7:15 PM Eastern
The Jays couldn’t close the deal on a sweep of the league-worst Seattle Mariners this afternoon, a victory that would have moved them three games over .500 for the first time since June 5 (a date many commenters on this blog marked as the end of the season) and would have given them a six-game win streak for the first time in over four years.
Instead, they ran into a highly-motivated Jarrod Washburn, who shut them down almost completely, and couldn’t turn a big double play in the 6th inning that would have changed things immensely.
I got a phone call shortly after arriving at the ballpark this morning saying that there were reports that Washburn had been traded to the Yankees and, therefore (duh) wouldn’t be making the start today. After chasing the story for a bit, the assemblage found that he would, indeed, take the ball, which doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no deal. Normally, if a pitcher is about to be moved, there’s no way he throws – but in this case, the Mariners may simply have been out of arms. They used seven relievers in Friday night’s loss to the Jays and had to move R.A. Dickey up to Saturday to start on short rest (Carlos Silva couldn’t answer the bell, evidently he strained his gut). So Lee Pelekoudas could very well have told Brian Cashman that he wanted to make the deal, but the Yanks had to let him start Washburn one last time.
Whether or not that theory holds water, Washburn knows that he’s very much on the block, and would be incredibly motivated to show potential suitors that he can contribute since, well, why the hell would he want to stay in Seattle?
He threw very well, allowing four hits and walking two over eight innings and, amazingly, only allowing ONE Jays’ runner to move once he reached base. The Jays had six baserunners, and just David Eckstein even managed to advance 90 feet once he got on. John McDonald never stopped, belting a no-doubt shot to left in the 5th for his first homer of the year.
Shaun Marcum deserved better. He wasn’t very good last time out in Baltimore, in his first start after a stint on the disabled list, but he was today. He disagreed, saying that he got lucky with the Mariners hitting a lot of balls hard, but right at people, but that was only true on a couple of occasions. The fact is, Marcum should have had six innings in the books having allowed two runs on five hits and should have left trailing 2-1.
With one out in the 6th, runners on first and second and two runs already in (on a Jose Vidro homer), Jeremy Reed hit a hard ground ball to second – textbook double play. All Marco Scutaro had to do was throw the ball to second base and Johnny Mac would have relayed it to first for the inning-ender. Instead, Scoot decided that the best course of action would be to tag Jose Lopez going by, then throw to first. He got tangled up in Lopez, couldn’t make a throw, and Kenji Johjima followed with the two-run double that ended Marcum’s day and, basically, the game.
Scutaro has been a capable defender all season long, at any of five positions. Not great, but certainly adequate, and I can’t remember seeing any other brain cramps from him, but this one was costly. As soon as he made his move towards the runner, I thought “just throw the ball to second”. D’oh.
For you Jason Frasor-haters, the diminutive (and deliberate) power righty had another good game today. After a 1-2-3 9th to close out the blowout win on Thursday in Baltimore, he worked his way around a pair of singles yesterday to throw a shutout inning, and this afternoon worked two scoreless, even stranding a leadoff triple by Ichiro Suzuki in the 9th. He may not look the part, and the fact that it takes him a couple of minutes to let go of the baseball every time may make him appear nervous and/or indecisive, but he can very definitely be an effective piece of a good major-league bullpen.
Finally, Vernon Wells may be returning far quicker than expected again. He was running in the outfield before the game today, not at 100%, but not at 50% either. All he needs to be able to do to get back in there is be confident in taking that first, explosive step out of the batter’s box. Wednesday will mark three weeks since he pulled up lame stealing third – we were told he’d miss 4-6 weeks. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was back for the Texas series that starts Friday. Of course, some of you might not like that, since the Jays are 24-16 with him on the disabled list this season. I’ll still take Wells in the line-up over Brad Wilkerson any day of the week.
Oh, and for some reason, I will be on an episode of Kenny vs. Spenny later this year. Kenny came by to film some stuff while I was in my tent for the pre-pre-game show. Nice guy. A little pushy, but nice.
Here’s today’s abbreviated edition of The JaysTalk:
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hey mike,today was a tough loss since it was against the worst team in the MLB, but still nice to get 3 out of 4, if the Jays can do that, or 2 out of 3 for the rest of the season, what do you think there chances are of making the playoffs? Also what’s with the two poor starts from are second best pitcher?
