here.
- JayHi, Mike:
Most likely everyone today will be (justifiably)enthusing about Overbay’s two HRs, but I was equally impressed with his RBI single off the left-hander. To me, that was one of the nicest swings he’s had in a couple of weeks!
If he can carry this type of approach through against all lefties, he’s going to have a tremendous season! (Not saying he’ll get a hit every time, but it will result in enough hits to probably push his overall year up to between .290 and .300, with OBP close to .400 — I’ll take that “any day of the week, and twice on Sundays” (if they have a double-header!)
MW: Indeed. A couple of years ago, Overbay hit lefties very well.
- NormJust read that Matsuzaka has been placed on the 15 day DL, with a “mild strain” in the right rotator cuff area.
With Buchholz already injured (now on rehab), the Red Sox rotation may be in a bit of trouble. Only Beckett is going relatively well, and his ERA is 4.30.
Coupled with the Rays’ problems with an injured closer, I could easily see the Jays making up the three and two game deficits, and making this a summer-long “dogfight” for the East Division. It is shaping up to be very interesting.
MW: Regardless of the injuries, you’re talking about making up three games over 100, it’ll definitely be fun. Funny how everyone was conceding the division to Boston three weeks ago, though.
- NormMike,
Great to see the team doing so well at this point. What do you say to those out there pointing to the team’s recent success, and then pointing to the fact that Vernon has been out of the line-up? My usual response it to point to his early May turn around (hitting .387, with a .613 Slg %, .429 OBP, with 7 RBI in May) and argue that they are winning in spite of the fact he’s not there, not because of it.
I don’t understand some fans’ hate for one of our best players.
MW: Happens all the time.
- KevinOne more Positive Mike how good did Benitiz splittler look last night?
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
Mike you just seem to be really ignorant on this topic. Good writers don’t say that double A #’s are equivalent to hitting .yyy in the major-leagues either. They simply take all the information they have and make the best projection they can and the information they have is alot more then the information you have.
Why don’t you try reading Kevin Goldstein sometime (although i doubt you have the time) He’s really good
MW: I don’t think I’m really ignorant. I’m familiar with minor league equivalencies and that sort of stuff. I know they have a lot more info than I have, but at base, all it is is a guess. An educated guess, maybe, but a guess nonetheless.
- Dan MooreWhy isn’t JP getting any credit for the rolen aquisition? What a great trade that was..
MW: Because the things he does that work out, it turns out, are just due to luck.
- AlexThe Jays are the only team that have gone 8 and 2 in the last 10 games, and I saw somewhere that the Jays have had the best record in May… good signs, methinks.
- Sam McLeanI read elsewhere that this is the first time this season that the Jays have scored more than 3 runs when McGowan starts. It’s a real credit to him that he’s 4-4.
- JoelI hate to nit pick after such a good run but a few other things to consider:
1. Why did Gibbons leave Stairs in to hit when they brought Oliver out in the 5th? At the time it was a very key point in the game with the Jays only being up 1 run with runners on 1st and 2nd with no out. We all know Stairs can’t hit lefites so why burn (and boy did he look bad doing it) an out at such a key point? Bring in Mench and if there’s a key AB later in the game you still have Hill/Inglett to pinch for Mench.
2. How bad was Eckstein’s range on that Tori Hunter single (I believe it was in the 6th)? It wasn’t hit particularly hard and was about 15-20 feet to the left of 2nd base. A major league short stop absolutely has to get that ball and Eckstein didn’t even come close.
MW: He didn’t bat for Stairs because he might have needed him later in the game against Speier/Shields/KRod if the situation had arose, and there was a short bench without Hill there. Eckstein doesn’t have good range.
- MattWhat happened to Josh banks? He was supposed to be one the Jay’s better prospects coming into the season. Somehow he got claimed off waivers by the Padres, and is 1-0 pitching in their starting rotation. Could you please comment.
MW: He got put on waivers because the Jays had to make room on the roster for one of Wilkerson/Mench/Inglett/Benitez.
- AbdullahIs Downs hurt or something?
You said sending Stairs is not a chance you take with a 5 run lead….why not? I would say its a chance you dont take when your down by 3 or more runs, but when your ahead by 5 runs whats wrong with it, he gets gunned down your still up by 5 runs, and of course he scored.
MW: It’s not worth the risk. I wonder the same about Downs.
- PeeWeeMike,
First, I will say finally, yes…two games, 22 runs - first time in 3 years, I think the offense is officially alive. That being said home run numbers are really the only thing missing and the Jays are going to need that to come around sooner rather than later. I’m watching the game last night…Napoli, the Angels catcher has 40% more home runs than our top slugger! Our 3 and 4 hitters combined have what a handful of bombs? Big reason why the RBI numbers are down as well so that NEEDS to show up hopefully soon..because no, I don’t think we can score 10 runs a night off singles and doubles (yes i’m aware of Overbay’s 2 last night but that’s astonishingly rare)
Regarding your comment - Didn’t I bet someone on here a million dollars that he’d get to 30 by the all-star break? K so, 30 by Mid July? That would put him on pace for…what 60, 65 on the year from your first baseman? Please, Mike, tell me you weren’t trying to make a point here. We need 100+ out of Overbay not 60+. If he gets to 30, or close to that, it’s still incredibly awful.
