12:22 AM Eastern
Simply a tremendous performance by the Jays’ starter tonight, he had the Mariners eating out of his hand in a complete-game five-hitter. McGowan walked two and struck out seven, and was really only in trouble twice. Wonder if it’s the new specs kicking in?
In the 5th, after Jeremy Reed led off with a homer to tie the game at one, a single and double play followed, but then Yuniesky Betancourt singled and McGowan issued his first walk of the game, to Ichiro Suzuki. Jose Vidro hit a ball to deep right-centre, but Alex Rios ran it down at the warning track.
In the 6th, Raul Ibanez led off with a double that bounced into the seats in left, and moved to third on a comebacker. McGowan steeled himself, struck out Jose Lopez for a third time, then after walking Reed, got Richie Sexson to hit a routine fly to right. That Reed walk would be the last time the Mariners had a baserunner. McGowan had thrown 116 pitches through eight innings, and I was stunned to see no action in the Jays’ pen in the bottom of the 8th. Scott Downs got up in the 9th in case McGowan got into trouble, but his final inning was his most efficient – needing only nine pitches. In a season of great pitching performances, this one was near the top. The game had great pace, taking just 2:02 to play. Nice, tight, crisp, well-pitched. What a ballgame should be.
The Jays hit two homers, which is cool and different for them. It was the first time in 10 games that that had happened, and the first time since May 26th that two different Jays went deep in the same game. Vernon Wells continues to astonish. He’s now 7-for-16 since coming back from a broken wrist 2-4 weeks early, and is hitting .438/.412/.875 over that teeny tiny sample size.
Brad Wilkerson hit the other homer, against the team that released him just over a month ago, and his 2-for-3 makes him a .350/.438/.500 hitter over his last 13 games.
Carlos Silva did the Jays a huge favour, aside from allowing the two homers among his nine hits over seven innings. In 6th, Scott Rolen hit a ground single to right with Matt Stairs on second and one out. Marty Pevey waved in Stairs, and Jeremy Reed made a good throw that appeared to have a very good chance of nailing Stairs, but Silva cut it off just in front of the plate. What he was doing there we may never know – he may not have had the energy to run all the way behind home plate, where he was supposed to back up the throw – but he cut the ball off less than 10 feet before it was set to arrive, making the potential play at the plate moot and helping the Jays to an insurance run. M’s Catcher Jamie Burke doffed his mask and just stood there staring at Silva for a good 30 seconds after the play concluded.
With the series finale a day game, J.P. Ricciardi came on the post-game to celebrate his 24th Anniversary (our best to him and his lovely wife Diane). Among the topics he touched on:
-The Jays will be “in the race” if they’re within five games of a playoff spot on Sept. 1st
-He’s more than willing to do something at the trade deadline, but the team has to put itself in a position (in the standings) for him to do it
-He wondered if the book on the Jays is that they’re less aggressive in RBI situations and that’s why those first-pitch cookies seem to be coming, and that the hitters are going to have to change their ways
-He thinks maybe climate change has to do with the drop-off in offense. Well, he thinks that fewer players are juicing, but he didn’t come out and say it, you have to read between the lines, and
-He defended the decision to keep Adam Lind in Syracuse.
It’s all here for your listening pleasure:
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Before I go, some injury updates:
-Shannon Stewart has a Grade II sprain of his right ankle. We’re told he’ll be out at least three weeks, but I’m guessing his time on the shelf will be double that.
-Aaron Hill has been symptom-free (concussion) for two days. If that continues over the next five days, he can go out on a rehab assignment.
-Gregg Zaun will join the Syracuse Chiefs to DH Wednesday and catch Thursday, and if all goes well, he’ll be activated for the Cubs series that starts Friday.
-Jeremy Accardo pitched a shutout inning for Dunedin, allowing a hit – no walks, no Ks.
Now you’re all caught up. Remember, it’s a 12:30 start Wednesday! Comments are encouraged, as always, and since I don’t have the extra pre-gameness in the hotbox, I’ll probably be able to answer most before the game.
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I’m so glad you changed the format of your post game show. I remember you used to do the scoreboard BEFORE the JaysTalk, which took up a ridiculous amount of time.
MW: We did that a few years back. I always liked the in-depth scoreboard format, but The JaysTalk is the will of the people!
- JohnStill don’t believe that JP had a five year plan? Let me tell YOU something Mic.
In 2002, I was hiding in the bushes while JP was cutting his lawn and I CLEARLY heard him utter the words “five year plan” (not necessarily in that order). So for me, he said it, there’s no debate. I just wanted to make this aware to you and all the other posters of your blog (which you really all should be reading on a daily basis). All the criticism regarding JP’s five year plan is not only warranted, but it’s deserved too.
MW: I’m sorry, but I need more proof than the fact that you think you heard him say it five years ago. I’ve run into so many occasions where people are 100% certain they heard something or saw something or were at a game when something happened that have wound up being completely untrue. Unintentionally so, but untrue nonetheless.
- Jay MoneyI know you’ll hate my posting this, but the reports I was hearing down hear tonight are that the Tigers are shopping Magglio Ordonez (I guess it’s time to start cutting salary in Motown) and the Mariners are actively shopping Eric Bedard and that the Blue Jays are said to be interested. This info, they say, is coming from Seattle. Now don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying I believe the Bedard story, and to tell the truth, I hope it is not true. I like the Jays pitching rotation the way it is and am against the idea of parting with a big bat in the minor league system like Travis Snider or Adam Lind, which is what I suppose the Mariners would ask for, given they gave up Adam Jones to get Bedard.
If some of the posters on here think they don’t like J.P. or Gibby, they ought to be glad the Jays are not in the Tigers situation. They traded for Miguel Cabrera and gave him an eight year $153 million dollar contract, just to find out he can not play third base. They were forced to take Dontrelle Willis off the Marlins hands in that same trade, and knowing there were questions surrounding him, gave him a three year $29 million dollar extension. Willis was shipped all the way back to Class “A” today. So in the end, the Tigers lost their three best prospects and can no longer afford to keep Ordonez who is owed $48 million for three years beyond this year. The moral of the story here, is that you don’t fix something that is not broken. Unless the Jays are able to acquire a big bat in a deal in the next couple months, I’d just as soon J.P. do his best impression of another Blue Jay GM and “Stand Pat”. I still think down deep this club will hit the ball consistently at some point this year. Vernon’s last few games give me hope.
MW: Why would I hate you posting this?
- Jim BranscomeMike, I meant to say that vw had 140 homers to his credit when he signed his 120 mil deal. rios only had 52 homers in 4 years. big money is paid to proven power hitters for the most part. I don’t think that 52 homers is enough to justify an 80 mil contract do you? and now we are seeing why it wasn’t. there’s a reason why players have to wait 6 years to get free agent money. so gm’s don’t have to pay big money until they are proven. oops somebody forgot to tell JP that.
MW: It’s not all about homers. If Rios was performing at the level he did in either of the last two years, there’d be no issue.
- roccohey what happened to frank thomas? I don’t see any game logs for him. did he get released? maybe JP should offer him a contract.
MW: He’s on the disabled list with a pulled quad.
- roccoI know it would not be an “over-top-move” but I think that a move to get Greene would be a very “under the radar” move that could pay huge in the future (this assuming he is not completely lost it). It doesn’t seem there is a huge market for SS right now and none of the good variety are coming onto the FA market this year. I too would like this season play out before I make a decision on Greene, but I really think that if you could get him out of SD then you do it. I know the Pads don’t really have anything close in their system but they have really fallen this year and I think they would be willing to move him. If they do decide to move him what do you think the price would be for him?? And do you think the SLG you get out of Green is worth the price of the package or would the “value” move in this case be to keep Eck around one more year?