MW: They only got 2 of 3 from Seattle, 3 of 4 from Baltimore. If the Jays win 2 of 3 the rest of the season, they’ll make the playoffs easily. I’m assuming by “are” second best pitcher you’re referring to Shaun Marcum. He didn’t pitch poorly yesterday.
- ColinIn September, do you think the Jays will bring up Scott Campbell for at least 1 AB in order to break the Kiwi-Barrier?
MW: You never know.
- ChrisHey Mike, I meant you could pick a starting lineup composed of any player to have ever worn a Jays uniform past or present, what do you think?
Also, is Orlando Hudson a free agent? if so, what are the chances of him coming back, I believe he has openly stated in the past he would always come back to Toronto. Thanks
MW: Good question. Carlos Delgado at first, Roberto Alomar at second, Tony Fernandez at short, Rance Mulliniks at third, an outfield of Rickey Henderson, Devon White and (if I have to) Joe Carter. Paul Moiltor is the DH and Alan Ashby catches. That’s just off the top of my head, so I’m sure a lot of it is wrong. Hudson is a free agent, yes.
- JamieI do agree with Marcum. I was there today and from the vantage point of section 113B, row 9, seat 11 you could tell that he was giving up a lot of hard hit balls. Come about the fourth inning I was thinking that he had pretty lucky to that point. There were a couple of line drives to right, one of which Mench had to make a nice running catch over his head. There was a sinking liner to centre that Rios caught, a flyball to deep left that Lind caught on the track, a hanging curveball to Beltre that was hit right at Rolen. In addition there was a hard hit double down the line on which a runner was thrown out at the plate. And then of course the 6th inning. I realize that the dp should have been turned (we were all mystified by the ‘play’ Scutaro was trying to make), but giving up a ringing double to Johjima isn’t easily forgiveable.
MW: It was Johjima’s second ringing double of the weekend, but you’re right about that. The ball to Mench was a nice catch, but only because he broke wrong and had to recover.
- Flaming MoeMike,
Do you honestly think the Jays will make any moves come the deadline? if so, who do you see being moved and for what in return?
thanks
MW: I don’t think they’ll do much, if anything. J.P. was emphatic tonight that Burnett isn’t going anywhere.
- mike BJays spoiled my birthday, a win and with that a 6 game winning streak would have been great. Anyway, a whole BBQ chicken from Rabba and coupla beers is equally great, so I am gonna have that now.
Speaking of eating, I need to lose 25lbs in 4 months. Would you recommend herbal magic? How much will the whole program will cost? Don’t tell me you’ve kept the weight off ever since?;)
MW: Herbal Magic definitely worked, but it is expensive. Happy Birthday.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manMike, do you think theres a chance of the Jays trading Burnett for a player in a similar position as him. Someone who is on the verge of free agency but able to help the Jays this year instead of a prospect.
MW: Why wouldn’t they just keep Burnett, then?
- JessePretty much disagree with everything you say about the Bluejays and baseball in general. You are cut-throat about the importance of OBP. Sorry… extra base hits and power is much more important… look at this years Jays’. I think JP Riccardi has been a disaster… you think he’s been unlucky. Sorry, results are the inportant thing and he doesn’t get them on trades, signings, drafting or … pretty much everything. I’d love for you to dispute his awful results. If he isn’t fired after this season then it is certain proof that he has naked pictures of Ted Rogers in compromising situations. Riccardi is the Mike Milbury of baseball GM’s. Everyone wonders how he has kept his job so long. You can say he was unlucky all you want but the numbers haven’t been there for Riccardi. Just ask Roy Halliday.
MW: I don’t know who that is, but I spoke to Roy Halladay and he said that he loves J.P.
- Kelly PfeifferHi Mike,
The other day I mentioned that I think the Jays have to be a little concerned about their rotation next year. Especially if they want to be contenders. So who are the solid starting pitchers available on the free agent market in the off-season?
Also, hypothetically, if we do start to make a run this year, it won’t be sustained with a rotation including Parrish and Purcey. Are there any solid #3, #4 starters out there on the trade market at the moment? Would the Jays be buyers?
