5:40 PM Eastern
So how cool is it that on the day that the Jays get back to .500 for the first time in more than a month (they woke up June 15th at 35-35), the dictionary definition of a .500 pitcher gets a win - and doesn’t even pitch?
Very cool, is how cool.
A.J. Burnett got the win for his efforts last night when this afternoon the team did, in fact, add on and the bullpen shut Baltimore out for four innings anyway, and then Roy Halladay went out and, without his best stuff, shut down the O’s over seven innings while the Jays romped in the series finale.
That’s more like it.
Marco Scutaro chipped in with three hits, and so did Adam Lind, who is hitting .400 with a .677 SLG for the month of July. His time to climb, line-upically, is almost upon us. Lyle Overbay hasn’t looked too bad as a clean-up man, either. With today’s effort, he’s now batting .333/.400/.417 (EXTREME small sample size alert) since being installed as the 4-hitter against righties when the Jays arrived in Baltimore. It should be noted as well that Overbay hasn’t hit into a double play in a month. Cito loves him, why don’t you?
Gregg Zaun hit the ball very hard three times, resulting in a fly out into a double play (that Markakis fellow has a very, very good arm), a sac fly to the warning track and a two-run single. Nice to see.
Before I go, I just want to weigh in a little more than I already have (in the comments section - you should read that stuff) on Jesse Litsch’s demotion. I’ve said that I’m just as fine with him being in Syracuse as I’d have been had they kept him up and let him work his problems out in the majors, but it might be better to give him a couple of starts down there. Look at the decline in his performance since the end of May, when most people were ripping me for not agreeing that Litsch was going to be an all-star or even a Cy Young candidate.
On June 26th, Litsch threw eight innings of three-hitter, outdueling Edinson Volquez in a win over the Reds. Outside that one start, Litsch is 0-6, 7.07 since June 1st, having pitched 42 innings, allowing 65 hits and 9 walks (1.76 WHIP) and giving up eight homers (1.7 per 9 IP). That’s really bad.
So let Litsch get two or three starts in Syracuse to get his head on straight and, as Cito suggests, throw more fastballs and fewer cutters, and he’ll be back once the combination of Dustin McGowan being out for the season and John Parrish continuing to return to being John Parrish reaches critical mass. In the interim, David Purcey comes up and will be told “the job is yours for the rest of the season, go out and pitch”, and we might get a truer indication of the young lefty’s capabilities.
There was no time for a post-game edition of The JaysTalk today, had to make room for the man himself, but here’s The Mini-JaysTalk from between games:
Rational, reasonable comments are, as always, encouraged, but I’m no longer going to be answering them outside normal work hours, so you’ll have to wait for my responses until around gametime tomorrow.
Michael, enough time has passed since the Cito Gaston/Gene Tenace combination have taken over to generate a statistically significant sample size (I figured you’d like that using the “cubed” line for every 8-2 score!) on the improvement in hitting stats. There can be no other explanation for the improved performance (and despite a decline in overall starting pitching effectiveness, as well as the usual injury excuse). One wonders why it took so long for the management of this team to make these changes and, most importantly, did they wait too long? Probably which is too bad.
MW: I don’t think that 28 games is a statistically significant sample size, and I think (as I said when the change happened) that the hitting was bound to get better anyway. Guys like Rios and Overbay have improved, Inglett has added something and, especially Adam Lind, who was only here a week under Gibby.
- Lorne Cohenhey mike, how are ya?
this morning i was speaking with someone who apparently works with the jays and close to JP. there are three standout things that he mentioned, let me know what you think of them.
1) Zaun is going to the Yankees.
2) Halladay is “done”. when i reacted the way any baseball fan would, the comment was lowered to “he’s got three years left”. Could this be related to that crazy trade rumour?
3) Aramark, the corporation in charge of concession and retail at the Rogers Center has just unionized their workers. And that this would result in bad things including higher priced beer. (DOWN WITH ARAMARK, BRING BACK WAYNE MCMAHON).
thanks, that’s it.
MW: I’d be very surprised if someone who works closely with J.P. would spill that kind of info to someone they knew well, let alone just met. So I don’t lend any weight at all to the first two. As for the third, Aramark would never unionize its workers, but the workers might unionize. No one who works in the Jays’ baseball ops department would know or care about that in the least.
- diegoMike, if the Jays sweep Seattle, and eke out two of three from Tampa Bay, and climb to within, say, 6.5 games of the wild card, are they back in the playoffs conversation? (Cannot believe I’m even bringing this up after all the abysmal stretches we’ve seen from the Jays this year.)
My view is that the Jays are basically done, but strange things sometimes happen in baseball–even to teams hit hard by injuries. The Jays have some potentially decent pitching fill-ins in Parrish and Purcey, Lind is hitting, the middle IF subs are doing well, and Wells will eventually rejoin the team…
MW: Yes, they are.
- GeoffMike - I love “line-upically” by the way.
I was at work today and used the Gameday feature off the Jays site to keep tabs between sales calls. There is a cool feature where video clips of key plays can be viewed. I don’t know who the Oriole play-by-play TV guys are, but they a are hilarious - for the wrong reasons. Check out the clips for the Oriole ugly plays today - espeically Kevin Millar’s throw home. It’s fun to hear broadcasters describe unfiltered what fans are feeling. I liked “you gotta be kidding me” and “that’s just bad baseball”.
Nice to see those plays going in the Jays favour.
- Ian CJul 24 Dan Graziano, of The Star-Ledger, reports Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay has expressed his unhappiness with the team and has indicated it to management. As a result, the Blue Jays have recently shopped Halladay to teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, it remains unlikely that the team would deal Halladay.
I would like to know what it was that halladay expressed his concerns with? Obviously he is upset they are not winning, but what could he say that he doesn’t like or that he wants changes to? Would have loved to be a fly on the wall there! Is Dan Graziano normally on the up and up? or is this halladay trade talk between teams just a result of other pitchers like AJ being shopped, and the other team asking, “SO, what about halladay, JP? is he available, and JP saying, of course, if the price is right!”
Do you know if there is more to this?
MW: I believe that writer took a grain of truth (Halladay’s comments at the all-star game, which included “I’ll be there as long as they want me”) and built a rumour/story around it. There is no way he’s being shopped. Would teams have inquired about him? Sure. Is he moveable in the right deal? Of course. Does he want out? Not at all.
- MikeMr. Wilner:
Thanks for the “Holy Grail” reference. I had the fun of introducing my 11- and 8-year olds to selected scenes from the movie last weekend (”Build a bridge out of ‘er!”) and you got me giggling all over again.
I absolutely love the previously expressed concept of having the second game’s starter complete the first game also (too many innings this time, alas). Any idea if that has ever been done?
MW: I’m sure it has. If you need one inning, then why not, but I don’t see any other reason to do it.
- James (from the 'Shwa)2 wins in less than 5 hours! That’s freakin awesome.
