11:45 PM Eastern
I wonder if I’ll be able to use the same two post titles for the rest of the season. You never know, though I certainly don’t expect the Orioles to even be within shouting distance of .500 when the season is over, and I think the Jays will probably be on the happy side of the break-even mark when all is said and done.
Tonight was pretty interesting. A rusty Shaun Marcum couldn’t keep the ball in the park when he needed to, but the bats bailed him out.
With all the discussion about John McDonald vs. Mavid Scutstein at shortstop, Mac goes out and plays terrific defense and drives in four runs, smacking a double off the wall in the left-field corner with the bases loaded and two out! The best part of that was the JaysTalk caller who said “given the Blue Jays’ need for offense, do you think they should be giving McDonald more playing time?” Those kinds of calls make me smile.
Adam Lind continues to fuel the fire of those who want J.P. handed his pink slip. He played Crushy McCrushstein tonight with four hits - all against lefties - and the three-run homer came off Alberto Castillo’s sidearm slider! It may have been hung a bit, but left-handed hitters, in general, have no chance against side-arming southpaws, so the fact that Lind was able to stay inside the ball and yank it out down the line speaks volumes about his ability. Maybe he needed those two extra months in AAA, maybe he didn’t, there’s no way we’ll ever know. But right now, he seems to be the Jays’ best hitter, though Alex Rios continues to come on.
Rios doubled and homered tonight (though the homer was a line drive that barely got out in the corner in left), and now has six extra base hits in the last three games. He’s hitting .304/.304/.739 since becoming a father. Boy, I sure hope someone will take him off the Jays’ hands in the off-season. He’s having a disappointing year, no question, but he has 28 doubles, 25 stolen bases and is hitting .286. So can we please stop with the “it’s a terrible contract/the Jays have to see what they can get for him”? Please?
Here’s tonight’s edition of The JaysTalk - stunning that no one called asking what’s wrong with B.J. Ryan:
Most comments are encouraged, but if you’re going to be insulting or an idiot, please keep it to yourself.
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What’s wrong with BJ Ryan?
MW: Thanks
- Tyler“I struggled a little when I first came back, then I just turned myself over to the staff and put my future in their hands,” Lind said. “I am a believer. When you say you have Cito Gaston as your manager .. even my friends said, `You have a guy like that, you listen to him. He has got to know what he’s talking about.”‘
Cito is now 15-13 and is dealing with some serious injury woes. Much better Manager than Gibby, as I keep saying we finally have a REAL baseball Manager. Keep growing sample size!!
MW: Check back and read what I was saying in early June - the hitting was bound to improve, managerial change or not. But sure, keep growing sample size!
- MatthewWhat’s wrong with BJ Ryan?
MW: You’re late.
- BenI think I know what was up with Marcum tonight… he seems to have lost his perfect jaw alignment mouth guard. Look what happened to McGowan! He stopped using his and messed up his shoulder!
MW: Could be - good eye!
- Iain SutherlandHi Mike, haven’t commented for a while because things have become so redundant. Anyways I was listening to Stormin Norman Rumack (spelling??) tonight and he had Bob Elliot on. Something that peaked my interest was the conversation around the hiring of former pitching coach Mel Queen (I think) and how he had survived the first arrival of J.P. but was later let go by him. My question here is is there a possibility that this hiring is an indication that J.P. is losing his control over these types of decisions. Just looking for you’re thoughts on the move.
Thanks again Mike.
Oh ya nice to see Adam Lind’s progress at the plate. There still is reason to continue to watch the Jays this year!!!
Take care.
MW: First off, it’s funny that you were unsure enough whether you spelled Rumack’s name right (you did) that you put that (spelling?) thing in there, but then went on to misspell “Elliott” and use the wrong words in place of “piqued” and “your”. Anyway, I don’t know if Queen’s hiring means that J.P.’s authority has been undercut. It may, it may be that they’re just looking for another pair of eyes to check out their minor league pitchers and they know he’s good.
- TroyAt what point in the season if ever could Adam Lind be batting in the middle of the lineup ?
MW: Soon, you would think.
- Grant SteinerCarlos Delgado. Jason Werth. Josh Phelps. Kevin Cash. Guillermo Quiroz. Curtis Thigpen. The Jays have had a history of having “the catcher of the future” but none have panned out in the position and only Delagado has really made a mark. Do you really think that the current roster of minor league catchers will really be good enough to warrant making decisions about Zaun / Barajas? While Diaz and Arencibia (sp?) are near the top of Jays’ prospects, it’s not like they’re at the top of league prospects. I’m afraid that all three current catchers will barely be backups when they actually hit the show.
MW: You’re certainly right about that laundry list, but the failures of those guys as catchers or hitters or both don’t have anything to do with the abilities of Arencibia, Jeroloman and Diaz. Each one stands on his own.
- ronHey Mike,
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I haven’t been able to follow the Jays the last little bit, is there actually something wrong with BJ Ryan, or is there something to the comment I missed?
MW: No, there’s nothing wrong with him. He just had a rough time nailing down the save last night.
- Terrymike, who is this charlie bearnon? I did a search and came up with nothing. I meant who is the worst EVERYDAY first baseman in blue jay’s history? it is lyle overratedbay. my grandma could hit a ball harder with her cane than lyle.
MW: The Blue Jays have had some pretty good everyday first basemen in their future, but I don’t think Doug Ault or Eric Hinske was better than Overbay. When you look down at the roster, though - Ault to Mayberry to Upshaw to McGriff/Fielder to Olerud to Delgado to Hinske to Overbay. Not bad at all. It was Charlie BeaMon, by the way.
- roccomike, how much you wanna bet that adam lind passes overrated bay for rbi’s VERY SOON, despite having 1/3 the ab’s? but according to you rbi’s don’t matter because it’s not the hitter it’s how many guys are on base right? oh and I guess you think lind is having a horrible year right because of his under .300 obp?
MW: Lind could stand to be getting out less, it’s true, but so long as he keeps providing the power, he’s doing fine. His obp is over .300, though.
- roccoMike, are you like me in thinking the Jays have a run in them what with all the games against AL East foes?
MW: Not without McGowan and Wells and with a rusty Marcum.
- Simon“Rios doubled and homered tonight (though the homer was a line drive that barely got out in the corner in left), and now has six extra base hits in the last three games. He’s hitting .304/.304/.739 since becoming a father. Boy, I sure hope someone will take him off the Jays’ hands in the off-season.”
As a direct result of this information I have generated a plan that is GUARANTEED to turn Alex into a Hall of Fame player. I believe that JP’s number one priority this offseason should be to encourage Alex’s wife to promptly have a second child. Perhaps if we send the Rios family a collection of Barry White CDs and 600 thread count silk sheets the Jays will have Rios approaching a .300 AVG, 30 HR, and 30 SB next season. I guess the Beatles were right when they sang “All you need is love”!!!!!!