MW: Among the potential free agent starters are Ryan Dempster, Jon Garland, Rich Harden, John Lackey, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and Randy Wolf. I doubt the Jays will be buyers, unless they’re buying someone who can help them beyond this season like a Gil Meche or some such.
- Oz RobHi Mike,
I mentioned in the last blog that i was caught up in the streak, but I still have high hopes for the end of the season. They lost today, and it was one of those games they should’ve won for momentum heading into the Tampa series. I’m surprised there was only 33000 fans at the game today on a sunday with the Jays playing as wwell as they have latey. I’m hoping they can get more than that for one of the games vs Tampa. Mike, I love Joe Inglett and he went 4-5 and I don’t care if he’s a lefty vs a lefty.
One thing I don’t think the Jays have made aware to Cito: Brad Wilkerson is better vs lefties than righties. It seems that Wilkerson is only hitting vs righties. Mike, can u please tell me how many at bats that WIlkerson has had vs lefties siince Cito took over. Thanks Mike, Love your blogs. I Appreciate you helping me learn the game better, and answering my questions.
MW: I can’t tell you how many at-bats Wilkerson has had against lefties under Cito. I mean I could, but it’ll take too long to look up. Inglett didn’t play yesterday – he went 3-for-4 Saturday against righties. I’m glad you don’t care about the lefty-lefty thing with him, but I think it matters a lot.
- WarrenHey Mike
Nice to see the Jays playing better baseball. Its humourous the way the fans think we are going to get back into the playoff mix based on the last half dozen games. Extremely unlikely. I’m guessing we finish with maybe 80 wins, ahead of Baltimore.
It will be interesting to see what kind of effect Manny’s latest rant has on the Bosox. I still think they win the division, with the Yanks getting the wildcard. The Rays will probably come up just short, but they will have many playoff appearances over the next decade with the ridiculous amount of talent they have coming up from the minors.
Who do you think will win the AL east, and who gets the wildcard?
MW: I think the Red Sox will win the East and the Yankees will get the wild card. But I think the Jays will finish over .500.
- rickHey Mike,
Good writeup on the game. I caught pieces of it on the radio today.
Glad to hear Wells will be back soon, a hot Rios/Wells combo could really help this team in the last 2 months.
I saw on the blog yesterday that someone said they would love to see Sheets in our rotation next year – is this possible? That would be great!
MW: It’s definitely possible, J.P. loves him. But if people were upset about A.J. Burnett’s fragility – yikes.
- MatthewHi Mike
Great to read that Vernon could be coming back sooner then expected.
I was at the game and definitaly thought that Marco made a mistake by not throwing to second but as you said he hasn’t made any glaring mental errors so he can be forgiven.
I just finished watching the Red Sox and Yankess and the ESPN guys were discussing that Manny will be seeking 4 years, 100 million. Do you see any team that will actually be willing to pay him that ? If so, do you think he will be the highest payed free agent this offseason on an annual basis ? I think even if the Jays were interested that would be a price tag that would scare them off despite the money they will have to spend. I also just can’t see J.P. signing that type of personality based on what he’s said in the past about character guys being important to building his team.
MW: I don’t think that Manny will get a 4-year, $100 million contract, maybe not even close to that. I think that Sabathia likely becomes the highest PAID free agent as far as AAV goes.
- Dilson“John McDonald never stopped, belting a no-doubt shot to left in the 5th for his first homer of the year.”
I think it would be more accurate if the word “first” was deleted from the above paragraph. Time will tell.
Still, this loss is much easier to swallow following five wins. Let’s see if the team can get back to playing .650 baseball (pace required to get Cito’s 10 games over .500… I think)
MW: Time will tell if the home run that McDonald hit yesterday was his first of the season? You’re going to have to explain that further.
- MoyashiHey Mike
Off topic abit, but what other sports do you like/watch/play?
MW: Besides baseball, I commit golf on occasion (though I haven’t gone out yet this year) and play volleyball in the winter. I had to retire from hockey because of a neck injury. Watching-wise, I flip through everything, but there’s nothing that I make a point of sitting down to make sure I see.
- RyanMichael of the Ballyard:
You’re a bright guy. I was baked in cottage country the other night and had the following idea: surely insect bites must be inflammation, seeing as they’re big and hot. Therefore, wouldn’t applying an anti-inflammatory athletic cream to an insect bite remove it? What’s your take on that?