MW: I want to find out what has happened to him this year first. You have to be wary of guys who drop off the table immediately post-Mitchell Report. I’m not saying, but you never know what’s what. I’ve never loved Greene, but I was coming around because of the slugging. Now, though – yikes.
- Nick I.Heya Mike
How’s your producer doin’?
I have a question that may take some researching to answer but I would really appreciate it if you would be able to do it: What is the record for the highest number of pitches thrown by a starting pitcher in a game? (maybe this would be easier: what is the record for the highest number of innings thrown in a single game?)
Thanks!
MW: Leon Cadore and Joe Oeschger threw 26 innings each in a game between the Dodgers and Braves in 1920.
- LenardAnd, about Carols Silva’s cutoff move, I think he simply forgot to get off the mound to back up the catcher. He might have cut it off and hoped for a play at 2nd because he would’ve been embarrassed if the throw was off-line at home.
MW: I’m with you on the first, but not the second.
- LenardI was ecstatic after this game not just because I saw a terrific pitching performance but also because Gibby didn’t use that tired old 100 pitch and out logic. There is no scientific basis for the 100 pitch count whatsoever and pitchers are very different from one another so it’s just silly to lump them all together under one neat, round number. Gibby recognized that McGowan wasn’t tired despite the pitch count because he was throwing strikes (78/125), walking few (2), allowing few hits (5) and moving fast (2 hour game). That is a fantastic call to let him finish it out.
- ShawnMike:
I almost fell off my chair listening the Jays talk last night when you said that Brad Wilkerson “always seems to be in the middle of things” or something to that effect. Are you kidding me? Are you not the same person that chastizes, berates, and makes fun of people who mention anything about leadership, grit, hustle, grinding it out, clutch hitting, heart, playing with emotion, etc. If it can’t be measured, it has absolutely no meaning to you and then you come up with that statement … Unbelieveable. To use a favourits phrase of yours “it’s just not true”. I know he hit a homer but I must have missed Wilkerson’s key contribution on Wells’ solo home run, or McGowan’s excellent pitching performance, or Stairs scoring (luckily) on a hit by Scott Rolen. How exactly was he a part of those and I only mention this game because this is when you chose to mention it.
MW: You know what, though? It can happen over a small period of time – a week, a month, sometimes even a season, but when you look at what Wilkerson has done, it’s weird. Of course he had nothing to do with any of that other stuff, and I wasn’t even implying that. What I was saying was that the hits he gets often seem to lead to runs. I’ll take a better look at it, but he has 24 hits and 14 RBIs, which is unlikely. Like I said, I’ll take a better look when I have more time, but it can happen.
- Peter B.Enjoy the blog, Mike. If Washburn (likely to be DFA’d later this summer due to his noodle arm) and Silva (awful free agent bust) had beat the Jays back to back, this new low would have rivalled the Cleveland debacle. Scary: if not for McGowan’s excellence tonight, it would have happened.
Quick question: why doesn’t MLB just have 16 home plate umpires? I get frustrated watching different strike zones night t night. Recently, Jerry and Alan have commented on how small some umps’ strike zones are. MLB should pick the 16 umps whose strike zones have matched up best with QuesTec data over the past few years and have them exclusively behind the plate. No more Bob Davidsons calling strikes. The rest of the umps would continue to rotate between the bases. This could help pitchers and hitters since there would be considerably less deviation in the strike zone night to night, allowing for greater certainty in what is a strike. MLB already demolished the umpires union ten years ago, so labour issues shouldn’t be that big a hurdle.
MW: I don’t know if an ump could do that, work the plate every day. I think they need that break, they ratchet up the intensity by going around the diamond, each assignment busier than the next. I still want some sort of cyborg thing calling balls and strikes.
- AsherMike:
I noticed this answer from you on yesterdays blog when someone asked about what would happen if the season continued like this;
“If it keeps going this way and they finish 81-81, the manager (at least) won’t be back, and J.P. might not be, either. The season will be looked back upon as an embarrassing waste of a tremendous pitching staff.”
I have to admit, I can’t believe those words were actually written by you … who was the rational person posing as you that responded to that question? The Mike Wilner we know would only offer up such a scenario if the team finished with somewhere in the 65-70 win range and even then would say it with caveats (such as injuries, the tough division, bad luck etc.) and hesitation.
On the flip side, if the team finishes with 83-85 wins it’s time for GM/ Manager of the year awards, most promising team for 2009 award, and long term extensions for everyone in the front office.
MW: See, I don’t know why people think that. It goes back to the fact that you hear what you want to hear regardless of what I say. I tell the truth, and the truth happens to be that over the first part of this season, the Jays have vastly underachieved offensively, not that the hitters suck. The truth is that they should be doing a lot better than they are, and I believe they will.
- Peter B.Sounds like a talented hamburger.
- ErikMike,
Do you consider being out 5 games on September 1st to be in a race? Yes, it is in the range of a miracle, but not likely. Weren’t the Jays only 5 back of the wild card in early September last year as well? At that point, I don’t think any of us thought they would actually make it. Seems like JP is just setting the bar low to save himself from some heat.
MW: I think five back with no more than one team to pass is definitely in it.
- TerryIf no other injuries occur, and Wilkerson continues to hit, do you think Stewart has played his last game as a Blue Jay?
MW: Maybe
- BrettSo much for Vernon not having any power after a broken wrist. Hopefully Wells can wake up this offence. My only problem with the Jays is Rios. I’m sort of wishing we would of traded him in the off season. Anyway McGowan was awesome and hope Marcum looks great tomorrow.
MW: Would HAVE
- jasonMW..great jays talk tonight. what really perked my ears was when JP himself stated that the guys seem to be a little passive in rbi situations, that maybe the book is out around the league that in rbi spots, get ahead of these guys cause they are not going to put aggressive swings on you early in the count. im glad that he said this has been/is being addressed with the guys.
heres a bit of a theoretical question regarding the concept of the proverbial “AAAA” player, as there has been some mention about the possibility of Lind being such a player (not by you). I fully realize that its a significant increase in the breath and depth of pitching quality in the bigs relative to AAA, but i dont see how a guy can continuously put up big numbers in AAA and then completely suck in the bigs. i can see how a guy with power in AAA wouldnt be able to make contact enough in the bigs to stick, but i dont see this with a guy like Lind. I mean everywhere he has been he’s hit. he hits for average, he hits for a good amount of power. he seems to be a guy that uses the entire field. i just dont see him as a guy that wont at least be replacement level in the bigs. why do u think he’s struggled last year and this year when given the chance, especially since he raked so well in his initial callup?
MW: This year doesn’t count, it was only 19 at-bats. Last year? I’m not sure. Maybe he just does need more development time.
- sammy2 Questions:
-What is up with McGowan’s specs? This is the second game he’s worn them, correct?
- Do you think Vernon’s success at the plate after the injury (so far – knock on wood) is due to him having to simplfy his swing? I seem to recall him saying that he can’t swing and miss because it will hurt.
Thanks,
MW: Second or third, I think. I haven’t asked, but they’re prescription. As for Vernon, you never know when he’s kidding, so I’m not sure.
