11:50 PM Eastern - SOFTBALL UPDATE!
We won again, 17-11, and your intrepid reporter extended the streak to eight consecutive at-bats with a hit, thanks to a pair of singles and a double. The streak ended with a double-play grounder with runners at first and second, but the shortstop went to third, for some reason, sparing me the embarrassment. I walked in my final PA to end the days 3-for-4 with the base on balls.
Speaking of embarrassment, I can’t not bring this up. You know when you get to be a grownup and you play sports in your spare time, hanging on to the innocent pleasures of your youth, spending time with your buddies, there’s always that one guy who thinks he’d be in the pros if his high school coach didn’t hate him or if he didn’t hurt his elbow in some freak animal husbandry accident, so he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, as though there are scouts in the stands? We played against one of those tonight. I’m not going to mention his name (Jason Manso), but he was on first with one out and their guy hit a slowish roller to second. The throw came to me, no chance for the double play, so I came off the bag on the second-base side, towards right field. He veers off and spikes me in the ankle - the LEFT ankle, which is even farther from the bag. I mean honestly, a bunch of guys in their 30s and 40s and the dude does the old-guy equivalent of trying to Ray Fosse me. What kind of piece of Samsonite does it take to actually try to hurt someone in an old-guy softball game? The good news for him, though, was that his hard-nosed style of play really impressed the scouts in the stands, and he was immediately signed to a pro contract. So all’s well that ends well, I guess.
8:20 PM Eastern
At 4:00 this afternoon, I was fully prepared pull out some Huey Lewis & The News and title this post “If This Is It.” Because after the seventh inning, heck, even after the eighth of this series finale in Milwaukee, I was convinced that today’s game would be John Gibbons’ last as Blue Jays manager.
After a no-show in the series opener on Tuesday, and a not-good-enough performance in losing the second game, the Jays were about to be no-hit by David Freaking Bush. That would be the very same ex-Jay David Bush who, going into this game, had allowed 97 baserunners in 70 2/3 innings, including 15 home runs, while striking out only 40, posting an ERA over 5.00 and going 2-7 (see that? Appropriate context for use of W-L!).
Bush was brilliant, though who knows if it was more him or more the Jays? He retired the first 18 hitters he faced before walking Gregg Zaun, and carried the no-no into the 8th, when Lyle Overbay led off with what should have been a line single to left. Given the circumstance (and the 8-0 lead), the Hebrew Hammer laid out for the liner, and it got past him for a leadoff triple, sparing the Blue Jays the enormous humiliation that goes with being no-hit by a pitcher who can best be described as pedestrian.
Not that Bush hadn’t been in that situation before. In his third career start, he carried a no-hitter into the 8th for the Jays against Oakland, and Damian Miller broke it up with one out. Miller would single again, in the 14th, to drive in the winning run in a 1-0 A’s victory.
So we’d seen Bush do this before, but it very obviously felt different this time. One, because he was doing it TO the Jays, rather than FOR them; and B, because The Sword of Damocles is hanging by a thread over the head of the Jays’ manager as they fall deeper and deeper into the chasm that had heretofore been almost exclusively the domain of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Overbay’s triple, and the subsequent RBI single by Alex Rios, got the Jays on the board, but did nothing for Gibby. The 9th inning might have.
I figured going into this game that, as incredibly unfair as it would be, Gibby was all but done. The first seven innings, if anything, made that assessment even firmer in my mind. Not because of A.J. Burnett getting lit up again, though he was just awful. Frankly, I was surprised he didn’t get thrown out in the 3rd after showing up home plate ump Rob Drake while they debated the off-the-plateness of a 2-0 pitch he threw to Corey Hart that was called a ball. And not because of Rios not knowing the ground rules and standing in the right-field corner with his hands up, looking at the baseball that was stuck between the padding of the wall and the ground as Prince Fielder circled the bases.
It was, of course, the offense. How many ways are there to say it? For the FIFTH straight game, the Jays didn’t get a hit in the first three innings. It should be noted that the first trip through is the only time you get the hitters lined up the way you want them, start to finishish. This time they got nothing until the 8th. And as so many people have said over the last little while, there was no indication that they’d be able to do anything at all.
Then a miracle happened. Almost.
It was as though, down 8-1 with a runner on first and two out in the top of the 9th, the hitters suddenly awoke to the idea that their collective incompetence was about to cost a man they admire and respect his livelihood. And with two out and a runner on, down by seven, they flipped the switch to the extent that we have rarely, if ever, seen them flip it this season.
Overbay homered to dead centre, and Rios followed with a ground single to right. After a pair of walks, Mighty Joe Inglett (who has never met a 95 mph fastball he couldn’t crush) confused the smell of bratwurst for salami, and ripped one into the seats with the bases juiced. Rod Barajas followed with an infield single. Rod Barajas followed with an infield single. I’m sorry, I had to type that in twice because I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance again. It seemed as though the fates were conspiring, and that the Jays were on the way to one of the most improbable comebacks in history. But Matt Stairs, who started the inning with a single, struck out to end it.
Did a six-run 9th inning save John Gibbons’ job? I don’t know. J.P. Ricciardi had always planned to meet the team in Pittsburgh on Friday. Maybe he’ll deliver the news in the morning and Brian Butterfield or Marty Pevey will have the reins for the weekend series and the immediate future. But I hope not. I hope the Jays woke up to what they’re actually able to do, and that the new rock bottom, reached after Vernon Wells popped up to end the 7th, will lead to a new revival that reflects what happened in May, post-Cleveland, and that this time they’ll be able to sustain it.
I know they’ve got it in them.
No The JaysTalk today - we weren’t going to be able to have phones once 5:00 pm Eastern hit, and who’s kidding who, you’d rather listen to McCown than to me going through the scoreboard for half an hour. I understand, I can deal with it.
I’m sorry as well that I wasn’t able to get to the comments today. The internet was down at the Rogers Campus for a large part of the afternoon, and at the home office as well after I got back. As I write this, there are 163 comments waiting to be moderated, and I’ll get to most of them tonight when I get home from softball - earlier if we get rained out. There will be a softball update as well, for you die-hards.
Comments, as always, are encouraged.
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J.P. is the only guy who should be fired. Is there a stat the measures “passion” about the game? I want in. I will play for the MLB minimum and lead the league in “passion”, I promise. I can’t promise you 40+ home runs though. In fact, I can’t promise you any. But at least I will look “passionate” and “really like baseball”.
MW: Not if I get there first!
- Jim BMike, I was waiting for you to come up with that ‘maybe they’ve turned the corner’ as soon as I heard about the Overbay hr etc. But listen to yourself. You’re grasping at straws. Sooner or later they were going to hit a home run. Sooner or later they would score a few runs. Don’t make the mistake of mixing that up with an epic revival of the offence because if that’s what we had, they would have won the game. I realize that you’re trying to make lemonade with a whole bunch of lemons. But that way lies a whole lot of heartbreak.
MW: It does, if it were a whole bunch of lemons. It’s not.
- reyesWe would rather listen to the Bobcat talk reality rather than hear you keep going on about how “incredibly unfair” it would be to dump a failed manager. Unfair my XXX. Give me a break, Mike your apologies for this man are becoming offensive. It almost sounds like you are just trying to be obstinate. But even I would say that one inning should make absolutely no difference to Gibbons’ fate. 3, 4, 5 wins in a row… I don’t care… get rid of him. This quote from the Mariners is dead on applicable to the Blue Jays:
“John worked extremely hard, but our team continued to underperform compared to our expectations of them,” said Pelekoudas. “With 90 games left on our schedule, we owe it to ourselves and our fans to do everything we can to win as many games as possible.”
Right on, even the name is the same. At least the Mariners and Mets are trying to turn things around. The Jays just sit there navel-gazing, and making excuses for people, with you applauding in the background. But I hear the sound of one hand clapping….
MW: You do realize that the Mariners are about 50 games under .500 with a bigger payroll than the Jays, and they mortgaged their future in the off-season to bring in Erik Bedard? VERY different situation.
- JohnMike,
It is interesting that your column focussed on Gibbons being fired. What I absolutely cannot understand is why Tallet was allowed to hit with 2 runners in scoring position in the 8th. A single scores 2 and then the jays are down (only) 5, but stranger things have happened (as evidenced in the 9th). How can he allow Tallet to hit for himself with Barajas, Mench, Wilkerson and McDonald on the bench? Don’t you have to try to win at all times? It is not like it was the 3rd inning and you allow a starter to hit to keep him in to pitch several more innings. In fact, Tallet was pulled for Ryan in the 9th anyway. As it turns out, the 2 runs may have made all the difference as we lost by 1. If you ask me, his not caring, or not tryiing, is what should get him fired. Or am I missing something??
MW: You’re missing something. No Jays pitcher had an at-bat after Burnett’s 3rd inning groundout. I think maybe you should be fired.
- BrianInstead of seeing something interesting like a no-hitter or an 8 run comeback, I got to watch the Jays lose yet another 1 run game.
MW: Sorry to disappoint you. But you got to see Joe Inglett hit a grand slam. And Rod Barajas had an infield single!
- TorgenMike,
Right or wrong you stick up for every controversy or wrong a Jay does on and off the field. I listened to Dan Shulman today on the Bobcat Show and you realize that your a baseball joke.
MW: Ahhh, Bruno. And yet you’re always here.
- brunoMike… Couple questions.
After the 7th inning I firmly believed that it was gibbons last game as the jays manager.
I felt that the 9th inning saved him.
Why is it that one inning could save a manager? The jays team is the exact same team. So because Joe Inglett put a good swing on the ball Gibbons gets to keep his job for a bit longer?
If riccardi saw the game and was planning to fire him after 7, how can he possibly change his mind. Mind you… I don’t even want the man fired… it just frustrates me.
Also… i wouldn’t exactly say the bats came to life… Aside from overbay and inglett’s hr… it was a couple walks, and 2 singles.
Thirdly… alex rios… wow
Did you read his comment about he doesn’t care where he hits and is just happy to be in the lineup. basically just collecting his paycheck. Sort of adam dunn-esque mr. riccardi.
Not throwing the ball in on Prince’s inside the parker is pure laziness. I’ve never seen Jerry Howarth get so animated about a blue jays player before and their laziness. Good riddance alex. You are a complete bust.
MW: Good riddance? Where’s Rios going? And did he actually say anything about the paycheque or are you just taking a huge leap in logic?
- ChrisI couldn’t believe it when I saw the stinker of a line that AJ Burnett put out today, and then even more so when I figured out that David Bush had no-hit them into the eighth inning.
I have two questions regarding Burnett:
1. I keep hearing suggestions/pleas that the Jays trade him. But could they really get anything for him, given that he’ll be a free agent after the season. Why would any team trade any one of value for a rental player who’s stinking it up already?
2. If/when the Jays get to mid-September, out of the race and with Burnett still on the team, would they consider benching/sending him home? At that point, I wouldn’t want him to suffer an arm injury and decide not to become a free agent. I’d just tell him to get lost and say good riddance.
MW: I think a team would give up not-insignificant future value for Burnett, but not a top-tier stud prospect. Interesting idea, sending him home to keep him healthy.
- NicholasA day late and a dollar short.
- ErikHi Mike
Too little too late again , it seems like a recurring theme for this team to come up just short with their late inning charges.If they need 2 they score 1 …… if they need 8 they score 7.
With Adam Dunn coming to town next week JP could have picked a better time to bad mouth him , i think a guy who hits 40+ homers a year would be a great fit on this team whether he likes playing the game or not.
Do you still think Zaun is God’s gift to defence after the last two games? , maybe he is not so far ahead of Barajas on defence after all and his throws to second still suck.You reminded me a bit of all the fans who said that choosing Shannon over Reed was defensive suicide , ironically his hitting has been a bigger let down than his defence.
I really hope that the ninth inning is a sign that the hitters are going to hit the way they are capable of ,can the comeback start now please?.
