11:50 PM Eastern
There’s a day game coming up after this night game, so I’d like to be brief, but I also want to wax eloquent about the efforts of Roy Halladay tonight. I’ll try to do both, though Halladay’s thorough domination of the Yankees almost leaves one lost for words.
He was spectacular. Outstanding. Maybe the best he’s ever been. For the game, Halladay allowed the Yankees to hit just five balls out of the infield. He gave up just two hits, but neither were legitimate. The first was a line drive to centre to whichBrad Wilkerson, third on the Jays’ depth chart at the position, took a very odd route and it wound up dropping less than a foot in front of him as he made an awkward half-dive. In his defense, Wilkerson had played exactly three innings in centrefield since 2005 before tonight. It’s not a stretch at all to say that both Vernon Wells and Alex Rios would have made the play.
With one out in the 9th, Derek Jeter sliced a line drive down the right-field line. It landed fair by a couple of feet, then hopped into the stands for a ground-rule double.
Those two hits were all that stood between Halladay and immortality. And just as a “by the way”, Halladay has seven complete games this season. If Halladay was removed from the equation, not a single major-league TEAM would have seven complete games.
The defense helped more than it hurt, with Joe Inglett making a really nice running/diving catch of a Melky Cabrera liner, and Marco Scutaro and John McDonald putting on a circus act in the 8th. The 4-6-3 groundout by Wilson Betemit was jaw-dropping in its awesemnity. Scutaro took the grounder on his backhand with all his momentum carrying him towards left field. He flipped the ball from his glove to McDonald, who took the pass, spun around, and made a perfect throw to first. Just beautiful. Really, really beautiful.
In the overall, this was an amazing game. Better-than-great pitching, outstanding defense (for the most part) and, to top it off, more than enough hitting. Lyle Overbay came through in a DP situation again, lining a one-out single to centre with runners on the corners in the third to open the scoring - one of his three hits from the three-hole. Rod Barajas hit a no-doubt bomb to left in the 6th, and Matt Stairs took a lefty out of the yard in the 8th, his 250th career home run. Stairs also moved into a tie for the team lead in homers, he and Vernon Wells both have nine.
The atmosphere at the ballpark was electric, and the Jays’ fans were much, much louder than the Yankees’. I especially enjoyed pretty much the entire stadium breaking into a chorus of “Yankees Suck” somewhere around the 8th inning.
These kinds of games are what this city has been missing over the last 15 years, and it’s too bad that this week more than likely won’t be a jumping off point for the Jays, simply because of the injuries they’re dealing with from this point on. That’s not to say that it couldn’t happen. They could keep this up and work their way back into contention, if, as I mentioned last night, guys like Lind and Inglett keep hitting and if John Parrish can adequately hold on to Dustin McGowan’s innings, but it would be unexpected and near-miraculous.
It’s funny how three weeks ago everyone was begging me to “admit” that the season is over, and now that they’ve won four in a row but have clearly reached the “it’ll take a miracle” stage, people are wondering why I won’t say that they’re thisclose to being right there. Sorry about that. Timing can be a real pain in the butt.
The Blue Jays are certainly not where they are because of injuries, but injuries will be the reason that they won’t be able to get back into it.
Here’s tonight’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
Tomorrow, make sure to tune in to the FAN590 or this very website at noon Eastern for the pre-pre-game show. I don’t have anything planned yet, but I’m hoping that one of the Lady Jays (who will be out for the food drive) will join me on the air and maybe take a few phone calls.
Comments are welcome, as always, and I have to say that I really liked what the Southpaw had to say in comment #98 of the last post.
I just heard you on the 20/20 update and boy do you get excited when you do your little 45 second review of the game…
it kinda sounds nerdy
MW: Thanks!
- Thomas Meehanhey mike,
silly question: what are your top three favorite movies about baseball?
(fiction films, not documentaries … ken burns doesn’t count).
love the show!
-andrew
MW: Hmmmmm - Bull Durham and Major League are the top two. As for the third - The Slugger’s Wife? No, kidding.
- AndrewGreat game tonight I was there, it was a beauty!
I am so happy Gibbons is gone. Nice guy and all but I had been calling for his firing for a while. I was getting sick of his over managing of the lineup and the bullpen. I LOVE seeing Cito stick with his hitters even when the opposition counters with lefty/righty matchups he keeps the hitters in - Lind last night against the lefty Sherril and Stairs tonight against the lefty Traber, no Gibby flippy floppy. Its not Gibbons fault its the players fault. I loved that line. Cito with half the roster Gibby had is giving the hardest working players the playing time and leaving them in, confidence is growing, and this is a result of his style of managing, I am so glad the flip flopper is gone.
Say what you want, cherry pick examples to defnd this post, I dont care, as a die hard Jays fan I know what I see, and since Cito and crew took over there is something much better about this club.
I know you supported Lind when they sent him down last because he was “1 for 19″ you kept preaching. Let the kid play everyday, develop, build confidence, finally! He had 11hr and 46 RBI in 290 ABs last year as a rookie, jeez!
Sorry for the rant, but the frustration of how this team was managed pre Cito is finally lifting!
MW: You want to know what’s much better about this club? They’ve won four games in a row. There wasn’t anything much better about this club on that road trip that they went on last week.
- MatthewHey Mike, your show rules, question: would you ever throw Joe Inglett out there in centre? Looks a tad like a Reed Johnson, has some wheels and likes to dive, the arm might be my concern.
Just a thought, with Rios gone this weekend I think it would be cool. Cheers
MW: I would have no problem with throwing Inglett into centre field (I love that the Reed Johnson comparisons have begun, by the way), but I think Wilkerson is a better centre fielder.