Do you think that the improved record since Cito took over is coincidence, or his doing? Even if it isn’t Cito personally, do you think the change for the sake of change is what jarred them to do a bit better?
MW: I don’t know if you want to get that kind of cream into your bloodstream – usually it’s not applied onto an open sore, but I don’t know if that would make a difference. It’s impossible to know if the change helped, they were playing so far below where they should have been, and I don’t think that was Gibby’s fault.
- JCLAm I the only one who thought Marcum was looking tired in the 6th? He should’ve been pulled after the Lopez walk. Also why is Camp facing left-handed hitters?
MW: I was wondering about the Camp thing, too.
- Ryan MorbyMike, Manny Ramirez is leaving Boston (most likely in the post season). Please share your thoughts on whether the Jays could bring him to Canada Who could they put in the table? what’s the likelihood. Although 37 years old, Manny would bring the scary bat that the Jays have been longing all these years.
MW: I don’t know what this “table” is, nor why the Jays would put anybody in it. Ramirez will be a free agent in the off-season. I’d love to see the Jays take a run at him.
- AxelHi Mike,
I’m sure you’ve read this quote from Manny Ramirez by now:
“I could choose a team that offers me the best conditions or one in the chase for the postseason,” he told ESPNdeportes. “I don’t care where I play, I can even play in Iraq if need be. My job is to play baseball.”
Any chance that if Manny’s dream of playing with the Baghdad Bombers in 2009 falls through we could get him up here for a spell?!
I may have just dreamed this but did I read recently that the Jays have $30million to spend this offseason? And that’s NOT including whatever extra cash they’ll have from Burnett most likely opting out of his contract.
MW: That is including A.J. opting out.
- BarryIt’s July 28th, so only three days to go. I’m not pro-trade or anti-trade. If a trade is made, who do you think we’ll be trading with? Detroit papers think we need some of their prospect outfielders, but I don’t think we’re as shallow in the outfield as they seem to believe we are.
MW: The Jays aren’t shallow in the outfield at all.
- reyesMaybe Frasor needs a tatoo on his face too.
MW: Nah, he’s doing just fine without it.
- HoweyMike, how about trading for Manny Ramirez. He is the serious power bat we need. He has an option for 20 million next year,if we pick it up, there is our new cleanup hitter. We are not going to win without a serious power hitter. And he will “spice” things up around here. I don’t see a problem paying a guy 20 mil a year as long as he is earning it. Heck, we were paying Carlos Delgado 17-18 mil a year in the early 00′s and he never hit in the clutch, or lead us to the playoffs.
MW: I doubt very much that the Sox would trade Manny in the division. As for Delgado, he’s a career .291/.412/.555 with RISP.
- PeterMike,
5 game winning streak aside, do you think the Jays can make a run at the wild card with the Purcey and Parrish in the rotation?
What role do you see Richmond playing?
And I saw a report that Halladay wanted out of T.O., you think this is more smoke than fire?
MW: Not really, not much of one, and it’s a load of crap.
- JWHaven’t checked the standings this morning, and there are still many teams to climb, but what would you do if you are the Jays front office? Imagine taking 2 of 3 or even sweeping Tampa Bay. The Jays would then be sitting about 5 games behind the Yanks and 6 or 7 behind the Red Sox. Isn’t this exactly where the Jays were hoping to be when the season started?
I don’t think Burnett is going to be moved, and Zaun or Eckstein will not get you alot in return. Weren’t they going to experiment with Eckstein at 2B?
MW: He just took grounders at second once. I don’t think that the Jays have a playoff run in them, at least not enough of one to make major moves. However, if I could get a guy like Gil Meche to plug the McGowan hole for a reasonable package, I’d do that.
- Aaron KerYes, Mike. I am a Frasor hater and damned proud of it.
- Vito From HamiltonMike,
With Aaron Hill possibly done for the season, do you think we could see Scott Campbell before the season is over?
MW: It’s unlikely.
- DennyAt what point in the season does Scott Rolen feel he should be contributing offensively to this team?