- KevinMust be such a treat for you guys covering the games to see pitching efforts like this one eh Mike.
McGown was at it again – his fast ball was just nibbling at the corners all night – wow! I like how he said he uses “Doc” as inspiritation – very level headed this guy for sure.
You could see Wells was hurting after that dash for first base the other night – slight turn of his ankle when hitting the side of the bag while avoiding the tag – hope it’s going to be ok – a day off on Thursday will help.
I don’t like Stairs hitting before Rolen – I think there has been too many changes in the batting order of late – sometimes you have to have more patience and less tampering with it. The Rolen – Stairs order was working very well – a lot of times a hitter just knowing who is “on-deck” is further encouraged to get on base.
Scott Rolen – what an arm eh -no matter where on the diamond he throws from – ball goes to centre of his body to the chest of Overbay more times than not – “text book” -just what you are taught from day one – just spectacular to watch – all his throws look like “instant replays”.
This recent June “burp” is over – we are about to go on a “roll” – “Go Jays Go!
Thanks.
- BobWhat do the Jays do when Zaun comes back? Barajas has been on a bit of an offensive tear since Zaun got hurt, and he’s made some nice defensive plays as well. To me it would only make sense to keep starting Barajas until his play begins to sour (if and when), but I’m not sure that’s what the team will do.
MW: See above.
- RyanIs it just me Mike, or does it seem lately like the majority of people writing in are jumping all over you? Clearly its due to all the losses and you dont deserve it. Tell the fans how this makes you feel damnit!
MW: I don’t think it’s any worse than usual.
- DaveMike – one of your readers here mentioned Rolens’ bat size the other day and aluminum Vs wood as to bats. There is a real correlation between the two questions/comments – read on.
Some of Rolens’ bats for one thing are Japanese made – they look a bit smaller due to a slightly longer handle and lower barrel.As a result they are choosen due for the most part to a larger “sweet spot” allowed via the “lower point of intetia” (lower and slightly larger barrel)and also for durability (a lot are made from bamboo).
Your absolutely bang on Mike as to the metal bats and the fact infielders and pitchers could be seriously injured or even killed due to the combination of bat and ball speed off the metal bat that for sure is the main reason behind not using them at the major league level – besides that traditional “crack of the bat” sound we all love to hear!
To be brief here – we are talking about the moment-of-inertia off the bat. This is really influenced by the balance point of the bat. Take a good look at the metal and wood bats sometime – you can see the obvious longer handle on the metal bats which is accomodated due to “strength” of the metal Vs wood with the same diameter. This allows for lowering the “barrel of the bat” (more meat at the end). It doesn’t take a lot of lowering the barrel to have a huge effect. This allows for a much higher “bat speed” – which upon contact with the ball equals much higher “batted ball speed”. The lower barrel and longer handle assists the hitter to increase his bat speed significantly – takes a lot of strength however to do this.
An aluminum bat the same weight as a wood bat can be swung much harder and faster than a wood bat due to lower inertia (pedulum type action -or if you like “sledge hammer” action). However as mentioned it takes a lot of upper body strength to do this with repeated success.
The Japanese wood bat is built on the same premise/engineering as the metal bat – or at least they have tried to do this.
You can see there was a strong resemblance between the question on Rolens’ bat and metal Vs wood at MLB level. Hopefully also now your reader (and others who may be interested) will have a better understanding of the importance of upper body strength (bat speed) and why some players were into the HGH stuff.
MLB players work very hard on conditioning as much as other pro athletes do – don’t kid yourself on that one.
Thanks.
- BobMike, I notice Dustin McGowan was wearing glasses this start and his last. Does he have vision problems and could that account for his less than perfect start to the season?
MW: Could be, but you shouldn’t expect him to be perfect.
- RossHey Mike,
Did ju1ced put down the bet on Silva 1-hitting us? He was close – 9 hitter. Hope you took his house!
MW: Of course not! No one who says stuff like that actually has the stones to back it up.
- WayneHi Mike,
I hear you’re doing well. I have a few questions:
1) Was the radar on Sportsnet correct? Did McGowan really fire a 91 mph slider? Yikes! The jays have two starters that can’t get their fastballs up to that speed.
2) Why do the fans not recognize Wilkerson’s defensive abilities (He’s been great)? Is it because of unfair comparison to the other outfielders on this team?
3) Has this series so far been representative of the Mariner’s defense? Because if so, I think they’ll be winning some Iron Glove Awards.
MW: 1 – I didn’t notice, but I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to the radar gun most games; 2 – he’s a terrific defender. On the show last night, J.P. Ricciardi said he thinks Wilkerson is as good a defender as Reed Johnson, which is high praise indeed; 3 – they’re not a good defensive club. At all.
- MattAny chance Wilkerson gets an extension before the season is finished?
MW: It’s doubtful.
- ZackHey Mike, a few years ago the Jays used to have 1:00 weekend games for the first couple months, but then they had 4:00 Saturday games the rest of the season. Why don’t they do this anymore?
MW: Fox moved their Saturday game of the Week from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- RandyHey Mike
Gutsy performance last night from D-Mac. Incredible he was hitting mid-90′s after 120+ pitches.
So for todays game we got King Felix vs. Shaun Marcum which brings me to todays question:
What type of pitcher do MLB teams look for: A real fireballer like Felix Hernandez who has an electric arm, or someone like Marcum who knows how to pitch and how to locate with dead eye accuracy?
MW: Hernandez.
- TarunHey Mike,
What are your thoughts on Alex Rios in the lead off spot? I think Gibbons is waisting his bat beause I’ve always thought Rios as more of a second hitter because of his abillity to put the bat on the ball. I don’t think the Jays have had a legitimate lead off guy since Reed left and I think it a weak point of the line-up.
Looking forward to seeing Reeds hustle coming back to town this weekend………
MW: I don’t like Rios in the lead-off spot, but the Jays didn’t have a legitimate lead-off guy when Reed Johnson was here, except for the first half of 2006.
- Beans26Mike…From London…listened
to your show Tues Nite and
enjoyed J.P…we will be listening this afternoon to
the game on radio..
Hope the Jays can Win!
Robert & Betty Goodwin
- Robert GoodwinJust wondering what your take on Willis being demoted to single A is?
Do you think it will help? Is there any type of precedent for this type of move? Why wouldn’t they just send him to AAA?
MW: The Jays did it to Roy Halladay in 2001, so there’s precedent. They sent him all the way down to just start him fresh, get him away from it all.
- ColeGreat game for Dustin, good to see. As for those who think Vernon Wells is overpaid, I hope that his recent performance may start to have them look again. People sometimes forget that he is a gold glove centre fielder and can put up numbers at the plate.
MW: Yes, they do. But it’s more about market than performance.
- DerekRance Mullinicks said it best at the end of game against Baltimore, if the Jays can combine the hitting with the pitching, they are a postseason club.
We have been averaging over 5 runs a game in June, but the out-of-this world pitching we were witnessing decided to come back during the same time which led to some very frustrating losses.
Do you think Thigpen gets a game behind the plate today, eventhough there is an off day before the Cubs come to town?
Interesting stat about McGown brought up by you guys in the booth, the pre and post 75 pitch opponents batting average. Very astute.
Here’s hoping the Jays take this series and get on another run to finish off this month. The AL East team that finishes with a .500 or better record on the road gets to the postseason. May not win the division if RedSox stay on their current home pace and win 65 games at Fenway!