MW: It’d be nice. And no, I still think Zaun is a far better defender than Barajas. He has only caught, what, three games in the past three weeks?
- BillyHey Wilner, are you sorry that you hitched your wagon to J.P.’s clown car (thanks, Adam) yet?
MW: My wagon is firmly hitched to the Fan590.
- ScottHey Mike I wish I was doing better but the way the Jays are playing is destroying my quality of life! I am probably not the first person to bring this up to you today but I was wondering what you thought of Adam Dunns comments regarding JP? I think hes taking it like a little school boy who has just been made fun of. I fear that this is going to be blown way out of order! BTW I would never rather listen to Bob than you! The guy knows next to nothing when it comes to baseball. I know its probably beyond your control but there should ALWAYS be a Jaystalk after the 162 season games!
MW: You’re actually the first to ask what I thought of Dunn’s comments. I thought he was answering some pretty big insults with some pretty big insults. Not surprising, at all.
- Matt from BCI used to be a huge J.P. Ricciardi fan. I still think he’s done some good things for the team, and I like his style, and everything, but…
The problem is, in 2006 most of the Jays hitters had real good years, and I think Ricciardi assumed that that was sustainable. I thought at the time that it was not, and nothing has happened in 2007 or 2008 to make me believe otherwise. I think he’s overrated this offense.
Look at the hitters. Most of them are decent but that’s all. Wells has had two good years and has been not bad the rest of the time. Zaun is decent. Hill is decent. Rolen, at this stage, is decent. Overbay is, for his position, decent. Rios could be better than decent and I’m not sure why he’s not. Eckstein won’t kill you. The LF/DH combo isn’t that bad.
But ‘decent’ isn’t going to cut it in this division, no matter how good the pitching is. A team needs hitters who are actually *really good*. At least one or two of them.
Worst of all, Ricciardi has committed a lot of money to these just-above-average players. If you think Wells and Overbay are impressive now, imagine how glad we’ll be to have them around two, three years from now.
I know they’re not as bad as they’re playing right now. But even if they were playing up to their potential, they still wouldn’t be good enough.
Ricciardi has painted this team into a corner. It’ll take either a lot of time or a lot of money to get out of it, unless someone knows a third way. I think it’s time that Rogers started looking for that someone.
I’m not happy saying that. As I said, I was a huge Ricciardista. If he goes I’ll miss him. But I don’t see this working anymore. I don’t see how we get from here to a good team.
MW: When they played up to their potential, they went 20-10 in May. They weren’t blowing the doors off, still scoring four runs a game, just pitching a lot better. All the hitters need to be is decent for the Jays to win more often than they lose.
- Matthew EIf a loss can ever be considered as a turning point maybe this was it, that 9th inning came out of nowhere. You know i honestly thought they were going to pull it off.
Question for you good sir, How on earth does David Eckstein manage not to completely overshoot 1st when he draws a walk? its like he’s hit a gapper to the wall and is aiming for nothing less than 3rd. A bases clearing base on balls, now that would be cool.
It would seem Adam Dunn doesn’t like J.P. very much.
MW: I’m not sure what I think on the sprinting to first on a walk thing. I go back and forth on it a lot.
- ukJayMichael of the Ballyard:
You sort of seem to be trying to straddle the fence with this Gibbons thing. You haven’t come out and said that firing him in this situation would be the wrong move to make, but the way you keep talking about the unfairness of it implies that if JP were to pull the plug he’d be making a poor decision.
Would it be a bad move to fire Gibbons at this point, or just an unfair one?
MW: It would be more unfair, I think. I don’t think it would have a tremendous effect on the season playing out any differently, so I guess that wouldn’t necessarily make it bad.
- JCLHello Mike,
I love listening to you on the FAN, I like reading your blog, and, generally speaking, I’m very impressed with your knowledge and ability to entertain, no matter how dry the subject is. Until this year, I’ve tended to agree with you most of the time. If you’re expecting a ‘but’ just about now, I won’t disappoint. When it comes to this year’s Jays, I think you’ve been hit with a case of the Stockholm Syndrome. It has nothing to do with any of the nonsense about who owns the Blue Jays or the FAN. Rather, I think, you’ve been taken hostage by your very closeness to the team (and the individuals) that you’re covering. You are also set in your ways, which in the more serious stages of the Stockholm Syndrome is better known as stubborness. I can’t explain your “it’s still early” analysis any other way, or even more suprisingly, your prediction about the Jays before the season started.
The bottom line is this: the Blue Jays have been and still are a mediocre team run by a mediocre manager, assembled by a very mediocre (at best) General Manager. As you often point out, a valid analysis must be done over the long haul. Let’s look at J.P. Ricciardi (who unquestionably should be fired). He came to Toronto 7 years ago and turned a .500 team into … a .500 team. I can’t think of a more obvious indictment. He simply has not been up to the job of building a real contender. I am not trying to be glib, just honest. I know that general managers, managers, hitting coaches, etc. cannot hit for their players. But the argument that since it’s players (the hitters) are underperforming, the former get a free pass is simply unsupported by how baseball teams — good and bad — have historically dealt with these situations. You can call it ‘panic,’ but someone has to take responsibility even if it’s just to “shake up” the team. Conversely, why keep Ricciardi, Gibbons and Denbo (absolutely unbelievable that he is still around)? What’s the downside of cleaning house? This is a team that has a mediocre (that word again) farm system and is not really in a position to do much this year, even if you are right about that the unprecedented lack of situational hitting has been. You’ve made comparisons to Pittsburgh and Milwakee, but why should Toronto, a team in one of the largest cities (and baseball markets) in North America, be equated to them?
I know you love stats and I challenge you to find one (just one!) other example of a major league general manager who had a similar mediocre record over the course of 7 years, was not fired and SOON turned the team into a winner!)
And with regards to specifics about the players, I think your assessment of the Jays’ offence has also been compromised by the Stockholm Syndrome. Objectively, when you look at their ideal lineup, they have two good (definitely, not great, just good) hitters in Vernon Wells and Alex Rios. They have several players who USED to be good hitters but are in various stages of decline: Scott Rolen, Shannon Stewart, David Eckstein. And they have a couple of players who’ve had goood SEASONS, but are largely unproven: Aaron Hill, Lyle Overbay. Overbay, for one, has had a exactly one good season in his career. Why should we assume THAT was the rule? When you add to all this their mediocrity at catcher and DH, combined with a complete lack of depth in case of injuries (thanks for getting rid of Johnson and Thomas!), you have a weak hitting team, which with the help of a good (not great, good) pitching stuff becomes craptacularly mediocre. And that’s where I started…
Alex
MW: Nice rant, I liked it a lot. You’re wrong about Overbay. He’s had two very good seasons, with a better-than-average one in the middle, and then he broke his hand. You also use the “that’s the way it’s always been” argument, which is meaningless. Because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t make it right. If I were the only one (or even if people in Toronto were the only ones) to have made similar predictions about the Jays, I might buy your Stockholm Syndrome comparison, but that’s not the case. And finally, one GM with a similar record with one team over seven years who wasn’t fired and soon won? Easy. Pat Gillick.
- Alexhttp://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/J-P-Ricciardi-does-not-think-very-highly-of-Ada;_ylt=Auhyyq9fucy3sv2MlP_SOZ4RvLYF?urn=mlb,89026
It appears TheJaysTalk Wednesday edition has hit the yahoo sports wire.
- AdrianI think this is John Gibbons last game as the manger of the Toronto Blue Jays, though I think it’s not his fault. Anyways, I can’t believe that JP Riccardi ripped Adam Dunn. I understand if you don’t want him, but don’t bad mouth him when you don’t even know the guy.
- andrewMike,
Tampa are ready to sweep The Cubs. What is your baseball statistics telling you Mike. You have them in the bottom of the division. How can that be, Toronto has that spot. How can you be wrong Mike, your never wrong. When will you if ever get anything right is the question. Let the statistics do the talking for you. Year end, all your predictions will look like last years, crap.
MW: Thanks for at least putting “year end” this time. A month ago you told me all my predictions were already wrong.
- brunoI really have nothing to say except for this was one of my favorite posts I’ve read on Miked Up. The Barajas comment was good, but that Joe Inglett comment was gold, baby!
I need to figure out a way to listen to the games when I’m at work, damn Halifax radio playing the NEWS on repeat in the afternoon instead of my beloved Blue Jays… pull some strings Mike!!!
MW: Sorry, you have to buy the mlb.com audio package.
- LukeI am afraid Mike, by the all star break they will be 10 games behind the wild card. There is something wrong with Rolen. The shoulder is not 100% healed yet. Also they gave Rios 60 million.. I think the hatchet will be out by the end of next week.. Also Tampa Bay.. really good. Look at that 7th inning yikes..
MW: I appreciate your esteemed medical opinion on Scott Rolen.
- broomHey the offence almost saved a bad start. The key word is almost, to many almost games so far. I will be sad to see Gibby go, he seemed like an honest stand up guy, if I was a ballplayer I think I would of like playing for him. As for Burnett I don’t think we need him anymore, and he looks like he needs a change as well. Most teams in contention need more proven starters, and yes JP we will get more value by trading him in the next month then to wait for the two draft picks. I say give Purcey and parrish some starts and put AJ out there right now before Berdard or maybe Sabathia are on the market.
MW: What has A.J. proven to be?
- jasonIt was darn incredible how they just came alive in the ninth. Maybe it did help save gibbys
job. Now if they go and lose 2 of 3 against the pirates (i hope they don’t)is it possible that j.p takes the day off they have to fire gibbons. I don’t its fair to gibby to lose his job in the first place.I mean he can’t hit and field for these guys. One thing really bugs me is how vernon gets out with risp.
Keep up the good work mike!!
- robMW: “It was as though, down 8-1 with a runner on first and two out in the top of the 9th, the hitters suddenly awoke to the idea that their collective incompetence was about to cost a man they admire and respect his livelihood. And with two out and a runner on, down by seven, they flipped the switch to the extent that we have rarely, if ever, seen them flip it this season.”
Mike, I hope you were being facetious here because a team scoring 6 runs in an inning is a statistical anomaly and has nothing to do with Gibbons losing or not losing his job.
MW: A team scoring one run in an inning is a statistical anomaly, too.
- GregJPMike,
I agree that Gibby doesn’t deserve to go. But something has to be done to shake things up. To be honest, if there is anything I can fault Gibby for its not pulling a Sweet Lou or Bobby Cox ejection.
Maybe the solution is as simple as sitting Rios and Overbay for the weekend series. Personally I dont think that Overbay needs a wake-up call, but Rios hasn’t been running things out and that play today is inexcusable. As if things didn’t look bad enough when Burnett said he wasn’t mentally ready to pitch.
As naive as it may be, sometimes team chemistry plays a role. It can cause a team to over achieve and to under achieve. And as much as the Rockies showed that anything is possible, the Jay have a hard road ahead as they play in the toughest division in baseball. 8 of the 14 AL wild cards were Yanks or Soxs.
Bottom line, an extended slump at this point will put the Jays in a terrible hole. Not only will they have to climb over the Rays and O’s to get back into 3rd in the AL EAST, they will have to climb over either the Soxs or the Yanks and find a way to hold off Det and others to make the playoffs.
The advantage the Rockies had last year was that they weren’t suppose to contend. I am not sure how the Jays can stand pat and say “this wasn’t our year, wait till the next one” with this squad.
Either they turn it around or the 2009 Jays will look much different.
MW: I wouldn’t bet on that. Gibby got thrown out of two of the three games against the Cubs, by the way.
- JWwhy is it you keep saying gibby may be fired but say nothing that j.p should be fired..now i know that for some reason you are a big j.p fan but after 7yrs this is his team and should be held accountable for what has gone on just as much as gibby..but what j.p said about dunn(although possibly true)was stupid its hard enough to convince decent free agents to sign in toronto and then j.p opens that mouth again ripping players in the media..that should make it easier to atract free agents to toronto right??