Do you think a 3-4mph drop in BJ’s velocity(compared to 06)is the only reason why he has not looked great this year? I’d think so. He was nasty in 2006 with a fastball of 94mph, now if he hardly touches 90mph.
MW: Ryan didn’t throw 94 in 2006. He hung out around 91 most of the time. Now he’s at 89-90, with gusts to 91. Look at the numbers. His walks are up, but otherwise he’s been great.
- Beburg aka The relief pitchermike I have a conspiracy theory for you.this year the power numbers are down right across the league. At one time someone said there could be 1000 less homers hit this year. Also bats have been breaking at an alarming rate according to Allan and Jerry on the broadcasts. do you think that mister Selig may have changed the baseballs this year so they are less resilent. It would help him look like he has cleaned up the steriod problem as this is the excepted reason for the power outage. I wonder if ground ball outs are way up this year as well. if the ball is not coming off the bat as quickly it would give infielders a split second more to make the play.
MW: You never know.
- darren in halifaxGood to see the Jays reach .500 and Adam Lind has been incredible to say the least. I hope Jesse works out the kinks and gets back in the rotation, the Jays really need him. How do you think Purcey will do?
Thanks Mike
Wild Card Jays 2008
Well maybe not
MW: I think Purcey will do fine.
- tom stewartDid you steal that first line from a blogger on your blog yesterday?
“Hey, how appropriate is it that a game which stopped without a winner was started by the ultimate .500 pitcher, eh?”
Ok so maybe not but pretty similar.
Great wins for the team today. In a season of disappointment Lind has been a pleasure to watch lately.
MW: Yep. Stole that right from the Southpaw. Well, paraphrased him, or took his point to another level.
- KDHey Michael,
Any update on Vernon Wells, since he came back early last time he went on the DL can we expect perhaps an early return this time as well?
MW: He took BP today, but hasn’t run hard yet, which is what he’s going to have to do. He doesn’t have a timetable, but is trying to get back as soon as possible.
- B.ViddyFor those interested, Gary Cathcart (Manager for AA New Hampshire) had some very good words to say about Travis Snider.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-bulletin/2008/266558.html
Check out the article, sounds like this kid has the right make up to go along with a mean swing.
- Andrew (Guelph)The demotion of Litsch is no surprise at all. He is not the first nor the last young guy to go back to the minors. I like the kid, but it is painful at times watching him struggle on the mound. Albeit, he also had a couple of bad breaks behind him, defensively in his last couple of starts.
Despite his pitching woes, I feel Litsch had become a bit “non-chalant” as to his approach to the game. I state this based only on what I have seen of him in the dugout and on the “08 Jays” show at the break. Seems a bit too relaxed and comfortable with his position on an MLB club! Maybe he was thinking he has it made already - who knows.
Further to that, he pitches much, much better with less weight - he came up in 2007 at 195 lbs and is presently showing at 215 lbs. That’s a 20 lb difference - a huge difference for a guy of his build and an even bigger burden (I feel) on him as a pitcher. Guys like, AJ or BJ carry that kind of weight well - not a Jesse Litsch - he shows it as being a bit too “pudgy”.
Just my opinion - and I hope he knows what it is he has to work out. I’m sure, I hope this is a wake up call for the young man and he comes back to his form. I for one, don’t think he pitched way over his head in 2007 as some have said. He has good stuff and good control. Get the two seamer working, loose a few pounds, then, look out!
All the best to you Jesse - you will be back and likely be much more appreciative of playing in the “bigs”!
- Bob -
MW: I don’t think you could be more wrong. Litsch is a very laid-back guy, kind of in the Vernon Wells mold, but to see that as being unappreciative of being in the major leagues is a huge, huge stretch. Also, he wasn’t in great shape when he came up in 2007 - witness the reference to him as “pink, round and efficient” on the fine Jays blog “Hum and Chuck”.
- Bob -I wrote in my previous comment it is not surprising to see Litsch sent down to AAA Ball.
What is surprising, Mike and I will have to respectfully disagree with your words, as to you not being sure of why they wouldn’t let him work out his pitching woes/problems, at the pro level, as the Jays are not likley heading to post season anyway!
Yikes - I was surprised to hear you say that to more than one caller on Jays Talk Thursday afternoon between games and in this latest blog of yours with respect to Litsch and his demotion.
Don’t tell me, you really believe the pro level is the best place for a struggling young pitcher to work things out - and I emphasize “young pitcher” - regardless of a teams position in the standings!
AAA ball is where Jesse belongs right now to rectify, improve his game and regain his confidence, not at the pro level at all. Having said that - the only way Litsch is coming back up right away will be due to a shortage of pitching!
You, almost, sound like you don’t think the Jays have a chance of post season with comments like that Mike.
It is a huge up hill climb for the Jays, no doubt about it - however they are at .500 ball right now. The bats, are coming around as they should and the way MLB is this year - it may take a lot less wins to make the post season than in the past. No one, in this division has “run away” from the rest of the pack as yet! Still lots of games left to put into the win column.
Thanks.
- Bob -
MW: I’ve stated many times in the last two weeks that it would take a miracle for the Jays to get into the playoffs this year, and I continue to believe that.
- Bob -Any word on how they slot Purcey into the rotation?
Whoever starts on Saturday catches the off-day and I wonder if they will push Parrish back and start Purcey on Friday, giving them the option of skipping Parrtish if he struggles again.
MW: There’s been no indication yet, but I don’t think Purcey will be the one getting skipped regardless.
- WillRainWe,the fans, are always critisizing the lack of hitting, situational hitting, inconsistancy that has taken over the whole team whether it be pitching or hitting, and whether we like or dislike Jp as a Manager. I have been listening to your post game radio talkshow and so far i haven’t heard a caller speak of Scotty Rolen in a really long time? I know he is capable of hitting and produces at times but even when he gets a hit or makes contact, 60% of the time it looks like he missed the pitch or swung late or some other reason. At times i dont feel confortable with him against a good pitcher and he still seems to be missing out on A LOT of EASY fastballs which he swings through or fouls off weirdly. I love the guy defensively but he has to pick up the offense or else it would come to a point that we would need a new third baseman at the end of the year. I hear he is a down to earth guy and respects himself as well as others around him. He has proven his bat in the past slugging and homerun wise. he is still young enough and capable of turning this lack of production around but i hope its before the year is over. It’s suprising how he is still hitting i believe 270. sounds to high haha. same with stairs he is looking awful at the plate. I dont think its the age that is factoring in as much as you think it is Mike but he looks to be guessing too much at the plate. Pitchers now know his weakness. He should listen to Cito’s advice: “come up to the plate with a plan”
MW: I’m sure Stairs has a plan, he’s just really going through it right now (and for the last two months). As for Rolen, his swing does look ugly, but I’m pretty sure it always has. He’s had an awful July, but up until this month, was a very productive hitter and will be again.
- JaysFanBurnett has been fantastic, ignoring one inning, for his last 5 starts. Too bad the offence hasn’t helped him out.
