1:40 PM Eastern
Sorry about not posting last night. It was the combination of a long night game, an early game today (including the pre-pre-game) and killer headache.
Here, for your listening pleasure, is last night’s edition of The JaysTalk:
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Comments are always welcome.
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eh mike
I’m glad they are shutting dustin down for the year and fixing his labrum. Is this a serious injury? is it different from a torn labrum? i also think they should take their time with marcum as well. Dustin and Sean are key pieces to the pitching staff.
I was also reading the rumor mill on fox sports and espn and they were saying how jp was testing the waters on what he could get for halladay and also bj ryan? do you see a big piece being moved?
MW: It is different from a torn labrum, just a frayed labrum, but they are doing the right thing by taking care of it now. As far as Shaun Marcum is concerned, if he’s healthy enough to pitch, he’s healthy enough to pitch. I don’t see Halladay being moved AT ALL, but maybe Ryan.
- Patel RWhat do you think the chances are that when Hill comes back they move him back to short and allow Inglett to continue playing second. It seems that it would be pretty hard to take Inglett out of the lineup. Out of all the combinations to have for the middle infielders on this team, I think that Hill/Inglett would be the most productive, as I certainly like Inglett in the lineup more than Scutaro, MacDonald or Eckstein.
MW: I don’t think that would be a bad idea at all.
- B.ViddyAnd I know you are going to think that its just because Inglett reminds ppl of Reed, but thats not true cuz I was all for Stewart over Reed, and really didn’t care that Reed was gone, I think Inglett is a better hitter than Reed. You keep expecting him to fall off, but he has been nothing but productive at the Major League level.
MW: He did fall off a while there, going 1-for-18 before the game-winner last night, but he’s got three hits today, so he’s right back in the saddle.
- B.ViddyHi Mike
Good win. Weren’t the Jays known as the cardiac kids in the early 90′s ? It doesn’t seem to make sense that a manager makes a lot of a difference, but I’ve read somewhere that Cito really emphasizes trying to read a pitcher to see if he’s tipping the next pitch, and also having a plan for every at-bat. Maybe that is what is making the difference.
Also, I’ve looked over the Jays payroll for 2009, and without Burnett, the payroll will be about 80M. Assuming that they spend around 100M again, what do you think about the idea of the Jays spending it all on a star to get them over the hump. Or do you think it’s better to get 2 10M dollar players.
MW: I’ve got the payroll at $70M without Burnett, and with picking up Barajas’ option and arbitration raises for guys like Tallet, Camp and Accardo. In my model, the Jays non-tender Frasor (instead of paying him somewhere between $1.8-$2.5). That’s enough money to bring in Manny Ramirez, Orlando Hudson (since everyone wants him back) and a solid mid-rotation starter.
- Alex HI hope your headache is better!
It’s very simple why I love Joe Inglett and Reed Johnson and don’t necessarily love Alex Rios.
Ingleyy and Johnson play to the outermost limits of their ability. You’re absolutely right, neither of them have the talent that Rios has, but both of them play pedal-to-the-metal all the time. And Rios doesn’t seem to do that always. (Their skin colour doesn’t have anything to do with it.)
MW: This is Toronto, after all, where fans love guys who go all-out all the time, even if they’re not the most talented (except David Eckstein, for some reason). Brad Smith and Tie Domi are heroes here, along with Reed Johnson. There’s nothing wrong with that, except that it skews a lot of fans’ views of how good these guys actually are.
- reyesI hear the:
Rays
Mets
Braves
Dodgers
Yanks
Tigers
are all looking for Relief PItching which i think we have and abundanve of.
What do you think JP is doing to trade few relievers to improve the team?
and what do you think we might be able to potentially get from these teams?
MW: I don’t know that the Jays have an abundance of relief pitching, but you’d think that they have enough to be able to move a guy or two without much problem. The thing is, where do guys like Tallet and Frasor rank among the other relievers who are out there and available like Brian Fuentes, Arthur Rhodes, George Sherrill and others? I think J.P. is exploring every avenue to try to improve the team, but I don’t think there’s much return to be had in a deal for a reliever who’s not B.J. Ryan.