MW: The only free agents that the Jays have wanted who have turned them down in the last three years were Ted Lilly and Gil Meche, and I thought everyone was happy about that.
- jeff chynowethI’m curious about your reaction to Adam Dunn’s reaction to J.P.’s comments last night–though I grant you McCown’s reaction was entertaining enough to last me for a little while.
MW: Wish I’d heard it, mine is above.
- John R.Mike this isn’t a criticism or an accusation just a question. How long will it take with jays hitting like they have (with the exception of the 9th tonight) for you to admit that J.P Ricciardi over assessed this line up and they just simply are not good enough
MW: I’m not sure. Because there’s no reason to believe the hitting will continue like this. I don’t think it’s that J.P. overestimated their abilities, it’s that his crystal ball didn’t tell him they’d all fall off a cliff at the same time (and only in certain base situations).
- John TerryHi Mike, how is the softball going this year? If you had the chance to potentially (that is a big stretch), or even hypothetically, have someone on your team who either got a hit or walked almost 39% of the time, would you take that? I sure would. I don’t care if he likes baseball or not.
Also, what do you think of a player having a high strikeout rate? Isn’t an out an out? I’m not sure if you could figure out the stats, but at least a high SO guy isn’t going to lead to as many DP’s. I guess less sacrifice fly chances probably cancels out. I think this stat is overrated, and a .230 hitter is a .230 hitter regardless of how he gets out the 61% of at bats. your thoughts.
cheers,
adam k
MW: You think what stat is overrated? My feelings on Dunn are all over this comments section.
- Adam KI didn’t even know the Jays had an afternoon game until the sports ticker thing on my Firefox browser told me that Bush was throwing a no-hitter, so I’ll say that the Jays won 7-0 in some misguided attempt to make myself feel better.
Also, as much as the Rays aren’t legit, they’re looking pretty legit.
MW: They certainly are, but they still aren’t.
- AubreyWhat in the world is J.P. doing? Calling out another player from a different team? Doesn’t he have enough problems with his own players?
J.P. is confrontational. It starts with him and filters through the system. He called out the players last year and Vernon had to step up for his teammates. There have been numerous incidents in the clubhouse see Shea, Lilly etc.
Why would any free agent want to come here? It is time for Ted Rogers to step up and fix this thing. Get rid of Godfrey and Ricciardi and beg Paul Beeston to return.
It is ironic that J.P. let Buck Martinez go all those years ago because of lack of experience. Clearly this is something J.P. lacks as well. He hasn’t got it done plain and simple and even he admits this. He had an incredibly indifferent 7 year run. Lets move on.
Thanks as always.
MW: Numerous incidents in the clubhouse in that two is a number.
- Rob H.It’s just silly all these people calling for Gibbon’s head. Not that I don’t think he can be substantially improved upon as a manager. But he’s not going to be — not this season. Do you people really think that Brian Butterfield is magically going to turn everything around? Plhease!! Well that’s all you’re going to get the rest of this season.
- MikieHi Mike … first time I have ventured into the blogs. Good stuff. I think it would be inconsionable (sp?) to fire Gibbons. I do not think the failures of the Jays can be laid at his doorstep. The obviously guilty party is JP Ricciardi; this is the team he “built” and he is almost singularly responsible for its failure. he has had his chance. Now its time for him to move on.
MW: Thanks for finally showing up! “Unconscionable” is the word you’re looking for. I wouldn’t go that far - it’s unfair and unfortunate, but unfortunately, it’s how the game works.
- RonMike,
Who would be a better replacement for Gibbons — Gary Carter or Luke Prokopec?
Just kidding. I honestly think Cito would be the perfect tonic for the Jays. He’d calm everybody down, might even break these hitters out of their funk. What do you think?
MW: I would said no if I’d gotten to this comment sooner. Good call!
- ChrisI’ve become convinced A.J. Burnett isn’t a .500 pitcher. He’s a sub-.500 pitcher, and deserves to be. An ERA half a run above the league average? Boy, I’ll be glad if he opts out and we get draft picks.
MW: Prepare to be glad. But his career record is over .500.
- Rick JonesHi Mike,
I’m a displaced Jays fan in Australian and just stumbled on this site. Can’t believe I haven’t found it before. Given I now have eye strain from reading so many of the archives, I sort of wish I hadn’t. Great stuff and nice to hear the Jays talk again.
I just listened to this weeks talk with JP (18th) and then last weeks (11th). The difference is almost hilarious. It’s a love-in with JP a week ago and this week you can hear the desperation and frustration in everyone’s voices. What a difference a week makes. From afar, it’s easy to call for JP’s head, but listening to him, I feel a bit differently.
The bottom line is that he’s done everything on paper that should have made been the rigth move, but everything he’s done has gone wrong. What’s gone wrong is almost out of his control and totally unprecedented.
We fans can complain about the hitting and point at the morbid stats day after day, but it’s just becoming a broken record. The reality is that we just can’t hit at the right time. Who knows why? I don’t think there are any answers. How do you make the players accountable?
My question is, what can be done about it that will actually solve the problem? Is it really possible to salvage this season or should we be starting from scratch next year? Are firings the answer? Are we just going to be content at being a mediocre team indefinitely?
It’s a real shame as I had such a good vibe going into this season..until JP signed David Eckstein!
MW: We’re about to see if firings are the answer. It’s definitely possible to salvage this season, though. Glad you finally found the blog, let me know when you finish reading all the archives!
- RobMike,
Its priceless how you continue to defend JP. How can you say without laughing that Wells, Ryan, and Burnett were good signings.
Wells - Was terrible last year, and I do not give him a muuligan if he was that hurt he should not have been playing. How good can he be all you have to do is get two strikes on him throw something outside and he’ll pop it up or strike out. Maybe he got all that money for his pie throwing, shaving cream and dart antics certainly not for his leadership.
Ryan - He missed a whole year. And why does a team that cannot beat the Yanks and Sox need a big time closer. They can be delvoped within or obtianed very cheaply Accardo, Sherrrill, Wilson, Gagne in his performance enhancing days. You may not beleive me but I knew Ryan was an injury risk.
Burnett - The biggest joke of all, he’s missed about a 1/3 of his total starts pitches .500, is the #5 starter on this years team. You can say all you want that some team will pay him 15 million next year, the only thing that will prove is there are dumber GM’s in baseball then Ricaadi.
Ricaadi has to be fired immediately !! And Gibbons too.
MW: You got half your wish. And I think you’re wrong on all three of those points, but you knew that.
- PeterHi Mike,
A message for you to pass along to JP Mike: firing Marty Pevey would be more efficacious, as far as the offense goes anyways, than firing Gibby. He deserves to at least have the Pitt series to see if the O has FINALLY woken up. I wouldn’t fire him at all but it’s kind a part of the game, blame the manager (See Randolph, Willie).
MW: They’re both gone now.
- Sean CourtGibby will go before July 1st. How about that for a prediction! Pevey can’t handle 3rd base properly, wondering what kind of a manager he’s gonna be if he indeed is a frontrunner with Butterfield?
Grady Sizemore is on pace for roughly 40 homers. Honestly, I never expected that. I thought he might flirt with 30 but not more than that. Do you see him batting at 3rd or 4th spot next year if he does get close to 40 HRs? What a talent eh? I can watch him and Ichiro at CF all day long.
MW: Excellent prediction, and you don’t have to worry about Pevey, as it turns out. Sizemore is pretty spectacular, indeed.
- BeburgMike, this is it. I’ve tried being rational the entire time, but it is over. The amount of teams now ahead of them, and the amount of ground they have to make up is too steep. You may point to the Astros of a few years ago, or the twins a couple years ago, but this core has never shown us they are capable of such a run. It may not be fair, because the team on paper is pretty solid, and that’s all the GM has control of, but the results just aren’t there, so it’s time to do a complete overhaul of the organization. Godfrey has to go, JP has to go, and Gibbons has to go. I don’t even think they deserve it, but it’s all about results.
MW: At least you admit that you’re not being rational.
- Terryi have heard you on the fan supporting gibbbons for a long time. saying he is not the problem. i also heard a caller say we need reed johnson. you responded by saying he is a 260 hitter and we never got to to the playoffs with him. well, we have have never got to the playoffs with gibbons, so why continue to keep him??
when it comes to the jays, your logic is F#$%^%$D
MW: Because the fact that the Jays never made the playoffs with either Reed or Gibbons is the same thing? They’ve never made the playoffs with Roy Halladay, either.
- carmenMike,
Alex Rios is playing such un-inspiring baseball I think JP should re-evaluate who he criticizes of not having any “passion”. Based on the expert opinion of Ken Rosenthal and [based on] Adam Dunn’s reaction to JP’s comments on WWJP, I think he committed the cardinal sin of calling out a fellow ball player….I think his days are probably numbered, because his big mouth is getting him in some pretty hot water around the league..It only took 24 hrs for news to spread abouyt his comments, so I’m pretty sure other players are gonna take heed of that if the opportunity to come to Toronto ever arose (at least with JP as the GM)..Do you think it ever crossed his mind that perhaps his stupid comments about Adam Dunn may inspire him to put a hurtin’ on the Jays next week?? Oh well, all I can say is that it will be a pretty interesting month ahead…the Jays suck royally right now…they are the definition of inconsistency personnified!!! …It’s beyond the point of hoping for a turn around….change is necessary right now!!!..If almost getting no-hit by a guy with a 2-7 record isn’t proof enough, I don’t know what is! ….It’s too bad Gibby will probably be the sacrificial lamb, he’s not the one bad talking other players in a public forum!!
MW: I don’t think Ricciardi should be fired because he ripped Adam Dunn. Of course, I didn’t think Gibby should have been fired, either. And I would say that the Jays are the very definition of consistency over the last three weeks.
- Bernard SinghDear Mike,
I was distraught to read ESPN.com’s story about J.P. Ricciardi apologizing ‘profusely’ about his remarks regarding Adam Dunn on wednesday’s program.
I do hope an apology is forthcoming to the Toronto fans as well, and especially the fan who made that phone call. I remember Riccardi vehemently declaring that they had done their homework on many of these players that the fans have suggested as beneficial trade options for the Jays.
It is hypocritical that Ricciardi’s rebuttal questioned the fan’s knowledge of Dunn, only to see that Ricciardi admitted: “I don’t even know Adam Dunn.” (ref. ESPN.com)
He has now admitted his mistake to the media and the Cincinnati organization, he now needs to clear the air with the fans so that it can be put to rest. Saying false things about someone’s integrity is not something that should be taken lightly.
MW: I don’t know if Ricciardi needs to apologize to the fan, as I’ve said before I think he just got fed up. Ricciardi never said he was wrong about his assessment of Dunn, just that he “let his guard down” and “needs to be better than that”. I’m sure that what J.P. said accurately reflects Dunn’s reputation around the game. Seriously, though, distraught? There are FAR more important things in life about which to be distraught.
- GrahamHi Mike,
Please don’t disparage yourself in comparison to McCowan. You are the voice of sanity and reason around here. We need you, man! …Although McCowan did coin the phrase, “Cito-bashing” which was pretty cool back in the day.
Would you agree that on a team shy of superstar hitters, and in order to have a winning season, it really helps if a couple of hitters have “career” years? I’m talking an OPS of .900+, like the emergence of an Olerud on the `93 team or even Vernon in `03/`06. This year’s team lacks that thus far. Not one of the hitters (save support player Barajas) is having a career year. I don’t think you can win without that. What do you think?
MW: I think you can win without hitters having career years as long as they’re all at their career averages (assuming those are good). Especially if you have the kind of pitching the Jays do.
- JamesWas that Rock Bottom?
Was being shut out through 7 by a former teammate this months unassisted triple play?
Reed Johnson, Ted Lilly, Dave Bush, Eric Hinske, we have got to stop running into these former Blue Jays. Hopefully Adam Dunn doesn’t feel he has a point to prove next week.
MW: Let them get through Pittsburgh first. And yes, that was rock bottom #2.
- ukJayIf figures that you would let one good inning effect your judgement, it is a very small sample size Mike.