Mike, I haven’t caught a foul ball in all my years going to games either, but I am sure you have been to more games than me.
MW: Yes, I think Thigpen does.
- Aaron KerMike,
Is there a reason for the last two mid-week day games the Jays have played?
Last Thursday afternoon the Jays played in NY then had a 90 minute flight to get home to play BAL the next day while NY stayed home.
Today after playting SEA the Jays get a day off and stay at home, while SEA flies back home, then gets a complete day off prior to their next home game. So in effect SEA will get almost 48 hours off (minus their 5 hour flight).
Chris B
MW: The Yankees scheduled that game last week, and the Jays wanted to do it for the school kids, I guess. They also needed a night for their annual JaysCare Foundation Charity Gala, which is tonight.
- Chris BBasebal 101 question.
It is in regards to using player options. I have been looking for the answer and maybe you can help claify.
If you call a player up and send him back down but it is related to a DL move – does this use up that players option for the year?
Love the Jays Talk – Love the Blog – Love TBJTW.
MW: Nope. But again, options are for the whole year, so you can option a player down an indefinite amount of times in a give season and still only use one option.
- Dave GHow about Dontrelle Willis being sent to A Ball. Do you think he’s done?
I do recall Roy Halladay going to A ball a few seasons ago, and look how that turned out.
MW: He’s too young to be done.
- CamMike I sure hope we’ve seen the last of Shannon Stewart not that I have anything against him but he is not what we need in LF or DH.
To the guy yesterday that was suggesting trading Glaus for Rolen was a mistake. Don’t forget that Glaus wanted a trade and I’m sure the jays don’t want a guy around who doesn’t want to be there. Especially when you can trade that guy for Scott Rolen.
- Dan M.Mike,
What a game! It was great to see Gibby stay with McGowan to close off the game. As Jerry and Alan pointed out on the broadcast, his fastball was not slowing down a bit as the game wore on. This type of outing must add to his confidence, both in his ability to work deep into a game and to get out of jams. I must admit that after he threw 32 pitches over the first two innings, it was looking like the last three innings would belong to the bullpen.
I have a question for you unrelated to the game. A couple of seasons ago, when Aaron Hill was having a dismal start to the 06 season, you made a prediction that has stuck in my mind. He was batting around .220 in late May or so, and a caller asked you if he should be sent to Syracuse to work out some kinks. You adamantly stated that Aaron would be fine and he’s end up in the .285 average range at the end of the season. He’d finish at .291 that year, and I am wondering what you used to evaluate Hill to make that assessment which, as it turned out, was bang on? What do you look for in a hitter, especially one with so little MLB experience (at the time), that tells you he will hit in the high .200′s? Was it that he was hitting the ball hard, just straight at the defense, or some other things?
Thanks!
MW: Honestly, it’s because it’s a long season and he’s a good hitter. Quiet hands, quick to the plate, just a good hitter.
- VavaIf Wilkerson continues to hit like this, does Shannon Stewart’s injury become irrelevant? Shannon is slugging a cool .303 My bet is that there will be no room for him when he returns.
MW: That may well be.
- Jim BHello Michael,
I enjoy checking up on the standings fairly often, and noticed this morning that each team in the AL East is over .500. Do you remember/know of a division being over .500 this late into a season ever? Also, if you don’t mind, for all of your readers who are unaware of proper apostrophe use, an apostrophe is used after a player’s name for possession, otherwise just tack an ‘s’ on if you want to pluralize.
For example:
Ken Griffey Junior’s swing is the sweetest thing.
There aren’t too many Ken Griffey Juniors out there.
Thanks Mike, keep up the good work.
MW: I don’t know if a whole division has been over .500 in the middle of June before, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I tried to do the apostrophe thing once, too. Thanks anyway.
- ThomasMike,
Since I was one of the people who was all-over Wilkerson when he was stuggling in his first 40 at-bats and calling for the return of Adam Lind, I’ll admit I was wrong and must say that I am very happy to see him doing so well over the last few weeks. I always wanted him to succeed as he’s a lefty bat with some power and a good outfielder. Are you also pleasantly surprised by his performance of late and what do you think changed to contribute to his recent success?
MW: I’m very pleasantly surprised by Wilkerson’s recent surge – he says it’s simply regular playing time combined with good health.
- SherryMike – I live just over the boarder and am a lifetime o’s fan who now has a second team to follow in the Jays as they are so close. I actually have 3 of their pitchers on my fantasy team! I tell you that because this question has some bias in the way I listen to you and the callers after games. Why do you constantly refer to the orioles (as do some of your callers) as “terrible”? I think they finish in the basement of the AL East – but they rally late in games as they did against the Jays (and Sox last night)…they have very talented young outfielders, a tremendous bullpen…some young promising pitchers here and in the upper level minors. You mentioned how the Jays signed some pitchers to give McGowan and Marcum some time in the minors – the O’s have several players where they are doing the same thing. Trachsel, Millar, R. Hernandez)- the O’s have turned things around since Mcphail got there. They were supposed to be bad this year but have proved to be very scrappy – while the Jays were supposed to be good and have somewhat disappointed. Maybe I should stick to the O’s Blog so i don’t get as annoyed with it! (laughing)…but to be honest, yours has to be one of the best as you obviously put a lot of time in it. FYI – last month Baseball Americas top 100 prospects had 3 Orioles in the top 5 – help is coming! I posted last week that I though Wells being back would take pressure of Rios – do you think it’s helped him? Thanks Mike!
MW: I don’t know that Wells’ return has helped Rios, it certainly hasn’t done anything for his power stroke. As for the Orioles, they’re certainly playing much better than expected, but they only have two good hitters and I haven’t bought into the bullpen yet – they’re really going to have to keep that up. I can’t believe that Daniel Cabrera has stopped walking people, though, that’s awesome. I still think they’ll lose 100 games.
- GaryMike, great job in that JP interview last night. You should be a lawyer. You are a good listner. I liked your comback on the dude who was ripping JP for the Glaus/Rolen deal. I don’t know what the guy is talking about. Rolen has been Mr. Clutch. What the heck does the guy want from him? Dude offers that Jays should have kept Glaus and that they’re going nowhere because they don’t have a player with double digits in homeruns. You shrewdly added that neither does Glaus. The guy was throwing all kinds of information at you were not distracted from sifting out his inconsistencies. For my part, I don’t mind Rolen at all. But I wish JP would show alittle more interest in Azzuri in the Euro Cup. Sure they stink but I mean c’mon Mike, JP’s Italian. He’s gotta get into it or what kind of an Italian is he? I’m second generation Italian as well and you can’t rip me away from the TV when Italy plays.
MW: Soccer’s not that important to everyone.
- Vito From HamiltonWilner,
116 pitches after 8 innings seems excessive, do you think Gibbons discussed it with McGowan prior to him coming back in the 9th? There was no shutout or no-hitter to go after, so why do you feel Gibbons left him in?
I think you have answered this question in previous blogs, but for me a successful season will be the Jays making the playoffs, anything less and it will be a huge disapointment. It’s been far too long for this team not to have a taste of the playoffs. So if the Jays do not get that done this year, I think (and hope) J.P’s time will be up.
MW: I’m sure he discussed it with McGowan, and I’m sure Dustin said he was fine. He seemed to be getting stronger as the game went on. As for the playoffs, there seems to be a sense of entitlement among some Jays fans about that. The Blue Jays aren’t clearly one of the top four teams in the league, there are a lot of teams that seem to be around the same level (Boston, Yankees, Cleveland, Toronto, Anaheim at the very least), so some good team or teams is (are) going to miss out.