Here are his numbers this season (courtesy MLB.com):
.260/.355/.408 6Hr 31RBI
contrast that to Glaus:
.279/.378/.500 18Hr 69RBI
I know you were praising him quite a bit at the beginning of the year, but he has not produced anywhere near the expectation (i’m sure you can add that comment to a majority of the Jays). It would be good to see him producing a lot more, especially with Wells not in the lineup, but he just has not been that guy.
Do you forsee Adam Lind moved up into the lineup? Do you think he will eventually be a number 3 hitter?
MW: Now contrast Rolen and Glaus’ numbers as of June 30. Glaus has had a phenomenal month, and Rolen has had an awful one. Sure he should be hitting better in the overall, but just like you said – so should everyone. I think Lind eventually moves up. A 3-hitter? He doesn’t walk enough to do that for me, but neither do Rios and Wells.
- BobbyHey Mike,
The following is a breakdown of how Lyle Overbay fares statistically against other 1B in the league this season:
HR: 6 – League worst among starting 1st baseman
RBI: 39 – 25th
OPS: 20th
OBP: 9th (pretty good)
RISP: 218 (not sure exactly where this ranks but prob somewhere near the bottom)
Now Im aware that Lyle is not the only one having a terrible season among the Blue Jays hitters, however his numbers stand out as pretty much representative of the teams deficiencies as a whole. His lack of pop over the past season and a half has been staggering. I’ve heard on your show a number of times that you think that the jays dont have a problem gettin guys on base, but they do have a problem driving them in and hitting for power. Assuming they would like to improve on this and given Lyle’s lack of power production in conjunction with the deficiencies of the team as a whole, I think its reasonable to presume that the jays will/should be looking into upgrading the 1st baseman position in the offseason. How aggressive do you think the Jays will/should be in going after an upgrade such as Mark Texeira to shore up these deficiencies, and assuming they can land Tex (i know big assumption but i think he would be perfect for this lienup) what would you do with Overbay? – would you have him platoon with a right handed bat as your every day DH, or do you ship him out and try to get something in exchange in the off season?
MW: If Overbay’s bat is so pathetic, why would you want him as your DH? I think the Jays will try to upgrade 1b in the off-season, but I think they’ll try to upgrade every position. However, one of the huge criticisms of J.P. (especially by the “5-year plan” brigade) is that he’s always making little tweaks and upgrades. I think they may go after Teixeira, but I don’t think they’d win the bidding war.
- alHi Mike,
I also met Kenny yesterday at the game, and being a huge fan of the show, I was quite thrilled. At least it gave me something to be happy about yesterday, because the game sure wasn’t fun to watch.
I said the EXACT same thing as you when I watched Sctaro butcher that textbook double-play grounder… I couldn’t quite believe what I had just saw, and I said to my friends, “That runner at third will now score because we didn’t turn that double-play. Never fails.” Sure enough, not only did the runner at third score, so did the runner at first on Mr. Johjima’s double… *sigh*.
Just a few quick hits:
- Rios appears to be coming around. Great to see.
- An early Wells return would be GREAT, but what about just putting him in at DH for the first week or so to make sure he’s got his legs under him…?
- Moving Hill to SS and keeping Inglett at 2B is something that hadn’t even crossed my mind. GREAT idea. I like Inglett more and more each day. Reminds me of my favourite former Blue Jay: Reed Johnson.
Thanks, Mike!
MW: And the Inglett-Reed crusade continues! Wells may return to be the DH for a bit, yes.
- JeffRichmond called up to start with Tallet on the DL? Why would they do that? Why another starter? Parrish’s chance over?
Why not bring up MacDonald if you need a starter?
MW: The Jays say that their player development people are all crazy about Richmond, and that they have a better chance to win with him starting and Parrish in the ‘pen.
- ju1cedI was drinking my morning tea and as I took my third sip Nick Leyva, the 3rd base coach came into my mind. He has done a good job so far, hasn’t he? How would you compare him with the job Marty Pevey did at 3rd this year?
And I’d kill to have the current 1st base coach’s job. He just stands there, half the time without a stopwatch, not knowing what is going on. Rarely chats with the runner at first base. Seems like he’s only interested in the 1st and 15th of every month.
MW: Pevey had his issues, no doubt, and Leyva hasn’t made any glaring mistakes yet, so it seems as though it’s a vast improvement. Why would you say something stupid like the first-base coach (Dwayne Murphy) doesn’t know what’s going on?