Do you think they are hoping an extended trip will give Purcey the same results as Lind after his initial call up?
37-23 to reach 88 wins. Going to have to win a bunch on the road and throughout the division.
How many games above .500 do you think the Jays will finish? Cito is looking for a 35-25 finish.
MW: Cito said 10 games over .500, but says now that they’re going to get greedy. He wants 10, then 15, then 20.
- Aaron KerLater O’s…
Next stop. Yanks!
- ReneMike, what is the deal with your obsession with “apart from games when he plays well, this player is terrible” stats? It’s true of practically every player.
MW: It is and it isn’t. But when a guy has seven horrible games out of eight, that one good game can really skew the numbers. Let’s say a player goes 1-15 over five games, but then has a 4-5 night - he’s hitting .250 for the week, but has really been killing the team except for one good game.
- TylerMike…
Glad to see you setting some limits on when you answer comments - it’s overdue. You’re doing a yeoman’s work here.
I’ve become a big fan of FireJoeMorgan of late and was wondering what you think of some of the slightly more esoteric stats commonly used there (VORP, era+, etc.). Do you avoid using them since they may not be well known to your audience or are you just not a fan?
MW: I’m not well-educated enough on the VORPs and WARP(x)s of the world. I’d love to know why they don’t measure value over a league-average player rather than value over a “replacement player”. I occasionally will use ERA+ and OPS+ and like that, but not a lot.
- djmI’m sure this is just an anomoly, but i continue to find it very strange that the Jays have enjoyed their most productive runs this season with Vernon on the D.L.
Are they guilty of lapsing into a kind of ‘Vernon’s back now, everything will be fine’ mentality offensively?
Rios looks good out in centre, but the outfield as a whole sure does not feel as secure without Vernon.
MW: It comes down to this - who would you rather have playing every day - Wells or Brad Wilkerson?
- ukJayHey Mike,
I was wondering what draft pick/sandwich pick do we get if the following players walk away and sign with another team?:
Eckstein
Wikerson
Mench
Stewart
Zaun
Barajas
What if some of the players don’t sign with a team, do we still get picks? What if the players don’t sign over the winter but sign with another team after the season started, do we still get a draft pick?
Thanks
MW: No picks if they don’t sign anywhere (Barajas isn’t a free agent, the Jays have an option on him, by the way). I don’t know what picks the Jays will get in compensation, I’d wager none for any of Mench, Wilkerson and Stewart. For the others, it depends on what type of free agent they wind up being and who signs them.
- HarryI was watching on the Rogers feed from the American network. They praised the Jays for situational hitting! I laughed out loud. However it’s true. This series, after that first disaster, the guys have done a terrific job of getting the runners over and in.
Do we have enough of a sample size to suggest that Gaston, Tenace etc are better for this team than Gibbons, Denbo etc?
As for Litsch, I don’t have a problem with sending him down to work on his pitches and maybe also lose a little weight. He’s looked pretty chunky out there the last while. It hasn’t affected his excellent fielding, but he might be better pitching if he was a little slimmer.
MW: The weight didn’t work against Litsch last year or early this year. And no, we don’t have enough of a sample size. We do have lots of regression to the mean, though, and Lind has certainly helped.
- reyesHey Mike
You commented today on the shortstop situation, and i believe you said the Jays “certainly are not wasting money because the 3 guys average 2.33 mil”. This is completely untrue.
The shortstop situation is a mess. Our starting shortstop, Marco Scutaro (1.5 million) would not be starting on any other team in the majors. John MacDonald and David Ectstein ride the bench at a combined 6 million plus. The Jays are spending almost 8 million at short and the regular is Marco friggin Scutaro. Big waste of coin in my estimation.
It doesn’t likely get any better next year, as i don’t think the will buck up to sign Furcal. Hopefully Aaron Hill will be OK and maybe he can shift over to shortstop, leaving secondbase for Inglett, Campbell or hopefully a free agent like Hudson.
MW: I agree with you on Scutaro, but the thing is Eckstein. Turns out he’s a waste of $4.5 million because Cito has no use for him. Scott Campbell won’t be making the team next spring.
- rickRegarding post 14 from yesterday, many thanks to Bob.
- ukJayHey Mike,
AJ is 11-9, so he’s not a .500 pitcher!
I think that makes him .550 (for the year anyway).
MW: Close enough, no?
- WayneLitsch 0-6? How is that relevant? Oh I guess that stat is ok when you use it.
MW: Just a piece of the puzzle. Did I say “Litsch has pitched badly, he’s 0-6″ or did I give a bunch of numbers to show what he’s been doing?
- SteveNO OUTSIDE WORK HOUR RESPONSES! What the heck am I supposed to do during the day??? This sucks….seriously…where did this come from? What happened to “Let’s keep the Jays Talk going 24/7″? This blog is the greatest thing invented since the DH…Sad day Mike….what’s the reason?
MW: The 24/7 JaysTalk is a wonderful thing, indeed, but I just can’t keep going at this pace.
- RyanDo you believe a report in the the star ledger that Roy Halladay is unhappy with Toronto and has let management know it or do you think this a false report?
MW: See above.
- andrewHi Mike
Having 2 wins recorded in one afternoon that I both miss while at work is supremely frustrating.
I have read some quotes from Gaston and Ricciardi that seem to portend a return for Cito next year. When you factor in Godfrey’s clear trust in Cito, it seems his return is a fait accompli barring someone from outside the Jays’ organization taking over as GM. (If hired, I think Anthopoulos or LaCava would retain Cito). I think retaining Cito beyond this season is a mistake. I remember far too many poor decisions from his post-strike tenure as manager (insistently batting a horrible Joe Carter third, playing Ruben Sierra over Shawn Green). Cito’s decision to have Navarro hit was really anachronistic. A five run lead is far from insurmountable–as the Jays demonstrated in the ninth with the four run rally. I thought Maddon was fully justified in his criticism, comparing Cito to the glacial age. Cito’s obviously a great hitting guy, but I just don’t see him as the best possible manager for the Jays going forward.
Second, I continually hear you ask why would the Jays’ brass allow Ricciardi to make key trades if Godfrey and the board planned on firing him at the end of the season. In a completely rational world, your argument makes sense. However, firings are often messy and ill-planned (see Minaya/Randolph). Also, difficult decisions are often procrastinated, with change delayed until the boiling point is reached. I think the odds are against J.P.’s return, and that Godfrey promotes from within the organization.
MW: You may be right, but again, if it’s a fait accompli that Ricciardi is gone at the end of the year, then his firing would be neither hasty nor ill-planned.
- AsherYou said that every GM lies. Can you name any successful GMs who have lied to their fans, their players, etc?
MW: All of them.
- andrewMike, why bring up AJ’s win/loss record today to support him being better then Guthrie? We both know that win/loss record tends to mean very little. Using the comparison of Guthrie to AJ seemed like a very poor comparison to prove your point to the fans that AJ isn’t as bad as they think. The main reasons the fans are down on Burnett this year are a combination of his very poor ERA and his terrible WHIP. Combine that with his ability to only remain off the DL in his contract years, and one can easily see why he leaves the fans longing for more.