- HarryMike,
Is it possible for Jesse Carlson to be properly fitted for a MLB uniform? I know all players have some preferences, but the hat looks like JP had it ready in case Bonds signed on the line. Yikes.
MW: As long as it doesn’t affect his performance on the field, who cares?
- TimRios looks like a different player in July-4 homeruns, 11 stolen bases, striking out less-what’s happened to allow for the turn around??
MW: Make it six homers now – he’s getting back to where he should be.
- ChrisThe link to the “Jay’s Talk” programme from Friday night does not work. Can you please fix it? Thanks!
MW: We’re on it.
- Jim BranscomeMW: I’ve got the payroll at $70M without Burnett, and with picking up Barajas’ option and arbitration raises for guys like Tallet, Camp and Accardo. In my model, the Jays non-tender Frasor (instead of paying him somewhere between $1.8-$2.5). That’s enough money to bring in Manny Ramirez, Orlando Hudson (since everyone wants him back) and a solid mid-rotation starter.
1) I hope the math is right because then that is alot of money we will have at our disposal
2)With that money I think it would be better to first go after Tiexera (i dont think we would loose any 1st rounders cause Toronto should end up with a pick between 1-15) and then go after Ben Sheets or Sabathia (do you think we would have enough money left over to sign these two big names? I think they might cost more than 15 million each)
I was also wondering whether Brian Dopirak is the real deal? I know he is 25, I know he is still in High A but he had an awesome year in 2004 then lost 2-3 years due to injury (i know he was injured but not exactly sure for how long) and then came back this year and picked up where he left off. He is just tearing it up in the farm system, he atleast deserves a promotion? Do you think he has a chance (not next year buut in the future) to be with the Jays?
MW: Right now, the Jays are 16th overall, I think they likely wind up in the top 15. I don’t think they’ll have enough to sign Teixeira and one of those starters. As for Dopirak, he’s in his 6th season as a pro and he’s lighting up A-ball. As I said before, that’s a big, big red flag.
- HarryMike,
I know for sure that Jays didn’t have a 6 game winning streak in 2006, 2007 and in 2008. When was the last time they won 6 or more in a row? Looks like it’ll happen tomorrow.
Cito is 18-12, .600 ball. If his record is close to .600 by the end of the season, don’t you think he’ll earn a multi-year contract here?
MW: Looks like it’ll happen tomorrow? Really? I mean, I know the Mariners are awful, but have you not been watching the Jays this year? I think there’s a reasonable chance that it happens tomorrow, but it’s not close to a certainty. Also, they’re facing a lefty who is pitching to be traded to a contender, which augurs poorly. The last six game win streak was May 4-10, 2004 against the Royals and White Sox.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcheroh by the way tomorrow, July 27th, is my birthday. It’s also Alex Rodriguez’s birthday tomorrow. I was thinking there are so many things common between A-Rod and myself. Check out the list;
1. Same D.O.B, I am 9 years younger though.
2. We are both 6’3″, almost same weight.
3. Same hairstyle.
4. We are both “biracial and goodlooking”.
5. Our peers are jealous of us because of that.
6. We both are the highest paid employees in our companies.(He’s got a few more zeroes in his salary though)
7. We both recently got dumped by our partners for the very same reasons.
Aint I something?
MW: Something? You certainly are.
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherDo you think that the Chicaho White Sox are for real? Also,who do you think will be the big names at the trade deadline?
MW: I don’t love the White Sox, and missing Scott Linebrink will hurt them, but they might have given themselves enough of a cushion that they can still win the division. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Detroit catch them, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Sox had a deal or two in them as well.
- andrewWould love to see the Jays shop Ryan. If they could move Ryan for a prospect they could really do some damage on the FA market or take on some contract’s via trade. Ive just never been a big believer on having that much money tied up in relief pitcher. trade him and go all out for Texiera.