- Beburg aka The 88mph manHi Mike:
If I recall correctly (my gray-matter is starting to accumulate), wasn’t Frasor originally brought into the role of closer when he joined the Jay’s? He’s had a few blips to be sure, but, I feel more confident with him on the mound than BJ Ryan and wouldn’t mind seeing the two swap roles. What do you think?
Brendon
MW: I think you might be the only one. Frasor wasn’t originally brought to the Jays to be the closer, but he did do that job early on.
- BrendonHi Mike,
What do you think about the prospect of the Blue Jays picking up Manny Ramirez? I think it would definitely be $13 million a year well spent for a great clean-up hitter.
MW: But Manny makes $20M a year.
- IanDo the jays move an outfielder when travis snider is ready? Are the jays still juggling offers for a.J or are they trying to package other players with him as well ( zaun, ecks). I looked up to see who the 2009 free agents will be and i saw ryan dempster on the list. I think he will be a good fit for the jays in our rotation given the cubs do not sign him back
MW: I like Dempster, but he has a lot of durability issues, which isn’t something the Jays need. It’s way too early to try to figure out what they do when Snider is ready to be an everyday player, and J.P. says Burnett isn’t going anywhere.
- Patel RHope burns eternal just to catch the Yanks…That would be good.
Anyway, I, for one, like Jason Frasor..I mean, when he gets out there I have time to go make a coffee, get a sandwich and return before he throws a pitch.
By the way, on Saturday night Josh Towers was on the mound for Colorado Springs. Had a good first inning…..Gave up 11 runs in the second….Feel sorry for the guy….
MW: Poor T.J.
- Dougmike,
i listen to the pre & post games radio shows and the sun nite show you do as much as watching or listening to the ballgames themselves. slippery slope not quite sur how it’s actually occurred in hindsight.
anyway, needless to say i enjoy the shows alot. keep up the great work.
you always plug the blog every chance you get so i thought i’d check it out.
re: the team.. a couple thoughts. firstly can’t believe this team has not played better and are not closer to a playoff spot than they are currently. dumbfounds me.
but you know what sure injuries aren’t as bad as last yr. but they ain’t much better this yr from where i sit.
janssen accardo marcum mcgowan wells twice hill.. man that’s tough to deal with.
question though. when was the last time a team ever led it’s league or the majors in ERA
and not made the playoffs. or how about 1 better the same above and not finished above .500 ?? ever i’m wondering….
db
MW: I’ll see if I can find out.
- darrell bishopMike, just curious…Does Alan [Ashby] know that Adam Dunn idolized him growing up in Texas? Did you ever tell him? If so, how does he feel about that? I would imagine he’d be pretty flattered considering the type of player Dunn is. I heard your interview when the Reds were in town and the thought sort of crossed my mind a few times.
MW: Yes, he knows. And he’s very flattered.
- BernardIf you were the Boston Red Sox, would you trade Manny Ramirez?
MW: Nope.
- andrewMike, there have been some recent rumblings from Baseball Prospectus that the Jays are trying to sweet-talk AJ into locking into the option years for an extra $2M a year.
Is it likely that the Jays are doing this? If so, how likely that he’d accept, in your estimation?
Despite the (idiotic) claims of the “AJ is a .500 pitcher” crowd, I’d pull the trigger on this ASAP, were AJ interested.
MW: The Jays may well be doing this, but I don’t think it’s very likely that he’d accept. He can do much better than $28M total on the free market.
- JimMike, a 2 parter for ya.
1. Of the relief pitchers we have on the 25 man roster, who is the most crucial and who is the least crucial.
2. Is there a RP in AAA/AA that can replace that least crucial (read expendible) pitcher?
Thx
MW: The most crucial is either Ryan or Downs, flip a coin, the most expendable is likely Parrish. Brian Wolfe is in Syracuse, ready to help out.
- JasonWhen I was a kid, my dad told me “communism does not work”. I’ve noticed that the link to Friday night’s “Jay’s Talk” still doesn’t work either. Do you suppose that makes the Friday edition of “Jay’s Talk” Communist? Just wondering.
MW: Others have said it does – both the link and communism.
- Jim BranscomeCan you tell me if any of these hitters will be moved at the deadline: Matt Holliday, Mark Texieria, Adam Dunn, Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez?
