11:10 AM Eastern
I didn’t especially want to post this one, because we had an awful game – losing 21-8. Just terrible.
Personally, I went 3-for-5 with three singles, but was just 1-for-3 before the game got away, so it was a pretty hollow three-hit night. The defense was shoddy as well – at least it felt that way, with a pair of bad-hop grounders getting by me and a line drive that I just couldn’t get to up the middle. I may or may not have made an error – there was a grounder to my backhand side that got through me but chances are the guy would have beaten it out anyway thanks to the downhill infield.
I did make a really nice catch on a line drive smoked to my right – used every ounce of my 5-inch vertical leap to snare it – and I moved to centre field for the last inning and made a couple of nice plays, which was good. Overall, though, a load of crap. Redemption comes shortly, though – we have a doubleheader Sunday morning!
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All I got to say is RISP Mike. You of all people should know…
- Andrew SIt needs to be known that I love you.
That’s all, really.
- AdamsSorry about the game. Sometimes it just happens that way.
I was checking 2009 free agents and saw Scott Downs name there, and last time I checked, he’s under contract to 2010.
However I was really checking fa shortstops. Because I don’t see any reason to look for a shortstop now. Yes, they need one. But unfortunately they might also need a 2nd baseman. Until the Aaron Hill situation is clearer, and given how the team has played and is playing, I think it’s probably better to go for an s/s on the open market in the off-season, when they know more about who will play 2nd base.
A bopper might be more useful to the team right now. They have an excellent defensive s/s already, and he saves us a lot of runs against. I don’t see Eckstein getting us much in the way of prospects.
MW: Why does Aaron Hill’s status change the fact that the Jays need a shortstop?
- reyessounds like you and derek jeter have about the same range.
MW: Nah, he’d have gotten the grounder to the backhand side.
- sammy jalalzaiMike,
Shake that one off buddy, come back at ‘em on Sunday!
Question about this AJ Burnett trade rumor that was being talked about on the morning sports shows this morning… (I won’t be able to call in tonight because the game won’t end until about 2am local time)…
A shortstop? Really? Do you know if we’re looking for a shortstop of the future? A guy to win now? Why not also look for a 2nd baseman and move Aaron Hill to short… that would make sense to me? I don’t know much about making trades but coming out and saying “We want to trade this guy for a SS” really makes me think it may cut down the quality of the guy we end up getting? Thoughts?
MW: I agree with you that saying “we want to trade this guy for a SS” severely limits your options. That’s why KC got screwed on the Beltran deal, because they insisted that a catcher and a 3B be included in any deal. Hopefully the Jays are targeting a good, young SS, but not married to the idea. It’s good to have goals.
- LukeMike,
Sorry if I offended you yesterday, it was meant in jest.
Two things, 1) You’ve said it yourself, Overbay is having a so-so year. If he drives in 40, hits 10hrs and 15+ doubles in the back half he’ll end up basically at his career average. So it is not fair to say that he has “dropped off the table”. Rios’s power has. Slugging down over .100 points since ’06, ’07 and hr/ab up to 1 every 84 from 1 every 26. I am sure that has everyone in the Jays clubhouse baffled.
2) Reports are the Dodgers have interest in Eck. Do you see a trade happening there?
MW: I think it’s likely that Eckstein gets traded, because Cito doesn’t seem to have much use for him. I doubt the return will be significant, though – if it is, everyone has to stop calling for J.P.’s head.
- JWSounds like your team is about the opposite of the Jays – good hitting, poor pitching. Maybe a trade is in order?
I am not convinced the Jays will break out of their hitting slump. I have seen enough in the past of players having one or two good years and then never hitting again up to that level (potentially Rios? Overbay?) Then of course there is the inevitable decline as one ages, especially when injuries occur (Rolen? Stairs?). As for Wells, he really only has had 3 dynamite power years (greater than 25 homers) mixed with 3 poor to mediocre (16-23 homers), so he is kind of hit-or-miss (I mean poor to mediocre based on his current salary).