- Patanother question: if, by some miracle, the jays manage to sweep the yankees this weekend, would this lead the jays brass to think twice about giving away burnett?
if the offense really is capable of improving in the second half (and we’ve been seeing signs that they might be) … i mean, they’re only 10 games out right now. even without wells and mcgowan gone, they’re still very much in this race.
i agree that tampa’s going to come back down to earth and new york doesn’t look as poised to surge as they usually do (the sluggers are aging and the pitching just sucks).
it’s a gamble, but the only chance the blue jays have of winning anything is if they hold onto their starting rotation.
MW: That gamble, that slim chance, isn’t worth turning down a good package for Burnett (if they’re offered a good package).
- AndrewRoy Halladay is the only thing that excites about the Jays anymore, and he usually never disappoints.
The city of Toronto doesn’t appreciate Halladay enough.
- DavidMike:
No team makes it thru the 162 games without at least a decent bench. I was initially very pleased with Scutaro & Inglett after Eckstein & Mac went out. And they have continued to perform well. Between them, I believe that they have covered everything except Catcher and centre field. Thus my questions….Mighty Joe in CF? Plus how is Joe’s arm as an outfielder? He made what appeared to be a poor throw to 1B today.
4-6-3 circus style to get an out. WOW. From one of the TV angles, it was a tough catch for Mac.
Just noticed that Barajas is now second in HRs amongst active Jays for the season (active leaves out VW).
Finally, I know that the Jays have the mis-fortune to lead in DPs. Is that stat just ground ball DPs? Or does it include others (ie strikeout-throw out, and fly ball-throw out).
Thanks for the blog Mike, and have a great & relaxing All-Star Break.
Steve
MW: The DP stat is just ground ball double plays. I didn’t think Inglett’s throw to second was poor at all, considering where he was and in what direction he was moving just before he let it go. And I’ll be working the all-star game.
- SteveWFrom Comment #1:
hey mike,
silly question: what are your top three favorite movies about baseball?
(fiction films, not documentaries … ken burns doesn’t count).
love the show!
-andrew
You have to add ‘The Natural’ and ‘Field of Dreams’ to the list. I had the pleasure of going to Dwyersville, Iowa on a road trip to check out the home and field in the movie. Walking in from the corn fields was truly a feeling I will never forget.
MW: I’ll add “The Natural”, I really did love that movie, but I’m not as big a fan of “Field of Dreams” as everyone else seems to be. I’d love to go to that cornfield, though.
- Dave JRoy Halladay is a God who walks the earth in the guise of a man. I’ve never seen more consistently devastating breaking stuff in my life.
I thought it was a better pitched game than Stieb’s no-hitter.
I hope they’re already making room on the Level of Excellence for him.
MW: I’m sure they are, just as I’m sure you’re exaggerating for effect in your first sentence.
- Rick JonesMike how come you didn’t answer the last caller’s questions? As both a Cito and a wrestling fan, I was interested in your answers. Care to explain?
MW: Because I didn’t think they were worth answering. I also couldn’t really hear his second question, all I got out of it was “Shawn Michaels”.
- Jay MoneyMike, I know the whole idea about Travis Snider being called up is pretty much dead until September but I want to talk about the one recently which was brought up by Alan.
Pitchers in MLB can make adjustments to hitters better than pitchers at AA can. The pitchers in MLB have better stuff than the pitchers in MLB. This means Snider comes up here, and he’ll likely struggles he’ll try to make adjustments to his swing on the fly. No one wants to go back down to the minors and ride buses to ball parks…espcially not when all they’ll think about is how they blew their last call up. Those adjustments could cost him in the future, where he doesn’t develop as he should.
An example would be his strikeout rate. He may try to be more of a contact hitter and cut down on his swing in the majors, but that may cost him power potential down the road, as he’s not developing his swing to take full advantage of his power potential. And if he starts adjusting back and forth, he can get lost, and be in a lot more trouble.
While it won’t cost the BlueJays anything, it pretty much won’t gain them anything either. He still needs to work on hitting, he still needs to develop. As you are well aware yourself, 20 year old phenoms are rare and far in between, and it’s so because most kids aren’t ready to hit MLB pitching by that age.
Thoughts?
MW: I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, but there are players who are ready at that young age to perform in the majors. No one knew until Miguel Cabrera or Albert Pujols (to use two very recent examples) came up that they’d be able to handle the big leagues, and they did. As I said before, the team is likely going nowhere and they could use another outfield bat, so why not? If the adjustment and re-adjustment process (something he’s going to have to go through when he gets to the majors, whenever that is) is going to shatter his confidence and ruin him, better you find that out when he’s 20 than when he’s 23 and you’re actually counting on him.
- Phil C.Hey Mike,
How are you? I hope you continue to be not unwell. Anyways, I went down to the game tonight for my birthday and I was stunned to see 43000 fans there tonight. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. I enjoyed every moment of it. Halladay was truly remarkable. I thought that before the Baltimore series that the whole year was finished, but if this team can keep hitting like this and have good pitching, you never know what can happen. Mike, what likelyhood do you see the Jays taking the wildcard? And how many games will they need to win from this point on? Do you think Marcum will be back to his old form once he returns from his injury? One more question, do you think the Jays really shouldn’t trade AJ and get a big bat into town and try to make a miraculous run to the playoffs? Thanks Mike, love your show and all of your insight
MW: It’s hard not to get caught up in an exciting winning streak, isn’t it? I think the likelihood of the Jays taking the wildcard is very, very remote, given the injuries to McGowan, Wells and Hill. They’d need to win at least 42-43 games from here on out. No, I think they should trade A.J. if they can get the right package back.
- WarrenHi Mike,
I would agree with your assertion that the Jays are a better club with Vernon Wells in the lineup. However, the fact that he leads the team in RBIs is not the reason. We both know that RBIs are a byproduct of where a hitter bats in the lineup and the quality of hitters they have in front of him. It is my belief that RBIs for hitters and wins for pitchers are the two most overrated statistics in baseball. The reason the Jays need to play Vernon is he has traditionally been their best hitter and power hitter.