MW: No, I can’t.
- andrewHello Mike,
You mentioned on air about the 4-man rotation that it has to be done in Spring Training or end of the season(if it is to be done), do you think the Jays can attempt that next year(starting in Spring Training)?
Thanks.
MW: Absolutely they can, but they won’t.
- CralOf the big name pitchers on the market this off season who would you like to see in Jays uniform, who might actually sign here. Or would you go with Halladay, McGowan, Marcum, Litsch/Janseen/Purcey.
Is Sabathia out of the question as he likes to hit, will he sign with a team like the Yankees for a huge money?
I wouldn’t mind Sheets or Penny.
MW: If Sabathia is out of the question because he likes to hit, then he’s not going to the Yankees. I’d be surprised if he didn’t wind up in either New York or California. If J.P. is still here, the Jays will go hard after Sheets.
- DMillsWho do you think will receive the most money in free agency in terms of hitters? I think it’s gonna be one of Adam Dunn or Mark Teixeria.
MW: I think it’ll be Teixeira, very easily. Dunn will make less than you think.
- andrewCan I find a website where they list free agents after this season?
MW: Try Cot’s Baseball Contracts.
- andrewMike, why do you think that JP said A.J burnett not going to be traded?
MW: Probably because he hasn’t been offered enough for him. By the way, you could have put all three questions in one comment.
- andrewI don’t think they have a hope in hell of getting Texeira. No idea who they will get. Thome is a great hitter but he’s old and I don’t want to see another Frank Thomas thing going on here.
JP’s ‘tweaks’. Yeah, I said as much a couple of days ago. Nibbling around the edges isn’t going to help this team.
MW: Not this year, it’s not.
- reyes# 31. Apologies for my comments on Murphy. It was uncalled for. I’ve never been a fan of 1st base coaches. I think baseball can survive without ‘em. Anyway, I can do better than that and will avoid comments like that in future.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manHello Muke,
As trade deadline approaches
here is a prospective deal for
Manny Ramirez and the Red Sox….send David Purcey with Camp/or Brian Tallet.
What do you think?
MW: I don’t think that’s close.
- MarkMike, can you see the jays getting Orlando Hudson back as a free agent and moving Hill to shortstop?
MW: It could happen, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
- andrewIs there any more news on Aaron Hill? I heard that he is allowed to do light practice! What have you heard?
MW: He’s not allowed to do much of anything, and I doubt very much that we’ll see him until late August at the earliest, if at all.
- Matt YoungI’m posting this before reading the thread so I don’t know how often this has happened but if we are assuming a player at his peak, and no minimum on his time with the Jays…
C- Santiago
1B – Olerud
2B – Alomar
SS – Fernandez
3B – Rolen
LF – Henderson
CF – Wells (maybe Mosbey?)
RF – Canseco
DH – Delgado
First man off the bench – Molitor
but I think it’s more interesting to set a minimum time with the Jays (say at least 2 years)
MW: I didn’t go with at his peak, I went with “as a Jay”, but good list.
- WillRainIf the Jays are considered in it, do you think instead of trading Burnett, they should acquire a bat or stand pat and just let things play out as they happen?
Also do you think bringing back Delgado at the right price would be a good move. He is on the downside of his career, but still has big power potential, and the Mets likely won’t pick up the option for him at 16M when Teixeira is available.
MW: I can’t see the Mets picking up his option, but Delgado is one of a group of players who can be considered to sign as the DH next year, along with Manny, Thome and Giambi.
- DMillsThere IS a difference between the Angels and the Blue Jays. The Angels win on the road. Only team entering tonight to have 30+ wins both at home and on the road. Just giving the facts.
MW: Good fact. But that’s the same as saying the difference between the Jays and Angels is that LA of A has 11 more wins.
- RyanI’m a big fan of yours and almost always agree with you but what were you thinking tonight when the caller was lamenting about the lack of a 3-4 hitter or combo? You said teams don’t really need that and then used the Mets and Cubs as your examples: Delgado and Beltran each OPS over .800 and you completely ignored .912 OPSer David Wright. Then you go to the Cubs and say their 3-4 combo of Lee and Ramirez, who OPS .853 and .862, isn’t helping them. Not to mention that those two teams are two of the best offensive teams in the majors. Then you go on a tirade about callers not doing their homework? Man that was certainly not one of your better moments.