I hope not, but it could just be the bad luck of all these things happening at once.
I like the early returns on Lind though, and the catchers have been doing an admirable job.
Just a fun question for you today. Not taking into account trades, what do you figure to be the Jays’ lineup in, say, 2011? And the starting staff?
Keep up the good work, Mike. I enjoy the show and the blog. I guess it may get frustrating, but if it makes you feel any better, I would trade my job for yours any day of the week, and I am sure many of your other listeners would as well.
Thanks!
MW: I’m sure they would, too, and I wouldn’t trade it! Since you’re using counting stats, though, it’s fair to point out that had Wells not missed a month with a calf injury in 2004, he most certainly would have hit the three extra homers to get him over 25, and then he would have had four dynamite power years in the last 5, the one outlier being the year his shoulder was messed up all season.
- RoryMike,
What team and division you play in? Are there first base and third base coaches in your league?
MW: Too much info, and yes, but they’re just players.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherMike
At least your team scored 8 runs, more than the jays have done recently.
Everyone is puzzled as to why this team is not hitting. If Cito, JP (and you) can’t figure it out, how can we as an average fan. It is as if they just tense up when there are men in scoring position, though lately, they plainly do not get on base.
I think it is time for a blockbuster trade, bring some new blood to give a different perspective, similar to the one Gillick had done to bring Alomar and Carter here. I know that the 88 deal was to get the jays over the top. This one is to get the jays out of disaster. Star players for star players. in 88, it was a shortstop and a first basemen for a second baseman and an outfielder. Maybe we can do the same here.
You gotta have balls to do it though, and I haven’t seen that kind of a trade from JP yet – hell, I haven’t seen that kind of trade lately with any team!
MW: That deal happened in 1990, and Glaus for Rolen was very similar.
- francisHey Mike,
What we all want to know is how you are hitting with RISP!!!!
MW: I have no idea. I lined out hard to first with the bases loaded last night, though.
- CameronI don’t expect the Jays to do anything great under Cito and crew this season,But next year will be a differnt story.
Letting Gibbons go at this point of the season was wrong,I did not like Gibbons but they should have waited until the end of the season.
I think Lind will make it this time at least I hope so.
One more think trade Wells if they can way to much money and get a top flight shortstop and right fielder [Rios to center].
MW: If you think Wells makes too much money, wouldn’t a major-league GM think so, too? And why, then, would he give up a top-flight SS and RF?
- garryMike –
You Rock! ‘Nuff said!
kk
- karim kanjiMaybe you should save us the pain and start doing a softball blog with the occasional Blue Jays update. The key question is how did you do hitting with runners in scoring position? If you did well, Cito has a spot for you.
When I get rich and own a team, my players will be paid minimum salary with good healthy bonuses for hits, runs and wins. A guy can dream can’t he?
Has there ever been any research to show whether incentive based contracts pay off in results? I would think that an owner would love to be paying out in bonus money.
MW: if you owned a team, you would never sign a single quality free agent.
- Keith in MiltonHi Mike
Any coincidence the Yanks and Sox are playing this afternoon? I know much has been made on the blog about how the Jays were on the road July 1st, but at this point I’m shaking my head. I don’t want people to confuse this for a Canadian inferiority complex rant, because I can enjoy my favourite teams just fine without approval from anyone south of the border telling me how good or bad they are or taking any kind of notice whatsoever. I know the schedule is largely random and teams can ask for certain dates, but in my opinion the scheduling process needs to change. The Yankees haven’t even come to Toronto yet, the Red Sox have been once and it’s past the halfway point in the season. While this is more of an oddity than a flaw in the system, it shows how strange a season it has been. I agree one hundred percent on the need for a balanced schedule; however, as you have mentioned, with interleague play likely to continue, a balanced schedule is not likely to happen. In that case would it be possible to change ‘rivalry weekends’ so that the rival would not be determined by what league the team is in. For example, the Jays would play the Tigers, but the Yanks would still face the Mets. I just think that the argument can be made that since the interleague opponents faced in a season by teams in a division isn’t always the same, does it really matter whether or not they are American or National League opponents for ‘rivalry weekend’ or in the the case of the Jays, Rockies and Tigers ‘mildly feuding parties weekend’. I guess just this suggestion shows how ridiculous it seems to have 11 teams fighting for the same playoff spot with vastly different schedules. I guess in retrospect my suggestion would only serve to confound the problem rather than rectify the discombobulation. Oh well, Happy July 4th to Americans reading the blog.