- BobbyOutstanding game by Dustin McGowan, great game unlike Monday’s disaster. Is Gibby sitting Rios, Barajas and Rolen this afternoon?? Why if so? Jays need this win.
MW: Yes. Rios is hurting, Barajas has caught every game for two weeks and it’s a day game after a night game, and Rolen, I guess, needs a rest. It’s a shame to sit all three guys on the same day, for sure.
- tom stewartIf the Jays need a leadoff hitter, what do you think about Rios for Ichiro? Or is that out of the question for either the M’s or the Jays?
Great job on the blog & on air, Mike. Keep it up!
MW: That’s out of the question for the Mariners, at least.
- Chris - KitchenerHi Mike
- marioGreat performance by Mcgowan last night.I was also shocked to see him come out in the ninth but maybe Gibbons has learned to stick with a pitcher who is in control of a game instead of going to the pen just to go to the pen because it’s the ninth inning.Either way a gutsy and good call by Gibbins.Maybe J.P. is on to something about the league being on to the Jays tendency to take pitches in rbi situations.I thougt it was just me who saw pitches gothrough the heart of the plate with out an attempt of a swing.Hope the players change their tactics because with all the frustration in the past 10 days we are still in contention.
mario
Go Jays!!!
In terms of bad contracts… how can we forget Corey Koskie? That was a bad move, in hindsight.
Personally, I like it when you mention things like shavuot and youre B’nai B’rith league games,It’s just another way to how how varied and metropolitan Toronto is.
Are Mrs. Spoljaric and Quantrill still around the major leagues? I found a Toronto Life magazine from about … maybe 1995 that had Ed Sprague, Spoljaric, Dave Stewart, Quantrill (something about quail hunting I believe), Guzman etc. A real collectors item
MW: I think you mean Messrs. Spoljaric and Quantrill, unless you’re referring to their wives. They’re both retired, though Spoljaric is pitching for the Barrie Baycats of the Intercounty League. Yep, Koskie was a bad signing.
- Sam McLeanJust checked out the lineups for today…let’s hope the Jays can catch some lightning in a bottle. Kind of odd, especially with an off day tomorrow, at home, and against a pitcher some are pegging as one of the next great ones.
Best #4 starter on the bump, so we should get a quality outing. I’ve noticed this year with the Jays staff, the best 2 arms (McGowan and Burnett) seem to be the most prone to inconsistency. Is this just me, or are others seeing the same thing?
MW: It’s true, McGowan and Burnett have been the least consistent of the Jays’ starters this season.
- Aaron KerSo i’m going to say this before the game starts because I don’t agree with the moves at all.
Let me preface it by saying we have an offday tomorrow and monday.
Rolen – day off
Rios – Day off
Barajas – Day off
Wow… Nice to see a good ol AA infield
MW: See above.
- ChrisHi Mike,
Did you think up the ‘Dustin McWow, man’ on your own?
When listening to JaysTalk or reading yor blog I sometimes think your name should be Mike ‘Wow’lner.
Do you sit in the broadcast booth with Jerry and Alan at the dome?
Keep up the good work!
Aneez
MW: Yes, that’s kind of strange, and yes.
- AneezHey mike, i wanna get your thoughts on this.. i just flipped up the ol’ sports ticker and i’m checking out the jays line up, and barajas, rios and rolen are out. Why does Gibby continually pull off this move? (benching multiple starters during day games) i know guys get tired and all, but does he really need to give everyone a day off together and send out the c-team?
MW: Yawn.
- ArjunIts a shame that the team could not support Marcum again today. The team offense is below average. I do not think its average like you say it is. Also, what does Overbay do besides draw walks as an offensive player. He a pretty useless player otherwise. His batting average and slugging% is quite low. I think the jays should think about upgrading that position in the near future.
MW: Overbay’s batting average is above the major-league average, so to say it’s quite low simply isn’t true. And what does he do besides draw walks? He’s one off the team lead in extra-base hits, for one thing.
- aviMike
Many weeks ago I told you I have been watching the Jays for over 25 years and feel this team does not have a good offense. Now that we are over a 1/3 into the season, I see no reason to change my opinion. Aside from the obvious stats like BA w/RISP, etc., do you have access to more obscure stats that may point to the Jays problems? Specifically, things like taking pitches, not swinging at first pitches (except VW), etc. I still maintain the only thing that has changed is the batting coach and have to wonder if his “working the count” mantra is having a negative effect. I mean, it HAS to be something explainable.
MW: It really doesn’t have to be anything explainable. These guys have been different hitters this year with runners in scoring position, and especially awful with runners on third and less than two out. But they’ve never been that before.
- DanHey Mike,
Inglett’s double in the 6th was on a 95 mph fastball. I thought he couldn’t hit those? lol
MW: The scoreboard said 93, but I thought he couldn’t hit those, either.
- WayneMike I wish people would show you the respect not to address you by your last name on this blog.Darng, M’s just took the lead on Camp 2-1 in the ninth. Another bacala pitcher for the Jays from JP. I don’t care what you say. GIBBONS HAS GOT TO GO. You can’t lose 2-3 from the Mariners AT HOME???? Defend him all you want. You will NEVER convince me of John Gibbons. NEVER.
MW: Ummm, the run was off B.J. Ryan. Camp retired the only hitter he faced to end the inning.
- Vito From HamiltonMike I hope you remeber my comments from before the season starting when I said the Jays simple don’t have the offence to make the post season. It’s looking more and more like I was right unfortunatly.
MW: Sure looks like it this week. Not last week or the week before. But then, a few weeks back you were right, too.
- Dan M.What a frigging frustrating embarrassment. BJ blows it, actually loses it, Vernon and Stairs strike out with none, then one out? why didn’t Inglett steal asap ? AARRRRGGHHGH
PS- Marcum was great, but no run support equals constant no decisions for him :(
MW: Inglett didn’t steal because if he’d been thrown out, you lose the tying run. It’s not like he’s Ichiro Suzuki, or even Alex Rios, speed-wise.
- NickGibbons should have sat Stairs and Wells too.
Unless they are injured, you sit Rolen, Rios and Barajas because…?
Love to hear the reasons to support this.
MW: Rios is injured, and you can’t run Barajas out there every day.
- ju1cedLet’s say the Jays are 9 games out at the trade deadline and the Cubs offer Matt Murton and Rich Hill for AJ Burnett. Would you do it?
MW: Yup.
- AndyHey Mike,
What’s the deal with Marcum? He’s leading the league in ERA. He’s our most consistent starting pitcher, and yet, two weeks in a row now Gibbons has taken him out of a great pitched game at 100 and 95 pitches respectively. This is most strange since Gibbons allowed Dustin to throw 125 last night. And, two starts in a row (for Marcum) that the bullpen lost the game. If he’s a good manager, he’s an inconsistent good manager. Today: Bad. And, why did Inglet hit for himself in the 9th? I know he walked, but you had Rios, Rolen on the bench and no opportunity to hit them b/c of the guys coming up after Inglet. Not happy. Lost 2 home series in a row to inferior teams.
MW: I don’t know why Marcum got yanked on Friday night, today he’d given up five hits combined in the 6th and 7th, so it wasn’t a terrible move to yank him, I don’t think. Inglett had already hit two doubles, and he got on base, and Rios and Rolen have combined to hit five homers this year. Rios is hurt, too, and Putz generally murders righties. But yes, if Rolen was up in that situation, Inglett would definitely not have pinch-hit for him.