- Dave JHey, Mike:
My wife and I are currently vacationing in Western Canada and the Pacific NW USA, and today we dropped down to the ballpark in Spokane to see the Indians play Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. It was the only afternoon game on the Spokane schedule all year, and the Indians won 8-4
Unfortunately, it was somewhat cold and rainy (the first rain Spokane has seen for a few weeks), so not as enjoyable as it would have been in good weather.
In the first inning, I saw something I’ve never seen in a major league game! The Volcano hitter had a 1 and 2 count, and, without seeing another pitch, was called out! The PA announcer said it was because he “stepped out of the batter’s box”. I checked the box score after we got home, and it was apparently scored as a Strikeout. First time I’ve ever seen a strikeout when only two strikes were thrown!
Good to see the Jays were able to come back and win today — the last update they gave on the Indian scoreboard they were down 4-2.
MW: A strike is supposed to be called when a batter steps out of the box once he has stepped in. I’d love to see a big-league ump with the stones to call that.
- NormHey Mike
Great blog.
I agree with you, that I’d like to see the Jays upgrade at SS, DH and 1B this offseason.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Carlos Delgado is a free agent after this year. I know he’s on the downside of his career, but his numbers are pretty good right now (.261/18/57). And, considering his age, I think that perhaps he could be signed for a reasonable salary.
I wouldn’t want Delgado to be the Jays’ big off season addition, but along with a younger middle of the order type hitter, I think Delgado might be worth looking into. He could be a pretty decent DH I think.
What do you think?
MW: The Mets have a $16M option for 2009, so I think Delgado will, in fact, be a free agent. He’s certainly come around nicely after his slow start, but I think the Jays should be looking for a DH who will be more than just pretty decent.
- James HHey Mike
Rios sure has taken a lot of criticism this year for his performance. I think part of that is that some fans maybe thought he would continue to improve and become a 30+ homer guy and solidify the middle of the order. Rios is not a middle of the order talent and will probably never have huge power (or on-base) numbers. I figure he should hit around 280-300, with around 60 extra base hits/season and 30 stolen bases. When you consider he is a gold glove caliber defender, he still brings a lot to the table at 10 million/year.
Rolen is another guy that the fans love to complain about. If JP thought Rolen would return to form and bang out 30 homers, then that was a serious mis-calculation, especially at 11 million +/ season. Rolen is banged up and past his prime, but even if he hits 280 with a 370 on-base, and maybe 15 homer runs, he is still a decent third baseman and a fine defender.
My point is, the Jays have a boatload of guys who profile as 5, 6, or 7 type hitters. What they don’t have are the stud hitters in the middle of the order. It will be costly to pick up a couple of mashers for 2009, but without them you will see similar results next season. The top of the order which consists of Inglett, Scutaro, Rios and Wells is just damn awful. None of those guys should be in the upper part of a batting order on a contending team.
MW: Inglett and Scutaro weren’t supposed to be playing every day, but your point is well-taken. I still think that with the pitching the Jays have, if they hit up and down the line-up like they’re capable (when healthy), they have enough.
- rickMike do you think the Jays should go after a SS or 2B in the off season. I know Hill played SS but with the way he plays D at 2nd, I’m kind of worried that if they move him there will be a dropoff in his play. Should I be worried about that.
Chone Figgins is also a free agent & the Jays need a leadoff hitter would you like him in a Jays uniform as a 3B or possibly SS.
Also Mad Vlad could be a free agent this year & since the Jays have a full outfield, if the Jays signed him would you put him at DH or try to convert him to a 1B like the Tigers are doing with Cabrera? He hits for AVG, power & drives in runs.
And would the Tigers consider trading him for Rollen & Overbay since they want a 1B?
Sorry if I’m bumming you out talking about next year but, I’ve written the season off as a loss. And have the Jays thought of trading Ryan? I don’t know if theres much of a market for him but I know Gagne’s been a bust in Millwaukee. What do you think we could back for him?
You do a great job at busting apart almost every trade idea I have(and theres alot) but I love feedback.
Thanks
MW: First off, Figgins isn’t a free agent until after the 2009 season (even though his current contract expires after this season), and I doubt very much the Jays would make a move for Guerrero if the Angels don’t pick up his option. The Tigers wouldn’t take Overbay and Rolen for Cabrera, not close - look what they gave up for him. Ryan has value, I think, but I think he also has value to the Jays in 2009 and 2010. Not to say that they won’t trade him, but they’d have to get a bunch back.
- DMillsIf Johnny Mac could hit .250, wouldn’t that be sufficient based on how unbelievable his defense is?
How do you measure defense v. batting average?
And can you elaborate your answer?
MW: It’s almost impossible to measure defense vs. offense. If McDonald hits .250 with no walks and no slugging (as is his wont), then it’s probably not sufficient, given the Jays’ overall offensive issues.
- AngeloI think what your last caller was trying to say was that because the canadian dollar is stronger, that the $100 million US that they spend is actually costing them less now than it would have 3-4 years ago.
I know I know.. they’re still spending $100 million US, but, that 100 mil USED to cost them like.. $140 mil and now it’s costing them like.. 98 mil.
/shrug
In the end, Rogers is making more money because of a stronger dollar.
MW: Yes, they are. That may be what he was trying to say, but he was drawing the Jays’ overall payroll in, which didn’t make any sense.
- AngeloEckstein, Zaun, and Burnett are viable trade candidates (since Cito isn’t using the former two anyways).
Do you think JP is likely to package these guys together in the hopes of getting a good/great set prospect(s)?
MW: I don’t know, I’m sure he’s looking at every option, but I think that in general you get more when you split up the guys you’re trying to move.
- JasonI know that they don’t have any good SS prospects (mostly OFs and SP) but if the Cards decide to try and vault ahead of the Cubs a package of Zaun, Eckstein, and Burnett would make a lot of sense to them.
Eckstein and Burnett would be immediate upgrades and Zaun could form a platoon with Molina or at least be a better back up than La Rue.
- JasonMW..hopefully you wont be able to use the basement line as the header for tomorrows blog.
couple of clarifications.
-Jeroloman is a LEFTY hitter.not a righty.
-Lind has a slugging % over 500
couple of questions.
-this cory patton character in Dunedin. why is he, at age 26, still in A ball despite having a great year and having spent all last year there as well?
-Is there any concern that JP arencibia has ZERO walks in over 100 plate appearances in AA? I know the Jays like for their prospects to walk around 1/10 appearances on avg.
-Isnt Scott Cambpell simply too sexy to spend his entire year in AA? He went 2/2 again tonight with 3 walks and is just abusing that level. If his name were Hill and he was a first instead of a 10th round pick, he would be up here already.