- HoweyHey Wilner, Mike
It seems as though your performance of your most recent game didn’t match up to your previous outings.
tsk tsk
Have you demanded a trade yet?
Any coaches being fired?
Is the team re-evaluating your contract?
A change needs to happen Mike, things can’t continue the way they are.
Your team need Barry Bonds in your line-up.
Enjoy your double-header on Sunday!
Aneez
- AneezMike I don’t know if its me or not but it seems to me that the arm angles for AJ Burnett and Roy Halliday are now more of a slinging motion (especially Burnett) than an overhand motion. This suggests they may be tiring. In the case of Shaun Marcum, his upright little follow through motion was bound to catch up with him and it did. Have you spoken to anyone on the staff at the Blue Jays about this kind of thing. (Re-Compare their deliveries to Morrow from Seattle and you will see what I mean).
MW: Halladay has been a semi-slinger ever since he got back from the minors in 2001, and I haven’t seen what you’re seeing with Burnett, except when he occasionally drops down. Their recent efforts wouldn’t indicate that they’re tiring at all, and why would they be tiring at the beginning of July?
- mike glattGood Day Mr. Wilner
I just wanted to offer up my opinion on you getting beat up over the Devil Rays. I know some people are giving it to you awfully bad but what do you get when your wrong (so far) about a prediction isn’t rubbing it in someones face just human nature? you your self have commented on how you were right about the tigers (so far) which is just human nature.
On a related topic I had an argument with a friend in regards to the Heatley for Hossa trade I said Hossa was the better player and my friend still rubs it in my face every time I see him since Heatley has had more points ever season since.
MW: What gets me is that people have assumed that the Rays will win the wild card, at the very least, when there are still over 70 games to be played.
- Dan MJust curious, Mike, do you find the level of interest in your softball career flattering, or more creepy and stalkerish?
Oh, and do you think the Jays might be able to get a decent, young-ish major league (or ML-ready) righthanded reliever for Eckstein? Obviously you wouldn’t expect things to work out as well as they did with Accardo, but even a serviceable guy would still seem like a reasonable and useful return in such a deal.
MW: Any sort of serviceable big-leaguer-with-a-future would be a great return for Eckstein, given the fact that everyone pretty much knows the Jays would like to move him. As for the softball thing, I thing it’s just diversionary. But in case it ever gets to the creepy stalkerish phase, I’m not giving out much info.
- darrenBesides being a member of BBC is there a minimum age to qualify in your league or it’s about old guys?
MW: Why would young guys want to play against us?
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherI feel your pain… I played last night and boched a couple plays at third, well one was a hard hit ball down the line and off my glove (should have had it though) so it was only my bare handed attempt to first on a bunt attempt that was my error. It missed first base by approximately 10ft. It wasn’t pretty. Rolen makes it look TOO easy.
I also can relate to the Jays a little… Last night we lost 4-0 and had two baserunners all game. I was 0-1 with a walk (not many ABs are possible in a 7 inning game and you bat 11 players). Our defence is good our pitching is good (old but good) but we can’t hit a lick.
The only Jays I see being moved before the trade deadline are Burnett, (Obvious reasons) Parrish, (out of options I believe and having a great year) Eckstein, (not needed… was never needed) Stairs, (veteran bat for someone) and one of Zaun or Barajas. (whichever draws more interest) Wilkerson has no value so he will be sent down or released or sent down and Mench released.