MW: Sorry, did I say that the only reason that the Jays are better with Wells in the line-up is because he leads the team in RBIs?
- Dave JHi Mike, one more comment,
JOe Inglett is the MAN! I love how he plays the game. He reminds me of a Reed Johnson that can hit
MW: It’s starting already - Inglett is the new Reed.
- WarrenHi Mike
Wow ,what a game.I usually watch the Jays on MLB.tv at home in Edinburgh but have been in Toronto on vacation for the last 2 weeks or so.I have been at the last 10 games and I,m going to the next two before flying home after sundays game.So far I’ve seen the Jays win 8 out of 10 ,score 14 runs in game 1 ,seen AJ win 3 with only 1 bad inning , two walk off wins and the great game tonight.A sweep of the yankees before i fly home may be asking a lot but you never know!!!.Keep up the great work Mike ,i enjoy reading your blog and listening online when I’m back home.
Is there any word on Stewarts injury and when he may be back?
Regards from Scotlands biggest Jays fan
MW: Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the trip! Stewart isn’t yet ready to even get on the field.
- Billydidn’t mean to insult you with my first post but i just think you get WAY too excited over reviewing the game in the little time that they give you.
MW: Sorry about that.
- Thomas MeehanMike,
Missed the game tonight but causght the highlights. Looks like I missed a good one.
With ths loss of Wells is there any chance of Buck Coats gettin the call up over Kevin Mench? Or is the biggest head in the league on his way back up?
MW: Mench is already back. The Jays wanted to call Coats up, but he’s hurt.
- Brandon FRealized Mench is already up. Its too bad I would have liked to see Buck get another shot.
And how long until Stewart will be back?
MW: See above!
- Brandon FI have to chuckle at the caller who suggested this is a better team without Vernon. I will suggest however that the team may step it up a little in his absence, hence the impression that they are better without him.
I love Vernon, but I don’t think he is the leadership type. I know you’re not big on the intangibles but I really wish the Jays had more of a mean streak in them. I’m not advocating dirty play, and even given my limited baseball playing experience (high school) I am aware it’s a game you can’t play on raw emotion like football or even hockey. For lack of a better expression they’re just too nice.
I also agree with your discontent concerning the Jeter hype machine. He’s not even the best shortstop on his own team, etc, etc. He’ tremendously overrated, but I do have to admit in all likely hood that he’ll windup with more than 3000 hits, and we know he’ll have at least 4 rings, so he’s pretty much a mortal lock to be a HoFer, no matter how much I dislike him.
Hopefully the guys continue to pull together and string a few together no matter how hopeless the situation appears. At the very least that would spare my upstairs neighbors from listening to me yell at the TV.
Keep up the good work.
MW: There’s no question that Jeter will be in the Hall of Fame, and he does deserve it. I agree with you that Vernon isn’t the leader type, but I really don’t think that matters.
- Sean CourtHi Mike,
In regards to post #98 by the Southpaw on the previous blog entry, I think it would be great if you could start one of your shows with ‘Army of Me’ by Bjork!
Keep up the good work!
Aneez
PS - Any update on Wanye (not Frank) The Beer Guy?
MW: Nope.
- AneezAs sports fans, certain players take a special place in our hearts and help us mark a time in our lives. If you were a kid growing up in New York in the ’50s Mickey Mantle was God. To a Boston fan in the ’60s, Yastrzemski would be the man. I feel so lucky to have Roy Halladay as that player who I will be telling my grandchildren about.
It’s not just what he does on the mound, it’s HOW he does it. On a night begun with Terry Fox’s brother throwing out the first pitch, it’s fitting that Halladay’s gem would echo the guts, focus, and durability that Fox himself exemplified.
Why is he so neglected by Toronto sports fans? In a Chicago or New York he would be the Bret Favre baseball equivalent. The irony is that Halladay seems quintessentially Canadian: mild mannered, modest, hard working, not flashy but effective.
Somehow tonight Roy Halladay made an otherwise unbearable season seem special. At least until his next start.
- JasonI just read Rios will be unavailable the entire series vs the Yanks, yikes. Bad timing. Why can’t the likes of Mench and Wilkerson procreate instead (not with each other but seperately, I digress)? I hope JP remembers to congratulate Rios or he might go Hillebrand on us.
What a game by Doc, wow.
- bmacHey Mike
I’m from the Kitchener area and moneys tight. And with the cost of gas and parking as much as id like to go to em all i can only afford to go to a select few. I got the opportunity to go from a friend who couldn’t use the tickets and … Wow what a game!!! Halladay pitches a gem, Mighty Joe had a Mighty diving catch, that amazing 4-6-3 dp and booing the hell outta A-Rod and Jeter. couldn’t have had a better night.
Love the show. Love the blog
Keep on fighting the good fight
p.s. In my section there was a group of guys that got kicked out. They were loud, drunk and full of spirit, but I think it was the Madonna masks they were wearing that drew them the most attention. they were hillarious
- Kurt PMike,
I enjoy your work ethic and knowledge ou put into your blog and show…
I was driving through Montana the other day on the way back to Ontario from the Calgary Stampede and managed to catch a feed of the end of the game and your post game…. it sure made that Montana drive much better. On the way through I saw bought standing room tickets and was fortunate enough to catch David Bush throw a true gem in 13 strikeouts and somehow Prince Fielder managed to run out an uncontested triple.
Question: many players get to first base and then hold onto their batting gloves in their hands whilst they run. Is this to simply avoid hand/thumb injuries in a potential slide or no?
MW: Yup. And very cool that you were able to catch the show in Big Sky Country. Was it one of our affiliates in Saskatchewan you were picking up?