Yes, you’re right that this team doesn’t HAVE to have a combo like that to succeed, but to pretend that other teams don’t have that luxury when they clearly do is just plain lazy and ignorant. Do your homework Mr. Wilner.
MW: Isn’t helping them? I said Lee and ARam aren’t helping the Cubs? I don’t believe I said that at all. I may have said that they’re no Ortiz/Ramirez, but they’re very good hitters.
- ShawnIn theory, if the Jays were going after a FA SP who’s not AJ…and wanted the best combination of length of deal, cost per year, and availability….I’m thinking Derek Lowe.
MW: I’m not a big fan.
- WillRainHi Mike,
I heard you talking on the radio about Manny Ramirez. I’m not going to quote you, but I thought you said he likes the situation in Toronto and would have an interest to come here. What are the chances of that happening? If it did, the Jays would be much better and they would have that last piece they are missing. However, I doubt it happening just because Manny is a high profile guy and would prefer to play in a beter baseball atmosphere in the AL (FOr DHing) like LA Angels or go back to Cleveland. I don’t see him going to play in an AL team and trying to pull a Brett Favre and try to go to a rival team.
MW: I don’t think anyone knows what Manny is thinking at any moment, ever.
- WarrenHi Mike,
I’ve always wondered why the Jays are NEVER on national TV. I think they were once against the Yankees this year. Will they ever go on ESPN? If we were in the US, do u think we’d be on National TV more with this team?
MW: They’re rarely on national TV in the U.S. because: A – they’re in Canada, so there’s no local audience to draw from, and 2 – they haven’t been a factor in a playoff race for 15 years.
- WarrenNice win that. They are definitely playing better. And I like bringing MacDonald in for the ninth inning as a ‘closer’. They should have been doing that since the start of the season. he might have saved us a couple of games…
MW: There’s not a single game McDonald would have saved in the 9th this season.
- reyesMike, re: Post #3 …Rance Mulliniks??? …What about Glaus, Rolen, Gruber ???
MW: George Steinbrenner? Seriously? And as for Mulliniks, I’d take him over Gruber and over Rolen-as-a-Jay pretty easily. If I had thought about it longer, I probably would have gone with Glaus, though.
- George SteinbrennerTw oquestions:
1. What is the timing on Accardo coming back?
2. With his numbers from last year is he tradable w a young arm in Double A or lower for a major league ready and 2008 delivering bat?
MW: 1 – No idea. 2 – Not at all.
- Tony BusseriWhy not “sell” Eckstein to Baltimore, who need a shortstop, and keep Mench’s bat around when Wells comes back?
MW: If the Orioles had been interested enough in Eckstein, he’d have been traded there weeks ago.
- Tony BusseriIs Accardo throwing in Florida or still on the mend?
MW: Still on the mend.
- Tony BusseriFair enough on Eck; why not dump him then when Wells comes back? Not sure, he adds more than Mench if we are keeping him for his R bat.
Mench at least has started to deliver a few XB hits on this tour of duty.
MW: I think, in the overall, Eckstein gives you more than Mench. But I think Eckstein should be starting at shortstop over Scutaro.
- Tony BusseriWhat a night. Everyone ahead of us in the WC race except Minny losea (Oak is losing 2-0 to KC right now). Lets see where we r after tomorrow night.
If we take 2 of 3 or sweep T Bay, will Cito bump Purcey to start the Oakland series @ home and start the Texas series off with Marcum?
We need AJ, Doc and Marcum going on regular rest. Texas as a sereis can’t be ignored after T Bay. Best hitting line up at hiome in baseball and we need the team’s best 3 starters going.
MW: If the Jays are really trying to win this thing, then the top three starters should always be going on their regular day. As an aside, what is this, five comments in a row from you? Wow, that’s dedication. Is anyone else reading this thing?
- Tony BusseriFirst would imply a second, possibly a third. The player in question being Mr. McDonald, I’d be inclined to use the adjective only (or none at all), rather than first… So yes, time will tell if it is his first or his only.
Whew.
MW: Even if it’s his only, it’s his first of the season. That was a pretty long way to go to take a shot at McDonald.
- Moyashi