That all being said, the Jays are trying and it’s evident. It’s also encouraging to see that they’re finding a way. I ‘m just saying that the home runs are going to have to come if the offense is going to do what it needs to do en route to a birth (as little as that may be b/c of the pitching staff). But we don’t know what’s going to happen, they could falter or there could be an injury so…bottom line, we’re going to need it one way or another.
MW: They don’t need 100+ RBIs from Overbay. I hate when people say stuff like that.
- GregIt was pretty clear that the only reason Stairs was sent home in the 9th was so they could reach an even 10 runs. Ok, I don’t mind a bit of swagger, but let’s not make a habit of running the bases like a bunch of LA wild men.
MW: Or maybe because they wanted to finish the game already.
- johnny wasA weird thing about McGowan…have you noticed his home/road splits? I know a caller brought that up on the show last night (or rather this morning) but it’s not just this year. For his career, he has a 3.31 era at home and 5.98 away. His opponents ops also shows it, being 653 at home and 763 road. This is like good Ted and evil Ted again, except that we know where evil Dustin shows up. Any ideas as to why?
MW: It doesn’t make any sense, because Rogers Centre is a hitters’ park. If anything, you’d expect those splits to be the opposite.
- Flaming MoeOh, and I thought I’d throw this out there. The Jays’ team pitching ranking in the MLB. Not the AL, but the MLB (from MLB.com):
In the MLB:
#1 in team ERA
- Kevin#1 team WHIP
#1 with 6 CG
#2 in IP
#2 in Ks
#2 in SHO
4th fewest HR’s allowed
4th fewest runs allowed
#1 in lowest BAA
5th fewest Hits against
I have to put up one additional comment/question: In Richard Griffin’s column this morning, he states emphatically that 3rd Base Umpire Mike Winters “blew the call” on the pickoff play with Scott Rolen — that on Napoli’s throw “he was out, easily”.
I’m not sure how you saw it, Mike, but at least one angle of the TV replay seemed to show quite clearly that Rolen was in fact safe, with the tag put on the upper arm (or maybe even the thigh — he might have missed the arm) after Rolen’s hand was on the bag.
In any event, it was certainly not an “easy out” call. And anyway, it’s about time the Jays caught a break!
What did you think, Mike? Safe or out?
MW: From the replays I saw, I honestly couldn’t tell whether Rolen was safe or not. He was certainly not out easily.
- NormOh and one more thing I noticed. The Rays are playing well, BUT, their true test probably won’t come until Aug/Sept as those months are backloaded with disgusting road trips.
For example: At the beginning of August they play six games at home against Detroit and Cleveland whoa re no pushovers, then go out for a 10-gamer West against Seattle, Oakland and Texas, only to come right back to Tampa the following day to play the Angels for three and then they go back out to Chicago for three more.
That to me is a disgusting August.
MW: The true test is 162 games.
- MarkWith the last couple of outings by Armando Benitez being of the quality variety, what do you see happening with the bullpen in the next month or so? When Wolfe and Accardo are healthy, who goes? Are they showcasing Benitez for a trade? Or has the preverbial horse already left the barn on that one?
MW: I don’t think they could get anything for Benitez. Camp is the first out the door, I would think.
- AriDid Adam Lind lose an arm or something? He hasn’t played in AAA for a while..
MW: See above.
- tercetKen Rosenthal blog. Does this guy have a clue? The Blue Jays’ 11-6 surge since losing Vernon Wells is largely attributable to terrific pitching. The Jays, next-to-last in the American League in runs-per-game, would be more formidable offensively if they had not released designated hitter Frank Thomas and outfielder Reed Johnson.
Thomas, who suffered a slight strain in his right quad Tuesday night, is proving that the Jays were wrong to conclude he was finished, though not necessarily wrong to fear paying him $10 million in 2009 on a vesting option. In 72 plate appearances with Toronto, Thomas hit .167-.306-.333. In 106 plate appearances with the A’s, he has batted .319-.417-.516.
Johnson’s offensive numbers are only slightly better than those of the player who replaced him, Shannon Stewart. Johnson, however, is a more skillful and versatile defender than Stewart, and the Jays could use his energy.
The Jays’ two most recent outfield additions, Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench, are a combined 15-for-82 (.183) with two home runs
MW: The Jays were wrong to conclude that Thomas was finished, as I said at the time, but they also had no choice but to release him. Their pitching, however, isn’t much more terrific now than it was before Vernon got hurt.
- JimMike,
I just watched the Bronx is burning. Have you seen it?
If I was making a Jays movie, I’d have John Turturro play J.P., Lee Majors as John Gibbons, James Cromwell as Ted Rogers, Denis Farina as Paul Godfrey, Gary Sanise as Greg Zaun, John Krasinski as Roy Halladay, and Will Ferrel as Neil.