- McMahonMichael,
The thing I love most about the Yankees coming to town is that you get a great atmosphere in Toronto. Man, it would be awesome if the Rogers Centre was always like that, and honestly, I think the Jays play better when they get a good crowd out. It would actually be interesting to see a study of their record at home when they get, let’s say 35,000 plus. I think it would be pretty good, especially when you factor in that the majority, if not all, of the big crowds come against good teams. Ahhhhhh if only this city was as die hard about the Jays and Raptors as they are for the Leafs. Someday I think it will even out somewhat was all the old hockey pucks start to get phased out!!! Woot, Lovve you WIlner~!
MW: I think a couple of years ago the Jays were something awful with crowds about 35,000. I can’t remember, but it was something like 1-8 or thereabouts.
- Little WilnastyThe Slugger’s Wife? No, really? Wow! If you can sit through any movie with Rebecca De Mornay that isn’t Backdraft, you deserve a medal. What about Eight Men Out? Field of Dreams? The Natural? Anything other than The Slugger’s Wife. Hal Ashby has been coasting since Harold and Maude.
- dustin parkesI find that there have been a few things we Torontonians take for granted… One of which is Roy Halladay. I think baseball in general does as well. I mean what, if any coverage does he get in the states?
Regardless, he’s (at least for me) one of those few and far between athletes that sincerely (and severely) get me excited for the game of baseball EVERY time this All Star takes the field.
Cheers
MW: He certainly doesn’t get the kind of coverage in the States that he would if he played for an American team (that’s not on the west coast - I don’t think Jake Peavy gets enough props, either). I think most American baseball fans have heard about him, and know that’s he won a Cy Young, but I don’t think most of them have any idea just how good he is.
- AdamRHey Mike
Great ballgame tonight. Barajas was sharp, gunning Abreu at second then following it up with a bomb. Scutaro/Macdonald play was amazing. Doc was spectacular once again, he is quite simply one of the best in the game today.
A question regarding Doc. If the Jays are not going to contend this year, which seems obvious at this point, do you think it would be a good idea to ease up on Docs workload? He leads the majors in complete games and IP (146), shouldn’t we back off the throttle a bit? I’d hate to see him at anything less than 100% for the start of the 2009 season.
thanks,
MW: I don’t think so.
- rickHey Mike
Any rumors about possible trade discussions regarding BJ Ryan? I know the focus is all on AJ right now, but it might not be a bad move to deal BJ as well. There are a ton of quality free agent closers available next year (Wood, Fuentes, K-Rod, Hoffman, Isringhausen, Lyon, Cruz, Wheeler) plus a few guys who are free agents from Japan (Kazumi Saitoh & Hitoki Iwase). Although i like BJ, it might be an opportunity to grab one of Milwaukee top prospects like Gamel and save some cash, then sign one of the many free agents available.
MW: I haven’t heard anything about Ryan being on the market.
- rickHey Mike:
I am in New York for the All Star game, and had fun watching the game from here.
- Renee UngerOne of the announcers called the stadium Skydome which was funny as the sign was right there saying Rogers Centre.
They could not say enough great things about the Doc, and were speculating if he would start the All Star Game.
I listen to you every night after the game, and though I do not always agree, I truly enjoy the show.
Hello Mike
Interesting discussion on pitchers, the Stiebs, Gibsons.
You mentioned the shift on pitchers, that no one throws a complete game anymore, never mind a shut out.
Why is that Mike, is it that the hitters are much better these days? or is it just an overall different philosophy of managing the game?
You are right by the way -i.e Halladay, what a pitcher, to see him every five days, we are so blessed, so fortunate.
MW: It’s a combination, but mostly because of pitch counts and relief specialists. Starting pitchers are now told that their job is to “give the team a chance to win”. 30 years ago, a starting pitcher’s job was to throw nine innings.
- francisMike.. I dont know how you can keep your composure.. The team would be better off when Vernon is on the bench and injured a caller said.. Its true as far as the JAYS record with him out but give me a f-brake.. My roots are T.O. but I live in Van. now and I came into this awesome city to see the Baltimore sweep and loved it.. Whats all the negativity out there ..You got a decent ball club.. We all want the JAYS to win but what ever happened to going to the ball park and actually takeing in the game as it should be.. If its all about the big trophy do the damn math with all the teams in the majors and the history of the majors you guys would realize that your not bad off.. The JAYS have won 2 big ones in 32 years, and the storried Cubbies and Red Sox have won 2 in a 190 years in total so give your head a shake.. People that really know baseball in T.O.are not included.. Mike.. Richy Sexton,What do you think? If his numbers over the last few years were erratic that would actually be good. but they have been going steadily down over the last year.. He would be a cheap rental the rest of the season and with the new batting coaches who knows.. Personally, I think its the old dog ,new tricks theory..THANKS FLIPPER..
- FLIPPERFull props to Jeter et al for calling it like it is. Halladay is the best. ’nuff said.
Remember that Stewart guy who used to play left field for the Jays? What ever happened to him? Seriously though, Shannon has completely dropped off the map since he got hurt. No injury updates anywhere, never mentioned in the laundry list of Jays on the DL, nothing. Not that I’m pining away to have him back, but what’s the timeline for him coming back? Or do you think we’ll even see him in a Jays uni again?
MW: I think we’ll see him again, if the other option is Kevin Mench, but he doesn’t really fit in on the team anymore, so the Jays are in no rush to get him back, much like Gustavo Chacin last year.
- Rob_NSMike, what’s the all of sudden love affair of Joe Inglett.(not by you) Just because he wears the socks the same way, and kind of looks like him, it is not him. Fans, he is not the reincarnation of Reed.
Roy Halladay = WOW
What’s better, Plasma or LCD
MW: Fans love short, white guys who hustle and wear their socks high. If only David Eckstein thought to wear his socks high.
- Jason DeneaulHi, Mike:
I’ve picked up two rather major errors in the main game story on the FAN590 Home Page.