MW: Are you clarifying what you said or what I said, because I don’t remember saying that stuff. The Patton question is one for J.P., not me, likewise Campbell. But Campbell doesn’t have as much baseball experience as most, and his defense isn’t major-league ready yet, from what I’ve heard (though his bat may well be). As for Arencibia, it’s definitely a concern that he has only walked once (he got it last night), but that .537 slugging percentage in AA in his second year as a pro is kind of cool.
- sammy jalalzaithe jays blow. they should blow up and start over. look at the rays. they sucked a**for years and now they will win the wild card.
MW: No, they won’t. But you think the Jays should Tampa it up? Lose at least 90 games 10 years in a row and then get good?
- lakeportRe: game 5000 from the previous entry.
I went and added up the season by season W/L record from b-r and it DID come to 4,997… so I guess I have three extra games in the database (don’t really care to thumb through 5000 items to figure it out).
Thats even better though because number 5000 will be at home.
Kick a**
MW: Thanks, Cartman
- ErikHi Mike,
I hope all the idiots who write here understand the effort you’re putting into this. I often don’t end up reading all the comments because it takes a while to get through them. I can only imagine how long it takes you. Thank you so much for creating and maintaining this funny little community we have going here.
My first topic I want to ask you about is the Hill at Shortstop one. I remember when Olando Hudson was still here people saying that Hill was better suited to 2B and that it would serve his career well if he played there regularly. Why is this so? With my fan’s level of knowledge of baseball, the main difference between a SS and 2B man is the throwing arm. Are there other differences? How good of a SS could Alomar have been for instance?
Also is Eskstein (sp?) that bad of an option on this team? He’s a good hitter, and apart from that brutal gaff in KC he hasn’t seemed that bad. I know he’s got terrible range and a throwing arm that gives me the willies, but on a team that can’t hit, he’s not bad.
And last a historical question: Why did Bobby Cox leave after ‘85?
MW: I can’t believe that you thought Eckstein might be spelled like that. I don’t think he’s a bad option at all, and I think he should definitely be playing ahead of Marco Scutaro. Bobby Cox left after ‘85 to become G.M. of the Atlanta Braves. The biggest difference between second base and shortstop is, indeed, the throwing arm, and Roberto Alomar did play a bit of short in his day. From what I’ve seen, Hill is a far better defensive second baseman than he is a shortstop.
- michaelHey Mike,
Not a huge fan of starting Johnny Mac on a regular basis but I did a little research and found that the Jays are 10-6 when McDonald starts (I think). I threw out the game when he got hurt early. Small sample size obviously but interesting nonetheless. Halladay has only started 3 of those games so its not like that record is indicative of the pitcher. What was even more interesting is that when McDonald starts behind any other pitcher than Litsch the Jays are 9-2. So pass that on to JP tonight as I have a flight to catch and can’t call in.
Thanks Mike
MW: He didn’t start the game in which he got hurt, unless that was another game. Very small sample size, but like I said, I’m on the fence as to whether McDonald or Eckstein should start at shortstop.
- JeffOkay, I know you are sick of hearing my beefs with Ricciardi, but one of the main ones, if you recall, is that he doesn’t know how to treat his players. Lind is a prime example. He didn’t need an extra two months to rip the ball in AAA. He needed the confidence of knowing he’d be out there every day whether he hit the ball or not. Once he got that, he was fine. Better than fine.
Now we have this quote from Cito:
‘”It’s hard to get a good-looking ball club when you’re not sure and there’s guys here who are not sure what their future is with the club,” he said.’
Cito has been around the block a few times, and generally doesn’t shoot from the lip. You may argue that what he said isn’t aimed at JP. But I think you might be wrong there.
And in your honour I’ll lay off Rios for a while. We’ll revisit Rios at the end of the season.
MW: I have to ask - how do you know that Lind didn’t need those extra two months in AAA? How does everyone know that McGowan didn’t need that extra month and a half down there last year? I’m not saying they did or they didn’t, but there is ABSOLUTELY no way to know. And I can’t say for sure, but I’m almost certain that Cito was referring to some of his players (Burnett, Eckstein, Zaun, Barajas for starters), and not at J.P. How could it be referring to J.P.?
- reyesMike,
You are a life saver. I’ve been commuting back and forth from Switzerland and your blog and jays talk are the only things that stop me from being terribly home sick at times. The TV over there is, in a word - terrible. One can only watch so much CNN International. So, after a full day in the office and being apart from my 3 girls and my wife, I’m able to hear a familiar voice talking about a game I love. Keep up the great work.
Patrick
MW: That’s really good to hear (or read, I guess) - thanks!
- PatrickHi Mike,
While watching the game yesterday, I was wondering, which team (Jays or O’s) do you think are better positioned for the future? I think that we can agree that the Jays have much better pitching, but in terms of positional players, it’s A LOT more even that I would have guessed.
Both teams have good OF’s (Lind, Wells, Rios) vs (Scott, Jones and Markasis), and both teams Infield are week (with the exception of B. Roberts) - and I would give the edge to Baltimore in terms of catching (especially if we include the minor league catching).
What do you think?
MW: I don’t know what the O’s have coming up in their system, except for Wieters, who is a heck of a catcher, but the Jays are pretty deep in catching prospects, too. I wouldn’t say that Hill is a weak infielder, nor would I say that about Rolen or Overbay (or Kevin Millar and Melvin Mora, the way they’ve been hitting this year).
- TCLooks like Rios is on a serious base-stealing mission. He has been attempting to steal 3rd regularly in the last little while. So refreshing! He’s on pace for 45ish stolen bases which is rare for a 6′5″ guy. I am telling you, if he gets his slugging power back, he’ll be the next Jose Canseco.
MW: Nah - he can’t throw a knuckleball. Also, and this is kind of important, he’s never even hit 25 homers in a season. Canseco was a 40-40 guy.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherYou’re right, Mike, generally a 20 game loser does have to have pretty good stuff to get marched out there all the time.
Enjoy the rest of the series with the Orioles!
- RoryHello Mike, hope you’re well. I’ve been away a bit lately, and haven’t had a chance to read all the comments, so if you’ve already answered this question, I apologize, and could you please give me a rough idea where I could find your answer?
Ok, the question: We’ve all been hearing lately that the Jays have a need to find a shortstop. John McDonald highlighted yesterday what I feel is being overlooked - they have a shortstop. I remember that before the Eckstein signing the general consensus was that with the other bats in the line up, Johnny Mac’s bat was not an issue, as his defense saves more runs than his bat doesn’t drive in. Obviously that is contingent on the other bats in the lineup not performing like they’ve done this year, but if the Jays could add a power bat to the lineup, why not McDonald as a starting shortstop? There seems to be no return to the ‘his defense earns him a starting role’ train of thought. What do you think, do the Jays really need to improve shortstop from Johnny Mac, or do they just need to find an insurance bat? Thanks Mike.