Who would you choose to play you?
MW: I doubt very much I’d be in any sort of Jays movie.
- JasonHi Mike,
Its been very frustrating for Blue Jay fans. You have to admit, The Jays record the past few years and all the talk. What do you expect from the fans. It was a bad start to say the least as well. Its like here we go again. I’m not even thinking World Series. All I want is meaningful games in September. Until September comes then you start feeling greedy and want the playoffs and so on, human nature.
It seems Brad Wilkerson is starting to bloom at the end of May. I think The Jays will need him for the remainder of the year, with or without Vernon Wells. JP Richardi mentioned its going to be very importatnt to have a strong bench for the rest of the year after a question about Brad’s status after Wells comes back. This guy is hitting grands slams, multi hit games, driving in runs solid defense all with a low batting average in a line up thats winning.
Oakland & The Angels are usually front page news on ESPN and FOX. They get clobered two days in a row by The Jays and you read nothing, nada, nill on their sport pages only SI.
- brunoSure would be nice to ration those runs a bit.
McGowan still has yet to get back to the consistency he displayed from mid-season on last year.
Rolen is driving in runs, but it would be nice to see some more extra-base hits from your power guy.
Interesting how the tv guys (well, mostly Campbell) made a bit deal of Overbay’s o-fer going into the game, overlooking the fact that he got on base 12 straight times last weekend. At least Mulliniks had the foresight to suggest that he was due.
Hopefully, with 100 more AB or so, Rolen can regain his power stroke like Overbay appears to have done.
MW: Rolen has hit 12 doubles in just over a month, he’s getting plenty of extra-base hits. And they’d been rationing those runs all year.
- FoxyIt’s good to see the Jays winning but the Rays keep winning, when do you think the Rays will fall back down to earth? If they fall back down to earth. And do you think the jays will beable to make up any ground on Boston while Daisuke is out?
MW: The Jays have made up a lot of ground on Boston over this run, they’re right there with them. Tampa will fall back to earth, but I don’t know when.
- BlakeIf AJ has a bad year he will stay with the jays. Nobody will pay him good money so we should trade him while we still can before he starts to suck or get injuried.
MW: Burnett is opting out no matter what. Trading him would not be a good idea, unless they get an arm back to replace him, in which case they wouldn’t also be able to get the big bat.
- PaulDo you think Janssen has a legitimate shot at coming back? So few pitchers have recovered from a torn labrum, I dont see the point in keeping him around.
MW: So you just release him without seeing what happens? That’d be, ummmm, really stupid.
- Brett VHi Mike
Great win.The bats seem to be coming alive.What i do like about this streak is that everynight it seems there are two or three different guys in the lineup coming through and that is what it takes to go on extended winning streaks.Lets watch it continue.Mcgowan wasn’t at his best tonight but he kept battling for the win.I was reading on a sports page that the Jays should trade Litsh,Lind and another prosoect for Holliday.It said he would also be willing to throw in Romero or Snyder.Personally i think Holliday would command much more.Would you make this deal and can you explain to me why Toronto sports fans think teams are waiting in line to offer us all-stars for free?
mario
P.S.
The comment came from a fan like myself not a reporter.
Go Jays!!!
MW: I don’t think the Rockies would turn down Litsch, Lind and Snider for Holliday, but I don’t think the Jays would ever do that.
- marioNew York New York! If they win that series it might finally silence some of the critics. Many only see Boston and New York as a true test when the Jays are winning. When they lose it doesn’t matter who they play. Get on the wagon now, there will be quite a few trying to jump on.
MW: The critics won’t be silenced until the Jays clinch a playoff spot, and maybe not even then.
- The ChadGreat game from the boys in black and blue. Hey Mike, any thoughts as to the Jays utilizing Curtis Thigpen during this trip, or is the Captain pretty much a lock until Zaun gets back into it. The Toronto “Red” Star did a piece that made it seem like poor Curtis is being neglected lately and is pining for a shot this time around. Thanks for all your efforts in keeping us informed.
MW: I see Thigpen maybe getting two starts behind the plate.
- JOEHey Mike,
What’s the deal with Brian Wolfe? He’s been on the DL for about a month and a half now, right? I don’t remember what the expectations were as far as how long he was going to be out with the triceps strain, but has he suffered any setbacks since then? I can’t find anything showing him rehabbing in the minors.
MW: He’s rehabbing, and pitching well for Syracuse right now.
- NKJays are hot, the bats woke up, Joba vs Doc Tuesday, doesn’t get any better. GO JAYS GO
- tom stewartMike, I listen to the show and read this blog (as well as the drunks - great site) daily, and love to hear you skewer the various idiots that somehow make it through the phone lines. That said, I found it a little strange to hear you cite Wells’ RBI total as a reason not to get on his back. You, vouching for a player based on RBIs? Say it ain’t so!