Imagine JP not wanting guys who have no passion to play ball! What about Wells who only cares about chatting up opposing players and making sure his socks look good. Rios only wants to play with his toy heilcopter let alone run out to get a ball. Naturally the one guy with passion, Reed, was released.
If I was JP I would just keep his mouth shut as he is now refered to as a clown and that will make it harder to get anyone decent to come here.
As for you Mike, I think your logic has critical flaws. You expect perfection in a non perfect world. No matter what someone suggests, you always quote and instance when it did not work to discredit it. No matter what it is. if we call for an experienced manager you point out cases when they failed. Pick a big RBI guy and his batting average is not good enough, suggest team speed and you point out to fast teams that have not one. You will never find perfection or a strategy that works 100% of the time. Our motivation is to shake things up. We are gonna miss the playoffs with this collection of players and management for another year, so if we shook things up then we can;t expect to do any worse.
As for everyone who laughed at me thinking that the uniforms are the source of the jays problems. Wake up you fools, uniforms do not effect preformance. Team chemisty does however, even if the chemisty is to be fighting amoung each other. Right now no one cares. The Jays are known as a team that likes to throw pies in each other face. Maybe a little dicipline would be a good thing. And yes I for one would not be upset to see them look and act like a professional team as opposed to collections of individuals with no one accountalbe or caring.
Who was it today who hit the inside the park home run again??
MW: A guy with passion and a proper uniform?
- wayneDo you honestly think that the Jays scoring 6 runs in the ninth inning means everything is ok and back on track. Thats what you sound like. Next game they will score less than 4 runs. This offense is just not good enough to be consistent. Also, I find it amusing that you still defend Ricciardi after those comments he made about Dunn. Pretty much everyone was mocking him. You have to look at stats and not whether the guy likes playing baseball. Vernon wells does not like to play baseball and he is still on the team. I find it kind of hypocritical and I think Ricciardi is afraid to make a major trade and get a player of Dunn’s caliber after he invested so much in this group.
MW: Did I say any of those things? I don’t believe I ever said that the 9th inning meant everything is OK and back on track. I didn’t defend Ricciardi on those comments about Dunn. In fact, I said that I couldn’t care less how much he likes baseball if he hits his 40 homers and gets on 38% of the time. How do you know that Vernon Wells doesn’t like to play baseball? I really wish you’d actually read the post before responding to it.
- aviMike,
I don’t think they will fire Gibbons till the off season. Whats the point of doing it now, this season is a write off already…
They should fire J.P., get a new GM and trade Burnett, Wells and start in a new direction for next year.
Not that it matters but even the FSN guys were making fun of J.P.’s moves during the game today…
I think we can get good quality for Wells, if he stays healthy..
What do you think?
MW: I don’t think they can get good quality for Wells, not with that contract, until he puts a couple of great years together back-to-back. A new GM wouldn’t be able to trade Burnett after the season, because he’ll more than likely be a free agent. And wrong about Gibbons, but you knew that already.
- ChrisIf we need a Joe Inlgett grand slam to win a game or save a managers job this team was in worse shape then i thought, but its beating a dead horse with the offense. I think JP should be fired tomorrow i was embarrased those comments on Dunn made it to major American Websites, completely classless on JP’s part im ashamed hes in charge of my favourite team. And once he goes i believe Gibbons will follow behind because nobody is dumb enought to have him as there manager.
MW: Good points all. Or, wait, no points at all.
- SteveCongrats on your softball win Mike,
I guess that Jason character isn’t a fan of The JaysTalk haha
Keep up the great work!
- WesleyJust to be fair to Josh Towers….
Mike, I know I can’t convince you that AJ isn’t an ‘incredible’ pitcher, so i won’t waste time on that, but have a look at these stats and tell me that AJ is an elite pitcher
AJ Burnett 08:
GS 15 IP 91.1 ERA 5.42 WHIP 1.56
Josh Towers 07:
GS 15 IP 107.0 ERA 5.38 WHIP 1.41
MW: Or how about this? Roy Halladay ‘00: GS 13 IP 67.2 ERA 10.64 WHIP 2.20
- FraserMike. First off congrats on the softball streak. Did you have your wife video record your PAs? If so, maybe you can show it to JP and work out some sort of try-out. Wouldn’t hurt.
Have a great weekend!
KK
MW: Yeah, that’s not happening. Who over 18 videotapes their at-bats?
- karim kanjiM Dubs
Softball Guy is in the T dot eh?
I will keep my eyes peeled for Corvette guy on the gardner.
WAR Wilner being a clone.
All the ninth did was delay the inevitable.
Sorry Gibby/JP, you work in a results business and we aren’t getting them.
MW: This is what happens when you let your children listen to Americam sports radio.
- ChrisMike, do you think that JP with his Dunn comments was trying to bring heat on himself to buy his manager a little more time?
- JasonKen Griffey Jr. will waive his NTC to come here because he wants to play for the eventual wild card winner of the AL.
The man wants to be in the playoffs Mike!
MW: Yeah. Good luck convincing him of that.
- GaryMike,
Is there any chance of Rogers sending you to the unemployment line along with JP and Gibbons?
MW: Boy, I hope not.
- xavierK fine Mike. IF not a favourite song, then there has to be a favourite member???
MW: There really doesn’t. Why are you so obsessed with the New Kids on the Block?
- Nick I.Who the heck SLIDES in softball. You’re either gonna crush your smokes or spill your beer, just not worth it.
MW: Nobody slid.
- Scott 'from North Bay'Hey Mike,
Who shouldgo first Godfrey, Riccardi, Gibbons or _________ player?
MW: Should is irrelevant now that Gibbons has.
- David MillarI look forward to afternoon games on the radio. I cam mix work with pleasure and the radio broadcast is first rate.
- LarryWhile listening to the game I found myself rooting for the no-hitter. I was genuinely dissapointed with Overbay’s triple.
It jogged memories of Nolan Ryan’s no-hitter against the Jays with Alomar stiking out to complete the game. That one was special and a privelege to witness. I believe it was his seventh.
Ok so you say your job isn’t to call JP out during the show (it is for the fans)..you want him to come back.
Well this is the your blatant bias, you want him to come on your show so you won’t criticize him.
Are you or aren’t you willing to critique his comments on Dunn? Is JP right or wrong? And if he is wrong (ie liking baseball is irrelevant when you gave great stats) then what does that say about JP’s baseball acument.
MW: I have said my piece about his comments.
- stephen“The Blue Jays are just as good as the Red Sox and Yankees”
Sound familiar? It should, you’ve said it before the 2004 season, 2006 season, 2007 season, and this season. You’ve been wrong everytime. It’s also not even like they have ever even been close, so they clearly weren’t “just as good.” Just to further my point I thought I’d combine the records of each of the 3 teams, for these 4 seasons.
Toronto Blue Jays: 272-287
Boston Red Sox: 329-235
New York Yankee: 332-237
There is some statistical proof of your biased, Pro-JP beliefs. Sure you never gave them a chance in 03, and 05, but neither did JP, he admitted they were rebuilding years, whatever JP says, you say. Face the facts buddy. The stat’s don’t lie all those seasons the jays were supposed to be “just as good,” and their record is miles worse. You’re obsession with Riccardi needs to end.
MW: I think this might be the first time someone ever used “you’re” incorrectly on this blog. Usually it’s the other way around. And why are you ashamed to use your real name?
- Gord AshHi Mike, I’m not a fan of interleague play. The National League teams have the advantage because their pitchers are used to hitting and are more likely to get a hit than our American League pitchers. Marcum looked bad with 2 men in scoring position the other night which contributed to the BlueJays loss.
Do you think that JP will make a trade for a big bat before the trade deadline?
MW: I’m not a fan of interleague play, but that’s not why. I think your point is balanced out by the fact that American League teams tend to have more “DH”y-type DHs. I think that J.P. will try to trade for a big bat, if the Jays can climb back into the race.
- MarkYou may already be aware, but you made 2 indirect mentions in Marty York’s June 13th MLB report. One is in regard to Toth’s article on Gary Carter, the other is a rather serious accusation leveled in a rather offhand way towards the Fan and Sportsnet and their Jays broadcast crews.
Here’s the excerpt from the article. It’s available at metronews.ca if you want to read the whole thing.
“The Blue Jays – let’s face it – aren’t good enough this season, but you haven’t heard that on the airwaves much in Canada, and I can only assume that this is at least partly because the team’s main broadcasters on television and radio are owned by the same people who own the club.
That would be Ted Rogers and his men. Rogers et al own the Jays as well as Rogers Sportsnet, which televises most of the Toronto games, and The Fan 590, which broadcasts all their games on radio.”
I obviously understand if you can’t/won’t comment, but I thought you should know about it if you didn’t already.
MW: I’ve commented dozens of times on my perceived conflicts of interest. If I was being told what to say, I wouldn’t be working here.
- ColinIs it common knowledge that Gibby was JP’s roommate in the minors? Do you think this could cloud his judgement about letting Gibby go?
MW: Yes, and no.
- wayneProfessional sports is full of successful managers who by fate, luck or whatever hung onto their job by the skin off their teeth and went on to be legends. Maybe Gibbons will turn out to be one such success story and we’ll look back after seasons of post season glory and thank our lucky stars we hung onto him. Or maybe I’m clutching at straws…
MW: It’s all moot now.
- BarryReally think the Jays and mariners are in vastly different situations? Im not so sure. both are last place teams in divisions…..and its much easier to compete in the west than the east due to economics and..well..the fact there is one less team to compete against
the mariners have some bad contracts for sure, but are they really much worse than the wells, rios, and hill contracts?
finally, regarding Jp’s comments on Dunn..I dont care if he is 100 percent right about Dunn. im sure he is regarding his “lack of passion: etc. as a gm you CANT comment on another teams player like that. you just cant. there’s a thing called tampering and in this case it might be reverse tampering. ive never heard another GM say something like that unprovoked by the player himself. what has dunn ever done to JP? seriously. its a BIG deal. the fact that JP could be brought to such a level of frustration on AIR just shows you that he is just off. can you imagine brian cashman saying something like that? what about pat gillick? what about anyone else? he also made disparaging remarks about gill meche signing with KC..claiming gill isnt worried about winning. so what. its a job. last i checked the jays had exactly zero more playoff appearances than the royals since 93. shut up JP and worry about your own team please. im pretty sure you feel the same but i understand you have to have a relationship with the guy and we dont…(im not saying you are paid by jays.etc, etc..im just saying you do have to have a relationship with him as you faciliate the wed night show).
MW: Actually, I don’t feel the same way. I think through the ill-advised, passion- or frustration-borne comments that J.P. very occasionally makes on the show, we get a greater glimpse inside a pro sports front office than we ever could otherwise, and isn’t that what everyone really wants? As for the Jays and Mariners - you can’t compare the Wells, Rios and Burnett contracts to the Sexson, Beltre, Silva and Washburn contracts or the trade for Bedard. Also, yes, they’re both in last place - one team is four games under .500 and 3 1/2 out of 4th, one team is 22 games under .500 and 11 games behind the next-best team.
- sammyI can scarcely believe J.P. made those ill advised cooments about Dunn. How can we expect anyone to want to come to Toronto and play given the comments made by Burnett and Riccardi in the last few days? I know the negativity on here is wearing you out, but what do you expect in light of recent developements?
Adam Dunn will NEVER want to play in Toronto. I can’t believe Riccardi has done this. I hate to see anyone lose their job, but J.P.’s begging for it right now.
- Jim BranscomeHi Mike,
Hope the ankle is better. Is it possible the culprit was one of your regular bloggers?
I’m afraid tonight is make or break for J.G. if the Jays fail to win behind Doc the plug will be pulled.
MW: Turns out yesterday was. The ankle’s fine, thanks.
- ukJayHi Mike,
How is your ankle the morning after?
I think you need to be more gentle to people who ask questions you’ve already answered. As I write this I can only see up to comment 34, although I’m sure there are probably at least 100 more awaiting moderation.