MW: The very poor ERA and terrible WHIP this year have very little to do with why the fans are down on Burnett this year. You’ll have to show me where I brought up Burnett’s W-L to show he’s better than Guthrie. What I may have done is say that Guthrie’s W-L record is worse despite better numbers in an effort to illustrate YET AGAIN how little W-L record means.
- Dave JHi Mike.
I wanted to throw you a couple of trades I have come up with. As a note I would like to say I am not suggesting the Jays do either one, but I would like your opinion if either team would do the trade and how they would look from a neutral prospective.
A: Hallladay, Rios, Arencibia to the Dodgers for Billingsley, Martin
B: Halladay, Wells to the Rangers for Murphy, Gabbard, Elvis Andrus, Tommy Hunter
thanks.
Bob in Guelph
MW: The first one is interesting - I think the Dodgers would do that but I’m not sure the Jays would. There’s not a chance the Jays do the second one.
- Bob from GuelphMike,
You are a knowledgeable and articulate guy (and funny — the Overbay thing went Overwell), and so we expect better from you than to throw cheap shots at long (novella-like) comments. James, the guy who wrote #53 in the previous entry, clearly understands baseball and wrote an interesting and well-argued, if long, critique of JP. He put a lot of thought into it, and it probably took him a good hour to put it together.
I always look forward to this blog because I love reading
a) your synopsis of the game
b) occasional gems from fans
c) your responses
It’s your “house” as you say, but I think you should try to resist mocking b) — no matter how tempting it is — because such “guests” make your blog better. Even if they present a view with which you utterly disagree.
MW: Sorry, but that comment was longer than most of my posts.
- AlexSo Mike, let’s asume that you are correct, and that it does not matter if we like the job JP has done or not done in 7 years. So what I would take you as saying then, is that we simply don’t matter. Why not have them play in an empty stadium.
Maybe just maybe the teams and the farm system should be looked at by someone. You have made excuses for the teams he has put together, and I get that you believe that he is the best talent evaluator and the best GM in the league, but we don’t. If he was truly as good as you promote him to be, we would be winning, and competing for a pennant, not competing for 3rd or 4th place. But, then you know, it is the players fault not his that he put together a bunch of guys who collectively didn’t hit last year or this year. And if it is not the players fault, then it must be injuries.
Oh well, we just have to resign ourselves to have this mediocrity. But, you know, JP is doing a great job.
Cheers,
MW: It’s when people say things like “you think he’s the best talent evaluator and best GM in the league” or “you think Lyle Overbay is an all-star first baseman” that you’re just proving that you neither listen to what I’m saying nor read what I’m writing in here.
- BobMike
Is it safe to say that Litch is still a good pitcher who’s just gotta work stuff out or has the league simply caught up with him and he is what he is?
MW: Everyone is what they are. He’s a fine 5th starter.
- SimonHey Mike. I must appologize for my absents. I have been away from the computer and have missed out on Jaytalk, the blog, and the comments that keep Jaystalk afloat 24/7. I may not be the smartest baseball guy on earth but I know that my comments are always fun for you and others to follow so I am hoping that I will be able to continue posting on a more regular basis. Good to see the Jays with a chance to put up a winning record and GO JAYS GO!!!
- Matt from BCMike, I’m curious, if you were the Jays GM whats one move you’d make right now & who would you try & sign in the off season?
I know you say we need a big bat in the middle of the lineup, but I want to know who you would move to try & fix the falling Jays. The excuse before was we couldn’t spend like the Sox & Yanks but now the Rays have proven you don’t have to, theres no more excuse. The Jays do spend a good amount it just seems somewhat mis-spent.
How long do you think fans will support a team destined for 4th behind the big spending Yanks & Sox & the small but smart spending Rays.
I’d rather support the Argos who put on team that can contend on a yearly basis.
MW: The Rays have proven that you don’t have to spend like the Yankees and Red Sox to compete, providing that you’re willing to be a laughingstock for 10 straight years of 92+ losses. Also providing that you get lucky with guys like Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd, Eric Hinske, Gary Glover, Grant Balfour and C.J. Wilson. And all they’ve proven is that they can compete with them up until the end of July.
- DMillsWe are at a critical point in the schedule. I know you feel that the jays need next to a miracle to make the post season, and i agree. However, they dont need a miracle to at least get to a point where they play some meaningful games in september which would be fun.
The Jays play 13 of the next 16 at home. Of those games, they play bottom feeders seattle and cleveland 6 times. they play oakland, a team looking to next year, 4 times. they play a fairly weak road team, Tampa Bay 3 times. They do go to Texas for three.
Now I realize they have been beat up by many of these teams already, but this is a team whose bats are finally starting to “regress” in a positive direction to their means.
If the Jays can go 12-4 in this stretch and get 8 games over with 44 to go..this SHOULD at least make things a little more exciting going into late august and september. I think 12-4 is VERY doable with the way the team is starting to hit, assuming AJ isnt traded, and if wells comes back in a couple weeks.
should the team achieve only around a .500 record over this time..its definitely over..cause 1. the schedule gets much harder and 2. you just burnt 16 more games of daylight.
MW: 12-4 would certainly make things interesting. It might even get them back within 6 games of the wild card or so.
- sammy jalalzaiG’day Mike,
The Jays have had a tendency over the last 4-5 years to play better in the latter half of the season, and by doing this they generated excitement and hope among the fans (myself included) that “next year might be the year”.
For some reason, this year feels different. Even if they continue to play well and even creep up to 10 games over .500, somehow I sense that the good vibes for next year won’t be there. Of course I hope they do well and it’ll be fun to see Halladay go for the Cy Young, watch Adam Lind take off, and maybe see some more prospects….but really, I can’t see the rest of the year being that exciting for us.
I think we should be worried about next year as I think the starting pitching (other than Roy) could be a real concern :
Marcum - is the elbow a sign of things to come?
Macgowan- shoulder problems are a worry
Litsch - flash in the pan?
Purcey - who knows?
Who else???
I’ve said it before, but I think they need to keep Burnett. You said before he was as good as gone after the year, but now you say you’re not sure if he’ll opt out or not.
What will it take for us to keep him? Do you also sense that team management is at all worried about the starting pitching next year?
MW: I said I’m not AS sure that he’ll opt out. Instead of being 478% sure, I’m now only 97% sure (barring injury). I’m not worried so much about Marcum, but McGowan is a legitimate concern. Of course, next year they’ll have Purcey, Davis Romero and, potentially, Casey Janssen to help out.
- Oz RobMW,
About Jesse Litsch’s demotion, I recall the same thing happenned to Halliday. Some may remember the time when Chris Carpenter looked like our long-term ace and Halliday was struggling so badly that he went all the way back to A ball. Sometimes, taking big league pressure off a pitcher can work wonders for their game. We are unlikely to win anything this year so now is the time for some longer term thinking. Sending Litsch down is the right thing for him and the team.