On the topic of Wells, count me in the camp that considers him overrated if not useless. I think the Andruw Jones comparison is fairly apt - they’re built similarly, while both hit for power and occasionally a high average with little patience. I think Jones’ defence is over-the-hill, and, sadly, I see Wells going in the same direction (though he’s younger, so it’s not so pronounced). He’s only going to get bigger and slower from here on through the end of his career. It’s not going to happen, but I’d love to see Vernon playing right field when he gets back.
MW: It’s not going to happen, and I think you’re selling Wells REALLY short. He might not be worth $126 million, but useless? You’re being ridiculous.
- SimonIf injury necessitated the call up of an outfielder from the Chiefs, would Russ Adams get any consideration? Or is he too green in the field still. He seems to be hitting well lately, at least.
MW: I think Lind would get the call ahead of Adams, assuming Lind is healthy. Maybe Buck Coats, too.
- bgMike
1)When he gets back do you see John Macdonald getting any playing time with Eck and Scut swinging well?
2)Do you play with anyone in softball that resembles “Softball guy” as described by Jim Rome?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uMfqbR8Ujlk
MW: 1. Yes 2. Probably, but a nine-minute rant is too long for me to listen to right now.
- HowardThey don’t need 100 RBI’s from Overbay? Mike, we also can’t have 60 from him. I’m not saying we NEED 100 but 60 is certainly unacceptable, no?
MW: No. Depends on what happens everywhere else in the line-up. If Overbay is going to be a 40-2b, .400 obp guy, I’m fine.
- GregTo further the last post…I’d like to add that from a first baseman it’s crucial we get at least 85 RBI…from our top guns like Rios we need more as well…Just out of curiosity, and Im not saying I know the answer, but when was the last time a team made the playoffs with no 100+ RBI men? I appreciate your insight as always Mike.
MW: No idea the last time a team made the playoffs with nobody driving in 100 runs, but I think it’s easy to get caught up on “this position has to do this, and this position has to do this”. It’s simply not true. Last year the Red Sox won the World Series with a first baseman who hit 16 homers and had 83 RBIs.
- GregThe game last night was a perfect illustration of a team running on all cylinders. The pitching/defense made a few errors, but settled down and the offense bailed them out. Based on how almost supernaturally perfect the pitching has been, they are owed a bailout.
Barajas’ error was weird, like he totally spaced out for a second.
But I’m pretty sure Philly fans booed him because they are something that rhymes with gas poles (rhyming cause this ain’t drunk jays fans).
MW: I appreciate the rhyme, and how ladylike of you not to use “brass poles”.
- JoannaWhat happened to the calls for John Gibbons head this month? I’m hearing hardly any calls on john gibbons then I did in April. What’s up with that?
MW: They’re waiting for the Jays to lose three straight.
- andrewYou say the earliest time to judge a MLB team is at the end of May. Well, here it is, the last day and I look at the standings and see tampa at a amazing .600 avg. Will they be a 95 win team at the end of the season and explain why.
MW: No. They don’t have the pitching. And I said that was the earliest time to look at the standings, not to judge a team.
- SunkenDPr0Hi Mike,
According to either Rance or Jamie (forget which) the reason Barajas was slow to go after the wild pitch was because he thought it was a foul tip. He should have reacted quicker anyway.
Keep up the good work!
MW: It doesn’t matter whether he thought it was a foul tip, unless the umpire said it was.
- Elia couple of thinks, Mike>…
1) every time someone brings up the Jays’ record with Wells out of the lineup, remind them that the Jays were on a 6-2 run WITH him in the lineup, and were leading 1-0 when he got injured in the 6th inning of that game in cleveland…..then quickly proceeded to lose that game 6-1, and then lose the next two by a combined 15-0 score. Not only were the Jays already winning before his injury, but his injury probably hurt them when it happened. The numbers you showed w/Rolen in the lineup are probably a much more relevant stat to look at when looking at the Jays’ rebound from their poor April. And, of course, remind them that Wells is still leading the team in RBI, even though he’s been out 3 weeks.
2) I don’t think Downs is hurt at all. I just think he’s clearly become the go-to setup man in any save situation, and since the Jays have two other lefties who are pretty much unhittable at the moment, Downs just doesn’t get the play unless the Jays are in
“close lead late” situation.
3) We’ll really know that Overbay is “back” when he starts hitting lefties consistently (nice single last night). Overbay was never a platoon-type player, specifically because he could always hit lefties well.
4) Batting Order:
Rios
Overbay
Rolen
Wells
Stairs/Mench
Hill
Zaun/Barajas
Stewart/Wilerson
Eckstein
MW: I think you’re right on Downs, but not Overbay. Lyle has a career OPS of .816 and has had exactly one season (2004) when he has had an .800 OPS against lefties. He has never been someone who always its lefties well. I’m not in love with that line-up, but we’re still a month away from Wells coming back.
- marka couple of thinks.
nice.
sorry about that.