I was hoping for a ‘Stairway to Heaven’ headline on the blog, sadly Matty struck out ending the greatest Jays comeback since that one in the 80’s when they were down 10-0 vs Baltimore (I think Ernie Whitt smacked 3 HRs that game)
If no one else has asked, what would your #1 highlight of yesterday’s game be from the following:
a) Burnett v Ump hand gestures
b) Rios’ hand gestures leading to Prince getting an inside the parker
c) The Captain getting an infield hit
Speaking of incident b), Jerry Howarth seemed absolutely insulted that Rios didn’t play the ball quicker. I think it was the first time ever I’ve heard him close to blowing a gasket. What’s your take on that play?
Aneez
PS - Keep up the good work - we all appreciate your efforts here!
MW: Rios was waiting for the umpire to come out, but he definitely should have gone to pick the ball up from under the padding and throw it back to the infield. I mean, why wait? I don’t think it was a lazy, unfocused play so much as confusion about the rule, but that doesn’t excuse it. Even if you’re sure you’re sure about the rule, go get the ball anyway. How could the highlight be anything but The Captain’s infield single with two out in the 9th in a one-run game, given everything that had happened previously in the inning? And the comeback from 10-0 down was at Fenway against the Red Sox. Whitt hit a Grand Slam in the 9th, but that was his only home run of the game.
- AneezHi Mike,
I’m probably the last AJ Burnett “fan” left, but clearly something is wrong with him physically.
He hasn’t had an ERA > 4 (in a full) season since 2001. A WHIP of 1.55?? That’s his highest EVER..
Now, as is discussed at great length, this is a contract year for AJ, methinks he is just running himself out there to prove he is durable (which obviously he isn’t) and is hurting both the team and himself.
TC
MW: I would be stunned, given his history, if Burnett is playing hurt.
- TCG’day Mike!
Well……. Kudos to J.P. for coming on the air to talk to the fans every Wednesdays, rain or shine, win or lose.
Sometimes it just hurts to hear him put his foot in his mouth, such as what he did with Adam Dunn… .
Question for MW…
Suppose you had to pick a GM and manager for this team (excluding J.P. and Gibby) - who would be your top 3 choices for those two positions?
MW: Good question - and it would take more thought than the time I have to answer it now.
- SSMike - do you really think there is a market for AJ after this season is over?
I just can’t see anyone paying more than what is on the table for him with the Jays. I think based on his agents advice he will remain in Toronto.
He truly is his own worst enemy and consequently that hurts his team “big time”.
After arguing with the ump yesterday he lost it (again)then like a spoiled kid he threw 3 straight fast balls to prove a point - then bang we get hurt by his own internal tirade!
I have mentioned many times I really like Burnett - but truly he has to grow up and get a handle on his temper - the only guy who beats Burnett all the time is Burnett.
How does this work Mike - AJ options out of the Jays deal right!
1. What happens if he options out but there are no takers - does he remain a Jay?
2. If a team that takes him do they just pay what is left on the 2 years he has signed with the Jays? Or can/do they re-negotiate a new contract.
3. If he goes before the end of the season via trade (doubtful)without a new contract to whom he is going to - is he able to opt out from that team after this season is over?
4. If he goes on the dl before seasons end I guess he remains a Jay!
I can’t see the Jays allowing anyone to negotiate with AJ for a new contract (rather than him be a “rent a player”)if they in fact have the opportunity to trade him.
Rios in a crazy way (the little league blunder yesterday) has awoken the giant - the Jays to a man must have been embarrassed to see that and hopefully will turn on the offence starting with the Pirates.
Thanks.
MW: If Burnett opts out of his contract, he becomes a free agent. The contract he signed three years ago no longer exists. Why wouldn’t the Jays allow a team they’re trying to trade Burnett to to negotiate an extension with him? It would increase the return in trade by quite a bit.
- BobMike,
I see the problem now. Id didn’t see the game, but followed it on ESPN. ESPN’s box score shows Tallet having hit for himself: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280619108
that is why i was confused. it seemed absurd to me. I now have checked CBS Sportsline which shows that Wilkerson pinch hit for Tallet.
MW: There you go.
- BrianGood morning Mike, congrats on the good game last night, sucks about Rambo spiking you. It’s good to be gung ho, but come on.
I hesitate to weigh in on this because there is very little left unsaid, but here goes: I think JP Ricciardi is difficult to assess. From a fan perspective he has wonderful points as a GM ( ie. the pitching staff he’s put together) but he also has some truly abysmal points. I for one, am extremely unimpressed with comments he’s made to the media, mainly you. I hadn’t gotten over “it’s not a lie if we know the truth” yet, so his unprofessional (in my opinion) comments on Dunn aren’t sitting well. However, I am impressed by his willingness to come on your show every week, win or lose, and face the heat.
See what I mean, it’s impossible to say “he’s great, let’s put him in a box and keep him forever” or “he’s the devil incarnate and get rid of him like he was head lice.” I wouldn’t want his job, I know that much. I guess I added nothing to the debate there, other than to point out it’s not as clear cut as people would like to believe.
And now, a question. Do you think there would be any value to doing minor tweaks to the coaching staff; no firing just a shuffling, Ernie Whitt to third base, Marty Peavy to first, etc. Or do you think it would just look like action for the sake of action? Maybe I’m just trying to finds a solution that would work without major disruption or unemployment.
Oh, and also, what kind of animal husbandry accident do you mean exactly? I’m a farm girl, I know there’s a lot of leeway in that comment! Thanks Mike.
MW: I don’t think a coaching shuffle would have done anything, not that that’s relevant now. I appreciate your ability to stay away from the black-and-white when assessing J.P., not many seem to be able to do that. And as for the animal husbandry thing, I’ll leave that up to your imagination.
- kitaBurnett= overpriced, head case.
Anyone want my tickets to this sat and sunday games in Pittsburgh. What a joke it is for me to be travelling 6 hours to watch a bunch of guys who are awful.. Come on Mike, tell me that thet’re not awful.
MW: Of course they’re not that awful. And hey, you get to see Cito, that should make you happy.
- JasonThis team is somewhat reminiscent of the old early 90’s version, though they are making the “underachieving” point much, much better. Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez had talent coming out the wazoo (see Wells and Rios). BUT there was something amiss on that team and Gillick saw it. So he pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade that brought talent and some attitude back the other way with Alomar and Carter. It changed the entire personality of the team in one move. No, don’t remove JP just yet … he could still have his moment in the sun if only there were a Carter/Alomar package out there underperforming with their teams, and with similar contract deals to our guys.
- Paul RyanHey Mike,
Firstly, congrats on softball.
I won’t even get into the Dunn comments because that has been discussed and re-discussed to death at this point. I unfortunately wasn’t even able to watch the game yesterday as I was at work.
My Question is more related to a comment I read here about AJ saying he was not mentally ready to pitch. I like AJ I think he has gotten vilified in TO for signing a large contract (something I might add that no one in the stands should care about that much since it is ol Teddy Roger’s Money and he doesn’t seem to be hurting)….. Anyways! What is the longest stretch of AJ’s career where he had not gone on the DL? I checked his career stats and it seems 2005 was the only season he was not on the DL (I could be mistaken mlb.com career stats seem to omit some of the DL details).
You think maybe he is starting to get worn out? and on top of everything there is the fans bashing him every chance they get and that wonderful quote to that chicago paper. I know professional atheletes are supposed to be able to handle these things but that has to start to get to anyone after awhile.
Here’s hoping your right about turning the corner.
MW: 2005 was, indeed, the only season in which Burnett hasn’t gone on the DL.
- Johnny GMike,
Your softball story reminds me of the guy who brought all his own gear to the corporate BBQ and softball game. That’s right, bats in bag, cleats, sweatbands, Days of Thunder sunglasses and Tom Selleck moustache. Even better when he celebrated doubling up the 40ish secretary “running” to beat out a ground ball. He too was inked to a pro contract immediately and the rest is history.
MW: Sweet baby Cheez Whiz.
- Tim“And finally, one GM with a similar record with one team over seven years who wasn’t fired and soon won? Easy. Pat Gillick.”
Pat Gillick started from scratch with a brand new expansion team. No one expected him to win for a while and he didn’t. He waited and watched and built and built. And then all of his hard work paid off.
JP Ricciardi come onto an established team that had had significant success in the fairly recent past. Yes, he was told to cut payroll, which he did. But then payroll increased steadily, and the team was expected to improve. Ricciardi didn’t build, he bought. His purchases were for the most part unsuccessful and he was a better trader than a buyer. He was fast on the trigger and let his personal opinions and feelings get in the way a couple of times too often. We know he never forgave Orlando Hudson for his crack, and one of the best 2nd basemen in the game left town. We know he doesn’t like/rate Adam Dunn, and one of the best power hitters now in the game won’t come to Toronto. However he did acquire Rolen for Glaus, which was a good move. A couple of his draft picks have worked out. He should wear a tattoo on his arm that says .500 because that’s the kind of manager he is. And we’re no longer interested in .500. One thing I’m pretty sure of is this: when he is gone, and he will be, and maybe sooner than later, it will take a genius to turn this team into a contender next year or the year after.
MW: So your problem with Ricciardi is that he isn’t a genius? Because this team was in far worse shape when J.P. took over than it is now. And yes, Gillick started from scratch, which may in fact have been a better situation than that in which Ricciardi started.
- reyesMike,
You have always been a pro Adam Dunn guy, but you should look up his career average with RISP. I think you will be shocked at how bad it is. Dunn would fit in perfectly on the Jays….for all the wrong reasons.
MW: I know his career average with RISP is abysmal. But his obp is great. Makes me think that people tend to be afraid to pitch to him in those situations, but that he sometimes expands his strike zone, which is what people seem to want around here.
- TomHey Mike,
Could you compare this year’s Jays offense to past Jays offenses at this point in the season? I am curious where this team ranks in Jays futility. I remember the 1997 club was awful. Please compare the major stats.
MW: Sorry, Tom, I don’t have that kind of time.
- TomHi Mike
In an earlier blog you supported the idea of having McDonald start when Halladay was pitching. I am hopelessly biased; I love watching defense and think that plays not made are a huge part of pitchers’ ERA and win-loss records. Do you have any statistics that would shed some light on the starting shortstop question? Thanks.
MW: Shortstops’ ERA and W-L, huh? Interesting. That could be my next research project.
- roy hughesMike,
I was listening to the Mike and the Maddog show on WFAN in NY over the internet. Mike Francessa was interviewing baseball writer Jon Hayman and the discussion turned to JP’s Adam Dunn comments. Mike said that it was “weird that an active general manager had a radio show” and that it was “funny that JP was questioning Dunn’s motivation to play because the Jays have no guts and no heart.” Jon Hayman agreed with JP that “Dunn is not a winning player” but also added that “JP has a big mouth”. I always think it is interesting to hear a non-Toronto view of what is going on in Blue Jay land.
- RichI beleive the Jays already have 4 grand slam HR this year. How many did they have last year?
MW: Four.
- Shmuel YitzchokOK, here is a really dumb suggestion. Feel free to make fun of it!
We have an excellent OBP. We get a lot of walks. We often have runners on first base. We are lousy at hitting, and when we do hit, it’s generally right at the first, second or third basemen. So we get a ton of double plays.
Maybe we should forget about taking the walks because they aren’t doing us any good. Maybe, instead of getting doubled up at second base, we should be striking out. It’ll have the same effect, but it might also lead to an occasional major contact between bat and ball that might take the batter directly to 2nd base and beyond.
None of the guys are hitting. We aren’t scoring runs. We’re losing games. OK. We’ll still probably not hit the ball, not score the runs, not win the game, but it might make a small difference in the way the batters behave in the batters’ box, and it might lead to a few home runs, which might spark a few more. I’d rather watch Rios and Wells fly out or pop out than watch Rios walk and Wells hit a single and Overbay ground into a dp inning after inning just when you think the team’s finally got something going. That kind of stuff can wear a fan down!