MW: I think that if they add three bats, there’s room for McDonald to start at short. They haven’t lost many games this season because of poor defense, and they’ve lost a boatload because of an inability to drive in runs.
- kitaI wanted to say that I appreciate what you do with the blog and with Jays Talk, because you take some abuse for what you believe on the Jays and their players!
It is fun to listen to the Jays Talk and post on the Blog when I want to say something!
Keep up the great work Mike!
MW: Thanks!
- Matt YoungCrushy McCrushstein? Who are you, Dan O’Toole?
Adam Lind has been absolutely awesome for the Jays since being recalled. They showed a stat last night (yea I was ‘watching’ the game) and they had him as one of the biggest RBI guys in the majors since June 22nd (when he came back up, I believe). The kid can play and it looks like he has his spot for next year all but assured… The only thing I am wondering about is why he’s still hitting so low in the lineup. I mean, sure, as a rookie they have to keep the pressure off of him, but still, when you’re hot, you’re hot and I wouldn’t mind him batting 2 - 5 rather than 6 - 8 for the rest of the season…
MW: I think we’ll see him move up soon. And Crushy McCrushstein is a Spencer Fordin original - credit where it’s due.
- LukeHi Mike,
There’s no man love for Boggs here, just an appreciation for a pretty good prospect and thinking that he’d be a great tandem fit with Rios.
When asked about acquiring Burnett from T/O by a fan in
(who suggested that the
Rangers would offer Byrd, Joaquim Arias ? and Taylor Teagarden ?? *? and ?? for why would we want them*) Texas,
T.R. Sullivan (who is the Jordan Bastian in Texas) responded with,
“Burnett, who has never won more than 12 games in his career, pitched just 200 innings twice and has been on the disabled list 10 times in his career, is readily available for the right package for a team willing to pay him $12 million in 2009 and 2010. But the Rangers and the Blue Jays have a much strained relationship when it comes to trade talks and that package may be light.”
Mike, do you know of any reason why there is such a strained relationship between
the teams’ GM’s?
I’m wondering if there’s such a strain between JP and other teams, other than Oakland?
As a closet GM, like everyone else on this blog mostly, I look at one of the best hitting teams (with so much depth) and will seriously try to “cherry pick” away.
As an example, Texas has been able to afford sitting Vazquez (another Joe Inglett type player and hitting over .300 and a free agent after this season) since Blalock’s return
so they can keep Davis in the line-up, and they have more guys coming. They can’t keep them all!
MW: I hadn’t heard of a strained relationship between J.P. and Jon Daniels, who has only been there a couple of seasons. No idea what that’s all about. Taylor Teagarden is a very good young catcher and Joaquin Arias is the Rangers’ AAA shortstop who doesn’t hit for power and seems to be allergic to the base on balls.
- BRick in OakvilleHi Mike
OK what is wrong with BJ……I think he just needs more work to get the kinks out do you?
We may not need to trade for a power bat just move Lind up to cleanup.
BTW I like your take on how to rate pitchers. How about pitches per out as well.
Loyal reader/listener
MW: Nothing is wrong with B.J. Pitches per out, huh? Interesting. I like the other stuff way better, though.
- RichardHi Mike,
Great game last night, it is nice to see the Blue Jays hit homers, and more importantly score runs. I also liked the nice defensive plays by Johnny Mac and Wilkerson (they made the higlight show). I was wondering what the Fan Radio Netork station was in Ottawa, because I was driving here, and the game was NOT on 1310, as this very website claims!
Thanks
MW: I guess Ottawa doesn’t pick up all 162. Not every network affiliate does.
- Hopeful HomerIs it me or is BJ Ryan losing his velocity? I seem to remember two years ago that he was hitting 90mph consistently on the radar gun. The past two games that I’ve seen him on TV, he’s bee hitting mid80s, which may explain his struggles the past few games.
MW: I haven’t noticed, I’ll get a better look when they’re home. You can’t always trust the TV gun. And what struggles the past few games? He’d allowed a total of two baserunners in his last four appearances before Tuesday.
- JeremyIf Cito hadn’t come on board, would JP still keep Lind in the minors?
MW: I don’t know.
- JeremyMike:
I have a question but I’m not sure you’ll like it.
Why do you like to say that when this team was assembled no one “who knows anything about baseball” (scouts and other evaluators I assume) saw this team being this bad however when someone brings up scouts’ knowledge about the farm system being ranked near the bottom of major league baseball you summarily dismiss them saying you need years to know that. Aren’t the people that rate the minor leagues paid to watch them and evaluate them against each other as players at those levels like people do with major league teams when telling JP he has a good team? Just seems a little odd to me that you take the major league guys at face value but the minor league guys have no credit in your opinion. When they said the Jays were a good team that was excellent knowledge and when they said the farm system was bad that was not worth considering.
MW: I’m sorry that it seems odd, but here’s where I stand on that. Major-league players have track records in the major leagues that one would think would indicate what they can do. Minor-league players have no such track records, and often very highly-touted “can’t miss” players often miss, and 20th-40th round draft picks of whom no one thought anything become very productive major-league players. You can rate a farm system all you like, but until players get to the majors and put together a bit of a C.V., no one has any idea how they’ll perform.
- Peter B.Hi Mike,
I agree people have been way to quick to jump the gun on Rios. I was talking about Rios with some other people who brought up a good point, and wanted your opinion on it… it seems (anecdotally) that Rios’ power has significantly declined since last year after he was moved into the lead off spot. (Truth be told, I have no dates to back this up, just an observation).
This seems significant because of the role of a lead-off guy, which is to not necessarily hit for power, but to take pitches and to get on base any way possible, whether it be through walks or a slap single, etc. Do you think this change in mindset at the plate may have altered his approach & swing at the plate, and it’s taking him a while to get out of it? DO you know when he was moved to lead-off last year, and does this correlate at all with the drop in HRs?
MW: I don’t have time to go back and look up when he was moved to lead-off last year, but I’ll tell you this. Rios hit more home runs out of the leadoff spot last year than he did in any other position in the line-up. He hit 12 hitting there, in 241 at-bats, as opposed to the six he hit out of the three-hole in 280 at-bats. It should be noted that he also hit five homers in just 77 at-bats as a two-hitter.
Just a thought.
- Kevin A.MIke,
The idea of firing Cito was a joke and had nothing to do with meeting with Rolen. But meeting with Rolen is a sign something isn’t right there.
Nice to see Lind playing well and let hope that Cito stays with the hot SS. As for Rios, there is no question he is playing better under Cito but I would still try to turn Rios and one of the young catchers into Matt Holiday. The window of opportunity for this team is maybe a couple of years and Holiday is one of the most devastating hitters in the game. Rios is a second rate Carl Crawford. Its not that I don’t like Rios its just as Kenny Williams said about his off-season moves, “you have to give something up to get something back”.