MW: That’s some pretty heady company into which to place Litsch. He’s a major-league pitcher, but he’s not in that class.
- George AHi Mike,
Although the Jays need his recent slugging %age at the clean-up position, I’m really not sure about adding that little extra pressure to Lind by putting him at #4 so soon.
But, I’m sure that Cito is thinking that if he had Wells behind him in the order it would be worth the shot.
That would be Rios,Lind,Wells,
Overbay,Rolen,Barajas for the #3-#8 spots or switching Lind and Overbay for Rios,Overbay, Wells, Lind, Rolen,Barajas. That should be pretty good, shouldn’t it? If the Jays could find an eligible #1 sooner than later, Inglett and Scutaro would round out the rest and then, maybe, the miracle finish?
That means a true leadoff/DH,
if only for the rest of this season. Not Stairs, Wilkerson, Mench, Stewart, Hill, Zaun,
but maybe Eckstein? or Winn,
or someone else?
Also, I’m not sure whether I heard this during a FAN broadcast but someone, somewhere (yesterday) said that the Yankees were “about facing” and now (desparately) contemplating signing Barry Bonds?
Would he be signed on a HR or RBI bonus structure, say the greater of $100,000 per RBI or $200,000 per home run and $X+ Million if they make the playoffs, League pennant, World Series win?
His agent can’t argue that Barry would put more people in the seats since the Yankees have “sold out” already.
(pun intended)
MW: I don’t think the Jays will be moving Lind to clean-up all that soon. There’s a better chance that he hits 2nd when Wells comes back, between Rios and Wells. The report is that the Yankees are talking about thinking about bringing in Bonds. Why would it be selling out to sign baseball’s all-time home run leader? It’s ridiculous that no one has done it yet.
- BRick in OakvilleMr. 500 wins. Woo Hoo!
How clutch was AJ making the bull pen not blow another potential win for him, and taking time to coach the offence into adding some insurance runs. Why hasn’t AJ been doing this all year long?
End sarcasm. Ok, I can think of maybe 1 or 2 games that AJ shouldn’t have won but did, but several more that he lost but probably should have won.
But no matter how much so called ‘evidence’ or ‘logic’ you present that W-L record can be severely skewed, the AJ bashers will keep repeating .500 pitcher.
Bmac
- BmacOh no. The Blue Jays are again making their annual run.
Now that they’re out of the race and the pressure’s off. JUst like the last five years. And there goes the media again telling us how great this guy is and what a hero that guy is. Based on six or seven good games.
But we all know if the Jays get too close, they’ll realize what they’re doing and drop six in a row. And then finish with a bang once their eliminated. And the media will once again go gaga and tell the fans next year will be even better. And on it goes.
MW: Yes, it’s all the media’s fault. But this is their annual run? 4-3 since the break?
- Rick GRaceHi Mike,
I am really McLovin’ this whole .500 record. Though it’s a little depressing to look at the National League West and see that the Jays would be the division leader if they were playing there.
That just goes to show you how competitive the AL East is.
MW: Well, no. The Jays would be 4 back in the NL East, and at least 7 back in any other division. It goes to show you just how bad the NL West is.
- IanHey Mike, what happened to Shannon Stewart? Did he fall into a black hole or something?
MW: In fact, he started his rehab stint tonight!
- RossMike,
Interesting that Ricciardi hinted that maybe a deal is in the works including BJ Ryan, seeing as there are some teams who need a closer (St. Louis comes to mind, as does Chicago Cubs, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Milwaukee - I think).
Here’s two questions:
1) IF Ricciardi does trade BJ, do you think he would use that extra money to try and re-sign AJ Burnett? Not going to lie but AJ Burnett is making me eat crow with my feelings on him this year based on his performance…
2) Who would be the teams immediate (and future) closer if BJ Ryan is traded?
MW: The Cubs, Rays and Phillies don’t need a closer. I don’t think the Jays are going to try to re-sign Burnett when he opts out. The immediate closer would be Snakeface, and in the future, him, Jeremy Accardo or Casey Janssen.
- MarkI saw that NJ article about Halladay. I guess it’s not impossible that the Jays might trade him to improve the team but I think it’s highy unlikely. That might be a bit of wish-fulfillment on the part of the NJ people. Even if we finish last, we don’t have enough good pitching to replace Halladay, and the fans would stage an open revolt. I know you say that the fans have nothing to do with the team’s decisions, but on the other hand, the fans do pay to come to the games. So unless the front office were absolutely certain that trading Doc would bring us at least an ALCS pennant within the next year or two, I doubt they ‘d do it.
I suspect a lot of things will become clearer after this series with Seattle. They have been playing much better in the last three games but there’s no reason (yet) to suppose that will continue. However if they do continue to do well, I think we’ll see BJ insead of Burnett being traded at the deadline.
MW: Why would they trade Ryan if they continue to do well? And thanks for saying that there’s no reason to suppose that will continue.
- reyesRegarding one of your topics on discussion on Wednesday with suspended games (and that interesting tidbit about Bonds), there was an interesting game last year in the minors.
The game was suspended and resumed the next day. During the evening, the parent teams made a trade, and one of the players from the suspended game ended up going to the opposing team. So a player suited up for one team for the game, and ended the game in the other team’s uniform.
I wonder if it’s ever happened in the majors.
MW: Very cool. I think Joel Youngblood switched teams in-between games of a doubleheader (Expos/Reds?) in the early 80s.
- JWHi Mike,
The boys are back at 500… might they possibly have a run in em to finish 10 games over? (even with all the injuries … a la first 1/2 cards)
if they could… would 91 wins contend for the wild card possibly?
the rays while amazing at home have a road heavy sched coming in… i think they could regress a little. we play em 9 more times. 6 at home so we could make ground.
12 to play vs Boston even split home and away.
9 vs yanks with 6 at home.
ground in the WC and division can be made up still… i think?
i do realize it is a really really really hard sched from mid aug to mid sept playing quality playoff teams every series… but as a hopeless optimist is there someway, somehow this team can step up against the best and still make a run?
i hope so… and i refuse to jump off the bandwagon… the writing sure is on the wall… but the fat lady hasn’t sung yet on the season.
keep up the great work
MW: The season is definitely not over, but as I’ve said, it’ll take a miracle for the Jays to make the playoffs. 91 wins will absolutely get a team in contention for the wild card, but 91 wins is 20 games over .500, not 10.
- Nathanielhttp://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/1216874131106220.xml&coll=1
is that crap or what?
- Paul OI suggest that the Jays batters should spend 15 minutes of batting practice learning to bunt and this will improve the team,s offence.
MW: How would getting out more often improve the offence? They’re already second in the league in sacrifice hits.
- don ettrickjust read a report on the yahoo sports page quoting another source saying that halladay has let management know that he’s unhappy in TO, and that they’ve secretly shopped him to the cards and dodgers…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6134/news
can you please let us know what you know of this, if anything…i.e. the validity of the report, etc…
MW: Asked and answered.