MW: If trading Ryan could get the Jays a legit prospect and Teixeira, I’d be all for it. But I don’t think they’re going to offer Teixeira the deal he wants – somewhere in the 8/$170 range.
- PeeWeehey Mike, love your radio show, and blog. If JP is fired at the end of the year, do you think there new GM will be active in the free agent market? thanks.
MW: I should hope so.
- ColinMIke wouldn’t you rater be a laughing stock for ten years knowing that a competitive team will come out of it rather then a team that spends 100M to compete for third in the divison for who knows how many years.
If they continue to spend though K-Rod is a UFA would you trade Ryan and try to go after him, with Accardo to fall back on if you don’t get him. Gagne is a bust in MIL they might be willing to spend to get a guy like Ryan.
MW: No, I wouldn’t rather be a laughingstock for 10 years, and anyone who says they would would feel different in the middle of that 10-year period. What’s a UFA?
- DMillscan you check the Jays Talk file since its not working?
MW: We’re on it.
- anonymousTim McCarver just said on air that Theo Epstein told him before the game he is willing to listen in on offers for Manny Ramirez, and that he has permission to say that on air. Queue up those Manny to Toronto rumours!
MW: The Jays won’t deal for Manny now, they’ll be able to sign him for much less in the off-season.
- AriIt really is mind-bottling how people don’t like Eckstein but praise guys like Reed and Inglett. Mike, based on what you’ve heard who is more likely to come back sooner Casey Jannssen or McGowan ?
MW: No idea. McGowan hasn’t even had his surgery yet.
- DilsonUFA is Unrestricted Free Agent (Sorry that’s the hockey talk in me). What about trading Wilkerson for Willy Mo Pena, he has a big bat it just doesn’t work all the time. Would that be a good deal since the Jays hitting is starting to turn around do you think that could happen with Pena.
MW: Pena had shoulder surgery, he’s out for the season. But Wilkerson has no trade value regardless.
- DMillsinteresting but ultimately useless trivia:
Including today’s play, Overbay’s averages in the last 30 games (since June 19) look like this:
.303 .382 .440 .822
In the same period, Rios (including today) has:
.331 .357 .570 .927
(and also 12 SB in 13 attempts)
And since June 1 Mighty Joe Inglett is hitting (in 120 AB)…
.308 .371 .450 .821
Now Stairs has had a couple of good games, if we can get him and Rolen back on track…
MW: And yet, interesting.
- WillRainMike do you tihnk that some big free agents this year wont come to the jays cause their in Canada?
MW: Their what is in Canada?
- ColinUFA – Unrestricted Free Agent (in Hockey)
When was the last time the Jays had this many triples in one year?
I think for one game, all the Blue Jays should have their walk-up music/introduction music be by Rush. Gregg Zaun would have limelight, of course. Matt Stair – I think I’m going Bald, Joe Inglett – Closer to the Heart,
Anyways, it was a silly idea. I’m glad that Purcey got his first win today, and even happier that he only walked one person. I saw his first start this year against Detroit with my Dad, I thought at the time he had as many Ks as BBs, but on the air today I think Alan said that he only had 3 Ks between his first two starts.
I’m surprised that nobody was on the Jays Talk saying how Overrated always hits in to double plays.
I think the Jays should get go out and get Mark Teixeira, but I don’t want to see Overbay leave.
I read that Chip Cannon has a broken arm, hence Geroloman being promoted to Syracuse. I remember him being called up to the Jays last September. What’s the upside on this guy? Can we expect him to be come up to Majors at all?
MW: I know what UFA means, I was just asking question to point out that the term has no meaning in baseball. The Jays had 24 triples last year, so last year is the answer (they have 19 so far this season). Neither Cannon nor Jeroloman has ever played in the big leagues, so I don’t know about whom you’re thinking with that last question.