And if J.P. has punched his ticket out of town, its not Lind that will be the reason, it is the gamble on Rolen, overrating Overbay, and betting on Old Frank. Those three men have cost a pretty penny and failed to deliver, at least at the plate.
So think Marcum will return to form this year or can we expect him to be So-SO the rest of the way?
MW: Something isn’t right with Rolen - he hasn’t been able to hit his way out of a paper bag so far in July. Why wouldn’t the manager want to talk to him? Holliday, outside Coors Field, is just about exactly a major-league average hitter.
- jwAlso, where did the people who said the Jays would be good see the Twins, Rays, White Sox and to some extent the Rangers performing this season. I would have included the A’s in there but no one could forsee the GM trading away 2 starters while still in a playoff race. Are they all performing above expectation levels as a team while the Jays are performing below expectations across the board.
MW: The Rays were seen as a sexy pick by a lot of people early in the season, most of whom thought they could “surprise” and maybe play .500 or a little better. The Twins and White Sox were universally picked for 3rd and 4th in the Central (one way or the other, with most picking the Twins lower, and some figuring them for last) and neither the Rangers nor the A’s were picked to finish in the top half of their division by the vast majority of the “experts” in the pre-season.
- Peter B.Hi Mike,
How are you?
Is there a starter/closer combo more intense on the mound than the combo of ‘Doc’ and BJ Ryan?
A yes/no answer would suffice, although a ‘Yes, with explanation’ would be better!
Those 2 guys scare me, I love watching them pitch!
Looking forward to another awesome start by my favourite AJ Burnett (as long as he isn’t traded by game time). I’ll be sorry to see him go.
Aneez
MW: It’s cool that they frighten you.
- AneezHey Mike,
Love Jays Talk even though I agree with you only 50% of the time… Who cares though, that’s what makes life interesting. Continue driving callers mad, it’s too funny!!!
Alright, onto my question: What do you think is up with B.J. Ryan? At first, I thought it was just rustiness and recovering from surgery, but now I’m beginning to think - as I first believed - that J.P. and CO. rushed this guy back. Yes yes, B.J. was dying to get back a.s.a.p., BUT isn’t it the GM’s to keep things realistic when it comes to his players`health. I mean, how many pitchers does this regime have to burn out?
(i.e.: McGowan, Accardo, Ryan, etc…)
MW: What makes you think there’s something wrong with B.J. Ryan? One shaky outing in which he got the save anyway? Those two blown saves this season? The opponents’ batting average of .213? The 34 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings?
- Marc LosierMike,
Read si.com and they had a feature story about every team in the AL. They compared the Tampa Bay Rays to the Blue Jays of 1983. Do you think that is a fair assessment? If so, how much tougher has this division just got for the next 8 - 10 years?
Seems like Lind is almost at an RBI a game since Cito came on board and made him the everyday LF. Lind, Wells and Rios is a very good OF going into next year. Jays still need a bopper in the middle of the lineup. No player with double digit HRs, and we are almost into August. Before last night’s game the Jays DH this year has hit at a .204 clip. Granted that Thomas was supposed to be the cure, but Texiera would be the guy I back the money truck too in the winter.
Do you think if he gets traded to the Angels that he would possibly forego free agency and sign there? Who would be your second choice of a bat to bring in here?
MW: I have NO clue if Teixeira would be so enamoured with SoCal that he would give up his shot at free agency to stay there. And yeah, I can definitely see the Rays as the ‘83 Jays.
- Aaron KerI am excited about Lind but a bit worried about his On Base Average. I am afraid that he may not take walks and its being encouraged by Gaston and the gang.
By law of averages the Johnny Mac double was bound to happen sooner or later. Both Johnan Santana and Dan Haren have TWICE as many doubles as Jmac with fewer at bats! He is a nice guy and a good fielder but he has no business starting on a major league team.
Not only is Cito not playing the better player in Eckstein, he is ruining his value for a trade and when Eck leaves for FA he will not give us draft pick compensation only because of lack of playing time!
MW: Eckstein already has almost 700 plate appearances over the last two seasons, so I think he’ll be fine when Elias crunches the numbers.
- Jim BJays Simply SuK!…they are terrible, not consistence at all..i am expecting 8-1 Bal win tonite!
MW: You didn’t get it. And yeah, those teams that are two games under .500 just suck.
- DavidAgain, just checked Eckstein’s numbers — he is exactly what the Jays signed. Across the board his offense, fielding percentage and even range factor are the same. No real decline. Last year he was a type B free agent, but the Cardinals declined arbitration so they go no compensation. I thought the whole point of bringing him in for a year was to play him out for the year then take the compensation when he walks. Does playing time come in to nix that?
MW: I don’t think it will.
- Jim BLind has been good, but if there’s one thing that concerns me it’s his strike zone judgment. He seems to swing at a lot of balls down. He’s only walked 4 times in a 104 PA this year, and in his ML career just 25 BB in 480 PA.
MW: Better than last year, when he struck himself out on high fastballs with seeming regularity.
- Flaming MoeAlways appreciate the show and your thoughtful blog responses. The webcasts are a refuge for an expat here in the territory of the self-anointed greatest and most important team of all time™. It’s nice to hear some coverage that doesn’t suffer from the histrionics of NYC.
I’ve been thinking a good bit about the front office’s moves this coming winter and would love to see a lineup that looked like this:
1. *Furcal SS — had a hot start this year, solves the issue of the revolving-door at short and fills the table-setter need; balky back might mean a bit of a discount
2. Overbay 1B — might be expendable w/ Teixeira on board. A healthy Hill or consistent Inglett would also be a decent bet at No. 2
3. Rios RF
4. *Teixeira DH — the cleanup bat the team could really use; switch-hitter, too.
5. Wells CF
6. Lind LF — his continued positive development would make him a coup at No. 6 and solid protection for VW
7. Rolen 3B
8. Barajas C
9. Hill 2B — if healthy and in form, a formidable bat for the bottom of the order and for setting the table in later innings
*=new additions
subs:
- Inglett
- Scutaro — both great super-subs, Inglett could be making a case for every-day play. He could be an adequate No. 2 hitter, were he to maintain his current production levels and were Overbay traded to make room for Tex’s salary and 1B play.
- Stairs / Wilkerson / Snider (pick 1; choosing Snider doesn’t make much sense if he’s not going to play)
- one of the young catchers
Gone: Eckstein, Zaun, McDonald
Zaun’s a smart, underrated catcher but I see 2009 as a transition year where the Jays give Diaz or Arencibia a chance to stick. Barajas’ contract status, and the dearth of quality catchers out there should be enough reason for Zaun to want to test the waters, IMO.
And I know it’s sacrilege and I love J-Mac but 3-4 shortstops is overkill.
Obviously things change in my scenario if another team wants Overbay more than the Jays do.