- markHi Mike,
It seems to me that a ball club in the Blue Jays position should take a shot now at being really good over the next few years at the expense of the club 3-4 years down the road. Specifically, I think it would be a good idea to go strongly after Dunn/Bay/Holliday as well as a pitcher to replace Burnett next year (there should be a number of good ones available after or during the season). There seams to be the desire for young rising talent from the teams that might be willing to make a deal the Jays could use. The Jays currently have a pretty deep farm system and would likely be able to get these deals done if they were willing to part with a significant part of it. The Jays have done a good job in scouting young talent but in my opinion are not the type of organization (right now) that can rely solely on bringing guys up to be in the top echelon of AL teams. On the other hand, we currently have one of if not the best pitching staffs in baseball and if we had another powerful bat are hitting stacks up well against other top teams as well. For some clubs the cost of being great for a few years is being not great for a few as well. Are we not due in Toronto for a serious push towards greatness? Mike would you sell the farm or a part of it right now for a deal or two that could push us over the top for a couple of seasons? In your opinion would J.P.?
MW: A part of it? Sure. And so would J.P.
- JeffNice to see Josh Towers burning it up in Colorado Springs with that 6.58 ERA!
- tomasHey Mike,
Looking down into the minors (A Ball) I find our friend Gustavo Chacin absoloutley stinking it up with a record of 0-6 and a 8.59 ERA. Do you think the bluejays stick with him or is he on the verge of being released?
MW: There’s nothing to lose by keeping him around.
- BrendanOverbay’s got a career .751ops against lefties. That’s solid, although obviously not great . Well good enough to mean he’s always going to be an everyday player.
and it’s obviously a massive improvement over his current .504ops against lefties this year.
because Lyle this year is hitting as well as he’s ever hit against righties (.934ops).
- markNice to see the Blue Jays start to score some run! Now when Vernon come’s back next month the bats will be that much better, and they won’t have to give up anything(to get him). It will almost be like adding a free aggent in the middle of the season. My second comment has to do with the fact how everyone want s to trade some of the pitching for hitting, PLEASE STOP! Pitching is way harder to find these dayz, plus I dont think there offence is as bad as they showed in the first 6 weeks of the season. This is the best starting 5 in MLB so injoy it folks dont trade it away!
- HardeepLast but not least I think Overbay should bat 5 and Stairs drop down to 6th, it might just be me but I think he alwayz seems to hit better in the 5 hole.
Apostrophes! Doh!!!
MW: The misuse of apostrophes will be what eventually drives me to stop responding to comments, I’m sure.
- peteMike:
I noticed you responded to a previous poster that you would be willing to sell part of the farm for greatness now (and you felt JP would as well). I know I’ve heard JP in the past vehemently state that you DON’T TRADE GOOD YOUNG PITCHING. Therefore, what makes you think he would do so now? And trading more than 1 pitching prospect seems absolutely impossible given his previous stance. Everyone else seems to understand that you deal from a position of strength except for JP which baffles a lot of people I think. It sort of speaks to him maybe not believing enough in his minor league pitchers (maybe based on the great savior David Purcey’s 2 starts this season). Although statements from JP are never necessarily the truth (as long as he knows the truth in his mind) so things can always change.
As for giving up position players/ hitting prospects, it appears that they Jays are severely lacking in that department in the minors at the moment. You’ve also said that you wouldn’t be willing to give up anyone on the major league roster so are you hoping that there is some moron GM out there that will take 3 poor prospects for someone on their roster … sounds like a pipe dream to me.
Finally, regarding JP … I know you have put the 5 year plan debate to rest so here is my question. What kind of GM comes to a team with no future plan? Maybe it wasn’t a 5 year plan, but I certainly have to think there was some sort of plan to move forward, and make it into the playoffs and I hope he had some sort of timeline in mind otherwise he is doesn’t deserve to be the GM. There needs to be something better than keeping your fingers crossed for the “big teams” to falter so the Jays can maybe sneak in.
MW: Everyone has a plan, but to say that a team will be X in Y amount of time is just begging for failure. I like the plan of “get the best players we can get and always look to make what we can better”. That’d be my plan.
- Peter B.Ricciardi has shown a willingness to part with young pitching, having dealt Dave Bush and Zach Jackson (along with Gabe Gross) to get Lyle Overbay. And there are plenty of good prospects in the Jays’ system, most of them are still playing A-ball, though.
What do you think about Ken Griffy Jr becoming the first clean player to hit 600 HR since Hank Arron did it because Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa are suspected of using PED?
MW: What makes you sure that Griffey, Jr. is clean?
- andrewWhat’s the deal with Jean Machi?
Looks like he’s pitched somewhat decent in AA last year as a 24 year old but what was the organization’s rationale in keeping him on the 40-man roster ahead of Josh Banks, whose minor league stats look arguably stronger (the fact that he was a 2nd rounder didn’t hurt either).
(Yes, I recognize that Banks’ one good start today indicates absolutely nothing over the long haul… I’m just trying to get an understanding of what the organization is thinking with Machi.)