First, the headline reads “Halladay and his Jays on a Role” — acting like contenders, maybe?
Second, referring to the outstanding defensive play in the eighth, the second baseman is named as Joe Inglett, rather than Marco Scutaro.
Some editor isn’t doing his job very well!
MW: Scutaro was misidentified on the broadcast as well, that may have something to do with the mistake online, but you’re right, it’s not good.
- NormI’ll rephrase my question. Do you think any team that trades for Burnett, like Philly, would fork over one of their top prospects? And what do you hate about the myth of Derek Jeter?
MW: I think that there’s a decent chance that a top prospect would be involved in a Burnett deal, if the Jays play it right. And what I hate about the myth of Derek Jeter is that so many people believe it.
- andrewI know you hate Jeter….maybe hate is a strong word….and Im with you on that, but how was his hit not legitimate? Was it because it looked like he was just fighting it off and it went for a double? Great game by Doc indeed, helped me huge in my fantasy league.
MW: He was just fighting it off, and sliced it the other way. It’s a legitimate hit, but not a hard-hit ball.
- KDHey Mike,
Up to Jeter’s ground-rule double, Halladay should have had a no-hitter. A-Rod’s “single” seemed more of an error by Wilkerson. I also noticed that Lind’s hit to right, which was lost in the lights, was ruled a single and not an error. Should these have been errors? Have any pitchers been cheated out of a no-hitter because of a questionable ruling?
MW: I’m sure lots of pitchers have been “cheated” out of no hitters by questionable scoring decisions, but I’m as sure that lots of pitchers have gotten no-hitters based on questionable scoring decisions. The Rodriguez hit was a hit, not an error, the Lind double was a hit as well, as both Cano and Abreu lost the ball in the twilight.
- BrandonInglett is boding well to mend all our broken hearts after the ouster of Reed Johnson. He’s making an excellent case to stick around and I ‘m certain he’ll be with the team for the season and into next year. I’m also unbelievably impressed with the defensive duo of Macdonald and Scutaro. However I agree, it would take massive divine intervention for this team to make it to the playoffs.
But you’re right on one thing, Mike. We do disagree on more than Ricciardi. I think the team is playing better since they iced Gibbons. And I think that’s down to Cito’s management style and an upgrade at hitting coach and 3rd base coach positions. Even though they stunk up the West Coast, they still scored more runs than they used to. Cito’s an experienced guy who knows how to talk to his players. I don’t see him getting into an on-field or in-dugout fight with a player any time shortly. He’s what was needed for this team.
- reyesHi Mike I think the people who call you an apologist for J.P. saying somethings you do really seem like it.
for Example you said at the start of 2007 that the jays didn’t have a good pitching staff but there offence would more then make up for it.
Yet at the start of 2008 you said the tigers didn’t have a good pitching staff and there offence wasn’t enough to make up for it.
but if you look at the two lineups the Tigers offence is far far better then that of the jays in 07. and I along with many others believe that if the Jays had the tigers lineup you would be saying “all this team has to do is play at their carrer averages and they will be fine”
MW: If the Jays had the Tigers offense, they’d be in first place right now. You do realize that the examples you have given have nothing to do with the case you’re trying to make though, right?
- AndrewP.S do you really think you should be talking about what an organization should be doing with its prospects when you no next to nothing about them?
MW: To which organization are you referring?
- AndrewHi Mike,
Very enjoyable watching the Good Doctor mow down those despised Yankees.
As to his nickname: believe the original “Doc” was a dipso dentist who sided with Wyatt Earp against the Clanton gang in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral; at least that’s how he was portrayed in “My Darling Clementine.”
The Slugger’s Wife?????
What about “Eight Men Out”? And while “Pride of the Yankees” has many hokey moments, they really captured Gehrig’s “farewell” speech at Yankee Stadium perfectly - as poignant a moment as we’ll likely ever see in the world of sports…
MW: That’s how we was portrayed in “Tombstone”, as well. A tour de force for Val Kilmer.
- KenHey Mike,just wanted to know if you noticed what the crowd was doing to A-Rod while on the on deck cricle. Check out this picture…priceless!http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Baseball/article/459104
What do you think?
MW: I liked it.
- JamieHey Mike,
Where do the two first rounders come from if A.J. opts out of his contract? Why not keep him for a potential late season run, and even if there isn’t one, if he opts out the Jays still get 2 first rounders next year (plus their own) and a whole load of payroll of the books for 09?
Your Thoughts…
Thanks
MW: The two first rounders come from the team that signs Burnett in the off-season, if he qualifies as a Type A free agent, which he has to turn things around in order to do. Actually, only one of the first rounders comes from that team, the other appears out of thin air. If the Jays had serious potential for a meaningful late-season run, I’d agree with you.
- James R.Hey Mike,
A couple of my buddies and I were discussing the rules around baserunning interference. We know that if the play is at the plate, the runner can bowl over the catcher; and if the play is at second, the runner can take out the knees of the fielder.
A few years ago, Albert Belle gave a forearm shiver to the second basemen (I can’t remember if the batter was called out b/c of interference) and Alex Rodriguez was called out for slapping at the glove of the pitcher covering first base.
Can you clarify what type of physical contact is acceptable and what isn’t as far as baserunning interference is concerned?
Keep up the good work.
MW: None of it is really allowed, by rule.
- AndrewHi Mike
Great game from Halladay. The pitch to strike out Abreu in the first inning was just nasty. It was a fastball that was inside and then just broke at the last moment to catch the corner. Not too many pitchers can do that at 90+ MPH.
Injuries have been a factor this season, but every team has them. The Yankees have had lots of guys on the DL as well. The problem with the Jays is that their best players haven’t been all that good … and guys haven’t stepped up (outside of Marcum). It’s not like Hill (OPS ~ 700) was hitting like Utley before he got injured, and an argument can be make that Inglett has been better this season (OPS ~ 800). The Jays need to get healthy, but they need players to just be better. Hill needs to improve, Wells needs to go back to his 2006 season, Accardo needs to find his splitter, McGowan to find his comfort zone on the road … and on and on.