- Jay BHi Mike,
I propose that starting now, you screen the calls that ask about:
a) Status of Blue Jay injuries (IE: Shannon Stewart who no one cares about)
b) Top moves that Jays can make in the off-season
c) Will AJ be traded
It seems that everyday on the show these questions are asked and you were right on, a lot of these questions are answered on the BLOG and for people that try consistently to get on the show (like myself) who try to ask legitimate and original questions but fail, its disappointing for my air time to go to people who dont listen in regularily or read the blog and ask repetitive questions.
Thanks.
MW: But tons of questions are asked on the blog that ten seconds of research by the questioner would answer, as well. Obviously, people are listening all the time to every show, nor should they be expected to be.
- FrankWhy don’t I love Lyle Overbay, Mike? Because his double play groundouts with RISP were costing us ballgames. Of course he’s not the only culprit, but nonetheless. He’s got alittle making up to do.
- Vito From HamiltonMatthew Liuzza was promoted to Dunedin over Jaspe. I can’t find out anything. Some kind of punishment to Jaspe for getting suspended? :S
MW: I don’t believe so. They like them both.
- ju1cedMike do you watch Family guy?
your answer to the called who made the joke about moving the sign of the vechicle on to the field at the dome really reminded me of Stewie.
so you don’t think the fact that 23 players from the allstar game were first round picks and another two received first round money shows that scouts draft the best players first? Seems to me that if the draft were such a crapshoot as you suggest that their would be just as many 15th round and 25th and 28th round draft picks in the all star game as their would be 1st rounders. No?
If by the draft is a crapshoot you mean not every player drafted is an allstar or most players drafted never even reach the majors then sure, but we already knew that.
Sorry in advance for my spelling and thanks for your time.
MW: Of course the players taken in the first round should be better, and a lot of them are, but look at your numbers. 23 all-stars were first-rounders, which means that less than 10% of players drafted in the first round over the 10-year period we discussed were all-stars. If you extrapolate further, you could argue that an average of three of each year’s first-rounders become all-stars.
- AnothonyI saw that Brian Jeroloman played in AAA last night. Do you have any info on this? Had they planned on moving him up this year? Could he be with the big club in September?
MW: Jeroloman is now the everyday catcher in Syracuse. September call-up? Mayhaps.
- BrettHey Mike, keep the good work going.
The thing about the Blue Jays is that they , its been several seasons that they are not performing well and they are not a popular team around the majors like the Red Sox or the Cubs. Do you think the team should change the entire velocity with hitting(or has Cito already done that)?
Thanks.
MW: Popular team around the majors? Velocity with hitting?
- CralI hereby launch the official Bring Carlos’ Back to Toronto Campaign. Carlos is far from finished. He simply just sucks at Shea Stadium where he unfortunately plays half his games. At Shea his career OPS is .758 but away from Shea it’s .910. And his career OPS at Skydome? How about .984. He won’t repeat that of course but anything around .900 would be absolutely awesome. We need power, a DH, lefties, more attendance, replace Stairs, gets Wells and Rolen out of the cleanup spot, etc. and with one move all of those things would be solved.
JP was forced to offer him an embarrassing $6 mil per when his contract expired in 2004 because of the low payroll. But after this season, IF the Mets don’t pick up his $12 million option for next year and instead buy him out for $4 million, we can get him for 7-9 million for 3 years, which is about half of what Manny would ask for. Carlos needs to retire as a Jay and go to the HOF with a Jays cap. Make it happen JP!
MW: But what’s his road OPS the last three years?
- ShawnMy bad, I meant “Carlos Back” not the possessive “Carlos’ Back”. I want the whole guy, not just his back. (That’s what she said)
- ShawnDuring our softball game last night the discussion turned to whether or not the Jays had a chance to make the playoffs and the group was pretty divided evenly. My position is that all it took for the Yankees to get back into contention was a 6 game winning streak and last years Rockies. BAsed on that it is always possible, but did I think the Jays COULD do it? My answer was no. But it got me thinking about the remaining schedule and how hard it would be for the Jays to jump over the 6 or 7 teams in front of them for the wild card. AS we hit the 102 game mark with a record of 51-51, the Jays play 34 games at home and 26 on the road. Jays are 7 game over 500 at home (and obviously 7 games under 500 on the road), this is the 1st good sign. The record of the teams we have to play those remaining 60 games is a combined .515 winning percentage. 2nd good sign. Of the teams ahead of the Jays in the wild card standings, we have a chance to play all of them(TB-6@home/3@TB, BOS-6@home/6@Bos, NYY-6@home/3@NYY, MIN-3@home/0@Min, DET-0@home/4@Det, OAK-4@home/0@Oak, TEX-0@home/3@Tex,). We also play division leader CWS (0@home/4@CWS) and cellar dwellers in SEA (3@home/0@Sea) and BAL (3@home/3@Bal). 3rd good sign.
Looks like the schedule is set up perfectly for a team that can make a final push. Even with this seemingly perfect final 60 game schedule, I still don’t think they can pull it off, but it does give them an opprotunity to make me and all the other doubters eat our words.
- ThomaOh Yeah, add in a 3 gamer againts CLE @ home. Another team with a losing record.
MW: The opportunity certainly is there, but the schedule is tough and the team is beat up. It certainly could happen, stranger things have, but we’ve reached the point where they need one of those strange things to happen.
- ThomaThe Jays finally are winning on the road. Knowing the way this team has gone this year leads me to believe that they’ll have a bad series vs Seattle. If they can sweep Seatlle, maybe they’ve got a shot. They are 8.5 games out of the division right now. And as Kevin Garnett would say, “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” I am a believer and I will remain one. I say they should be buyers at the deadline. They should try to get Mark Teixera right now. With him in their lineup, this team will be even better. If they go 40-20 to end the year, they should make the playoffs. Let’s see what they can do!
MW: 40-20 is a ton to ask of them, especially without McGowan and with Wells still out a while. It’s certainly too slim a chance for which to give up a big piece of the future.
- WarrenI love suspended games. Instead of a gazebo, why not have the players freeze at the exact position they stand at point of suspension and cover the field and everyone on it with a tarp, just like a barbeque.
I’m listening to the on-line file of the suspended game The JaysTalk and I suggest playing AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” during all future rain delay programming.
Respectfully yours, Adrian 0T3
MW: Swell ideas both. By the way, you and I are indeed co-alumni, but you are a co-alumnus of mine.
- Adrian, co-alumniHi Mike
Nice to see the Jays swinging the bats.Also a liitle help from Millar was appreciated.If you read this can you say what the Jays can expect for Scott Downs.Personnally I wouldn’t trade but I believe he is very valuable to a team in contention.I say the equivalent A.J. would command in a trade.You.
mario
Go Jays!!!
MW: There’s not a chance Downs commands close to what Burnett does in trade. Just look at what the Yankees gave up for Damaso Marte AND Xavier Nady.