MW: Banks was DFA’d, I think, because the Jays thought they could sneak him through waivers since he’d had two sub-par seasons in a row at AAA and was struggling again this year. He’s also going to be out of options next season. Machi is younger (though not much) and has a bigger arm. I’m surprised they’ve turned him into a starter, though.
- MichaelMike, are you saying to me that Griffey Jr takes steroids? He has never been suspected of using PED like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire.
MW: I’m not saying that Griffey ever did anything bad, but what I am saying is that we have ZERO idea who did what. Would you ever have thought that Rafael Palmeiro was a juicer?
- andrewNeil,
Since you can’t seem to drop the whole “draft record” patter I’ve decided to take it upon myself to challenge you with the facts.
First of all let me set some ground rules in order to level the playing field because we cannot possibly know what will become of the players J.P. has drafted who have yet to make their big league debuts. Today is May 31, 2008, agreed? Pat Gillick began his term in 1978 after Peter Bavasi’s reign of terror in 1977 (therefore he was not the GM when Barfield was drafted and thus cannot take credit for him- your rules not mine). So, he has until May 31, 1984 to come up with the goods. Gord Ash began in 1995 and thus has until May 31, 2001 to deliver or face the consequences. We’ll set minimums of 50 IP and 100 AB as arbitrary figures to try to eliminate as many “cup of coffee” guys as we can.
Now, hop into my little time machine as we return to May 31, 1984 when the Jays were probably the 2nd best team in MLB, but unfortunately had the combination of the Tigers and no wild card fall back to contend with.
I gotta say very slim pickings for Mr. Gillick so far, maybe they should fire him (sarcasm). Lloyd Moseby has played 559 games with a .259/.315/.413 line and is definitely the team’s starting CF after a terrific 1983 season. Dave Stieb is one of the most feared SP in the league with 160 GS, a 72-60 record and a 3.32 ERA. Mark Eichhorn is almost out of baseball after an 0-3, 5.45, 7 start stint in 1982 (38 IP). He re-invented himself later. The future could be bright for Jimmy Key, but he only has 20 IP and a 4.50 ERA as a long reliever. In all fairness I think that’s 2 provens, 1 prospect and a has-been.
It’s May 31, 2001 now and God only knows where the Jays are in the standings. We do know where Harry Leroy Halladay is though, he’s toiling in the minors after a 10.64 ERA in 2000 and is 13-14 with a 5.77 ERA after his first 231 big league innings. Meanwhile, Billy Koch is smokin’ with 74 saves and a 3.25 ERA. He looks like the pick of the crop at this point. Vernon Wells has had 120 AB with a .258/.288/.358 line and keeps getting bumped for Brian McRae, Jacob Brumfield, and Curtis Goodwin among others. Bob File is another pitcher who looks like he might be a good one with 20 IP and a 1.80 ERA under his belt. So, we have a great closer, a CF and a RP who appear to have bright futures, and a SP who, as Mel Queen has put it is “wasting his potential”. Rios won’t debut for another 3 years. We know this because we have the benefit of being Nostradamus in our spare time. McGowan won’t debut for another 4 years
Now we’re at today, great road trip so far eh? What, you ask is J.P.’s tally so far? Unfortunately we had to suffer through 864 AB of Russ Adams and his .248/.314/.376 line to figure out he wasn’t going to cut it. David Bush over 2 years went 10-15 with a 4.15 ERA in 234 IP. Aaron Hill looks like a winner at 2B with 1720 AB of .284/.339/.409. Shaun Marcum has 317 IP and is 20-13 with a 3.92 ERA. Curtis Thigpen has not been very impressive in 102 AB so far with a .235/.297/.284 line. Adam Lind has 369 major league AB with .249/.292/.415 to show for it. Casey Janssen may or may not be finished, but that should not lessen his 167 IP of 3.89 ERA, and Jesse Litsch has a 14-10 record with a 3.58 ERA after 176.0 IP. Go ahead and dispute the facts all you want, but there they are in black and white. Will J.P. eventually be better at drafting than the other 2? That I can’t tell you, but I can tell you he’s done a pretty good job so far when you equalize the timetable for success.
When he arrived he said he would focus on College players, so they would arrive quickly and that he would focus on pitching. In my estimation he has done both and now he’s starting to sprinkle in some high-ceiling high school position players. In other words he’s doing what he said he would. As you can see from these examples developing baseball talent is very difficult and requires extreme patience. Try to remember that the next time you feel the need to pop off about his draft record.
Remember also how expensive the Latin American and now Japanese players have become to sign, and that Gillick profited greatly from being one of the first teams into the D.R. (and so he should have- in fact you might want to call that an earlier case of Moneyball- or taking advantage of market inefficiencies). Thus, his draft record didn’t have to be as solid as the two men who followed him. Maybe J.P. can tap into one of those as yet undiscovered talent pipelines before all the others do. Anything to get an edge, but it is tougher to do these days and he is at the mercy of Uncle Ted’s purse strings whether we like it or not.