MW: So stop walking and start popping up and striking out more? And you want me to make fun of you? That’s not fair, it’s too easy.
- reyesMike,
Id have to disagree, everybody doesn’t always get alot worse after they sign a big contract. Sure Ill agree some players put more pressure on themselves and may have a down year. Some players completly fall off the map as well(Barry Zito). But by your logic, Roy Halladay was far better in his arbitration years than he is now. The way baseball is set up you have to sign your young talent to long contracts to keep them around. Signing a player is always a gamble, but the free agent market is junk, so it would only make sense to keep your young pitchers around through their prime. Therefore Marcum and McGowan should be signed when the time is right, I wasnt suggesting this year, or even next, but an extension through their free agency years only makes sense.
MW: I was being sarcastic. No rational human believes that every player gets worse immediately after signing a long-term contract.
- DennySo apparently JP does not know Adam Dunn as well as you think he does, at least according to sportsnet.ca. Why would he say something like that, does he not think that this will make players think twice about coming to toronto. JP’s time is done and hes gotta go. Do you stil hold your opinion of Adam Dunn based on what JP said?
MW: My opinion is the fact that Dunn hits a lot of home runs and gets on base a lot makes him a good fit with the Jays.
- kevinCrazy game. Watching Alex Rios stand there helpless, watching the ball stuck under the outfield padding, then looking back at the Ump running down the first base line was hilarious. Not only was Rios mentally hamstrung, but he also seems to have blocked the Ump’s view of the ball, thereby giving Prince Fielder time to chug-u-lug around the bases for an inside the park home run. Prince Fielder time to chug-u-lug around the bases for an inside the park home run. (Sorry, same reason as the repetition of Barahahahahas infield single comment in your post.) I had no idea that the Jays hadn’t already hit rock bottom (unassisted triple play in Cleveland), but apparently they found some spare dynamite and blasted a new hole out of the quarry called the 2008 season. Or perhaps we should call it the “Bizarro” season? Toronto choking like the Buffalo Bills on some dry chicken bones, and Tampa Bay 14 games above .500! For $%#^’s sake, they have the acronym for tuberculosis pasted proudly on their hats!!! The only thing that would be funnier is if they had Ernie Els’ sponsor (SAP). Mike, beat some sense into me, please! I’m dying over here! Hope your ankle’s ok.
MW: I hadn’t heard about Rios blocking the umpire’s view, but that shouldn’t have mattered. Don’t die, OK?
- Vavanike at what point is this who that jays are and not just a slump….70 games for crying out loud. And do you honestly think that the jays have a better team than Tampa bay? Also do you think the jays have a legit shot at the playoffs? if so ship me some of that cool aid your drinking.
MW: They’re not in a slump, they’re playing like crap. But that doesn’t mean they’ll continue to play like crap for the rest of the season. Yes, I do think they have a better team than T-Bay, but very obviously they’re not playing better. A legit shot? Not anymore. But no shot? Absolutely not.
- kevinoh and i know you are not nike…it was a spelling mistake
- kevin“MW: I’m not sure. Because there’s no reason to believe the hitting will continue like this. ”
Really,and there’s evidence to support that any day they will begin tearing the cover off the ball?
MW: Tearing the cover off the ball? Hell no. But hit like an average team? Absolutely.
- Ian JI thought we turned the corner in cleveland?
MW: I didn’t. Did you?
- kevinI’m heading to Pittsburgh tonight to catch the Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon games. The 9th inning yesterday has given me some hope.
I’m hoping that yesterday’s offensive outburst is a sign of things to come… even if just for this weekend.
I was debating bringing my paper-bag and wearing it over my head as I sit in my ‘behind-home-plate-for-$27′ seats… yes, that’s right, about 20 rows up behind homeplate in pittsburgh is about $27 US… Why is it so expensive at Rogers Centre?!
Anyhow, I’ll be sure to have my Canada Flag at the ready, and my signed Reed Johnson jersey on my back (*sigh*) for the offensive onslaught that is set to attack the Pirates of Pittsburgh… I hope…
Thanks, Mike, and I’ll try to call in after the Saturday night game.
MW: I’d love to hear from you Saturday night. Enjoy it! The offensive explosion doesn’t seem to be happening yet, though.
- JeffInternet down at Rogers, funny! Maybe they should consider switching service providers?
- kDoGGMike,
Mighty Joe I hit a slammer with a full count. Do you think that if he had of strike out rather hit the G.S. Gibby would have been fired?
Is lossing 8-7 REALLY that much different than losing 8-3 or 8-1?
It is amazing to me that a major decison like firing your manager can be so emotional biased.
MW: I don’t know that the actual decision is so much emotional based as the timing is. But the slam didn’t turn out to matter.
- JWP.S.
- JW- I’ve dated a number of supermodels…..zero is a number
Hey Mike,
Congrats on the hit streak!
I noticed something during the broadcast yesterday when Bush was entering the 7th and 8th, Alan kept saying “only 9 outs away” and “only 6 outs away”. From a broadcaster’s standpoint, is it bad luck to mention a no-hitter in progress?
MW: I don’t think so, though some do. Both Jerry and Alan talked about the fact that Bush had a no-hitter going at various points, though.
- IanReplacing the manager and/or GM will not improve the hitting, but yesterday’s game proves that something has to be done immediatly. Rios’s boneheaded play and Burnett’s constant immaturity and lack of focus in Thursday’s game is killing the team. Someone new and fresh (with expereince hopefully) needs to get in there and get these guys back on track now.
MW: We shall see.
- Shmuel YitzchokHow did Rios react to his great play in RF yesterday? Shouldn’t Rios and/or coaches educate each other of the ground rules in each ballpark? I am suprised more people are not ripping him for that play. It reminds me of typical play in my softball leauge not a professional baseball game!
MW: That might have been one of the reasons Pevey got the axe, too.
- Shmuel YitzchokMike,
One of the things J.P. said he wanted to do when he got the GM jobs was rebuild the minor league system. DO you think he was successful?
The last ranking I saw had the Jays at 16/30.
MW: I think the Jays’ minor-league system is fine. I don’t buy the rankings at all. The ONLY way to rank a minor-league system is to see how the major-league club is doing six years hence.
- JWIf Gibby gets fired, I think JP should do the managing, since he seems to understand the definition of baseball ‘passion’….he did just sign a certain outfielder for boatloads of money and he allows Prince Fielder!?!?!!??! to earn an inside the park homerun.
JP was a clown for his BJ Ryan injury hiding, he was a clown for his complaining about the division he is in, he was a clown in saying that he doesn’t believe in 5 year plans (or any plan it seems) and he is a clown for the Adam Dunn incident.
I hope Gibby lands a job soon, it’s not his fault he had to manage a team assembled by a clown.
- Markone thing you have to remember about the idea of trading AJ is that the receiving team also gets either an extension of him, or the draft picks the jays were going to get. This raises his trade value considerably…
MW: I think he has plenty of value.
- AlexA couple of days ago there was a question as to whether or not the HR hit by Prince Fielder was the first ever hit against the Jays by the son of a former Jay player.
While I don’t know the answer to that question, I’d be willing to bet that yesterday we saw/heard the first ever in that category which never left the park!
I was interested to read in this morning’s team notes
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/report/TOR/10871855
that “Marty Pevey teaches the outfielders not to touch the ball until the umpire arrives” (presumably in the “ball stuck in the padding” situation), and that this is the reason that Rios waited so long to pick up the ball.
If true, would this be “standard procedure” for all teams, or is it unique to the Jays?
MW: No idea.
- NormLast nights start pretty much puts to bed the thought that A.J. is going to be a class A. He would probably need to post a sub 3.2 ERA with some decent run support the rest of the way for him to climb back up the rankings. Actually, more likely a sub 3.00. I haven’t seen much to make me think that’s going to happen. Hell, at this point, he might not even qualify as a class B.
- Dan WHello Mike.
Here’s all you need to know about the Blue Jays’ putrid
offense.
Matt Stairs leads the Jays in homers with 8.
Overbay & Wells lead the team in RBI’s with 28.
Eric Hinske has 12 homeruns
and 37 RBI’s. Nuff said.
BTW, you’ve always stressed that we shouldn’t panic, that
it’s still too early in the season, etc.
Well, it’s approaching the mid point in the season & the
Jays are in last place, double digits out of first.
Is it okay if I start to panic ?
MW: If you want to panic, be my guest. But as I’ve said plenty, panicking is just about the stupidest thing anyone can do.
- Lobohey mike, I remember you said the same thing about the Tigers in 2006 (I think?) when they went to WS… ‘nope, they’re not real contenders, they’ll fall off’ - but you were wrong ’bout that. And, you could just as easily be wrong about the Rays this year. The problem is you should never talk in absolutes Mike. Track record would suggest the Rays aren’t legit - but who really knows? Who knew the Jays would be a bunch of low-lives?
Anyway, it looks to me that JP has almost lost it. It’s actually hilarious. I can’t blame the poor guy: these underachieving bums drive me crazy and I’m just joe-schmoe fan.
MW: Of course I could be wrong about the Rays, but I wasn’t totally wrong about the Tigers - they did blow a 13 1/2 game lead.
- Paul OJust noticed that the Jays have apparently picked up one of the all-time best baseball “names” — a RH pitcher by the name of Jared Gothreaux (which I presume would be pronounced “Go Throw”)
He was a 2002 draftee by Houston, and is now pitching for AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
MW: Cool.
- NormHey Mike, when I was listening to wednesdays with J.P. and he said no one he talked to thought the jays would have a problem on offence this year, I was waiting for you to say “this guy Dan M who writes on my blog told me befor the season that the jays didn’t have enough offence”
Anyways maybe J.P. should of talked to the guys at baseball prospectus who projected the jays to finish.
Toronto Blue Jays 77-85 753 runs scored.
That was with Frank Thomas I might add.
and whats up with J.P. I use to love this guy now he doesn’t like a player because he has a low batting average??? seriously??? this is who is running our team. He doesn’t like him Dunn because he strikes out alot??? like who cares he gets on base 38% of the time and slugs over .500.
like I couldn’t believe those words coming from J.P’s mouth.
MW: He didn’t say he doesn’t like him because he strikes out a lot. And no, I won’t be referencing predictions from blog commenters to make points.
- Dan MHey Bruno, bring some substance to your postings. I’m sick of reading your garbage.
- CameronMike,
I have a question for ya to break up the mondaneness of having to comment so much on the whole martyr Gibby, axe J.P., and serve Denbo’s head up in batting practice(then he’d learn a lesson in hitting).
If you had the power to alter the course of baseball’s history and change something, what would it be?
For me, it’s simple. I would go back to 1994 and prevent the strike. My beloved Expos would have won the World Series, remained in Motreal and Youpii would not have had to sell his soul to the Canadians. And can you imagine, with retro uniforms being ‘cool’ again, just how sweet it would be to see nine players taking to the field in clown suits? It would be much more impressive than ‘Smurf Friday’s’
MW: Change something, huh? Stopping the ‘94 strike would be a big thing. Preventing the White Sox from throwing in ‘19 World Series would be a big thing. Taking out the wooden frames around the cut-outs at Exhibition Stadium in ‘87 would be another. It’s amazing how every Expo fan speaks with such certainty that the ‘Spos would have won the World Series that year, though.
- KeithHi Mike,
What did they figure out? hitting? They scored 6 runs in one inning and they figured out? In my mind, they would have figure it out when they win ball games and get back in the race.
A one-inning-six-run explosion that does not even win a game is just too small of sample to say they figured out… Sorry Mike!
MW: I don’t believe I said that the inning meant they had figured it out. I think the word “maybe” or “hopefully” was in there.