- marioNo Jays talk .. What a jip..They win 2 games in one day (sort of) for the first time in a few years and there isn’t a Jays Talk..
However, I disagree with you Mike..B.J Ryan isn’t throwing as hard as he used to..His fastball is topping out at about 90 MPH..He never had a 95MPH fastball but his velocity is down..His mechanics look a little “off” too..
I bet the farm A.J Burnett throws a stinker within the next 2 games and people will want him traded..
MW: He’s topping out at 91, not 90 (just not as consistently as he used to), and he was throwing 91 before he got hurt.
- gumpi asked if you’d heard any rumblings about this, and you said no…BUT…what are your THOUGHTS on going after orlando cabrera this offseason?
how much will he command (roughly)?
given his john mcdonaldesque defense, and being a leadoff hitter, he seems like a perfect fit…
o cab and rolen side by side would be pretty to watch…
MW: He would be a perfect fit, if he was a good leadoff hitter and played McDonaldesque defense, but he isn’t and he doesn’t. He’s sporting an ugly .325 obp this year, which is actually better than his .321 career on-base. So while he may hit leadoff occasionally, he is by no means a leadoff man. His defense, while very good, is still not in McDonald’s league. He’ll command a lot more than he’s worth.
- Jay BM.W. – Most comments are encouraged, but if you’re going to be insulting or an idiot, please keep it to yourself.
Yes, I agree. Please refrain from being an idiot on Mike’s Blog. I don’t need to read your insulting comments.
After all, when it comes to insulting people, nobody does it better than Mike.
MW: But I’m not the guest. If people come to me with stupid ideas, I’ll let them know. But they’re coming to me.
- DavidMike, I never said with respect to Litsch as you stated……
“but to see that as being unappreciativemajor leagues of being in the is a huge, huge stretch”
What I did say is when he comes back I am sure he will be “more appreciative” as to his status as a big leaguer! Meaning, he is no doubt appreciative of the opportunity to be there now - however when your brought back down to earth - so to speak - with a demotion it no doubt, will be a wake-up call for him or anyone for that matter.
You maybe correct as to his demeanor and laid back approach - I see it as being too comfortable at this stage of his career - your comparison of Jesse Litsch and his demeanor to the likes of Vernon Wells - hmm - I don’t any relevance there at all. I wouldn’t be surprised, to hear Litsch upon his return, talk of taking things a little bit too much for granted as to his status up here.
I realize you have said it would take a miracle for the Jays to make it into the playoffs this year. What I was referencing was the fact you stated (on Jays talk)they may as well have left Litsch up in the bigs to work on his pitching as the Jays are not going anywhere, this year anyway.
My respectful disagreement with you was on two fronts - one being you were counting the Jays out of it and the other being with respect to leaving a young pitcher in the bigs to work on his game.
MLB, is not a place for any struggling young pitcher to be or to work things through. I am sure, with your background and being around the pros for as long as you have - you are well aware of that.
Thanks.
MW: MLB can, indeed be a place for a struggling young pitcher to work things through - on a team that’s not going anywhere. See Jeremy Bonderman, Chris Carpenter, etc. You certainly didn’t infer in your comment that you thought that Litsch was appreciative of being in the majors. You was non-chalant and felt as though he had it made already.
- Bob -Hi Mike,
Two quick ones…. First, do you think it’s likely the Jays would bring back Wells as a DH before he’s ready to play in the outfield? And second, is it possible Wolfe got sent down instead of League because they want to stretch Wolfe out and maybe give him a look as a starter?
MW: Probably not - it’s very difficult to pace yourself coming out of the batter’s box so as not to hurt yourself. Maybe with Wolfe, but I don’t think so.
- Rob_NSHey Mike,
Can you pass along get well wishes on the radio for my son Thomas who had surgery on Thursday? It will make his day.
Cheers,
Rob Kucher
MW: I’ll try.
- Rob K from OakvilleI said there is no reason yet. I’m a fan but not a stupid fan. These guys have been up and down too many times to look at such a small sample size (you of course will understand, you being a fan of sample sizes) and believe they are on the upward trend. As I write, Rios and Overbay could have driven in the winning run and failed to do so, so we are in extra innings.
Against the Mariners. Who last time I looked were one of the worst teams in baseball.
I would hope they would keep Ryan, but on the other hand, they’ve got Downs who is excellent, with some good relievers behind him in the ‘pen. So if we needed to give something to get something, he would be the one to give, I think.
Meanwhile, the Jays have just given up the go-ahead run in the 10th…
MW: I know you said there is no reason yet, that’s why I congratulated you on your level-headedness. I wonder if you’ll still think so after the 10th tonight!
- reyesPS ‘We do have lots of regression to the mean,’
Sounds good, but what the hell does it mean?
MW: It means the hitters are getting back to where they should have been in the first place.
- reyesnady is a yank
- broomyour concept of saying only a small percentage of first rounders were allstars is flawed by one major factor you are ignoring…..
there is a finite number of allstar roster spots hence by definition only a small percentage of first rounders could be allstars.
MW: This is true, but a greater percentage of first-rounders could be all-stars.
- sammy jalalzaiHi Mike, love the BLOG and the show (especially the Rain Delay Shows and first ever suspension show the other night). Great walk off win tonight.
- Joe VYour comment about Ricky Romero being the best pitcher available in the 2005 draft the other night is slightly incorrect. Romero was actually the 5th best rated overall pitcher in that year’s draft as per Baseball America behind:
1. Mike Pelfrey (Mets)
2. Luke Hochevar (Royals) - drafted by Dodgers
3. Jered Weaver (Angels)
4. Craig Hansen (Redsox)
However all the above pitchers had “signability” issues (all were looking for huge, outrageous signing bonuses, some of the above prospects had Scott Boras as their agent), with only Mike Pelfrey drafted in the top 10 (#9) by the wealthy Mets and Luke Hochevar went down to 40th overall by the dodgers (another wealthy team). In fact all of the top 4 pitching prospects were drafted by teams with some cash.
That’s why I say you were only slightly incorrect, because you’re right in that, not only was Romero the best lefthanded pitcher available in that years draft, he was also the best rated pitcher available without signing ability issues. So taking all that into account, J.P. did indeed draft the highest rated pitching prospect available to him.
So for all you J.P. “drafting” critics that’s the story and were sticking to it.
Hey Joe V #77
I am a JP draft critic, and I love the post, lots of good info there. Based on that info, what exactly are you saying? Do you think Romero was a good pick?
Heres one other question for you to ponder. Do you know what Scott Kazmir, Cole Hamels, Matt Cain, Nick Swisher, James Loney, Joe Blanton and Jeff Francouer have in common? They were all drafted in the first round in 2002, AFTER JP selected Russ Adams with the 14th overall.