MW: So we agree.
- Alex HPeople, Inglett’s arm is NOT the reason they arent putting him in Cf.afterall if his arm were the concern, they would not have him in RIGHTFIELD.
Is it possible that the jays starting burnett on sunday has anything to do with showcasing him? i think not. i think people that are scouting aj know aj and are just watching to make sure he’s throwing free and easy without any signs of arm trouble. in that regard i think its a bit of an unecessary risk to start him on three days.
lasty, do you see any similarities between Lind and a certain lefty that was in TO earlier this week? cause i do…watching those three games it was eerie how similar his approach and swing is to one Aubrey Huff.
MW: I didn’t notice anything eerie, but I’ll pay closer attention to Huff next time I see him. Watching Inglett a lot closer today, his arm certainly isn’t great. With Burnett, it’s a combo of showcase and not wanting to start Brian Tallet against the Yankees. A.J. only has to go four or five.
- sammy jalalzaiThe two best games I’ve ever seen Roy Halladay pitch are both against the Yankees. Last night’s game and the 2005 2-0 complete game shutout against Randy Johnson in Yankee Stadium.
MW: That was a terrific game, too.
- NickHey mike. I don’t understand why you think Halladay should start the all-star game over Cliff Lee. If you flipped their stats and Halladay was 12-2 you would be saying that Halladay should start.
If they trade Burnett who is going to take his place in the rotation?
Also is Cito going to be back next year? if not are there any rumors on who is going to replace him? I think they should look at a guy called Marty Brown. He was managing the Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland’s AAA team) a few years ago and he was a great manager. He got the most out of his players and you could see that they respected him and they liked playing for him. Every year they made the playoffs and one year they won the championship with him. I don’t know where he is now but I think he would be a good option.
Also what’s the word on Marcum, Accardo, and Janssen.
MW: I think Halladay should start the all-star game for two reasons: 1 - he’s a far better pitcher than Cliff Lee, and 2 - he’s having a better year than Cliff Lee. Halladay currently leads Lee in hits per inning, walks per inning, opponents’ batting average, innings pitched and complete games. Lee leads in ERA, has a slight edge in strikeouts per nine and has given up half as many home runs. If Burnett is traded, David Purcey likely takes his place. The answer to the injury question is all over this blog. Oh, and thanks for telling me what I would say.
- DanIt’s great but also sad to see Halladay pitch so well. Just reminds everyone what could’ve been if the Jays would’ve had a competent GM the last 7 years.
MW: As red is to blue, so grapefruit is to hippopotami.
- PaulMonsieur Wilner,
Is Roy Halladay the greatest pitcher in Blue Jays franchise history?
If yes, please tell me why you think so. If not, please tell me why you think so, and who then deserves that title.
Thanks a ton. You’re a rudey!
Cheers.
MW: I think that eventually he probably will be, but right now Roger Clemens and Dave Stieb are still ahead of him.
- eyebleafhey Mike just want to say i try and listen to your show after every Blue jays game i think u do a awsome job putting with will the jays fans that be rude some times i am died Jays Fans we lose we cant win them all any ways Keep up the Good Work mike and have a awsome All Star Break Trevor G
- hey Mikeand a other thing i want to say is what a Awsome Ball Game Last Night i bet it felt like a the open homer or A the World Series 1992 or 1993
- hey MikeMike I think this team is SOOO much better without Vernon Wells. They don’t need Wells. There, I just said it.
- Vito From HamiltonHi Mike,
Would like to regress on all the bad comments I have ever made about Overbay, that is all, have a nice day!
MW: Until he hits into another double play, right?
- FrankI’ll remember Doc’s performance forever. It was Doc at his best. Total domination and then some.
If Cito finishes the year with a .550+ winning percentage, I think he deserves an extention. Gibby left the team around .450 when everyone was healthy and since Cito has taken over the Jays are flirting with .600 despite significant injuries. The way Lind and others talk of him, I think he’s the real deal and should be inked for atleast 2 more years. Your thoughts please?
MW: My thoughts are that four games ago, the Jays were under .500 under Cito. Now THAT’S what I call a small sample size.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherCan you tell me how well regraded Travis Snider is around the majors? I read on a website that a scout thinks that Travis Snider is the best prospect in baseball. Is that hype real because the scout also said he’s the next Carlos Delgado?
MW: There’s no way to know whether the hype is justified until he gets up to the majors and plays. There have been thousands upon thousands of “can’t miss” prospects who have missed. Snider is a very, very highly regarded prospect.
- andrewHi Mike,
Now that you’ve had some time to think about it, what are JP’s top 3 or 4 moves other than Accardo?
I’d really appreaciate your opinion on this Q!
Also you asked who wrote the saying I quoted Friday night
In this world, the optimists have it, not because they are always right, but because they are positive. Even when they are wrong they are positive, and that is the way of achievement, correction, improvement, and success. Educated, eyes-open optimism pays: pessimism can only offer the empty consolation of being right!….David Landes (The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some are So Rich and Some So Poor)
Anyway, I said you were being a glass 1/2 full kind of guy Fri night, of course I meant to say you were being a glass 1/2 empty type. While you’re usually a pretty optimistic guy…”the season’s only half over - lot of games to play yet” etc. After winning 4 in a row I was surprised you’d be as pessimistic as you were last night, in spite of the recent injuries! Couldn’t you have saved those comments for the next swoon, if of course, they have one! I’m optimistically hoping they don’t. I’d love to see these guys exceede Cito’s goal of 500 by the break…SWEEEEP DEM YANKS!!!!