We need a SS who can hit and a DH who is feared………
MW: Yeah, but you’re not going to get that for that group. I don’t know about Parrish – anyone could have had him on May 1st for nothing, and no one wanted him. Sorry about your game last night, sonds like it was fast-pitch. Otherwise, getting shut out? Yikes!
- MattyI’ve never seen this written about, but I assume that certain combinations of shortstop/2nd basemen play better than others. Those two players work so much together that I can’t believe the methods and habits of an existing 2nd baseman wouldn’t be considered when looking for a shortstop. That having been said, I agree that Cito doesn’t have a lot of use for Eck. But I’m not sure what we’d get for him, and that’s the problem with the ‘blockbuster trade’ mentioned above. To do that kind of a trade, you have to have something to trade with, and all we’ve got is AJ and Eckstein. We could trade Rolen, but he’s an amazing third baseman and we need all the defense we can get to save us the runs we aren’t scoring. Apart from that, we’ve got overpaid underachievers and the guys we’ve got in the minors are not guys we should be trading. In any case, this team isn’t one player away from a world series. It’s a dh away from .500. Maybe.
MW: The numbers would say otherwise, but I know that numbers don’t matter.
- reyesMike,
Believe it or not, I think J.P. has done his job to date, but I think that there are some major question marks going forward. A lot of money is locked up in Rios, Wells, Rolen, Overbay and Hill while Doc is under paid. You have to believe that those core players will in place until the end of 2010, meaning the Jays will have them for another 2.5 years. Building around that could be a challenge for J.P., should the current production not be a fade.
On another note, you don’t like the aspect of “team slumps” and I am fine with that. But it seems reasonable to think that on any given year a few guys will be up and a few guys will be down and that on the whole things should equal out. So between last year and this year you have three up and three down and things equal out to crap.
Look at Boston (2007 – Manny – down, J.D. – down, Crisp – down, Lugo -Down, Lowell – Up, Pedroia – up, Ortiz – up 2008- J.D. – up, Ortiz – down and everyone else on the ave.) The difference of course is talent cause a bad year from a Manny or Ortiz is still pretty good.
MW: Look at Boston – Manny and Drew were down, homer-wise, but Manny still hit .296/.388/.493, which would lead the Jays in OPS this year, and Drew still had a .373 on-base.
- JWhello mike
heard you on the radio thursday on the bullpen….you said something about this year’s Jays being excruciating to watch but that they can play much better and there are still 70-something games left in the season (forgive me, I’m paraphrasing)…yes, sometimes they are difficult to watch and other times great and I think I have the reason why this occurs….they are a .500 team! This is what happens with .500 teams….at times, everything comes together and they look great and other times they lose 4 in a row…you can slice or dice it anyway you like, but this is a non-playoff team….and yes, you can cite the Rockies of last year as an example of why they still have a chance but the Rockies were the exception to the rule and had to have an almost impossible run to make it. I guess I just find it hard to believe that someone with your baseball acumen truly believes (not hopes, believes) that this team is a realistic post-season possibility.
MW: The Rockies were the exception to the rule, but none of the Phillies, Yankees and Cubs were more than a game over .500 on July 4th last year, and they all made the playoffs. If the Jays are a .500 team, how is it that they have scored more runs and allowed fewer than the Angels, who are 17 games over .500? And if you’ve been reading or listening, you’ll know that I believe that it will be extraordinarily difficult for the Blue Jays to make the playoffs this year.
- samI can beat your story. About 20 years ago I was playing softball and my team blew a 15-0 lead and lost 16-15 (No, Jim Acker did not pitch for us). Worse yet, I came up with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the last inning and on the first pitch fouled out to the firstbaseman. I’d still love to have that one back.