————
The way I see it, Inglett, Scutaro, Wilkerson/Stairs (2007 edition) are depth guys a team requires in the playoffs. They’re not starters, except when pressed into duty, but you need them on the team.
In my opinion, Tex and Furcal are experienced vets in positions of extreme need (1B/DH power and lead-off/SS with decent OBP and extra-base potential). Tex is generally durable, Furcal might come cheaper by virtue of his injury. Presuming the team is healthy — always a crapshoot — these are guys that could make the whole lineup something to write home about.
Do the Jays have the wherewithal to go after them this winter? Does Snider’s pending arrival place a damper on any initiative to sign a masher like Tex to a long contract?
MW: I don’t think the Jays have the werewithal to go after both Teixeira and Furcal this off-season, and I don’t know why you’d want Furcal. He is coming off back surgery, and has had just two seasons since his rookie-of-the-year 2001 where he’s had an obp better than .348.
- JimMike I would first off like to thank you for your realistic and straight forward responses. Since the Blue Jays are easily the most successful franchise in Toronto major league sports for the last 30 years… but who’s counting. I think its time that Jay’s fans realize that this team is trying to get better and is not that far off. In any other division this would be a perenial post season team. But due to the power-houses of the Yanks and Sox and their enormous budgets,it’s not as easy as some of the arm chair GM’s say it is. (NOTE listen to The Jays Talk and some of the so called experts that call in.)
A perfect example of why Jays Fans should be more patient is the season the Rays are having. Why can’t that be us next year. For everyone that is asking J.P. to be fired, relax it’s just a game. We should all try to be a little more patient with the team that has only had a 16 year championship drought. Which seems like a year or two compared to our beloved leafs.
Enjoy the next 60 games.
Mike
MW: Cool name.
- Mike MilnerWhoever drafted Adam Lind in the 3rd round must be an awful GM.
- DennyIf 24 hours ago I had told you that Johnny Mac will drive in 4 and will be inches away from a grand slam, what would you have said? Johnny freakin Mac having a 4 RBI night! That’s like Wade Belak scoring two goals in a game or Leafs making the play-offs(oops).
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherMike,
Can you remind me why Gibbons/JP didn’t seem to like Lind?
MW: Wish I knew. They probably saw what he did last season and figured he needed more cooking time in AAA.
- craigIn 2006 the Jays finished 7th in the American League in Runs Scored and just barely beat the Twins to stay in the top half of the league in runs scored. So lets all stop pretending this team ever had a good offence because they didn’t. They were average one year.
- AnothonyInglett
Scutaro
Rios
Overbay
Barajas
Stairs
Rolen
Lind
Eckstein
This is the line up a hundred Million Dollars gets you. I sure hope J.P. is gone at the end of the year.
MW: Actually, that’s the line-up that $28.7 million gets you.
Mike I know you love sticking up for J.P. but you know the point im making, why can’t you just axknowledge that its an awful line up when your team payoff is near a hundred million dollars?
MW: Maybe because you’re paying $30 million to three pitchers?
- AnothonyWhat’s wrong with BJ Ryan?
- Jay MoneyMike,
You repeatedly compare these Blue Jays numbers against their teammates. The trouble with that is that they are not a good hitting team. I agree with you that Rios and Wells are good players, and compared to their teammates they are terrific players, but they are being paid like an elite talent, but they are complimentary pieces that would be great on a NY or Boston team, but they aren’t offensively talented enough to carry an offense. The caller last night that said they have a ton of 3 hitters, meaning 6 or 7’s, has it right on.
cheers,
- ChrisThe system you formulated last year that said John McDonald was the 4th best SS in baseball had many flaws.
MW: Which I readily admitted.
- Andyi’ll apologize in advance for the randomness, and outdatedosity of this question, but when the jays traded david cone the 2nd time, they got one of those ‘can’t miss prospects’ named Marty Janzen…
clearly, he missed…but do you know what ever happened to him?
i’m aware that i could probably look this up myself, but since you actually get paid to know jays stuff (as hideously irrelevant as it may be), i thought i’d leave it with you…
i don’t often agree with your arguments and stances, but i appreciate the dedication and personal touch to the blog…
MW: Thanks. I’m going to have to cut back soon, which means making you guys do your own research. Janzen certainly did miss (another fantastic Gord Ash trade!). He got picked by Arizona in the expansion draft, then kicked around the minors and independent ball before hanging it up after 2005. He never got to the majors again after his 12 games out of the ‘pen with the Jays in ‘97.
- Jay BMike
I assume you read Bob Elliott’s piece the other day on Mel Queen being “hired” to review the Jays minor system. Was this at Godfrey’s behest or did JP do this? Do you have any insight? If not, are you not curious? I am.
MW: Asked and answered. And to clarify, despite the article, that’s not why Queen was hired. He was brought on to work with the minor-league pitchers.
- DanI listen to your show Mike.. really its great.. but i think sometimes u give the callers who dont seem to be making sense to you, a difficult time sometimes. anyway i love ur show. keep it up. sometiems the talk is too short. Hey i am really worried about BJ ryan. the year they signed him, he totally dominated the Jays. his numbers were outstanding.. he does not seeem like how he used to play in his old form. i was just wondering whats changed about him?? his pitches?? style? command is an issue but? i dont know. itd be great if u can address this subject. thanks mike.
MW: He had elbow-ligament replacement surgery 14 1/2 months ago, and the normal recovery period is 12-18 months. He’s still having a pretty good year regardless.
- YoungJayFanI know this is totally suggestive….but
do you think it’s better for a player to
Play lots on a bad/losing team? or play a little on a good/winning team?
I guess most people would wanna play for that winning team, but some people just wanna play period.
MW: Suggestive?
- RandyHi Mike, I’ve noticed that the pitching for the bluejays has gotten a little rusty lately. What do you think the team should do to improve the pitching of certain players? Also what do you think they have to do to improve the offense of certain players? Thanks for answering.
MW: Pitching has its ups and downs, and right now Jesse Litsch is down and A.J. Burnett is up. Halladay remains Halladay, and Marcum and McGowan are hurt. I don’t think there’s a serious issue with the pitching. What can be done with the hitters? A good, swift kick might be a start.
- MikeyHi Mike,
Do you think that Roy Halladay has a chance at winning the Cy Young award this year based on the stats he has right now. I mean in the American League, he’s first in complete games, 3rd in ERA, 3rd in srikeouts, and 4th in wins. Thanks for answering.
MW: Yes, I do. But the Jays will have to score him some more runs.
- MikeyMike
Dumb question - is it feasible to move Lind to play First Base and then get rid of Overbay?
MW: Who would move into left field?
- DCMichael of the Ballyard:
No score, again!? I’m in the friggin’ Muskokas and it costs MONEY to take the time to check another website! Your analysis and description of in-game happenings is great, but be a real journalist, dammit.