- MichaelAgreed and hindsight is 20-20 but i thought VW had a horrible last at bat, and inglett isn’t that slow. he is 8 for 10 in 105 games stealing career.
MW: I didn’t say Inglett was slow. Wells didn’t have a horrible last at-bat – he struck out on a 3-2 pitch.
- NickBJ Ryan’s done. He’s washed.
- Vito From HamiltonAlright my mistake on that but I thought I heard Jerry say it was off Camp. Anyway, Gibbons and Ryan need to find the exit.
- Vito From HamiltonMike, Overbay is worthless.
MW: Your comments make my day, Vito.
- Vito From HamiltonHey Mike,
About the comment above, it was great that inglett got the walk to start off the inning, but perhaps putting Rios in to pinch run. They also had Rolens bat off the bench although they were going through the heart of the order.
It would be interesting to see how many quality starts by jays pitchers have resulted in losses for them
MW: Rios has a sore back, wouldn’t have been a good choice to pinch-run.
- BrandonMike:
I would love to enter into a discussion with you re: whether there is such a beast as a “clutch” career RBI player versus the idea of RBI’s being simply a function of BA & opportunities (bell curved by luck).
BUT, after a fair amount of searching, I haven’t been able to find a coherent stat anywhere called “Expected RBI’s” which calculates out how many RBI’s a player SHOULD have had based on his hit distribution and opportunities.
Have you ever seen such a calculation? Can you point me towards anywhere I might be likely to find it??? I don’t think my computer has enough memory for me to tackle this one alone.
By the way there was mention above of the high quality of this blog and I fully concur, please keep up the good work!
MW: Try baseball prospectus.
- James (from the 'Shwa)Why is Downs still on this team? Mike the guy SUCKS and always has. This team keeps running these losers out there and they just keep on losing.
MW: Heh heh
- Vito From HamiltonMike, do you think that Ryan is hurt in some way ? He is constantly blowing games that we SHOULD be winning. Because today Marcum really did desrve the win. By the way, why do the Yankees make their first appearance of the year in mid July at the Rogers Centre? Who makes these decisions ?
MW: Ryan didn’t blow the game for Marcum, he wasn’t going to get the win anyway. MLB creates the schedule.
- AndrewOh, and I’m listening to your JaysTalk and yes, I get the sense that JP does in fact believe that Brad Wilkerson is the savior of this team.
MW: I don’t know what would give you that impression.
- AndyMcLovin’
- peteWhy the heck does Gibbons bench 3 starters with TWO off days in the next 5 days?!?! It mystifies me, the timing of his off days. A team that considers itself a playoff contender CANNOT run out a lineup with Inglett, Wilkerson, Mench, and Thigpen against one of the best RHP in baseball. It’s just sickening.
MW: See above.
- AriHow long can the Jays keep scuffling like they have been? (This season is looking like ’07 all over again, minus the injuries.)
Is it time for a trade of some sort to shake things up?
MW: It’s time, but there’s no dance partner.
- Ken from KingstonIn tribute to Dan Shanoff and the-comic-book-guy: Worst. Season. Ever.
And a day off to sit on that.
Bring on the Cubbies.
MW: Worst season ever, but with as many wins as losses. Interesting.
- Dan WIt’s sick that you compare Jays fans wanting Bay and Dunn to Florida fans wanting Halladay. Do you think we are all idiots? Bay and Dunn have basically been announced by their teams that they are available, which would make sense because Dunn is a FA after this year and Bay only has 1 left with McCutchen waiting in the wings to take his spot. To compare that to Roy Halladay, who is signed through 2010 and has really never given any indication he’s unhappy here or that he might leave after the current deal, is flat out absurd. These guys actually can he had, and if you are right in assuming it would take another month for that to happen, well then JP needs to push the envelope and sweeten the deal so we can get a legitimate bat in the order right now. As most of the callers today pointed out, the fans are tired of watching this mediocre offense, and because they have been this way for nearly 2 calendar years now, it’s time to shake things up and stop sitting back and waiting for Rios and Hill to wake up. Sure, maybe Wilkerson would be stomachable if the offense was even league average ; it isn’t, and it’s painfully obvious this team needs a bat in the corner OF/DH.
MW: Rios hit .297/.354/.498 last year and .302/.349/.516 the year before. Hill hit .291 each of the last two years, so you can’t blame them for two calendar years of mediocre offense. The Reds and Pirates aren’t yet willing to cut bait on the season, so unless the pot is sweetened by adding Marcum or McGowan (or both), you’re not going to be able to make a deal yet.
- AriBurnett and Eckstein for Polanco and Clete Thomas. Polanco plays second, Hill plays short. It doesn’t answer the power question but it gives us a gold glove leadoff hitter with a decent salary, plus a solid RISP hitter.
MW: Who becomes the 5th starter, why would Detroit do that, and are you willing to have Litsch and Mr. X at the bottom of your rotation on a team with no significant addition, slugging-wise? They have plenty of table-setters. Also, Polanco is hitting .222/.323/.259 in late inning pressure situations this year (SMALL SAMPLE SIZE ALERT).
- JeffHey Mike,
I have to agree again with the above poster #56.
The good old BUDDY of theirs has to GO………….when an entire team struggles to this extreme the manager has to take the fall…a SHAKE UP is needed. Even a mediocre hitting team should be assured a post season spot with this pitching staff, but we are below mediocrity(how sad).
Poor Marcum is all I can say about today.
MW: Poor Marcum, indeed. And it was brutal how Gibbons made Vernon Wells strike out twice with a runner on third and less than two out, and then he made Snakeface and B.J. Ryan combine to walk five guys over 1 2/3 innings.
- GregI dont know if I agree with you that teams are not ready to make a trade. KC, Seattle, washington, Rockies and padres may have not raised the white flag but will be in the near future. I think JP is hesitant on making a deal this early, but I dont think he can wait much longer. Marcum and mcgowan I wouldnt trade, yet I would dangle out there Rios, Listch, Hill, and anyone in the minors.
MW: You just agreed with me that teams are not ready to make a trade. And again, why deal Hill and Rios when their value will never be lower?
- jasonAnother loss and another irritating and wearying game to watch. This team is like a chronic toothache. You can get a break from the annoyance, but it will always come back. I’d say something witty about pulling the head tooth, but I think there has to be way more dental surgery than that if we are ever to see important games in September. Something is draining the energy out of the team. Whatever it is or they are, I’d like to see gone.
MW: I did see a couple of goblins in the clubhouse, wreaking havoc.
- reyes“MW: Rios hit .297/.354/.498 last year and .302/.349/.516 the year before. Hill hit .291 each of the last two years, so you can’t blame them for two calendar years of mediocre offense.”
I have to tell you, it really irks me when you respond to my comments and put words in my mouth. I never blamed them for the offense’s mediocrity over 2 years. I established the mediocrity as fact, and then said that it would be silly to wait for the only 2 guys who have been good both in 06 and 07 to turn around their abysmal 08 seasons. I said that because presumably you aren’t waiting for anybody else to turn it on, the Jays don’t have one other player that was good offensively in both 2006 and 2007.
MW: You may have thought you implied that, but it didn’t come through for me. You said the offense has been mediocre for two years now and it’s time to shake things up and stop waiting for Rios and Hill to come around. The inference I took was that you thought they were waiting for Rios and Hill to blossom into top-tier hitters to save this thing.