MW: Ooooooooooooh, that blows. I wasn’t really looking for a can-you-top-this, though – I didn’t have all that bad a day upon reflection. We still got our tails kicked, though.
- Jim BranscomeMike, softball is not baseball, it is for ladies. And people who think they can still play ball.
MW: Come out to a few games in any one of the dozens (hundreds?) of men’s softball leagues in Toronto and say that.
- Jason DeneaulMike,
Latest rumours from St Louis Blogs:
Duncan wants owner to go after Burnett, but JP wants to add Eckstein for SS Ryan and Brett Wallace and a rh hitter.
And from Milwaukee,
Hardy and Laporta for Rios, League and Burnett
Any chance of this happening ?
MW: I don’t love the fact that Hardy doesn’t hit right-handed pitching well, but he’s only 25. He’s a free agent after 2010, as well, so he’ll fit in here, but I would think that the Jays would like someone who is cheaper and controllable. When you look at the Mlwaukee deal, though, Hardy and LaPorta for Rios, three months of A.J. and a League who may or may not pan out looks awfully good.
- willHey Mike, they were just talking about the Jays’ SS position on Prime Time Sports and Jeff Blair said that he expects Hill to be moved to the position next year. I’d love to see this happen, as I’ve mentioned several times on your blog. What do you think?
MW: My feeling has always been that Hill is a solid defensive shortstop, but an outstanding defensive second baseman.
- JohnWhat position did Aaron Hill play in the minors because I remember when he first came up he was a utility guy playing 2B, SS & 3B. Would it be worth it to move him to SS & go looking for a 2B?
Also since the Jays need a power hitter should they be interested in Bonds. They said on Sportscentre that he play for the minimum.
MW: Hill was a shortstop coming up. And yes, they should be interested in Bonds, but they’re not.
- DMillsMike, re “I’m Tired”, Post #140 — Reed Brignac is in the lineup today for the Rays.
Good call!
MW: Thanks.
- NormHey Mike…you know what they say…if you watch them long enough you start to play like them.
If Cito reads this article, don’t be surpised to find yourself leading off a Blue Jay game some night….3 for 5, hell they could use a hitter like you.
Mark
MW: It wasn’t a very Blue Jay-ic game by us.
- Mark FeeleyMike, this might seem controversial, but if the jays don’t compete for a playoff spot this year, would you in the offseason shop Roy Halladay or at least consider it?
MW: I’ll consider anything that makes the team better. But why would you shop Halladay?
- andrewMike
Are you and Seth Everett one and the same person? You look the same and you have the same personality. Though I think Seth is a bit more of a blowhard than you, (and a little fatter)
MW: I don’t think we look alike at all. I met him at the Winter Meetings in Nashville last December, nice guy, but I’m not familiar with his work.
- HowardMike,
Just a general baseball question. See if you could help me settle an argument with a buddy.
How much does a minor leaguer get paid? Is it based on performance or do they all get the same? And what’s the difference between A/AA/AAA/MLB, in terms salary?
Keep up the good work Mike.
Go Jays
MW: It’s not based on performance at all. It’s a pittance, relative to what the big leaguers get.
- ReneHow about Burnett to the Brewers for either Laporta or Escobar?
A man can dream, right?
MW: He can.
- anonymousAll this talk about trading A.J. Burnett for an everyday shortstop has me concerned.
They’re limiting their options, and what are the odds that they get a top-tier offensive SS like Ramirez, Reyes, Hardy, etc.
Who would likely be in their sights? What more could they get for a Burnett/Eckstein package?
MW: J.J. Hardy isn’t a top-tier offensive shortstop. I don’t think they’re limiting themselves by wanting to get a shortstop, I think they’d be limiting themselves if they won’t take anything but. Adding Eckstein would raise the return a bit, but not a ton.
- Claythat’s an awful game by you.. you didn’t do anything to help your team win
MW: You’re correct. Because the team didn’t win.