Anyways, I have to admit that a small (or big) part of me died when when I read the Argos’ in-game program the other day.
It turns out that one of Toronto’s most beloved sports figures, Pinball Clemons, is an absolutely awful writer at best and only semi-literate at worst. And he doesn’t even have the self-respect to have someone ghost write or at least sharpen up his piece in the program!
The rest of the program is littered with grade five-level writing, brazen neglect of comma use rules and just general horribleness. It’s published by the same company that does the Jays’ gameday program so maybe try to pick up a copy when you’re at the Dome.
MW: I’ll check it out.
- JCLMike,
Adam Dunn has an OPS+ of 140 and is tied for the MLB lead in HR with 29.
Why do supposedly “informed” people around baseball continue to believe he’s having a bad year?
How long do you think it will be before main stream media types clue in to something beyond BA?
MW: His strikeouts are an issue for a lot of people, too. I don’t know the answer to your last question.
- GregJPDenial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. The 5 stages of grief. Denial; they aren’t that bad they’ll turn it around it’s just a fluke. Anger; Fire JP, fire Gibbons fire them all blow it up. Bargaining; Ok trade Eck, trade Rios and Wells, trade overbay, trade Doc. Acceptance; Well it was just a flukey year we didn’t win the world didn’t blow up. Ok actually that’s what I hope it will sound like, more likey it will be; Oh god the Jays suck they are a horrible team and will always be. Thats a more realistic acceptance for the life and death jays fans in the midst of greif. So now that I’ve show off a psych degree on to a serious comment. I belive JP’s only failing is that he trys to catch lightning in a bottle too much. It appears to me and I could be wrong that he eschews the big name guy in favour of a less touted prospect/ free agent in hopes of looking smarter than all the other GM’s. Now this could be just a result of less money or the Oilers Syndrome (hard to get a player to live here). So feel free to correct me if I’m off base. However follwing that train of thought who are those second level guys that JP should have no problem signing that you think fill our needs. Thanks for reading my long winded comment, I’ll be breif next time. As always keep up the awesome work Mike, you do a lot more than you have to and we all apreciate it.
MW: I think you’re right - acceptance has turned out to be “they’re awful, they’ve always been awful and they’ll never be any good.” Resignation, as opposed to acceptance. I’d like to know who some of the big-name players you feel J.P. has eschewed have been.
- NickHow would you describe Alex Rios year right now? Average, below average?
MW: Slightly above-average (this season).
- andrewWhat do you about a possible trade of Alex Rios,David Eckstien, Justin Jackson and/or another prospect, for Jose Reyes and Fernando Martinez of the Mets.
MW: Considering the Mets wouldn’t put Martinez in a trade for Johan Santana, I don’t think that could happen.
- Steve from NJWhat’s wrong with BJ Ryan?..He doesn’t throw as hard as he used to..He has lost about 2-3 miles an hr on his fastball..Not that his fastball was in the mid 90’s anyway but he is throwing alot slower..This could be very bad news for the Jays..Not many successful closers come into the game throwing 88-90 miles an hr..Remember Keith Folk?..He won the world series in 2004 and now he can’t throw 90 miles an hr and he is pretty much done as a closer..So how did that happen to Ryan Surgery ?
I saw on the ticker that Brian Wolfe was picked up by the D’Backs any truth to that or was is it just a typo ?
MW: Brian Wolfe pitched in Syracuse tonight, so that was a typo or something. Ryan dominated the American League in 2006 while rarely, if ever, breaking 91. He’s not throwing a lot slower this year.
- gumpAnother confidence booster for Adam Lind as he contunues to raise his average and power numbers. With him playing well could shannon stewart’s short second stint with the jays be over?
MW: It may not be over, but it certainly won’t have any impact.
- AKMike, I have a question for you and I am not trying to be a jerk or anything. Litsch seems to be in quite a funk doesn’t he. I have noticed he seems to be putting on some serious weight as the year has progressed. To perform at your best, you should be in you best condition. A young kid like Litsch should be looking as round as he does as a professional athlete. I think the Halladay training regiment might be in order. It may improve his results…but then again it may not. In any case, it can’t hurt can it?
MW: It might hurt. There have been a few very successful pitchers who have carried some extra weight, and Litsch was certainly that last year. He’s still a very agile, terrific fielder despite the extra poundage. I’m not sure it has anything to do with it.
- KenWhat can you tell us about Gustavo Pierre?
MW: He’s 16, Dominican and a shortstop.
- ClayLind reminds me of a Godzilla movie, Mike! The kid is just a MONSTER!
- Vito From HamiltonJohnny Mac for President!
- Beburg aka The relief pitcheralso, a more current question…
have you heard anything about the jays pursuing orlando cabrera in free agency this offseason?
MW: Nope
- Jay BHi Mike
How very true yuor comment about Rios is.Maybe the Angels will give us Mathews for Rios straight up they have comparable contract.Although I have almost given up on the season if Rios has a second half like he had a first half last year maybe he can show people that he is worth his contract but if he doesn’t make the playoffs it doesn’t mean any thing in this city it seems.
mario
Go Jays!!!
MW: Gary Matthews, Jr.? You’re kidding, right?
- mariohow do u reply to the comments????
MW: Like this.
- jayfanHopefully the next article isnt called Back to the Basement II. I hope they can pull off a large string of wins. I want to have something to cheer for as a Jays fan. Are they any free agent pitchers the Jays should start considering to bring in as a new starter assuming AJ leaves. However, if he stays I think you don’t touch this rotation because it has been very good this year.
MW: I don’t know who they’re looking at, they may just slide David Purcey in, but depending on McGowan’s health they may have to look at a middle of the rotation guy.
- WarrenWith A.J. on the mound tonight there will no doubt be callers on JaysTalk regarding him being merely a .500 pitcher, whatever that means. Here is a comparison that has probably been made in the past although I have never heard it. Gustavo Chacin is 25-15 in his “career”, which includes a shortened year where he went 9-4 with a 5.05 era, a whip of 1.47 and a 1.2 to 1 k to bb ratio. The numbers clearly show that Chacin is a better pitcher given his win loss record. Obviously I’m being facetious here, but it’s just frustrating the stock that people put into pitchers’ win loss records, including the media for that matter.
MW: Thank you.
- AlexWhen are they going to start batting Lind 4th?
MW: I don’t see that happening.
- B.ViddyOr bat him 2nd, either or would be better than his current spot in the lineup.
MW: That could happen soon.
- B.ViddyHi Mike,
I would never dream of being insulting, i respect your opiion and your work far to much.
Where does the term ‘a bit of English on that ball’ originate from, and what does it actually mean? Being English i’m not sure i won’t find the answer a little insulting, as it probably means ‘a little twisted’ or ‘deception’ something like that.