- AxelMike
When Scott Carson calls out the Jays, you know things have bottomed out. Several weeks ago I said to you that based on my experience of watching Blue Jays baseball for over 25 years, I could see this team was not going to be very good offensively. I don’t how to explain it, call it an “intangible” intuition. I also pointed out that Denbo’s hitting philosophy was not working. It appears you are now starting to acknowledge this team just isn’t very good. They aren’t as good as May and not as bad as June, but balancing those months, still spells mediocrity. So…. you will be happy to learn I just bought the Blue Jays and have appointed you President - now what’s your first move? (note: standing pat is NOT an option)
MW: Signing Barry Bonds.
- DanHey Mike,
Here’s something to chew on. The Jays’ were just coming through a week where they were 6 - 1 toward the end of May. Then on May 29 what happens? Of course that is when Aaron Hill gets his bell rung. Their record since his injury, 5 - 13.
Could it be a simple as a line-up without Hill?
MW: It could, but then people would really have to change their opinions about J.P., wouldn’t they? But of course it’s not. One player, especially one who was struggling offensively, doesn’t change the dynamic of a team that much.
- CameronMike,
Have you read the Blog on Fox Sport about Ricciardi? He also bad mouth Gil Meche last year as well. He is an embarrassment to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Paul please have mercy on us an fire him.
- brunoITS TIME
Yesterday I asked when your your eyes it would be appropriate to fire either the GM or manager and you stated that you had answered that question a dozen times already. While I have only recently begun reading your blog, I am a fairly regular listener to both the pre and post games shows and I haven’t heard your response to when it is the right time to make these moves. I know you may be repeating yourself again and as I don’t have the time to read thru all your past posts for find the comment, could you please enlighten us knee jerk guys as to how long is long enough, when and why you would fire a manager or GM and not even necessarily JP and Gibbons. Thanks in advance for making you do it 13th time!
MW: Sorry - if I’m going to be answering 150 comments a day, I’m not going to be able to do 13th answers. You have to do some legwork!
- ThomaHi Mike, I don’t think firing anyone at this point will fix the offense. I’m curious what the Jays do in the off season. Where do they go from here.Pitching is great, but do they just hope these guys come around? I’m not sure what trading partners you could find to make any major changes. What would you do if you were GM in the off season
MW: Put out some feelers for value-for-value trades, tweak with some better hitters in certain places, and hope that the hitters I have get back to being what they should be.
- SteveMW: Sorry to disappoint you. But you got to see Joe Inglett hit a grand slam. And Rod Barajas had an infield single!
- Torgen
And I got to see Rios have another mental lapse. Is it time for another day off? What a bonehead play.
- Stephen SmithBaseball Prospectus gives the Jays a 3.6% chance of making the playoffs. I like the odds Mike!
And if JP gets fired, will he still come on your show every Wednesday?
MW: That sounds about right, given how far back they are. No.
- JohnHey Mike,
concerning a Burnett deal I’m hearing many people say that Purcey is next in line for a spot in the rotation if Burnett leaves. I’m wondering why he seems to be getting more attention than John Parrish. Purcey isn’t quite ready yet to make the leap which was made obvious during his two starts this year but Parrish has been in the Majors before. Statistically they are close but wouldn’t you have to give the nudge to Parrish considering his experience?
Parrish: 10-0 with a 2.83 ERA
Purcey: 6-5 with a 2.42 ERA
Regards,
Stan
MW: Parrish’s experience says that he can’t throw strikes in the major leagues, though.
- StanWhat does Tony LaCava look like?
MW: Why?
- Jay Moneyburnett and zaun for Soto
right now
MW: The Cubs would hang up the phone in hysterical laughter if you made them that offer.
- slobberfaceI wonder how many people will show up to the Reds game? im bringing 20,000 brown paper bags for all patrons
MW: You probably won’t need that many. Although people may come to see Cito.
- slobberfaceHi Mike,
I’ve rechecked the box scores this morning and it’s a WOWlner moment - The Jays really did score 6 times with 2 out in the 9th!
Holy Smokes!
Anyway, I was wondering what the big deal with the batting order is. Surely it only really matters in the 1st inning. I think Jesse Barfield was saying it takes a while before someone gets ‘comfortable’ in his spot. I’ve played the game for many years and when you’re up, you’re up. You need to either get on base or move the runners along.
Aside from inning 1, I don’t get it - please help!
Aneez
MW: They always line up the same way, though the first inning is the only one when you’re guaranteed to start with the leadoff guy.
- AneezI think all JP did was give a good answer to a good question
on your show Wednesday night.
This overresponse reminds me of the old lynch mobs in the old west. I would assume J. P. got this info from his scouts as he has been burned in the past and wants players of good character. I’am impressed with Adam Dunns Home Run record, but I think that if the Jays were setting 3 games atop of the A.L. East, his innocent comment would have went no further then Mike Wilners radio program. Anyways I read in the SUN that Godfrey is going to have a chat with J.P. in Pittsburgh tonight concerning the poor performance of the Jays.
MW: He did have that chat indeed. I think that no matter what the circumstance, those comments would have gotten the play they did.
- Grant LaryHebrew Hammer! Love it!
Too bad they lost but at least it was a fun one (and Joe Inglett has more homers since May 2 than Alex Rios).
On a completely different tangent, my favourite JaysTalk callers are the ones who call in and suggest wild trades (… in the vein of “that Volquez kid in Cincy looks good; why don’t we trade Burnett and Johnny Mac for him?”) I wish your screener let more of those through as they’re always a riot!
MW: I have as many homers since May 2 as Alex Rios.
- ZackOne other thing–is AJ’s velocity down this year? I was at the Cubs game last Friday and I think he hit 96 mph once; there were a lot of 93 and 94 mph fastballs. I feel like he used to hit 98 and 99 quite a bit.
MW: I’ve seen him at 96 and 97 a lot.
- ZackDoes your softball team still have the guy who is Neil Diamond’s exact double on it? He’s an older gentelman (for league standards) and could be on one of those “Celebrity Look Alike” shows. I haven’t seen him around with your drop in divisions this year.
Good luck with the season.
MW: Could you be talking about Steve Greenberg?
- AdamHi Mike,
- marioMan it is ugly being a fan of the Jays this year.The team finds ever frustrating ways to lose.It is almost as if the baseball gods are mocking us.I look at the team and they really are not this bad.Then I look at the standings and I realize we are.Atleast we are playing like we are that bad.What is it with sports fans in this city.It seems that they get off on watching their team lose,it seems they can only be happy if someone is losing their job.I was listening for a very short time to Mcown on590 yesterday and I could not have imagined him being any happier that the Jays are playing as bad as they.He calls himself a fan but I have a hard time believing that he is one.I have no answer for the team but also I don’t laugh at the team because it going through a rough season.I take every loss hard until we are mathematically out of the race.I think most fans are like me.There is nothing funny about losing especially for fan.
mario
Go Jays!!!
Mike,
WOW….just listening to the Fan590 in my office and I heard the Jays dumped Gibby,Denbo,Pevey & Whitt and brought back Cito Gaston???? I really don’t see this change in personnel turning things around, but I suppose we’ll find out. What are your thoughts on bringing Gaston back?
MW: It’s up there, new post.
- Tommy ScholczCito Gaston is back! Wow! I thought the BIG press conference was going to be an announcement that the newest Blue Jay is…Barry Bonds!
Wow!
kk
- karim kanjiWow. Just heard the news. Wilner, where are you??
Haha. Just kidding. Take your time. I’ll be interested to read your take on this somewhat surprising move.
- DaveRMike… Get the details about Cito up here!
- AndrewMike,
I watched the highlights last night and noticed Rolen looked a little stiff as he walked to the dugout after an at bat…is it his back that is bothering him??
Has anyone said anything to you concerning him (anybody in the organization that is)??
p.s. I have always been a huge fan of Alex Rios but in my opinion the Fielder in-the-parker was in-excusable.
Every kid who has played sports throughout their childhood knows that you play until the “whistle blows”…pick up the damn ball and hit the cut-off man! THEN complain that it should be a ground-rule double (however knowing how fast the “Prince” is Alex may have even thrown him out at second..then who would be calling for a ground-rule double???)
so frustrating…
Thanks for the outlet to vent, it is much appreciated
MW: No problem. But evidently Marty Pevey had instructed Rios to wait for the umpire. Weird. I haven’t heard anything about Rolen’s back.
- PatWow. Too bad for Gibby and the other coaches. The thing that sucks the msot is that when they do start hitting, which you gotta believe they will at some point, all the anti-Gibby people will say, “You see, it was his fault.” Its just not fair, but that is pro-sports. It will be good to see a familiar face in Cito, but how much can he really change?
MW: Exactly.
- BrettOh my god!!! Cito’s back!!!
What do you think Mike??
- TroyIs this a panic move or do you think this was a decision that came from above J.P. ??
Take care.
WOW!!!!
Back to the Future!
I feel really sorry for J.G. and his family and wish them all the best, but the inevitability of this has been looming large.
I found out this stunning news on the Fan website, long before any hint of it appeared on the Jays own website or the Star’s website
- ukJayLooks like the most obvious answer is right under your nose.. JP’s gushing comments on Cito seemed to pave the way for his arrival..
MW: Sure makes that comment from Wednesday night more interesting, doesn’t it?
- KeithHOLY SMOKES!
Jays clean house?
Cito Gaston is back?
this is going to be interesting…
I can’t wait to hear what you think about all this….
I can’t help to feel bad for the Gibby and his men….if this doesn’t light a fire, I dunno what will.
CITO CASTON!
- RandyCito Gaston…. wow… i woke up and it’s 1992
- Peter P.Mike, you told me yesterday that Cito would be starting his career up again in New York, not Toronto, haha.
I think I practically called this one 2 days ago, and I’m not surprised. It’s a Paul Godfrey move if there ever was one.
- SteveMike,
Finally They Figured It Out, But It Took A Long, Long Time…..ironic title?
MW: Given today’s events, maybe. But that’s only if you think the firing was justified.
- JWHi,
ukJay’s disgruntled Baseball widow here.
Could you please tell my husband when he logs on, i’m not calling my unborn child Roy, and his dinner is ready, because i know he’ll speak to you before he speaks to me…
Thanks
MW: Do you want me to have him pick up the dry cleaning?
- ukJayMike,
Interesting that they cleaned house minus Brad A.
MW: Also minus Brian B. and Bruce W.
- JWMike, if a caller had phoned in a week ago, and said that Adam Dunn doesn’t like playing baseball and therefore the Jays shouldn’t get him, and suggested that the Blue Jays should basically hire back the entire 1993 coaching staff outside of Galen Cisco, what would have said to them?
MW: I would have said that he was insane.
- AubreyGibbons (and Whitt, Pevey, Denbo) Gone, Cito (and Teance, Leyva, Murphy) in
- GregHLOL, mike, your title for this blog finally makes sense.
- sammy jalalzaiWell, i caught 3 callers from your Jays talk on Wednesday, and one of them was mentioning Cito and how it would be cool to bring him back.
There isn’t any way possible that this one caller influenced JP that night, to make this decision, is there? IS THERE?
MW: No, there isn’t.
- PhilMike, first off, I’m happy that JP showed some humility in how he apologized for his comments about Dunn. He went way over the top in speaking out about a player on another team and other league.
Now, we find out 2/3rds of the coaching staff is fired and replaced with good old Cito. That in itself is shocking, never mind all his staff from the late 90’s. Just thinking about it, it seems that even as an interm position for Gaston that this is a public relations move. In that, who knows maybe Cito can make some difference in this club. Wow.
Ok, well now after all my bitching I can shut up for a while and see what happens in the next four months.
Go Jays.
Maybe we can get George, Jesse, Lloyd, Tony and Johnny O back for old times sake too…woohoo.
- BrendanMike
I just read on Yahoo Sports that Cito Gaston has replaced John Gibbons as manager. It is unfortunate, he paid for J.P.’s incompetence. They should have fired J.P. as well. Short term, it may work, but long term Gaston will be a disaster. There are reasons why no other MLB team ever hired him after he was let go by the Jays. Only in Toronto could they bring back Fletcher and Gaston. It must suck to be a fan of either of those two teams. There should be suicide watches in the GTA with these guys in charge LOL. I am really glad that I only live in the area and am not a fan of either of ‘bush league’ outfits.