MW: Wow. Want a part-time job?
- TomHey Mike,
As excited as I am about the offence coming alive, the fact remains that no one is on pace for at least 70 RBI’s. Now I know this will change and at least someone will get past 70 or 80 but this is still concerning considering there are 100 players in MLB with more RBI’s than the Jays leader (Wells 24). Meanwhile, there are more than 100 players with at least 6 home runs and only one is a Jay. I know that writers have talked about Holliday, Greene and Dunn being available and possible matches for T.O. but that talk truly means nothing. So my question is based on talking to JP during WWJP and being around the team, do you think they are or will actively pursue a bat or is it all just media talk and are they happy to play out the year with what they have? Thanks.
MW: I think they’ll actively pursue a big bat, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get one.
- JeffMike,
Sorry for the missive, will try for more brevity next time. Sometimes when people endlessly hammer away at “facts” with no context, they need to be straightened out, and since I know you are growing ever weary of this battle I just wanted to let you know emphatically that I’m here for ya. Keep fighting the good fight my friend.
MW: That was worth the book-lengthness.
- TomStunning to see how well Josh Banks is throwing for the Padres (referring specifically to his complete game, 6 hitter today)
How exactly did the Jays lose him, and you can just add him to the amazing jays pitchers who have thrown so well this year
MW: See above for the story of “How The Jays Lost Josh”.
- EwanNo i asked if Janssen has a legitimate shot of coming back and being successful.
MW: Well, you also said that you didn’t see the point in keeping him around. Let’s not revise history now. I think he has a shot, but not a great one. I certainly hope he defies the odds, others have.
- Brett VIn the fourth inning of last night’s game against the Angels, when Rios got to second on an error by the Angel’s second baseman, on MLB.com it credited Vlad Guerrero with an assist. Wouldn’t his assist be nullified since an out wasn’t made?
MW: Nope. If it’s a missed catch that’s the error, the guy who would have gotten an assist had the play been completed properly still gets an assist. Kotchman probably got an assist, too.
- Sam McLeanSure Mike, I’ll take a part-time job (wink,wink). Just make sure to pretend I’m a mute or turn my mic off. There’s a reason I’ve only talked to you once or twice on the show. It is not easy, not because of you, but because of the nerves.
I’m also quite legendary in my family for using one of the seven words you can’t use on the radio and thus costing myself a Beatles Box Set one Boxing Day. D’oh! You never forget that kind of humbiliation. I just kind of forgot where I was and there it went. You need research or backup though, I’ve got your back and not in a certain Blue Jays commercial sun screen kind of way. Cheers,
MW: One of the seven words, huh? S,P,F,C,C-S, M-F, T. Which one?
- TomThen do you think baseball writers are dumb for saying that Ken Griffey Jr is one of the best clean player in the game?
MW: Nope. But no one but Griffey knows for sure if he’s clean.
- andrewDo you think Brian Wolfe is going to be activated from the DL soon?
MW: He’s throwing very well on his rehab assignment, so the call could come sooner than later. He hasn’t pitched on back-to-back days yet, though.
- andrewCould you perhaps either re-tell or provide a link to the post where you explained why you call Rod Barajas “The Captain” I’m preatty sure it was back when he was signed and I cant remember exactly why it was.
Do you think that any extra offense Barajas provides is offset by his poor defense? His defense drives me nuts because it seems to be almost entirely due to lack of effort, not talent.
MW: It really seems to be that way, doesn’t it? As for “The Captain”, check the archives from late January. He signed on the 24th, and I wasn’t posting every day back then.
- EwanWilkerson’s roundabout way of getting out in the 7th got me thinking:
1: Are you aware of any instances in which someone reached first while striking out looking?
2: On the CS, do the catcher’s SB/CS percentage stats get affected? What if Wilkerson had managed to outrun the throw for a SB? Does that get counted in the catcher’s stats?
MW: 1. No, but I’m sure it’s happened. 2. No, the catcher’s stats are only affected when the catcher is involved.
- XiaoGord Ash is god and is king. JP Ricciardi is crap and will never be a good GM in this league.
MW: Now, it’s not fair to post as somebody else.
- NeilMike,
curious what your thoughts are on those TB Rays…
of course they’re not for real correct?
MW: I’ve given my thoughts on the Rays dozens of times over the last few days and weeks.
- Greg QuintonAfter feeding my way back through archives (which is a big hassle, it might be a good idea to archive them month by month, past a ways, not to seem unappreciative, I love this blog)
I’d forgotten all about the whole letter of intent thing, what a dirtbag.
Also sim baseball rules, and you arent still looking for GMs are you?
MW: Not at the moment. They’re not archived month by month?
- EwanYou say the Rays don’t have the pitching to get 95 yet they’re 2nd in the AL East in ERA, 2nd in WHIP, 2nd in On-Base Pct. Against, 2nd in Slugging Against, 2nd in Hits Given Up, 2nd in HR Allowed and 2nd in Batting Avg. Against.