- DonnyJust throwing this out there, but how would you feel about moving Hill to short in ’09 and signing Mark Ellis to play 2B? You improve your offence, while the defence doesn’t take that much of a hit, as Ellis is also a fine defensive 2B. Of course, the Jays would have to overpay for Ellis (the only decent FA second basemen are him and Orlando Hudson). But I don’t know, maybe it’s a possibility.
MW: I would love it if Ellis could hit righties better.
- JohnBunting Figgins in the 5th inning……..TERRIBLE
And this is one of the best managers in major league baseball???
- GregJPMike,
Why is Scutaro playing SS on a regular basis for this team?
MW: Cito likes him there.
- GregJPIf you want to talk about shoddy defense… Rios made another little mental mistake and of course it cost us.
But you know what’s really depressing? That ad they keep running for the Jays games. Where our boys are hitting like crazy and scoring runs and everyone’s happy at the ball game and yelling and waving. When I go to the games, everyone around me is subdued. It’s always the same guys, we’ve all had those tix for ever. I’ve seen them get mad and I’ve seen them get frustrated, but this is the first year that everyone’s just kind of sad.
In other news, it’s 11.00 pm and we’re down by 5. We might come back and win but I won’t be there to watch. Night-night everyone.
- reyesWhat about a trade for Felipe Lopez from Washington? He appears to be down in their books, and probably wouldn’t cost much. While he has only had one good season (albeit a good season as a member of Cincy in Great American Ballpark) he might be worth a try to see if he can find his stroke with an everyday role at SS. What do you think?
MW: I don’t want Flippy Lopez back here.
- Mike MYou said you would shop rolen if the jays fell out of contention.If we shop Rolen, would you think the return will be? Would it be a young 3B?
MW: That’d be a good start.
- andrewMike,
Think what you will, but it’s so unfair for you to say that if John Paul gets something for Eckstein that everyone should lay off. If you look at the big picture its so very sad and embarrassing. This team (will prove you wrong again) is just not good enough and it’s John Paul’s team. One day I’m sure you will realize it to.
- brunoHi Mike,
Now that we’ve brought back Cito into the fold, but are still in search of a DH, could we not bring back prodigal son Kelly Gruber? Think about it, he may be 46, but no doubt remains extremely fit as he once won a Wide World of Sport Supertars competion, which should never be taken lightly. He loves the GTA, particularly the water skiing in cottage country, and he could serve as a focus for all our disgruntlement, thereby taking the heat off of eveyrone else. He could also sub at 3rd for Rolen as he knows how to turn a triple play.
Sorry, but the Jays play has turned my mind to drivel.
MW: Let’s go for Gabe Kaplan! Didn’t he once win Battle of the Network Stars?
- Oz RobMike,
- Oz RobAll I remember from the Battle of the Network Stars was a young Nicolette Sheridan. This tended to overshadow any recollections I have of “The Gabe”. But gee, Gabe Kaplan….hmmmm, can he turn a double play? He’d look great with that afro under a Jays cap. Even if he is 72.
Hi Mike,
Sorry to keep blogging here, but I just listened to Jays Talk and it worries me about the problems you are having with this blog. This is a fantastic resource that for the most part provides the most intelligent discussions of Blue Jays topics I’ve come across. I’ve watched the Jays message board on their official website degenerate to the point where it is worthless. I’d hate to see that happen here.
Perhaps you could be a bit more ruthless in moderating the comments? I think people have to realise how much time and effort you spend on this. You seem to read every comment in detail and not only must it be detrimental to your eyesight, it must take a lot of your time…and I don’t think people appreciate how much of your own time you are giving up for this.
I think you should be commended on your effort and I’d hate to see it go through frustrations caused by idiots.
By the way, I forgot to mention in the last post that Nicolette Sheridan was running in the obstacle course. She won. I always thought that she and Kelly would’ve made a good couple.
MW: Kelly?
- Oz RobBillingsley would have came up with those balls.
- slobberface