- BrianWell, unfortunately for Gibbons he was the fall guy for a poorly put together team. With Cito getting interim, that means they have made a decision to go the remainder of the year and allow the new GM to select his own guy for next season. We watched Gibbons walk the plank, now have to watch JP do it. Wish they would just cut them both at the same time.
MW: It doesn’t mean that at all.
- Bobthe guy you have bashed for months is now the Manager..how many calls did fans ask to bring back Cito? I am not saying he will turn the ship around but you were strongly opposed to bringing Cito back not too mention bashed him and his results a few times..hot water Mikey!!
MW: Truth is truth. I feel the same way about Cito that I always have. I wouldn’t say I’ve been “bashing him for months”, though. His name hasn’t come up that much.
- MatthewCITO IS BACK! BACK TO THE FUTURE OR WHAT??!! GO JAYS!
- JOEWhen I’m in Toronto next week, every time I step up to the plate I’m gonna pretend the ball is JP Ricciardi’s head…Blue Jays beware, lots of balls will be flying out of the Rogers Centre.
- Adam DunnP.S. Griffey Jr is p****d off as well !!!
Mike, your thoughts on the resurrection of Cito Gaston please…
- keithCito? what a joke, does he know Alomar and Carter are not on the team anymore.The only decision he made on the world series teams were should i fill out the lineup card in blue ink or red ink? There is a reason why he was not a manager since being fired by the jays because he has NO CLUE. Maybe its time to bring Danny Ainge back to play 3rd
MW: It’s pretty unfair (and arrogant, condescending and all the other words people use to describe J.P.) to say Cito has no clue. I mean, you undermine any point you may have with nonsense like that.
- russHey Mike
Can u somehow get your softball games televised instead of the jays games…just joking. Just recently I found out that Gibbons was fired, doesn’t this reflect badly on J.P because he was the one who brought gibby to Toronto and that was his guy. In my opinion this proves that J.P is doing a bad job (which everybody knows but management). So hopeful he gets fired ASAP. What is your opinion on all of this?
MW: Firing the manager proves that the G.M. is doing a bad job? How’s that?
- BlakeWhile Cito’s hiring brings back fond memories of the “Good old days”, what he can do to turn this thing around remains to be seen. I hurt for Gibby as I always enjoyed his early morning interviews, the way he’d laugh and always had such a sense of humor. Here’s hoping he lands on his feet and gets a second chance somewhere. As for J.P., you gotta figure he’s feelin’ the heat. I wonder who will replace the three fired coaches? I can not ever rememeber this club making such a drastic in season move.
MW: By now, you know who has replaced the coaches. I’m not sure if the Jays have ever blown out this many guys in-season at once before, either. I doubt it.
- Jim BranscomeCito’s back?! Really? How many people saw that coming?
The cynical reaction I’m seeing from some corners is that this hiring is a way for JP to distract the fans from the general stench around the franchise. My take on that would be to point out that isn’t Cito smarter than that? Why would he take the job if this was the case? I’ll just hang up and listen…
MW: I would say no one saw it coming, which makes it kinda cool that way. Usually stuff this big gets leaked and the announcement is anti-climactic. Cito took the job because it was a chance to manage in the majors again, and I don’t think it’s a distraction move by J.P. I think it was Godfrey’s idea.
- TonyI appreciate your input on your post the other day, and I must agree with the title of today’s blog - the Blue Jays have finally figured out that Gibbons had to go. I’m a big Cito fan, but I’m not sure if I would have gone that route. But I only wish that Ted Rogers and Paul Godfrey would wake up.
I read something in today’s news that the Jays have had four or five managers in the last seven years. That’s a high turnover rate. That, coupled with multiple line up changes, etc… it is no wonder the Jays are losing. there is absolutely no consistency with their product.
I’ll look at the Yankees for an example - in the last decade you could pretty much read their line up card day in and day out and it wouldn’t change, the managers would stay the same, etc.
Your thoughts Mike?
MW: That’s a pretty good example - a team that’s been in the playoffs 13 years in a row. Cito is the Jays 4th manager since Buck Martinez took over in 2001.
- David BrennanHoly Crap Mike, never mind my question about mixing up the coaches. I just read about all the firing and Cito hiring. Whoa, can’t say as I think all of that was the best move in the world; even if the offense is stinking it up, why fire everyone? I get the John Gibbons and Gary Denbo firings, though I don’t agree with them, and I think that Marty Peavy was not a great third base coach, but should have been demoted, not fired. But why fire Whitt too? This is one heck of a slash and burn campaign, and while I saw some of it as likely to happen(Gibbons and Denbo) the rest honestly surprises me. You? Thanks Mike.
MW: Pevey wasn’t doing a good job at third, and I don’t believe J.P. ever wanted Ernie there. They tried to get him to quit with the demotion at the end of last season. All of it surprises me. I just figured Butterfield or Pevey would move into the big chair for the time being.
- kitaOh boy! Forget those other two posts! Actually don’t forget the one about JP because that one stands. Gibbons is gone and I think Ricciardi will not be far behind him. He should be out the door for the Dunn comments alone!
This has been in the works for ages, and it should at least make the fans want to watch the team play again. I’m not expecting any overnight successes, but at least I’ll watch the game tonight, and frankly I had planned not to because it’s just too painful. They fired the right guys, I think, except one that remains. And I’ve just started a Death Watch on him!
MW: Wow, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Everyone who hates J.P. loves the Cito hire.
- reyesHi Mike:
So Gibbons is history. I share your thoughts on Gibbons. He didn’t deserve the axe. Perhaps more than any other Jays manager, Gibbons could defend his decisions from a mathematical perspective. It’s always easy to second guess — but I never felt the Jays frustratingly disappointing offensive performance had anything to do with Gibbons.
Riccardi is smart to bring in Cito. The fans will just love it. It might help to keep “bums in seats” as fans balk at paying higher ticket prices (this year) for a sub-.500 team.
Oh … hope springs eternal. Unfortunately for Gibbons … if the “streaky” Jays turn around, it will all be because of the “Cito Magic”.
I will not worry too much about Gibbons, because I think a lifetime .500 record looks pretty good along side many lessor managers.
While we are at it, let’s bring back BJ Birdy, Fergie Olver (field level interviews) and Panasonic commercials (just slightly ahead of their time).
(Waterloo, Ontario)
- Scott BrownI hope JP is not being a snake by bringing Cito a fan favorite, just to ease the situation. I remember how he did it to Buck Martinez, then fires them at the end of the season. He better give Cito time and a little more room to manage.
MW: What did he do to Buck Martinez? Gord Ash hired Buck. And Buck was fired in June.
- jasonHiring Cito, the best move J.P. has ever made.
MW: Fish in a barrel.
- David MillarFinally, Gibby’s gone…probably not the right move but it had to be done..J.P. should be next followed by godfrey..c’mon ted lets do this right
- S.M.So does this give the Jays 3 hitting coaches?
Maybe what they really need is a shrink.
MW: Four - Cito, Tenace, Leyva and Murphy.
- JWcito…
- JordieWOW!!!
Mike, did you see this coming? We all knew Gibby was done… but CITO!!!
Hey Mike, If i am not misinformed, I believe Sandy Koufax helps out with the dodgers pitching staff from time to time, and if they hired him I believe that would be great for the team, and especially for young pitchers like Jesse Litsch who could use a high-level mentor like Koufax. What do you think?
MW: They’d have to hire him away from the Dodgers.
- WillAll I have to say now is:
CITO! CITO! CITO! CITO!
Now fire JP ans we will be all set
MW: Fish. Barrel.
- PeterDo you think they could hire Koufax away without much trouble>
MW: No, I don’t.
- WillLOL
zaun and burnett for soto is a pipe-dream for sure…surprising to hear that from you though MW!!!
i know greggggggggory is your boy
MW: I like Zaun because there aren’t many catchers who are way better. Soto is WAY better.
- slobberfacep.s.
- slobberfacegibby = boomHauer
im gonna miss him
ya
well maybe they will panic because zambrano is missing a start…and because ones of his legs is too long/short
MW: It’s not fantasy baseball, it’s really hard to get a big-league GM to panic and do something really stupid. Not that it doesn’t happen (Kazmir for VZambrano, Mike Young for Loaiza, releasing Reed Johnson), it’s just not likely.
- slobberfaceThe dismissal of John Gibbons was warrented and so would a JP dissmal. In no professional sport where organizations invest money in their franchises would an owner put up with mutiple losing seasons, especially if the team had a winning tradition
in prior years.
If a GM comes out as JP did several times and specified the amount of money that will give him a better chance to contend and he gets that money, then the expectations of the fanbase will go through the roof as should the owners and the GM had just better be competitive. If teams like the twins in prior years florida and Tampa, can be competitive with payrolls 60mill and under why can’t we.
Jp has ridden the payroll,injuries and division excuse. The payroll excuse is out the window, because Florida and Baltimore and Tampa this year, is a great indication that without a great payroll drafting can really do the Job , only three guys on the jays roster are fully developed draft picks in seven years from the Jp regime. With regards to the injuries this team had last year, Dan Shulman last week on PTS said he feels that everytime injuries are used as an excuse it lets the rest of players on the roster off the hook, Mcowan says if it wasn’t for the injuries Jays would not have seen the developement of Mcowan, Marcum, Litch. With the division excuse, Florida marlins are in a division with Atlanta and The New York Mets who highly outspends them every year Yet they remain competitive this year and won it in 2003 in that same division with two big spending teams.
Lastly, there was a caller last night that said,
JP kind of used Marcum,Mcowan and Litch as a last resort, therefore can he really get all the credit for these guys.
Primarly he tried to aquire
Matt Clement
Gill Mesch
Aquired Tolma Olka inserted him in the starting lineup
Olka was terrible.
Zambrano appeared in only eight starts injury progned
Josh Towers was largly inconsistant, finally released.
Marcum.Mcowan and Litsh I believe were guys who’s talents were being wasted in the farm(sort of like Adam Lind), if JP did not hit desperate times would we have seen these guys, I know for sure Bobcat doesn’t think so.
The fact that he gives external sources an opportunity befor his home grown talent is indicative of the confidence he has in the farm. Pretty sad after six years, especially knowing he didn’t have the payroll he wanted in prior years.
MW: The Jays have had back-to-back winning seasons.
- NeilI await the day with bated breath when Wells, Rios, Overbay, Godfrey and JP are GONE GONE GONE GONE GONE! But you of course, Mr Wilner will be IMORTALIZED in the annuls of baseball!
- Vito From HamiltonAnybody who feels Godfrey is the CHIEF ARCHITECT of this mess has my unbridled support. Time he hit the road.
- Vito From HamiltonMike, does Vito mean you are going to be annulled?
- NormNot going to mention names…
Nice cheap shot, never would known about you or this place had it not been passed along.
Its too bad all you could do is cry to the world about how much of a girl you are in the “old guys” league. I stopped you from making a double play.
Sorry for taking something away from you to write about
what a “great” player you are!
Get a life. 8 straight at-bats with a hit in the “old guys” league is nothing to be tooting you own horn about, don’t you have enough people doing it for you here? So pathetic that you have big yourself up in a blog?
Honestly, if I thought as much about you as you seem to think of both me and yourself, I would have cried about the idiot on your team that tried to run me down at home plate in a “non-contact” old guys league. I saved him from getting that throw from the outfield blindsiding him.
Spiking is not my style, ask anyone who’s ever played with me. If I had a wanted to “come after you”, I would have just run right over you. You are not exactly a “small” target.
We’ll see you on the diamond again, unless you are too much of sissy to show up the next time we play against you.
MW: I can’t wait! “Girl”, “sissy” - the mark of a brilliant debater. Again - it’s old man baseball, no one is getting a contract out of this. No one should be out there trying to hurt someone.
- Jason Manso