Notice how the Rays are 2ND in ALL categories, and another surpising stat is the Jays are the FIRST in ALL those categories. Why in the world would you give one of your starters for Dunn or Holliday?
MW: I wouldn’t. I don’t believe the Rays’ pitchers will stay at those levels for the entire season, or even close to that.
- SunkenDPr0Frasor needs to hit the weight room. He’s a bone rack.
MW: You sure you’re not talking about Jesse Carlson?
- Vito From Hamilton“Hey Tom, You’ve won a Beatles’ Box Set- What do you think about that?”
“Whoa S***!”
Dial Tone and much laughter on the radio.
“How you doing (traffic guy)?”
“A lot better than that guy.”
This was 20-25 years ago BTW, but you don’t forget stuff like that. Thanks for helping me re-live that Mike. Very cathartic. I feel so much better now. Cheers,
MW: That’s awesome.
- TomJays 9-11 in 1 run games. Orioles in last place but manage to win more 1 run games.
MW: That’s true. Of course, the Rays have won fewer one-run games than even the Blue Jays, and they have the best record in the league.
- Vito From HamiltonCarlson and Frasor…apples and oranges. I’d take Carelson soaking wet over Frasor any day.
MW: Carlson soaking wet still doesn’t outweigh Frasor.
- Vito From HamiltonNO WAY Mike. Alomar’s first base slides were awesome. There’s a guy who really showed how much he wanted it and made the game so exciting. He left it all on the field. It ain’t stupid if you can do it.
MW: It’s stupid. The goal is to get to first base as quickly as possible. Running through the bag gets you there far quicker than diving into it. The only time a player should slide into first is when he’s trying to avoid a tag.
- Vito From HamiltonIt’s pretty amazing, the effect a winning month can have on the JaysTalk. All the Chicken Littles go into hiding, and while there might be some complaining, if seems to be coming from competent callers discussing that day’s game, instead of calling in to whine about JP and Gibby. I am actually stunned nobody called in tonight to say Stewart should have bunted after the Eck double, at which point you tackle them with his 15 career sac hits.
MW: I wouldn’t have done that. I would have gone with the 5 sac hits in the 21st Century.
- AriMike, I know you don’t really advocate firing a coach. This year, alot of the time on jays talk I have heard many people frustrated at the way the bullpen was managed, and wanted Gibby’s head on a platter, My question Is, Is constant mismangement of the bullpen or bad positioning of the outfielders, causing balls to drop in front or go over the head of a fielder, a good enough reason to relieve a coach of his duties? Secondly for an injury like B.J Ryans who takes the blame for that or who would take most of the responsibility?
And Lastly, are the GM’s like Stan Kasten (Former GM and president in Atlanta and Billy Bean, rear. In that they always had/have the ability to aquire young talent through the draft, via trade or free agency, that kept them competitive regardless of who they lost, and at the same time do so well in the payroll aspect?
By the way thanks for spotting impersonaters.
MW:The manager isn’t the one who positions the outfielders, but yes, constant mismanagement of the bullpen would be solid reason to fire a manager. Stan Kasten was never actually the GM of the Braves, I think you’re thinking of John Schuerholz. The Braves never hurt for money, regardless.
- NeilWhy don’t you think the rays will maintain their pitching sucess?
MW: Because most of their pitchers are either young and inexperienced or pitching way over their heads right now.
- SunkenDPr0Mike,
Not to nitpick, but the Jays starters haven’t exactly pitched in a pressure packed playoff push (Mmmmmmmm… Alliteration) either. Burnett’s the only one that might have, had his elbow not blown out in 2003. I don’t know that we can even be absolutely 100% sure how Halladay will handle his first meaningful stretch drive should it come this year. I cringe as I type that because it’s absolute blasphemy in these parts, but until he goes through it you just don’t know. We can take solace in the runs by Colorado and Arizona last year, Florida in 2003, and Anaheim (then) in 2002 but until they actually do it we won’t know. It could be a fun ride though, no?
MW: Until any of them do it, you’re right, we won’t know. But I’m anticipating a fun ride, for sure.
- Tomyou’ve given your thought about the Rays dozens of times… my point exactly.
When are you going to give in?
MW: If they’re still in first place on September 1st, I might. It’s amazing how many don’t realize how long the season is.
- Greg Quinton#72: “I like the plan of “get the best players we can get and always look to make what we can better”. That’d be my plan.”
You didn’t seem to like when Gord Ash had that plan. Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t you said you think that he was wrong to add some of the pieces he did because the team wasn’t as close as he thought it was? Many view what Ricciardi has done as the same thing, regardless of whether he was making the team better.
MW: I think Ash acted as though the team was one piece away from glory, and dealt from that standpoint, giving away far too much for far too little more than once. Ricciardi hasn’t done that. Ricciardi has continued to add without giving up much. Who’s the best prospect he has dealt? Felipe Lopez? And yes, he traded Orlando Hudson, but here’s Scott Rolen.
- Dan W