- Sam McLeanUFA = Unrestricted Free Agent, it is an NHL term, since this is Toronto is was probably just a force of habit.
MW: I don’t know if it’s force of habit or just being unaware. There are no levels of free agency in baseball, and the people who run the team on the field are called managers, not coaches. Too much hockey terminology bleeds into here.
- GWho said I didn’t like Eckstein? I like him fine. But I don’t think Ricciardi should have signed him because he doesn’t have enough offense to offset his not-very-good defense.
In any case, we have Inglett, and he’s doing well. So I’m prepared to ride that out for a while. As for bringing Hudson back, I suspect we’d have to pay a ‘hurt feelings’ premium for him to come back under the present regime. But if he were to come back, and we could have an infield combo of Hudson and Hill, I’d be very happy about it.
I’m not sure why we’re wasting energy on Texeira. Everyone will want him, and at least two of that ‘everyone’ will get into a bidding war and the price will go into the stratosphere. He’s having a phenomenal year but he’s not the only good hitter out there.
- reyesMike:
With next year’s payroll apparently sitting at $70 million as you say … how much of that is going to Vernon Wells? I have to assume that it isn’t the $19 or $20+ that they have him for at some point. If that’s the case, if the Jays spend close to $100 million for next year does that mean they’ll be close to $120 in 2010 when the big money starts going to Vernon? Also, I seem to remember that JP once said that the Rogers accountants calculate the payroll differently especially with signing bonuses/ upfront money etc. so they may not be looking at spending right back to $100 million next year just based on what they’re paying players next season since it may be higher than $70 million to the team’s bean counters.
Also, regarding Manny Ramirez, I’m not 100% sure but I had heard on a broadcast that Boston has a $20 million option on him next season. The TV crew assumed that they’ll exercise that option so he might not necessarily be a free agent in the summer however I could be wrong.
MW: I don’t think Boston will exercise that option, the Sox seem to be tiring of Manny’s act. Vernon jumps to $12.5 in 2010, and the really big money kicks in after that.
- Peter B.I’m an American. I love Canada. I love visiting there and for the life of me can not understand why someone would not want to play there. Canada is not a foreign country. It is not Bangledesh or Biafra. It’s Canada.
Canada’s major cities are far safer than major U.S. cities. Hell, it’s not even close when you’re discussing safety and a lower crime rate. Back in 1988 some thug followed Kirk Gibson home from a Dodgers game and robbed he and his entire family at gunpoint. They even threatened to kill his wife and children. Only a moron would not want to play in Canada. Oh by the way, you guys have a kick ass national anthem. The best version I’ve ever heard was the one done by the “Nylons” before game #6 of the 1992 World Series. Hope this helps the guy in post #22.
MW: Thanks, but the truth is that Canada is a foreign country to Americans. As wonderful as it is, it’s not home. Everything is basically the same, but a little different (which makes us very happy).
- Jim BranscomeMike, only two questions for you this morning. 1) How is your headache, and 2) when are they going to trade Overbay and dump Ricciardi? J/K Mike. I’ll say the Jays complete the 6 gamer on a David Eckstein walk-off grand slam.
- Vito From HamiltonIt’s just funny how when the jays win, we hear all the positives and when they lose they call about firing the front staff. The fans should still comment about the positives and negative attributes to this team whether we win or not. Its sort of funny to say the least
MW: That’s what fandom is all about.
- JaysFan“That’s enough money to bring in Manny Ramirez, Orlando Hudson (since everyone wants him back) and a solid mid-rotation starter.”
For $30M? You’re dreaming Mike.
MW: $15M for Manny, $9 for O-Dog, $6 for a starter. Could happen.
- Dan Wha i would bet a weeks salary right now that Manny signs a multi year deal more than 15 mil per season..probably around the 20 he makes right now.Someone will do it…the guy is still one of the best hitters in baseball and more importantly clutch hitters.
MW: One of you readers out there should take that bet.
- Mike