Thanks
MW: I’m not sure the origin of the term, but I’ve heard it many times. It means an odd spin, maybe it’s from cricket.
- ukJayIf the Jays are seller’s at the deadline, who could be traded? I think Burnett, Eckstein definetly go. If someone offers something good for Mcdonald….he should leave too, but he’s a great shortstop. Offensively, he’s actually not as bad as people think, because there are lots of teams with shortstops who bat like .250 with zilc power. Johnny just hits .200…
MW: This year.
- Ivan TangWhy doesn’t anyone blame Gord Ash around here for his crap picks in 2000 and 2001? Miguel Negron (bust) and Gabe Gross are nothing to write home about. It would be nice having an impact bat from those drafts around. But all we ever hear about is how bad J.P. is and the only bad draft he had was his first one.
MW: 2005 was no great shakes.
- DennyI don’t agree with a lot of what you say but had to admit you were right about Frank Thomas and his alternate space/time continuum.
- rrhey mike, i just wanted to see what you think about the blue jays trading bj ryan and for for the 09 season they have casey janssen as the closer?
MW: I don’t know that Janssen will be ready for action to start 2009.
- JoeyI can’t believe people are content with a .500 team. So AJ sounds off the trade block, I find it hard that no team has been serious with any offers of merit. The Jays are probably not making the playoffs, what is the point of not trading Aj to get someone that is going to help in a year as to draft picks who maybe ready in three. And I am not buying this JP is not lucky, because if this is the case we have the curse of JP and Jays under a .500 spell as long as he is GM.
MW: There’s no such thing as a curse, and I’m sure if the right offer was presented, Burnett would be moved. I’m sure he’s not actually off the trading block.
- jason wMike:
In your answer to comment #24 you refer to Marco Scutaro as Marci … I certainly hope that’s just a spelling error.
MW: I’ll go fix that. I don’t proofread my answers to comments, takes too long.
- Peter B.On an AL team that is hitting well, I think that they can suffer thru a weak hitting excellent defense SS, ie Johnny Mac.
However, I don’t know about the rumour of a trade to the Dodgers (or any NL team). That puts two non-hitters (counting the pitcher) at the bottom of the line-up.
Steve
MW: You can get by with that in the NL, especially when you have a catcher who can hit as the Dodgers do.
- SteveWFrom post 42:
MW: Holliday, outside Coors Field, is just about exactly a major-league average hitter.
This year Holliday’s road line is .301 AVG, .400 OBP, and .459 SLG. Last year it was .301 AVG, .374 OBP, .485 SLG. Those numbers are not nearly impressive as his home stats but he is definitley not a ‘major-league average hitter’. Holliday benefits tremendously from Coors Field, but he is still is a VERY good MLB hitter who has a good average and high on base.
MW: Pardon me - last year (when he was arguably the MVP) and this, he’s been a very good hitter on the road. For his career, he’s been pretty much exactly the MLB average on the road.
- Dave JVito says that Lind is a MONSTER. Is he referring to the way he has played left field occasionally?
He certainly seemed to be ‘cautious’ near the wall on a couple of balls.
Steve
Steve
MW: He’s a fine defensive outfielder.
- SteveWHi Mike don’t take this the wrong way but I feel that sometimes your attention to spelling comes off as disingenuious. I know I spelled a few things wrong in my post (post 5) but you finding humour in it can come across well lets say at the posters expense. Thats just how I feel about it. I figure you probably are not trying to be mean but thats the thing about this form of communication (which is what drives me nuts about it) there is a greater chance for miscommunication in this medium. I appreciate that you seem to have this crusade for spelling, puncuation, grammar, etc. and it is your blog however please take into account that sometimes writing a blog at almost 1am well lets just say I don’t always feel like checking for typos and spelling and such. I’m sure you feel your contributing to a higher calling with this but please a little humility here would go along way. Again please don’t take this as being a shot at you because its not meant to be. Its just that know one likes to be laughed at.
Take care and enjoy todays ballgame.
MW: I’m sorry if you’re offended, but if you don’t want those kinds of mistakes to be pointed out, then proofread.
- TroyJust to add to my last post (right now it is post 93). Not that I want to get to personel but sometimes it helps to let people know alittle about yourself so as to create more clear lines of communication and understanding. I don’t want you to think me overly sensitive on this issue (in terms of being laughed at) but I had a very painful childhood growing up. I experienced bullying (being targeted for being small) and was made fun of on a regular basis. So much so that I would fake being sick so I didn’t have to go to school. It didn’t help much that I suffered from a rare condition that has resulted in me being disabled (mobility wise) but I guess it has given me a different gaze or lens to see my world through. Hopefully one that is compassionate and more understanding. Again I just enjoy coming on here to exchange ideas on baseball and ya obviously “real life” tends to creap in now and again.
Take care Mike.
MW: I’m sorry about your rough upbringing, but you said it yourself in the comment above - sometimes you just don’t feel like proofreading. That’s all there is to it. Besides, you’re the one who brought up the spelling thing anyway!
- TroyAxknowledge, Mike?
MW: Pardon?
- Vito From HamiltonThanks for responding to my posts Mike. Its much appreciated. Anyway moving onto baseball which is what this blog is about primarily (I think). I was thinking that J.P. should be kept for another season to try and address some of the weaknesses on this club. Specifically the need for a “scary” bat in the middle of the line up. I guess that would be a dh. The other need may be a short stop who can handle the bat. Other than that maybe a middle of the rotation guy to challenge for a spot next spring. (if A.J. opts out, I believe he will). I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t feel like some of the fans who wish for this club to be blown up. I don’t think the Jays are that far away from being a real contender. In fact I thought they would have been this season. I like the outfield with Lind in left, Wells in center, and Rios in right. Rolen at third is fine with Hill at second and Overbay at first. Maybe an upgrade at catcher but I don’t think its critical. Is it just me or does it seem like the Jays are only a few pieces away Mike???
Your thoughts as always are much appreciated.
Oh ya another great day at the plate for young Adam Lind. Its really great to see. Do you think that as Lind matures as a hitter he’ll accumulate more walks which in turn will lead to a greater obp??
Take care Mike.
MW: He hasn’t had a lot of obp issues in the minors, so I think he’ll come around, and yes, I agree with you that the Jays aren’t far away.
- TroyMike, you want to get rid of Rios? Have you been drinking??? I know he is frustrating to watch, but let’s just give him one more year…. Overbay seems to not like him either (probably jealous because of a superior contract). Overbay made some comments about Rios that he’s “not as important as Wells and Hill”…. Lyle should just be concerned about himself instead of evaluating other players.
MW: Yeah, Lyle is probably jealous. When did I say I thought the Jays should get rid of Rios? When did Overbay say that Rios is not important as Wells or Hill. You made mine up, so I’m assuming you made Lyle’s up, too.
- Tom