- AriThe Cubs are about to show us what a real offence looks like. Seriously Mike, I just took a look at the numbers, everyone of these guys kills the ball.
MW: Every one of them.
- JohnDetroit makes the Burnett move because they have a horrible pitching staff and the money to re-sign him in the off-season. Parrish becomes the 5th starter and all he needs to do is put up an ERA under 5 and he has bettered Burnett. Yes, I do make that addition without adding slugging because at least you have Polanco next year.
I have a lot of respect for you Mike but you can’t excuse a 4.98 ERA like you can a .500 record.
MW: Burnett has had four starts this season in which he has allowed more than three earned runs.
- JeffMan, you’re getting beat up on Prime Time. Hopefully you hear it and call in to defend yourself.
MW: I’m seriously unimpressed. I didn’t hear the first half-hour.
- JasonMW: Rios is injured, and you can’t run Barajas out there every day.
Fair enough, but you are about to lose a series to the worst team in the league. Your offense is struggling, you are facing one of the best pitchers in the league, you sit your two top offensive players. You put Thigpen in who’s barely played, against one of the best pitchers. What a joke.
YOU HAVE A DAY OFF TOMORROW, AND ANOTHER ONE ON MONDAY! This team needs these wins!
It’ll get to the point where Gibbons has to be fired, and everyone will wonder why it wasn’t done two years ago.
PS What an awful display by Wells, 3 chances to do something for the team (RISP less than 2 outs, 9th inning runner on 1st), and 3 strike outs.
- ju1cedLyle Overbay
Lyle Overfence
Lyle DoublePlay
MW: Yeah, I guess you can rotate through the nicknames with him.
- ChadHere’s a thought. The Jays should lend McGowan’s new glasses to the hitters. Perhaps then they could actually hit the ball!!
MW: It’s a thought.
- CamOn another note, though it’s a little off the wall, and no one really likes anything that’s not by the book… but what about shopping Burnett now, and bringing up Parrish. If Parrish can string together a few good starts, maybe someone will give a mid level prospect for him too. I mean he’s not going to get a chance to start here, and this is really the only time we’d be able to get anything in return for him. He deserves a shot on someone’s rotation. Then play the rest of the year out with Purcey, let him grow, and get over his MLB struggles/nerves. He’s just too good to not be able to succeed at the MLB level.
MW: J.P. Ricciardi said last week that Parrish had an out in his contract that would let him go to anyone who wanted to give him a major-league roster spot, and he’s still here. I don’t know if the out was mid-May or the end of spring, though.
- ju1cedMike toth has got it right!!!
Did you hear the tape after your show? Just a quick question concerning left field. Wilkerson, Scutaro, Inglett are all better options when compared to shannon stewart?
MW: I didn’t hear the tape, and I don’t like being thrown under the bus by another host. I never let anyone comment on other broadcasters on my show, it’s unseemly.
- JoeGibby should walk the plank for sitting Rolen on a day when Rios and Barajas need a rest. There’s an off day tomorrow — no need to rest Rolen today. Inexcusable.
Does Gibbons have to run this stuff past JP before he does it? I can’t imagine Ricciardi allowing such incompetancy.
MW: Gibbons doesn’t have to run the line-up past the GM.
- RickMike:
Like many others, I have become addicted to your blog. Good work.
I’m a bit tired of the constant “we have to get rid of JP and Gibbons and trade for Barry Bonds (or whoever)” whines. But I think that every team’s fans go through this unless they are way out in front. Imagine what the Mariners’ fans are saying.
Personally I don’t think the Jays should go for somebody for this year only, ie somebody late in their career (ie Bonds). My bet is that the Mariners go hard for somebody (eg Griffey if he will/can play 1B) to replace Sexson.
I think one big positive for this year (besides the pitching) is the play of the “fill-in” players, primarily Scuatro, Inglett, and Barajas. They may not be perfect, but I think many fans ignore how well they have played lately.
Imagine what the Jays’ record would be without them this year.
Good health, Steve
MW: Well, Scutaro and Barajas, for sure.
- SteveWMike,
Further to my question about why Marcum was yanked today?
It seemed from Gibbons’ comment after yesterday’s game in which he brushed off the notion of taking Dustin out of the game, even though he had thrown 125 pitches. In the 7th today, I told myself that Gibbons’ learned his lesson last week and implemented it yesterday and would choose to leave Marcum in, as he did yesterday with Dustin, to ensure there is no questions about going to the bullpen too soon. But, he didn’t, we lost AGAIN, and I know you don’t think this is on Gibbons because the offense is TERRIBLE, but change MUST HAPPEN and I don’t think Gibbons is looking so good – even if he would be looking better if the offense was doing better.
MW: Today’s loss had nothing to do with taking Shaun Marcum out after seven innings.
- Michael#74: That comment was tongue in cheek, but alas.
Some nitpicking to keep you on your toes:
“It’s idiotic to say that X will happen in Y amount of time”
In the next 24 hours, the sun will rise. I’m an idiot.
“The truth is that they should be doing a lot better than they are”
No, it’s not. That is your opinion. You should be able to discern between truth and opinion.
“I still think they’ll lose 100 games.”(Baltimore)
I’ll take that (friendly) bet. Craazzyy. They’d have to play at a 49-113 pace from this point on.
Notes from other posts:
Tom Cheney of the Washington Senators threw 228 pitches in a 16 inning complete game victory over the Baltimore Orioles in 1962. This is (I believe) the most recorded pitches by one pitcher in one game. However, they didn’t keep track of these things very well for a very long time so it’s hard to say. There are cases from earlier in history where pitchers almost assuredly did throw more than that. (Yahoo! Answers)
Also, props to Bob for that excellent post on wood vs aluminum bats.
MW: Let’s keep our eye on the O’s – they’ve had some 4-6 win Septembers in the recent past. I disagree on the truth vs. opinion thing. If you look at the track records of these players, they almost all have histories of doing better than they’re doing right now – that’s truth.
- Dan WMike,
And …. further to the blog-replier above who noted the concern that we rested Rios, Rolen and Barajas the day BEFORE a day off: I agree – this is absurd, and he’s done it earlier in the year and LOST that game as well. Understood that Rios is a bit sore. Fine, sit him down. But, in lieu of sitting your theoretical 2nd best player: you better dress your theoretical 3rd best player (Rolen) and your hottest hitter and catcher Barajas. Gibbons’ moves are strange, but the strangest is why and when he sits starters in games that one might argue are games we MUST WIN (every game is a must win … but the sense around the team RIGHT NOW is we’re down and out in terms of playoffs…games like today confirm this sense.
MW: We’ve often found out later on that there were legit reasons for sitting people who otherwise wouldn’t have been. We may yet find that out about Rolen, but maybe not.
- MichaelI feel bad for the Blue Jay starters. Marcum’s last 2 starts have been very good but he has 2 losses to show for it. This is why win loss record doesn’t truly tell all. Also Ryan does seem to have confidence problems or maybe it’s my confidence in him. He reminds me of ex-closer Escobar. You didn’t know what to expect. I hope things improve.
MW: Actually, Marcum didn’t get the loss in either one of his last two starts. I think it’s your confidence in Ryan, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any issues. It is amazing what three poor appearances out of 17 will do, though.