I spent an a couple hours today examining the Jays drafts vs a few other teams. I going to post it tonight, and if Mike is kind enough to display it, check it out…
MW: I look forward to seeing it. Yes, Russ Adams is a bust, and drafting is an inexact science. But the 13 teams who picked ahead of the Jays all passed on those players, too. Remember, as well, that 2002 was Ricciardi’s first draft.
- rickA fortunate 10th ining hit by Joe Yoyo gets Jays a lucky win despite some dumb plays: e.g.Wilkerson getting doubled off 2nd base; even worse Barajas with a 2-0 advantage in the 6th and a new pitcher coming in doesn’t have the sense to make the guy throw a strike before swinging; instead he swings at three bad pitches to strike out; then Carlson compounds walking a speedy runner by not bothering to even look at him as he steals 2nd and eventually scores a go-ahead run. Maybe lucky wins and unlucky losses even out,
MW: The Blue Jays are still due some more lucky wins.
- JRHaving seen some of Lind’s adventures in left field, I would like to move him to DH and use Wilkerson in left until Wells gets back and then use Inglett in left. Keeping Mighty Joe as the leadoff guy.
The above ignores lefty righty matchups as I’m not a fan of platooning. Resting guys intelligently…O. Like playing Johnny Mac on days that a ground ball picher is on the mound rather than every Sunday no matter who pitches.
Steve
MW: I’m a fan of platooning. If Lind goes to DH then Scutaro has to play second every day and one of McDonald and Eckstein would get more time at short. One of those things is good, but Scoot is playing everyday anyway.
- SteveWMike, Shawn is right about Carlos as it turns out. (I think I’ll rip off the idea for a blog post)
Here’s Carlos year by year for his time in NY, road averages only:
06 - .304 .390 .608 .998
07 - .288 .351 .519 .870
08 - .289 .348 .512 .860
Not the numbers of his prime - and certainly not preferable to, for instance, Man-Ram….but still a reasonable consideration, especially on a one-year “value rebuilding” deal like Thomas signed in Oakland in 2006.
Call it “Plan C”
MW: Maybe Plan “D”. Manny, Thome and Giambi would be the first three plans for me.
- WillRainSorry Mike, I thought you were taking shot!
But if you were saying that the players were getting back to where they should be–and I agree with you–I think ‘regression’ might not be a word I would use there because it has negative connotations. May I suggest ‘return’ instead?
In any case, yes I was cheesed-off at the way the hitters weren’t hitting last night. Especially my pet goat Mr A____ R____. However Luck decided to get involved in a good way this time and we won the game via Mighty Joe.
Who is beginning to heal the break in my heart left by the departure of Reed Johnson.
MW: I love that Joe Inglett is becoming the new folk hero for those who still can’t get over the release of Reed Johnson. What is it with short, scrappy, white guys with limited talent and results? Alex Rios, who you love to hate, is a far, far better player than either one of those guys, and is having a far, far better year.
- reyesC’mon Mike, throw me a bone. You’re avoiding me more than the Jays avoid scoring runs with RISP. Alright, Mike, I’ll ease up on Lyle Overbay, if that will make you like me.
MW: I’m not avoiding you, you just don’t often leave comments that require a response.
- Vito From HamiltonMike,
Why all the great things in the world end with ‘uck’, eg. buck, luck e.t.c? Jays need some more luck like last night, so that punters could make a buck and we all could go home happy and tuck in the bed. What a win! Thanks Ichiro.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherMW: But what’s his road OPS the last three years?
.999, .861, and .870 this year.
I’ll take that, wouldn’t you?
MW: That’s pretty swell. Check out Will’s comment above.
- ShawnHello Mike
I was at the game last night and it was painful watching Parrish pitch - Man, is he slow…. I could have gone for coffee and cooked eggs between his pitches.
It was a great ending, but watching Rolen hit was not pretty. Twice he came on with men on first and second - same result, four times at bat, four times grounding to the short stop.
Mike, two questions - do veterans still consult the coaches for help when they are in a slump. I don’t know if it is my imagination, but Rolen just does not look comfortable at the plate. It seems that hs has problem hitting the ball out of the infield.
I know that the Jays seems to have a lot of prospect in the minors; first base, catching, pitching and outfield. Do they have anyone playing third base who can step up in two or three years?
MW: Robinzon Diaz might be the guy who takes over at third base, though Kevin Ahrens is the stud first-rounder making his way up. By the way, Rolen only grounded out to short twice last night.
- francisHi Mike,
How old do you have to be to call on the show?
MW: There’s no age limit. We don’t put a lot of teenagers on the show, but if a younger kid has a point and can speak about it intelligently, I have no problem getting that caller on.
- MikeyGame tied, bottom of 9th, 1 out,a man on 2nd. Shouldnt the pitcher almost always walk the batter to have the inning ending DP on? It’s a no-brainer to me but yesterday Morrow wasted his energy on Scutaro and walked him on 6 or 7 pitches. Was just wondering why there was no intentional walk there?
MW: Almost always, but when you have a poorer hitter like Scutaro and 3-4-5 behind him, why not go after him if you’re overpowering like Morrow?
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherHey Mike
In regards to my post (#78), you are right. 13 other teams past on Hamels, Cain, Kazmir, Swisher, Blanton, Loney and Francouer, just like JP did when he selected Russ Adams. But who did some of those teams select instead ? Prince Fielder, Joe Saunders, Zack Grienke, Jeff Francis, Jeremy Hermida and BJ Upton.
MW: OR Bryan Bullington (1st overall), Chris Gruler, Adam Loewen, Clint Everts, Scott Moore and Drew Meyer. You’re really cherry-picking there.
- rickHey Mike,
Just wanted to comment about a caller pointing out A.J. Burnett and his .500 record he is known for. You were all over the poor guy telling him a .500 record means ‘nothing’. I must agree that if A.J. Burnett’s pitching is consistent then his record doesn’t really mean a lot…but… A.J’s record this year has been anything but consistent. Of the 10 games the Jays won (dropping his worst decision for statistical purposes) when he started he pitched superb. His WHIP was 1.20 which would place him around 10th out of all starters in the A.L. and his E.R.A. during those 10 games was a paltry 2.44 placing him 3rd in the A.L. well ahead of Roy Halladay!
Of the 9 games the Jays lost while he pitched (I dropped his best outing for statistical purposes and an extra inning game he got rung up when they brought him in as a non-starter) he pitched horribly. His WHIP was 1.74 and his E.R.A. was a dismal 7.03!
I don’t know what the rest of his carreer has been like statistically but I think the caller made a valid point regarding this year anyway. I feel the same way as he did. A.J. Burnett can be extraordinarily proficient and frustratingly inefficient. He is a real Jeckyl and Hyde with a lifetime winning percentage sitting around .500. He certainly has the potential to be a great pitcher but doesn’t a guy have to show some sort of consistency to be considered a player of that level?
Cheerz, Jim
MW: If you look at the numbers he’s put up over the course of his career, you’ll see that they’re very, very good. Comparable even to Roy Halladay. This year, you’re exactly right though. And, “for statistical purposes”?
- Jim Robinson