MW: I’m neither optimistic nor pessimistic, I’m a realist. And the reality is that with the current state of the roster, the Jays more than likely aren’t good enough to get back in the race. I still haven’t had time to think about that.
- Dave from OakvilleThings don’t get any better than last night.Doc was as good as ever and we got some hitting too.Too bad that with all the injuries we are likely in for some disappointing results over the next few days.I sure hope I am wrong.
MW: Indeed.
- Paul McCreathRoy is the man plain and simple.
Just a complete professional from start to finish. No showing up the other team with fist pumps after a big SO (joba), just does what hes gotta do and walks off the mound to the dugout.
DOC FOR CY YOUNG 08′
- ebs…and I forgot to praise the immaculate and wonderful Doc Halladay! I am so glad he’s ours. Do Not Trade This Guy!
By the way, they were chanting ‘Yankees suck’ from at least the 5th inning. I remember niticing it and remarking happily that the normally quiet crowd were getting into it at last.
- reyesDefinitely the most exciting game I’ve been to in a while. Halladay throwing darts, the Scutaro/McDonald nobody on base double play.
I disagree with you on the second Yankee “hit”. It was roped down the line. It would have been a very tough play for Rios or any RF to make.
With all due respect to Cliff Lee, Halladay has to start the All-Star game. In fact, I think he should just pitch the whole game!
I’m dying to see a home playoff game with Roy on the mound. It would be a shame to see him go through the prime of his career without a playoff appearance.
That being said, who are some of the best all-time pitchers who never pitched in the playoffs?
MW: Good question - Ferguson Jenkins leaps to mind. I didn’t mean to insinuate that a better rightfielder makes the play on Jeter’s hit, I don’t think that’s the case, but I certainly don’t think it was roped.
- ButtersMike buddy,
Got the pleasure to attend the game tonight, and boy oh boy is Halladay the man or what? Maybe instead of selling “Premium” tickets for Yankees, Bosox series the Jays could start upcharging for “Premium” starts by the Doctor… i wouldnt mind.
Also, heard Alan refer to Jeter as the captain of the Yanks, got me to thinking, do we have a captain? Wells or Doc is my guess? And does this role have any significance in terms of dealing with umps? (Im thinking along the lines of hockey, forgive me)
MW: The Blue Jays don’t have a captain, most teams don’t, and there’s no significance to it beyond, ummm, satisfying the ego of the player who holds the title.
- Andrew (Guelph)Hey Mike, I am a short white guy, I hustle, but don’t wear my socks high. Sign me up, they may love me as well.
MW: You need to work on the socks.
- Jason DeneaulWhy the heck do you hate Derek Jeter? He’s one of the best clutch players in his era and I think the myth of Derek Jeter is justifed. He’s a clutch player, you have to amdit it.
MW: I don’t have to admit it, because it’s not true. He’s a great hitter, no doubt, but no better in the “clutch” than he is the rest of the time.
- samI heard Rance say that the jays have only won 10 games when being scored on first, and three of those were this week. Thats not going to get it done. Hopefully they can get a win tomorrow though, its hard not to think how this game today (9-4 loss) might have ended if Scutaro makes that DP off on Jeter.
MW: You’re right - or if John McDonald had made a better throw the next inning. Or maybe if the Jays had gotten more than four hits after the first inning.
- KDHey Mike,
Along the lines of the baseball movies, I just recently saw *61, an HBO movie directed by Billy Crystal about Mantle’s and Maris’ chase for Ruth’s record in ‘61. Not the greatest baseball movie ever, but worth a watch. Barry Pepper played Roger Maris, and he was fantastic (as he always is), and he looks a hell of a lot like Maris.
On a side note, too many good baseball movies involve Kevin Costner, and I hate Kevin Costner. I mean, I really hate him. I think he’s terrible. So good movies like Bull Durham and Field of Dreams are just ruined.
The Natural would have to be my favourite. And though I’ve never seen it, I’ve never talked to anyone that didn’t like The Sandlot.
Rudy is my favourite sports movie. Only semi-relevent, I know, but I thought I’d mention it anyhow.
Cheers Mike!
MW: I’ve never seen Rudy. I really liked 61* and The Sandlot, though! And I understand about Kevin Costner - very nice guy, though - my brother interviewed him a couple of weeks ago and came away impressed.
- Matthi mike -
It was a great game, and really fun to be there to watch. The crowd seemed to wake up to how good it can be. Halladay, brilliant; Scutaro gloving the ball, McDonald spinning and throwing the out at first, amazing; and the chant of yan KEES suhUUK, priceless.
sebastian
- Sebastian HannaA little while back a poster noted some stats that suggested Overbay tended to whiff on throws from the infield which led to errors on infield players whereas in fact he was responsible. I remembered that today when he missed the throw from Scutaro.
Not a good game for us, since Litsch didn’t have good stuff, and the defense booted it around a little. But I’ll reserve hanging out the black until later in the season. Not that I think we’ll go anywhere. But we are playing more interesting baseball and I’ll settle for that right now.
MW: When he missed the throw on Scutaro, it was ruled a single. And I’m pretty sure that he lost the ball in the bright white background of the ad on the videoboard in left-centre. At least that was what he indicated on the field.
- reyesHey Mike, Why do you always dispute the fact that A.J Burnett is basically a .500 pitcher when over his career he is 78-74 which is basically .500
This is something that has been said last week by Rod Black and Pat Tabler during a Jays broadcast, and boadcasters that call the games all season long are no fools. Another thing I have heard you day many times, is that there is no such thing as grinding in baseball, Rance Mullinicks someone who acually did play the game would beg to differ. I have heard Rance describe Eckstein as a player that grinds out every at bat, Many of Ecksteins at bats have been more than five pitches, due to his ability to constantly make contact in a 2-2 count no matter where the pitch is located. When one can force a 5 or more pitch @ bat I would say that the batter is in a grind. So would Rance. Jesse Litch has also been rererred to as a pitcher with the ability to grind out innings. I would take that to mean that, even if he get’s into trouble alot in ballgames he consistantly find’s his way out by staying in or around the strike zone.