- MarkI heard you on PTS today with Mike Toth and you seemed to defend your case againist firing John Gibbons. Mike Toth said if they can’t trade for a player like Jason Bay, they have to fire John Gibbons because the team isn’t preforming. Doesn’t it strike you that Mike Toth has knee-jerk reactions whenever the Jays are winning and losing. Whenever they’re winning, Mike Toth says everything well in Jays land and whenever things arn’t going well, Mike Toth starts to look for blame. When you asked him the question about if Mike Toth really thought John Gibbons should have been fired when they went on a hot streak after the cleveland debacle, Mike Toth really hesistated for a bit. what do you think about his knee-jerk reactions?
MW: I think you just made the case.
- andrewI must say that was the most entertaining segment of radio that I have heard in awhile. The “standoff” between you and Mike Toth was just rivetting. I usally tune out right after Jays Talk and was not expecting Toth to call you out on air. But neither was I expecting you to call in. I must say you did an admirable job stating your case as Toth doggedly fired retort after relentless retort your way. But it was so non-confrontational that it really was a classic piece of radio, at least in my mind, which I understand you have questioned a number of times. There’s really no right and wrong here. Both sides of the argument are more than legitimate. I think this outcry is more of an expression of the fans’ need for satisfaction through change. Since they can’t get it on the field, they’ll try to find it off the field.
In my heart of hearts, even though I agree fully with your opinions, I will not be content until they make a change in manager. That’s all I have to say. (yeah right!)
MW: What have I questioned a number of times?
- Vito From HamiltonHonestly I think you could make a value for value trade with those teams or alot of other scuffling teams tomorrow. I dont think teams are ready to trade proven players for prospects yet. I look at Jose Guillen with KC, I would package Hill and rios. With the age of this team (jays) it is assemble to compete in the next couple of years. Why wait until July when or if everybodies value increases to make a deal by the it may be to late.
MW: I wouldn’t package Hill and Rios for Guillen. Actually, I’d hang up on Dayton Moore if he called up to make me that offer.
- jasonWilner,
Not that I could care less what Toth has to say, but he did write this at the end of April:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2008/04/29/toth_bluejays_ricciardi/
Although I did not hear him today, if he’s still advocating firing Gibbons, then he really hasn’t changed his tune.
For what it’s worth, I believe the Jays need to make a change at this point in the season. It may not be the ’89 Jays, but hiring a new manager with a new fresh perspective might be the kick in the pants this team needs. They’re obviously not going in the right direction with the current guy at the helm, so a change for the sake of change just may work, and hey if it doesn’t, what do they have to lose? They’re going to be a medoicre .500 team anyway.
MW: I’ll continue to disagree.
- BobbyHi Mike; something that bugs me about what JP said about making the playoffs:
“hang within striking distance and make a run when that opportunity presents itself”.
I don’t believe that such an opportunity just “presents” itself–the Jays have to play .585 ball the rest of the way to get to 89 wins–that’s the opportunity!
MW: What indication did you have last year at this time that the Cubs, Phillies and Rockies were going to be able to make that kind of a run?
- ZackI think the problem with Marcum is he tends to have durability issues late in the game. He gets tired and gives up more hits like he did in his last two innings of work. That is why Gibbons does not push him as hard as Mcgowan who threw 97MPH in the ninth inning yesterday. Marcum is still a great pitcher though. He just can’t go as deep into games as some of the other guys with a high pitch count. He should have 8 or 9 wins by now if this offense was even average.
- aviI’ve wriiten several things then erased them. I remember when Cito was the manager. People were calling for his head every week, despite the success. It’s frustrating trying to overcome 500 itus.
Overbay should be leading off especially in view of recent events. He has a good eye and has a patient approach. It would change the dynamic of the lineup maybe even stay away from the double play.
MW: That’d be fine with me.
- LarryMW: I want to find out what has happened to him this year first. You have to be wary of guys who drop off the table immediately post-Mitchell Report. I’m not saying, but you never know what’s what. I’ve never loved Greene, but I was coming around because of the slugging. Now, though – yikes.
Granted, but I don’t think he was on anything, then again I didn’t think Pettite was on anything either. I still think trying to get him for good value right now s worth it. And i only really liked him because he can SLG. BUT lets say JP does inquire about him what do you think it would take to get him?
MW: I don’t know that the Padres are ready to move him, but it’s a buy-low opportunity, for sure. Still, he’s young, he’s a starting shortstop with a good slugging history and a great glove. It’d take some very good young pitching, I would think.
- Nick I.any chance this apparently legendary Toth-Wilner battle hits the site? Would love to hear it.
I’m with you Mike, I don’t see how Gibby deserves the axe, but i’m starting to fear it’s inevitable….
- JCHi Mike.
After hearing all the talk about trades on Jays Talk and Prime Time i’m wondering about a few things…
Why is Litsch’s trade value low? Movement, speed, location? I haven’t been able to catch someone explaining why he’s not a commodity; just that he isn’t.
Is their any situation in which you trade away Halladay in this year or next, for a (few) good, young power bats , as to set up the team under a Marcum/Mcgowan/Free Agent led rotation in the future.
Lastly do you think the Brew Crew consider Halladay/not mcmarcum for Hart and Fielder?
Thanks.
MW: For a few good, young, power bats, I think you’d have to consider it. I don’t think the Brewers or Jays would make the deal you suggest, though. As for Litsch, it’s because his stuff is unimpressive.
- LiamMW: What have I questioned a number of times?
I mean that you must think I’m loopy.
MW: Oh, that? Yeah.
- Vito From HamiltonTO: Vito From Hamilton
RE: Scott Downs (your post #68 from “Dustin McWow, man”)
A joke, right? That was a jest of some sort?
Downs has gone 18 straight appearances without allowing a run. In 28 IP this year (including his 3-walk ZERO run outing today) his ERA is 1.61 and his WHIP is 1.286.
Last year he posted a 2.17 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. K/BB slightly better than 2:1 ever since he arrived in Toronto.
He’s 5 for 6 in save opps and can be extended through 2 innings at least if needed.
I’m thinking there are 29 other teams in the league who would jump on the chance to have this “loser” on their team.
MW: Nicely done, but that’s just Vito. Once you get used to it, it actually puts a smile on your face.
- James (from the 'Shwa)I agree that Gibbons has to go. Whatever Rookie Manager Cito Gaston had, Rookie Manager John Gibbons doesn’t. The thing is, I don’t see any kind of an improving team here. Over 4 years the team has been last, second, third and (I think) fourth. But it’s never gotten near the top of the division or the Wild Card. I’d like to see an upward trend and I don’t. So I guess this season is a microcosm (mark that pretty word!) of the last 4 and that isn’t pretty.
MW: Last, second, third and third. If you don’t see an upward trend, you haven’t been watching the pitching staff.
- reyesMike,
I commend you for your position relating to people who want to call your show and rip other broadcasters.
Toth should be ashamed. But don’t worry, nobody really pays attention to what he says anyway!
- SherrymonI saw that cutoff by Silva on TV, and it appeared Stairs was easily scoring. Is that true?
MW: It looked to me like if the throw had gone through, Stairs might have been out.
- SunkendPr0All I know about Downs, is that in a tight game he’s an implosion waiting to happen. I don’t care for his numbers. To me they’re misleading and don’t depict the whole picture Downs is a completely overrated pitcher and always seems to combust at the worst of possible times. Maybe I’m a couple fries short of a McHappy Meal, Mike, but that’s the way I see her.
MW: When he doesn’t pitch well. When he does, he’s the best lefty in the game, right?
- Vito From Hamilton