Lastsly
Mike Don’t you find it strange that you defend A.J Burnett an inconsistant pitcher, making a tone of cash(basically stealing money), yet you destroy Jeter a career .300 hitter which has had great playoff performances,and numerous world series titles under his belt. I guess I understand why people think that Rogers has influence on what you say and don’t say.
MW: I don’t dispute that Burnett’s career record is basically .500, I dispute the notion that that fact means anything significant about his ability. Darrell Rasner got the win today despite going five innings and giving up four runs. I have never said that there is no such thing as “grinding” in baseball (though we’re debating semantics here), what I have said is that “wanting it more than the other guy” doesn’t matter in baseball, like it can in hockey or football. A.J. Burnett isn’t stealing money, he’s making what the market says he’s worth, and he’ll make even more on his next contract, and I don’t destroy Derek Jeter. I just believe that he’s not close to as good as everyone thinks he is, and the facts bear me out.
- NeilMike can you posts some of Jeter’s stat’s
1. Career Avg. RISP in playoff and Regular season
2. What is Jeters career average
with two outs and two strikes
Playoff/Regular season
3. Tell me who think has a better inside out swing than Jeter.
Please post this, because many of your comments about Jeter seem just flat out ignorant.
MW: Here’s the best I could come up with, despite the insult (no, you’re ignorant!): Jeter is a career .316/.387/.459 hitter during the regular season. His career numbers with RISP are .311/.405/.435 (basically the same). His career numbers with two out are .300/.389/.432, and with two strikes he hits .231/.323/.328 (couldn’t find two strikes and two outs). In the post-season, he hits .309/.377/.469.
- NeilSo…..we have an .846 OPS in general, an .840 OPS with RISP, an .821 OPS with two out and an .846 OPS in the playoffs. Oh, also a .651 OPS with two strikes. What was it that I said again? Oh, right - “He’s a great hitter, no doubt, but no better in the “clutch” than he is the rest of the time.” Stunning in its ignorance, that statement.
No insult intended. I meant to say your comments regading Jeter I find have been very ignorant, being that this guy started contributing to championships from a young age. How hard is that when playing in yankee stadium. Cut the guy some slack.
MW: And yet, the numbers prove exactly what I was saying.
- NeilHi Mike.. A.J. is going nowhere on the deadline .. You can take that to the bank.. Dusty is out for a bit, when Shawn gets back after the break it might take a bit to get back on his feet,and Jessie is stuggling with his command, The last thing you want when you got a small hole in the pitching is to dig a deeper hole. A deal involving pitching for pitching makes no sence at all at this time..A power bat and maybe a nice prospect makes sence only if J.P. is ready to fold the tent on the season and I don’t think its in his make-up.. Whats your take on this Mike?
MW: My take is that you have to be realistic about things. It’s going to be very difficult for the Jays to get back into the race, given their position and all the injuries, so digging a deeper hole with the pitching staff doesn’t really matter. What matters is making this team better any way possible.
- FLIPPERHey Mike,
Litsch drove me crazy with that second inning. A nice lead is good for any pitcher but especially Litsch because he works quick and throws strikes, but he came out in the 2nd and was way too fine. Only 3 of the 9 hitters in the inning got a first pitch strike, he walked the lead-off hitter and hit a sure double play candidate. He needs to get his command back or could be number 7 on the depth chart for starting pitching next year.
MW: And yet, he should have been out of the inning having allowed just one run.
- JeffHello Mike……Everyone talks about Snyder ,Cecil and Arencebia but look at the stats on kids named T.Collins, Cody Crowell,Campbell and Estanga……These kids have tremendous sta
ts…… do you know much about these prospects?
MW: Campbell is the only one I know a lot about - terrific young hitter.
- Mark DimannoHi Mike………Could you envision Arencebia being the Jays starting catcher in 2010 with Snyder being full time DH in the same year…….Plus if AJ gets traded to the Phillies for Carrasco and the SS Donald plus another prospect would you consider this a good trade for AJ…Your comments Mike…………..Thanks!!
MW: I can definitely see Arencibia and Snider getting a lot of playing time in 2010, I think they’ll both be up here this September. If the Jays can get Carrasco and Donald for Burnett, everyone who wants J.P. fired should take a five-year vow of silence.
- Mark DimannoMike,
are you saying that Jeter is not a clutch hitter, or is you opinion of him simply limited to saying that he is no bettter in clutch situations than the rest of the time?
MW: The latter.
- AKHello Mike……If Johnny Mac can save you a run or two a game with his defence isnt that more favourable than him being a weak hitter hence the confidence he gives the pitching staff….I say package Burnett, Ecstein and Zaun… if Arencibia’s defence is above average why not bring him in now and see how he does……….your comments.]
MW: Hence isn’t the right word there, but that’s a debatable point nonetheless. Package Burnett, Eckstein and Zaun for what? And Arencibia’s defense isn’t above average, from what I understand.
- MarkHello Mike …….the caller from St. Thomas was correct…Rios and Overbay deserve to sit….Rios’s head is not in the game and Overbay is not mentally sharp…I cant wait for Snider,Arencibia and Dropiak plus Campbell to arrive………this team needs young blood plus a manager like Lou Pinella who will get in the face of lacluster efforts like Rios…….what happened in the Milwaukee Brewers dugout last week when Fielder went after another player would never happen with the laid back jays……….they need a culture change and laid back Rios and Wells have to go……..you will never win anything with a team with no leader………your comments Mike!!
MW: Weren’t a lot of people wanting John Gibbons fired because of the incidents with Hillenbrand and Lilly?
- Mark from Thorold